![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 3899 to 3923 of 8406. Go back in thread:
Posted by Esmarelda on August 15, 2003, at 13:56:05
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I have been on Lexapro for about 8 weeks. I became very depressed after the death of my grandmother and some other situations to the point where I could not get out of bed on some days. After about 6 weeks, the Lexapro finally started working, but things got worse before they got better. I don't have the same depression or anxiety as before, but now I am so tired in the mornings that I cannot get up out of bed. Just the past few days, I slept almost all the way from Wednesday night through Friday morning. My therapist thinks it may be residual symptoms from the depression or maybe even the Lexapro. I like the lexapro and do not want to switch because I have not done even this well on any other antidepressants. Any help, comments, suggestions or speculation as to what is going on here would be appreciated. I have been reading this site for several weeks now and it has really helped me to understand the SE and hang in there and wait for the med to start working. I am glad I did, but I have to be able to get up and function. Thanks.
Posted by Bela on August 15, 2003, at 14:55:36
In reply to Lexapro {{{{ WITHOUT }}}} side effects !!!! » Bela, posted by lil' jimi on August 15, 2003, at 12:35:42
Jim,
I understand exactly what you said but I don't know how to find the main board. Perhaps you could explain how in general terms so others who have deviated from the Lexapro thread would know how to post a general message about ADs or anything relating to the problems of the human mind.
Bela> hi Bela,
>
> > Thanks for the advice, Jim. I am new to this game and did not know the rules---obviously. My apologies. Now look what I have gone and done to your subject line!
> > Bela
>
> absolutely No apologies called for ... these are helpful hints, we hope ... hardly anything like rules, really ...
> ... we should always be at the ready to help our lost strangers here who may not be as oriented as they want to be ...
> ... well, ... aren't we all?
>
> also i think i may have not made myself as clear as i wanted to be with my last post to you ...
>
> here's the thing: ... we are here on the lex thread of the pBab (meds-related) board ....
> ... whereas, we could be On the main board itself, of which the lex thread is a subset ...
>
> ( ... oh, great! that was clear as mud! )
>
> well, my point would be that there's the attention of main board itself (beyond our lex thread here) and the less lexapro-oriented folks "out there", who may have more of a low down about Lamictal ...
>
> sorry, this isn't clear .... please ask me questions about this if you need to ... .. ... i would appreciate the opportunity to be better help ...
>
> thanks,
> ~ jim
>
> p.s. i'd leave of the "Re:" (regarding) off, if we aren't referring to a subsequent post .... kind of like i changed your subject line! ...
> ... (TAG! You're it!) HA ! HA !
> ... ... ... <playfully joking there>!
> ~ j
Posted by lil' jimi on August 15, 2003, at 15:52:34
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by jennifer frick on August 14, 2003, at 18:37:25
hi Jennifer,
> Hi, my name is Jennifer, my husband has been on lexapro off and on for about 6 months, when he takes it, he gets diarreaha really bad at first, then he gets nauseated and about an hour later he is fine
>... this sounds pretty bad ... ... yet the implication is that your mr. frick recovers completley in an hour or so ... ...
... .. "lexapro off and on for about 6 months" ...
... uh, on and off .... hmmmm ... that's not so good ...
.... read much of this lex thread here and you will notice that our lex users almost always face an initial onset of adaptation side-effects
... ... it can take weeks of regular use to stabilize your serotonin levels to a new level before one gets the benefits from an SSRI
... ... ... with lexapro, typically x number of weeks of adaptation side-effects PLUS y number of weeks before therapeutic benefits ... with the X and Y varying widely from person to person ...... x tends to be around 4 to 6 weeks
... y can be from 1 to 8 weeks, but more usually about 5 ...... but indivdiual variation makes those numbers inapplicable to any specific person ... ...
... ...... ... but none of these estimates will work at all unless he is taking lex everyday so that the serotonin levels along with all of his other neurotransmitters can get re-stablized and leveled out
.... ... otherwise, he is just aggravating his neurotransmitters and provoking CNS de-stabilization, causing inital SEs all over again
... ... in short, he may not be giving himself the opportunity to have his system adapt ...
... ... which should be just enough to make anyone feel really BAD ... ... small wonder it makes him feel sick ...
( you see, our neurotransmitters dominate every interaction our nervous system (CNS) has with our body ... including our digestive system ... ... hence, nausea, diarrhea, et cetera ... )you should definitely discuss all of these issues/symptoms with his doctor too ... ... sometimes these husband-types (i am a husband) need to have the arm-twisting persuasion of a physician's authority before they will get with the program, if you know what i mean ...
what doseage is he taking?
what is the longest he has taken it everyday?
has he been consisently taking it lately? how long now?... i am used to preaching here about the need for patience for lexapro to work ... i haven't thought about the need for consistency of compliance too ...
best of luck to your husband... ... write back here to us about how it's going ... ... we appreciate your contribution to our message board ...
take care,
~ jim
Posted by lil' jimi on August 15, 2003, at 16:11:43
In reply to Re: Lexapro {{{{ WITHOUT }}}} side effects !!!! » lil' jimi, posted by Bela on August 15, 2003, at 14:55:36
hi Bela!
> I understand exactly what you said but I don't know how to find the main board. Perhaps you could explain how in general terms so others who have deviated from the Lexapro thread would know how to post a general message about ADs or anything relating to the problems of the human mind.
> Belathis i think i can do .... !
okay, look at the very top of the page you're on right now ...
... now look for the words "Psycho-Babble" highlighted to indicate that it's a link ...
... just click on that link
and then the whole main board will come up with the latest era posts, links to all the older eras, links to the other pBab boards, such as pSocial, pBab Faith, psychological Babble, et cetera ... ....... down among the current era messages you will find the current section of this thread including these messages we've been posting ....
... one more thing ...
... all of the lex thread posts have the leading lex post from Dr. Bob by grrl from june of 2002 ...
... click on that link to that post and the whole lex thread will load to your browser's window ... ... more than a year's worth ... lots of info ...
... i should also mention that Dr. Bob has some very helpful links at the top of the main page ...
... not the least of which is the FAQ ...
... a lot of good info there ...please let me know if this helps so i can get these chances to be better help .....
best to you and thanks,
~ jim
Posted by Bela on August 15, 2003, at 17:37:41
In reply to re: directions to the main pBabble board » Bela, posted by lil' jimi on August 15, 2003, at 16:11:43
Thanks,Jim. Your directions were fine.
Bela
> hi Bela!
>
> > I understand exactly what you said but I don't know how to find the main board. Perhaps you could explain how in general terms so others who have deviated from the Lexapro thread would know how to post a general message about ADs or anything relating to the problems of the human mind.
> > Bela
>
> this i think i can do .... !
> okay, look at the very top of the page you're on right now ...
> ... now look for the words "Psycho-Babble" highlighted to indicate that it's a link ...
> ... just click on that link
> and then the whole main board will come up with the latest era posts, links to all the older eras, links to the other pBab boards, such as pSocial, pBab Faith, psychological Babble, et cetera ... ...
>
> .... down among the current era messages you will find the current section of this thread including these messages we've been posting ....
>
> ... one more thing ...
> ... all of the lex thread posts have the leading lex post from Dr. Bob by grrl from june of 2002 ...
> ... click on that link to that post and the whole lex thread will load to your browser's window ... ... more than a year's worth ... lots of info ...
> ... i should also mention that Dr. Bob has some very helpful links at the top of the main page ...
> ... not the least of which is the FAQ ...
> ... a lot of good info there ...
>
> please let me know if this helps so i can get these chances to be better help .....
>
> best to you and thanks,
> ~ jim
Posted by collegekid on August 15, 2003, at 21:45:02
In reply to quick question, posted by collegekid on August 6, 2003, at 19:24:58
Thanks to tm, kayenna, kacy, and joebob for responding. I've been usinf flax seeds for a few years to help with menstrual cramps, but thanks for the suggestion tm. Kacy: I'm keeping an eye on my skin to see if I have the same reaction you did, thanks for the heads up. And joebob: I researched the kirunal and omega brite you mentioned. If the fish oil doesn't seem to do the trick, I'll try either or.
I have another general question: will this insomnia ever stop? I've tried taking the Lexapro during various times throughout the day and I still can't fall asleep until 3 or 4 am. I'm a little iffy about having to rely on sleep aides. Any suggestions??
Posted by tm on August 15, 2003, at 22:06:18
In reply to Re: quick question, posted by collegekid on August 15, 2003, at 21:45:02
> Thanks to tm, kayenna, kacy, and joebob for responding. I've been usinf flax seeds for a few years to help with menstrual cramps, but thanks for the suggestion tm. Kacy: I'm keeping an eye on my skin to see if I have the same reaction you did, thanks for the heads up. And joebob: I researched the kirunal and omega brite you mentioned. If the fish oil doesn't seem to do the trick, I'll try either or.
>
> I have another general question: will this insomnia ever stop? I've tried taking the Lexapro during various times throughout the day and I still can't fall asleep until 3 or 4 am. I'm a little iffy about having to rely on sleep aides. Any suggestions??I have no suggestions. My problem is when I have anxiety a wake up at 3:30 to 4:00 and every our after that until I wake up for good and I can't sleep in. When I have no anxiety I can actually sleep late and I don't wake up. I'm sorry I could not help. Take Care!!! Tim
Posted by oldhand on August 15, 2003, at 23:09:36
In reply to re: on and off Lexapro about 6 months » jennifer frick, posted by lil' jimi on August 15, 2003, at 15:52:34
> hi Jennifer,
>
> > Hi, my name is Jennifer, my husband has been on lexapro off and on for about 6 months, when he takes it, he gets diarreaha really bad at first, then he gets nauseated and about an hour later he is fine
> >
>
> ... this sounds pretty bad ... ... yet the implication is that your mr. frick recovers completley in an hour or so ... ...
> ... .. "lexapro off and on for about 6 months" ...
> ... uh, on and off .... hmmmm ... that's not so good ...
> .... read much of this lex thread here and you will notice that our lex users almost always face an initial onset of adaptation side-effects
> ... ... it can take weeks of regular use to stabilize your serotonin levels to a new level before one gets the benefits from an SSRI
> ... ... ... with lexapro, typically x number of weeks of adaptation side-effects PLUS y number of weeks before therapeutic benefits ... with the X and Y varying widely from person to person ...
>
> ... x tends to be around 4 to 6 weeks
> ... y can be from 1 to 8 weeks, but more usually about 5 ...
>
> ... but indivdiual variation makes those numbers inapplicable to any specific person ... ...
> ... ...
>
> ... ... but none of these estimates will work at all unless he is taking lex everyday so that the serotonin levels along with all of his other neurotransmitters can get re-stablized and leveled out
> .... ... otherwise, he is just aggravating his neurotransmitters and provoking CNS de-stabilization, causing inital SEs all over again
> ... ... in short, he may not be giving himself the opportunity to have his system adapt ...
> ... ... which should be just enough to make anyone feel really BAD ... ... small wonder it makes him feel sick ...
> ( you see, our neurotransmitters dominate every interaction our nervous system (CNS) has with our body ... including our digestive system ... ... hence, nausea, diarrhea, et cetera ... )
>
> you should definitely discuss all of these issues/symptoms with his doctor too ... ... sometimes these husband-types (i am a husband) need to have the arm-twisting persuasion of a physician's authority before they will get with the program, if you know what i mean ...
>
> what doseage is he taking?
> what is the longest he has taken it everyday?
> has he been consisently taking it lately? how long now?
>
> ... i am used to preaching here about the need for patience for lexapro to work ... i haven't thought about the need for consistency of compliance too ...
>
> best of luck to your husband... ... write back here to us about how it's going ... ... we appreciate your contribution to our message board ...
>
> take care,
> ~ jimIn addition to Jim's advice, I add this: A friend of mine was prescribed Wellbutrin but has only been taking half the dose prescribed. When I mentioned this to my pdoc she said "Would you take half the antibiotics you were prescribed?"
I thought this was a great analogy to what we all go through. Follow doc's orders til we are able to make an informed decision. Best wishes for peace for our souls.
Posted by oldhand on August 15, 2003, at 23:20:11
In reply to Re: quick question, posted by collegekid on August 15, 2003, at 21:45:02
> Thanks to tm, kayenna, kacy, and joebob for responding. I've been usinf flax seeds for a few years to help with menstrual cramps, but thanks for the suggestion tm. Kacy: I'm keeping an eye on my skin to see if I have the same reaction you did, thanks for the heads up. And joebob: I researched the kirunal and omega brite you mentioned. If the fish oil doesn't seem to do the trick, I'll try either or.
>
> I have another general question: will this insomnia ever stop? I've tried taking the Lexapro during various times throughout the day and I still can't fall asleep until 3 or 4 am. I'm a little iffy about having to rely on sleep aides. Any suggestions??I also have the insomnia from Lexapro. I have been prescribed Trazodone to take at night, before bed. It has helped me considerably. When 50mg did not help it was upped to 100mg. I believe this is a safe alternative to sleep aids and benzos. I also try to take the Lexapro as early in the morning as I can. Best of luck to you.
Posted by Lex Poster Girl on August 15, 2003, at 23:33:01
In reply to Re: quick question, posted by tm on August 15, 2003, at 22:06:18
Hello,
I'm a bit new to this - so feel free to chastise me for breaking any virtual rules. I saw that this was mentioned before, but I have two suggestions for the insomnia associated with Lexapro: Ambien - nonaddictive, perscription sleep aid. It starts out as a nightly sleep aid and then, after the body adjusts to a sleep rythym, you can break the pieces up or just use them when needed. I actually find that I am able to sleep just knowing that they're in the medicine cabinet in the event of a "It's 4am, will I ever sleep again?!" freak out. Another important element for me is caffeine. I've never been particularly effected by caffeine, but it seems like the combination of lex and caffeine makes for bad bouts of insomnia. Enough pedantic babble, I have a question too. I recently had my first, though very short term, relationship since being on lex. While I wish someone had suggested medical help years ago and am much more comfortable with myself than I ever have been in my life, I'm wondering how others have worked this part of their lives into new relationships. The relationship wasn't going to work out for many reasons, but I'm wondering about how this will work in the future with other "happy pill skeptics." It's not something I would bring up right away, but also not something I would want to hide. Any experiences with this? How do you deal with people trying to act okay with it or running away screaming from the freak? It's not like I have a tail, but it does feel a bit like a skeleton in the closet.
It's very nice to find you all here,
Lex
Posted by BLKVETTES on August 16, 2003, at 5:54:47
In reply to Re: quick question, posted by collegekid on August 15, 2003, at 21:45:02
> Thanks to tm, kayenna, kacy, and joebob for responding. I've been usinf flax seeds for a few years to help with menstrual cramps, but thanks for the suggestion tm. Kacy: I'm keeping an eye on my skin to see if I have the same reaction you did, thanks for the heads up. And joebob: I researched the kirunal and omega brite you mentioned. If the fish oil doesn't seem to do the trick, I'll try either or.
>
> I have another general question: will this insomnia ever stop? I've tried taking the Lexapro during various times throughout the day and I still can't fall asleep until 3 or 4 am. I'm a little iffy about having to rely on sleep aides. Any suggestions??Hi, I refused sleep aids myself during this trip to hell and back. The boards I go to for some reason 4am is a magic time. Some dont sleep till then and others wake up then. I had panic attacks, anxiety and depression to the point I was housebound and suicidal. I think the sleep thing is either related to adjusting to the med or its the body still dealing with the disorder or it may be a lot of bad memories of what one has been through. For me about 6 months after starting lex I have I guess pretty much recovered completely. I guess it took me about 4 months to start sleeping through the night again. Things that help are going to sleep right when tired. Even if it is early in the evening and you would rather do something else just go to sleep. Take a hot bath right before sleep. I also found playing computer solitaire makes me very sleepy after awhile. But I get the feeling after awhile you will return to a normal sleep pattern. Of course there is always the sleep aid you might take just time to time. GOOD LUCK!!!
WAYNE
Posted by BLKVETTES on August 16, 2003, at 6:34:11
In reply to Re: quick question and slightly longer answer » tm, posted by Lex Poster Girl on August 15, 2003, at 23:33:01
> Hello,
>
> I'm a bit new to this - so feel free to chastise me for breaking any virtual rules. I saw that this was mentioned before, but I have two suggestions for the insomnia associated with Lexapro: Ambien - nonaddictive, perscription sleep aid. It starts out as a nightly sleep aid and then, after the body adjusts to a sleep rythym, you can break the pieces up or just use them when needed. I actually find that I am able to sleep just knowing that they're in the medicine cabinet in the event of a "It's 4am, will I ever sleep again?!" freak out. Another important element for me is caffeine. I've never been particularly effected by caffeine, but it seems like the combination of lex and caffeine makes for bad bouts of insomnia. Enough pedantic babble, I have a question too. I recently had my first, though very short term, relationship since being on lex. While I wish someone had suggested medical help years ago and am much more comfortable with myself than I ever have been in my life, I'm wondering how others have worked this part of their lives into new relationships. The relationship wasn't going to work out for many reasons, but I'm wondering about how this will work in the future with other "happy pill skeptics." It's not something I would bring up right away, but also not something I would want to hide. Any experiences with this? How do you deal with people trying to act okay with it or running away screaming from the freak? It's not like I have a tail, but it does feel a bit like a skeleton in the closet.
>
> It's very nice to find you all here,
> LexHi Lex, glad your doing well!!!!! First of all your not a freak. But the funny thing is I have also called myself a freak from time to time. Over 200 million people world wide suffer from some kind of mental disorder. Since I was diagnosed way back in december you would be amazed about how many friends and relatives have kind of confessed to taking an antidepressant. My neighbor even walked over one day and just said I take zoloft. It was like a relief for her to tell me that. I would have never known she was treated for depression. In May I forced myself to go to a wedding. Everyone there did not expect me to show up because I still at that time was a little afraid to be around people. Come to find out at least a dozen people there were being treated for something. I am one who will tell my story because these disorders are like a dirty little secret. They should not be thought of in that way. Even though I at one time was afraid to leave my house and afraid to be left alone and wanted to die I now realize I was never crazy. Chances are if your in a room with 100 people there are others in there being treated for something. I get emails from a lot of teenagers and there parents think they are just going through some kind of phase in their lives. Since January at least 50 have found the boards I post on. A child does not take it upon themselves to start researching anxiety and depression unless something is wrong. I am totaly amazed about how smart these kids are to find these boards. They want help, they want answers, they want someone to say it will be ok. People are not educated on these disorders. There is plenty talked about in the school systems about drug prevention. There needs to be more talk about these disorders in the schools where these kids can be diagnosed early, treated and live normal happy lives. Nope you dont have to tell someone your dating right off your taking an antidepressant. But once they see what kind of person you are and if they really like or love you its not going to matter. If you were into a relationship and the other said I have diabetes I dont think that would change your opinion of them. Hold your head high, your not a freak, your not crazy, your a normal person with a disorder that is under control with medication. TAKE CARE!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by Doug in PA on August 16, 2003, at 11:07:23
In reply to Re: quick question and slightly longer answer, posted by BLKVETTES on August 16, 2003, at 6:34:11
You sound like me with the Ambien. I have been using it for years. The first time it knocked me out in 15 - 20 minutes. Now it takes a pill and a half 45 minutes. Don't kid yourself, it is addictive, even if it is only psycological addiction, and your body does build up a resistance. What also works for me is half an Ambien and a xanax half an hour before bedtime. I take it about 4 times a week.
Doug in PA
===========================================> > Hello,
> >
> > I'm a bit new to this - so feel free to chastise me for breaking any virtual rules. I saw that this was mentioned before, but I have two suggestions for the insomnia associated with Lexapro: Ambien - nonaddictive, perscription sleep aid. It starts out as a nightly sleep aid and then, after the body adjusts to a sleep rythym, you can break the pieces up or just use them when needed. I actually find that I am able to sleep just knowing that they're in the medicine cabinet in the event of a "It's 4am, will I ever sleep again?!" freak out. Another important element for me is caffeine. I've never been particularly effected by caffeine, but it seems like the combination of lex and caffeine makes for bad bouts of insomnia. Enough pedantic babble, I have a question too. I recently had my first, though very short term, relationship since being on lex. While I wish someone had suggested medical help years ago and am much more comfortable with myself than I ever have been in my life, I'm wondering how others have worked this part of their lives into new relationships. The relationship wasn't going to work out for many reasons, but I'm wondering about how this will work in the future with other "happy pill skeptics." It's not something I would bring up right away, but also not something I would want to hide. Any experiences with this? How do you deal with people trying to act okay with it or running away screaming from the freak? It's not like I have a tail, but it does feel a bit like a skeleton in the closet.
> >
> > It's very nice to find you all here,
> > Lex
>
> Hi Lex, glad your doing well!!!!! First of all your not a freak. But the funny thing is I have also called myself a freak from time to time. Over 200 million people world wide suffer from some kind of mental disorder. Since I was diagnosed way back in december you would be amazed about how many friends and relatives have kind of confessed to taking an antidepressant. My neighbor even walked over one day and just said I take zoloft. It was like a relief for her to tell me that. I would have never known she was treated for depression. In May I forced myself to go to a wedding. Everyone there did not expect me to show up because I still at that time was a little afraid to be around people. Come to find out at least a dozen people there were being treated for something. I am one who will tell my story because these disorders are like a dirty little secret. They should not be thought of in that way. Even though I at one time was afraid to leave my house and afraid to be left alone and wanted to die I now realize I was never crazy. Chances are if your in a room with 100 people there are others in there being treated for something. I get emails from a lot of teenagers and there parents think they are just going through some kind of phase in their lives. Since January at least 50 have found the boards I post on. A child does not take it upon themselves to start researching anxiety and depression unless something is wrong. I am totaly amazed about how smart these kids are to find these boards. They want help, they want answers, they want someone to say it will be ok. People are not educated on these disorders. There is plenty talked about in the school systems about drug prevention. There needs to be more talk about these disorders in the schools where these kids can be diagnosed early, treated and live normal happy lives. Nope you dont have to tell someone your dating right off your taking an antidepressant. But once they see what kind of person you are and if they really like or love you its not going to matter. If you were into a relationship and the other said I have diabetes I dont think that would change your opinion of them. Hold your head high, your not a freak, your not crazy, your a normal person with a disorder that is under control with medication. TAKE CARE!!!!
> WAYNE
>
>
Posted by Mariposa on August 16, 2003, at 11:19:44
In reply to Re: quick question and slightly longer answer, posted by BLKVETTES on August 16, 2003, at 6:34:11
Haven't posted in a while, but have been monitoring the board regularly.
Have been taking 10mg for going on 6 months. About a month or so ago I started getting easily irritated and angry again along w/increased depression and apathy, feelings I had NOT had since starting the Lex ( dx-PMDD, or severe PMS from my Gyn doc ). I asked if I could raise my dose and Gyn doc refused. Have to get *permission* so insurance will cover.
Decided to see a pdoc and had to jump through all kinds of hoops (phone calls to ins., several visits to counselor, etc. ) but did get in to see him finally. Had a long talk about my seeming *poop out*, and what he told me made a lot of sense. Liver starts producing enzymes to break down Lex when you start taking it. Over a period of time liver ramps up until it is producing the max. of enzyme that it can. At this point, the amount of Lex that makes it into your system to be of use may be less than the amount that was in system previously. That was why I was not feeling the same benefits as I had previously.
What confused me, and still does, is that pdoc also talked about hormones as a possible cause of my troubles. Neither he, nor gyn doc offered to test my hormones. Am 47 and initially I thought I was peri-menopausal. No one has ruled that out as a possibility, but it also seems no one is overly concerned about it either!!!
Pdoc also told me about Dr. Elizabeth L. Vliet and her website "www.herplace.com" as a source for more info on hormones.
Got my Lex raised to 20mg, third day now and have not really noticed any difference yet, realize it is still early and will keep you posted.~~~8|8
Posted by lil' jimi on August 16, 2003, at 20:42:05
In reply to Re: LEXAPRO update, posted by Mariposa on August 16, 2003, at 11:19:44
hi Mariposa!
it is so wonderful to hear from you ... i've missed you!
i have been composing a post to you in my mind.
i 'm sorry to hear you've been having a rough time and impressed that you've got a handle on it now
... ... thank you so much for posting your update ...
i wish leeran was still posting to share her experience with hormonal issues ... ...i have been considering bumpimg up, slowly, but i haven't decided to do it yet ... ...
thanks again for checking in!
~ jim
Posted by trucker on August 16, 2003, at 20:52:17
In reply to Re: Doug in PA » jrbecker, posted by Doug in PA on August 10, 2003, at 13:56:48
> Oh I know there is more going on here, but I just cant seem to get on top of it. I was divorced 22 years ago at age 40. Except for 4 fine ladies in all that time, I have come home to an empty house and slept alone about 7 thousand nights. I have eaten 22,000 meals alone in the last 20 years. This is the main thing going on...lonelyness to the point where it becomes a physical pain. I am well educated and have been told that I am (moderately) attractive and look nowhere near my age. I have joined many clubs and organizations in order to socialize but to little avail. Everyone thinks that I am a happy go lucky guy and they never guess that I am totally down in the dumps. Never seem to meet the right woman. Those interesting ones I do meet are either married or 30+ years my junior. Being diagnosed with coranary artery desease and a totally clogged right artery 6 years ago was the "coup de gras" for me being optimistic. This post is one of the few times that I have opened up.
////////////////////////////////////////////////
/////////////////////////////////////////////////
doug, don't let me scare you from opening up. pray for ms right to enter your life. my life!
trust me when i say "life" is a dirty four letter word. however tonight when you go to bed tell yourself tomorrow is going to be a better day. tell yourself that over and over day after day. possitive thought does wonders. eventually your sole will hear you and change. then go out shopping and make your self look good. go to a beach, park, laundrymat, some where there is people. try making friends. it will get better if you quit telling yourself negitive things.
take that from some one who has been there and keeps getting kicked while down.
see i was raped (by older family member) at three years old, (mommy) beat me for i brought it on my self 'cause mind you i should have dressed myself. this occured all my childhood. (beautiful ah) then i married an abusive husband who damn near killed me. then i became a trucker, so i could house, clothe, feed myself, and i am crippled and was told i'd never walk again, (i am currently 20 % whole person disabled) i drug left leg for a year and a half. i now drive again. i had gotten off road to begin a family and was seven to term in months pregnant and went into labor and by the time i got to the hospital no heart beat. my only child. so then i had to go back to driving truck which i never wanted to do again. i wanted to be a mother. and was robbed!!! see what i am getting at is life hands ya alot of crap, i came back from it, by the grace of GOD, there are also nice females at church to meet. get closer to the creator because when you try it solo, you can't do it. only with HIS help. there is a love and companionship when you address your creator on a regular basis.take care, and i a m sorry if i was hard on you. but please, if i can come back from everything including my dead baby boy, is your problem that much stoughter?
Posted by trucker on August 16, 2003, at 21:08:10
In reply to re Psycho Comedy Babble » BLKVETTES, posted by lil' jimi on August 13, 2003, at 23:29:20
> hey Wayne!
> hi Vandy !
> hi trucker, good to see you back!
>
> > > Hey, that first link reminded me of that old question: "How can you tell a boy chromosome from a girl chromosome?"
> > >
> > > answer: "Easy, look in its genes!"
> >
> > My My the lexapro must have been very very good to you. But Im sure that all jokes should be redirected the psycho babble comedy link if there is one. Im sure JIM would know!!! HA!! TAKE CARE!!!
> > WAYNE
> >
> >
>
> ... this right here is the closest to a
> "psycho Comedy Babble"
> as there is in pBabble land ...
>
> ... and if there's any more laughs out there ... let us have them ... PLEASE? ... ... us depressed folks can always use them!
> any Lexapro jokes ?
>
> "laughter is the best medicine ... ... "
> so ... ...
> LAUGH 'EM UP!!
> ~ jim
>
>
>/////////////////////////////////////////////////well put have ya'll been laughing at my statements??? oh well, its a dirty job someone has to do it !!!!!
trucker
Posted by trucker on August 16, 2003, at 21:15:02
In reply to ((trucker)) in northeast blackout (!) welcome back » trucker, posted by lil' jimi on August 15, 2003, at 1:54:02
> hi trucker!!! . .. ... welcome home!
> >
> > /////////////////////////////////////////////////
> > hello folks! i'm back! just in time for the worst blackout in history! we been with out pretty close to eleven hours ( i am refering to electric) talk about stressing ones meds to the limit. i need a boost!
> > trucker
> >
>
> hope they can get your juice back on!
> sending you the good vibes kind of internal energy ... .. ... hope it can help you keep going, er, truckin' ... !
>
> TAKE CARE !!
> ~ jim//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
i am home because i have phnewmonia (sp) and my god i had almost 300 e-mails from p/babble just now almost caught up to today.
trucker
Posted by galkeepinon on August 17, 2003, at 3:47:31
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Esmarelda on August 15, 2003, at 13:56:05
Hi Esmarelda, boy do I hear you!!!! I'm beginning to think it DOES get worse before it gets better-do you really think that's the case?? I have had some bad days, but today was a great day-I was able to rationalize some situations better and I was very productive for once in a long, long time. Lexapro has made me sleep forever sometimes too but other days I'm fine. I'm so sorry to hear about your grandmother-keep your chin up-I know it's hard.
I don't think I've done this well on an SSRI before either except Celexa and Effexor and Effexor pooped out on me and the withdrawals were horrendous. The Celexa worked and I think even Lexapro is doing better than that.
If you have any other questions or need support-I'm here for you!
Take care!
> I have been on Lexapro for about 8 weeks. I became very depressed after the death of my grandmother and some other situations to the point where I could not get out of bed on some days. After about 6 weeks, the Lexapro finally started working, but things got worse before they got better. I don't have the same depression or anxiety as before, but now I am so tired in the mornings that I cannot get up out of bed. Just the past few days, I slept almost all the way from Wednesday night through Friday morning. My therapist thinks it may be residual symptoms from the depression or maybe even the Lexapro. I like the lexapro and do not want to switch because I have not done even this well on any other antidepressants. Any help, comments, suggestions or speculation as to what is going on here would be appreciated. I have been reading this site for several weeks now and it has really helped me to understand the SE and hang in there and wait for the med to start working. I am glad I did, but I have to be able to get up and function. Thanks.
Posted by lil' jimi on August 17, 2003, at 5:31:24
In reply to Re: re Psycho Comedy Babble » lil' jimi, posted by trucker on August 16, 2003, at 21:08:10
> > hey Wayne!
> > hi Vandy !
> > hi trucker, good to see you back!
> >
> > > > Hey, that first link reminded me of that old question: "How can you tell a boy chromosome from a girl chromosome?"
> > > >
> > > > answer: "Easy, look in its genes!"
> > >
> > > My My the lexapro must have been very very good to you. But Im sure that all jokes should be redirected the psycho babble comedy link if there is one. Im sure JIM would know!!! HA!! TAKE CARE!!!
> > > WAYNE
> > >
> > >
> >
> > ... this right here is the closest to a
> > "psycho Comedy Babble"
> > as there is in pBabble land ...
> >
> > ... and if there's any more laughs out there ... let us have them ... PLEASE? ... ... us depressed folks can always use them!
> > any Lexapro jokes ?
> >
> > "laughter is the best medicine ... ... "
> > so ... ...
> > LAUGH 'EM UP!!
> > ~ jim
> >
> >
> >
>
>
//////////////////////////////////////////////////////well but have ya'll been laughing at my statements???no, trucker, not unless i hear you laughing (!) ... ... have you written funny stuff? ... ... ... as much crying as folks' lives have had here, i'd hope someone would get a laugh out of anything i write! ... ... ... but i would only laugh With our folks' hare in pBabble ... ... ... i would wish i could make you laugh ... ... i hurt for you for all of the suffering you been through ... ...
... how's your pneumonia?
... when were you robbed?
i'd also like to send some laughs to our brother Doug in pennsylvania! ... ... ... and thank you for reminding me about Pennsylvania Doug ... i have been thinking about him and been hesistant to post ... you're post reminded me and has inspired me
.... .... which brings me to how nice it is to have you posting here ... you're great! ... ... and it's handy to get the replay of the posts from when you've been out of town ... ... are you really facing 300 posts to read?... are you going to be driving again?
... how is your lexapro working out?/////////////////////////////////////////////////oh well, its a dirty job someone has to do it !!!!!
> trucker
now see there? you made me laugh!TAKE CARE !
~ jim
Posted by Mariposa on August 17, 2003, at 7:51:52
In reply to Mariposa!, posted by lil' jimi on August 16, 2003, at 20:42:05
Haven't felt very social lately, seems that the Lex @ 10mg wasn't doing the job anymore. For a while there I was doing GREAT, getting things done, depression on the back burner.....now that I got my pdoc to increase me to 20mg I'm feeling more optimistic again, hopeing I'll get back to that place I was a month or so ago. Thank you for all your SUPPORT...you are still the BEST CHEERLEADER out there...keep up the GOOD WORK!!~~~8|8
Posted by Jota on August 17, 2003, at 7:54:07
In reply to re:Poop-out Syndrome with ADs » Jota, posted by lil' jimi on August 13, 2003, at 23:00:42
A quick follow up. The advice was given in a private consultation so I don't think it appropriate to share the researcher's name. But he is widely recognized as a top authority on depression and bipolar disorder.
Jordan
>
> hi Jordan,
>
> > A top researcher at NIMH suggested the following regimen to prevent what he terms depression "breakthrough": Folate 2mg per day; T3 (Cytomel) 25ug per day. I'm also taking Lamictal, but this was both to achieve remission as well as to maintain it. Finally, I've added fish oil to get 1000mg of EPA (I can see no down side to taking this).
> >
> > Jordan
>
>
> thanks for such an informative post!
> any details about the researcher, resources for this research?
> no mention of DHA?
> appreciate your contribution!
> thanks!
> ~ jim
>
Posted by lil' jimi on August 17, 2003, at 10:55:30
In reply to Re: Mariposa! » lil' jimi, posted by Mariposa on August 17, 2003, at 7:51:52
hello Mariposa!
glad as i can be to hear from you, friend!
sometimes we're just not going to feel social ...> Haven't felt very social lately, seems that the Lex @ 10mg wasn't doing the job anymore. For a while there I was doing GREAT, getting things done, depression on the back burner.....now that I got my pdoc to increase me to 20mg I'm feeling more optimistic again, hopeing I'll get back to that place I was a month or so ago. Thank you for all your SUPPORT...you are still the BEST CHEERLEADER out there...keep up the GOOD WORK!!~~~8|8
well, the cheerleading work has been great ... ... ... pays the same ... ... the friendship from folks like you ... ...
... have you been screened for bi-polar? ... ... there are screening tests online ... here's one:
http://www.dbsalliance.org/questionnaire/screening.asp
... ... i have taken a couple to see why my gp screened me for bp ... ... and to see why i failed ...
... ... i suggest this because you were SO up that, i recall we had folks trying to clue us in here about "hypomania" or is it "hyper mania" ? ... ... anyway this uninformed amateur just thought he'd spin that idea by you because you would seem to have been through two poles of mood in the last few months ... ... just a thought!
so we are hanging in there .. .... .. Wayne is still leading the way ... on all of his 7.5 mg ... ... and i'm whining about wanting to go above my 10 mg, but i'm still too chicken ... ...
take care!
~ jim
Posted by lil' jimi on August 17, 2003, at 10:58:37
In reply to re:Poop-out Syndrome with ADs, posted by Jota on August 17, 2003, at 7:54:07
Posted by mph-speedy on August 17, 2003, at 16:10:55
In reply to Re: LEXAPRO update, posted by Mariposa on August 16, 2003, at 11:19:44
> Haven't posted in a while, but have been monitoring the board regularly.
>
> Have been taking 10mg for going on 6 months. About a month or so ago I started getting easily irritated and angry again along w/increased depression and apathy, feelings I had NOT had since starting the Lex ( dx-PMDD, or severe PMS from my Gyn doc ). I asked if I could raise my dose and Gyn doc refused. Have to get *permission* so insurance will cover.
>
> Decided to see a pdoc and had to jump through all kinds of hoops (phone calls to ins., several visits to counselor, etc. ) but did get in to see him finally. Had a long talk about my seeming *poop out*, and what he told me made a lot of sense. Liver starts producing enzymes to break down Lex when you start taking it. Over a period of time liver ramps up until it is producing the max. of enzyme that it can. At this point, the amount of Lex that makes it into your system to be of use may be less than the amount that was in system previously. That was why I was not feeling the same benefits as I had previously.
>
> What confused me, and still does, is that pdoc also talked about hormones as a possible cause of my troubles. Neither he, nor gyn doc offered to test my hormones. Am 47 and initially I thought I was peri-menopausal. No one has ruled that out as a possibility, but it also seems no one is overly concerned about it either!!!
>
> Pdoc also told me about Dr. Elizabeth L. Vliet and her website "www.herplace.com" as a source for more info on hormones.
>
> Got my Lex raised to 20mg, third day now and have not really noticed any difference yet, realize it is still early and will keep you posted.~~~8|8I almost "lost it", six months after cutting HRT (estrogen only) daily dose in half, going on a low fat, low carb diet, and cutting out alchohol consumption during the week. Seems like the combination of stopping the booze self medication and the drop in hormones made the depression very evident in the form of anger, anxiety, sadness, and major paranoia. Upped dose of estrogen back to what it was and went on 10mg lex. Immediate results with very little SE's. I think hormones can be a major factor if you are close to menapause. Prescription may not be neccessary, but definitely address the hormone issue. Get tested!
speedy
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