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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by tmhwrite on March 3, 2004, at 19:02:11
In reply to Thanks Theresa, posted by mystic on March 3, 2004, at 18:22:11
Hello Mystic and all,
Well as much as I planned to try to take it easy (or at least easier) today, it sure didn't turn out that way. I've been looking for work for a while now in addition to doing real estate just to bring in some money after getting laid off in March of last year (which has been very difficult considering my state of mind). So finally, I get a really nice client to work with, I'm pulling up info for her and doing some reports, and a magazine I've done some freelance work for calls and wants me to do another article for them with a one-week deadline (which they promised they wouldn't do to me again because these are not easy one-week articles--they take a lot of research and multple interviews), and then I get a great lead on a tech writing job and have an interview set up for Fri. (They wanted to set it up for tomorrow but I have a seminar in the morning --early, which I don't do well-- and am showing houses in the afternoon). Plus, today I had to take my car into the shop, meet with another possible client, and take my kids to the dentist. I know I'm rambling, but I tell you, with all we have to do in this world just to survive these days, it's no wonder we need medication! I have to do anything I can at this point in time just to make money to pay the mortgage!
Sorry for whining. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers that I don't have another meltdown over the next few days. When I get overworked and overwhelmed and overanxious that's when my body decides to just shut down and I can't let that happen. I really need some steady income and I need to be at my best. Thanks.
Theresa
Posted by tmhwrite on March 3, 2004, at 19:06:15
In reply to Thanks Theresa, posted by mystic on March 3, 2004, at 18:22:11
At least you did make it through this day, Mystic. That's one more rough day down and one day closer to feeling better and happier. I'm rooting for you to be happy again and laughing and enjoying your life.
Theresa
Posted by mystic on March 3, 2004, at 19:19:00
In reply to Re: mystic, posted by LynneDa on March 3, 2004, at 9:22:20
Lynne...Thank you sooo much for your words..And yes I do have a wonderful sister and husband that help me tremendously..but sometimes it doesnt help...My husband tries to understand but he just doesnt have the an idea of how to help but he is there with support and love...Today was another rough one but got through and I'm grateful I just keep praying that the next day will be better..It was 4 weeks total on Lexapro today and I was hoping I would feel better than I do right now..I do have an appt with my Dr on Friday and think his suggestion will be to up the dosage to 15mg which will be very hard for me as the phobias about the meds really set in..I'm afraid that the feelings will be stronger and that I will start to gain weight again..I have been taking my xanax but only once a day and trying to suffer through the nights..I just want to feel better I just want to stop feeling soooo sad...Thank you for the help I'm sooo very grateful..Mystic
Posted by mystic on March 3, 2004, at 19:31:52
In reply to So Much for a Low Stress Day... » mystic, posted by tmhwrite on March 3, 2004, at 19:02:11
Theresa...You have a special prayer tonight here from me...A prayer that you have a stressless productive next couple of days and that you will be fine....I'll be thinking of ya...Mystic
Posted by KathrynLex on March 3, 2004, at 19:44:47
In reply to Questions at 15mg or 20mg, posted by sexylexy on March 3, 2004, at 18:22:06
Hi Lexy,
I felt "spacy/tired" for about two weeks after I increased to 15 mgs. Then I began noticing that my mood swings evened out, negative thinking patterns disappeared, I enjoy social interactions again and I'm back to about 85% to 90% of my "old self." It has been really nice. Please keep us all posted on your progress and I'm rooting for you to get better!
K.
Posted by mystic on March 3, 2004, at 19:46:18
In reply to Re: lex and time of the month? (more), posted by want info on March 3, 2004, at 11:31:12
Hello Emily ...I also went right from Paxil 10mgs to Lexapro 10mgs without any time in between I'm not sure if that is the reason why I am soooo depressed...I have been on Lexapro 4 weeks today also...I am taking .5 of xanax once a day and it helps but cannot wait until the day comes that I dont worry all the time and feel sad...My prayers are with you and you are in the right place..These wonderful people are the most caring and they help you more than you can imagine..>So you are in my prayers and I'm right there with you...Take care...Mystic
Posted by sexylexy on March 3, 2004, at 20:17:24
In reply to Questions at 15mg or 20mg, posted by sexylexy on March 3, 2004, at 18:22:06
Hey Ya'll
I have been increasing for the past few days, from 12.5mg to now 15mg. I am feeling really irritable towards my boyfriend. He has not done anything annoying but I just feel like snapping at him, luckily I have not. Has anyone else noticed this, does it go away. I hate this feeling of anger/annoyance isn't lexapro supposed to help with this???
Lexy
Posted by Journeyman on March 3, 2004, at 20:41:53
In reply to Re: Questions at 15mg or 20mg, posted by KathrynLex on March 3, 2004, at 19:44:47
Hi K,
How's the running going? Glad to hear the effects of upping your dose are evening out and that you're feeling pretty good.
Journeyman
Posted by Journeyman on March 3, 2004, at 20:57:45
In reply to So Much for a Low Stress Day... » mystic, posted by tmhwrite on March 3, 2004, at 19:02:11
Hi Theresa,
I'd say that given everything you juggled today, you did well to find as much time as you did to 'ramble.' You're right, it is a little on the obscene side how much we have to do sometimes just to meet the basics.
You will get through the next 48 hours. You will not only get through it, but you may very well have some good things happen as a result of it.
You are good at your job; your skills don't hide themselves when you post here. Congratulations on the job lead and interview for Friday. They'll be lucky to get you (and maybe you can sell them some real estate while you're at it).
Your body's not going to shut down. You can count on it, and it can count on you to do what's best for it.
There's just one thing that surprises me about your post today. You mentioned you have kids, right? What in God's Creation do you mean, "Well as much as I planned to try to take it easy today, it sure didn't turn out that way." Theresa, has having kids not taught you that lesson yet? Over the past 2 years and 11 months, I've had that one reinforced every day. I no longer assume anything.
Best wishes for an end to your week that's not only successful, but also enjoyable.
Journeyman
Posted by Journeyman on March 3, 2004, at 21:06:31
In reply to Re: mystic, posted by LynneDa on March 3, 2004, at 9:22:20
Lynne,
Hi - How are things? Any movement on the idea of accepting those dark beings in and getting to know them rather then bolting the door?
I was visiting the zoo recently and saw the rather large American Alligator on exhibit there. I couldn't help thinking, I'd much rather ride that thing than fight it. Thought of you and wondered how you are.
Your presence here is like a good quilt on a cold night. Thanks for the comfort you bring to so many.
Journeyman
Posted by mystic on March 3, 2004, at 21:07:05
In reply to Theresa, posted by Journeyman on March 3, 2004, at 20:57:45
Wow journeyman...I've been reading the posts for the last 3 weeks since starting Lexapro and the people are pretty lucky on here to have you and your feedback you are very inspirational and you have a great way with words...Thanks for helping in the past with your posts that I've read..It is a struggle every day for me to figure out how to go on but you help thanks..Mystic
Posted by mrs c on March 3, 2004, at 21:19:34
In reply to Dramatic unexpected side effect of Lexapro, posted by kellieann7 on March 3, 2004, at 12:08:40
Kelliann, thanks for the chuckle and for explaining the aching I have been having in my wrist recently! Mrs. C
Posted by mrs c on March 3, 2004, at 21:32:24
In reply to Thanks Theresa, posted by mystic on March 3, 2004, at 18:21:41
Hi Mystic, glad to hear that you made it through today. Your post sounds a tad bit better than yesterday's. I took a big step today and called a therapist. So far I have just been handling all of my issues alone with Lex and you guys. My doctor thinks that I could really benefit from someone to talk things out with. She also increased my dosage to 20mgs. I have been having a return of obsessive thoughts recently and they are becoming more frequent. I spent pretty much the whole day today obsessing about a disease I think I could have. I am a little frightened at the prospect of increasing my dose. I had some pretty rough anxiety when first beginning Lex and hope that it's not that bad this time around. I am also hoping that I can be free from these thoughts once again. The good news is that I am not depressed anymore, I have lost 14 pounds since my last doctor visit and my blood pressure was lower than it has ever been! So I feel pretty good about the future and am looking forward to conquering these obsessive thinking patterns. Wish me luck!
Posted by mrs c on March 3, 2004, at 21:41:31
In reply to So Much for a Low Stress Day... » mystic, posted by tmhwrite on March 3, 2004, at 19:02:11
Hi Theresa, I think we have all been where you are and can relate. The pressure can be so overwhelming at times. Make a priority list and stick to it. Include yourself on that list. Take some time during the day for some quiet relaxation. I always have 45 minutes during the day after work and before everyone gets home. Sure, I could accomplish alot during this time but I choose to sit down and watch my tape of General Hospital.It's my form of relaxation. It's only 45 minutes but it makes such a difference in my outlook on the day. It gives me something to look forward to and it gives me the energy to carry on with the rest of the day to come. Just a thought! Mrs. C
Posted by mrs c on March 3, 2004, at 21:49:26
In reply to RE: Lynne, posted by mystic on March 3, 2004, at 19:19:00
Mystic,
How selfish of me. I rambled on and on about my day and really just forgot to give you the encouragement I wanted to give you. I thought of you often throughout my day (in between worrying about myself). Let me just say that 4 weeks was not really a turning point week for most of us. I remember week 5 being difficult and then having a breakthrough around week 6. My point is that you may have a few more weeks before your sadness subsides and you feel a bit like your old self. I can promise you that things will only get better from where you are right now. If your doctor feels that you need an increase than do it. Maybe it will help the Lex to kick in a little sooner. There is hope for you Mystic. If you can't believe that right now at least know that I and many others on this board have it for you! Talk to ya tomorrow. Mrs. C
Posted by mystic on March 3, 2004, at 22:19:36
In reply to Re: So Much for a Low Stress Day..., posted by mrs c on March 3, 2004, at 21:41:31
Mrs C ....Thanks for the encouragement...I hope that your day will be a good one and that the increase in your med will not bring back the anxiety...I will pray for everyone tonight and hope that tomorrow brings a better day for all...Not looking forward to the 5 week slump as I have heard so much about...One more day down is all I think about and moving ahead and getting rid of these thoughts...Thank God for angels in this room...There are just sooooo many of them...Thank you compasionate loving people...Mystic
Posted by kellieann7 on March 3, 2004, at 22:45:58
In reply to Re: Dramatic unexpected side effect of Lexapro » kellieann7, posted by linnie on March 3, 2004, at 14:02:09
Linnie,
I looked all over the Net for info, and I found that in a small number of trial patients, joint pain and myalgia (I guess that means pain) were found as side effects. I believe the incidence of occurance was the same as having gas as a side effect. :-)Lynne,
Sorry I worried you with my post title, but I'm glad I could make you laugh. I love those manic cleaning spells, I'm never hyped up for housework and even though I wasn't excited about doing it, at least I felt COMPELLED to do so, and had the energy to keep up. Now I am restless and anxious.... another store in the area is having triple coupons til Saturday, and I have to go! Must....shop.....with.....one.....hand!MrsC and Linnie.... be sure to keep an eye on your wrist. The test my Dr. did was had me put my thumb in my palm (like the signal for #4) then fold your fingers over your thumb (a fist with your thumb tucked in, aka, a girl fist). Keeping your wrist straight and your knuckles flat on top, bend your wrist in the opposite direction from your thumb (towards your pinky). If there is pain, you may have DeQuervain's. That rhymed. I need to get to bed now! :-)
Posted by kellieann7 on March 3, 2004, at 23:07:09
In reply to Re: LONG lexapro support and a ?, posted by MarkD on March 2, 2004, at 15:26:49
Mark,
That nervous stomach is quite a pain, isn't it. And amazingly, my parents didn't think anything about it! Thank you for sharing your story! Lexapro has been wonderful for my depression. I just found out recently that my mom took it for about two weeks (sporatically) and HATED IT! She said it made her feel numb and affected her sexually, so she quit. I think she was on 5 mg?? I have had the opposite effect... I still feel sad when I watch "Animal Cops," and I get angry and irritated when DH puts his dirty socks on the floor for the umpteenth time. I also laugh a lot, and remember again what good old belly laughs over stupid things feel like. I have the most vivid, amazing dreams about love, life, sex (constantly), and just feel alive. I would recommend giving Lexapro a try, and seeing how it works.I think I talked in my first post about DH's anxiety. He has irritable bowel, and started having anxiety attacks about a year and a half ago. HE lost about 30 lbs in two months, and was in pain constantly. He is high strung in that he bounces his legs constantly, doesn't focus on tasks well, etc. However, his general demeanor is very quiet and calm. We had tons of tests done, but because he acted "normal" and is a healthy, strong man, these docs refused to do any mental diagnosis for 10 months. I have a BA in psych (does me a lot of good, huh), and because I saw how much he had changed, I knew this was more than lactose intolerance. It would flare up whenever anything (no matter how minor) would come up with our pets. He was having thoughts about them dying and would feel faint and start sweating. Then the IB would start. Finally he told me he was feeling very depressed because he didn't know what was wrong with him. I pulled him back into the Dr., and made him tell him about the depression. They put him on Paxil, and he mellowed instantly (almost too much on 25 mg). Since we lost two of our pets while he was on Paxil, he has learned to deal with his grief, and his dose has been reduced. I think Lexapro wouldn't have worked for him, he was too anxious and high strung physically, and too mellow emotionally. We are pretty much the exact opposite as far as our symptoms and personalities go. Lex was perfect for getting me out of bed and going, my husband would have thought he was going crazy.
Posted by KathrynLex on March 3, 2004, at 23:21:53
In reply to Yikes! Help, posted by sexylexy on March 3, 2004, at 20:17:24
Hi Lexy,
The emotional rollercoaster will even out. Your body is adjusting (again) and feels out of balance, which is bound to make anyone cranky. As you get used to the higher dose, you'll feel much less irritable. These periods of transition are the hardest because it involves so much waiting...and all you want to do is feel better. It really isn't that much to ask. I've got my fingers crossed that 15 mgs turns out to be the magic dose for you.
K.
Posted by Dr. Bob on March 3, 2004, at 23:36:34
In reply to Re: Hey Ya'll Lexaproers, posted by MarkD on March 1, 2004, at 13:09:05
> I got this advice from a book call "Hope and Help for your Nerves" by Dr. Clarie Weekes...
I'd just like to plug the double double quotes feature at this site:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#amazon
The first time anyone refers to a book without using this option, I post this to try to make sure he or she at least knows about it. It's just an option, though, and doesn't *have* to be used. If people *choose* not to use it, I'd be interested why not, but I'd like that redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20020918/msgs/7717.html
Thanks!
Bob
Posted by vandy on March 4, 2004, at 2:20:45
In reply to Re: lex and time of the month? Vandy, posted by sexylexy on March 3, 2004, at 17:29:33
That's encouraging! If love is the weapon I'm pretty well armed. ;-)
Thank you, Lexy!
> Hey Vandy,
> Thanks for all your post you give a lot of hope. As for the person with possible suicidal ideation, I can tell you what they teach us to do in graduate school( am getting my masters in clinical social work and a therepist at the University of Louisville). The biggest thing is to be there for the person, do not just tell the person that you care for them, show them, it is ureal how many people say they care but do not go though the actions. Also it is good to sit down with the person and talk to them how excited you are and they could be about that persons life and what lies ahead. Also let them know that depression treatable in 90% of people. Also for the most part, depression comes in episodes but for the most part ends. Let the person know that there are others who feel as bad as they do, refer them to support groups as well as crisis centers! Good luck.. love is the most important weapon on keeping people alive.
> Lexy
Posted by jake97tx on March 4, 2004, at 6:00:32
In reply to Re: lex and time of the month? » vandy, posted by simus on March 3, 2004, at 0:27:56
Hi!
I'm on week TEN of 10mg of Lexapro. My PDoc prescribed it while coming off Paxil. My last day of Paxil was 2 days ago. I know all about Paxil Withdrawal, believe me....however I'm not seeing any benefit from Lexapro. :(It could be that the deleterious effects of paroxetine withdrawal are hiding the postives of Lexapro, but I kinda doubt it at this point.
My PDoc wants me to up the Lexapro to 20 mg, but I'm wary. So many people do well at 10mg and I'm a small person!
So my question is for those with Panic Disorder and anxiety. Have you seen a benefit from an increase in dosage? Paxil worked so well on my anxiety and it feels as if I'm on nothing at the moment. Isn't 10mg Lexapro supposedly equal to 20mg of Paxil? I can't see how.
Blessings to you.
Posted by COOP on March 4, 2004, at 6:59:50
In reply to Mystic and everyone else too!, posted by mrs c on March 3, 2004, at 21:32:24
Had the same problem. I am on 20mg aday after 12 weeks. I am doing fine. I still get these thoughts during the day but I am able to blow them off after afew minutes. I am able to go on with my life. You have to live for today. If you think about dying tomorrow from a disease you will be killing today and you are alive today. I had cancer ( the word HAD ) is very important.
I am also getting other help. I lost 40 pounds during my anxiety attacks and now that I am feeling pretty good, I am also eating toooo good.
Best of luck
JoelHi Mystic, glad to hear that you made it through today. Your post sounds a tad bit better than yesterday's. I took a big step today and called a therapist. So far I have just been handling all of my issues alone with Lex and you guys. My doctor thinks that I could really benefit from someone to talk things out with. She also increased my dosage to 20mgs. I have been having a return of obsessive thoughts recently and they are becoming more frequent. I spent pretty much the whole day today obsessing about a disease I think I could have. I am a little frightened at the prospect of increasing my dose. I had some pretty rough anxiety when first beginning Lex and hope that it's not that bad this time around. I am also hoping that I can be free from these thoughts once again. The good news is that I am not depressed anymore, I have lost 14 pounds since my last doctor visit and my blood pressure was lower than it has ever been! So I feel pretty good about the future and am looking forward to conquering these obsessive thinking patterns. Wish me luck!
Posted by Anjul on March 4, 2004, at 7:01:58
In reply to Re: lex and a female question (more complaints), posted by mrs c on February 27, 2004, at 21:37:36
I have been on Lex at doses between 5 and 10 mg's since October, and havent had an orgasm since. I see no signs that they are "coming back". I am capable of sexual intimacy, and arrousal, and prefer this to the negative dialogue ,etc in my head when I was my former psycho orgasmic self. its a drag to have to choose, but I'll take it gladly. Anjul
Posted by COOP on March 4, 2004, at 7:32:21
In reply to Is Lexapro effective for Panic Disorder?, posted by jake97tx on March 4, 2004, at 6:00:32
It helped me for Panic Disorder and anxiety after I was on 20mg aday. It took two weeks to take effect on 20mg. I was on 10 for 4 weeks and than 15mg for 2 weeks before I took 20mg. My condition seem to get worst until my body adjusted to the 20mg. Lex worked much better for me than Paxil.
Good luck
> Hi!
> I'm on week TEN of 10mg of Lexapro. My PDoc prescribed it while coming off Paxil. My last day of Paxil was 2 days ago. I know all about Paxil Withdrawal, believe me....however I'm not seeing any benefit from Lexapro. :(
>
> It could be that the deleterious effects of paroxetine withdrawal are hiding the postives of Lexapro, but I kinda doubt it at this point.
>
> My PDoc wants me to up the Lexapro to 20 mg, but I'm wary. So many people do well at 10mg and I'm a small person!
>
> So my question is for those with Panic Disorder and anxiety. Have you seen a benefit from an increase in dosage? Paxil worked so well on my anxiety and it feels as if I'm on nothing at the moment. Isn't 10mg Lexapro supposedly equal to 20mg of Paxil? I can't see how.
>
> Blessings to you.
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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