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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by tmhwrite on March 3, 2004, at 9:15:10
In reply to Re: lex and time of the month?, posted by marfaith on March 3, 2004, at 8:49:16
I know those feelings all too well. Almost a month ago I was at the suicidal state -- the only thing that kept me from it were my children. I just couldn't do that to them, but at the same time I couldn't handle the constant feeling of fear and anxiety and the inability to work on concentrate on anything. The only thing that helped me was the comination of Lexapro (which initially seemed to make it worse) and Clonazepam, which is what finally made the constant fear disappear. I've seen glimpses of my former self over the past week or two -- have even laughed pretty hard with my kids who have been great to me through all of this. I guess what I'm saying is, please please don't give up. It will get better. I promise. So many of us have gone through this and we are making it to the other side. Use the Zanax or whatever works for you in conjuntion with the Lex and hang in there. Get plenty of sleep if you can and don't feel guilty if you need to sleep extra. How long have you been on the Lex and what dose are you on?
We are all rooting for you and it's important for us as well to see you succeed. My thoughts and prayers go out to you as they do to the rest of the gang suffering from this debilitating illness.
Last night I had a rough night. I had a very busy stressful day yesterday and I guess I couldn't let it go and I woke up this morning after a night of tossing and turning with that same sick feeling in the pit of my stomach that I just couldn't face everything I have to face today. I took my meds about an hour and half ago and am feeling a little better. I'm going to change my schedule today, though, and try to make it a less stressful day than yesterday so I can be well and go out and face the world as I need to.
Please keep posting. I don't always answer posts, but I read them daily and they help me tremendously.
Theresa
Posted by LynneDa on March 3, 2004, at 9:22:20
In reply to Re: lex and time of the month?, posted by marfaith on March 3, 2004, at 8:49:16
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
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
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 nicky847 on March 3, 2004, at 9:54:44
In reply to A Frustrating Setback, posted by KathrynLex on February 28, 2004, at 14:46:13
Hi Kathryn-
Just wanted to check in and see how you are doing since you and I are kind of at the same stage in our recovery right now (dealing with a setback..and it IS part of the recovery :) )...would love to hear an update from you..as for me i am doing pretty good...not back to 100% yet but taking care of myself and learning how to relax again..should be fine real soon :)
nick
> It's been almost a month since my last panic attack, but I had one last night. I realize that it is only a minor setback...but it would be nice if panic attacks weren't something I needed to worry about anymore.
>
> It was only a minor attack...cured with .25 mgs of Xanax. Maybe it was brought on by my period...Lex seems to be less effective around my time of the month. But it was horrible to revisit the irrational thinking, pounding heart and feelings of unreality that accompany a panic attack. I'll call my pdoc about it on Monday.
>
> I'm disappointed, but I realize it doesn't mean I'm not getting better.
>
> K.
Posted by dzinegirl on March 3, 2004, at 11:14:13
In reply to Re: A hopeful step ahead-Bluesfan, posted by nicky847 on March 2, 2004, at 10:41:25
Posted by want info on March 3, 2004, at 11:31:12
In reply to Re: lex and time of the month? » want info, posted by LynneDa on March 2, 2004, at 14:38:15
thanks everyone for the support. on top of it all, i realized that i accidentally started my new pack of birth control pills a week early, skipping the placebo week. so, not only could that make me hormonal, but it also makes me feel like i am losing my mind!! ive now been off paxil and on just lex for 4 weeks and still feel pretty anxious. i just want to feel back to my old self :( i also have a weird feeling that i'm going to say or do something inappropriate at work or in a public place at any time, which is a new fear for me. any advice? thanks, emily
Posted by kellieann7 on March 3, 2004, at 12:08:40
In reply to Re: lex and time of the month? (more), posted by want info on March 3, 2004, at 11:31:12
I have been on Lexapro for exactly three months, and have been dealing with pain in my wrist and thumb for about two months. The pain was more of a nuisance at first, and since joint pain is a s/e of Lex, I didn't pay too much attention. The pain has progressively gotten worse, to the point of me not being able to put weight on it and sometimes dropping things because my thumb wouldn't cooperate. Last week I bought a splint and began sleeping in it, which helped. Apparantly I move my thumb a lot when I sleep. Today I went to see an Orthopoedic doc, and he diagnosed me with DeQuervain's Tendonitis. Apparantly it is common in women 30-50 (I'm 26)and comes from overuse of the muscles along the thumb side of the wrist. He gave me a new splint and a shot of cortisone, and I have to rest my hand for 3 days.
So... how does this relate to Lexapro? Simple, DeQuervain's is also known as "washerwoman's arthritis." Darn the Lexapro for making me have enough energy and go on those manic cleaning sprees! All that folding and ironing, rearranging furniture, dusting, CRAZY coupon clipping (Lexapro has decreased my anxiety about climbing into the recycyle dumpster by our house and digging for more coupon inserts), grocery shopping and cooking!!! DH thinks this is hilarious, he says he knew the happy housewife routine was too good to be true!
So, folks, for your physical health, please PUT THE LAUNDRY DOWN AND TAKE A BREAK! :-) :-)
Posted by linnie on March 3, 2004, at 14:02:09
In reply to Dramatic unexpected side effect of Lexapro, posted by kellieann7 on March 3, 2004, at 12:08:40
> I have been on Lexapro for exactly three months, and have been dealing with pain in my wrist and thumb for about two months. The pain was more of a nuisance at first, and since joint pain is a s/e of Lex, I didn't pay too much attention. The pain has progressively gotten worse, to the point of me not being able to put weight on it and sometimes dropping things because my thumb wouldn't cooperate. Last week I bought a splint and began sleeping in it, which helped. Apparantly I move my thumb a lot when I sleep. Today I went to see an Orthopoedic doc, and he diagnosed me with DeQuervain's Tendonitis. Apparantly it is common in women 30-50 (I'm 26)and comes from overuse of the muscles along the thumb side of the wrist. He gave me a new splint and a shot of cortisone, and I have to rest my hand for 3 days.
> So... how does this relate to Lexapro? Simple, DeQuervain's is also known as "washerwoman's arthritis." Darn the Lexapro for making me have enough energy and go on those manic cleaning sprees! All that folding and ironing, rearranging furniture, dusting, CRAZY coupon clipping (Lexapro has decreased my anxiety about climbing into the recycyle dumpster by our house and digging for more coupon inserts), grocery shopping and cooking!!! DH thinks this is hilarious, he says he knew the happy housewife routine was too good to be true!
> So, folks, for your physical health, please PUT THE LAUNDRY DOWN AND TAKE A BREAK! :-) :-)
Glad to hear I am not the only one. Although I am older than you it seems like it all happened at once. Been on lex for a month and my wrists, elbows etc etc. I wonder if it effects only women. Don't know if is even listed as a side effect.
linnie
Posted by LynneDa on March 3, 2004, at 14:44:08
In reply to Dramatic unexpected side effect of Lexapro, posted by kellieann7 on March 3, 2004, at 12:08:40
Kellieann - You're headline made me worry, but once I began reading, I never laughed so hard . . . hope you don't mind! I've read countless posts of excess energy & house cleaning episodes, me included. I will be sure and take it easy - and you do too. Hope you're back up to speed (altho not too speedy!) real soon. Thanks for sharing your story!!!
~ Lynne
Posted by KathrynLex on March 3, 2004, at 16:13:42
In reply to Re: lex and time of the month? (more), posted by want info on March 3, 2004, at 11:31:12
Hi Emily,
The fear that you're going to loose control in public is commonly associated with anxiety or panic attacks. It sounds like you're either still going through withdrawl from the Paxil or the Lexapro hasn't kicked in yet. It took 6 weeks and an increase from 10 mgs to 15 mgs before Lexapro had an impact on my panic attacks.
I've probably asked already, but are you taking a benzo such as Xanax or Klonopin. They're fantastic for anxiety and can help you with your transition from Paxil to Lex.
Your body needs some time to adjust to all the medication you're taking along with the birth control pills. Things will settle down soon and you'll start feeling better.
K.
Posted by KathrynLex on March 3, 2004, at 16:24:40
In reply to Re: A Frustrating Setback-Kathryn Update?, posted by nicky847 on March 3, 2004, at 9:54:44
Hi Nicky,
I'm really glad to hear that you're feeling better. I'm doing well too, and haven't had any terrible anxiety lately. You have such a positive attitude, it's greatly appreciated. Thanks.
K.
Posted by titlepro49 on March 3, 2004, at 16:32:50
In reply to RE: 5 Days on Lexapro-5 Days Off Paxil » titlepro49, posted by simus on March 2, 2004, at 21:14:01
> Wow, it seems a little radical to me to destroy your thyroid completely, but what do I know? I was just wondering, did hyperthyroidism have similar symptoms to anxiety disorder?
It may seem radical but the alternative is much worse. From what my doctor told me, when the thyroid is overproducing whatever it produces, (I am not very medically proficient.) it can cause many dangerous side effects. Some of the ones that I experienced were: rapid heartbeat, insomnia (try going to sleep when your heart feels like its coming out of your chest.), weight loss, etc. Depending on what is causing the hyperthyroidism, you may have different symptoms. Hyperthyroidism can be caused by tumors on the thyroid (in that case, your thyroid is usually removed surgically.)
There are several really informative internet sites on hyperthyroidism and they list the symptoms. To answer your question about anxiety and hyperthyroidism, yes that is one of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. The only way to find out for sure if hyperthyroidism is a cause of anxiety, is to go to your doctor and ask him to give you the thyroid blood test.
Posted by nicky847 on March 3, 2004, at 16:48:49
In reply to Re: A Frustrating Setback-Kathryn Update?, posted by KathrynLex on March 3, 2004, at 16:24:40
That is great to hear Kathryn! keep taking good care of yourself..that really really helps..
Nick> Hi Nicky,
>
> I'm really glad to hear that you're feeling better. I'm doing well too, and haven't had any terrible anxiety lately. You have such a positive attitude, it's greatly appreciated. Thanks.
>
> K.
Posted by wantinfo on March 3, 2004, at 17:21:50
In reply to Re: lex and time of the month? (more), posted by KathrynLex on March 3, 2004, at 16:13:42
thank you kathryn! i was thinking that because i'd been on paxil for so long that i might have an easier time adjusting to the lex than others. that doesnt seem to be the case. i do take xanax...usually .25 mg a day can get me through.
my worst symptom is the feeling of unreality. its like i rationally know where i am, what im doing, etc...but i somehow feel like i dont. does that make sense?
you all are so helpful, and im grateful to have found you! emily
Posted by sexylexy on March 3, 2004, at 17:29:33
In reply to Re: lex and time of the month? » vandy, posted by simus on March 3, 2004, at 0:27:56
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 sexylexy on March 3, 2004, at 17:43:21
In reply to Re: lex and time of the month? (more), posted by wantinfo on March 3, 2004, at 17:21:50
Emily~
I remember those feelings of unreality. My pdoc said that 50% of people on SSRIs get them. They do go away so be happy of that, mine was gone in about 4 or 5 weeks. I remember looking at shoes in the mall and not being able to really even understand what I was looking at (but of course I knew what I was looking at) very strange. When I was leaving the mall I actually had people running into me and I was just kind of floating around. That was the worst time but it happened again at the mall and Target. It did go away which is nice, just hang on!
Lexy
Posted by KathrynLex on March 3, 2004, at 17:54:40
In reply to Re: lex and time of the month? (more), posted by wantinfo on March 3, 2004, at 17:21:50
Hi Emily,
I know exactly what you mean about the feelings of unreality. Like Lexy suggested, they could be caused by the Lexapro...if that's the case it should go away soon. Give it another week or so.
Another option is that it's caused by anxiety. When I had feelings of unreality on Lexapro it wasn't the Lex causing it, it was a panic attack. The Lex kept it from turning into a full blown panic attack so I just had the symptoms of one. (i.e. the feeling of not quite knowing where I was etc...) If that's the case, you might want to look in to increasing your Lex or Xanax dose.
I'm glad I can help. That's what this board is for. I don't think I could've made it this far without the support of everyone here!
K.
Posted by KathrynLex on March 3, 2004, at 17:55:54
In reply to Re: lex and time of the month? (more) » wantinfo, posted by sexylexy on March 3, 2004, at 17:43:21
Hi Lexy,
I just wanted to check in and see how your increase is going? Are you feeling any better or noticing any side effects?
K.
Posted by sexylexy on March 3, 2004, at 18:15:46
In reply to Sexylexy...How are you?, posted by KathrynLex on March 3, 2004, at 17:55:54
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,
Lexy
Posted by sexylexy on March 3, 2004, at 18:21:36
In reply to Re: lex and time of the month? (more), posted by KathrynLex on March 3, 2004, at 17:54:40
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 mystic on March 3, 2004, at 18:21:41
In reply to Re: lex and time of the month? » marfaith, posted by tmhwrite on March 3, 2004, at 9:15:10
Thanks Theresa....Today was a little rough also...about the same as yesterday....one more day of work this week and see what happens after that...Thank you for responding to my post and I'm hanging in there as I hope that you are also..Take care Mystic
Posted by sexylexy on March 3, 2004, at 18:22:06
In reply to Re: lex and time of the month? (more), posted by KathrynLex on March 3, 2004, at 17:54:40
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 mystic on March 3, 2004, at 18:22:11
In reply to Re: lex and time of the month? » marfaith, posted by tmhwrite on March 3, 2004, at 9:15:10
Thanks Theresa....Today was a little rough also...about the same as yesterday....one more day of work this week and see what happens after that...Thank you for responding to my post and I'm hanging in there as I hope that you are also..Take care Mystic
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
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