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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by KathrynLex on March 28, 2004, at 11:48:36
In reply to here we go on 20mg..., posted by wantinfo on March 28, 2004, at 10:17:03
Hi EM,
I really hope the 20 mgs works out for you! You're in my prayers.
K.
Posted by trucker on March 28, 2004, at 12:17:43
In reply to Re: How do doctors determine when to stop your a/d, posted by sexylexy on March 27, 2004, at 23:37:43
according to the doctors i have spoken too you are on it til it nolonger works for you then they put you on something else. its not a thought process it is an imbalance of chemical/hormons etc... in your system that has malfuntioned for what ever reason.
trucker
///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////> Peace,
> These meds are not meant to be taken forever unless you have chronic depression/anxiety. These are learned traits that you literally must learn to forget. Something triggers your anxiety/depression and your brain begins thinking this way, once it does, you forget how to be "normal" and your brain feels normal thinking anxious and depression. You take the medication to stop the thinking and return your thought process to normal. Usually this takes 6 months to a year. This is about how long most non-chronic persons stay on medication. It is important to not rush off the medication because the sooner you get off the higher chance your mind will be able to remember depression. Hope this helps, good luck!
> Lexy
Posted by trucker on March 28, 2004, at 12:26:33
In reply to Trucker, before you leave again . . ., posted by jlynne on March 27, 2004, at 23:46:28
i have been on it a year to a year and a half. i feel normal again. it takes about three months to get past the s/e's but my dear it is definately worth it. some people it takes a little longer. tough it out it will be the best meds you have ever taken. my sexaul desires came back on lex... the higher the dose the more my legs itch but it is well worth it. i want to get layed now. on zoloft i didn't care if i ever got layed again. sorry for being so blunt but its the truth and you should know that is one of the bennifits of lex.
trucker///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////> I'm jealous . . . how long have you been on Lex, and how long before you got past the s/e's??
>
> (If you say "what s/e's?" I will be very resentful:~)
>
> I am in my 7th week and questioning whether or not to tough it out a little longer.
>
> Thanks ...jlynne
Posted by trucker on March 28, 2004, at 12:30:40
In reply to Re: Trucker, before you leave again . . . » jlynne, posted by sexylexy on March 27, 2004, at 23:56:47
i am on 20 mgs. been there after the first six weeks or so. i won't ever try to change it again, see i thought that i could go with out it and cut back, NEVER AGAIN... I FELT LIKE DUNG. NOT EVEN HUMAN AND DEPRESSED WASN'T THE WORD FOR IT...
///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
> Hey its Lexy,
> What dose are you on? Things did not get really better for me until I upped my dose. I was on 10mg for like over 9 weeks seeing some results but only go up to feeling about 60%, went up to 15mg for a week and now been a 20 for a little over a week and feel MUCH better. I know this is a slow process but feel like if I continue improving that I will be back to me in the next few months. I wish so much I would have upped my dosage after like 6 weeks or so, would have saved me a lot of sadness.
> The side effects I had were extreme fogginess, sensitivity to light, insomnia, light twich, tired but wired feeling, a little irriatable. Nothing like the hell I experiened on my 3 weeks of Zoloft. The side effects seemed to go away after like 5 or 6 weeks. Good luck and God Bless you.
> Lexy
Posted by KathrynLex on March 28, 2004, at 12:31:32
In reply to Re: How do doctors determine when to stop your a/d » sexylexy, posted by trucker on March 28, 2004, at 12:17:43
Hi Guys,
First, I think doctors only try to determine when to stop your a/d if you're interested in going off of medication. Second, they evaluate your progress and figure out if you should be taken off of your a/d. Then, if they feel you're ready to stop taking meds they'll help you taper off of whatever medication you're on.
In some cases, being on medication for an extended period of time can fix the chemical imbalance you have. But other people need to be on a/d's for their entire lives because the chemical imbalance is so severe.
I just thought I'd add my two cents to the discussion.
K.
Posted by trucker on March 28, 2004, at 12:40:16
In reply to here we go on 20mg..., posted by wantinfo on March 28, 2004, at 10:17:03
it may take three months but the results are worth it....
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
> hey all! i started 20mg last night. i'm keeping my fingers crossed. i guess i am starting my 8th week? and i do feel better but still not like "me"...i'm just not sure this is the right med. i SO hope it is though! thanks for everyone's support...emily
Posted by wantinfo on March 28, 2004, at 15:38:03
In reply to Re: here we go on 20mg... » wantinfo, posted by KathrynLex on March 28, 2004, at 11:48:36
thanks k! i can't remember ... are you on 20, or did you go straight from 15 to wellbutrin and lex? how IS the wellbutrin? EM
Posted by sexylexy on March 28, 2004, at 16:47:23
In reply to Re: How do doctors determine when to stop your a/d » sexylexy, posted by trucker on March 28, 2004, at 12:17:43
Trucker,
The learned behavior causes your thoughts to maintain the depression/anxiety which causes your chemical imbalance. This is the majority of anxiety/deperssion, for these people, meds are not to be taken forever.
For those who feel like they been depressed since childhood may actually have a biological or chemical imbalance. They need to be on meds and use cognitive behavioral therapy to learn coping skills to combat the depression.
Lexy
Posted by trucker on March 28, 2004, at 18:22:32
In reply to Re: How do doctors determine when to stop your a/d » trucker, posted by sexylexy on March 28, 2004, at 16:47:23
have you studied medicine? where did you get your info, i'd like to read more on this. can you give me a link to read more?trucker
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
> Trucker,
> The learned behavior causes your thoughts to maintain the depression/anxiety which causes your chemical imbalance. This is the majority of anxiety/deperssion, for these people, meds are not to be taken forever.
> For those who feel like they been depressed since childhood may actually have a biological or chemical imbalance. They need to be on meds and use cognitive behavioral therapy to learn coping skills to combat the depression.
> Lexy
Posted by sexylexy on March 28, 2004, at 18:36:02
In reply to Re: How do doctors determine when to stop your a/d » sexylexy, posted by trucker on March 28, 2004, at 18:22:32
Trucker,
I will look for a link for some information. I know I have a lot of paper, info but will see if I can find some for you on a data base. I am actually a therapist and in a month will begin work for a psychiatrist doing therapy once a week with each of his clients. Ill see what I can do and get you some links =)
Lexy
Posted by KathrynLex on March 28, 2004, at 22:13:30
In reply to Re: here we go on 20mg... » KathrynLex, posted by wantinfo on March 28, 2004, at 15:38:03
Hi EM,
I'm at 15 mgs of Lexapro and 50 mgs of Wellbutrin. I'll be increasing to 100 mgs of Wellbutrin tomorrow. I've been debating upping my Lex too because I still have panic attack symptoms when I'm under more stress than usual. (Like when I'm traveling, working towards a very important deadline at the office etc...)
It's too early to tell about the Wellbutrin, since it's only been 3 days. I feel a little fuzzy and notice a slight increase in anxiety levels, but the side effects are tolerable. I feel a little more energized, but it hasn't helped with my short attention span...yet.
I'll keep everyone posted on how it goes. Let all of us know how your increase to 20 mgs goes.
K.
Posted by sideorder on March 29, 2004, at 10:18:40
In reply to Sexual Dysfunction and Lexapro? Need Feedback, posted by sideorder on March 19, 2004, at 16:23:05
I've been on Lex for about 2 weeks now...I feel allot better and the side effects have been minimal. I was wondering if it's O.K. to drink alcohol while taking Lexapro. I know it's not benificial to drink allot because that would be defeating the purpose of even taking Lexapro---and Lex has really curbed my craving and desire to drink in excess. But, my doctor really didn't discuss the matter with me and I was wondering if it's alright to drink moderately.
Posted by ednababish on March 29, 2004, at 10:28:11
In reply to Alcohol and Lexapro, posted by sideorder on March 29, 2004, at 10:18:40
Sideorder,
I'd leave it alone if I were you. Alcohol increases anxiety, disturbs your sleep, and undercuts the effects of an antidepressant. Although one glass of wine every few weeks or so would be okay, I know a lot of people who have to have two or three drinks every night--and you definitely won't get optimal effects from the lex if you are drinking even that "little bit" regularly. My doctor told me ONE glass of wine no more than once a week--quite emphatically. I have switched to once a week desserts. . . an all-around better use of my calories.
Edna
Posted by want info on March 29, 2004, at 10:36:08
In reply to Alcohol and Lexapro, posted by sideorder on March 29, 2004, at 10:18:40
hi ... edna my doctor told me quite the opposite ... that alcohol doesn't really interact with lexapro, aside from perhaps making you tired. i don't drink to excess on it, but i don't stop myself from having a drink or two if i am out to dinner or at a bar with friends.
emily
Posted by jlynne on March 29, 2004, at 11:40:36
In reply to Alcohol and Lexapro, posted by sideorder on March 29, 2004, at 10:27:03
My doctor told me I could have a couple beers, if I want. I haven't yet, because I am concerned about the depressant part of alcohol. I have read other posts of people who drink on A/D's, and they say that it helps them relax, so??? Up to you, I guess.
...jlynne
Posted by trucker on March 29, 2004, at 12:06:55
In reply to Alcohol and Lexapro, posted by sideorder on March 29, 2004, at 10:18:40
i wouldn't because it will be like ya didn't ever take the meds in the first place and that feeling will last for several days. are there other side effects??? probably! i only drank for an aniversary. one drink, and was down 3 or 4 days after words. really down!
trucker.////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
> I've been on Lex for about 2 weeks now...I feel allot better and the side effects have been minimal. I was wondering if it's O.K. to drink alcohol while taking Lexapro. I know it's not benificial to drink allot because that would be defeating the purpose of even taking Lexapro---and Lex has really curbed my craving and desire to drink in excess. But, my doctor really didn't discuss the matter with me and I was wondering if it's alright to drink moderately.
Posted by Gator on March 29, 2004, at 13:20:52
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
Hi everyone,
Hey, I've got a question. I have been on 10mgs since the begining of December and I am feeling good, about 75%. I have a doctors appt on a different thing on Wednesday and i am wondering if I should talk to him about a low dose of Wellbutrin. I feel like I don't want to up my dose of Lexapro because I do feel this good on the 10mgs. I feel like there is one last step to take to get to the "old" me again. Eveybody here has helped me sooo much and I would appreciate your opinions.
Thanks,
Gator
Posted by want info on March 29, 2004, at 13:51:03
In reply to Re: here we go on 20mg..., posted by KathrynLex on March 28, 2004, at 22:13:30
thanks k. i feel ok today. a bit jittery but not as disoriented as i've been feeling previously. i'm just praying this will work! i'm still taking tiny bits of xanax too. i dont know how long i should expect to wait to see results from the 20mg...emily
Posted by want info on March 29, 2004, at 13:52:45
In reply to Re: here we go on 20mg... » wantinfo, posted by trucker on March 28, 2004, at 12:40:16
hey trucker...you think it'll take 3 months to take effect? i was on 10 for about 6 weeks, 15 for 2, and now 20 for a few days. i was on paxil before this for 8 years! i feel like ive been waiting forever...:( emily
Posted by Magdalena on March 29, 2004, at 16:42:18
In reply to Re: here we go on 20mg... » trucker, posted by want info on March 29, 2004, at 13:52:45
hey em? you said you were on paxil for 8 years? how long did it take till you felt better and at what dose?
Magdalena
Posted by want info on March 29, 2004, at 16:46:59
In reply to Re: here we go on 20mg... » want info, posted by Magdalena on March 29, 2004, at 16:42:18
hey mag. i had major anxiety problems and was put on clonozepam first. i was then put on 20 mg paxil...didn't wean up or anything. it didn't take long for me to feel better, but to be honest it was a long time ago and i don't remember week-to-week. i'm so sorry! i'd say less than a month though...but i was also only 18 at the time (some think these ssri's take longer to take effect in older ppl) i know paxil gets a bad rap from some people but it was a miracle for me. i often think about going back to it, to be honest.
when my anxiety reappeared a few months ago, the doc's first idea was to go to 30mg paxil...and that caused MASSIVE anxiety. so i didn't do well going up. but 20 worked great.
hope it helped...emily
Posted by Magdalena on March 29, 2004, at 16:50:27
In reply to Re: here we go on 20mg... » Magdalena, posted by want info on March 29, 2004, at 16:46:59
yes it did, thanks emily.
:) so you are on lexapro now?
Posted by want info on March 29, 2004, at 16:57:28
In reply to Re: here we go on 20mg... » want info, posted by Magdalena on March 29, 2004, at 16:50:27
yep i am on lex now. the paxil just wasnt working as well anymore i dont think. my bro is on celexa and the doc thought i might respond well to lexapro since they're similar and my bro and i probably have similar brain chmistry. i weaned off paxil (less paxil, paxil & lex, just lex)...started on 10mg lex, then 15, just started 20...em
Posted by Magdalena on March 29, 2004, at 17:26:10
In reply to Re: here we go on 20mg... » Magdalena, posted by want info on March 29, 2004, at 16:57:28
how has the anxiety been since switching over? is it a noticable difference?
Magdalena
Posted by trucker on March 29, 2004, at 18:16:47
In reply to Re: Hey, Trucker . . . » trucker, posted by jlynne on March 29, 2004, at 13:25:45
i am alone accept for my pooches. they are my children now... my little boy (michael gordon) would have been 5 this year. i general do well with this but i tried to lower my dose of lex and i am also sick and the three don't go well at all. i just got back from the doc and she put me on z-pak and i am going to have to go back in two weeks for a fasting blood sugar and colesterol test. more things here than appartent she thinks. she also said (since she is a new doc to me, first visit) that my child lost could well be cysts on the ovaries which will cause ya still births and miscarrages and make it hard to get pregnant in the first place.
trucker////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
> I wish I knew what to say . . . I'm sorry you are in pain. Do you have anyone around to lean on? How old would your little boy be now?
>
> Do you know how to get to the Psycho-Social board? I have a feeling Dr. Bob is going to re-direct these messages soon (he wants to keep this board for medicine-type posts only). I will post a message on Psycho-Social for you, and we can start a new thread over there, okay?
>
> I am at work, so I may not get back to you till this evening.
>
> ...jlynne
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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