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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by KathrynLex on February 8, 2004, at 19:11:43
In reply to Lexapro Purgatory please respond!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by sexylexy on February 6, 2004, at 19:00:47
Hi Lexy,
Are you still feeling like you're in "Lexapro Purgatory." (I like your name for it!) I know exactly what you mean. The anxiety/depression is gone and you would think that it would lead to feeling great, but it hasn't...not yet. Not for me.
I have found that there are brief moments during the day when I feel good, but it only lasts for a few minutes. I'm hoping those moments will get longer and longer until they take up my entire day! I hope you've had a good weekend. Please let us know how you're doing.
K.
Posted by sexylexy on February 8, 2004, at 21:30:56
In reply to Re: Lexapro Purgatory please respond!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by KathrynLex on February 8, 2004, at 19:11:43
Hi~
Do you all feel depression more in one side of your body? I seem to feel my depression in the left side of my brain more. That is where the "depression voice" seemed to come from as well. It is also where I felt spacy when I had my hellacious 3 weeks on Zoloft, and where I had my not as severe fog on lexapro. Does anyone relate? Though most of the fog has lifted it seems as if the left side of my brain still is not as "sharp" or my memories are not as "vivid" from this side of my brain. Please tell me you all know what I am talking about.
Posted by funnybunny on February 8, 2004, at 23:24:38
In reply to left sided depression?, posted by sexylexy on February 8, 2004, at 21:30:56
i felt that way i took zoloft i felt better but felt like it only worked on one side of the brain. then my doctor put me on Effexor xr which works with 2 parts of the brain and not just 1 like zoloft lexapro etc.. so i took Effexor and i noticed a difference right away my right side of my brain and left side was great
Posted by sexylexy on February 9, 2004, at 9:28:58
In reply to Re: left sided depression?, posted by funnybunny on February 8, 2004, at 23:24:38
Hey Ya'll ,
It seems like when I first started lexapro I had a ton of questions and now that I am starting to feel a little better, the questions are a coming back in full force.
So my question today, is...(drum roll) As you all have begun to "recover" from depression, have you noticed yourself more likely to cry at things. For example, today I heard a song which made me tear up or yesterday saw a scene on TV which made me cry a little. Its a very different cry from that of the deep depression cry (you know the one that actually hurts so bad you can feel your soul break), it is a much calmer, quiet cry, almost feels like a release. So I am wondering is this a part recovery. Has anyone else felt this way, do you eventually toughen up?
PS... I know its not a PMS thing...
Thanks, love and blessings,
Lexy
Posted by LynneDa on February 9, 2004, at 9:40:43
In reply to Re: Hypothyroid and Lex?, posted by vandy on February 7, 2004, at 22:22:55
I think the thyroid needs to be checked with those symptoms, although during your first month on Lex you will be tired - that's definitely a s/e.
My primary care doc said that while I'm on Lex he will do blood work to check my thyroid and hormone levels every 6 months. Before I went on Lex, I was thoroughly checked out for hypothyroidism, anemia, diabetes and a bunch of other culprits for the symptoms I was having - just to be sure there were no underlying physical reasons for my depression, besides the PMDD diagnosis. It was quite relieving to have everything checked out. I hope everyone's doctors do that for them.
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>You raise an excellent point and one I think merits further medical investigation. I'd have my thyroid level checked. Perhaps your PCP will do you a referral under the circumstances. If I were your doc I'd sure want to know. Interaction of drugs is a question mark at best and any indication that sheds light is worth pursuing. Thanks for your vigilance and connective thinking.
>
> > Is anyone here hypothyroid and on Lex? I have noticed a lot of people here describe being tired while taking Lex. I have found the tiredness on Lex to be very similar the tiredness I felt before I knew I was hypothyroid. I am wondering if anyone else has had a similar experience or if anyone has become hypothyroid after being on Lex. I have not yet been rechecked for my thyroid levels because I am thinking it is the Lex, not the thyroid but am interested in what you all have to say. I am very tired all the time and sleep a lot. I have been on Lexapro for a little over a month. Thanks!! I appreciate the opportunity to ask questions in a forum like this!
>
>
Posted by ednababish on February 9, 2004, at 10:16:18
In reply to Recovery and Release, posted by sexylexy on February 9, 2004, at 9:28:58
Lexy,
I used to cry a lot because everything was so overwhelming--and it seemed like every emotion got bunched up and channel into one ineffective emotional release. Now the crying, when it does happen (which is a lot less frequently) is from a simple, not a complex, emotional response. What I do find is I laugh pretty hard at things I used to find a bit silly or stupid. I also find myself not sceond-guessing myself, which is wonderful. Sounds to me like you're right on track.
Edna Babish
Posted by sexylexy on February 9, 2004, at 11:16:11
In reply to Re: Recovery and Release, posted by ednababish on February 9, 2004, at 10:16:18
Edna,
Wow! That sounds wonderful, I cannot wait to have the confidence to not second guess myself or have to ask, is that the depression or me talking. I am also glad to know that the laughter will come back, that is what makes me really happy. I do feel as though things are getting better which is wonderful. You have been a great support for me. I do wonder though, how many mgs are you on, for how long and what is your depression story? If these things are too personal please forgive me, I am just interested and glad to know that the sun is shining for you again!
Lexy
Posted by KathrynLex on February 9, 2004, at 17:33:25
In reply to Re: Recovery and Release » ednababish, posted by sexylexy on February 9, 2004, at 11:16:11
Hi,
I'm starting my 8th week on Lexapro and I feel so flat. It's strange. My boyfriend ruined a new $40 sweater by putting it through the wash (I told him a thousand times not to wash it) and I just can't summon a reaction one way or the other. Ordinarily I'd either be angry or think it was funny - the sweater shrunk to about half it's original size and looks like it was made for a doll. But like I said, I didn't really have a reaction.
It's a huge relief not to feel anxious or depressed, but I only feel really happy for brief moments during the day. I'm trying not to get discouraged, especially since I'm in the middle of increasing to 20 mg. I know it will take a while for my body to adjust...I guess I could just use a little bit of encouragement. Sorry, this sounds like an echo of Lexy's earlier post about "Lexapro Purgatory." (Hey, at least I have company.)
K.
Posted by Mrs. C on February 9, 2004, at 17:48:02
In reply to Feeling Flat on Lexapro, posted by KathrynLex on February 9, 2004, at 17:33:25
Dear K, You're fine. Relax and try to stop reading so much into your reactions to things. You are feeling less depressed and anxious right? The emotions will come back and believe me it will be soon. I do remember feeling "numb" before I actually began to have normal feelings again. Those include anger, sadness, joy, patience, stress, etc. All the normal feelings of life. I am just able to handle them better with Lex and what a relief! Keep the faith dear! Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs. C on February 9, 2004, at 17:49:27
In reply to Re: Lexapro Purgatory please respond!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by ednababish on February 7, 2004, at 10:45:07
Right on Edna!!! Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs. C on February 9, 2004, at 17:56:29
In reply to Re: Lexapro Purgatory please respond!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by vandy on February 7, 2004, at 11:08:00
Lexy, Yeah!!! I am so happy for you. You are almost there! Yes, I did feel what you are feeling before I actually felt the Lex "kick in". I also know what you mean by "fighting with yourself". I had this inner voice always telling me "something isn't right, you should be worrying about something" which resulted, of course, in me finding something to worry about! That voice is gone and I am finally able to enjoy my life again without the constant worry. Sometimes, very rarely and usually right before my time of the month that voice tries to get to me again. I say "tries to" because I am now able to fight it and win! I hope that you continue to improve, I know you will! Mrs. C
Posted by sexylexy on February 9, 2004, at 19:16:35
In reply to Feeling Flat on Lexapro, posted by KathrynLex on February 9, 2004, at 17:33:25
Hey K~
It is nice to know that we are not alone. I have not really had emotional flatness but definitley felt like "huh, another day, not depressed but not happy just kind a floating there" I bet this is your version of Lexapro Purgatory. I hope it gets better soon.
At this point I am glad I stayed at 10mg, felt pretty good today, I would say that I am running at about 75-80%. This is nice because I felt BAD on Friday. I hope all goes well for you and you start seeing some improvement very soon.
Lexy
Posted by Pfinstegg on February 9, 2004, at 22:19:37
In reply to Re: Hypothyroid and Lex?, posted by LynneDa on February 9, 2004, at 9:40:43
I don't know whether Lex contributes to hypothyroidism, but I think it would be good to have regular check-ups for your thyroid values- T3, T4 and TSH. I do it every 3 months, as I' m also hypothyroid. Taking Cytomel in addition to Synthroid made a big difference in getting the depression under control. I did take Lexapro for about 8 months, but have now been off for a month. I think it was the most acceptable AD I have taken, but it certainly wiped out my sex life, and also left me feeling sort of flat. But if I get a recurrence of severe depression, Lex is the one I would go to first. The endocrinologist I go to had to be pressured a bit by me to add Cytomel when I first saw him 18 months go, but when I went back for a real check-up last week, he had changed a lot: he's now checking carefully for depression, and, if it's there, he gives the combination type thyroid replacement. When I was taking Lex, I was never tired.
Pfinstegg
Posted by bill-bob on February 10, 2004, at 1:07:02
In reply to Feeling Flat on Lexapro, posted by KathrynLex on February 9, 2004, at 17:33:25
K-
I was somewhat flat for awhile but I feel mostly out of that phase now (after about 9 weeks on Lex). I'm only on 10 mg and don't feel a need to go higher since pretty much all of the depressive symptoms are gone. In fact, I feel reasonably normal enough (aside from sexual se's) that sometimes I wonder why I'm taking the pill each day - but thinking about not taking them does give me anxiety!
I'm curious why you are going to 20 mg. Was the 10 mg dose not working for you? I'm just wondering if your feeling of flatness is perhaps due to too much Lex???
B-B
Posted by Colin Michaels on February 10, 2004, at 3:18:04
In reply to Re: Lexapro dosage for anxiety?, posted by thib on February 4, 2004, at 12:52:57
I am looking for a good ssri for my severe ocd that plagues my mind everywaking moment. What is the best SSRI that will help me think clear again? I am looking for one that will cause less sedation. I have tried paxil, prozac and zoloft and they made me tired.
Posted by Bill LL on February 10, 2004, at 8:32:42
In reply to Re: Is Lexapro better than Celexa or any of them?, posted by Colin Michaels on February 10, 2004, at 3:18:04
Provigil can be good to add to an SSRI to help eliminate tiredness. It works with all SSRI's except Celexa and Lexapro.
Posted by shequinn on February 10, 2004, at 10:16:34
In reply to Re: Is Lexapro better than Celexa or any of them?, posted by Bill LL on February 10, 2004, at 8:32:42
My husband is on Lexapro, and is having what may be dosage issues. At 5mg, he's still depressed - at 10, he can't stop laughing (sometimes at inappropriate moments). He'd like to take 7.5mg, but we can't figure out how to split a pill into quarters reliably. (Our doctor told us that he could just take a Lexapro once a day whenever he felt moody, and take it just once or twice a week if he felt like it, and that there was no such thing as a withdrawal issue, so we don't really feel we can consult him on this one - he seems to have some serious information problems.) Any ideas?
Posted by KathrynLex on February 10, 2004, at 10:49:37
In reply to Lexapro dosage, posted by shequinn on February 10, 2004, at 10:16:34
Hi Shequinn,
A good pill cutter should be able to cut the pills in to quarters. There are a lot of people who take 7.5 mgs with very good results.
I've discussed lex withdrawl with my pdoc who said it can happen if you stop taking it suddenly. It's important to taper off of it slowly to give your body time to adjust to a lower dose.
On the other hand, lex stays in your system for quite a while. (I'm not sure how long.) So if your husband takes a pill once or twice a week he probably won't suffer from withdrawl.
But I would just go buy a good pill cutter. Good luck to both of you!
K.
Posted by KathrynLex on February 10, 2004, at 10:54:22
In reply to Re: Feeling Flat on Lexapro, posted by bill-bob on February 10, 2004, at 1:07:02
Hi Guys,
Thanks to everyone who responded to my post. I know I'll begin to feel "normal" again soon, it's just nice to have a little reassurance.
To B-B:
>I'm curious why you are going to 20 mg. Was the 10 mg dose not working for you? I'm just wondering if your feeling of flatness is perhaps due to too much Lex???
At 10 mg I was still having very mild panic attacks. My pdoc said raising my dose to 20 mg would probably help stop the panic attacks entirely.
K.
Posted by Anjul on February 10, 2004, at 12:00:11
In reply to Lexapro dosage, posted by shequinn on February 10, 2004, at 10:16:34
Why cant he get a pill splitter from the drug store or use a sharp knife and cut the 1/2 in 1/2 again? That's been working fine for me.
Posted by BobYuma on February 10, 2004, at 14:06:53
In reply to Lexapro dosage, posted by shequinn on February 10, 2004, at 10:16:34
> My husband is on Lexapro, and is having what may be dosage issues. At 5mg, he's still depressed - at 10, he can't stop laughing (sometimes at inappropriate moments). He'd like to take 7.5mg, but we can't figure out how to split a pill into quarters reliably. (Our doctor told us that he could just take a Lexapro once a day whenever he felt moody, and take it just once or twice a week if he felt like it, and that there was no such thing as a withdrawal issue, so we don't really feel we can consult him on this one - he seems to have some serious information problems.) Any ideas?
----------------------------------
Hi, shequinn:
Keep in mind that unless a doctor has taken a particular antidepressant themselves, they have no idea how to take it other than what the pharmaceutical companies tell them.
I was in the same boat as your husband. 10 mgs was too much for me, and 5 simply wasn't enough. I got myself a very sharp knife, and cut the pills in half, then I cut one of the halves in the middle. It can easily be done, the secret is to use a knife that is nice and sharp.
Good luck to both you and your husband.
BobYuma
Posted by KathrynLex on February 10, 2004, at 14:13:27
In reply to Re: Lexapro dosage -- shequinn, posted by BobYuma on February 10, 2004, at 14:06:53
Hi,
In two days I'm supposed to bump my lex dose up to 20 mg. For about 2 weeks I've been taking 15 mg and it has made me SO tired, I can hardly keep my eyes open. I know it's different for everyone, but will increasing my dose again make me more sleepy? Thanks!
K.
Posted by LynneDa on February 10, 2004, at 14:35:10
In reply to Another question about increasing, posted by KathrynLex on February 10, 2004, at 14:13:27
Hi Kathryn - I increased to 20 mg from 10 mg about 6 weeks ago and I am much sleepier - but no other major s/e's! My doctor told me to take it at night & see if that helps. I've gradually changed my time later and later each day over the past week. I took it at 9pm last night and only felt sleepy til about 11am this morning. I'm going to back it up to 7pm. That seemed to work best a couple days ago. I was tired enough at night, but not too groggy through the morning.
I have to go out of town tomorrow and present at meetings starting at 6am EST (5am mine) and go til 5pm, then drive 2 hours to my next meeting site. I am very nervous about how alert I will be! But, being only at 6 weeks on the new dose, I'm hoping there's still a chance this s/e will go away eventually.
I'm very glad to hear your panic attacks are diminishing, but I understand the flat feeling - I'm used to being very emotional so it seems even more a departure from my normal comfort zone within my personality. That has gone away almost completely at this point and, as someone else reported, I actually cried the other day - not in a bad PMS-y way, but real tears for real reasons - I hadn't done that since I've been on Lex!
Good luck!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Hi,
>
> In two days I'm supposed to bump my lex dose up to 20 mg. For about 2 weeks I've been taking 15 mg and it has made me SO tired, I can hardly keep my eyes open. I know it's different for everyone, but will increasing my dose again make me more sleepy? Thanks!
>
> K.
Posted by ednababish on February 10, 2004, at 15:27:32
In reply to Re: Recovery and Release » ednababish, posted by sexylexy on February 9, 2004, at 11:16:11
Lexy-- I will apoplogize for the lemgth here and just say that we English types tend to be long-winded. I am at 15 mgs for about seven weeks now; I take 10 in the morning and 5 at night. I was depressed for many years, maybe all of them! I'm thirty eight and I don't remember ever feeling "normal." I have always been extremely sensitive, easily hurt, high strung, given to over-reacting and not very resiliant after disappointments. My first major depressive episode at fifteen that was situational--my brother and his wife moved in with us and the situation was volatile, my grades were slipping, I had broken up with my first boyfriend and my "best friend" went after him and slept with him the same night. My second was at 23--a similar shake-up plus a high progesterone BCP. Graduate school and its stresses and disappointments reinforced a low-grade tendency toward moderate depression. Additionally, I had panic attacks from the last year of my stay at graduate school off and on for three years. This reached a head a year after my husband and I married and in the months after we had just bought a house. We fought every day, I was unable to work on my dissertation, and I realized I felt like s*** every day. Nothing made me happy--I couldn't even think of a single thing that would make me happy. I have never been a a good sleeper, but I was unable to use the bathroom even, and I decided I needed to see a doctor (my internist). She put me on 20mgs of Celexa; we upped it to 40 four months later, then dropped it to thirty after my blood pressure bottomed out and I almost fainting in front of the college class I was teaching. I took this for about a year, finished my dissertation, went to Greece to celebrate and make a baby, dropped my dose to twenty and then to ten when I found out I was pregnant before discontinuing it completely.
I was okay pregnant--I laughed a lot toward the end and after I had the baby, but after about eight weeks I began having panic attacks again, to the point where I could barely drive. I could not sleep, and I became afraid to stay alone with the baby. My internist prescribed 20mgs of Celexa--which left me more anxious than without it, exacerbated the anxiety, and finally started to work, although I was still having a great deal of trouble driving--and which she insisted I keep taking. One of her associates switched me to PaxilCR for anxiety, which made me forgetful and dull but not necessarily any happier; plus it killed my sex drive to the point where I could not get aroused even, no matter how hard I tried. HE sent me to a pdoc when I complained who informed me that I was more depressed than I was letting on to myself who switched me lexapro and referred me to one of her therapists. Now, after eight months, I'm finally feeling better. How ofetn I find myself laughing is always my gauge for feeling better.
On a more personal level, I believe you told someone you are a graduate student and studying to be a councellor. Is this correct? Graduate school is horrible on the psyche--there are no two ways about it, it is just debilitatingly demoralizing from start to finish until you can escape through finishing and moving on. Perhaps there is a reason, too, why this has happened to you: perhaps God wanted you to know exactly where your depressed patients are coming from. When I'm not depressed I try to see a greater reason for some of the negative things that have and do happen--for example, I took so long tp finish my dissertation because I really needed to know that this is what I wanted to do with my life. I'm not trying to be flippant about your situation--because I've been there myself--and I feel for you. Good luck and I hope this information helps.
Edna Babish
Posted by LynneDa on February 10, 2004, at 16:11:38
In reply to Re: Recovery and Release, posted by ednababish on February 10, 2004, at 15:27:32
EB - I know your post was intended for Lexy, but I enjoyed reading it. All of our stories have such similarities and there is some odd comfort to that! I thought the same thing for Lexy - maybe this is happening to her so she'll be a more compassionate and understanding therapist. (Not that you wouldn't be already Lexy, I can tell you have a very kind & understanding heart!)
My husband just graduated with his MBA (at the age of 41) - he went full time. It was a rough program at a hard, private university. It was very demoralizing and debilitating to his psyche. He still hasn't fully recovered and although he knows he nose-dived into depression, he is resolute that he can get out of it himself!
Thanks again for your story and glad to hear the Lex has done the trick for you :-)
~ Lynne
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