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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Cynthia on January 10, 2003, at 12:44:45
In reply to Re: Lexapro worked but still sad sometimes » bozeman, posted by ayuda on January 10, 2003, at 12:03:38
Ayuda just said two things that especially resonated with me: "We are the sane ones." and "It's a physical illness." These would make great tag lines. I wish the professionals who promote mental health awareness would incorporate this type of thinking into their communications materials in a big way. These two statements are very provocative, and would be very effective in helping to lessen the stigma we all feel. It really is true that this is a physical illness -- with mental repercussions. If more people understood this, they would be more inclined to seek help, and we, the "sane ones" would be more inclined to talk about our problems, which would go a long way to making treatment more acceptable.
Posted by Jennings on January 10, 2003, at 12:56:39
In reply to Re: Lexapro worked but still sad sometimes (nm), posted by Cynthia on January 10, 2003, at 12:35:00
Been on Lexapro for five days now, don't sleep much without help. The medication makes me feel quite goofy!
Posted by Jennings on January 10, 2003, at 19:11:49
In reply to Re: Lexapro worked but still sad sometimes, posted by Jennings on January 10, 2003, at 12:56:39
After five days of this medication I notice no decreasing in the sensations. The sensations include a very funny taste in my mouth, at times my balance is effected (although not to any dangerous levels). For the first three days I suffered from chronic insomnia, I then began medication for that. The building I work in is an aircraft painting facility with a semi loud ventilation system, the constant sound(s) that used to be unnoticed now often trick me into thinking that I’m hearing music – guitars, rock music! I take my medication at the same time every day (the minute I wake up) which is 4:20 A.M., the result is that I can anticipate the new day’s “rush” (everyday) at almost the exact same time 9:45/10:00 A.M. The “rush” as I put it, involves the notice of some very slight equilibrium challenges, “the taste” lands itself against my teeth and stays there for the rest of the day. I begin to search for water fountains, not because I’m thirsty but well, my mouth is very dry, for a long time (hours). I find myself avoiding conversation with my colleagues out of a fear of myself not trusting my own reactions (although I don’t have any regrettable experiences), I just don’t feel comfortable! My ability to perform my job does not yet appear to be compromised (although a little slowed perhaps). I must have something to do at all times or I will manufacture something to do!!! Even as I am “doing” (occupying myself) I am concerned about my level of concentration, my ability to focus! My ability to write is EXTREMELY compromised do to the unsteadiness of my central nervous system (until later in the day when I finally solicit the assistance of alcohol). At certain times I have also experienced TEMPORARY sexual inabilities. All this may sound despairing, however the alternative is depression, and there’s NOTHING worse than depression. I will not discontinue taking this medication!!!
Posted by bozeman on January 10, 2003, at 20:46:05
In reply to Re: Been on Lexapro for approx 4 months, posted by jtc on January 8, 2003, at 8:51:17
I don't know if there is any way to tell how a particular drug will affect your headaches . . . I have had migraines for years, usually two or three bad ones per month, except for that time I (stupidly) let a specialist put me on a drug I knew made them worse, had two or three a week for several months (living hell), and since starting Lexapro several months ago have not had one migraine. None. Yet others have had the opposite experience, Lexapro makes theirs worse. I kept Imitrex with me at all times before, and now wonder if I'll end up throwing the rest out.
I guess if you're unhappy with the Effexor and your doc is wanting you to try something else, why not try it? Like you, I read the "maybe, we're not sure, probably not, but we think there may be" a negative interaction between Lexapro and Imitrex -- but if you really study it, the notation is anecdotal and they were not at all convinced there was a connection.
If you have another (backup) drug you could take (like Zomig) for migraines, you could try the Lexapro, if you get migraines on it, try your Imitrex -- if it makes you feel just too weird (the maybe-kinda-sorta drug interaction) use the Zomig or whatever to combat your migraines until you can switch off the Lexapro again. You may not even need the Imitrex (I no longer do.) But if you do, you may not have a problem taking it. If it's a problem, you can always wean off Lexapro and back onto something else.
Good luck, I understand your frustration, and went through the same thing for the week I sat looking at the Lexapro bottle every night before I actually ever took a single dose. (no, I'm not obsessive. Not me. OK, so I am. But I'm feeling much better now that I have Lexapro.)
:-)>
> Hi stuckinarut,
> My psychiatrist told me at my last appointment, which was about 2 months ago that I should maybe try Lexapro. I am currently taking Effexor XR, 75 mg and have been for about 6-7 months. At one point I increased to 150 mg and then went back to 75 mg because I did not notice any improvement. I do not know what to do about the Effexor because I am gaining a lot of weight on it. But I have read some things about Lexapro that I am afraid of. You said you had terrible headaches in the beginning. Do you still have them? I am really afraid of this because I have migraines adn have to take Imitrex for those. Please advise. Thanks, jtc
>
Posted by bozeman on January 10, 2003, at 21:14:20
In reply to Re: Changing time of Lex » bozeman, posted by EGR on January 10, 2003, at 0:16:35
EGR -- I bet it will be a little stressful no matter how you do it. But sounds like you're no stranger to medication juggling, and willing to try it or you wouldn't have asked for ideas.
If it were me (it's not, this is your day we're talking about) I would wait until I had two or three consecutive days off (a weekend for most of us.) Friday morning, take 15 mg instead of 20. Friday night, take 10. Saturday morning, take 10mg, Saturday night, take 15 mg. Take none Sunday morning, and take 20 mg Sunday night. Or something similar. Just watch your 24-hr dosage (any consecutive morning and evening, or evening and morning, no less than 15 or more than 25 mg, if your usual dose is 20 mg. (The 10 mg tabs cut OK with a butter knife if you hold both sides of the pill with thumb and index finger, then press on the pill's score line with the butter knife held with opposite hand, it's blade between your thumb and finger of the hand holding the pill. Hold pill with one hand, cut with other. Hope that made sense.)
But, then, I might take a more kamikaze approach (not recommending it, just being honest) and Friday morning take 10 mg, Friday night 10 mg, Saturday morning nothing, Saturday night 20 mg. I'm too impatient for my own good sometimes.
I also have noticed if I get home late (work too late or stay at a friend's too late) that I get a little negative if I don't take it on time. But it's nowhere near what I felt like before I started taking it, and I can always just go to bed and not inflict my mood on anyone.
Best of luck to you!
> I think I'd like to start taking my Lex at night. I usually take it around 8:00 a.m. and notice that if I'm very late, I tend to be quite negative for awhile ("and just why would that happen?" she ponders, "if it stays in your system?")
>
> How would you suggest switching from a.m. to p.m.? I take 20 mgs a day (2-10 mgs).
>
> EGR
Posted by EGR on January 10, 2003, at 22:35:46
In reply to Re: Lexapro worked but still sad sometimes » bozeman, posted by ayuda on January 10, 2003, at 12:03:38
When I tell people I'm on meds and they make a comment I say "Is that bad? I didn't choose to be suicidal." That kind of works! I could never let go of anger or blow off people's criticisms, no matter how minor. It sure is nice to be able to do that. How in the world do these drugs really work?
Posted by EGR on January 10, 2003, at 22:42:07
In reply to First Time on Anti D drugs, posted by mikal on January 10, 2003, at 10:15:54
Welcome aboard! Join the fun... it IS nice to know we're not alone. And it's nice to find out the side effects are "normal" and go away for some people, or to find out some people have ones you don't. I have found tons of relief to admit that I was suicidal and not be judged... to know that there are people out there that can relate to it is wonderful! And to share in the joy I feel in not feeling that way any more. Yippee for drugs! Thank you God for allowing chemists to discover them!!
Posted by EGR on January 10, 2003, at 22:44:46
In reply to Re: Changing time of Lex » EGR, posted by bozeman on January 10, 2003, at 21:14:20
LOL!! I, too, tend to be impatient. I think I'll follow your first, but slower schedule. I'll have to do it next weekend though... Thanks!!
Posted by salpav on January 10, 2003, at 23:16:10
In reply to Lexapro , posted by Jennings on January 10, 2003, at 19:11:49
I have severe depression (bipolar disorder), non functional. Tomoorow I start lexapro. Any hope? Any advice?
Posted by Jennings on January 11, 2003, at 1:07:35
In reply to Re: Lexapro , posted by salpav on January 10, 2003, at 23:16:10
As a matter of fact (since you asked) yes I do; by ALL MEANS take the medication, it's the lowest dosage of the most effective A/D available. However, be prepared to supplement this medication (at least in the early stages) with an effective sleeping enhancement! Good luck with your treatment friend!
Posted by Kairos on January 11, 2003, at 1:52:21
In reply to Here! Here!! » ayuda, posted by EGR on January 10, 2003, at 22:35:46
My husband has been suicidal. I'm taking Lexapro and now Wellbutrin and Periactin (for anxiety) as a stand against the "Secondary Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome". He is on FIVE meds - Wellbutrin, Paxil, Periactin (For Disassociative Episodes - i.e. stress causes him to disconnect from reality)(He was a Vietname Vet - so this is akin to what happened when he used to have flashbacks - seems the brain disconnect under trauma simply transferred to his regular life in non war time) - as well as Xanax PRN and Trazadone for sleep which he hardly uses.
My point? I've nver been suicidal. I mean I've wanted to give up - opt out - etc. But have never acted on this urge - so I'm not sure I undrstand what he feels.
Is there anyone that can post and I can share this with him? He won't post to PSycho-Babble. It's as if he's still in denial about it all and yet running as hard and as fast as he can to health and healing through the meds and counseling - he literally looks scared when I asked him to post here that he might be able to get some support - or conversely - help someone by what he's been through and found help for.
So - someone say something to me here?
Thanks -
Kairos
> When I tell people I'm on meds and they make a comment I say "Is that bad? I didn't choose to be suicidal." That kind of works! I could never let go of anger or blow off people's criticisms, no matter how minor. It sure is nice to be able to do that. How in the world do these drugs really work?
Posted by Kairos on January 11, 2003, at 2:51:32
In reply to Re: Lexapro worked but still sad sometimes, posted by Cynthia on January 10, 2003, at 12:44:45
Hear Hear - This professional just heard that - and frankly I'm a minority and agree with you - the saddest and most tragic part is that so-called professionals who cannot understand this really need to go back to the learning board - or - if they have a power / ego issue get out of the field altogether.
Kairos
> Ayuda just said two things that especially resonated with me: "We are the sane ones." and "It's a physical illness." These would make great tag lines. I wish the professionals who promote mental health awareness would incorporate this type of thinking into their communications materials in a big way. These two statements are very provocative, and would be very effective in helping to lessen the stigma we all feel. It really is true that this is a physical illness -- with mental repercussions. If more people understood this, they would be more inclined to seek help, and we, the "sane ones" would be more inclined to talk about our problems, which would go a long way to making treatment more acceptable.
Posted by Kairos on January 11, 2003, at 3:19:44
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro, posted by Romulus on January 10, 2003, at 11:17:34
Romulus -
gasp - is this really true? (Rhetorical I know - but that was my instant response!) You've just totally nailed ME! What in God's name is used to treat for this???
Kairos> > PMS is not a mild case of the blues. It's a serious problem and it makes a woman suffer as much as anything. If you are a woman who has an anxiety disorder or depression, 2 weeks before your period your symptoms become about 10 times worse than normal. So imagine your own depression being intensified 10-fold 2 weeks out of every month. That's how serious it is and that's why some people find relief with SSRIs.
>
>
> I'm afraid you misunderstand my post. When I said 'mild case of the blues' I was referring to pdocs often being unqualified to prescribe SSRIs, even to the point of prescribing them for that purpose--wasn't referring to PMS. Wanted to make sure the original poster was getting a truly professional opinion.
Posted by ayuda on January 11, 2003, at 8:52:46
In reply to Lexapro , posted by Jennings on January 10, 2003, at 19:11:49
I think that the standard for those sensations going away is 2 weeks minimum. When I first started Lexapro, I had a lot of mental confusion. Also, the dry mouth and metallic taste should abate (until you increase your dosage, from my experience). Hang in there -- your world will right itself again. EGR has no problems sleeping, but I still have a lot of problems with insomnia, and it's been a mixed bag with that from what I've seen on this discussion group. So it may or may not go away.
> After five days of this medication I notice no decreasing in the sensations. The sensations include a very funny taste in my mouth, at times my balance is effected (although not to any dangerous levels). For the first three days I suffered from chronic insomnia, I then began medication for that. The building I work in is an aircraft painting facility with a semi loud ventilation system, the constant sound(s) that used to be unnoticed now often trick me into thinking that I’m hearing music – guitars, rock music! I take my medication at the same time every day (the minute I wake up) which is 4:20 A.M., the result is that I can anticipate the new day’s “rush” (everyday) at almost the exact same time 9:45/10:00 A.M. The “rush” as I put it, involves the notice of some very slight equilibrium challenges, “the taste” lands itself against my teeth and stays there for the rest of the day. I begin to search for water fountains, not because I’m thirsty but well, my mouth is very dry, for a long time (hours). I find myself avoiding conversation with my colleagues out of a fear of myself not trusting my own reactions (although I don’t have any regrettable experiences), I just don’t feel comfortable! My ability to perform my job does not yet appear to be compromised (although a little slowed perhaps). I must have something to do at all times or I will manufacture something to do!!! Even as I am “doing” (occupying myself) I am concerned about my level of concentration, my ability to focus! My ability to write is EXTREMELY compromised do to the unsteadiness of my central nervous system (until later in the day when I finally solicit the assistance of alcohol). At certain times I have also experienced TEMPORARY sexual inabilities. All this may sound despairing, however the alternative is depression, and there’s NOTHING worse than depression. I will not discontinue taking this medication!!!
Posted by ayuda on January 11, 2003, at 9:02:45
In reply to Re: Been on Lexapro for approx 4 months, posted by bozeman on January 10, 2003, at 20:46:05
I went from Effexor XR to Lexapro, mostly because of the nausea and the weight gain -- I could not handle it after 6 months. My doctor had me up to 225 mg because I could not feel any affects from it at any lower dosage. I am now on 20mg Lexapro, and feeling A LOT better.
I wish I could show these posts to my doctors about the weight gain -- they talk to me like I have an eating disorder, or I am lazy -- which I am NOT and never was -- and that it's my fault I've gained weight. They just don't understand how these meds mess with our metabolisms.
> I don't know if there is any way to tell how a particular drug will affect your headaches . . . I have had migraines for years, usually two or three bad ones per month, except for that time I (stupidly) let a specialist put me on a drug I knew made them worse, had two or three a week for several months (living hell), and since starting Lexapro several months ago have not had one migraine. None. Yet others have had the opposite experience, Lexapro makes theirs worse. I kept Imitrex with me at all times before, and now wonder if I'll end up throwing the rest out.
>
> I guess if you're unhappy with the Effexor and your doc is wanting you to try something else, why not try it? Like you, I read the "maybe, we're not sure, probably not, but we think there may be" a negative interaction between Lexapro and Imitrex -- but if you really study it, the notation is anecdotal and they were not at all convinced there was a connection.
>
> If you have another (backup) drug you could take (like Zomig) for migraines, you could try the Lexapro, if you get migraines on it, try your Imitrex -- if it makes you feel just too weird (the maybe-kinda-sorta drug interaction) use the Zomig or whatever to combat your migraines until you can switch off the Lexapro again. You may not even need the Imitrex (I no longer do.) But if you do, you may not have a problem taking it. If it's a problem, you can always wean off Lexapro and back onto something else.
>
> Good luck, I understand your frustration, and went through the same thing for the week I sat looking at the Lexapro bottle every night before I actually ever took a single dose. (no, I'm not obsessive. Not me. OK, so I am. But I'm feeling much better now that I have Lexapro.)
> :-)
>
> >
> > Hi stuckinarut,
> > My psychiatrist told me at my last appointment, which was about 2 months ago that I should maybe try Lexapro. I am currently taking Effexor XR, 75 mg and have been for about 6-7 months. At one point I increased to 150 mg and then went back to 75 mg because I did not notice any improvement. I do not know what to do about the Effexor because I am gaining a lot of weight on it. But I have read some things about Lexapro that I am afraid of. You said you had terrible headaches in the beginning. Do you still have them? I am really afraid of this because I have migraines adn have to take Imitrex for those. Please advise. Thanks, jtc
> >
>
>
Posted by Dysfunk on January 11, 2003, at 13:24:28
In reply to Re: Night Sweats/Nightmares-menopause?, posted by Noa on January 4, 2003, at 13:02:14
Thanks for your comments. I am getting off this medicine. It is not working for me. As I lower my doses I am experiencing nightmares. It is a difficult medicine to tolerate. I know I will have sweats again, but at least I know it is medicine related thanks to everyone's comments.
Posted by EGR on January 11, 2003, at 17:35:53
In reply to Re: Here! Here!!, posted by Kairos on January 11, 2003, at 1:52:21
Kairos, I would be happy to somehow correspond with your husband. I guess I'm just not sure what part of my story would be helpful to him. I guess I could start out by saying that in the beginning, I didn't start out wanting to kill myself, I was just miserable and would have negative thoughts. Then one day, as I was driving, a thought popped in... "I could just drive into this oncoming traffic"... and then it escalated after that... which corner would be the best in order to make it look like an accident... how I could drive off a bridge and make it look like an accident. Etc., etc. Let me know what you think would be helpful for him to read.
I really DO care...
EGR
Posted by EGR on January 11, 2003, at 17:46:02
In reply to Re: Lexapro , posted by salpav on January 10, 2003, at 23:16:10
> I have severe depression (bipolar disorder), non functional. Tomoorow I start lexapro. Any hope? Any advice?
Keep taking it... give it a chance to work. Take it one day at a time. Do ONE thing at a time... baby steps to the top. Make a list of what you need to do and then pick ONE. Then make a list of what you need to do in order to accomplish this task... like you need to do laundry, so one step is to sort it. When you have it sorted, pat yourself on the back.
Use naps as rewards, not excuses... i.e. "when I get the laundry done, I'll let myself take a one hour nap". etc.
I was non-functioning too. When you feel good, don't think your bad days are all over... celebrate good moments, and when you feel poorly, think of it as a bad MOMENT and not a bad day. Live in little clumps of time.
Keep me posted....
EGR
Posted by Romulus on January 11, 2003, at 19:19:20
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro » Romulus, posted by Kairos on January 11, 2003, at 3:19:44
> Romulus -
>
> gasp - is this really true? (Rhetorical I know - but that was my instant response!) You've just totally nailed ME! What in God's name is used to treat for this???
>
Kairos -If you have a chronic feeling of depression, you may well have been diagnosed correctly. I don't mean to generalize, and may be a little biased after reading the book 'Prozac Backlash' which raised some questions in my mind.
My father has long been on AD's and is sure he has an imbalance, which prompted me to try Lexapro. I am new to ADs and am very pleased so far -- only side effects have been some difficulty sleeping and occasional jitters.
Posted by teriwynn on January 11, 2003, at 20:11:11
In reply to Lexapro , posted by Jennings on January 10, 2003, at 19:11:49
Hang in there; five days is nothing. Most SSRI's come with side effects that do lessen or go away entirely...and you're so right, even the side effects are better than depression.
Posted by teriwynn on January 11, 2003, at 20:16:31
In reply to Welcome Mikal! » mikal, posted by EGR on January 10, 2003, at 22:42:07
Thank God for drugs is right. I was so resistant in the beginning. Now I tell people I'm on them all the time. Usually people are really supportive. Nobody judges me harshly or treats me like a looney person. And I just call them my "happy pills." That puts the right slant on the conversation right from the start. What could anyone possibly have against a pill that makes you happy?
Posted by Jennings on January 11, 2003, at 20:33:01
In reply to Re: Lexapro » Jennings, posted by ayuda on January 11, 2003, at 8:52:46
Day six, and I'm having my worst A/D side effects to date!
Posted by teriwynn on January 11, 2003, at 20:33:04
In reply to Re: Lexapro » salpav, posted by EGR on January 11, 2003, at 17:46:02
**What excellent advice EGR. In addition to that, may I add this. Get a journal. Write down anything good that happens each day. Any small accomplishments, any positive thoughts, any acts of kindness. Then when you're feeling like you can't get anything done, like you're worthless, like you're totally non-functional, look back in your journal to remind yourself that it's not as bad as you think. Then enter something in your journal to indicate that you took the time to look in the journal rather than feel like you were totally worthless. In other words, give yourself credit for keeping the journal and for reading it. You'll be surprised how the little things add up. Your first entry can be asking for help by posting to this message board. Asking for help is a great step. Taking your meds is another. Write that down every day. Good luck.
> > I have severe depression (bipolar disorder), non functional. Tomoorow I start lexapro. Any hope? Any advice?
>
> Keep taking it... give it a chance to work. Take it one day at a time. Do ONE thing at a time... baby steps to the top. Make a list of what you need to do and then pick ONE. Then make a list of what you need to do in order to accomplish this task... like you need to do laundry, so one step is to sort it. When you have it sorted, pat yourself on the back.
>
> Use naps as rewards, not excuses... i.e. "when I get the laundry done, I'll let myself take a one hour nap". etc.
>
> I was non-functioning too. When you feel good, don't think your bad days are all over... celebrate good moments, and when you feel poorly, think of it as a bad MOMENT and not a bad day. Live in little clumps of time.
>
> Keep me posted....
>
> EGR
>
>
Posted by EGR on January 11, 2003, at 21:31:42
In reply to Re: Lexapro, posted by teriwynn on January 11, 2003, at 20:33:04
YES! I forgot that. One of the things is that our brains work in images... so right now, it's full of negative images. My pastor told me to get a folder for positive images and put things in there that would trigger a positive image when I could find "my happy thought"... stuff like pictures of my kids, a note where someone had told me I did a good job. Things that ordinarily seem silly to keep end up being life-lines.
> Get a journal. Write down anything good that happens each day. Any small accomplishments, any positive thoughts, any acts of kindness. Then when you're feeling like you can't get anything done, like you're worthless, like you're totally non-functional, look back in your journal to remind yourself that it's not as bad as you think.
Posted by bozeman on January 11, 2003, at 22:37:14
In reply to Re: Lexapro, posted by EGR on January 11, 2003, at 21:31:42
I know this will sound sappy, so if it offends anyone I AM SORRY ;-) but I keep a Thankfulness List, sometimes it's all I do when I'm too tired to journal. Recent entries:
Three good hair days in a row (that's never happened before)
Getting all three of the "boys" to the vet and back in one afternoon with no one scratched, bitten, or permanently traumatized (including me)
A roommate who is lovingly supportive when I simply *cannot* do the dishes or some other (for a normal person) simple task and doesn't hit me with a skillet when I'm in one of my negative funks
A drive home without hitting more than two red stoplights (world record, must be)
Getting back my serum allergy list and NOT finding coffee or chocolate on it :-)The point is, even on my worst days, I can find something, one thing, that went right. And it shows me how far I've come when I get a whole bunch of right ones in a day.
A new entry for the List: Finding a forum (this web site) that shows I'm not alone and having others to talk to
> YES! I forgot that. One of the things is that our brains work in images... so right now, it's full of negative images. My pastor told me to get a folder for positive images and put things in there that would trigger a positive image when I could find "my happy thought"... stuff like pictures of my kids, a note where someone had told me I did a good job. Things that ordinarily seem silly to keep end up being life-lines.
>
> > Get a journal. Write down anything good that happens each day. Any small accomplishments, any positive thoughts, any acts of kindness. Then when you're feeling like you can't get anything done, like you're worthless, like you're totally non-functional, look back in your journal to remind yourself that it's not as bad as you think.
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