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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by LynneDa on February 16, 2004, at 17:18:16
In reply to Hope in the Works, posted by Journeyman on February 14, 2004, at 22:34:39
What a nice Valentine, to hear of your positive outlook and ability to be declared "cured"! It's really inspiring to know that Lex has worked for you and has aided you in making so many positive changes in your life!
I am at a scary point because I am feeling the depression and anxiety lifting, but still have my other problems to deal with. It's like peeling back the layers of an onion. The outer hard layer is almost gone (the hormonally induced stuff), but now I have the inner layers to peel back - the behavioral, decision-making, confrontational side . . . the work I've been putting off for the past year or so! I guess it's step by step and day by day. I can't hope to fix everything in one fell swoop.
What a journey this is! Thanks for all you're support and even though you're feeling better, I hope you'll still check in on us :-)
~ Lynne
Posted by sexylexy on February 16, 2004, at 17:20:19
In reply to Mrs C, posted by sexylexy on February 16, 2004, at 17:17:46
K~
How are you? I am wondering how 15mg is treating you. I am thinking of giving it another week then moving up that way. Let me know what you think and the differences. Thanks a ton, Happy Valentines,
Lexy
Posted by sexylexy on February 16, 2004, at 17:24:07
In reply to Mrs C, posted by sexylexy on February 16, 2004, at 17:17:46
Edna~
Hi, you have been such a great help to me on this site. I am hoping you will tell me how many mg. you are on. I believe you are on 15 but I am not sure. I am on 10 and its been two days into week 8. I am feeling OK and have really seen some improvements but am still not feeling truly happy or really excited to be alive (like I was back this summer before taking the damn bc pill). I am wondering if I should wait it out on 10mg or move it on up to 15. Thanks for any advice.
Lexy
Posted by LynneDa on February 16, 2004, at 17:26:00
In reply to possible increase, need advice, posted by sexylexy on February 16, 2004, at 17:13:20
Hi Lexy -
I think the therapist idea is a good one. He/she can help you figure out if you need to up your dosage. It was very hard for me to figure it out on my own and would have been nice to have an objective party who knows my situation giving me their advice about it.When I upped from 10 to 20, it wasn't bad at all, so don't be afraid of it from that perspective. But, I don't feel "normal" yet. I am much better however. I think it takes longer for some to get happy again. Sometimes it takes acceptance of the "dark side" that depression exposes you to. There were a lot of things that have sort of blown my rose-colored glasses off my face in the past few years and those are the things I think I need to deal with in therapy before I'll feel much better.
I've given in today and called my doctor for sleeping pills. I haven't slept a decent night since I started Lex last October. As much as I hate taking a second drug, nothing else has worked!
Start doing a search for a good therapist. I think it will help you in many ways!!
~ Lynne
Posted by sexylexy on February 16, 2004, at 17:50:49
In reply to Re: possible increase, need advice, posted by LynneDa on February 16, 2004, at 17:26:00
LynneDa,
Hi. I wanted to thank your for your support. I wanted to also say how correct I think you are about having the rose colored glasses blown off your face.
Until I took the birth control pill, I thought I was immune to depression. I had been though 4 big "life changing events" which could have easily brought on depression but did not, just made me stronger.
Before this depression/anxiety got me, I was really getting to the point where I was truly confident in myself and becoming happy for the way I was.
God works in mysterious ways and has brought this to me for a reason. I am trying learn from it and trying to keep a smile but sometimes its not so easy.
I believe I will find a therapist to deal with my new vison though non rose colored glasses.
Thanks for the insight, your in my prayers
Lexy
Posted by BobYuma on February 16, 2004, at 18:55:30
In reply to Re: possible increase, need advice, posted by LynneDa on February 16, 2004, at 17:26:00
> > > I've given in today and called my doctor for sleeping pills. I haven't slept a decent night since I started Lex last October. As much as I hate taking a second drug, nothing else has worked .....
> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >Hi, Lynne.
Not to sound like a "know-it-all" - but - I believe you're very wise in opting to finally taking something to help you sleep. Lack of sleep leads to stress, and we all know that stress is a precursor to the big, bad "D" word ... Depression.
I'll bet that a few nights of "good sleep" is going to make you feel a lot better, and if you haven't had a decent night's sleep since October, you might even be surprised at just how much difference it makes.
Anyway, I hope it helps -- a lot.By the way, Lynne, I just want to say how much your messages mean to all of us who read the board.
Take care, BobYuma
Posted by ednababish on February 16, 2004, at 19:09:01
In reply to edna babish, posted by sexylexy on February 16, 2004, at 17:24:07
Lexy,
I am at fifteen, although my doctor alluded to the idea that I should take twenty--although she said that she wasn't going to insist because there was clearly visible improvement. I told her that I wanted to wait until the end of February begining of March to decide. I don't think it works as fast as they say it will--as I've said before, I took 30mgs of Celexa my first go around with ADs and the panic reaction finally went away after six months on Celexa (three at twenty, three weeks at forty, and two and half months at thirty). I believe that it can take up to four months to reach maximum effectiveness; however, I also believe that if you think you need more, you generally do. Good luck and God bless--I'm really pulling for you!
Edna
Posted by ednababish on February 16, 2004, at 19:20:41
In reply to Re: Hope in the Works » Journeyman, posted by LynneDa on February 16, 2004, at 17:18:16
The layers of an onion is a great metaphor for how lexapro works on depression--a hard outer layer peeled back, making the work of peeling each layer off more easily. I think it would be good to remember this when we all feel a little discouraged. Thank you Lynne!
Edna Babish
Posted by tmhwrite on February 16, 2004, at 20:19:57
In reply to A Good Metaphor » LynneDa, posted by ednababish on February 16, 2004, at 19:20:41
My prior message didn't show up! I was just commenting that I'm still very sick to my stomach, but the doctor thinks it's related to stress not the Lexapro. He's also ordered hospital tests (upper GI, stomach sonogram) but added Clonazepam to the mix to help with the stress because he's really convinced that's what it is. Anyone had any experience with Clonazepam they would be willing to share?
Also, I want to say that I appreciate all the above comments. Makes me feel like I'm not so alone in this struggle and that there is hope. Thank-you!
Posted by funnybunny on February 16, 2004, at 21:42:42
In reply to Re: Has anyone here switched from Effexor to Lexapro? » SFgirl, posted by simus on February 6, 2004, at 1:06:27
hi im new to the board. it seems like a lot of you have had good results with lexapro. i was on 75mg daily of effexor it seemed to work at first but after a year and half it didnt. so my doc gave me samples of lexapro i asked him if i needed to wean off the effexor first he said no not with that low of a dose. so yesterday i took my first pill of lex i felt great! today i dont feel so good. i have been having brain shocks off and on and felt tired and kinda sick like the flu. i was just wondering if anyone out there has switched and felt like this and if it will get better. thanks and god bless you all
Posted by sexylexy on February 16, 2004, at 22:05:34
In reply to Has anyone here switched from Effexor to Lexapro?, posted by funnybunny on February 16, 2004, at 21:42:42
Hi ~
I have never taken Effexor but the "brain shocks" sound like what others have gone though with effexor, you should never just stop one of these drugs no matter what the doc. say.
As to the flu, it could be either be the "lexapro flu" which should go away within a few days or again withdrawls.
You should tapper off the effexor and gradually start the lexapro then when you are off the efx then go up to your dose of lex.
Good luck and God bless
Lexy
Posted by Simus on February 16, 2004, at 22:16:51
In reply to Has anyone here switched from Effexor to Lexapro?, posted by funnybunny on February 16, 2004, at 21:42:42
> hi im new to the board. it seems like a lot of you have had good results with lexapro. i was on 75mg daily of effexor it seemed to work at first but after a year and half it didnt. so my doc gave me samples of lexapro i asked him if i needed to wean off the effexor first he said no not with that low of a dose. so yesterday i took my first pill of lex i felt great! today i dont feel so good. i have been having brain shocks off and on and felt tired and kinda sick like the flu. i was just wondering if anyone out there has switched and felt like this and if it will get better. thanks and god bless you all
My doctor also said that I would have no problem going off Effexor - that is easy to say for someone who has never done it. Your symptoms definitely sound like Effexor withdrawal - not Lexapro side effects. You should try 37.5mg Effexor for at least a couple of weeks along with the Lexapro. Don't give up on Lexapro yet. Good luck!
Posted by vandy on February 16, 2004, at 22:30:13
In reply to possible increase, need advice, posted by sexylexy on February 16, 2004, at 17:13:20
Congratulations on your progress. It's early yet. More is coming and probably on 10 mg. If you're asking about resuming therapy my guess is you know the answer already. I'd buy a new rent-a-friend, however. Why go see someone who doesn't know you as well as we do. Find someone who cares and has a little empathy.
Getting better is going to continue and the more you do to help it the faster you'll be the real you!
> Hey Ya'll
> I have been on 10 mg of lexapro for what is about day 2 of week 8. I am really doing a lot better, glad to be alive but not really excited about living, still lacking confidence and my when I get sad, I am still getting pretty sad.
> On the up side, I do feel much better than I did when I first started, not yelling irrationally, not getting hyper-sensitive to every little thing. I am also now able to much more enjoy my relationship with my boyfriend.
> I am just ready to be genuinely happy and feel content and confident. I am wondering if I should wait it out, my plan was 10 weeks before upping but at this rate I am getting impaitent.
> So my advice I need is 1. will the 10mg continue to help me improve, 2. Should I increase to 15 or 20. I really do not want to increase, but I want to feel normal again. I also wonder if I should get back into therapy. I had a therapist, who I thought was not very capable. PLEASE give me advice!
> Happy Valentines to all
> Lexy
Posted by kellieann7 on February 17, 2004, at 0:57:07
In reply to Re: LONG lexapro support and a ?, posted by mrs c on February 13, 2004, at 21:46:15
Thanks for the lovely welcome and support! Finding this board has already been great for me, it helps to know that I am not alone!
Posted by kellieann7 on February 17, 2004, at 1:11:44
In reply to Re: LONG lexapro support and a ?, posted by Nemo2 on February 13, 2004, at 23:41:41
Nemo2,
Your post made me feel so good, thank you very much for replying to my ramblings! It has been such a journey already, first in admitting that I needed some type of intervention medically, and now with realizing how much of myself I lost over the last eight years. I didn't want to hide my feelings, or myself anymore, and taking Lex gave me an opportunity to recognize my past behavior, apologize to the people I hurt/lost, and make a conscious effort to change."Mistakes" are just opportunities for growth.
Posted by kellieann7 on February 17, 2004, at 1:12:53
In reply to Re: LONG lexapro support and a ?, posted by vandy on February 14, 2004, at 10:32:14
Vandy,
Thanks, sweetie! You have made my day!
Posted by mrs c on February 17, 2004, at 9:02:56
In reply to Mrs C, posted by sexylexy on February 16, 2004, at 17:17:46
Hey Lexy,
Thank you so very much for responding. It makes me feel so much better knowing that I have such great support from you guys!I do feel a little better today but not great. It's funny that you should mention PMS because it is getting to be that time again. You're right, last month around this time I started to feel the same way! Interesting?! I wonder if an increase would help get me through my PMS easier. Any thoughts from any other women? Last month these feelings only lasted about 3 0r 4 days. This month it has been over a week now with the self-doubting and anxious feelings with no end in sight so it's definetly getting worse each month.
I don't drink alcohol at all, never have. So I know that's not it.I drink lots of water and eat a pretty balanced diet, take vitamins, etc. I'm very confused right now about what to do. I'm just gonna wait it out for now. Mrs. C
Posted by mrs c on February 17, 2004, at 9:04:53
In reply to kathrynlex, posted by sexylexy on February 16, 2004, at 17:20:19
K, I'd like to know too. I'm thinking of asking my doc for an increase at my next visit in March if these feelings continue. Thanks. Mrs. C
Posted by mrs c on February 17, 2004, at 9:13:25
In reply to Re: Hope in the Works, posted by LynneDa on February 16, 2004, at 14:53:32
Lynne, Thanks for your reply. Although I'm sorry to hear that you are having a difficult time also, I am glad that I am not alone in this. I was feeling so positive and happy again for so long that it is discouraging to backslide to this point again. I do not seem to be coming out of it this time. Last month around this time I also felt insecure and started to feel those nasty thoughts in my head again. I attributed it to my PMS and let it go. It passed in a few days. This time it has lasted alot longer as is much more intense. I am not constantly thinking about it like I would be before Lex but it is beginning to consume a good portion of my day. I also feel very emotionally numb, not really unhappy but definetly not happy either, like I did at around 5 or 6 weeks into taking Lex. Your input means a great deal to me as does everyone else's on this board. I know that I will get through this which is a good feeling and a sign that I am not truly back into depression. I feel hopeful! But I may need a little more help. Thanks for everything. Mrs. C.
Posted by LynneDa on February 17, 2004, at 9:17:26
In reply to Re: Mrs C, posted by mrs c on February 17, 2004, at 9:02:56
Hi Mrs. C. - I can't remember what dose you take, but I have PMDD and my symptoms are much worse around my period. I asked my doc if I could just increase during those 2 weeks and of course the answer was no! But, that was my reason for upping from 10 mg to 20 mg - I'm fine half the month and was not as good the other half. The 20mg has improved that time, but I still have some little episodes that I'd rather get rid of! I'm hoping each month will get better since I've only had 2 cycles on 20 mg.
You mentioned taking vitamins. What do you take? I just started with B & Omega3 in addition to my multi.
~ Lynne>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Hey Lexy,
> Thank you so very much for responding. It makes me feel so much better knowing that I have such great support from you guys!
>
> I do feel a little better today but not great. It's funny that you should mention PMS because it is getting to be that time again. You're right, last month around this time I started to feel the same way! Interesting?! I wonder if an increase would help get me through my PMS easier. Any thoughts from any other women? Last month these feelings only lasted about 3 0r 4 days. This month it has been over a week now with the self-doubting and anxious feelings with no end in sight so it's definetly getting worse each month.
>
> I don't drink alcohol at all, never have. So I know that's not it.I drink lots of water and eat a pretty balanced diet, take vitamins, etc. I'm very confused right now about what to do. I'm just gonna wait it out for now. Mrs. C
Posted by KathrynLex on February 17, 2004, at 12:27:55
In reply to kathrynlex, posted by sexylexy on February 16, 2004, at 17:20:19
Hi Lexy and Mrs. C,
At first I was very apprehensive about increasing my lex dose, but now I'm glad I did because the results have been quite positive. My mood has lifted and my anxiety has been reduced considerably.
I'm on day 2 of week 9. For the last 2 1/2 weeks I've been on 15 mg. My attitude has been much more positive, I feel motived and I'm laughing again. It has been a very gradual transformation and I still have my bad days, but they're much more tolerable than they were in the past.
Lexy, finding a good therapist can do wonders. I encourage you to get recommendations from co-workers and friends so you can find someone you're comfortable with. Also, I admire that you're waiting until week 10 before you increase. It's a frustrating battle, but you're closer to winning than you think.
Mrs. C, I hope you begin feeling better soon. I encourage you to speak with your pdoc about increasing. Just adding 5 mg to my lex dose has been very helpful.
K.
Posted by add216 on February 17, 2004, at 14:04:09
In reply to Re: Another question and statement » Phil, posted by rscrvc on November 26, 2002, at 16:34:26
I am 16 years old(I will be 17 in March)and currently on Adderall. While it seems to be working fine, I sometimes feel like my penis size is smaller than before. Before Adderall I was at a confident 8 inches, yet now it seems as though I am below 7 1/2. Am I the only one having this problem? Any exercises I should try? Please help.
Sincerely,
Feelin' Low
Posted by mrs c on February 17, 2004, at 17:33:32
In reply to Re: Mrs C, posted by LynneDa on February 17, 2004, at 9:17:26
Hey Lynne, Thanks for your support. I have never been diagnosed with PMDD and wonder how it is different from PMS? Before starting Lex I used to have pretty normal PMS. Just a little crankiness and insecurity about 1 week before. A few months before I began my Lex my PMS got so much more extreme and it began 2 weeks before. It seemed like I only had 1 good week per month! It was one of the reasons that I consulted my doc. I say one of the reasons because as I have said, there were many more symptoms I was having besides PMS.
The vitamins I take are Omega-3, Calcium,E, C, and B Complex in addition to my multi. Bye for now. Mrs. C
Posted by LynneDa on February 17, 2004, at 17:50:28
In reply to Re: Mrs C, posted by mrs c on February 17, 2004, at 17:33:32
Hi! You probably have PMDD too - it's "just" a severe form of PMS that disrupts your life! There's probably a better definition in the DSM IV, but that's how I describe it. I used to have normal PMS, too, but it became increasingly worse over the last 4 years to where I only had one "good" week per month too! Not pleasant to be around us, was it?!?! Combined with some life circumstances and the increasing PMS symptoms as I approached pre-menopause, my somewhat controllable monthly depression, irritability and anxiety grew to an uncontrollable form.
I need to get on a vitamin regimen like you are, I'm very sporadic about it. Thanks for letting me know what you take. It has to help in some way.
Don't be afraid if you need to increase a bit. It may just be that you've plateau'd and need a boost or it could be temporary due to other circumstances in your life. Hang in there!!
~ Lynne
Posted by BobYuma on February 17, 2004, at 18:28:35
In reply to Re: Mrs C » mrs c, posted by LynneDa on February 17, 2004, at 17:50:28
> > Hi! You probably have PMDD too - it's "just" a severe form of PMS that disrupts your life! There's probably a better definition in the DSM IV, but that's how I describe it. I used to have normal PMS, too, but it became increasingly worse over the last 4 years to where I only had one "good" week per month too! .... Lynne
> > > > > > > > > > > > > > >
Geez .. when I say my prayers tonight, I'm just going to include a very special "Thank You" to God for the fact that guys don't have to go through all the P's and M's and S's and DD's and so forth.
I say, God Bless the Women of the world!BobYuma
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