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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by NOTINSANEJUSTPPMD on February 22, 2003, at 12:19:44
In reply to Re: Lexapro and Wellbutrin SR, posted by kb on February 22, 2003, at 11:10:19
Yo will love being off the Zyprexa!!! I was on it for over 9 months gain 55 lbs and could not do anything to get it off and it sort of made my depression worse. I know nothing about what your switching too. I just had to put my two cents in on the Zyprexa. :) Good luck God Bless :)
Posted by oldhand on February 22, 2003, at 12:52:19
In reply to new to this stuff!!!, posted by xxshooffxx on February 22, 2003, at 3:55:45
> I'm new to this sort of stuff!!! I herniated a disk in my lower back about 6 mos. ago, and have been off work ever since. This is the longest I've been off work in 15 years. Married with 2 boys 1- 18mos., and 1- 6 weeks. Not really sure how to handle being off work. I'm aggitated easily and mood swings are becoming more agressive. The doc gave me some Lexapro to try out I had 2 weeks worth. I ran out a few days ago. Now, I've been having some crazy dreams, and the sweating sounds too familiar, and the teeth grinding as well. So, is this normal or is it too soon to say it's the Lexapro? any info would be very helpful. Thanks
Give the Lexapro more time. Two weeks is not nearly enough. I continue to have sweats and jaw clenching after more than 3 months but I can deal with those easier than the depression. The jaw clenching is MUCH better than it was earlier and it practically disappears if I am getting some exercize. Sweats are a piece of cake after hot flashes :-)
This med has practically turned my life around after trying almost all the other ADs. Please get with your doc for a longer trial and see if it will help you too. Best wishes and good health.
Posted by Dysfunk on February 22, 2003, at 13:34:44
In reply to Re: 4 weeks and one day on lexapro » Dysfunk, posted by SLS on February 18, 2003, at 21:20:11
I have tried all kinds of combinations. Can't even remember. Prozac works the best for me. I just went up on Lexapro yesterday, so I will see what happens in the next 2 weeks before I give up. Thanks.
Posted by Sadsack on February 22, 2003, at 14:12:14
In reply to Re: Hey EGR, how's the Wellbutrin mix going?, posted by EGR on February 20, 2003, at 23:22:21
You're right of course, feeling better is the most important part. I still miss my o's but they can wait I guess. I don't think I like the sound of head buzzing-you get your blood pressure checked? High BP can cause that too.
I am wondering if I should be doing something a bit different. I am functional and not depressed but am still feeling some "quiet desperation". It motivates me to do things like purge my house of everything not tied down (so far not the husband and kids, but.......). Which is good since we have a small house and alot of stuff, but It kinda feels like digging an escape tunnel, like maybe if I remove the clutter I can breathe again. Does this make any sense? I guess I am telling you because you seem to be one of the most level headed, empathetic folks out there (and I appreciate your positive attitude). I'd like to hear your opinion.
Thanks and take care
Sadsack
Posted by bozeman on February 22, 2003, at 14:37:38
In reply to Re: Hey EGR, how's the Wellbutrin mix going? » EGR, posted by Sadsack on February 22, 2003, at 14:12:14
Wow. I am so relieved to hear someone else has the "purge the whole house" reaction to stress. I want to simplify, simplify, simplify to the point of throwing away things I really do need, when life gets overwhelming. (even when I'm not in the grips of a depression, like now)
bozeman
Posted by EGR on February 22, 2003, at 17:12:47
In reply to Re: Hey EGR, how's the Wellbutrin mix going? » EGR, posted by Sadsack on February 22, 2003, at 14:12:14
Hey Sadsack,
> I don't think I like the sound of head buzzing-you get your blood pressure checked? High BP can cause that too.
Yeah... I think I've been in denial about that... I've suspected it might be BP related... now that someone has mentioned it, I'll check it out. Thanks!
> I am wondering if I should be doing something a bit different. I am functional and not depressed but am still feeling some "quiet desperation". It motivates me to do things like purge my house of everything not tied down (so far not the husband and kids, but.......). Which is good since we have a small house and alot of stuff, but It kinda feels like digging an escape tunnel, like maybe if I remove the clutter I can breathe again. Does this make any sense?Makes perfect sense. In a way, the motivation is a good sign. It means you're feeling better, right? How long have you been on the meds? I don't remember. I'm still "lazy" but not quite as much. But you're right, it COULD BE escape. What sort of things are you purging? Junk? or "good stuff"?
"Quiet desperation" doesn't sound too good though. How are you with day to day tasks like laundry and cooking dinner, etc.? Can you get up in the morning alright? or are you still dragging yourself out of bed? Because it IS possible you need a med increase.
I guess I am telling you because you seem to be one of the most level headed, empathetic folks out there (and I appreciate your positive attitude). I'd like to hear your opinion.
WOW!! THAT is humbling. Thank you.
> Thanks and take care
> SadsackI'll look forward to hearing from you. Take care yourself... remember that you're loved.
EGR
Posted by NOTINSANEJUSTPPMD on February 22, 2003, at 18:49:52
In reply to Re: Hey EGR, how's the Wellbutrin mix going? » Sadsack, posted by bozeman on February 22, 2003, at 14:37:38
Prasie God I thought it was just me! My husbnad thinks I have gone completly mad!! :) I too have clean out every square foot of my house and I still find more tp throw away! Wow we are more normal than we all thought!!!:) LOL
Posted by male34 on February 22, 2003, at 20:29:06
In reply to new to this stuff!!!, posted by xxshooffxx on February 22, 2003, at 3:55:45
> I'm new to this sort of stuff!!! I herniated a disk in my lower back about 6 mos. ago, and have been off work ever since. This is the longest I've been off work in 15 years. Married with 2 boys 1- 18mos., and 1- 6 weeks. Not really sure how to handle being off work. I'm aggitated easily and mood swings are becoming more agressive. The doc gave me some Lexapro to try out I had 2 weeks worth. I ran out a few days ago. Now, I've been having some crazy dreams, and the sweating sounds too familiar, and the teeth grinding as well. So, is this normal or is it too soon to say it's the Lexapro? any info would be very helpful. Thanks
*********crazy dreams all normal but you either have to slowly og off or stay on, this is not a drug to be taken on and off just like that I feel for you man, Im a dad also construdtion work etc,, being out of work is hard kids are hard your sitting around just thinking thinking thinking right? try to keep busy and maybe stay on lexapro let it work for you , its gotten good results but it takes 3-4 weeks to become theraputic its not an overnight instant> it needs to adjust to your body ,try your best good luck love your family all the best my man!
Posted by Lynda58 on February 23, 2003, at 9:42:19
In reply to Re: Night Sweats » newuser2, posted by Kairos on January 1, 2003, at 23:18:12
I have found the best thing in the world @ www.koolsheets.com
Posted by mickchick on February 23, 2003, at 13:39:52
In reply to Re: Night Sweats, posted by Romulus on January 2, 2003, at 11:31:16
xanax and klonopin non-addictive? no way. they are two VERY ADDICTIVE drugs. that's why dr.s discourage continuous use of them. so, be careful when using them.
Posted by Donia on February 23, 2003, at 17:50:03
In reply to Re: Night Sweats, posted by mickchick on February 23, 2003, at 13:39:52
I have also been cleaning like crazy! Our trash is piled up due to all the snow we got last week and the trash man didnt run and my cleaning binge. About night sweats, my doc said to try vitamin E if I keep having them. I am only having them a few nights a week. I have been on lexapro a little over a month and boy what a big difference it is making. I think I can live with the night sweats a few nights a week.
Donia
Posted by Donia on February 23, 2003, at 18:40:21
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
By the way all I am a 30 year old woman and finally had an "O" last night. I took zoloft before for 6 months and the sexual side effect wore off after a couple of months but it has only been a little over a month on the lexapro and I am able to do that again so there is hope that this side effect will go away.
Donia
Posted by NLD on February 23, 2003, at 23:11:44
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I switched from Celexa to Lexapro in January. Since that time, I have definitely noticed an increase in energy (I just don't seem to be as tired as I was on Celexa). The downfall, however, is that I'm awake much later than I was before (by hours), which is not a good thing for me. I take that to mean my insomnia is magnified by the Lexapro. (I had experienced horribled insomnia for nearly 7 years prior to Celexa -- i.e., not able to fall asleep until anywhere from 2:00 to 5:00 a.m. every night). Additionally, in the last month, I have acquired quite a horrible rash on my entire mid to upper torso (breasts, stomach, etc.), which appears to be getting worse. My night sweats (I'm in peri-menopause) have increased dramatically -- to where I'm waking up every night from them. Granted, I've been experiencing the night sweats since last Summer, but now they are nightly. The sweats might be the reason for my rash, I'm not sure. Due to my hubby's new job, we had to switch from the Sutter Medical system to Kaiser in January. Kaiser does not cover Lexapro. In fact, they don't typically cover Celexa either, but my doctor had the restriction waived because I've been taking Celexa for nearly two years, with good results. For that reason, I think I'm switching back to Celexa. I'm happy to fight some tiredness if I can get back to a "regular" bedtime again. Are any other women experiencing any of the above symptoms on Lexapro? Thanks in advance for any input received! To God be the Glory!
Posted by nails on February 24, 2003, at 13:38:27
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by NLD on February 23, 2003, at 23:11:44
After 2 weeks on Lex, I found all I did was sleep and sweat. I slept for 3 days straight and, although experienced sweating on Prozac, it was much worse on the Lex. So, I have gone off all meds for now.
Posted by Sadsack on February 24, 2003, at 15:19:53
In reply to Re: Hey EGR, how's the Wellbutrin mix going? » Sadsack, posted by EGR on February 22, 2003, at 17:12:47
> Hey EGR,
>I'll feel better when you tell me your BP is normal.
>I'm purging everything that I don't have a use for this very minute. I know I should save some of it, but I feel like I'm drowning in "stuff". I find myself really agitated when my husband wants to keep some of it. My mother in law does a garage sale in the summer and will sell all of it for me so I at least have a viable outlet :) I think I just want to "start over". I'd like to move away, get a new house, something! Guess that smacks of escapism. I started the Lex in November and am up to 20mg. I AM better, I get household tasks done. I am not a huge fan of cleaning and my girls are getting to the age where they help some but I have to follow them around to get it done right. I cook, daily, but if I had my "drothers" I'd rather not. I used to bake for relaxation but I was recently told I had low blood sugar. So now I can't eat the goodies I make (bummer!). I am working 30 hours a week in a job I like and it helps me claim a little bit of myself but it's stressful too. I really need to work for the budget to remain intact.
As far as getting out of bed. I am better at it, but I can honestly say, I can't ever remember a day in my entire life when I wanted to get out of bed.My husband is a nice guy but never really bought into the whole "two become one" principle in marriage. He is a sweet, kind thoughtful man who interacts great on a superficial level but doesn't seem capable of going deeper. So it get's a bit lonely trying to work through this when I get the impression he would prefer to not hear about my struggles. It frustrates him to feel helpless knowing he can't fix it. I just don't have any desire to make it an issue either-seems like too much work.
I guess I should say that overall I am truly better, just not "there". I am a woman of deep faith and that helps tremendously. I also have an incredible (albeit somewhat twisted) sense of humor and that helps too.
I'd just like to be myself again!
>
>
>Thanks for caring
> > Sadsack
>
> >
> >
Posted by Sadsack on February 24, 2003, at 15:28:26
In reply to Re: Hey EGR, how's the Wellbutrin mix going? » Sadsack, posted by bozeman on February 22, 2003, at 14:37:38
Hey bozeman,
You, EGR, and ayuda seem like rocks and I appreciate your input. It's good to know you all struggle with the same things. It sound like you have your hands full these days so thanks for taking the time to reply.
If you get a chance, check out my note to EGR and let me know what you think. I'll understand if it is "one more thing" and you don't get to it!
Take Care,
Sadsack>
Wow. I am so relieved to hear someone else has the "purge the whole house" reaction to stress. I want to simplify, simplify, simplify to the point of throwing away things I really do need, when life gets overwhelming. (even when I'm not in the grips of a depression, like now)
>
> bozeman
Posted by handmemymidol on February 24, 2003, at 15:45:04
In reply to Re: Hey EGR, how's the Wellbutrin mix going? » EGR, posted by Sadsack on February 24, 2003, at 15:19:53
Hi Sadsack!
I understand completely about your husband. It is a very sad/strange phenomenon, that I have noticed more and more in others posts as well.
I was married for 15 years, 10 when I was diagnosed with panic disorder and agoraphobia. It was a very hard time for us all. I remember once standing outside my daughter's school cafeteria and watch her choir performance through the window. It was raining and cold but I couldn't bear to go inside with all those people. This of course, hurt my daughter and aggravated my husband and I felt like I was just a big old pain in the ass. We finally divorced two years ago because he said he was tired of having a "broken" wife. It really sucks when people can't understand what we are going through and I lack the words to try to make them understand.
What I find strange/sad about all this and the main point/question of my post is this; along with drug therapy, I also saw a counselor weekly for 2 years. As I got better, things seemed to get worse at home. I don't know if it is because as I was getting better I could see the bullshit for what it really was, or if he couldn't stand me getting better because he needed me to be sick for some reason. Whatever the case, I strongly recommend anyone who goes thru what we are, to seek family counseling as well. I don't know that it would have saved my relationship, but I do know that it is hard to do this alone. I wish you all good luck and much support as you travel down your paths.
Posted by handmemymidol on February 24, 2003, at 16:14:13
In reply to Re: Hey EGR, how's the Wellbutrin mix going? » Sadsack, posted by handmemymidol on February 24, 2003, at 15:45:04
First let me say that I know everyone is different and I don't know why each of you are on the meds to begin with, but I thought perhaps I could share my experience with you and maybe you could take something from it.
I was had my first panic attack while I was in college. I thought I was going to die, that I had some sort of brain tumor or something. I was in school full time, worked full time, had a husband and three kids. Doc says take these pills and when you graduate and have less stress, they will likely go away. Well duh, I graduated but the stress nor the panic went away. If you're alive, you have stress. Just different kinds, then it was career instead studies. Needless to say, I went on a downward spiral. I eventually developed agoraphobia due to having the attacks whenever I left the house. After several medication changes and a couple years of counseling, things leveled out. The panic was controlled by the meds and I went back to work and regained most of my life sans the husband. (Sometimes I wonder if living with him is what caused them in the first place lol)
Anyway, my counselor told me that I would likely be on the meds the rest of my life, that due to my serotonin levels being wacko, going off the meds would probably make the panic come back. I wasn't too happy to hear this, I didn't want to take the meds forever.
A year ago, after my divorce and move to another state and a new life (one without my pdoc or counselor) I weaned myself off the serzone. And things were fine. I understand completely everyone's desire to find out what it feels like to be "real" and not on the meds. In all honesty things were really good. I maintained. Every now and then I would have a little twinge of the panic, if I was out of my element or in a restaurant. Restaurants have always been really hard for some reason. But in the past few months, those twinges began happening more and more. Enough to scare and worry me. Nothing full blown, but enough. I went and saw the family practicioner and he put me on Lexapro. I am not thrilled to be feeling drugged again, but I wanted to do something before it got out of control like before. I never want to go there again.
Just please know yourselves and know your signs. And don't ever feel like going back to the meds is a failure. We all need a boast every now and then. Good luck to you all!
Posted by NOTINSANEJUSTPPMD on February 24, 2003, at 17:19:40
In reply to For all those going off medication, posted by handmemymidol on February 24, 2003, at 16:14:13
I am so glad your wrote, I am not at a point in my recovery that I feel I could go off any meds and my counselor does not think so either. I actually think I am going in to have my lexapro uped because I am getting alittle blue again. I suffer from Major Depression that having two children and a couple of miscarriages really enhanced it. I am sorry to hear your husband would not stand by you through this. If it was not for a friend of mines mom telling me to go to mental health for a proper diagnoses and that my husband needed to go too I think we would be already divorced. I agree YOU NEED TO GO TO FAMILY COUNSELING so that all your family or at least your husband or better half can undertsand that it is not you it is a real illness. We still struggle every day but it also made us a stronger unit getting diagnosed with him there. If you are just going to a family practinure(Cant Spell) I urge anyone to go to their local Mental Health Department to get diagnosed and to get through proper channels. I went to a FP for 6 1/2 years before I finally got the right help! Keep your chin up hopefully life is going to look a lot better to us all soon. Love Ya NOTINSANEJUSTPPMD
Posted by Edgefield on February 25, 2003, at 20:08:59
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I'm new to this site, but I've gained a lot of information by reading previous posts. I've been on Lexapro 2 months and 1 day, although it has made a positive difference with my anxiety and depression, I still am not 100% after 2 months. I still have a touch of the blues and what I call the woosies (A dizzy, unreal, feeling). I'm now taking 5mg of Lexapro. I was taking 10, then 15, finally 20. I experienced an increased in the woosie feeling, constant diarrhea, and increased depression after increasing my dosage. I maintained 20 mg for about three weeks, before I decreased to 10, then 5mg. I've only met one other person on Lexapro who said that it took her 3 1/2 to 4 months before she felt simply "MARVELOUS". Are there any others out there, or should I be considering switching to something else?
Faith
Posted by Edgefield on February 25, 2003, at 20:22:02
In reply to Re: 4 weeks and one day on lexapro, posted by Hope Elisabeth on February 18, 2003, at 16:23:49
Hope Elisabeth have you noticed an improvement with your mood yet on Lexapro? I've been on Lex. for two months and I've notice improvement with my anxiety and depression, but I'm still not 100%. I would say that I'm half way there. Like yourself I was thinking that I should be back to my old cheerful self after two weeks. That wasn't the case. I'm trying to switch doctors now, and I'm praying that this new doctor will provide me with the correct med. or just more information. Maybe it will take me 3 months to feel the full benefit of Lexapro. I hope that you have seem some improvement since posting.
Edgefield
Posted by Sadsack on February 25, 2003, at 21:19:51
In reply to Re: Hey EGR, how's the Wellbutrin mix going? » Sadsack, posted by handmemymidol on February 24, 2003, at 15:45:04
Thanks! I've been married 15 years now, maybe the big 15 is bad luck!!!
I appreciate your words of wisdom. Unfortunately we have diddly squat for health insurance and I can't afford to pay for counseling. I truly believe I could benefit from it though. My husband a good guy, just has intimacy issues I think. Maybe I am just excusing him, or expecting too much, who knows? In any case. I'll likely keep pluggin' along and hope I even out eventually. I am thinking positive happy thoughts (she said hopefully)
Thanks again,
Sadsack
> Hi Sadsack!
>
> I understand completely about your husband. It is a very sad/strange phenomenon, that I have noticed more and more in others posts as well.
> I was married for 15 years, 10 when I was diagnosed with panic disorder and agoraphobia. It was a very hard time for us all. I remember once standing outside my daughter's school cafeteria and watch her choir performance through the window. It was raining and cold but I couldn't bear to go inside with all those people. This of course, hurt my daughter and aggravated my husband and I felt like I was just a big old pain in the ass. We finally divorced two years ago because he said he was tired of having a "broken" wife. It really sucks when people can't understand what we are going through and I lack the words to try to make them understand.
> What I find strange/sad about all this and the main point/question of my post is this; along with drug therapy, I also saw a counselor weekly for 2 years. As I got better, things seemed to get worse at home. I don't know if it is because as I was getting better I could see the bullshit for what it really was, or if he couldn't stand me getting better because he needed me to be sick for some reason. Whatever the case, I strongly recommend anyone who goes thru what we are, to seek family counseling as well. I don't know that it would have saved my relationship, but I do know that it is hard to do this alone. I wish you all good luck and much support as you travel down your paths.
>
Posted by NOTINSANEJUSTPPMD on February 25, 2003, at 22:34:33
In reply to Re: 4 weeks and one day on lexapro, posted by Edgefield on February 25, 2003, at 20:22:02
I have been on Lexapro 20 mgonce a day and 150 mg of Wellbutrin twice a day. I felt great up till a few weeks ago and I sort of have the blues again. So I am going to talk to doctor about uping the Lexapro again. So far though I have seen some great improvements in my well being. I have just had alot of crap the past few weeks. Lately see my post of my 2 year old getting into my wellbutrin last night!! Keep your chin up and always always look for the postive in everything. We will all see that light at the end of this dreadfull illness we have some day! God Bless
Posted by NOTINSANEJUSTPPMD on February 25, 2003, at 22:42:23
In reply to Re: Hey EGR, how's the Wellbutrin mix going? » handmemymidol, posted by Sadsack on February 25, 2003, at 21:19:51
Now don't think that!! :) If your husband might not understand everything take him with you to your doctors appointments even counseling. There are all sorts of non profit places whom offer great counselors and if you have a local Mental Health Department they could help too. I got diagnosed at ours but because we had insurance they could not help us out for free. But it really helped my husband understand the illness more after he went with me to the Mental Health Department and was properly diagnosed and he has since come along on two couseling appointments and and several Doctors too. It does not help him really in how to help fix us (You know men always just want to fix everything) ;) But it will really help him to understand really just what your going through! Keep you chin up and think happy positive thoughts! We are all going to kick this crap! :) One way another, together we can try and help each other to be strong! God Bless
Posted by handmemymidol on February 26, 2003, at 12:00:12
In reply to Re: Hey EGR, how's the Wellbutrin mix going? » handmemymidol, posted by Sadsack on February 25, 2003, at 21:19:51
Dearest Sadsack (That is so funny, reminds me of Beetle Bailey sarge lol)
I am sorry to hear of your ins predictament. I didn't have any either. Since the divorce, I have filed bankruptcy and let the house be foreclosed. I am now pursuing the DH in court for child support. But I digress.
Depending on which state you are in, there are lots of places that offer free or low cost counseling. Check with your county health dept and ask about mental health. Look in your yellow pages and call any non-profit agency listings. Also check with any local universities. They sometimes have grad students working on their doctorates and are supervised by pdocs. At the very least, ask around about support groups. Anything that will provide you with a network and support is good!
I spent 2 years seeing a shrink monthly for meds and a cognitive behavior counselor weekly to learn coping skills. I paid 5 bucks a month. That was in North Carolina. I truly believe the only reason I was able to go a year without meds is because of the things Janie taught me to foresee and get through a panic attack on my own. I wouldn't trade that time for anything in the world!
BTW, did any of you see the John Walsh show today? It was about panic disorder.
Good luck to you and I hope this helps :)
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