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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by BLKVETTES on March 5, 2004, at 11:00:44
In reply to Re: Lexapro Dosing Info--Final thought on Lex dose, posted by BobYuma on March 5, 2004, at 9:15:49
> > > There is, in my opinion, no posible way that 10 mgs. of Lex can be as effective as 200 mgs. of Zoloft as claimed in a Forrest Lab sponsored study.
> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >
>
> Lexapro's active ingredient is Escitalopram Oxalate.
> Zoloft's active ingredient is Sertraline Hydrochloride.
>
> Both Aspirin and Imitrex (active ingredient: sumatriptan) are taken for headaches. Many people take two Aspirin for their headache, which would be around 650 mg. Other people with headaches take Imitrex, the average dose being 50 mg.
>
> Would you argue that one should take 650 mg of Imitrex in order to obtain the same pain relief that you'd receive from 650 mg of Aspirin?
> BobYuma
>
>YO, you explained that nicely!!!!!
Posted by Anjul on March 5, 2004, at 11:32:29
In reply to Re: Insominia-Zena, posted by mystic on March 5, 2004, at 10:33:53
I take about 8.5 mgs! On 10, I cant sleep at all and lose weight. thanks for the response. ANjul
Posted by LynneDa on March 5, 2004, at 11:53:53
In reply to Re: Insominia-Zena, posted by Zena on March 5, 2004, at 8:50:29
Hi! Thought I would chime back in here. I've also been on Lex since October. I upped to 20mg at end of Dec. I had the insomnia issues throughout, but it got worse after I upped.
I took 10mg Ambien for 8 nights and slept so well! But, my doc said only take it for one week as it is addictive. I had a horrible 2 days & nights after going off it - so wired! So, by the 3rd night of no sleep, I took a benadryl. Now I'm taking Melatonin again. I still wake up frequently, but go back to sleep after a few minutes - not good quality sleep.
I guess my question is, Is it normal to have to take a sleep aid forever when on an AD? Is Remeron addictive? What about side effects? I hate to keep taking things I don't need like Midol PMS or Benadryl!
I know the Lex is helping, but sleep would really just make things so much better :-) Thanks!
~ LynneP.S. Anjul - you mentioned the no orgasm thing. I have had the problem. I'm on week 9 of 20 mgs and I was able to get there TWICE this past week! Maybe things are changing on the Lex or we are just figuring out how to do it. But it is a relief and I hope you find a change as well!
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Anjul,
> I haven't gained any weight on the remeron & I've been on it for almost two years. I am on week 4 of Lex -so far no weight gain. I walk/jog 5 days a week & watch my diet closely. No caffeine & lots of fruits & vegs.Let me know if you decide to take remeron. It's wonderful for sleep.
> Zena
Posted by sexylexy on March 5, 2004, at 11:57:57
In reply to Not a good day!!!, posted by mystic on March 5, 2004, at 10:02:13
Mey Mysic,
I know you do not like to take meds. Altough, I am not phobic of meds, I hate taking anything. I felt the excat same way you did, what do I do when this does not work, where do I turn, who can I turn to. I know what it feels like to be in a living nightmare. You will pull though, it may help you to go see a therapist. I am a therapist and have found that people really find a lot of care, comfort and will help you change your thinking patterns. Cognitive therapy is supposed to be as effective as taking medication and th combo is pretty fool-proof. You will make it though, just read some of my old post which mimic yours, now I am able to give supports, Take care of yourself. Write down any positive thought you have today. Also something that helped me, is the one thing I hate in this world more than feeling bad is the thing that did it to me, depression/anxiety. If I harmed myself or let it rule me then I would give in to it. I will not give it the satisfaction, I swear to you I may lose battles but I will win this war!
God Bless,
Lexy
God Bless,
Posted by sexylexy on March 5, 2004, at 12:08:50
In reply to lexapro craziness..., posted by want info on March 5, 2004, at 11:00:20
Emily,
I am going to get you though this. I did the same sort of things when I at the start of lexapro. I can tell you that its not the medication, its the fact that your mind is over working because of your anxiety leading to depression, leading to anxiety. Your mind is working overtime keeping up with your irrational thoughts brought on by the depression/anxiety. I remember having no trust in my thoughts or actions. Its a bad bad time, I remember seeing a shadow or hearing a noise and being terrified that I was seeing or hearing things. I am now trusting my thoughts and actions much more. I think that an increase would work wonders for you. The side effects have been nothing compared to what it was like at the start. I know your are scared of the flat feeling but you will even out, all the side effects will go away. You are playing the waitng game right now. You can do it, don't give into that bastard depression/anxiety. You are better than that.
Lexy
Posted by want info on March 5, 2004, at 12:26:36
In reply to Re: lexapro craziness..., posted by sexylexy on March 5, 2004, at 12:08:50
thank you lexy. you are a wonder. i am only at 4wks and dont think an increase is in the cards yet. my pdoc is back from vacation on the 9th. i have an appt on the 18th. i think she wanted to give me 6wks and see how i did. i have NEVER been absentminded...then again i told my bf i did this (the shoe thing) and he was like so what, i've done that. i make everything into a huge deal i know! i did take .25 xanax and it really helped. i feel nauseous too. is it possible the lex side effects are just kicking in now? maybe bc all the paxil is out of my system?
Posted by Anjul on March 5, 2004, at 14:25:19
In reply to Re: Insominia-Zena » Zena, posted by LynneDa on March 5, 2004, at 11:53:53
Congrats on your recent successes!
Remeron is another A/D. I don;t know much about it.
Anjul
Posted by mystic on March 5, 2004, at 15:24:09
In reply to Re: Not a good day!!! » mystic, posted by sexylexy on March 5, 2004, at 11:57:57
Thank you Lexy....Went to the Drs and he said about the same thing...I have a great primary and he is very understanding and patient about what I go through on meds...He wants me to take 15mg and see if that helps and keep with the xanax which I have only been able to make myself take once a day...He wanted me to take the 15mg in preparation of the baby shower in three weeks from sunday...Not sure I can do this but will think about it..>Dont want to do anything to ruin my daughters baby shower...I told him my thoughts and he actually gave me his home phone in case I felt I would act on them...He is really great..I also see his wife who is a Dr also...As far as counceling it is soooo hard to find a good one..I have been to many but they focus on the past tramas in my life and comfronting people and less time on what I want to accomplish right now which is being happier and less anxiety so that is where I am with counseling hopefully this weekend I will figure out someone on my insurance..>God Bless you Lexy and by the way How are you doing?..Didnt you just up to 15mgs...??...Hope to talk to you soon...Mystic
Posted by mystic on March 5, 2004, at 15:28:26
In reply to Re: lexapro craziness... » sexylexy, posted by want info on March 5, 2004, at 12:26:36
Emily we are mirror images I'm going through the same thing...And great for your boyfriend to point that out for you that he has done that with his shoes also...He sounds like a good one...I do that all the time I am always doing things and wondering if this is because of the meds or I'm never going to remember stuff again..But Lexy is right we have to give ourselves a break when it comes to these things...Emily please keep me posted we are at the same amount of time that we have been on the meds and I could use the help also...We will get through this..My Dr. and Lexy told me so..haha...Take care and hope to hear from you later...I think we have a room full of people willing to help lets run with it...A friend Mystic
Posted by LynneDa on March 5, 2004, at 15:36:51
In reply to Re: Not a good day!!!, posted by mystic on March 5, 2004, at 15:24:09
Hi Mystic - I'm sorry to hear you're still having a rough time. I understand about the black hole as I've been there many times, and in the fog too. But the fact that you've posted help to other people is a good sign :-).
It sounds like you have a great doctor though, and that is a blessing. Did you ask them for therapist recommendations? I've been to lots of them over the years and the one I have now is a social worker. I've gone to PhDs and Licensed counselors in the past. Social workers seem to have more emphasis in their training on crisis intervention - getting you through the NOW - vs. delving into your past to fix you. (Lexy, I'm sure you may have an opinion on that since you are in a masters program right now.)
It's hard to find a good one and hard to ask around for recommendations! I have seen people on this board post a message with the title "Know a good therapist in xyz city?". You may want to try that!
Hang in there Mystic! Just think how much better you will be in 3 more weeks. You'll be at 8 weeks, right? That's been a real break-through point for many of us.
Not that I'm one to talk, but really try not to let your fears keep you from getting better!!! They're just that - fears - they only have power if you give it to them. You can thank them for coming, but tell them you are done with them now and would like them to go back where they came :-).
We're all pulling from you and I'll be thinking about you this weekend, hoping you're doing okay and taking your meds.
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Posted by Anjul on March 5, 2004, at 16:05:52
In reply to Re: Not a good day!!! » mystic, posted by LynneDa on March 5, 2004, at 15:36:51
Mystic
I know that feeling well of being afraid of everything and living in a state of terror. Thats why I went on Lex and Klonopin (basically the same as Xanax). It did the trick for banishing demons. And, I've lost weight. (just can't sleep yet)
My therapist gave me good advice while waiting for Lex to work: she said to break off a little piece of my benzo and take it during the day when it got bad. that really helped, and I never do that anymore. But the benzo's help alot with the fear.
Hang in there!
Anjul
Posted by mystic on March 5, 2004, at 16:57:08
In reply to Re: Not a good day!!! » mystic, posted by LynneDa on March 5, 2004, at 15:36:51
Thank you Lynne..you are an angel to post to me..that is certainly one of the things that I told the dr today is that I'm into for this long so I should just keep going a little longer...The worst time is when i'm alone that is when the throughts really start racing and just dont stop...Still stuggling with whether or not to go up to the 15mgs..I dont know what I would do without you all..thank you soo much...I am really also going to concentrate on finding a good councelor this weekend to call on monday but like you said it is very hard to find one that is good...But just have to try one and see if it fits and if not try and try again...Thank you Lynne...god bless you Mystic
Posted by mystic on March 5, 2004, at 17:02:43
In reply to Re: Not a good day!!!, posted by Anjul on March 5, 2004, at 16:05:52
Anjul...what is the dosage that you are on right now for the lexapro..My dr did mention that if wasnt going to take the xanax twice a day to maybe take 1/2 twice a day if that made me more comfortable..but he did want me to go up to the 15mgs..not sure yet..>Thank you and take care..Mystic
Posted by KathrynLex on March 5, 2004, at 17:26:21
In reply to Is Lexapro effective for Panic Disorder?, posted by jake97tx on March 4, 2004, at 6:00:32
Hi Jake,
I didn't see an improvement with my anxiety or panic disorder until I increased my dose from 10 mgs to 15 mgs. It was a small increase that's made a huge difference.
Have you looked in to benzos: Xanax, Lorazepam, Klonopin etc... for you anxiety. I take Lorazepam on an as needed basis and I've found it very helpful for panic attacks.
K.
Posted by KathrynLex on March 5, 2004, at 17:28:16
In reply to Mystic and everyone else too!, posted by mrs c on March 3, 2004, at 21:32:24
Hi Mrs. C,
I wish you all the luck in the world. It sounds like you've made a lot of progress and I think you're taking some very positive steps towards healing. Congrats...pat yourself on the back.
K.
Posted by mystic on March 5, 2004, at 17:29:49
In reply to Re: Is Lexapro effective for Panic Disorder?, posted by KathrynLex on March 5, 2004, at 17:26:21
K...Just read your post and thanks looking for information about going up to 15mgs..I have heard mixed...The Dr said that 15mg isnt really proven to improve more than going from 10-20mgs..But I like to use less if possible...Jake good luck to you also...My prayers are with everyone...Mystic
Posted by KathrynLex on March 5, 2004, at 17:31:15
In reply to New to Lexapro, posted by dzinegirl on March 4, 2004, at 10:44:57
Hi Dzinegirl,
Many of the side effects you mention are very common and go away around the 3rd or 4th week. I'm sorry Lexapro proved to be the wrong medication for you. Best of luck in finding the right cure to your anxiety and panic.
K
Posted by KathrynLex on March 5, 2004, at 17:34:27
In reply to Re: Sexylexy...How are you?, posted by linnie on March 4, 2004, at 13:38:04
Hi Linnie,
I'm sorry it's taken me so long to get back to you. I've been away from my computer the last two days. How is the increase going for you? In my experience it took about 2 wks on 15 mgs before I began to feel better. It sounds like it's working much faster for you. I hope that's the case!
K.
Posted by Anjul on March 5, 2004, at 17:38:21
In reply to RE:..anjul, posted by mystic on March 5, 2004, at 17:02:43
Mystic, I am only on 8.5 mgs of Lex and .125 of Klonapin. I am 85% less anxious even on this dose. Like you I am way sensitive to meds, and don;t like using benzo's much. I think you are smart to go up to 15 instead of 20mgs. a few mg's can make a huge difference. I have had GAD my whole life, and thought it was my karma to master it. I don;t believe that anymore. The lex has helped with that so much!!! Have a peaceful night.
Anjul
Posted by KathrynLex on March 5, 2004, at 17:39:58
In reply to Hello Lex Family, posted by Bubbasmom on March 5, 2004, at 1:42:07
Hi Michelle,
I'm so glad to hear that you're doing better. I LOVE success stories.
K.
Posted by KathrynLex on March 5, 2004, at 17:53:19
In reply to Not a good day!!!, posted by mystic on March 5, 2004, at 10:02:13
Hi Mystic,
I'm sorry you're having such a rough time. Keep in mind that not everyone has a difficult 5th week, it really depends on the individual. Some people actually start seeing good results that week!
I haven't gained any weight on Lexapro and only felt flat for the first two weeks after increasing. The "flat" feeling is a side effect that goes away for most people. I hope you have a good weekend and start having a positive experience with Lex.
K.
Posted by KathrynLex on March 5, 2004, at 17:55:18
In reply to Re: lexapro craziness..., posted by sexylexy on March 5, 2004, at 12:08:50
Hi Lexy,
It was encouraging to read that the Lexapro has helped with your fear of flying. I'm terrified to get on a plane and have a trip coming up. I'm debating whether or not to take a Xanax, or if I should rely on the Lexapro to get me through it. What do you think?
K.
Posted by wantinfo on March 5, 2004, at 17:59:03
In reply to Question for Lexy, posted by KathrynLex on March 5, 2004, at 17:55:18
hi k...i have some experience with this as well...i've found that a clonozepam (same as klonopin), which i used to take, was very helpful for flying. i'd take it about an hour before getting on the plane so it could be at its maximum effect.
im still not doing super well on 10mg after 4 weeks. my pdoc is on vacation until tuesday and i actually felt bad enough (depersonalized etc) to call her covering doc today...that doc said to raise to 20! i freaked at that...not going to double my dose, esp not after only 4 wks, without talking to MY doc.
for now, .25 xanax once or twice a day can stop the craziness for the most part. i do miss my old self!
Posted by sexylexy on March 5, 2004, at 19:18:32
In reply to Question for Lexy, posted by KathrynLex on March 5, 2004, at 17:55:18
Hey K~
I fly a lot and have been though some really bad flights, in fact my first panic attack was on a flight. I tend to try to sit by a window and that helps me a lot (not feeling trapped). Before I had ever thought of taking an anti depressant or anxiety I took a beta blocker which blocks your adrenal glads or something to make you not nervous. My Dad would not let me take them when I started taking lexapro so I have not taken anything but lex. I have been a flying fool lately going home every two weeks, and taking trips with the fam. I flew though bad weather twice last week and was pretty calm, (I embarass myself holding so tight to the arm rest) but this time I was hands free. I attribiute this to lexapro, however, if you are not confident I would rely on the Xanax or at least have one handy. I have had a lot less plane anxiety and much less general worry before (I used to start checking the weather 10 days ahead of my flight several times a day. Sorry this is winded, I am feeling a lot better and hoping to see more improvement from lex, the true test will be when my PMDD comes on! Good luck..Bbttom line, see how you do on just lex, if you need it pop a Xanax!
Good luck... you going on a fun trip or business?
Lexy
Posted by mrs c on March 5, 2004, at 21:01:51
In reply to Re: Mystic and everyone else too!, posted by KathrynLex on March 5, 2004, at 17:28:16
Thanks K! Mrs. C
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