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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by mlj 123 on February 1, 2003, at 12:13:28
In reply to NO MORE PANIC ATTACKS =), posted by mikal on January 31, 2003, at 14:14:37
> I went on Lexapro 3 weeks ago 10mg... it has been an absolute savior. I haven't had a panic attack in about 18 days, this stuff started working fast. At first it seemed to disconect the full blown anxiety which would start with the racing heart from the horrible thinking that ended up, for lack of better words, making me feel crazy, sweaty and diconected from my self. I could still feel the impulse to go into panic but the restults were far less severe. Over the past couple of weeks, especially in the last 3-5 days I have noticed that my thinking has changed. I'm not focused on "what if's." Not thinking about the "what-ifs" has given me the ability to feel happiness. When you're so controlled by "what if this is the big one" it is impossible to embrace anything but horror. My panic has not only subsided; I have realized that life can be happy and good.
> I was always a person who felt "blue," and I couldn't pick out why I would get into so many "funks." I've been mildly depressed for so long that I came to understand it as my reality, because it was. I was sceptical of drugs as therapy for this "kind of thing," but will never be again. My doctor has really been patient with me as my panic and anxiety increased over the past months, I made many trips for heart check-ups, aches and pains. I don't focus on a dry patch of skin anymore manking it into a new disease, it is a dry patch of skin and lotion seems to work well, and if it's not a dry patch of skin I have the freedom to not obsess about it, I can deal with it without falling to pieces.
>
> Panic, Anxiety, Depression are debilitating, no ifs ands or buts. There is no reason to stop searching if something isn't working or to stop if something is... I hope the best for everybody who stops by these boards, this has helped change my life in so many ways.>Everything you said is exactley what Ive been thru. Im so funny about having to take medicine and it took so many unencouraging trips to the doctor trying to blame this on anything but anxiety/panic. I thought I was dying of everything. My doctor was so supportive when I pleaded that this was not who I was. But she always would just suggest medicine for anxiety and I would feel so insulted. But one panic attack to many just finnaly caused me to admit to myself that I had a problem. One big problem. I didnt even realize how much my life was changing. I felt like my heart was racing every morning when I woke up just because I feared having another panic attack that day. This web site has really touched me and shown me that Im not alone. That people really do understand what it feels like when life as you know it starts falling apart and you lose your confidence in everyday life.
Posted by Phyl on February 1, 2003, at 15:07:55
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects » Ritch, posted by Marialee on January 31, 2003, at 2:16:12
Marialee: I am on Lexapro but I cut it in half. I have never taken any other meds other than Lexapro. I have been on it for 3 months. About a week ago, I had severe dizziness, with the room spinning. At one point, I had to hold onto the door frame to keep from falling. I had to keep my head very still or things would go whirling by. When I called my doctor, he said he didn't believe it was from Lexapro but that it was an inner ear virus which threw off my equilabrium. He might have been right because I
was almost normal the next day...just a tiny bit of nausea. And the vertigo has not returned. Sometimes things happen which would have happened without the meds, but we feel they are responsible. I hope your situation turns out to be like mine and that it has nothing to do with the med. Good luck.
Posted by Donia on February 1, 2003, at 15:33:23
In reply to Re: Vertigo - Marialee, posted by Phyl on February 1, 2003, at 15:07:55
I once had a spell of vertigo, I can tell you it was awful!! I was under a great deal of stress as a few weeks before my 2 year old son was stung by wasp and almost died. I had never seen anything like it before in my life. As a result of the trauma I developed depression or post traumatic stress. I walked to the mailbox one morning feeling ok and when I got back the room was spinning. I went to lay down and took my son with me and it was worse. He was getting afraid as young as he was. He knew something was wrong. I called the ambulance and a neighbor took my son. I was on my period and had used a tampon and thought for sure I had the toxic syndrome you get from it. The doc at the emergency room said it was an inner ear problem. I never had it again. I was not on medication. I went to my family doctor and he said it was probably due to my high stress and depression and put me on zoloft for a month. As with the meds, stopping celexa and immediately taking lexapro should not be a problem. They are basically the same med without the inactive isomer in it.
Donia
Posted by syringachalet on February 1, 2003, at 22:25:10
In reply to Re: Help finding best least expensive source LEXAPRO » piscesmoon7, posted by mikal on January 31, 2003, at 23:23:50
Hello piscesmoon,
Unfornately, LEXAPRO is only availabe in the USA. I have check several online pharmacys and I have only found one--drugstore.com--to be as low a price as I have been able to find.
I have also had several clients who take LEXAPRO 10mg and I have asked that the MD order them 20mg tabs and have the patient to break the scored tablet in half as soon as they arrive to extend the same dose with half the cost.
If anyone else has other options, please let me know.
Also you might want to contact drugsfree.com and pharmacare.com to see if you qualify for drug company samples. ( The forms are a pain but hey, if they canhelp.. go for it...
Hope this helps.
syringachalet
Posted by piscesmoon7 on February 2, 2003, at 10:29:28
In reply to Re: Help finding best least expensive source LEXAPRO, posted by syringachalet on February 1, 2003, at 22:25:10
HELLO syringachalet & fellow friends!!!
THANKS SO MUCH for your responses to my post & especially the info & link to DRUGSTORE.COM because i have found that their price for LEXAPRO is at least 30%-35% less than i could find & research myself up to this point! I was truly hoping i could find some kind of less expensive source & pricing so i wouldn't be "priced" right out of my own mental health & well-being!
Also, THANKS SO MUCH for the amazing hint & advice re: getting the 20mg prescription to be halved into 10mg to extend the quantity & lessen my financial burden with keeping stocked up. My DOC is truly the BEST & GREATEST and do not foresee a problem with him obliging that request as we try to solve this "MAGICAL MEDICAL MYSTERY TOUR" i have been on for for way TOO many years!
I also plan to be a very frequent, honest, & informative message poster to this board as i have this drug going through my system for a longer period of time to share all my personal PROS & CONS with it. It's just SOOO amazing to have the desire for positive thoughts in my brain again, postive actions with my body again, & all in hopes to live the most authentic & fulfilling life my soul can possibly desire here on this earth!!!
lovingly,
PISCESMOON7
Posted by lostsailor on February 2, 2003, at 11:41:09
In reply to Re: Help finding best least expensive source LEXAPRO, posted by piscesmoon7 on February 2, 2003, at 10:29:28
even cheaper. my ins does not cover lexapro yet. I asked doc why he said its just that its new and fully gives away in sample packs to all in similar situation. have you mentioned cost to doc???? Usually they have a full storeroom of samples of the "newer" meds.
good luck with all,
~tony
Posted by male34 on February 2, 2003, at 15:46:34
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by tanguerey on January 28, 2003, at 12:43:13
im on lexapro only 3 days now wow im so tired anxiuos and crummy feeeling,i did paxil a year ago gained 35 pounds come off it ,it was hell coming off, but now my mother died and my anxiety is bad, im also agoraphobic . im on lexapro for anxiety mainly but i sure dont like these first days any help ,is this normal im on 10 mgs and some small doses of xanax to calm me, but believe me im calm ill i want to do is sleep along with be very anxiuos and jiterry /please help
Posted by male34 on February 2, 2003, at 16:01:08
In reply to Re: coping with panic attacks, posted by mlj 123 on January 31, 2003, at 20:34:23
> Do anyone have any advice about taking Lexepro for panic attacks. I just started it after having tried so many thing that make me sick and unable to sleep.
> im taking lexapro only 3 days now but i was on paxil made mefat so i quit, but i am on lexapro just like the others it looks like a rough ride in the begening ,but realizes panic attacks are due to stress and or just our sretonin imbalnce you can try many different things but as i learned we must conquer it or it will conquer us what is funny is my mom always said theres nothing to be afraid of you cant touch tyou cant see it and it truly is only in our minds , so please try to move on and continue to live your life dont stay in and let it get you stuck in life god bless and good luck to us all, ive got it bad also.stay strong
Posted by Donia on February 2, 2003, at 16:25:05
In reply to lexapro need help,users, posted by male34 on February 2, 2003, at 15:46:34
The side effects of these meds are generally worse the first few weeks. When I was first on zoloft I told the doc I was going to quit taking it. He convinced me to stay on a while longer and almost all of the side effects went away. I notice when I am first on these meds my anxiety is worse for a while. I am on week three of lexapro. Started week one by cutting ten mgs in half to make it five mgs, then upped to ten the secon week. My anxiety is improving now but the first week I was very anxious and kind of spacey. Feeling more normal now.
Posted by jodie on February 2, 2003, at 17:54:00
In reply to lexapro need help,users, posted by male34 on February 2, 2003, at 15:46:34
> im on lexapro only 3 days now wow im so tired anxiuos and crummy feeeling,i did paxil a year ago gained 35 pounds come off it ,it was hell coming off, but now my mother died and my anxiety is bad, im also agoraphobic . im on lexapro for anxiety mainly but i sure dont like these first days any help ,is this normal im on 10 mgs and some small doses of xanax to calm me, but believe me im calm ill i want to do is sleep along with be very anxiuos and jiterry /please help
***********************************************************
Hello,
I have been on lexapro for a little while now. I was on celexa a while back too, which is basically the same thing. Just thought I would let you know what you are experiencing isn't uncommon. I had the same jittery, spacey feeling, had anxiety too. when I first started it. That feeling lasted about a week or so, it gets better over time. You haven't been on it that long, so make sure to give it a chance. It has worked wonders for me!! Some people says it makes them too emotionally numb, but honestly, I would rather feel that way than depressed, or having anxiety. I don't mind that side effect, usually.
Sorry to hear about your mother. What a difficult time you must be going through.
The xanax can really help too, especially with the anxiety you are feeling from the lexapro. A lot of people find it helpful to go on a benzo when they first start certain AD's. Have you thought of trying something a little longer acting like Klonopin (clonazepam) instead? I prefer that over xanax!! But thats just my personal opinion!!! Hope this helped a little.
Hang in there!!!
Jodie
Posted by Sadsack on February 2, 2003, at 18:35:31
In reply to Re: Changing time of Lex -- EGR » bozeman, posted by EGR on January 31, 2003, at 20:15:16
EGR,
Let me know how that Wellbutrin "side dish" works (PLEASE)! I am still having trouble with the sse's and would LOVE to fix it as I truly miss my sex life! Thanks,
Sadsack> BOZEMAN!!
>
> GREAT to hear from you! I've been out of town and just got back. I'm am doing excellently taking the Lexapro at night. I'm not groggy in the morning and I have no trouble staying awake at night.
>
> My doc gave me 100 mgs of Wellbutrin to take in the morning to see if it helps with the sse, but since I've been gone, I haven't had a chance to "test" it.
>
> How are things going with you?
>
> EGR
>
> > How are you feeling since you switched your Lexapro to PM? What did your pdoc say about the change?
> >
> > Hope it's going well for you.
>
>
Posted by Charlotte Groce on February 2, 2003, at 18:59:57
In reply to Re: lexapro need help,users, posted by jodie on February 2, 2003, at 17:54:00
> > im on lexapro only 3 days now wow im so tired anxiuos and crummy feeeling,i did paxil a year ago gained 35 pounds come off it ,it was hell coming off, but now my mother died and my anxiety is bad, im also agoraphobic . im on lexapro for anxiety mainly but i sure dont like these first days any help ,is this normal im on 10 mgs and some small doses of xanax to calm me, but believe me im calm ill i want to do is sleep along with be very anxiuos and jiterry /please help
>
>
>
> ***********************************************************
>
> Hello,
>
> I have been on lexapro for a little while now. I was on celexa a while back too, which is basically the same thing. Just thought I would let you know what you are experiencing isn't uncommon. I had the same jittery, spacey feeling, had anxiety too. when I first started it. That feeling lasted about a week or so, it gets better over time. You haven't been on it that long, so make sure to give it a chance. It has worked wonders for me!! Some people says it makes them too emotionally numb, but honestly, I would rather feel that way than depressed, or having anxiety. I don't mind that side effect, usually.
>
> Sorry to hear about your mother. What a difficult time you must be going through.
>
> The xanax can really help too, especially with the anxiety you are feeling from the lexapro. A lot of people find it helpful to go on a benzo when they first start certain AD's. Have you thought of trying something a little longer acting like Klonopin (clonazepam) instead? I prefer that over xanax!! But thats just my personal opinion!!! Hope this helped a little.
>
> Hang in there!!!
>
> Jodie
>
>
I was on Paxil for two years for OCD and anxiety attacks. I gained 30 pounds and I stopped experiencing organzisms. In November my Psychiatrist switched me to Lexpro. The withdrawal symptoms were almost unbearable: numbness, spacey, dizzy, and nightmares. I finally adjusted to the lexapro and life without paxil. Within in 4 days without paxil my sexual desire and ability to climax returned. However, my articulation, concentration, motivation, cognitive superiority, and energy have not returned. The lexpro and paxil both inhibit my thinking and reasoning skills.I decided on my on this past week (Wednesday, 1/29/03) to stop taking the lexpro. The withdrawal symptoms are brain numbness, dizziness, inability to remember names or events, and weakness. Does anyone know how long this will last? Will my detailed intellect and memory return to the way it was prior to paxil and lexapro?
I am holding on by a thread. I just want my mind back.
Good luck to everyone else.
Charlotte
Posted by missinglynxx on February 2, 2003, at 19:38:06
In reply to NO MORE PANIC ATTACKS =), posted by mikal on January 31, 2003, at 14:14:37
> I went on Lexapro 3 weeks ago 10mg... it has been an absolute savior. I haven't had a panic attack in about 18 days, this stuff started working fast. At first it seemed to disconect the full blown anxiety which would start with the racing heart from the horrible thinking that ended up, for lack of better words, making me feel crazy, sweaty and diconected from my self. I could still feel the impulse to go into panic but the restults were far less severe. Over the past couple of weeks, especially in the last 3-5 days I have noticed that my thinking has changed. I'm not focused on "what if's." Not thinking about the "what-ifs" has given me the ability to feel happiness. When you're so controlled by "what if this is the big one" it is impossible to embrace anything but horror. My panic has not only subsided; I have realized that life can be happy and good.
> I was always a person who felt "blue," and I couldn't pick out why I would get into so many "funks." I've been mildly depressed for so long that I came to understand it as my reality, because it was. I was sceptical of drugs as therapy for this "kind of thing," but will never be again. My doctor has really been patient with me as my panic and anxiety increased over the past months, I made many trips for heart check-ups, aches and pains. I don't focus on a dry patch of skin anymore manking it into a new disease, it is a dry patch of skin and lotion seems to work well, and if it's not a dry patch of skin I have the freedom to not obsess about it, I can deal with it without falling to pieces.
>
> Panic, Anxiety, Depression are debilitating, no ifs ands or buts. There is no reason to stop searching if something isn't working or to stop if something is... I hope the best for everybody who stops by these boards, this has helped change my life in so many ways.
Thats the most uplifting message Ive read all week and well articulated. GOOD LUCK with the future!!!!!!!
Posted by pickychicky2001 on February 2, 2003, at 20:04:06
In reply to Re: NO MORE PANIC ATTACKS =), posted by missinglynxx on February 2, 2003, at 19:38:06
Hi everyone! It has been 10 days now on the Lexapro, and I think I am experiencing what alot of you have mentioned about the orgasims, darnit! I saw someone mentioned alot of sweating, and I thought it was just me. I am doing that alot lately, and headaches everyday. I don't know if that has to do with the Lexapro, but thought I'd mention it. So far, still no temper tantrums, YAYYYYYYYY!!!!!
Posted by jodie on February 2, 2003, at 21:38:19
In reply to Re: lexapro need help,users » jodie, posted by Charlotte Groce on February 2, 2003, at 18:59:57
You say that on Wednesday you decided to stop the Lexapro. Did you try and do this gradually? Did you taper of the Lexapro. I know some doctors say that you don't need to, but I have found it always seems to help when coming off an antidepressant.
Did you discuss this with your Dr., stopping the Lexapro?
I'm sure after a little while your "intellect" and "memory" will return to normal.
If you haven't called or seen your Dr. since Wednesday, maybe you need to. Possibly a benzo might help while having these "withdrawals". Just my thoughts.
I hope you get to feeling better, hang in there, even if it is by a "thread", things will get better. I was watching the movie "Blow" earlier with Johnny Depp (true story) and I love the saying his father uses in the movie: "When you're up, it's never as good as it seems, and when you're down, you never think you're going to be up again, but it always ends up working out". I love that movie, I had to go buy the DVD. Other favorites of mine are: Girl Interupted, and A Beautiful Mind. I just had to go out and buy those too.
Take care!!!!!Jodie
Posted by lcg4 on February 2, 2003, at 22:32:54
In reply to Re: lexapro need help,users » jodie, posted by Charlotte Groce on February 2, 2003, at 18:59:57
Charlotte,
Your memory loss and concentration loss sounds like my son's problem too on Paxil. His doctor wants him to change to Lexapro because it is supposed to have less side effects. He is 13. Sounds to me like no matter what ssri you are on they are all the same with memory loss and problems with concentration. This is so frustrating to have an honors student that can now barely manage a C. There has to be another way to deal with this anxiety and panic. It's so scary because without it he can't go to school and is in fear of everything. So do you stay panic free with no concentration or do you stay with panic and anxiety. It's so unfair, he's so young to have this problem. It's breaking my heart. I just want him to have a normal life and have fun and be happy. Guess we don't have a choice sometime, just have to decide which is more important and deal with the outcome. Linda
Posted by Donia on February 2, 2003, at 22:51:25
In reply to Re: lexapro need help,users » Charlotte Groce, posted by lcg4 on February 2, 2003, at 22:32:54
I just saw a special today on the discovery health channel about a product called EM power plus. It is vitamins and minerals that the company claims has helped people with bipolar and depression. The wife of the person who helped formulate it killed herself due to mental illness. He was afraid for his children because he thought they may inherit her disorder. Well his son did and was on litium. I guess after he put him on this he no longer needs the litium. I just caught the end of the special. I looked it up on the web as my sister is bipolar. I am going to let her know about it. I have no idea if it will help or not but I saw one of you mention an alternative to conventional meds.
Posted by Donia on February 2, 2003, at 22:54:01
In reply to Re: lexapro need help--Charlotte, posted by jodie on February 2, 2003, at 21:38:19
I weaned myself off of zoloft for a period of two months. When I tried to quit cold turkey, I had terrible confusion and "brain zaps". I was afraid to drive. I was on 100mg and took 3/4 of a tab for a few weeks then 1/2 for a few then 1/4 and finally none. It did help to wean but I didnt feel completely normal for a month or so after stopping.
Posted by lcg4 on February 3, 2003, at 8:19:15
In reply to Re: lexapro need help,users » Charlotte Groce, posted by lcg4 on February 2, 2003, at 22:32:54
I'm beginning to realize that maybe all the ssri's have the same side effects of memory loss and loss of concetration to some degree depending on the mg's taken. Does anyone have any comments on that and is there any out there that keep you from getting the anxiety and panic attacks without loss of memory or concentration. Any help would be appreciated. Linda
Posted by JaneB on February 3, 2003, at 8:32:19
In reply to same side effects all ssri's, posted by lcg4 on February 3, 2003, at 8:19:15
ssri's help my concentration and memory.
JaneB
Posted by mikal on February 3, 2003, at 8:38:17
In reply to Re: same side effects all ssri's » lcg4, posted by JaneB on February 3, 2003, at 8:32:19
I have to agree with the previous poster Jane B. on this thread. After adjusting to Lexapro (2 solid weeks;) I noticed a marked change in my ability to retain knowledge and concentrate. I had been so preoccupied with worry and doubt that it took precident in all areas of my life. I find now that I can "Focus" on a task at hand vs. pitting it against my Anxiety/Depression (we all know which one wins the battle there;) I can really delve into projects without hesistation now.
mike
Posted by nhg on February 3, 2003, at 11:08:15
In reply to lexapro need help,users, posted by male34 on February 2, 2003, at 15:46:34
> im on lexapro only 3 days now wow im so tired anxiuos and crummy feeeling,i did paxil a year ago gained 35 pounds come off it ,it was hell coming off, but now my mother died and my anxiety is bad, im also agoraphobic . im on lexapro for anxiety mainly but i sure dont like these first days any help ,is this normal im on 10 mgs and some small doses of xanax to calm me, but believe me im calm ill i want to do is sleep along with be very anxiuos and jiterry /please help
How are you feeling now? I've been on Lexapro for three days. It has helped the depression (which couldn't have gotten any worse) but isn't doing anthing for the anxiety. I have been taking xanax for a few weeks (ever since I was assaulted). I need it sometimes at night, but always in the morning. During the past weeks, I toss and turn in my sleep and wake up repeatedly in extreme panic attacks. I take some xanax and try to go back to sleep. But for some reason, mornings are the worse. I can hardly live with it.
So you are a few days ahead of me with the Lexapro and I'm just wondering if you've had any progress.
Posted by lcg4 on February 3, 2003, at 11:08:45
In reply to Re: same side effects all ssri's » JaneB, posted by mikal on February 3, 2003, at 8:38:17
well maybe because of my son's age,13. They affect him differently than an adult because he went from an A student to a C student on Paxil 10 mg. he was on 25mg and he was way overmedicated. He couldn't even keep his head up. I hesitate changing him to Lexapro because even though it is 10mg, I've been told it is equivalent to 40mg of Celexa and I don't know what to do. I don't want him all doped up again but the panic attacks and anxiety is bad without taking anything.
Posted by male34 on February 3, 2003, at 11:12:47
In reply to Re: same side effects all ssri's » lcg4, posted by JaneB on February 3, 2003, at 8:32:19
LEX-when stop sleepiness?,on lexapro 5 days dont want to move get outta bed ZZZZZzzzzz!
Posted by mikal on February 3, 2003, at 11:24:57
In reply to Re: lexapro need help,users » male34, posted by nhg on February 3, 2003, at 11:08:15
NHG- It took me 2 weeks to really feel the benefits of Lexapro. It sounds like you've had some very traumatic events in your life recently, for that I'll send you some positive thoughts.
I'm on 10mg of Lexapro, and like I said it took around 2 weeks to really kick in. The first couple of days(5) were really topsy-turvy. I had trouble sleeping, and was extremely tired at the same time. I woke abruptly and had trouble falling back asleep. I have found that over time my body has adjusted and I feel ALMOST no side affects and the benefits are incredible. But that is only my case. I concider myself lucky. I didn't suffer to horribly from Depression, but Anxiety and Panic had really taken hold in my life. This has really helped release me from the thinking that has perpetuated an awful cycle.
Much of what we go through is chemical, however, it is a combination of un-healthy thinking. We get caught in loops of traumatic/debilitating thinking and we cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel. It's like looking at a rock, but we are holding it right up to our eye, and it looks like a massive boulder - we can't see anything but the problem. We need to hold our arm out and see the rock at arms length and realize that it's not as bad as we are making it. Then if truly successful we can set the rock on the ground and it becomes merely a pebble and we can walk right past it with out noticing it anymore. But getting to that point takes a myriad of actions. Some of us need a drug for balance, some need a cocktail of drugs, whatever works. But we should also not underestimate the power of ourselves to see change and to accept change. The part I am struggling with the most with Lexapro is the realization that my Panic is gone, my anxiety is subsided, and now what? When you deal with a problem long enough it becomes incorporated into your dail survival mechanism, many of us do not like to admit it, but relief from this burden is often frightning in it's self. We need to see this as an opportunity, an opportunity to live better, and yes differently.
I'm a firm believer that drugs are a necessary part (for some) of getting back on track. But we have do some work too. We have to live differently and embrace change. Only then can we really seperate ourselves from our disease.
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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