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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Sadsack on March 7, 2003, at 22:59:24
In reply to Re: Bozeman.....Sadsack, posted by IfOnly on March 5, 2003, at 21:36:54
Hey, we all have sad stories, that's why we need each other. The tiredness wore off for me, and if you check out alot of other posts, that seems like a common side effect that eventually gets better. Hope so and it begins working better for you! Take Care,
Sadsack
> Hi,
> This may sound sad, but I am taking Lexapro for Bipolar II, and I can only handle 5mg w/o being tired. I have been cutting them in half. I am prescibed 10mg a day and tried that for the first 4 days but could not even function. I have been taking it for about a month now (started during a down phase), but scared to up it. I have never really had a good "up" phase, but I just have had no energy!! I feel great as far as anxiety goes...but scared if I go to 10mg I will be sleepy. Do you think this is just a side effect that goes way?
>
> If Only
Posted by blkvettes on March 7, 2003, at 23:09:39
In reply to Re: SCARED TO DEATH!!!!!!! » blkvettes, posted by KrissyP on March 7, 2003, at 22:48:59
I am 45, it all started with neck pain and dizziness. Had mri, mra, brain wave tests, ct sacans, lung xrays, ultra sounds, blood tests it goes on and on. Been to the hospital about 6 to 8 times for fainting etc. Over 100,000 dollars of bills to the insurance company. I have had a complete physical. I am great shape, just crazy!!!
WAYNE
Posted by Sadsack on March 7, 2003, at 23:10:22
In reply to Bozeman... Sadsack..., posted by EGR on March 5, 2003, at 17:00:44
While I would be delighted to have you join my little party in most cases, this is just not one I'd wish on anyone. Is it the time of the year? Is it just too long to go without sun on top of a depressive disorder, WHAT?!?!? I am tired too but it has more to do with 3 weeks of sickly munchkins up at all ours of the night (and they always wake up the mom-what is that all about?). Between that and 2 of our 3 (elderly) vehicles being out of commission on any given day in the last few weeks, well, I am nearing a full blown retreat to my bed or a bout of aggravated hysteria! In any case I am trying to maintain composure through it all. Maybe I will see of 30 would work better. Maybe more sunshine will help. I sure hope so. I hate being cranky, desperate and out of sorts. Keep me posted and Take Care, I'll say an extra prayer for you.
Sadsack
> Well just add me to your little party...
>
> Started feeling "funky" on Monday. Today I was just so very angry... I started wondering if 20 is pooping out on me... now I'm really wondering...
>
> I'm tired too... I'll try taking a nap and see how I feel.
>
> EGR
Posted by Sadsack on March 7, 2003, at 23:18:10
In reply to Re: TEETH CLENCHING JAW CLENCHING? » blkvettes, posted by handmemymidol on March 6, 2003, at 9:35:44
I have tmj and it just made it worse for awhile, until that particular side effect wore off. so I don't think it would have lasting effects. My neck, shoulders, jaws were miserable for awhile but better now (unless I find some other reason to stress out!). Hang in there, it should get better.
Sadsack
> Hi again!
>
> Hmmm, I don't know about what you're experiencing with feeling every step in your teeth??!!?
> I experience it more like just holding my mouth shut and my teeth together very very tightly. Try it, like you can almost feel the pressure pulsing through your jaw bone. Thats how it is for me. Everyone else???
> I notice it most at night when I am falling asleep. I dunno if I do it as well during the day and I just don't notice it. When I notice myself doing it, I make a conscious effort to hold my tongue between my teeth so I relax my jaw.
> What do you guys think about this side effect? You think this is a pretty harmless thing or is there a possibilty of long term damage to teeth, tmj or something?
>
Posted by Sadsack on March 7, 2003, at 23:26:38
In reply to JUST DROVE THE VETTE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by blkvettes on March 7, 2003, at 10:59:51
Congratulations on your little triumph!!
Baby steps are good. Keep at it.
Take Care,
Sadsack
> I just drove the car for the 1st time in 5 months. I have not been out of the house by myself in same time. Us panic attack people have some strange issues to work through. I only drove 1 mile to put gas in it, check the tire pressure, then drive back. The drive was ok, but getting out to pay for the gas was a whole different deal. My legs were shaking, I started getting dizzy. Paid for the gas, now time to pump it. Same thing going on with legs and dizziness. Now we still have to check tire pressure and off we go. The drive back was ok. I put it back in the garage and rush into the house. It took me awhile to calm down. But it was the first time I felt human in 5 months. I also know I could not right now go into a big store and buy something. I know it was a baby step!!!!!! But I also know I have a long way to go!!!!!!!!!!!
> WAYNE
Posted by KrissyP on March 7, 2003, at 23:45:13
In reply to KRISTEN, posted by blkvettes on March 7, 2003, at 23:09:39
*HUGS* to you WAYNE Hang in there sweetie-you are in great shape and we're here if you feel like your "crazy" I get that way sometimes LOL
Keep posting:-)
Kristen
> I am 45, it all started with neck pain and dizziness. Had mri, mra, brain wave tests, ct sacans, lung xrays, ultra sounds, blood tests it goes on and on. Been to the hospital about 6 to 8 times for fainting etc. Over 100,000 dollars of bills to the insurance company. I have had a complete physical. I am great shape, just crazy!!!
> WAYNE
Posted by mopey on March 8, 2003, at 14:20:56
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by okpolosi on March 6, 2003, at 8:04:54
Dentist can fit a night guard - there's also an over-the-counter version you make yourself.
I'm not on meds right now and always clench my teeth. My teeth and jaw ache, and dentist says I'm wearing away my fillings.
Night guard is a bit clunky to wear, but it does seem to help relieve the problem.
Posted by maize1211 on March 8, 2003, at 19:30:56
In reply to frustrated newcomer, posted by jbm on January 8, 2003, at 22:24:02
> I am new to lexapro and to any form of anti-depressants. I started with 10 mg for one week and then increased to 20 mg. I have mild depression and was extremely skeptical about taking medication for it. I am usually active, energetic, and rarely nap. When I switched to 20mg I was extremely lethargic, wanted to sleep all day and could not wait to go to bed. I then experienced headaches and an inability to be productive at work. I decreased my dose to 10 mg for the past several days and have not been as tired and headaches have decreased. I did have an extremely vivid dream last night. I now switched to 5mg because I am uncomfortable with how I feel.
>
> Has anyone had positive experiences with lexapro ?
> Has anyone found 5mg to be effective in treating depression or dose the dosage need to be higher ?
>
> ThanksI have been on Lexapro 10 mg for approx. 2 weeks. I am new to antidepressants. The first week on Lexapro I wasnt able to fall asleep until many hours after my normal bedtime. I also had a lot of energy and didnt need an afternoon nap (I would nap as often as I could before Lexapro- just part of my depression I guess) nor felt the desire to try and sleep late. The second week I seemed to have gotten used to the lexapro because now I can fall asleep at my normal bedtime. I still feel like I have a lot of energy and am starting to feel better about everything day by day. I actually laughed today without feeling like sighing- if you know what I mean. I havent had any negative side effects except slight insomnia the first week. I wish you luck on the Lexapro.
Posted by Dysfunk on March 8, 2003, at 21:49:54
In reply to Re: GOOD NEWS! I think the Lex is working!!!! » Dysfunk, posted by bozeman on March 3, 2003, at 21:09:55
Thanks for being happy for me, but I am beginning to think what I felt was the initial rush of the medicine. I haven't been feeling so great this past week. Feeling irritable, critical of others and myself and impatient. Not this again.....
Posted by Brian1977 on March 8, 2003, at 21:52:01
In reply to Re: frustrated newcomer, posted by maize1211 on March 8, 2003, at 19:30:56
Today is the first day that i have taken Lex. I am very new to Antidepressants and have already been placed on 2 different ones that i had alot of problems with. After reading several of the messages i felt it would be best that i take Lex in the afternoon--I took it at 5:00pm--its now 9:45 and i am beginning to relax and feel sleepy.
I ususally have difficulty resting. I feel very calm and relaxed. In the evenings I usually can't concentrate, its usually difficult for me to work on the computer in the evenings or anything. I feel good tonite. I could actually go to sleep right now.
I am so ready to get my life back. I am 25 and used to be very active. I want that back--i really dont have much energy and the slightest things or problems will send me over board. i want to be in control again. Hopefully Lexapro will give me that
Posted by Dysfunk on March 8, 2003, at 22:35:35
In reply to GOOD NEWS! I think the Lex is working!!!!, posted by Dysfunk on February 28, 2003, at 9:50:19
6 wks on Lexapro. First 4 on 10 mg.felt nothing good. 2 weeks on 20 mgs. First week of recent increase I felt really good. Second week since increase, I am feeling bad again. Is this possible? Suddenly I feel extrememly sensitive, negative, self-critical, and DISCOURAGED! Maybe I missed my ideal dosage? Could it be 15 mgs? I can't say how diappointed I feel. I am crying as I write this. My hopes were lifted for about a week after 8 months of trial doses with Effexor and this medicine. I felt drawn to this board to post since my last post was so positive. It is not me anymore. I don't know what to think. I cannot imagine more months of trial and error. I don't know how high I can go on Lexapro since I am also taking Prozac. Waiting for my doctor's return call. Anybody have this good then bad results???
Posted by Donia on March 8, 2003, at 23:27:50
In reply to No moreGOOD NEWS! Lex IS NOTworking, posted by Dysfunk on March 8, 2003, at 22:35:35
I have been on lexapro for almost two months. I took 5mg to test it out for the first few weeks. I then started 10mg. At about 4 weeks, I had a couple of really good weeks and now I am sleeping way too much again and starting to get those anxous, worrying feelings creeping in again. I am cutting the pills and taking my 10mg and a quarter of another to see if this helps. If it does not I guess I will go back to zoloft, it did work.
donia
Posted by blkvettes on March 9, 2003, at 8:33:13
In reply to No moreGOOD NEWS! Lex IS NOTworking, posted by Dysfunk on March 8, 2003, at 22:35:35
I am going into my 5th month of this hell. I know a lot of people have been going through this for years. To me it seems like years. I remember what I used to feel like. I have tried paxil and zoloft and had very bad side effects. The lexapro this is my 4th week. I dont know what to say good or bad. I take it in the morning I am a zombie. I take it at night I dont get tired. Today I am going to try early afternoon. To me it seemed I felt best when I was taking 5mg. I went to 7.5 and was starting to get that tired feeling. My shrink insisted I go to 10mg. and I became a zombie. I just went back to 7.5 and am working on the time. I also wonder if 5mg is enough for me. I dont know and I am getting desperate. I started execising a few days ago and woke up the next day and was so sore and miserable. Today though I wake up and my neck does not hurt for the 1st time in months. I still have sore legs, I get up in the morning and my calf muscles and ankles hurt like hell for a few minutes. They have been like that for months. You see I dont leave the house, so I assume that my muscles have paid the price. I get up and see these depressing posts about lexapro. It makes me worry that this will never work for me. I also have a wife who is trying to quit drinking. She has done good, but when she does fall off the wagon it depresses me. I have a 9 year old daughter who I have raised since she was born for motivation. I have an older daughter who is going to make me a grandpa in october. I am 45 and still should have many good years to go. I have to make this lex work. I cant start anything else and begin again. I had terrible withdrawl from the paxil and zoloft. Brain zaps and everything bad you can imagine. I just hope the 5 or 7.5 or 10mg will work with the right time. I have overcome alot while on the lex. I stayed home by myself for the 1st time last week. I am trying to ignore my aches and pains. I drove my vette for only 2 miles but I left the house. I am trying to overpower my mind and take control of it. It is very hard!!!! I just cant start over!!!!!!!! I am sorry for everyone else who has to suffer. I wish I could give advice, maybe you can pick something out of this mess of mine and use it. GOD BLESS EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by blkvettes on March 9, 2003, at 10:09:52
In reply to Re: No moreGOOD NEWS! Lex IS NOTworking, posted by blkvettes on March 9, 2003, at 8:33:13
This is really bugging me on how to take and when to take it. I was starting to feel results at 5mg. My shrink tells me oh!!! you have to get to 10mg. So I go 7.5 and then 10. Getting more tired and just feeling like a zombie. But not the same good zombie feeling I had when I smoked pot in the 70,s. Sometimes I wish I had not quit doing drugs 20 years ago. Are we taking to much lex and could it be just stronger than thought. I see where people have started at 10 and then went to 5 and are doing great. I just dont know!!!!! I have to be able to sleep and be able to walk during the day like I am not drugged!!!!!! People with good results from LEX please post and give details. I need some hope!!!!!!!!
Posted by handmemymidol on March 9, 2003, at 10:11:11
In reply to No moreGOOD NEWS! Lex IS NOTworking, posted by Dysfunk on March 8, 2003, at 22:35:35
Oh Dysfunk, please try not to be discouraged!
I don't know if this will help or not or if it fits your situation but . . . (there's always a but isn't there? lol)
I remember when I first started taking ads and seeing a counselor, she told me the meds would bring feelings and inner thoughts to the forefront and make them easier to deal with and work through. She said that it would make therapy work better. That I would still feel all the things that were making me nuts in the first place but I would be able to look at them more objectively.
I found this to be true. And after starting on Lexapro after being off meds for a while, I find that I am experiencing what you've described. I am thinking that is what it is. Does this make sense? Without meds, I take alot of shit off alot of people. With meds, I get angry and tired of being the doormat.
Are you in counseling?
Good luck and good health to you!
Posted by littlemac on March 9, 2003, at 13:07:37
In reply to Re: No moreGOOD NEWS! Lex IS NOTworking, posted by blkvettes on March 9, 2003, at 8:33:13
You mentioned aches and pains, and I was wondering if this is a side affect of these medications. I have been taking Paxil, and was just recently switched to Zoloft (taking them simultaneously during the 'switch'). I ask this because I too suffer from terrible aches...I wake up in the morning and can barely move, my ankles and calves hurt so bad. My entire body aches all day long. My arms hurt so bad I can barely life anything. I also suffer from extreme fatigue and sweating, and I have to go to work everyday. I'd really like to know if these aches are side affects of the medications, and if there are any other meds that might not be so extreme. I am so uncomfortable all day long.
Posted by blkvettes on March 9, 2003, at 13:50:40
In reply to Re: No moreGOOD NEWS! Lex IS NOTworking » blkvettes, posted by littlemac on March 9, 2003, at 13:07:37
> You mentioned aches and pains, and I was wondering if this is a side affect of these medications. I have been taking Paxil, and was just recently switched to Zoloft (taking them simultaneously during the 'switch'). I ask this because I too suffer from terrible aches...I wake up in the morning and can barely move, my ankles and calves hurt so bad. My entire body aches all day long. My arms hurt so bad I can barely life anything. I also suffer from extreme fatigue and sweating, and I have to go to work everyday. I'd really like to know if these aches are side affects of the medications, and if there are any other meds that might not be so extreme. I am so uncomfortable all day long.
Hi there they can be side effects, but they can also be from anxiety. I had calf muscles hurting before I even went on meds. I got all kinds of aches and pains. You didnt say what you were diagnosed with and did you have any of these pains before you took medications. I to took paxil and then zoloft for about 24 days. To many side effects!!!!! I quit cold turkey and that was a mistake. If for some reason zoloft does not work and you stop do it slowly. You could get bad withdrawl symptoms. Drop another post or email me at aw041757@aol.com
Posted by littlemac on March 9, 2003, at 14:03:16
In reply to Re: No moreGOOD NEWS! Lex IS NOTworking, posted by blkvettes on March 9, 2003, at 13:50:40
> > You mentioned aches and pains, and I was wondering if this is a side affect of these medications. I have been taking Paxil, and was just recently switched to Zoloft (taking them simultaneously during the 'switch'). I ask this because I too suffer from terrible aches...I wake up in the morning and can barely move, my ankles and calves hurt so bad. My entire body aches all day long. My arms hurt so bad I can barely life anything. I also suffer from extreme fatigue and sweating, and I have to go to work everyday. I'd really like to know if these aches are side affects of the medications, and if there are any other meds that might not be so extreme. I am so uncomfortable all day long.
>
> Hi there they can be side effects, but they can also be from anxiety. I had calf muscles hurting before I even went on meds. I got all kinds of aches and pains. You didnt say what you were diagnosed with and did you have any of these pains before you took medications. I to took paxil and then zoloft for about 24 days. To many side effects!!!!! I quit cold turkey and that was a mistake. If for some reason zoloft does not work and you stop do it slowly. You could get bad withdrawl symptoms. Drop another post or email me at aw041757@aol.comI guess I'm not really sure what I was diagnosed with. Went to doc feeling very stressed...lots of worry, and sadness. Just too much going on...too much responsibility, no help (as in no significant other, single parent with 3 kids, full time job) and was prescribed Paxil. Had extreme fatigue and sweating so was just switched to Zoloft. Last time I was in to doc, depression was mentioned. This would not be surprisingas I have so much going on, and used to cry a lot. I have never experienced any of these aches before starting the meds, nor have I had such terrible sweating, nor ever been so tired throughout the day. I have also gained a LOT of weight!!
Posted by blkvettes on March 9, 2003, at 14:19:37
In reply to Re: No moreGOOD NEWS! Lex IS NOTworking, posted by littlemac on March 9, 2003, at 14:03:16
How long have you been on meds.
Posted by littlemac on March 9, 2003, at 14:21:19
In reply to Re: No moreGOOD NEWS! Lex IS NOTworking, posted by littlemac on March 9, 2003, at 14:03:16
> > > You mentioned aches and pains, and I was wondering if this is a side affect of these medications. I have been taking Paxil, and was just recently switched to Zoloft (taking them simultaneously during the 'switch'). I ask this because I too suffer from terrible aches...I wake up in the morning and can barely move, my ankles and calves hurt so bad. My entire body aches all day long. My arms hurt so bad I can barely life anything. I also suffer from extreme fatigue and sweating, and I have to go to work everyday. I'd really like to know if these aches are side affects of the medications, and if there are any other meds that might not be so extreme. I am so uncomfortable all day long.
> >
> > Hi there they can be side effects, but they can also be from anxiety. I had calf muscles hurting before I even went on meds. I got all kinds of aches and pains. You didnt say what you were diagnosed with and did you have any of these pains before you took medications. I to took paxil and then zoloft for about 24 days. To many side effects!!!!! I quit cold turkey and that was a mistake. If for some reason zoloft does not work and you stop do it slowly. You could get bad withdrawl symptoms. Drop another post or email me at aw041757@aol.com
>
> I guess I'm not really sure what I was diagnosed with. Went to doc feeling very stressed...lots of worry, and sadness. Just too much going on...too much responsibility, no help (as in no significant other, single parent with 3 kids, full time job) and was prescribed Paxil. Had extreme fatigue and sweating so was just switched to Zoloft. Last time I was in to doc, depression was mentioned. This would not be surprisingas I have so much going on, and used to cry a lot. I have never experienced any of these aches before starting the meds, nor have I had such terrible sweating, nor ever been so tired throughout the day. I have also gained a LOT of weight!!
>Something else worth mentioning, when I forget or take the med late, I can feel the anxiety inside...that terrible anxious feeling rising up. After hearing about so many terrible affects of stopping meds, I'm afraid to not do something.
Posted by blkvettes on March 9, 2003, at 14:24:13
In reply to Re: No moreGOOD NEWS! Lex IS NOTworking » littlemac, posted by littlemac on March 9, 2003, at 14:21:19
> > > > You mentioned aches and pains, and I was wondering if this is a side affect of these medications. I have been taking Paxil, and was just recently switched to Zoloft (taking them simultaneously during the 'switch'). I ask this because I too suffer from terrible aches...I wake up in the morning and can barely move, my ankles and calves hurt so bad. My entire body aches all day long. My arms hurt so bad I can barely life anything. I also suffer from extreme fatigue and sweating, and I have to go to work everyday. I'd really like to know if these aches are side affects of the medications, and if there are any other meds that might not be so extreme. I am so uncomfortable all day long.
> > >
> > > Hi there they can be side effects, but they can also be from anxiety. I had calf muscles hurting before I even went on meds. I got all kinds of aches and pains. You didnt say what you were diagnosed with and did you have any of these pains before you took medications. I to took paxil and then zoloft for about 24 days. To many side effects!!!!! I quit cold turkey and that was a mistake. If for some reason zoloft does not work and you stop do it slowly. You could get bad withdrawl symptoms. Drop another post or email me at aw041757@aol.com
> >
> > I guess I'm not really sure what I was diagnosed with. Went to doc feeling very stressed...lots of worry, and sadness. Just too much going on...too much responsibility, no help (as in no significant other, single parent with 3 kids, full time job) and was prescribed Paxil. Had extreme fatigue and sweating so was just switched to Zoloft. Last time I was in to doc, depression was mentioned. This would not be surprisingas I have so much going on, and used to cry a lot. I have never experienced any of these aches before starting the meds, nor have I had such terrible sweating, nor ever been so tired throughout the day. I have also gained a LOT of weight!!
> >
>
> Something else worth mentioning, when I forget or take the med late, I can feel the anxiety inside...that terrible anxious feeling rising up. After hearing about so many terrible affects of stopping meds, I'm afraid to not do something.
>
>
Here is a web site for symptoms http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/alpraz_ad.htm
Posted by littlemac on March 9, 2003, at 14:24:45
In reply to Re: No moreGOOD NEWS! Lex IS NOTworking, posted by blkvettes on March 9, 2003, at 14:19:37
> How long have you been on meds.
About 4 months
Posted by blkvettes on March 9, 2003, at 14:29:19
In reply to Re: No moreGOOD NEWS! Lex IS NOTworking » blkvettes, posted by littlemac on March 9, 2003, at 14:24:45
> > How long have you been on meds.
>
> About 4 monthsHave you talked to your doctor about the aches and pains and what does he say
Posted by littlemac on March 9, 2003, at 14:34:17
In reply to Re: No moreGOOD NEWS! Lex IS NOTworking, posted by blkvettes on March 9, 2003, at 14:29:19
> > > How long have you been on meds.
> >
> > About 4 months
>
> Have you talked to your doctor about the aches and pains and what does he say
yes I did. At the same time I mentioned the extreme fatigue and sweating. The aches were not addressed (which is a big deal to me)...she just changed med to Zoloft. She is also pregnant, was due in 2 days, and didn't seem to want to deal with patients.
Posted by blkvettes on March 9, 2003, at 14:38:45
In reply to Re: No moreGOOD NEWS! Lex IS NOTworking, posted by littlemac on March 9, 2003, at 14:34:17
> > > > How long have you been on meds.
> > >
> > > About 4 months
> >
> > Have you talked to your doctor about the aches and pains and what does he say
>
>
> yes I did. At the same time I mentioned the extreme fatigue and sweating. The aches were not addressed (which is a big deal to me)...she just changed med to Zoloft. She is also pregnant, was due in 2 days, and didn't seem to want to deal with patients.I would get on the phone and talk to an on call doctor now to have your issues resolved. I have only been taking my med almost a month and what I experience should go away but I am not sure.
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