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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Journeyman on February 4, 2004, at 22:31:30
In reply to Re: Anxiety, Lexapro and a Revelation -- Esmareld, posted by BobYuma on February 4, 2004, at 19:31:53
Everything has a purpose, including depression.
Based on my own emotional struggles, and I am now grateful for what they're teaching me, I'd like to make three suggestions for reading. I am convinced that depression damages our sense of self, and therefore necessarily warps our ability to relate fully and satisfyingly to others in ways which are mutually healthy and fun. At least that's been my experience. If it's been yours too, you might find some help in reading the following:
Reclaiming childlike joy - "Homecoming" by John Bradshaw and "Radical Acceptance" by Tara Brach, who looks at the reasons why and how we use depression as a coping mechanism.
Recreating Love Relationships - "Getting The Love You Want" by Harville Hendrix. Examines why we fall in love (for better or worse, it's a very natural process) and how to take that process and use it to remove the explosive crazyness that often develops between two people who are bewildered by how the love they'd formerly experienced has seemingly disappeared.
Dealing with the loss of a loved one - "Who Dies?" by Stephen and Ondrea Levine. Stephen Levine's job is to counsel patients who are facing their final year/weeks/days of living. He's learned a great deal about hanging on and letting go, both for those who are about to die, and for those who are left to deal with the loss (and eventual gain) of the inevitable. The style of writing doesn't make it the most riveting book, but the content (for me) more than makes up for it. [My father died 16 months ago, and I found the book to be a big help.]
May your days be filled with wonder and acceptance.
Journeyman
Posted by LynneDa on February 5, 2004, at 10:05:44
In reply to Learning Unlearning the Benefits of Depression, posted by Journeyman on February 4, 2004, at 22:31:30
Hi all ~
This is a very interesting discussion. I've read the Harville Hendrix book. Good stuff.When my ex-husband first was diagnosed with depression we did a lot of reading and of course counseling. What we were told was that depression is a progressive illness - gets worse without treatment. Getting worse means the chemicals keep going in the wrong direction and poor chemical balance alters behavior, as we all know!
I haven't really studied it any further & am certainly not a psychologist, but what that meant to me was that these new behaviors somehow perpetuate and learning is achieved through repeated behaviors. Our bodies will continue on the same chemical pathways until they are altered. Meds are great for breaking that cycle and allowing us to modify our depressed behaviors.
On a spiritual level, however, I agree with Richard that the things we are given in life are there to teach us something and they won't go away until we've learned the lessons we're supposed to learn. I guess I have to believe that or disease, dysfunction, loss, etc., would just seem too tragic for me to bear!
Peace to everyone on your personal journeys!
~ Lynne
Posted by Esmarelda on February 5, 2004, at 10:08:04
In reply to Re: Anxiety, Lexapro and a Revelation -- Esmareld, posted by BobYuma on February 4, 2004, at 19:31:53
That is really interesting. Actual studies do show that once a person has suffered from depression, they are more likely to have a recurrence. I, too, had a similar experience. Except when I was about 36 or 37 I started having occasional bouts of mild depression and tried several drugs, Paxil, Prozac, Effexor, Wellbutrin. None really seemed to work that well, but it was no big deal because the depression once somewhat transient and I could still function even with it. Last year, my dear beloved grandmother died. She was my rock. Within a couple weeks of that, I was in a severe depression where I couldn't get out of bed on many days and just slept all day long. Then, I had four other family members pass away (all of my grandmother's generation) until none in her generation were left. In the midst of all this, my house was broken into and my significant other bailed. I am not whining, I am just saying I went into a deep, fear inducing pit! Lexapro saved my life. I am still not totally out of it and it has been 10 months since the landslide started. I am now on Wellbutrin and Lexapro and also turned 42 this year. The combination of the 2 drugs really helped me. This depression stuff stinks!
Posted by sexylexy on February 5, 2004, at 10:08:47
In reply to Re: Anxiety, Lexapro and a Revelation -- Esmareld, posted by BobYuma on February 4, 2004, at 19:31:53
Bob~
I just wanted to say that a researcher could not have said it better. Our stories are similar, I learned the depression from the progesterone in a particular birth control pill. I like yourself, did not think I could have depression b/c no one in my family has it, and I have been though hard things which I have stood strong. The day I got off birth control, the depression went away, however, a week later a friend died unexpectedly, and thikning that those feelings were going to come back made me so anxious that I brought back those old feelings. Then after a week I was fine again, 3 weeks later again an incident occured that made me scared of being sad. I went to the Dr.s both and internalist and p-doc. They said that my body needed to forget depression and that medication would make this happen. So here I am planning to say on Lexapro for about a year to forget.
Good luck,
Thanks for sharing
Posted by SFgirl on February 5, 2004, at 11:46:20
In reply to Kathrynlex, posted by sexylexy on February 1, 2004, at 18:24:57
Just wondering if there are benfits from switching from Effexor to Lexapro?
Posted by little love-bug on February 5, 2004, at 15:06:40
In reply to Re: Ladies on lex. please respond!, posted by sip on January 23, 2004, at 13:35:05
I just currently stopped taking LEX I was on it for about 12 wks. I had a more intense bout of PMS as well. Terriblly moody and mean. I also found myself sexually excited but it took me the longest time to climax. I don't know if this is the way it will be for you ladies but just some things to watch for. Good luck keep us posted.
love-bug
Hi, my period was really late the first month I was on Lex (now I've been on it about 8 wks). I did notice that my PMS symptoms subsided considerably (usually PMS eats up 2 wks of my life: I'm emotional, depressed, cry a lot, super sensitive plus my breasts are sore and I'm very tired and eat everything in sight). This time I didn't have as many emotional symptoms (but I did worry Lex wasn't working because I was a little depressed). I craved foods, but when I finally got my period I was a little surprised because usually my PMS crescendoes and I know my period is about to start. Don't know if PMS will be back with a vengeance or if my period will be late again, but I think it definitely affects menstrual cycles.
Posted by JACEY on February 5, 2004, at 15:41:19
In reply to Anyone happy with Lexapro for OCD?, posted by Yogi on February 3, 2004, at 23:08:23
I TOO WANT TO KNOW ABOUT OCD AND LEXAPRO. MY HUSBAND HAS IN THE LAST YEAR BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH OCD. HE TOOK PAXIL FOR A YEAR & ONLY GOT WORSE, BUT 3WKS AGO HE STARTED LEXAPRO 10MGS THEN HIS DR UPPED TO 20MGS LAST FRIDAY. DOES ANYONE HERE HAVE OCD? AND IF SO HAS LEXAPRO HELPED IT? AND IF NOT LEXAPRO THEN HAS SOME OTHER DRUG HELPED YOU? I'M SEARCHING FOR SOME ANSWERS.
ANY INFO WOULD BE APPRECIATED.
THANKS TO ALL OF YOU FOR YOUR POSTS ABOUT WHAT TO EXPECT WITH TAKING LEXAPRO.
JACEY
Posted by Jayslace on February 5, 2004, at 16:05:14
In reply to Has anyone here switched from Effexor to Lexapro?, posted by SFgirl on February 5, 2004, at 11:46:20
Hi, I can tell you many benefits. I have no nightmares since changing from the E to the Lex. No wieght gain and no anger feelings. Those are pretty much the main things I can say. Effexor 150 mg daily did nothing for me. But, I then went off it cold turkey, and with the brain jolts, the tremors and horrible thoughts inside my head, I became suididal.
I came through all that though.
Lex is the best as far as I'm concerened.
Oh, and to my Klonipin for sleep buddies... I take it at 8pm. By 10:30p I'm in bed, and at 11 I'm asleep. At 7:30a I'm up. I have gone shopping and out to lunch with a freind today. It's 5pm now. No grogginess! I think I might have a solution finally!!
Peace and comfort to everyone!!
Ruthie
Posted by simus on February 6, 2004, at 1:06:27
In reply to Has anyone here switched from Effexor to Lexapro?, posted by SFgirl on February 5, 2004, at 11:46:20
> Just wondering if there are benfits from switching from Effexor to Lexapro?
I switched because Effexor (300mg) seemed to be loosing it's effectiveness for me after about 3 years. I am on 20mg of Lexapro now and doing better. Everyone's experience is different though.
Posted by Mrs C. on February 6, 2004, at 8:48:37
In reply to Re: Anyone happy with Lexapro for OCD?, posted by JACEY on February 5, 2004, at 15:41:19
Lexapro has been very effective for my OCD and resulting depression. Good Luck and let me know if you have any other questions. Mrs. C
Posted by KathrynLex on February 6, 2004, at 15:50:40
In reply to Re: Anyone happy with Lexapro for OCD?, posted by Mrs C. on February 6, 2004, at 8:48:37
Hi,
Today marks my 50th day on lexapro! (I've been increasing my dose to 20 mg. Have another 6 days of 15 mg left before going all the way up to 20 mg.)
I still get anxious sometimes. In crowded rooms or in movie theatres I become very anxious. My pdoc said that the increase will help with this. But I was wondering if anyone else has had a similar experience? Thanks!
K.
Posted by sexylexy on February 6, 2004, at 16:25:31
In reply to Anyone still anxious on Lexapro?, posted by KathrynLex on February 6, 2004, at 15:50:40
Hey K~
I am still sticking with 10mg and am starting to finally see some real improvement. I know what you what you mean by still getting anxious on lexapro. For me its not so much like a social anxiety, croweded rooms ect. For me, Lexapro has helped a lot with general anxiety (worring for a week before getting on a plane) but I am really anxious about not getting better or becoming depressed again. I know this may not be the information that you wanted but I know for me, any feedback helps. I hope you are feeling better on 15 then 20 really works for you. I know you said you had really good results on Prozac what was different and how did you feel. Also can you tell me a little about your depression/ anxiety. How long you have had it, is it in your family ect. Of course if these are too personal please feel free to ignore them but I am just intrested in everyone on this websites story.
Thanks!!
Lexy
Posted by KathrynLex on February 6, 2004, at 17:08:21
In reply to Re: Anyone still anxious on Lexapro? » KathrynLex, posted by sexylexy on February 6, 2004, at 16:25:31
Hi Lexy,
Thanks. I agree with you that any feedback helps.
Lexapro has helped with my general anxiety too, which has been very nice. But every once in a while something odd makes me anxious...like sitting in a movie theater or driving on the freeway. These things used to never make me anxious...but in the past year things have been different.
I moved away from my home state 2 yrs ago. While I was away my mom got cancer and a close friend of mine passed away. I was in a strange city with no support network, so I moved home several months after my friend died. But then I started getting anxious about strange things like I mentioned above, and this lead to panic attacks (a panic attack is one of the scariest things I've ever experienced and I wouldn't wish it on anyone) so I got on medication.
My pdoc said that the anxiety had also brought on depression. I hadn't really noticed it because I was so worried about everything else, but after being on lexapro I realize I had been quite depressed.
I also had a depressive episode in my mid-teens. That was when I started taking Prozac. (My father has suffered from depression for most of his life, but nobody else in my family has it.) Prozac was wonderful for me. I felt like getting out of bed again and going out with friends, classes were interesting and I stopped having mood swings. I took Prozac for 3 years. I took it for a year and half, went off for 6 months, went back on for another year and half (although it wasn't quite as effective as the first time) but then I stopped taking it again because I didn't want to be on meds my entire life.
I was off medications (and doing rather well!) for several years until I started having the panic attacks last year. Now I'm on Lexapro and it's starting to give me my life back. (Although, I'm still not up to 100%).
Now that I'm not as anxious/depressed, I plan to use lexapro as a tool to help me improve my life. I'm going to continue talk therapy, I've been exercising more and eating right, and I'm working on simplifying my life. These are additional tools I'll use to combat my anxiety/depression, and at some point in the future I won't need the lexapro anymore because I'll have so many other "tools" I can use instead. This is my goal.
Whew! What a long winded post. I hope this answers all of your questions Lexy.
Have you noticed any improvement on lex?
K.
Posted by sexylexy on February 6, 2004, at 18:43:26
In reply to Re: Anyone still anxious on Lexapro?, posted by KathrynLex on February 6, 2004, at 17:08:21
K~
You are a girl after my very own heart. I moved away from my home state two years ago as well to go to graduate school to be a clinical social worker of all things! I began my internship working in a critical care unit and doing greif counseling (like I have mentioned before, I was at one time rock hard). With the stress of working at the hospital, I began working out at 6am, I also began drinking coffee (black two cup each morning) I too began to have panic attacks (I agree the world "hell" comes to mind). For school I did a research study about coffee and panic attacks. From this I found the high correlation and discontinued coffee use, with this my panic attacks stopped. Besides that last year went off without a hitch.
When I returned to school this year, I left a boyfriend and my parents behind. I expected to be sad but started becoming depressed which came on as irritabilty, mood swings and extreme sadness. I still was alway functional, never spent the day in bed ect so I was not sure what was going on with me so I thought it was homesickness combined with a boyfriend 9 hours away in law school (again the word "hell" comes to mind). Well, then the story pretty much has to do with the birth control ect, ect. So now I am working on how to forget depression. Its not in my family nor have I ever had an episodes even though I have been though 4 major life changing events which may have brought one on.
Anyway, sorry for rambling on, its just nice to find someone to talk to about all this stuff, around my friends and family I try to act like nothing is wrong unless its really wrong.
Have a great weekend,
Lexy
Posted by sexylexy on February 6, 2004, at 19:00:47
In reply to Re: Anyone still anxious on Lexapro? » KathrynLex, posted by sexylexy on February 6, 2004, at 18:43:26
Hello All,
This is for my dear lexapro friends who are feeling *good*, *great*, *happy*, *content* and *excited about life* all the words that those of us who have ever been depressed long for.
Anyway, I believe my lex 10 mg is starting to "kick in". Today is the 1st day of week 7 for me. I just wanted to ask if anyone has experienced what I am dubbing "lexapro purgatory". The big difference that I noticed this week was that the "depression voice" you know that hateful voice inside your mind that tells you how bad everything is, has gone. This is wonderful because I feel that I am not having to "fight with myself". Please respond if this makes sense to you. Secondly that very physical feeling of sadness in my heart is mostly gone. Again this is really nice. However, I feel as though I am in purgatory, you know, not good but not bad. Better but not any of the magical words listed above.
So my question is does this happen to everyone before they start to feel good again. For 24 years my motto has been live, love, laugh be happy and serve the Lord. For the past few months it has been " I will survive". I would really like to see my motto change. Am I in transition or is this as good as it gets.
Thanks for all the support and please know that you ALL are in my prayers each night, together in prayer we can overcome depression
Lexy
Posted by Yogi on February 7, 2004, at 6:16:14
In reply to Re: Anyone happy with Lexapro for OCD?, posted by JACEY on February 5, 2004, at 15:41:19
Hi Jacey, I've had OCD for at least 33 years. I tried Paxil and Zoloft and the side effects of both were terrible and they did not help my OCD. I took Prozac 20 mg for many years and it helped me tremendously. I called it a Miracle drug. Notice I say, helped not cured. Then a few years back when my prozac got switched to generic, I noticed a difference. Although, I'm told by many that there is no significant differences in a generic drug, I beg to differ. I did have problems with the generic Prozac. It still helped my OCD though. I quit everything last October just to see how I'd be without anything. That was a big mistake. I've tried several natural alternatives and nothing is helping so far. My doctor prescribed Lexapro and I'm scared to take it. I've read a lot about it on this site. Some things are very positive but a lot of the information doesn't sound so good. It sounds all to familiar to the horrible things I experienced with Zoloft and Paxil. I'm considering one last natural treatment. That is St. Johns Wort. If it doesn't work, I'll probably go back on real Prozac and never quit. Good luck to you and your hubby. OCD is really tough. My heart goes out to others who suffer. I've read of so many people that suffer with OCD and other depressions and illnesses associated with chemical imbalances. I just wish everyone could be cured.
Posted by ednababish on February 7, 2004, at 10:45:07
In reply to Lexapro Purgatory please respond!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by sexylexy on February 6, 2004, at 19:00:47
Lexy--you are on your way. That pesky voice has to shut up. It is not silenced so much as it gets quieter and then you can stop listening to it because you don't need to. Like I said, those things that really fret you stop doing it so much. Never having been a terribly happy person myself, I'm on week eight this time on Celexa/Lexapro and I've just started to feel better myself. I know it doesn't mean that unconditionally happy days are here again, but the silencing of the critical voices in my head means that I can concentrate on bigger and better things. Enjoy not having that voice--it IS a major step in your treatment.
Best of wishes and prayers for you,
Edna Babish
Posted by vandy on February 7, 2004, at 11:08:00
In reply to Lexapro Purgatory please respond!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by sexylexy on February 6, 2004, at 19:00:47
You nailed it! "Lexapro Purgatory" is not being fair to Lexapro or it's being too generous to depression -- the true culprit -- but it's a fair representation of the feeling. Bless you for giving it a name so we can help others in the reference. I'm so pleased for you and your progress. Now the good news.....It Gets Better.
There's one more step before heaven but it's a good one. You'll start noticing good things. The cloud that depression generated to hide the good things in your life is one of the early victims of Lex as it melts the ice crystals from which the dark clouds are made. It's still up to you to look for the good stuff but you're much more likely to see it now. It will get progressively easier but it helps if you keep looking. Congratulations and God Bless you. Thank you very much for the prayers. You have mine as well.
> Hello All,
> This is for my dear lexapro friends who are feeling *good*, *great*, *happy*, *content* and *excited about life* all the words that those of us who have ever been depressed long for.
> Anyway, I believe my lex 10 mg is starting to "kick in". Today is the 1st day of week 7 for me. I just wanted to ask if anyone has experienced what I am dubbing "lexapro purgatory". The big difference that I noticed this week was that the "depression voice" you know that hateful voice inside your mind that tells you how bad everything is, has gone. This is wonderful because I feel that I am not having to "fight with myself". Please respond if this makes sense to you. Secondly that very physical feeling of sadness in my heart is mostly gone. Again this is really nice. However, I feel as though I am in purgatory, you know, not good but not bad. Better but not any of the magical words listed above.
> So my question is does this happen to everyone before they start to feel good again. For 24 years my motto has been live, love, laugh be happy and serve the Lord. For the past few months it has been " I will survive". I would really like to see my motto change. Am I in transition or is this as good as it gets.
> Thanks for all the support and please know that you ALL are in my prayers each night, together in prayer we can overcome depression
> Lexy
Posted by Dr. Bob on February 7, 2004, at 14:59:35
In reply to Learning Unlearning the Benefits of Depression, posted by Journeyman on February 4, 2004, at 22:31:30
> Based on my own emotional struggles, and I am now grateful for what they're teaching me, I'd like to make three suggestions for reading...
Thanks for the suggestions, but I'd like to redirect follow-ups regarding books to Psycho-Babble Books. Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/books/20030426/msgs/310577.html
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by nottoosoupy on February 7, 2004, at 20:33:05
In reply to Re: Lexapro Purgatory please respond!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by vandy on February 7, 2004, at 11:08:00
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 stay at home mom on February 7, 2004, at 20:35:11
In reply to Re: Ladies on lex. please respond!, posted by little love-bug on February 5, 2004, at 15:06:40
Hey love bug, I just stopped Remeron which I could orgasm more times that I had the energy for. But , I just started Lex 5mg 2 days ago and I was still able to get my groove on but it did take longer.
I was hoping that it was just one of those times until I read this.
I'll keep my fingers crossed ( but nothing else ) and report more later.
Posted by vandy on February 7, 2004, at 22:22:55
In reply to Hypothyroid and Lex?, posted by nottoosoupy on February 7, 2004, at 20:33:05
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 T34 on February 8, 2004, at 11:06:47
In reply to Re: Ladies on lex. please respond! » little love-bug, posted by stay at home mom on February 7, 2004, at 20:35:11
I have been on Lexapro for awhile and have absolutely no sex drive (desire) and am mostly anorgasmic. I am 34 yo, but was noticing a difference even before I started the Lexapro. It all began when I had children. I think some people are just blessed with more hormones that help them to maintain a healthier sexlife. Or maybe the marriage/ relationship is the key. My husband and I get along, but we definately have our stresses. Also, I had a huge sexual drive in my twenties. So age is also a factor. My point is: I don't think EVERYONE that takes Lexapro is doomed to orgasmic Hell. Maybe there are some fortunate ones who have: enough hormones, a sexy, compassionate lover, and few distractions to help them overcome the Lexapro. Enjoy, there'll be many of us envious, I'm sure.
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.
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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