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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by bill-bob on January 11, 2004, at 19:25:31
In reply to Re: Lexapro and Concentration, posted by KathrynLex on January 10, 2004, at 21:14:47
> Hi Bill,
>
> Did you ever notice an inability to concentrate, or did your concentration begin to improve as soon as you started taking Lex?
>
> K.
Kathryn,I would say it took at least 3-4 weeks. Lack of ability to concentrate was one of my symptoms that prompted my doctor to prescribe the lexapro in the first place. I would agree that one has to be patient - I was a little disappointed when nothing seemed to be happening in the first few weeks (except some side effects), but now at about 6 weeks I do feel better, including the concentration thing. Unfortunately, a decreased libido is a problem for me, but I'll deal with that later - I'm just grateful to be starting to climb out of the deep, miserable funk I was in for many months.
Just keep on keeping on and best of luck to you!
Bill
Posted by Twuffy on January 11, 2004, at 19:36:02
In reply to Re: lexapro side effect -- Dosage ? -- 5mg ?, posted by John2222 on January 10, 2004, at 16:18:11
You have to split them, that is why they are scored. They come in 10 or 20 and my doc started me on 5. Just use a sharp knife and split them. Hope that helps.
Posted by dreaminoftx on January 11, 2004, at 21:30:39
In reply to Re: lexapro side effect -- Dosage ? -- 5mg ?, posted by Twuffy on January 11, 2004, at 19:36:02
I have been taking Lexapro since September. The 10 mg dose did nothing so my doc changed it to 20mg. It made me very sleepy in the afternoon. (I take the dose at night per Dr.'s instructions) On 12/9 she we tried to compensate for the drowsiness by scaling back to 15mg. but this dosage did not work for me so we went back to 20 and I am tired once again. Does this side effect eventually go away? Thanks-
Posted by dk on January 11, 2004, at 21:31:11
In reply to Average Lexapro dosage, posted by ednababish on January 1, 2004, at 9:19:02
> I am wondering how much Lexapro most of you are taking, so please let me know. My psychiatrist pronounced me more depressed than I was admitting to myself the first visit; this second visit she said I needed more because I was still irratable and blue. I have been taking 10mg; she suggested 20mg, but I was concerned because two years ago 40mgs of Celexa was too much for me--I had a spell while teaching a collge class that I thought I was going to pass out. She then suggested 15mgs. Celexa and Lexapro have both made me jittery and a bit panicky until they have been levelled off in my system--but Celexa worked beautifully at 30 mgs two years ago. Any insights on this?
hi - i stumbled over this board, because i had the excact same question as you. 10mg didn't work for me as well, but i was hesistant to double the dose, as i am hesistant towards all kinds of medication. but then i learned that to double the dose doesn't mean that the effects double as well - in fact it works like a hyperbola. i am now taking 20mg a day and feel much better -- i would say my mood increased from 60% to 80% or sometimes even 100%. i was wondering if anybody takes more than 20mg a day?
Posted by Vandy on January 11, 2004, at 22:17:42
In reply to Re: Rediscovering my mind on Lex!, posted by KathrynLex on January 11, 2004, at 12:59:27
Yes, my life had taken a wonderful turn about seven years before I started Lexapro. Fortunately for me I didn't toss it away in the meantime. Lex truly let me find the positives that were in my life already. The depression wouldn't let me enjoy them. Now I can see what was all around me when I was lower than a snake's belly. That's why I try to encourage my fellow sufferers as they deal with the SE's. The light at the end of the tunnel is truly not an oncoming train. It's the light in your life that depression and anxiety hide from you. Lex is a worthy tool to help you rediscover them. And tohelp you get your mind back as well.
> Thank you for the wonderful post Vandy. It's success stories like yours that encourage me to continue taking Lex. I'm glad you've found love again, it sounds like things have taken a wonderful turn in your life. That's wonderful!
Posted by KathrynLex on January 11, 2004, at 22:19:16
In reply to Re: Average Lexapro dosage, posted by dk on January 11, 2004, at 21:31:11
I read a post earlier in the week where some people reported taking 40 mg of Lex. Somebody with a very high tolerance for meds posted saying they take 100 mg.
I'm glad to hear you're having success on the higher dose. My pdoc suggested that I try 20 mg and I'm a little hesitant.
K.
Posted by Journeyman on January 11, 2004, at 22:55:33
In reply to Re: Loosing my mind on Lex? - HELP, posted by KathrynLex on January 10, 2004, at 19:57:59
K,
Hope today was more settled for you. The last thing you need when you're taking medication that deals with anxiety/depression is something else to be anxious about. The symptoms you described would certainly be unsettling and a bit frightening.
Here are a couple of thoughts: since medication affects people differently, boards such as this can be wonderfully helpful and reassuring; especially when others can relate experiences that are similar to our own, or can inspire us to hold out because things may very well change for the better. It may be that it was a blip, an uncomfortable and worrisome blip, but a blip nonetheless, and that like others, the side effects will diminish and then disappear. I certainly hope that's the case.
On the other hand, it may be that your body is not capable of handling Lexapro. Researchers at Stanford have identified a genetic marker that explains why some people can't tolerate certain medications. (see ref. below)
There was a very interesting article in last week's New York Sunday Times magazine about a p/doc who became depressed and then had a very difficult time when taking the medication she had prescribed so often for her own patients. She discontined use of it after four weeks because of the side effects, and the side effects were nothing of the sort you mention. The article is well worth reading. If you don't have it at home, you can probably get it at your local library and photocopy it. It's the Jan. 4, 2004 New York Times Magazine. The articles is on p. 58 and is entitled A Doctor's Toxic Shock. It's written by Nanette Gartrell. If you can't get your hands on a copy locally, you can download it from their website for $2.50. (www.nytimes.com)
In any case, I urge you to discuss the symptoms with your p/doc immediately.
We all want you to be safe, as well as happy.
Peace and comfort to you K.
Richard
Posted by BLKVETTES on January 12, 2004, at 1:06:28
In reply to Re: Losing my mind on Lex? - HELP » KathrynLex, posted by Journeyman on January 11, 2004, at 22:55:33
> K,
>
> Hope today was more settled for you. The last thing you need when you're taking medication that deals with anxiety/depression is something else to be anxious about. The symptoms you described would certainly be unsettling and a bit frightening.
>
> Here are a couple of thoughts: since medication affects people differently, boards such as this can be wonderfully helpful and reassuring; especially when others can relate experiences that are similar to our own, or can inspire us to hold out because things may very well change for the better. It may be that it was a blip, an uncomfortable and worrisome blip, but a blip nonetheless, and that like others, the side effects will diminish and then disappear. I certainly hope that's the case.
>
> On the other hand, it may be that your body is not capable of handling Lexapro. Researchers at Stanford have identified a genetic marker that explains why some people can't tolerate certain medications. (see ref. below)
>
> There was a very interesting article in last week's New York Sunday Times magazine about a p/doc who became depressed and then had a very difficult time when taking the medication she had prescribed so often for her own patients. She discontined use of it after four weeks because of the side effects, and the side effects were nothing of the sort you mention. The article is well worth reading. If you don't have it at home, you can probably get it at your local library and photocopy it. It's the Jan. 4, 2004 New York Times Magazine. The articles is on p. 58 and is entitled A Doctor's Toxic Shock. It's written by Nanette Gartrell. If you can't get your hands on a copy locally, you can download it from their website for $2.50. (www.nytimes.com)
>
> In any case, I urge you to discuss the symptoms with your p/doc immediately.
>
> We all want you to be safe, as well as happy.
>
> Peace and comfort to you K.
>
> RichardI love your post!!!! A lot of interesting studies have come out in the last year. I like the one about brain imaging. They can see these meds working or not working. They found a gene in the brain also that may explain depression in some. They are learning more everyday. Luckly there are billions of dollars to made off these disorders or they wouldnt research at all.
WAYNE
Posted by BLKVETTES on January 12, 2004, at 1:16:33
In reply to Re: Average Lexapro dosage, posted by KathrynLex on January 11, 2004, at 22:19:16
> I read a post earlier in the week where some people reported taking 40 mg of Lex. Somebody with a very high tolerance for meds posted saying they take 100 mg.
>
> I'm glad to hear you're having success on the higher dose. My pdoc suggested that I try 20 mg and I'm a little hesitant.
>
> K.Holy cow a 100mg. of lexapro. Gosh I hope they have insurance or lots of money. Ive always found it odd that pdocs will say 4 to 8 weeks for full benefits. Then raise the dose before that time comes. Even lexapros own site suggests 4 to 6 weeks.
Posted by BLKVETTES on January 12, 2004, at 1:23:58
In reply to Re: Average Lexapro dosage, posted by BLKVETTES on January 12, 2004, at 1:16:33
Posted by jake97tx on January 12, 2004, at 4:12:45
In reply to Re: Average Lexapro dosage, posted by dk on January 11, 2004, at 21:31:11
hi - i stumbled over this board, because i had the excact same question as you. 10mg didn't work for me as well, but i was hesistant to double the dose, as i am hesistant towards all kinds of medication. but then i learned that to double the dose doesn't mean that the effects double as well - in fact it works like a hyperbola. i am now taking 20mg a day and feel much better -- i would say my mood increased from 60% to 80% or sometimes even 100%. i was wondering if anybody takes more than 20mg a day?
Hi,
Yes some take as much as 100 mg, but it's rare. 10-30 mg are the normal ranges. Higher doses usually required for OCD.
Posted by Mrs C. on January 12, 2004, at 7:47:20
In reply to Re: Loosing my mind on Lex? - HELP , posted by sexylexy on January 10, 2004, at 21:09:38
It works. Don't give up yet. 18 days is NOT enough time. You are going through the hardest stage of getting used to the Lex. Make sure that you are drinking alot of water and keeping active. Don't let the lex trick you into thinking that you have to lay around all day. Get up and get busy. Also, when are you taking your med? Right before I go to bed works best for me.I used to feel a little jittery and tired in the am but by afternoon I was usually over it. I never had trouble sleeping doing it that way but sometimes I would wake up a little earlier than I wanted to but that has stopped happening. I know that you will feel better soon, within a week or to probably. Keep in touch. Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs C. on January 12, 2004, at 7:49:45
In reply to Re: Loosing my mind on Lex? - HELP , posted by KathrynLex on January 10, 2004, at 23:16:59
> Hi Lexy,
>
> I'm right there with you. (On day 22 of Lex.) It IS discouraging...but the important thing right now is to wait it out so we can get better! Don't give up yet, at least hang on until 6 weeks have gone by. Mrs. C assures me that we're on the downhill side of things and everything should start to get better soon. There are a lot of people hanging on with you, you're not alone. There are also a lot of people who have been through exactly what we're going through right now, and they're feeling GREAT today. And we'll feel the same way very soon. Hang in there!!
>
> K.Right on girl! Mrs. C
Posted by dreaminoftx on January 12, 2004, at 9:10:25
In reply to Re: Loosing my mind on Lex? - HELP , posted by Mrs C. on January 12, 2004, at 7:49:45
Your messages have helped me so very much to understand that I can get through the side effects with time. The medication has helped me feel so very much better! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by LynneDa on January 12, 2004, at 9:12:47
In reply to Rediscovering my mind on Lex!, posted by Vandy on January 11, 2004, at 1:18:39
Posted by nicky847 on January 12, 2004, at 9:16:20
In reply to Loosing my mind on Lex? - HELP, posted by KathrynLex on January 10, 2004, at 17:15:58
Kathryn-
What you described sounds like a panic attack to me...it is a common symptom of a panic attack to feel like you are about to lose your mind...this is due to arterial constriction which is one of the bodies' fight or flight mechanisms...the body reduces blood flow to the brain and increases blood flow to the limbs so you can fight or run away...
> It's day 22 on 10 mg of Lex. I was out running errands when...I don't know how to describe it...things didn't look familiar. I've lived in this city my entire life, but I didn't quite recognize it this afternoon. It took me a VERY long time to count out the right amount of money for the cashier at the store, I finally had to ask someone next to me if I'd counted it out right. It was a little bit like those feelings of unreality I sometimes get during a panic attack. Has this happened to anyone else, or can you offer some advice? I'm terrified and it feels like I'm loosing my mind.
>
> K.
>
>
Posted by hanging on on January 12, 2004, at 11:15:45
In reply to Re: Loosing my mind on Lex? - HELP , posted by Mrs C. on January 12, 2004, at 7:49:45
just started on 10mg of lex. on day 6. its going a little rough. I think I have had long term depression, but it has been brought to the surface due to recent job insecurity. Was on effexor for about a year in 2001... didn't work well.
Trouble focusing. No end in sight. Will this actually get better? Will I actually feel better? Even if my life situation doesn't improve? thanks for some support.
Posted by ednababish on January 12, 2004, at 13:02:25
In reply to Re: Loosing my mind on Lex? - HELP , posted by hanging on on January 12, 2004, at 11:15:45
> just started on 10mg of lex. on day 6. its going a little rough. I think I have had long term depression, but it has been brought to the surface due to recent job insecurity. Was on effexor for about a year in 2001... didn't work well.
>
> Trouble focusing. No end in sight. Will this actually get better? Will I actually feel better? Even if my life situation doesn't improve? thanks for some support.
You will feel better; you will not feel as hopeless as you did, and you will be able to do more creative problem solving than you were able to prior to the meds. And the little things will be just that--little things. Hang in there and good luck!
Posted by KathrynLex on January 12, 2004, at 13:45:46
In reply to Re: Loosing my mind on Lex? - HELP , posted by hanging on on January 12, 2004, at 11:15:45
The first few weeks are difficult. I found the second week to be the hardest, but the side effects (trouble focusing etc...) start to go away around week 3. There are lots of success stories on this board, which are encouraging to go through and read.
You WILL feel better eventually. The nice thing about the right anti-depressant is that it makes difficult life situations easier to deal with, which makes it easier to improve the things you don't like about your life. Keep us posted on your progress with Lex, I hope it works for you!
K.
Posted by Esmarelda on January 12, 2004, at 14:42:38
In reply to Re: lexapro side effect -- Dosage ? -- 5mg ?, posted by John2222 on January 10, 2004, at 16:18:11
I just split it in half.
Posted by KathrynLex on January 12, 2004, at 17:10:37
In reply to Re: Losing my mind on Lex? - HELP » KathrynLex, posted by Journeyman on January 11, 2004, at 22:55:33
Richard,
Thank you for the wonderful post. Your encouragement lifted my spirits quite a bit.
I enjoyed the NY Times article you recommended. It's interesting how much more sympathetic Ms. Gartrell was towards her patients after experiencing unpleasant side effects on bupropion. Going through something yourself often times does a wonderful job of breeding empathy.
I'm doing much better today, and hope that it was nothing more than a "blip." Again, thank you for the uplifiting post.
K.
>
> Hope today was more settled for you. The last thing you need when you're taking medication that deals with anxiety/depression is something else to be anxious about. The symptoms you described would certainly be unsettling and a bit frightening.
>
> Here are a couple of thoughts: since medication affects people differently, boards such as this can be wonderfully helpful and reassuring; especially when others can relate experiences that are similar to our own, or can inspire us to hold out because things may very well change for the better. It may be that it was a blip, an uncomfortable and worrisome blip, but a blip nonetheless, and that like others, the side effects will diminish and then disappear. I certainly hope that's the case.
>
> On the other hand, it may be that your body is not capable of handling Lexapro. Researchers at Stanford have identified a genetic marker that explains why some people can't tolerate certain medications. (see ref. below)
>
> There was a very interesting article in last week's New York Sunday Times magazine about a p/doc who became depressed and then had a very difficult time when taking the medication she had prescribed so often for her own patients. She discontined use of it after four weeks because of the side effects, and the side effects were nothing of the sort you mention. The article is well worth reading. If you don't have it at home, you can probably get it at your local library and photocopy it. It's the Jan. 4, 2004 New York Times Magazine. The articles is on p. 58 and is entitled A Doctor's Toxic Shock. It's written by Nanette Gartrell. If you can't get your hands on a copy locally, you can download it from their website for $2.50. (www.nytimes.com)
>
> In any case, I urge you to discuss the symptoms with your p/doc immediately.
>
> We all want you to be safe, as well as happy.
>
> Peace and comfort to you K.
>
> Richard
Posted by sexylexy on January 12, 2004, at 21:17:50
In reply to Re: Losing my mind on Lex? - HELP, posted by KathrynLex on January 12, 2004, at 17:10:37
Hi Everyone...
Well I am back out of my comfort zone and back to grad school. Today is day 21 for me on 10mg of Lex and I think most of the side effects are gone except the foggy feeling but it is a little better than it has been so hopefully soon I will start to see some of the more anti depressant effects. I am at the point where the crying spells and hypersensitivity are much, much less. However, I still don't feel like me, I really have not been laughing, joking, smiling and sassy as I once was. I am hoping it is just a matter of time...
Anyway, my question is for those of you who have had a relationship and are on Lex. I have been dating my boyfriend for about a year now. He knew me before I hormone imbalance which has lead me to this only depression I have ever experienced. He stood by me though the worst (and it was pretty bad). Though from my point of few, (we know how depression tricks the mind) I thought he hated me, would be better off without me ect. However, know that I am starting to climb out of the darkness, I am wondering if I can expect my relationship to improve as I get to feeling better. Or what you all experiences with relationships and lex have been. Of course if there were problems before depression, I know that LExapro would not "fix" those, however we were pretty damn happy, his feelings have not changed and he has been a wonderful support for me. I am just wondering if my thinking negitiavley about every little thing will disapate as I become less depressed. Ok sorry this is so long but I would love to hear ya'lls experiences.
Thanks so much for all the other support and advice. I pray for each of you everynight, Good luck and God bless.
Lexy
Posted by hanging on on January 12, 2004, at 21:25:57
In reply to Re: Loosing my mind on Lex? - HELP , posted by KathrynLex on January 12, 2004, at 13:45:46
Thanks for all for the support. I am having real bad upset stomach. No appetite. Should I be concerned with my weight loss? Will my appetite continue and stomach settle?
I didn't expect such a tough time with this drug. Effexor didn't have anything although it didn't seem to work either.
Taking a lot of aprin for headaches. Drinking liquids. I think I need some help sleeping. Any advice on sleeping pills with lexapro?
Please continue your support. I really need it right now to help put one foot in front of the other.
Posted by Forbidden on January 12, 2004, at 21:41:26
In reply to Re: Loosing my mind on Lex? - HELP , posted by hanging on on January 12, 2004, at 21:25:57
I also had some upset stomach, it has pretty much gone away for me now. I am on day 24 @ 10mg per day. I never really lost my apetite, but I'm sure that will pass for you as well. Headaches have also been a problem for me, they are random on when they occur and where it hurts. These seem to be getting better as well though.
Hang in there, this drug is definitely working for me after only a short time. My wife notices marked improvement about my anxiety and obsessing about my health.
> Thanks for all for the support. I am having real bad upset stomach. No appetite. Should I be concerned with my weight loss? Will my appetite continue and stomach settle?
>
> I didn't expect such a tough time with this drug. Effexor didn't have anything although it didn't seem to work either.
>
> Taking a lot of aprin for headaches. Drinking liquids. I think I need some help sleeping. Any advice on sleeping pills with lexapro?
>
> Please continue your support. I really need it right now to help put one foot in front of the other.
>
>
Posted by Forbidden on January 12, 2004, at 21:41:48
In reply to Re: Loosing my mind on Lex? - HELP , posted by hanging on on January 12, 2004, at 21:25:57
I also had some upset stomach, it has pretty much gone away for me now. I am on day 24 @ 10mg per day. I never really lost my apetite, but I'm sure that will pass for you as well. Headaches have also been a problem for me, they are random on when they occur and where it hurts. These seem to be getting better as well though.
Hang in there, this drug is definitely working for me after only a short time. My wife notices marked improvement about my anxiety and obsessing about my health.
> Thanks for all for the support. I am having real bad upset stomach. No appetite. Should I be concerned with my weight loss? Will my appetite continue and stomach settle?
>
> I didn't expect such a tough time with this drug. Effexor didn't have anything although it didn't seem to work either.
>
> Taking a lot of aprin for headaches. Drinking liquids. I think I need some help sleeping. Any advice on sleeping pills with lexapro?
>
> Please continue your support. I really need it right now to help put one foot in front of the other.
>
>
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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