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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by KathrynLex on January 21, 2004, at 13:48:10
In reply to scared and confused, posted by Yogi on January 21, 2004, at 5:37:10
Hi Yogi,
Taking a new drug can be scary. I was uncomfortable about starting lex too. My pdoc prescribed it after I tried Paxil and went through 3 days of horrific side effects that were so bad I couldn't take it on day 4. When I began lex I worried that I'd experience the same kind of nightmare I'd been in on Paxil. But, the side effects of lex have been tolerable. Like all side effects, they're uncomfortable. But they have not been impossible to deal with.
Try taking it for a few weeks at a low dose. Some people start out at 2.5 mg and raise that to 5 mg then 10 mg. This helps your body to adjust to the new med and you might experience fewer side effects this way. You probably want to discuss it with your pdoc if you decide to take it this way, he/she can probably give you the best advice.
For me, waiting through the side effects has been worth it because I'm starting to feel like a normal person again. It might do the same for you, and I encourage you to try it and return to the board for support if you have any problems.
K.
Posted by tiredman on January 21, 2004, at 14:51:56
In reply to Re: Getting desperate. What's the max lex I can take, posted by LynneDa on January 20, 2004, at 13:07:31
Lynn,After about a week, every increase so far has worked. I have never felt great but
"Neutral" is good enough for me. Neutral lasts for about a week (or maybe two)
then I start feeling bad again.If you are having trouble sleeping, talk to your pdoc. I take 50 mg Trazadone
(which is now perscribed more often then sleeping pills) and 2mg Ativan. I sleep
weather my jacked-up brain wants me to or not. I am probably addicted to Ativan
but my pdoc thinks that it is the least of my problems right now.Do you have any idea what is the max. of Lex people are taking on this board?
Hope things work out for you!
Posted by tiredman on January 21, 2004, at 14:59:50
In reply to Re: Getting desperate. What's the max lex I can take » tiredman, posted by Mariposa on January 20, 2004, at 13:38:24
Mariposa,
100!!!!
That's very, very high.That must be a special case. My pdoc says that if 25
doesn't work for me I should start trying other things. I am getting the biggest
dose of all her patients at 25.The brutal thing about this is that every increase from 2.5 mg up to 20 has had
good (albeit short lived results). Every night I go to bed wondering if I will
still feel good in the morning, knowing that sooner or later I will not. It's
torture!
Posted by LynneDa on January 21, 2004, at 15:06:17
In reply to Lynn - Re: Getting desperate. What's the max lex I, posted by tiredman on January 21, 2004, at 14:51:56
> Thanks for your response. I am getting to the point where I need to ask my p-doc for something for the sleep interruptions! I can't really judge if the Lex is working properly if I'm tired all the time.
The max I've heard on this board is 40mg. After that it seems like people start adding other things like Wellbutrin.
Your situation has me curious as to how the brain chemistry/med connection works. Maybe yours is not a serotonin deficiency as much as it is something else? When you think about what an SSRI does - keeps serotonin from leaving your brain so quickly - the nice up must even you out for a short time, but then there must be something else that your brain is lacking or something else that is more quickly depleting your serotonin supply?
I shouldn't play amateur shrink, but I'm trying to think logically why you would respond that way! Or maybe your brain is just resistant to the re-uptake process and needs more Lex. I hope you can discover the solution cuz this is definitely not good for your body :-).
~ Lynne>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
> Lynn,
>
> After about a week, every increase so far has worked. I have never felt great but
> "Neutral" is good enough for me. Neutral lasts for about a week (or maybe two)
> then I start feeling bad again.
>
> If you are having trouble sleeping, talk to your pdoc. I take 50 mg Trazadone
> (which is now perscribed more often then sleeping pills) and 2mg Ativan. I sleep
> weather my jacked-up brain wants me to or not. I am probably addicted to Ativan
> but my pdoc thinks that it is the least of my problems right now.
>
> Do you have any idea what is the max. of Lex people are taking on this board?
>
> Hope things work out for you!
>
Posted by Mrs C. on January 21, 2004, at 15:31:11
In reply to Re: scared and confused » Yogi, posted by LynneDa on January 21, 2004, at 9:25:53
Yogi, I absolutely agree with Lynda. Noone wants to be on medication but sometimes that medication can make an incredible difference in your life. I suffered with my emotional problems for years before I finally admitted there was a problem and that I needed treatment. I am so glad I did. My doctor tried to prescribe meds for me years ago and I laughed. I thought that I wasn't in need of help. So I let the problems go on and on until I literally could not stand them any longer. Lex has changed my life. In the end the decision is up to you but do not let fear hold you back. Nothing in this life is easy but with the help of family, friends and us I believe that you won't be sorry. Good Luck to you no matter what you decide. Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs C. on January 21, 2004, at 15:32:44
In reply to Re: scared and confused, posted by Gaza on January 21, 2004, at 10:24:37
Yogi, I forgot to add that I too suffered from OCD. Mrs. C
Posted by Yogi on January 21, 2004, at 15:42:48
In reply to Re: scared and confused » Yogi, posted by LynneDa on January 21, 2004, at 9:25:53
Lynne, Gaza, Sexylexy, Kathryn and Mrs. C,
Thanks so very much to each of you. Thanks for your kind, thoughtful and positive words. Trust me, I needed to read these today. Also, thanks so much for offering future support.
Posted by Gaza on January 21, 2004, at 15:51:26
In reply to Re: scared and confused, posted by Mrs C. on January 21, 2004, at 15:31:11
Man Mrs C., that's what I did. I absolutely couldn't take it any more. I suffered with it for 2 years - my chemical imbalance came on from a severe sickness in December 2001. Since then, I was in a depression / pit I simply couldn't get out of. I fought with everything I had for 2 years until I had to admit that there was no way I was going to survive it. I could not go another day. It was over. That's when I called my doctor, & lex is what she prescribed.
You ever see these 3 feet high or so funnel things where you put a penny in the top and it spirals around the circumference of the funnel as it winds toward the bottom? That's what I was in, and I was at the bottom, and the pain of the severe! depression finially, after 2 years, was more than I could live thru any more, and that's not rhetoric.
We're here when you need us. Push on, and hang out at this board.
Gaza
>
> I suffered with my emotional problems for years before I finally admitted there was a problem and that I needed treatment. I am so glad I did. I let the problems go on and on until I literally could not stand them any longer.
Posted by Marietta on January 21, 2004, at 16:40:38
In reply to Re: Mornings are so hard on lexapro, posted by Steve3211 on January 20, 2004, at 12:12:03
I am on day 28 ---- of 10mg of Lex. Altough the insomnia s/e are better, I STILL only get about 4-5 hrs sleep in a row on a good night (with help of Tylenon PM). When do u take your Lex? I take my about 11:30 or noon. I started it in the PM when first prescribed.....but was told AM might be better? How bout you?
Posted by Steve3211 on January 21, 2004, at 16:41:14
In reply to Special Effects, posted by Journeyman on January 20, 2004, at 22:19:38
> Mrs. C
>
> You're not alone. Tomorrow marks two months that I've been taking 5 mg. of Lexapro and side effects are not a significant problem for me, but they are there, nonetheless.
>
> They include:
>
> Weight gain -(I don't know where everybody's missing socks have gone, but the weight they've lost has been found. By some technological quirk, I seem to have absorbed it through digital contact with my laptop's keyboard). Am thinking of offsetting med. costs by securing sponsorship from Michelin.
>
> Lightheadedness - it's almost a pleasant 'buzz,' but since it isn't normally there, I'd prefer not to have it.
>
> Napmongoring - I don't experience any of the morning drowsiness that many folks mention, or clouded thinking. In fact, I'm pretty chipper until the early afternoon, at which point I often want nothing more than to drift off to lala land for an hour or two.
>
> Wired for Business - Whether I nap or not, I'm running on high octane from about 4 pm to around midnight.
>
> Upset stomach - not bad, but it comes around every once in a while, and since I basically have a cast-iron quality stomach, I know it's not from something I've eaten.
>
> Diarrhea - Ditto.
>
> It's just a reminder that people have different physical responses to the drug (no surprise there).
>
> I'll take the mild on-again/off-again medicine symptoms over the oppressive heaviness of depression anyday (or night).
>
> Peace to you and all,
>
> Richard
>
Richard,
Do you find that 5mg is enough? I have been at 5mg for a month now and find that I am feeling really quite a bit better although I still suffer from side effects of the Lex similar to you. Did you find that you lost weight at first? I do not seem to want to eat a whole lot during the morning although my appetite has been improving. I have found that trying to go up to 7.5mg is really pretty rough as far as side effects go. My doc thinks 5 mg is not enough but I am unconvinced. The Lexapro biulds up in your sytem anyway doesn't it? Just more slowly. Thanks-Steve
Posted by sexylexy on January 21, 2004, at 16:50:49
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects - COCOHONEYNUT pls read » Mariposa, posted by cocohoneynut on January 20, 2004, at 20:14:02
Hey Ya'll
First of all let me say what a great support all you have been for me though my first month of lex. I am just so thankful for you all!
Of course I have two more questions for you all who are a bit more lexapro experienced than myself. I know it is different for everyone what would you all think is a proper amount of time to give lex to get "in your system". I do feel I am for sure feeling better, noticed myself singing along with the radio.. like we always say, its the little things. Anyway I was thinking letting the lex ride for about 8 or 9 weeks before considering a up dose. I feel better but not yet like me, this also maybe because I am still not confident that the bad feelings will not return. Sorry for be so long winded but ya'll are just so wonderful!!!!!!!!!
Lexy
Posted by LynneDa on January 21, 2004, at 16:59:41
In reply to What and When of Lexapro, posted by sexylexy on January 21, 2004, at 16:50:49
Hi Lexy - glad to hear you're singing again! In my opinion, I would say 8 weeks should be enough. That seems to be what most people have said - and it's what my p-doc recommended. BUT, that's not to say you won't continue improving at that same dosage after the 8-week mark!
I guess that's not really an answer, is it?!?! Here's a more quantifiable one: I knew I was sliding at 8 weeks and had to do something because I felt anxious & angry, thought my obsessive thoughts and felt bad about myself for at least 2 periods per day for an entire week. I knew it wasn't just a bad day or even week cuz it felt out of my control to stop the feelings and anxiety. I couldn't brush them off.
If you're in doubt, examine how you feel and then look at how you deal with those feelings. Are you able to push them off on your own? How often do you feel that way? Are there triggers that would be "normal" causes for you to feel that way or are they undefinable and even irrational (as mine usually were!)?
Hope that helps! Have a good evening everyone!
~ Lynne
Posted by sexylexy on January 21, 2004, at 17:07:04
In reply to scared and confused, posted by Yogi on January 21, 2004, at 5:37:00
Yogi~
Don't cry!! Taking a drug is such a scary thing, the first time my Dr. prescribed me a drug it was Wellburtin the was a GP that prescribed it for me, my sypmtom was anxiety and the genious gave me a simulant. I literally took 1 pill and sat in my bed shaking for a day. Then it was Zoloft which made me like comatose. Then on to Lexapro. I sat there with the pill in my hand for an hour, put it away, took it out, put it away ect. Finally I took the pill, I am on week 4 1/2 and am really glad I took the pill. I am not where I want to be but it is much easier to keep my mind quiet. Like I said in a post today, I caught myself singing along with the radio. Anyway, the only lex side effect I have had was a little spaciness which is getting better. Good luck whatever you do.
Lexy
Posted by KathrynLex on January 21, 2004, at 17:26:54
In reply to Re: Mornings are so hard on lexapro, posted by Marietta on January 21, 2004, at 16:40:38
Hi Marietta,
I'm on day 33 of 10 mg lex. It wasn't until about day 25 that I got a full night of sleep. You might begin sleeping better in the next week or so, I know it's awful trying to function on only 4 or 5 hours of rest. I hope you begin sleeping well soon.
K.
Posted by Mariposa on January 21, 2004, at 18:22:36
In reply to Mariposer- Re: Getting desperate. What's the max l, posted by tiredman on January 21, 2004, at 14:59:50
> Mariposa,
>
> 100!!!!
> That's very, very high.That must be a special case. My pdoc says that if 25
> doesn't work for me I should start trying other things. I am getting the biggest
> dose of all her patients at 25.
>
> The brutal thing about this is that every increase from 2.5 mg up to 20 has had
> good (albeit short lived results). Every night I go to bed wondering if I will
> still feel good in the morning, knowing that sooner or later I will not. It's
> torture!Cletus2 says *he* is taking 100mg, doesn't come around often.
Consider this - I went to gyn doc who prescribed Lex, he said start out at 5mg. Around week 4 I felt it wasn't working so well and convinced him I needed 10mg. Around month 5 same thing happens and he refuses to give me a higher dose. I go to a pdoc, tell him what's up and he ups dose to 20mg. I'm worried about the same happening again in a few months and ask about higher doses, he tells me it's possible and that he has several patients taking 30 and 40mg. Point being if your doc won't work w/you maybe it's time to find another doc? I really felt like the Lex was working and both times the increase in dose has brought that feeling back.~~~8|8
Posted by vandy on January 21, 2004, at 20:53:29
In reply to Re: Mornings are so hard on lexapro, posted by Mariposa on January 19, 2004, at 12:33:44
You're so smart! I'm going to try that but I already know it will work. It's brilliant! It's Newton's First Law! I'm going to get into motion. Thanks!
> > Don't give in to those feelings. Yes, you will feel better. Now that your side effects are getting better it is only a matter of time before you start to feel emotionally strong again. There seemed to be a little amount of time for me between feeling less side effects and actually feeling like the med was working. Maybe about 1-2 weeks. What you're feeling in the mornings is common and will change soon. Keep the faith! Mrs. C
>
> I agree...Try not to listen to your brain and just get the body MOVING and you will be surprised at how quickly those feelings will evaporate. Now when my alarm goes off I just get up, it has become SO much easier. I used to open my eyes and immediately think about calling in, but not anymore. Hang in there and this will get better!~~~8|8
>
Posted by vandy on January 21, 2004, at 21:03:26
In reply to The Joy of Lex, posted by Journeyman on January 20, 2004, at 22:49:34
"Doctor, I think there's something wrong with my penis!"
Said the doctor, "Does it burn when you pee through it?"
" I don't know. I never tried to light it!"
> And speaking of side effects, this little gem is from a book called "Disorder in the Court," a collection of actual court transcriptions.
> I imagine the defendant as someone who's taking Lexapro, with less than satisfactory results in the sex dept.
>
> Q: Are you sexually active?
> A: No, I just lie there.
>
>
> Laughter's the best medicine. Lightheartedness to us all.
>
> Journeyman
>
Posted by Journeyman on January 21, 2004, at 21:05:27
In reply to Re: Special EffectsRichard, posted by Steve3211 on January 21, 2004, at 16:41:14
Hi Steve,
Knock on wood, I've found 5 mg to be sufficient. It has really lightened the black, oppressive, cloudy heaviness that I had been feeling. It has somehow done this without inhibiting my ability to think clearly or feel a full emotional range. Far from being numbed, I'm much more able to focus on issues, people, and thoughts and enjoy them more. My stomach currently hurts, but it's because I spent so much time today laughing with my 2.5-year-old daughter.
You asked, "Did you find you lost weight at first?" If by at first, you meant when I was born, the answer is yes. Most babies lose a few ounces during their first week in the great outdoors. If, however, you meant since I began taking Lexapro, no. I have had neither loss of appetite nor loss of weight. I've gained quite a lot of weight, but I had been on an upward/outward trend for some time before I began taking Lex. Frankly, I'm not too concerned. I would much rather be a jolly Santa temporarily than an anorexic Grinch. Diet and exercise will deal with that over the longer term.
I've wondered about the whole buildup in the system idea. That's the only reason I could come up with for a return of the symptoms I'd experienced early on.
Re: your question about morning & appetite...I've found that my food yearnings are pretty consistent, it doesn't matter the time of day. I would fit into the eating regimen of a hobbit very well at the moment. Breakfast is still one of my three favorite meals (if you don't include snacks, elevenses, in-between meals, afternoon tea, etc.)
I'm hoping I can keep the dosage on the lower side by using it as a supplement to an otherwise healty lifestyle, which includes therapy, exercise, socialization, reading, etc.
Good luck with your own journey Steve - and if you're ever in the vicinity, let's do lunches.
Richard
Posted by KathrynLex on January 21, 2004, at 23:14:47
In reply to Lexoloading » Steve3211, posted by Journeyman on January 21, 2004, at 21:05:27
Lexoloading...is that like carbo loading? If carbs are your goal, Richard, you're on the right track with the Kripy Kremes.
K.
Posted by COOP on January 22, 2004, at 7:41:30
In reply to Re: scared and confused, posted by Mrs C. on January 21, 2004, at 15:31:11
Hi
Go to this sight for more information.
I am on the meds for 10 weeks, 20mg aday.
It took me 8 weeks before the meds worked.
Best og luck
Joel
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/anxiety/panicmenu.cfm
Posted by Mariposa on January 22, 2004, at 8:30:48
In reply to Lexoloading » Steve3211, posted by Journeyman on January 21, 2004, at 21:05:27
Hi Steve, just wanted to comment on this also.
My pdoc explained that Lex does take a while for your body to adjust. The liver makes enzymes that break down Lex. At first when you just start, the liver is producing at a lower rate. You keep taking the same dose, and the liver *ramps up* (his words) production until it can handle the Lex dose. That's when you start to feel like the med isn't working so well anymore. So you increase the dose of Lex and the liver goes through another adjustment, and on and on. I guess some peoples livers are more obstinate than others, thats why a 10mg dose will work for one person but another person needs 30mg.
Posted by poddy j. fries on January 22, 2004, at 9:23:13
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
Have developed gout since being on Lexapro 10mg.daily for past 3 months. Also, sweet foods taste very salty. Is this common? thanks.
Posted by BLKVETTES on January 22, 2004, at 10:39:19
In reply to Re: What and When of Lexapro, posted by LynneDa on January 21, 2004, at 16:59:41
> Hi Lexy - glad to hear you're singing again! In my opinion, I would say 8 weeks should be enough. That seems to be what most people have said - and it's what my p-doc recommended. BUT, that's not to say you won't continue improving at that same dosage after the 8-week mark!
>
> I guess that's not really an answer, is it?!?! Here's a more quantifiable one: I knew I was sliding at 8 weeks and had to do something because I felt anxious & angry, thought my obsessive thoughts and felt bad about myself for at least 2 periods per day for an entire week. I knew it wasn't just a bad day or even week cuz it felt out of my control to stop the feelings and anxiety. I couldn't brush them off.
>
> If you're in doubt, examine how you feel and then look at how you deal with those feelings. Are you able to push them off on your own? How often do you feel that way? Are there triggers that would be "normal" causes for you to feel that way or are they undefinable and even irrational (as mine usually were!)?
>
> Hope that helps! Have a good evening everyone!
> ~ LynneI think you explained that nicely!!!!!! I agree she hasnt got the full benefits of lexapro yet. But her singing is a good sign it may be working.
WAYNE
Posted by nicky847 on January 22, 2004, at 10:58:52
In reply to Re: What and When of Lexapro, posted by BLKVETTES on January 22, 2004, at 10:39:19
Lexy-
I have to say that I disagree when I read stuff about getting "the full benefits" of Lexapro or any other antidepressant after 8 weeks...having been on Celexa for a year and a half I think that 8 weeks is just the beginning of getting the full benefits..b/c at that point you begin to finally feel well enough to begin living your life again..and find new things that make you happy...i feel i continued to benefit from Celexa LONG after the 8 week mark..Remember anxiety and depression is a learned behavior..and it takes time to unlearn it..if you are treating it properly the longer you undergo treatment the further those learned behaviors fade..
> > Hi Lexy - glad to hear you're singing again! In my opinion, I would say 8 weeks should be enough. That seems to be what most people have said - and it's what my p-doc recommended. BUT, that's not to say you won't continue improving at that same dosage after the 8-week mark!
> >
> > I guess that's not really an answer, is it?!?! Here's a more quantifiable one: I knew I was sliding at 8 weeks and had to do something because I felt anxious & angry, thought my obsessive thoughts and felt bad about myself for at least 2 periods per day for an entire week. I knew it wasn't just a bad day or even week cuz it felt out of my control to stop the feelings and anxiety. I couldn't brush them off.
> >
> > If you're in doubt, examine how you feel and then look at how you deal with those feelings. Are you able to push them off on your own? How often do you feel that way? Are there triggers that would be "normal" causes for you to feel that way or are they undefinable and even irrational (as mine usually were!)?
> >
> > Hope that helps! Have a good evening everyone!
> > ~ Lynne
>
> I think you explained that nicely!!!!!! I agree she hasnt got the full benefits of lexapro yet. But her singing is a good sign it may be working.
> WAYNE
>
>
>
Posted by LynneDa on January 22, 2004, at 11:08:51
In reply to Re: What and When of Lexapro, posted by nicky847 on January 22, 2004, at 10:58:52
> Thanks for reminding me that depression/anxiety is a learned behavior as well as a chemically-perpetuated/reinforced one. I was in counseling for YEARS trying to unlearn some of my behaviors, without much success (& without meds). I realized I needed meds to get myself to a positive enough mind-set that I could work on my behaviors.
Now that I'm feeling better, I need to get back to the "work" side of it. It seems overwhelming to start digging into the why's and wherefore's of my damaging behaviors, but I guess it's time!
I guess the meds will make some of these behaviors fade, but aren't there some that need to be picked apart & consciously examined to delete them from our behavioral repertoires?
~ Lynne
Lexy-
> I have to say that I disagree when I read stuff about getting "the full benefits" of Lexapro or any other antidepressant after 8 weeks...having been on Celexa for a year and a half I think that 8 weeks is just the beginning of getting the full benefits..b/c at that point you begin to finally feel well enough to begin living your life again..and find new things that make you happy...i feel i continued to benefit from Celexa LONG after the 8 week mark..
>
> Remember anxiety and depression is a learned behavior..and it takes time to unlearn it..if you are treating it properly the longer you undergo treatment the further those learned behaviors fade..
>
> > > Hi Lexy - glad to hear you're singing again! In my opinion, I would say 8 weeks should be enough. That seems to be what most people have said - and it's what my p-doc recommended. BUT, that's not to say you won't continue improving at that same dosage after the 8-week mark!
> > >
> > > I guess that's not really an answer, is it?!?! Here's a more quantifiable one: I knew I was sliding at 8 weeks and had to do something because I felt anxious & angry, thought my obsessive thoughts and felt bad about myself for at least 2 periods per day for an entire week. I knew it wasn't just a bad day or even week cuz it felt out of my control to stop the feelings and anxiety. I couldn't brush them off.
> > >
> > > If you're in doubt, examine how you feel and then look at how you deal with those feelings. Are you able to push them off on your own? How often do you feel that way? Are there triggers that would be "normal" causes for you to feel that way or are they undefinable and even irrational (as mine usually were!)?
> > >
> > > Hope that helps! Have a good evening everyone!
> > > ~ Lynne
> >
> > I think you explained that nicely!!!!!! I agree she hasnt got the full benefits of lexapro yet. But her singing is a good sign it may be working.
> > WAYNE
> >
> >
> >
>
>
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