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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by KathrynLex on February 1, 2004, at 17:05:27
In reply to Feb 1 2004 - Ajax About to Start Lexapro, posted by ajax on February 1, 2004, at 16:08:53
Hi Ajax,
I've been on Lexapro for about 6 wks now and have had very positive results. It's really done wonders for my anxiety/depression and I'm quite grateful for that.
Before I suggest anything, I want to wish you luck with Lexapro. I hope you find some of the following advice useful.
1. If you're very sensitive to meds, start with a small dose such as 5 mg or 2.5 mg.
2. If you encounter some uncomfortable side effects remember that they are temporary. (Mine went away after 3-4 weeks.)
3. Lexapro can make some people a little more anxious than usual during the first few weeks that they take it. Lorazepam, Xanax or Klonopin can help with that.
4. Insomnia is something else you might experience during the first few weeks. A lot of people have found Tylenol PM or Benedryl to be a good over-the-counter option to help combat insomnia.
6. Be patient. For some people Lexapro takes a while to kick in. Give it at least 6 weeks before you give up on it. (But listen to your body. If the side effects are too intense, it may not be the right med for you.)
7. Come back to this message board. There are a lot of supportive people here who have been through what you're experiencing right now. Sometimes it just helps to know that you're not alone.
Remember that meds effect everyone differently, but I hope that Lexapro helps you through your difficulties.
K.
Posted by sexylexy on February 1, 2004, at 18:20:15
In reply to Feb 1 2004 - Ajax About to Start Lexapro, posted by ajax on February 1, 2004, at 16:08:53
Hi Ajax,
I have been on lexapro a little over six weeks now. I am feeling better but not great. I am on 10mg and hoping to stay at that dosage.
As to side effects I had a foggy head for a few weeks and some sensitivity to light which also is mostly gone. I have noticed a delay in my orgasm but I still have desire and can still get there. Good luck, take it slow and listen to your body.
Lexy
Posted by Simus on February 1, 2004, at 18:24:22
In reply to Re: Question about Increasing, posted by Mrs C. on February 1, 2004, at 15:24:43
>My primary care doc diagnosed me and presribed the lex. I am thinking that I may benefit from seeing someone trained in psychology. I'm thinking about mentioning it to her when I go back. Any thoughts?
I would strongly recommend seeing a psychiatrist. Your family doctor may be very good, but psychiatrists only deal with these issues and are up to date on the latest treatments.
Posted by sexylexy on February 1, 2004, at 18:24:57
In reply to Re: Question about Increasing, posted by Mrs C. on February 1, 2004, at 15:24:43
Hey K
I am just writing to check up and see how increasing the dose has treated you. I am still feeling up and down but feel as though I may be in an upward swing. Still think I am going to keep on 10mg for 9 weeks before upping if at all. Hoping your doing well and would love to hear about your attitude and out look on life since the increase!
lexy
Posted by sexylexy on February 1, 2004, at 18:30:49
In reply to Re: Question about Increasing » Mrs C., posted by Simus on February 1, 2004, at 18:24:22
Hi Mrs. C
Hope you had a good weekend, mine was pretty good. I am still up and down but feel like my highs are getting a little higher.
I have seen a Psychiatrist (Pdoc)only once and I thought she was an idiot. I have not returned to another one but will go on a hunt for a well respected one if I decide to increase my dose in a few weeks. If you decide to see one do your homework. Many Dr. become pdocs because it is easier than other medical fields. However, there are good ones out there just make sure you get referals, if there is a college in your town, you may want to call their counseling center and have someone there refer you. Also I have found that it helps to have a doc. who is the same sex because they can better understand PMDD ect. Good luck and God bless!
Lexy
Posted by KathrynLex on February 1, 2004, at 18:41:27
In reply to Kathrynlex, posted by sexylexy on February 1, 2004, at 18:24:57
Hi Lexy,
It's good to hear that you're feeling a little better and I really hope that your mood continues to improve.
Increasing hasn't been as bad as I thought it would be. I'm a little more tired than usual but haven't encountered any other side effects. That's probably because I'm taking 15 mg for 2 wks before going up to 20 mg.
It's only been 3 days since I upped the dose. I'm guessing it will be a little while before I notice any changes in my mood (more waiting, uggg!) but I promise to keep you posted.
K.
Posted by terrics on February 1, 2004, at 21:19:03
In reply to Re: Question about Increasing, posted by Mrs C. on February 1, 2004, at 15:24:43
Hi Mrs.C, if you are really in psych trouble I would consider a psychiatrist. If you get a decent one they can do wonders with meds. If the meds the GP is giving you are working then I wouldn't worry about it right now. Good luck. terrics
Posted by weky on February 1, 2004, at 23:19:21
In reply to Lexapro Withdrawal Dizziness/Tingling/Numbness?!, posted by CR on January 8, 2004, at 16:16:47
I tapered off 10 mg Lexapro to 5mg for 2 weeks then 2.5mg for 1 week, and now I've been off for 1 week and 1 day now. I tapered off (and I'm assuming that schedule was OK), and yet I, too, am still getting severe dizziness and headaches. I imagine yours may be worse than mine since you didn't taper, but I do understand the frustration of the withdrawal symptoms still going on. I thought mine would be at least getting better after a week (especially b/c I tapered), but it's not. That's horrible that you're still experiencing them 2 weeks later. I've been told it could take up to a month for the withdrawal effects to go away. I guess it depends on the person. But know that you are not alone in wondering why these withdrawal symptoms aren't getting better. If you learn any info regarding this, let me know as well, as I want mine to go away as much as you want yours to, and wonder if this really is OK...
> I discontinued Lexapro (10mg/day) cold turkey about 2 weeks ago. STILL getting severe dizziness in the left hemisphere in my brain with tingling and numbness of my extremeites. Is this normal for these syptoms to continue for so long? They are not decreasign in intensity at all. Anyone else have experience wtih this?
> Thanks!
> CR
Posted by Mrs C. on February 2, 2004, at 8:11:13
In reply to Re: Question about Increasing Mrs.C, posted by sexylexy on February 1, 2004, at 18:30:49
Thanks, I am definetly considering it. I feel that there is some behaviors I have that need to be corrected. Lex is great but it can't accomplish everything. At least it has made me realize that I may need some extra help. Thanks to everyone for their input, I am so lucky to have you all! Mrs. C
Posted by ednababish on February 2, 2004, at 8:58:26
In reply to Re: Question about Increasing, posted by Mrs C. on February 1, 2004, at 15:24:43
Mrs. C--I would definitely see a pdoc because a primary care physician does not know everything about SSRI medications. Pretty much all a pdoc does (and has time to do) is assess and prescribe medications. I would also take the opportunity to see one of the office's assigned therapists so that your care is more holistic. Depression is a biological disorder, but your environment and your coping mechanisms (mostly trained into us from an early age) can be adjusted to your benefit. Good luck!
Edna Babish
Posted by LynneDa on February 2, 2004, at 9:14:54
In reply to Re: Ladies on lex (Lepus)/my update/PMS changes, posted by sip on January 31, 2004, at 2:26:38
Hi Sip - It's good to read what you've written, thank you so much for sharing your story. I can really relate to all of your symptoms and progress! After 2 months at 10mg and then 2 more months at 20 mg, my lingering s/e's are sleepiness and the orgasm issue. I will be very interested to hear about your trial with gingko biloba.
Have a good week!
~ Lynne
Posted by Esmarelda on February 2, 2004, at 10:48:13
In reply to Re: dosages? » LynneDa, posted by Linda P. on January 30, 2004, at 10:39:22
I can certainly relate to the "if I run fast enough, it won't catch me" syndrom. For any who may be interested. I started adding 150 mg of Wellbutrin to the 20 mg Lex about a month or so ago and it has really worked wonders. I feel normal again. I am not tired in the mornings, I am excited about my job and my life and feel like a new person. I wish I didn't have to take drugs to feel "normal", but if I do, thank you God, you gave someone the smarts to invent them!
Posted by KathrynLex on February 2, 2004, at 13:44:15
In reply to Re: dosages? » Linda P., posted by Esmarelda on February 2, 2004, at 10:48:13
Hi,
Today is day 4 on 15 mg. I'm slowly increasing to 20 mg. Last night I woke up feeling a bit anxious but was able to fall right back asleep. (Does anybody know why Lex can make you feel anxious?) Aside from being tired and waking up in mild sweats, I haven't encountered a lot of side effects.
K.
Posted by sexylexy on February 2, 2004, at 13:51:20
In reply to Re: Question about Increasing » Mrs C., posted by terrics on February 1, 2004, at 21:19:03
Hey Ya'll
I am wondering for you who have been taking lexapro for a while and are seeing the benefits could tell me how you realized you were *happy* again. Most people seem to be doing better about week 8 or week 9 and continue to see improvements from then.
I am on week 6 and 1/2. I feel like for a few hours I will be feeling pretty good then hours later feeling bad again. I am hoping that this medication will give me a long enough good so that I can forget (and stop the worry) to feel bad and move on from there. Isn't that what the medication is supposed to do?
Its hard because yesterday I was writing about how I was feeling a bit better. Have you all experienced a consecutive good? I am not saying feeling wonderful and never experiening sad day, that is not life, nor would I want it to be. I just want to be able to go from A (feeling good) to M (being sad) with out having to fall from A to Z.
So all this long windedness is to ask about ya'lls transition into "good". Thanks.
God Bless,
Lexy
Posted by KathrynLex on February 2, 2004, at 14:54:35
In reply to low on lexapro, posted by sexylexy on February 2, 2004, at 13:51:20
Hi Lexy,
I'm really sorry to hear that you're not feeling better yet. It doesn't seem like too much to ask to be happy.
Have you discussed any of this with your pdoc? Maybe he/she would have some suggestions for you such as increasing your dose or adding Wellbutrin to the mix.
I know you're not crazy about the idea of taking more/different meds. I wasn't thrilled about increasing, but it's much better than the alternative of feeling anxious/depressed all the time.
You're in my prayers.
K.
Posted by Esmarelda on February 2, 2004, at 15:06:22
In reply to low on lexapro, posted by sexylexy on February 2, 2004, at 13:51:20
Lexy - Read my previous post. I added Wellbutrin about a month ago and feel great. Lexapro actually worked wonders when I first started and also feel good for one day, feel bad the next for a while. I had to up the dosage first from 10 -15 after a couple months and then to 20 mgs after another couple months. I really like the new combo. Hate the fact I have to take drugs ... but so much better to be able to function. I couldn't even get out of bed 6 months ago.
Posted by LynneDa on February 2, 2004, at 15:15:57
In reply to low on lexapro, posted by sexylexy on February 2, 2004, at 13:51:20
Hi Lexy - I understand your concern. I'm really glad to hear you had a good weekend.
Someone once mentioned that being depressed is a learned behavior. I take that to mean that once you've been depressed for awhile, your behaviors, attitudes and outlooks become ingrained, habitual. Therefore, even though the medication removes the chemical barriers to feeling depressed, there are still the behavioral and cognitive barriers that we may have to work on.
That's one train of thought. Another is that our body's chemistry is not consistent and even. It changes daily depending on what & when we eat, how & when we sleep, the weather, what we have to accomplish, etc.
My third thought for you is that you may not feel wholly good until you're back in your home surroundings with the people who love you! And that feeling is normal and would happen to anyone, depressed or not :-).
It's been a gradual thing for me - you will feel better for a larger percentage of the day as time goes on. But, those percentage leaps may be quick for a few weeks and then slow down for a few weeks.
For my part, I have moments and hours when I am so up, energetic, talk too much, am way too friendly to people, etc. And it feels sort of chemically-induced. There are other times when I just need to be by myself to re-energize - and that is not like me, I've never felt that need before. So, even at 15 weeks, I still don't feel like I'm "cured" and happy all the time (within realistic expectations, I mean). But, I feel like my upping to 20mg worked, because the times when I don't feel really up aren't as bad as they were a couple of months ago. I feel calm and in control of my emotions the majority of the time.
I had a little blow-up with my husband over the weekend and it's so hard for me to judge whether I was being rational or not! I don't trust my judgment like I used to - is it depression or PMS or do I have a legitimate gripe here?
Hope you don't feel like I just gave a lecture!! Just know I have your same concerns, but being a couple of months further along, I think you will feel better about things as time goes on. Hang in there, girl!
~ Lynne
Posted by KathrynLex on February 2, 2004, at 16:55:12
In reply to low on lexapro, posted by sexylexy on February 2, 2004, at 13:51:20
Hi Lexy,
I found an old post from Mariposa that you might be interested in:
I have no experience with anything but Lex....and Lex can take 6-8 weeks until you begin to feel *benefits*. I had a long list of very intense side effects starting @ 5mg, most of which subsided by 4th week, increased to 10mg at 5th wk. I did not know for sure Lex was working until week 9. I had bouts of deep depression and anxiety around weeks 4-5, and general blah feeling wk 6-8.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
It's frustrating that Lex takes so long to be effective. But at least you know that even though they had to wait a little while, others have had positive benefits with Lex.
K.
Posted by lepus on February 2, 2004, at 18:53:49
In reply to Re: low on lexapro, posted by KathrynLex on February 2, 2004, at 16:55:12
After about 30 days on 5mg of Lex my doctor upped it to 10mg today. I am rather scared about it because I feel like it has been making me a little manic (I have BPII or so they say). It hasn't been a pleasant manic either, more of a "I want to run until my legs fall off" or just generally feeling unpleasant in my own skin. However I am also pretty depressed so...I don't know. I am afraid of what happened with my menstrual cycle too and that that will happen again this month even worse being on a higher dosage. I guess we will see.
Is anyone else on this BP?
Posted by Mrs C. on February 2, 2004, at 19:23:04
In reply to Re: Question about Increasing, posted by ednababish on February 2, 2004, at 8:58:26
Thanks! Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs C. on February 2, 2004, at 19:28:02
In reply to low on lexapro, posted by sexylexy on February 2, 2004, at 13:51:20
Lexy, yes I know exactly what you are talking about. Some days I felt as though I was finally "better" and other days I wasn't. When you feel happy again, you will know it. Trust me. I can tell by the tone of your post that you are really struggling with this and I am sorry that you are still so conflicted. I am praying for you and hoping that the good times come soon. If not, you know that there is always the option of increasing as many of our friends on this board have. Keep the faith. Mrs. C
Posted by happyK on February 2, 2004, at 20:48:21
In reply to Night sweats and Lexapro, posted by newuser2 on January 23, 2003, at 8:39:29
Hi. I have been on Lexapro now for about 7 weeks and for the last two nights have woken up in a cold clammy sweat. My sheets and pajamas soaked. I got on here to check and see if others had this problem from Lex and it appears so. Thanks for everyone's comments.
Have any of you stopped Lex and how did you do so. I'm taking 20mg. Thanks
Posted by Nemo2 on February 2, 2004, at 21:25:27
In reply to low on lexapro, posted by sexylexy on February 2, 2004, at 13:51:20
Hi Lexy,
I empathize with your concerns about knowing when happiness arrives for you. I'm on week 3 1/2 and I sensed an upswing in my "average" mood on about day 5 of the first week. I was amazed because it really helped me realize what depression is all about. I think I've been "toughing it out" for years with a big job and lots of stress and a growing level of anxiety, declining physical health and a more and more troubled personal life. Over the last 5 years I've gradually decended into what I see now as a clear state of depression. Since beginning the Lexapro, I've had some of the same concerns you've had as my variance in moods has gone from A to M, or so. Since the start of week 2, I've been consistently better and have accepted the fact that I should not want or expect my moods to flow from A to C. M's and worse are going to happen because life will make them happen. Bottom line, you've got a great approach and I am thankful that you sent the last post. It's helped me and a lot of others. Thanks, Nemo2
Posted by ednababish on February 2, 2004, at 22:00:40
In reply to low on lexapro, posted by sexylexy on February 2, 2004, at 13:51:20
Lexy--I don't know everything, but here's what I do know. The results are pretty gradual--it seems that you have to come out of your depression gradually, just like you became depressed gradually. First you will find yourself feeling less tense; you'll notice your neck isn't tight, or you feel sleepy at night, or you're not obsessively worried about something you used fret about a lot. Then you find yourself laughing at something funny on TV. Then you notice that you have bigger or better fish to fry than the ones you used to worry about, so your feelings aren't hurt as easily as they had been. You find yourself just going ahead and finishing tasks that used to paralyze you with indecision, and you're not worried about failure or looking particularly stupid because the job you did is not perfect. Then you start wanting to do the things you used to enjoy but somehow lost the zest for. Then one day you get up and you say--gee, that's who I am! I'm glad to have me back. I was on celexa for a whole year at 20-30mgs before I had that moment when I said Hey! that's me--I remember me. I was on it for a year when I sat down and finished my dissertation--a task I put off for five years because my depression had me paralyzed with insurmountable fear and indecision that kept me from even doing any real work. And I was on it for a year when I made the decision I put off for years because I didn't want to deal with it--to have a baby, because I didn't feel as if I could take care of myself, let alone an infant. It took me a year, but it only took me about four months to get to a point where I stopped dwelling on all the bad feelings and get down to some brass tacks--that is also when I increased my dose from 20 to 30. And I will tell you that you should look at how far you've come, give yourself at least four months, and then be concerned.
I'll pray for you if you pray for me. Edna Babish
Posted by sexylexy on February 2, 2004, at 22:08:55
In reply to Re: low on lexapro, posted by ednababish on February 2, 2004, at 22:00:40
Hey Ya'll,
Thanks so much for all of your support. I feel like I have a bunch of angels looking out for me. I had a bad day today but talked to my boyfriend and parents for a while, I feel like I have pulled out of it well. I am definitly going to keep my faith up and pray for God to help me continue to improve. I am so thankful for you all and wish you all the luck in the world!
Lexy
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