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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by LynneDa on October 29, 2003, at 16:05:33
In reply to Lexapro for mild depression/dysthymia?, posted by Cubsfan on October 29, 2003, at 15:03:54
Hi! I think we have some similarities so hopefully this will help. I think I have dysthymia and/or mild depression, no one's sure which. I have also been diagnosed with PMDD and I definitely have anxiety issues. My moods, ability to handle things, etc., are definitely cyclical thru the month and the year. I'm perimenopausal apparently (at 40). But the past few years have been much worse than my 20s & 30s.
I have been in counseling off and on for 10 years or so, but never have had any episodes of major depression where I can't function at all. I just don't function well - maybe about 60% of where I should be on bad days and 80% on good.
To make a long story short, because of the extremity of my tears, anger, apathy, intermittent desires to just drop out, unexplained fatigue and lowered functioning in all areas of life, I decided, with encouragement from my internist, gynecologist, therapist, parents, boss and friends, to try Lexapro.
It's been over one week and I am so much better, it's amazing. The s/e's were very tolerable compared to Sarafem (prozac, really) that I tried a year ago and quit after 2 months. I feel a bit sleepy but not any worse than before really, a little nausea at first, a bit of constipation, some inorgasmia . . . but I am much more able to cope, actually make a decision and deal with the extra stresses in my personal life right now.
The end result is this: I know there are behavior patterns I need to change and issues I need to work through. Having this *veil* of mild depression lifted off of me will now give me the energy and clear-sightedness to work on those things. (I hope!)
I was terrified too (& that's not an exaggeration)! I recommend you give it a try and keep us posted. This board is immensely encouraging and supportive while you go thru any side effects. Good luck whatever you decide!
~ LynneHi there! Today was the first time I read through the messages on this thread and they are all very interesting. Thanks to all of you for your contributions! I have recently been prescribed to take Lexapro for mild depression and possibly dysthymia. I have been counseled by my therapist for the past three months to take an anti-depressant but have resisted thus far due to the SE's as well as the fear of becoming dependent upon them. The short-version of my story is that I'm 27 years old and have gone through major bouts of depression a couple of times in my life, most recently starting about a year back. Although I don't feel that I currently have major depression, I don't feel quite right and don't feel that I have any excitement for life. I've felt this way for a long time off and on. That's why I wonder if I have dysthymia, something which no one has been able to confirm one way or the other. Basically, I'm still unsure about whether there is some sort of a chemical imbalance that I'm suffering from or just thinking patterns that I need to work on. It's very frustrating, cause I want to feel better but don't know how to go about it.
>
> My question is whether those of you who take Lexapro feel it would be helpful for someone like me who possibly suffers from a mild form of depression, or is it only helpful for those with a major form? I've been presribed to take 10mg but, after reading some of the postings on this thread, am now a little reluctant again due to the SE's. I would love to hear your response. Thanks!
Posted by Scribbler on October 29, 2003, at 16:21:52
In reply to Re: Lexapro for mild depression/dysthymia? » Cubsfan, posted by LynneDa on October 29, 2003, at 16:05:33
Hi there -- I'm in Week #3 of Lexapro and just awoke up from a nap (everyone's nodding their head, because they know where I'm at, right?) but even if I had realized the extent of the more severe SE's before I took my first pill, which I didn't, I'd have gone ahead with it because the results are so positive. Day #1 was a little rocky for me and after that I felt much better. Give it a try! You'll find a lot of encouragement from this Board and we'll be with you all the way.
...Now for my own question: can anyone tell me when this daytime sleepiness ends? Or just assure me that it does? I kind of like feeling drowsy and relaxed, but I'm not getting enough done.
Posted by LynneDa on October 29, 2003, at 16:46:04
In reply to Re: Lexapro for mild depression/dysthymia?, posted by Scribbler on October 29, 2003, at 16:21:52
Scribbler - How much do you take and when do you take it? I take 10mg in a.m. I'm sleepy but tolerable at work during day. But by 9pm I am toast! I am wondering the same thing . . . does this continue?
~ LynneHi there -- I'm in Week #3 of Lexapro and just awoke up from a nap (everyone's nodding their head, because they know where I'm at, right?) but even if I had realized the extent of the more severe SE's before I took my first pill, which I didn't, I'd have gone ahead with it because the results are so positive. Day #1 was a little rocky for me and after that I felt much better. Give it a try! You'll find a lot of encouragement from this Board and we'll be with you all the way.
> ...Now for my own question: can anyone tell me when this daytime sleepiness ends? Or just assure me that it does? I kind of like feeling drowsy and relaxed, but I'm not getting enough done.
>
Posted by Scribbler on October 29, 2003, at 17:09:16
In reply to Re: Lexapro for mild depression/dysthymia? » Scribbler, posted by LynneDa on October 29, 2003, at 16:46:04
Howdy -- I take 10 mg in the morning. Feel fine for several hours after that but begin to s-l-o-w down around two p.m. Yesterday I pressed ahead, didn't nap, and last night I fell asleep at nine then slept until seven this morning. For years I had a problem with insomnia so I don't want to complain, and it's only been the last few days that I've been so beat. Thought maybe it was the loss of Daylight Savings Time but that was *how* many days ago? I'm also cutting down my caffine intake, drinking coffee half-strength right now and working my way down to total de-caf eventually because coffee used to make me anxious. Might need a mid-aft cuppa tea?
Posted by nemo kitty on October 29, 2003, at 17:24:44
In reply to Re: Lexapro for mild depression/dysthymia? » Cubsfan, posted by LynneDa on October 29, 2003, at 16:05:33
dou you think that Lexipro makes you gain weight? I know this is dumb, but that is my main concern. I have finally lost the weight from Zoloft & hate to start over again. thanks
Posted by bruce_w6 on October 29, 2003, at 20:06:36
In reply to Re: SEXUAL SIDE EFFEECTS one more thing, posted by platinumbride on October 28, 2003, at 11:17:07
> I'm not a sick perv, but I would like to know if anyone has any luck with anything that vibrates. It has really helped me a lot.....
>
> DianeYes, I am guy and my wife purchased a senso sapphire for me, it doesn't exactly vibrate but it gets me over the edge. I am rather large and my wife gets over the edge 4-5 times and then she gets sore (lex has caused me a major problem getting over, I have no problems with long term errections but getting over the edge is a problem. She uses it on me after she is done and it works for us.
Posted by vandy on October 29, 2003, at 23:55:31
In reply to Lexapro for mild depression/dysthymia?, posted by Cubsfan on October 29, 2003, at 15:03:54
Mild depression and you sign "Cubsfan?"
I'm sorry. That was probably insensitive of me. I'm a Phillies season ticket holder and the Marlins beat the &%#@ out of us when we were on top, too! I know how you feel. I'm in the "mild depression" camp myself but nobody ever tried to bring a goat into the Vet.Well, I pronounce the end result worth the SE's. And since we are all different in our responses you might just skip any or all of them. Hey, mild depression is still awful. And "Wait until next year" won't cure it. I'm sooooooo glad I took the chance. Depression is really all I had to lose. Good luck to you and "Keep them cards and letters comin'"
> Hi there! Today was the first time I read through the messages on this thread and they are all very interesting. Thanks to all of you for your contributions! I have recently been prescribed to take Lexapro for mild depression and possibly dysthymia. I have been counseled by my therapist for the past three months to take an anti-depressant but have resisted thus far due to the SE's as well as the fear of becoming dependent upon them. The short-version of my story is that I'm 27 years old and have gone through major bouts of depression a couple of times in my life, most recently starting about a year back. Although I don't feel that I currently have major depression, I don't feel quite right and don't feel that I have any excitement for life. I've felt this way for a long time off and on. That's why I wonder if I have dysthymia, something which no one has been able to confirm one way or the other. Basically, I'm still unsure about whether there is some sort of a chemical imbalance that I'm suffering from or just thinking patterns that I need to work on. It's very frustrating, cause I want to feel better but don't know how to go about it.
>
> My question is whether those of you who take Lexapro feel it would be helpful for someone like me who possibly suffers from a mild form of depression, or is it only helpful for those with a major form? I've been presribed to take 10mg but, after reading some of the postings on this thread, am now a little reluctant again due to the SE's. I would love to hear your response. Thanks!
Posted by vandy on October 29, 2003, at 23:58:48
In reply to Re: Lexapro for mild depression/dysthymia?, posted by Scribbler on October 29, 2003, at 16:21:52
I wish I could tell you a definitive end date for the daytime sleepies. Everyone reacts so differently. I can promise the end of the "have to" nap syndrome. Just can't say when. Sorry. Why don't you keep track and let us know when it stopped for you. That might be helpful?
> Hi there -- I'm in Week #3 of Lexapro and just awoke up from a nap (everyone's nodding their head, because they know where I'm at, right?) but even if I had realized the extent of the more severe SE's before I took my first pill, which I didn't, I'd have gone ahead with it because the results are so positive. Day #1 was a little rocky for me and after that I felt much better. Give it a try! You'll find a lot of encouragement from this Board and we'll be with you all the way.
> ...Now for my own question: can anyone tell me when this daytime sleepiness ends? Or just assure me that it does? I kind of like feeling drowsy and relaxed, but I'm not getting enough done.
>
Posted by BLKVETTES on October 30, 2003, at 0:17:57
In reply to Re: SEXUAL SIDE EFFEECTS one more thing, posted by platinumbride on October 28, 2003, at 11:17:07
> I'm not a sick perv, but I would like to know if anyone has any luck with anything that vibrates. It has really helped me a lot.....
>
> DianeHi, someone use to talk about the magic wand. Cant remember who it was.
WAYNE
Posted by Esmarelda on October 30, 2003, at 10:10:31
In reply to Re: Lexapro for mild depression/dysthymia?, posted by nemo kitty on October 29, 2003, at 17:24:44
I actually lost weight on Lexapro. Good luck to you.
Posted by coxygrrl on October 30, 2003, at 16:41:40
In reply to Re: Lexapro for mild depression/dysthymia? » nemo kitty, posted by Esmarelda on October 30, 2003, at 10:10:31
I started Lexapro about a week and a half ago and I've lost 7 pounds! I'm fitting into my skinny jeans again. From what I read on these threads, it won't last for long. Anyone kept the weight off???!!
Posted by COOP on October 30, 2003, at 17:49:43
In reply to Re: What is anxiety? » COOP, posted by Mariposa on October 24, 2003, at 22:23:00
I am on the meds for almost 3 weeks. I have had two attacks of chest pains and seem to get up every day at 3:30 am. My wife said that I shake in my sleep for about hour. In my mind I keep thinking that there is something physically wrong but most of my pain goes away when I take 0.25mg of Alprazolam. Which leaves me to believe that I am just crazy. ( I hope ) My problem started about year ago and seems to be getting worst. I can now understand what other people are going through. I hope that I can see some light at the end of this nightmare.
Any advice.
Joel
Posted by Scribbler on October 30, 2003, at 20:05:35
In reply to Re: What is anxiety?, posted by COOP on October 30, 2003, at 17:49:43
Hey, I'm on Day #18 and today my arms were tingly off and on but tonight I'm having these strange hot flashes that start on my chest and extend down through my arms -- really hot, like burning, and then they go away (and come back again). Anyone else ever experience this?
Posted by Jim Thompson on October 30, 2003, at 20:35:18
In reply to Weird Hot Flashes Prickly Arms, posted by Scribbler on October 30, 2003, at 20:05:35
After about four years of Anxiety and eventually Panic Attacks, I decided to see someone and was diagnosed with Panic Disorder. I started with Celexa 10mg (Summer 2002) and was brought up to 60mg within a month. I complained that I was extremely tired and had completely lost my sex drive. So I was switched to Lexapro. Within a month or two I was feeling a bit more normal. I landed at 20mg of Lexapro which I took for 9 months.
My early side effects also included the hot flashes described below (man those freaked me out) which usually would result in panic (thank you Ativan). I started gaining weight (30 lbs. total in 9 months) and still had sex drive issues but it was better than daily Panic Attacks. My wife helped me through it and understood. By the early summer I felt the need to step down from 20mg and started breaking my pills in half. I took 10mg for two months then broke THOSE in half and took 5mg (+/- a few mg) for the last 45 days or so. I finally stopped one week ago with doc's approval.
For the last three days I have felt the "zaps" running through my head and a little dizziness. I am hopeful that any withdrawl effects will cease within the next week. I am hoping through meditation I can ease my ongoing anxiety level. My sex drive has increased a bit in the last two months although it is nothing like it was a year or two ago. It is hard going through a wedding and honeymoon with no interest in having sex.
I originally found this site when searching for SSRI withdrawl, and have been comforted and scared by some of the things I have read. Like many of you, I can't stand the idea of taking such an intense medication for the rest of my life.
>> Hey, I'm on Day #18 and today my arms were tingly off and on but tonight I'm having these strange hot flashes that start on my chest and extend down through my arms -- really hot, like burning, and then they go away (and come back again). Anyone else ever experience this?
Posted by oldhand on October 30, 2003, at 22:12:23
In reply to Weird Hot Flashes Prickly Arms, posted by Scribbler on October 30, 2003, at 20:05:35
> Hey, I'm on Day #18 and today my arms were tingly off and on but tonight I'm having these strange hot flashes that start on my chest and extend down through my arms -- really hot, like burning, and then they go away (and come back again). Anyone else ever experience this?
Hi Scribbler,
I continue to have hot flashes on Lexapro. Am beginning my second year on the med. Pdoc thinks it is menopause, I know better. I am five years past that. Just to say that they are very infrequent now and not enough to make me give up the benefits that have been wonderful for me.
Shelley
Posted by BLKVETTES on October 31, 2003, at 0:18:30
In reply to Re: Weird Hot Flashes Prickly Arms » Scribbler, posted by oldhand on October 30, 2003, at 22:12:23
> > Hey, I'm on Day #18 and today my arms were tingly off and on but tonight I'm having these strange hot flashes that start on my chest and extend down through my arms -- really hot, like burning, and then they go away (and come back again). Anyone else ever experience this?
>
> Hi Scribbler,
> I continue to have hot flashes on Lexapro. Am beginning my second year on the med. Pdoc thinks it is menopause, I know better. I am five years past that. Just to say that they are very infrequent now and not enough to make me give up the benefits that have been wonderful for me.
> Shelley
I used to get those with panic and anxiety attacks. But get them maybe once a month and I know its from lexapro. It is a listed side effect. I get a quick flash mostly stomach, chest, face and arms. It doesnt faze me at all after what I have been through.
WAYNE
Posted by Shandra on October 31, 2003, at 1:23:20
In reply to What is anxiety?, posted by dmwilmoth on October 22, 2003, at 15:54:58
I haven't been on Lexapro but have been treated for anxiety so I thought I'd add some thoughts from my experience. Basically, I think if it's really anxiety, it sort of "hits" you - even if you can't put your finger on any one thing that "caused it", you notice sort of an internal jolt, an emotional wrenching of some kind, and this jolt or whatever it is, really gets your attention. In other words, in my humble layperson-type opinion, I don't think it's possible to have an anxiety or panic attack without knowing you're experiencing anxiety and panic.
I had been on Ritalin for several months with good results and started going through some serious job stress. Naturally, my overall health diminished. Well, one day, I had a physical experience which I swore was a heart attack. Long story short, I had several doctors tell me the problem was my ritalin and that I was just having anxiety from that and I should consider stopping the meds. Well, I knew this couldn't be wrong. (My pdoc person didn't think this was the issue at all!) FINALLY I got in to see a cardiologist for followup tests, and this was a good three weeks after the incident, and it turns out I had a severe case of pericarditis (inflamation of the lining of the heart), severe enough that even three weeks later it was still showing up on the diagnostics as if it were a real problem -- and by that time I was actually feeling 1000% better as far as chest pains went.
The thing is, there's still so much prejudice out there regarding psych meds, psych conditions, and even particular meds such as Ritalin. Compound this with the notion that when people (should I say when women) have chest pains and indications of heart trouble, particularly if they are young (I was 35 at the time), it seems unfathomable to some doctors (like ppl in emergency rooms!) that the woman who's on psych meds might actually ALSO have another, serious, entirely physical problem! If I hadn't pushed to find a good (and young, bright) cardiologist to get some real answers backed up by tests I could participate in and understand, I might actually have been tempted to buy the bogus notion that the problem was either not serious or it was a result of the meds that I actually needed. Hopefully these attitudes will change over time. But in the meantime, I would say we need to get our doctor's attention and not let them tell us that chest pains mean anxiety when we don't feel emotionally anxious at all, and we should not allow non-pdocs to tell us our psych meds are causing anxiety attacks when they don't know our history and individual needs. It's just too easy to head down the wrong path at the detriment of our overall mental, emotional and physcial health because we want answers so badly.
Just don't let some underinformed and overworked non-pdoc tell you that if you were fine one minute, got chest pains etc the next and then started feeling freaked - out that the chest pains are a *result* of anxiety. It's very possible that pain originating in your chest and moving rapidly and painfully to your arms and hands might be one of those things itself that *makes* a person anxious and could well indicate a purely physical issue that you deserve to have investigated seriously by the rest of your care providers. If it's anxiety or panic, you many very well not know WHY you feel anxious or panicky, but odds are you're going to FEEL ANXIOUS emotionally, and usually at least a split second before it hits you physically (for me the first physical sign of panic/anxiety is a quick, terrible sinking feeling in my stomach, and then other symptoms follow. But the emotion is always first.
Sorry to ramble. Just a hard thing to really describe in so many words. - Shandra
> I have been taking Lexapro for about 4 months and have been doing pretty good, but just wondering if any of you can explain your symptoms of anxiety.
>
> My doc said I have a pre-occupation with the fear of puking or passing out in public (true) and thought the Lexapro might calm me. Also I get nervous when I'm sitting in a crowd (like in bleachers at a concert) and I'm not on the aisle -- I don't like being penned in (and mostly have a fear that I might have to puke and can't get out).
>
> But the confusing part of my "anxiety" is that before anything happened to me to trigger an alarm that something might be wrong, I was fine. Then suddenly, out of nowhere, I felt like I was going to pass out, got really light headed, and had a hot flush throughout my whole body. I'm assuming it was a panic attack, but since I never had one I can't be for sure.
>
> Since takig Lexapro, I still have a nagging fear in the back of my head, but it is not foremost in my mind anymore. Also, I've stopped being so obsessive about house cleaning like I was before.
>
> Can anyone give me their experience with fear/panic attacks?
>
> Thanks!
Posted by Scribbler on October 31, 2003, at 8:09:38
In reply to Re: Weird Hot Flashes Prickly Arms, posted by BLKVETTES on October 31, 2003, at 0:18:30
Well, the hot firey flashes and prickly arms and neck persisted through the night. They began around 7 last night and were really bad for about an hour, then were less severe but still frequent. Didn't sleep well because I couldn't figure this out and then around 2 o'clock I remembered: after my shower, before dinner, I used (delicate subject here) some Preparation H in the appropriate place. Once when I'd used that before -- before I went on Lexapro -- I noticed that it made my arms and chest kind of prickly-feeling, like the effect of Immitrex when I took it for migraines, and that was because ( ! ) Prep. H. is a vasoconstrictor. So I got out of bed, checked the tube and it says "ask your doctor or pharmacist before use if you are presently taking a prescription drug for high blood pressure or depression." Well, duh. I sat at my computer for an hour and tried to find something about an interaction but I didn't have my glasses on and the cat on my lap wanted to go back to bed and the Valium I'd taken was beginning to kick in. So here's the question of the day: Anyone else used Prep. H. and noticed any side-effects like this? I can handle the burning/prickles if they're just once in a while...and hate to nit-pick because I've gone through much worse side effects than this BUT I'm mid-way through my 3rd week and didn't expect the surprise. Thanks to those of you who've said you've felt this, too.
Posted by sfmom on October 31, 2003, at 10:51:08
In reply to Re: SEXUAL SIDE EFFEECTS one more thing, posted by BLKVETTES on October 30, 2003, at 0:17:57
Well, what I had been fearing has finally happened. I'm finally getting my sex drive back and now cannot have an orgasm! I made a trip to Good Vibrations (thank goodness it's only two blocks away!) but even my new vib couldn't get me "over the bridge." Could this be only temporary or could this last the whole time I'm on meds??? I'm also taking Klonopin, could this be the culprit? It's also very difficult for my husband, even though he is very understanding he still can't help but to take it a little personally.
Posted by sfmom on October 31, 2003, at 10:53:40
In reply to 10 days on Lex. bye-bye orgasms, posted by sfmom on October 31, 2003, at 10:51:08
I forgot to add that I'm on 10 mg and am supposed to go to 20 in four days. Could that make it worse? better?
Posted by LynneDa on October 31, 2003, at 11:06:02
In reply to 10 days on Lex. bye-bye orgasms, posted by sfmom on October 31, 2003, at 10:51:08
Oh, I can relate! I too am on Lex 10mg at my 11 day mark and the drive is there, but the other part isn't. This is the worst side effect I have and my husband also has issue with it, which just adds stress. He has to work much harder at it for me than he normally does :-). But, I am hoping it will go away eventually? I'll be curious to hear from others.
~Lynne
Posted by Shandra on October 31, 2003, at 11:59:06
In reply to 10 days on Lex. bye-bye orgasms, posted by sfmom on October 31, 2003, at 10:51:08
Regarding Klonapin (clonazapam), I have not experienced any difficulty achieving orgasm, but also (due to the AD's?) had lower interest/drive, so it was less of an issue since I really didn't 'want it' anyway. Hmmmm.
Posted by almondjoy on October 31, 2003, at 17:53:42
In reply to P.S. 10 days on Lex. bye-bye orgasms, posted by sfmom on October 31, 2003, at 10:53:40
I also had problems w/ orgasm when first starting lex (been on it for more than 2 months) and more after an increase to 20mg...its not so bad now, give it time
Posted by sfmom on October 31, 2003, at 19:58:01
In reply to Re: P.S. 10 days on Lex. bye-bye orgasms » sfmom, posted by almondjoy on October 31, 2003, at 17:53:42
> I also had problems w/ orgasm when first starting lex (been on it for more than 2 months) and more after an increase to 20mg...its not so bad now, give it time
It got worse after upping dose? How long after going to 20mg did it start to get better? Sorry for asking such personal questions, you don't have to answer if you're not comfortable, but can you orgasm again? If so, are they "good" or just "okay?" I've heard of people being able to orgasm again but they just weren't the same. Thank you for your help.
Posted by faith on November 1, 2003, at 16:44:06
In reply to Re: stopped lexapro cold turkey (nm) » Dr. Bob, posted by faith on November 1, 2003, at 16:36:50
stopped lexapro after 10 months cold turkey.Some side effects.
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