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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by want info on March 4, 2004, at 8:47:56
In reply to Yikes! Help, posted by sexylexy on March 3, 2004, at 20:17:24
hi lexy...i feel the same way! for me it's more related to the post i made yesterday...like im not really there when im with my boyfriend sometimes, almost as if i dont know him, when of course i do. it's so crazy! have you ever felt that way? i suspect your increased irritability has to do with the higher dose?
Posted by marfaith on March 4, 2004, at 8:49:28
In reply to Re: mystic, posted by LynneDa on March 3, 2004, at 9:22:20
> Mystic - In reading your post to Lexy, I can relate. I just wanted my bad feelings to end. I was tired of feeling hateful toward myself, of feeling useless to those around me and of being so worried, angry and sad all the time. I still have a few moments of it, even after 4 months and 20 mg of Lex, but they pass SO quickly - in minutes instead of days. I'm starting to like myself again!
>
> Mystic, do you have anyone you can call when you are feeling at your lowest? I used to call my sister. I didn't have to tell her what my thoughts were, she knew by the sound of my voice and would go into save mode - reassuring me that these feelings would pass, that it's just my depression talking not me and reminding me of my good points and all I had to look forward to. Please find someone like that to help you when you're at your lowest.
>
> You will get better little by little over the next few weeks. Find a phrase that is comforting to you and during times of weakness repeat it over & over (like "I am strong, I will persevere." - even if you don't believe it at the time!). It's amazing how self-talk can help distract you & help re-program you.
>
> To Mystic & Mary and all those struggling at the beginning: Hang in there sisters, we're here for you and are living proof that things will become brighter & recovery, normalcy & the ability to cope will happen to you soon! :-)
> ~ Lynne
> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
> Thanks Lynne for your kind words. I read the posts everyday, but don't always have time to reply. You, Theresa, and Mrs. C always are so kind. I wanted to let you all know how much you help others with your incouraging words. You must be very special people. I wish you all the best and thanks again. Mary
>
>
>
> Lexy....My thoughts are that I want to commit suicide if these feelings dont go away that I no longer want to live day to day with depression and anxiety and not really having a life...My life revolves around being afraid from the time I wake up in the morning until the time I go to bed at night...I just dont feel like I'm going to come out of it..I'm a very personable, funny, outgoing, everyones idea of a happy person and they just have no idea what goes on inside and that I have to struggle to not let people know..But I have had thoughts that I will hurt myself if this feeling doesnt go away...I'm a very impatient person...But thank you for sharing like i have said many times lately..I does help.thank you Mystic
> >
> > Mystic...Hope you don't mind me responding to this email. I can totally relate to you. I have so many good things happening in my life, but it is hard to enjoy them when I have this constant worry I carry with me. I am starting my third week of lex. I am hoping that I will have the success that others have had. I do take xanax when I need it. I am also one who is afraid of taking meds, but having the xanax has really helped me. Especially with the side effects of the lex. I hope you can hang in there for your family who loves you. That is what keeps me going. Mary
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by want info on March 4, 2004, at 8:49:59
In reply to re: emily, posted by mystic on March 3, 2004, at 19:46:18
hi mystic! i am on lex 4 weeks yesterday too. i started feb 4, i believe. i was on 20mg paxil for 8 years! i dont feel great these days either. kind of depersonalized and anxious. i'm still hoping it will pass, though with each week i lose more hope that this is the med for me, although people tell me it can take up to 9 weeks! my problems are more anxiety than depression...but if you need someone to talk to i am here. emily
Posted by marfaith on March 4, 2004, at 8:59:17
In reply to Re: mystic, posted by LynneDa on March 3, 2004, at 9:22:20
Thank you for your kind words. You, Theresa, and Mrs C. are always so thoughtful. You really are special people. I wish you all the best. Thanks again. Mary
Posted by edna babish on March 4, 2004, at 9:03:43
In reply to Re: Is Lexapro effective for Panic Disorder?, posted by COOP on March 4, 2004, at 7:32:21
I went from 25 mgs of Paxil CR to 10 mgs of lexapro 13 weeks ago. I did not notice anxiousness or an increase in my panic reaction, although I was anxious and I did have an increase in depression. It took two weeks of 15 mgs to really see the full advantages, although my doctor said she wanted me to increase to 20. I am a small woman too, and really suceptable to medications--last year I had a baby and the nurses were amazed that I could taste the IV when it was started and supplemented. Fifteen mgs has worked very well for me. As far as 20 to 10 Paxil to Lexapro ratio--I don't believe it. Nor do I buy the 40-10 Celexa-lexapro ratio--when I took 40 of celexa I had fainting spells because my bp bottomed out. Paxil worked well on my anxiety too, but I felt totally numb and spacey, I was constantly forgetting important things, and I could not get aroused even with great effort. You will probably want to try 15 mgs. Good luck and keep us updated. Edna
Posted by ednababish on March 4, 2004, at 9:15:34
In reply to Re: lex and time of the month? Vandy, posted by vandy on March 4, 2004, at 2:20:45
Dear Womens,
I have a question or two myself. I began using 10mgs lexapro on Dec 19th with an immediate switch from 25mgs Paxil CR, upped the dose to 15mgs Dec 29th, and started to feel much better about Feb 7th. I also use trazadone to sleep and for pain management because I have fibromyalgia. I started using the birth control patch at the end of January, and during week three I had tremendous headaches, insomnia. Went off for my period, went back on and the headaches started immediately. Week two I noticed nausea, headaches, insomnia, and an edgy panicky feeling I have not experienced since September. My question is this--are these panic feelings related to hormal problems causes the birth control patch? Has anyone else experienced this while using hormonal birth control? I know many of you have confessed that during that time of month the lexapro seems to work less effectively, so is this related?Any insight would be appreciated here, and thanks in advance.
Edna Babish
Posted by mrs c on March 4, 2004, at 9:21:40
In reply to Re: Mystic and everyone else too!, posted by COOP on March 4, 2004, at 6:59:50
Hi COOP, thanks for your post. I really appreciate hearing from someone who has been through what I fear most, a serious disease. Please tell me how you coped with that. I really can't imagine being able to get through something that scarey. How do you learn to live for "today" and not worry about what tomorrow will bring. That is the question of my life.Currently, I am a healthy women. My problem is that I worry that every little ache or pain, rash, etc. is something serious. I spend days obsessing about it and then it will just stop bothering me for a while until it reappears and I re-worry. I can't wait to discuss all of this with a therapist. Any thoughts? Mrs. C
Posted by LynneDa on March 4, 2004, at 10:25:20
In reply to Questions at 15mg or 20mg, posted by sexylexy on March 3, 2004, at 18:21:36
Hi Lexy -
The main difference I noticed after upping to 20 mg is during the week before my period (which was the reason I upped, to improve during that time). I am much calmer & in control. I'm not 100% okay but better than on 10mg. One way I know I'm better is that I am doing things I used to do long ago: I baked cookies last night while we were eating dinner, then went over to visit a friend who's going thru a divorce . . . I never had the physical or emotional energy to do extra things like that or reach out to someone else in need before taking Lex. I think the 20mg has pushed me into a new realm of competency, clarity & energy.Hang in there, you will see improvements as the weeks continue :-). I've been at 20mg for 9 weeks now and in the last few weeks have seen the most improvements. Have a great weekend!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Hey Ya'll
> Today is day two on 15 mg of lex. I am feeling a little spacey/tired and flat but know those will go away pretty soon. They are much milder than when I began lex.
> I know many of you are on 15mg and 20mg. Can you tell me what the differences you saw from 10mg to the higher doseage. I felt about up to 70%-75% but just not really *happy* and really un confident which is a very new thing for me. Please give me some good news!!!
> God Bless,
> Lexy
Posted by LynneDa on March 4, 2004, at 10:29:35
In reply to So Much for a Low Stress Day... » mystic, posted by tmhwrite on March 3, 2004, at 19:02:11
Wow Theresa - it sounds like you've been presented with a lot of wonderful opportunities all at once. Wonder what the message is supposed to be here? Well, you can do it. Just try to stay in the moment. Take deep breaths, make sure you eat some energy snacks if you don't have time for a meal and drink lots of water. That will help your brain keep functioning :-). I'll be thinking of you and waiting to hear how it all comes out next week. YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Posted by dzinegirl on March 4, 2004, at 10:44:57
In reply to re: emily » mystic, posted by want info on March 4, 2004, at 8:49:59
Hi everyone,
This board has been a great source for me. thanks to all.
Im on my 3rd week of Lexapro after being diagnosed with GAD and acute panic disorder.
My first week was rough. I really didn't know much about side effects and was convinced that I was dying of a disease not anxiety. I took it at night and had insominia and that burning feeling in my stomach. Im on 10mg and only weigh 95lbs very petite and have never been ony medicine in my life. I was scared and shaky and my therapist had me switch to taking in the morning. I take about 6:45am and by night I can sleep. My sister took me to her chiropractor and I have been getting adjusted and massaged and it really helps the nervous system. Ive been feeling better gained 5lbs and started to walk 30minutes a day and take yoga on weekends. I still experience side effects like shakyness and sweating, hot flash but I tell myself its just a side effect not a disease. Im hoping to wean myself off to 5mg soon and try to get back naturally. Its a journey but Im going to try my best to get my life back together. God Bless All--
Posted by bluesfan on March 4, 2004, at 11:38:29
In reply to Re: Questions at 15mg or 20mg » sexylexy, posted by LynneDa on March 4, 2004, at 10:25:20
Lynne-
I just started on 20mg 2 days ago, so I'm looking for some answers as well. You said you weren't "100%". Do you plan on having another dosage increase until you are 100%? I'm worried that I will have to have another increase after this and I don't want to keep having to go through the massive fatigue that is associated with it.
Posted by LynneDa on March 4, 2004, at 11:50:14
In reply to Re: Questions at 15mg or 20mg » LynneDa, posted by bluesfan on March 4, 2004, at 11:38:29
Bluesfan -
Good question! I don't think I'll increase.Part of my problem is the insomnia. If I can get that fixed, it will help. Additionally, I need counseling to work through a lot of my issues now and I've been putting it off due to lack of time. Thirdly, I need to exercise - my treadmill comes this weekend! And, lastly, I'm going to try to supplement with some natural remedies if the first 3 things don't bring me where I want to be . . . but I think they will!
Hang in there thru the sleepy fog at the beginning! I know it makes everything seem more difficult. I can say it took me 7 or 8 weeks before I really felt better, but then I have the insomnia issue that does some masking. Good luck!!!!!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Lynne-
>
> I just started on 20mg 2 days ago, so I'm looking for some answers as well. You said you weren't "100%". Do you plan on having another dosage increase until you are 100%? I'm worried that I will have to have another increase after this and I don't want to keep having to go through the massive fatigue that is associated with it.
Posted by COOP on March 4, 2004, at 11:54:33
In reply to Re: Mystic and everyone else too!, posted by mrs c on March 4, 2004, at 9:21:40
Hi
First I am Mr C or Joel
I had such bad attacks that I had to be rushed to the hospital thinking that I was having a heart attack. After having prostate & scin cancer and pains in my chest I was totally loosing it. The attacks after 1 1/2 years got so bad that I wanted to die, just to get it over with. The fear of suffering was worst than dieing. After my operation and than 6 weeks of radation I was so weak and every pain in my body was of cause cancer. I still have many of the pains but they are so important now. I am doing well with the lex and more important decided to go for theropy 10 weeks ago. I go every week and decided to be as honest as I could with myself and the therapist. Three things helped me put my life together. I went back to work part time, some days it was horrible but kept to it. Started to do physical things and make plans for the future.
Planning a vacation or trip even if I deide not to go. Making up my mind that I don't have control over disease ( except VD ) or how long I will live. I am still affread but when I have a pain or problem I say T H E H E L L W I T H IT ! The best reason is that this Saturday I became a first tme grandfather of a little boy that I love and makes be beleave in God.
I hope this helps.
Joel
thanks for your post. I really appreciate hearing from someone who has been through what I fear most, a serious disease. Please tell me how you coped with that. I really can't imagine being able to get through something that scarey. How do you learn to live for "today" and not worry about what tomorrow will bring. That is the question of my life.Currently, I am a healthy women. My problem is that I worry that every little ache or pain, rash, etc. is something serious. I spend days obsessing about it and then it will just stop bothering me for a while until it reappears and I re-worry. I can't wait to discuss all of this with a therapist. Any thoughts? Mrs. C
Posted by bluesfan on March 4, 2004, at 12:32:05
In reply to Re: Questions at 15mg or 20mg » bluesfan, posted by LynneDa on March 4, 2004, at 11:50:14
Did it take 8 to 9 weeks after the increase, or just in total after taking the drug? I was on 10mg for about 10 weeks before starting the new dosage. Good luck to you as well!
> Bluesfan -
> Good question! I don't think I'll increase.
>
> Part of my problem is the insomnia. If I can get that fixed, it will help. Additionally, I need counseling to work through a lot of my issues now and I've been putting it off due to lack of time. Thirdly, I need to exercise - my treadmill comes this weekend! And, lastly, I'm going to try to supplement with some natural remedies if the first 3 things don't bring me where I want to be . . . but I think they will!
>
> Hang in there thru the sleepy fog at the beginning! I know it makes everything seem more difficult. I can say it took me 7 or 8 weeks before I really felt better, but then I have the insomnia issue that does some masking. Good luck!!!!!
> ~ Lynne
> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>
> Lynne-
> >
> > I just started on 20mg 2 days ago, so I'm looking for some answers as well. You said you weren't "100%". Do you plan on having another dosage increase until you are 100%? I'm worried that I will have to have another increase after this and I don't want to keep having to go through the massive fatigue that is associated with it.
>
>
Posted by Gator on March 4, 2004, at 13:29:02
In reply to Re: Questions at 15mg or 20mg » LynneDa, posted by bluesfan on March 4, 2004, at 12:32:05
Lynne,
Insominia just started for me after being on Lex for 5 months. I have been taking melatonin about 1/2 hour before I go to bed and it helps me sleep soundly all night.
Take Care!
Gator
Posted by LynneDa on March 4, 2004, at 13:29:54
In reply to Re: Questions at 15mg or 20mg » LynneDa, posted by bluesfan on March 4, 2004, at 12:32:05
I was also on 10 mg for about 10 weeks before increasing. It took about one month on 20 mg before I noticed a measurable difference.
It was at about 8 weeks after the increase that I could say I felt about 90% better than before I began any meds. Not that 100% is perfect, but 100% is where I want to get to, if that makes sense. But, again, don't forget about my insomnia - lack of sleep makes my recovery much slower than it should be I think!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Did it take 8 to 9 weeks after the increase, or just in total after taking the drug? I was on 10mg for about 10 weeks before starting the new dosage. Good luck to you as well!
>
> > Bluesfan -
> > Good question! I don't think I'll increase.
> >
> > Part of my problem is the insomnia. If I can get that fixed, it will help. Additionally, I need counseling to work through a lot of my issues now and I've been putting it off due to lack of time. Thirdly, I need to exercise - my treadmill comes this weekend! And, lastly, I'm going to try to supplement with some natural remedies if the first 3 things don't bring me where I want to be . . . but I think they will!
> >
> > Hang in there thru the sleepy fog at the beginning! I know it makes everything seem more difficult. I can say it took me 7 or 8 weeks before I really felt better, but then I have the insomnia issue that does some masking. Good luck!!!!!
> > ~ Lynne
> > >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
> >
> > Lynne-
> > >
> > > I just started on 20mg 2 days ago, so I'm looking for some answers as well. You said you weren't "100%". Do you plan on having another dosage increase until you are 100%? I'm worried that I will have to have another increase after this and I don't want to keep having to go through the massive fatigue that is associated with it.
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by linnie on March 4, 2004, at 13:38:04
In reply to Re: Sexylexy...How are you? » KathrynLex, posted by sexylexy on March 3, 2004, at 18:15:46
> K~
> Thanks for asking, its nice to know that someone is thinking of me. Today is day 2 of 15mg. I feel a little flat, tired and spacey but nothing like I felt when I first started lex. I am hoping the side effects go away pretty soon. Hopefully from there I will start to notice improvement. Its odd that you had a panic attack this weekend, I had a small one Friday night (my first in a long time. It was probably my fault though, I was at a ball with my boyfriend and had two martinis... bad lexy, bad...How are you doing... what have you noticed on 15 that 10 did not bring? Thanks, God Bless,
> LexyHi Lexy and K,
I also just upped my dose to 15mgs on lex and it's been 2 days also. So I would be interested in what you both have to say about this. So please keep me posted.
Lexy, tell me about the panic attack. I know i get extreme anxiety and feel like nothing is worth anything. I have also noticed that alcohol is not good even just a couple of drinks as I have big time depression the next day.
K, How soon was it that you felt better on 15mgs. The first day, I felt on top of the world but that may have been the efffect of coffee. I know we can do it!!linnie
Posted by LynneDa on March 4, 2004, at 14:41:14
In reply to Insominia--LynneDa, posted by Gator on March 4, 2004, at 13:29:02
Thanks Gator - Melatonin does help somewhat. I guess there's no long-term negative effect for taking it every night? From what I've read there isn't, but have you heard anything different?
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Lynne,
>
> Insominia just started for me after being on Lex for 5 months. I have been taking melatonin about 1/2 hour before I go to bed and it helps me sleep soundly all night.
>
> Take Care!
>
> Gator
Posted by Gator on March 4, 2004, at 15:01:27
In reply to Re: Insominia--LynneDa » Gator, posted by LynneDa on March 4, 2004, at 14:41:14
Lynne,
I haven't heard anything bad with continued use. I used to take it years ago(couldn't shut my brain off, constant worrying). I took it every night for quite a while back then and didn't have any trouble. I don't know why now I have been having trouble, it's not that I can't get to sleep it's that I can't stay asleep. Melatonin has helped me to sleep all night.
If anyone has heard of negative reports about long term usage of Melatonin could you let me know? Thanks.
Good Luck Lynne with the insomnia - things always seem worse when your tired.
Gator
Posted by LynneDa on March 4, 2004, at 15:12:10
In reply to Re: Insominia--LynneDa » LynneDa, posted by Gator on March 4, 2004, at 15:01:27
Gator,
That's for sure (looks worse when you're tired)!I have the same trouble, I fall asleep, but wake up in the middle of the night either several times briefly or one big time feeling wired. Thanks for your response!
~Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Lynne,
> I haven't heard anything bad with continued use. I used to take it years ago(couldn't shut my brain off, constant worrying). I took it every night for quite a while back then and didn't have any trouble. I don't know why now I have been having trouble, it's not that I can't get to sleep it's that I can't stay asleep. Melatonin has helped me to sleep all night.
>
> If anyone has heard of negative reports about long term usage of Melatonin could you let me know? Thanks.
>
> Good Luck Lynne with the insomnia - things always seem worse when your tired.
>
> Gator
Posted by mrs c on March 4, 2004, at 15:20:14
In reply to Re: Mystic and everyone else too!, posted by COOP on March 4, 2004, at 11:54:33
Hi Joel, thanks for your reply. I am glad to hear that Lex is working for you. You seem to have such a great outlook on life and I hope that I can get there too! Lex has taken care of most of the depression but the obsessive thoughts are putting up a fight! Congratulations on becoming a grandfather! What a wonderful way to celebrate the new and positive you! I hope that you continue to improve and I look forward to hearing more from you. Mrs. C
Posted by Gator on March 4, 2004, at 15:22:26
In reply to Re: Insominia--LynneDa » Gator, posted by LynneDa on March 4, 2004, at 15:12:10
No problem.
I don't post very often, but I read every day.
Take Care!
Gator
Posted by mrs c on March 4, 2004, at 15:25:25
In reply to Re: Questions at 15mg or 20mg » bluesfan, posted by LynneDa on March 4, 2004, at 13:29:54
Hey you guys, I am supposed to start taking 20mgs as of yesterday. I took 10 last night and I am terrified to start 20. I know the sooner I do it the sooner I will feel better but I am so afraid of the increased anxiety I felt when first beginning Lex. Were your side effects less extreme when increasing to 20? My doc said that I could alternate between 10 and 20 at first so I may try that. She said increasing to 15 probably wouldn't help for long. That is what I wanted to do. Maybe I should do that anyway until I feel comfortable. I dont know. I am confused. Help! Mrs. C
Posted by mrs c on March 4, 2004, at 15:30:11
In reply to Re: Insominia--LynneDa » LynneDa, posted by Gator on March 4, 2004, at 15:22:26
Hey guys, do any of you have any experience taking Lex with narcotic pain relievers? I will be having dental surgery soon and will need to take something stronger than Advil or tylenol for a few days. Does anyone know about any negative effects? I am nervous about telling my dentist that I take Lexapro but will if I have to. I know him and his wife personally and don't want them to know. Thanks for any input. Mrs. C
Posted by LynneDa on March 4, 2004, at 15:38:31
In reply to Re: Questions at 15mg or 20mg, posted by mrs c on March 4, 2004, at 15:25:25
Hi Mrs. C. -
I understand how you feel. I was reluctant to increase too. But, my s/e's were not bad at all and only lasted 10 days or so! I was a little nauseous and spacey - but not to the extent AT ALL that I was at first - not all the time and not every day. After 9 weeks on 20mg, my anxiety, sadness & anger are about 90% gone - even the week before my period - I only had about 2 "episodes" that week (which was week 8).Your posts indicate that you are experiencing increased anxiety and unhappiness. You are such a wonderful, caring and articulate person and so great to hear from each day. I hate seeing you suffer any more than you have to! Go up to 20 mg and see what happens. Alternating doesn't seem right for some reason, like you'll confuse your brain or something!
I bet it will help you! It may take a couple of weeks to get readjusted, but we are here for you! Let us know what you decide.
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Hey you guys, I am supposed to start taking 20mgs as of yesterday. I took 10 last night and I am terrified to start 20. I know the sooner I do it the sooner I will feel better but I am so afraid of the increased anxiety I felt when first beginning Lex. Were your side effects less extreme when increasing to 20? My doc said that I could alternate between 10 and 20 at first so I may try that. She said increasing to 15 probably wouldn't help for long. That is what I wanted to do. Maybe I should do that anyway until I feel comfortable. I dont know. I am confused. Help! Mrs. C
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