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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Theona on February 8, 2003, at 12:01:16
In reply to Re: New lex user-Theona --Anyone!!!!, posted by Chuck2112 on February 6, 2003, at 9:51:14
> I want to say that I dont ever have panic attacks...and do fairly well considering how I feel, I usually joke and have fun at work and go out on weekends, go to parties meet and talk to new people....but I just have trouble being totally at ease while doing it....so when it gets to one on one conversation is when I sometimes choke up or zone out.....i just dont relax....i have actually managed to meet and start seeing a girl in the past 2 months....luckily we can not see each other on a daily basis which gives me time to work through some of this....
>
> any thoughts?????Hi Chuck,
Apologies for appearing not to write. I am not at my computer every day, but also, the two notes I wrote you didn't "take." I sensed something wrong and did save the response I'd written here:
Hi Chuck,
I guess I'm wondering how you were before the divorce. You probably mentioned this in a former note. Sorry if I missed it. Not only is divorce a shock to the system, even a supposedly friendly one, but if you were in a marriage that didn't work, a lot of harm happened along the way that effects confidence. You must know that. And we all develop coping styles to survive an unhappy marriage. Those don't just go away after the divorce. I guess what I'm hearing you say is that you have some healing to do, and perhaps an objective person in the form of a counselor can help you with the uncomfortable corners you might not be noticing.
My son has Aspergers, a type of autism. By adulthood, people with this are almost normal, with a few difficulties in the world of socializing. But we were lucky and got him diagnosed very young, first grade. So he was in a special school for about 3 years before being mainstreamed into public school. At the private school, they explained to me that he would make his way without therapy, but that he would compensate around his problems and that therapy would help him find a more direct route.
I have never forgotten that, and think about it for myself, that I have done a lot that I am proud of, working with my depression and axiety by myself, but I have been doing a lot of compensating without the SSRI, now Lexapro, or therapy. Now I want a more direct route to normal everyday life than the one I was taking with all the compensation measures I was using. I just want to go out and garden or down to do my laundry without having to jump over a 12-foot wall.
I see you noticing behaviors in yourself that you see are different and getting in your way. My definition of needing to seek help, whether medicinal or therapeutic, is when your problems interfere with your everyday functioning, it's time for what I jokingly call a tune-up.
Like you, I've been going about my daily life, being with friends, have a new boyfriend in my life, appear cheerful at work. I was always pretending, so I could be like everyone else. When I told my boss I was being treated for major depression, she was astonished, because I am cheerful at work. I was also spending weekends in bed, not wanting to do anything.
I feel it's important to not wait until you have a crisis to think you need help. I always think about what a problem it can be to be a person straddled between a serious problem and being okay. You think you can handle it yourself, when really, you need some help. Many of us fall between the cracks like that, including myself, and take forever to get the right help.
I think you are on the right track. Work with your doctor 2 or 3 months and get the Lexapro basically up to speed and then get in to see a counselor. They are objective about you, see things you want to avoid, and are a good sounding wall. They don't fix you, you do, with some guidance on that more direct route in life that you want.
I like your desire to feel better. It's a good part of you.
Theona
Posted by Theona on February 8, 2003, at 12:18:56
In reply to Re: New lex user-Theona --Anyone!!!!, posted by Chuck2112 on February 6, 2003, at 9:39:39
>
> >
> > From Theona:
> >
> > I am seeing your note about being self-diagnosed, and I guess I'm concerned about your not having supportive therapy along with the medication, if I am understanding you correctly. The medications can relieve physical symptoms, but it's really hard to be objective about complex behaviors we have developed to cope with the symptoms for so long. Even an amicable divorce is a trauma in life, and traumas can make existing tendencies worse. Getting guidance on the healing process can insure a more steady climb out of the hole. When we are alone, very alone, it is hard to see what we are doing that's odd or different, except what's pronounced.
> >
> > I've done the medication route without therapy in the past, but recovery was not lasting. I thought if the high anxiety and chronic depression were gone, I'd get on with life. But when symptoms returned when I'd go off and on medications, I didn't have a "plan," so to speak. I want to make steady progress. I know I don't see myself objectively. So I am in my 3rd week, working with a cognitive behavioral therapist, an am surprised, already, to learn how little I have been dealing with feelings because I have been "coping" on my own for so long. Additionally, the therapist works closely with a medicating psychiatrist so that my dosage and effectiveness of Lexapro can be evaluated.
> >
> > Before, I have worked with my famiily doctor, who is brilliant, funny, concerned, and just the best. But these drugs for depression, anxiety and conditions like OCD are not his daily bread.
> >
> > I would have diagnosed myself as primarily having high anxiety, too, 4 years ago, but now I know it's OCD. Getting a good, professional diagnosis can mean getting the right help, holistically, and getting better in a lasting way.
> >
> > I hear all of you say, "I want to feel normal." Me too. Now, on Lexapro for a week, I am not having side effects, but I moved to it from being on Celexa for 4 months. On Lexapro, I no longer have 2 hours of nausea a day. It still remains to be seen if the dose is right for the anxiety and obsessing. The compulsions are reducing. I am working more even-paced throughout the day at work. I suspect I will eventually be moved to 20mg of Lexapro.
> >
> > How do they know when you are on too high a dose of an SSRI? What happens?
> >
> > Theona
> >
> >
>
> Theona,
> I really appreciate your post and your wisdom/concern. I do plan to seek some counseling, but right now, I have things in my life that need my attention, and I think that without the meds I either wont address them or wont do it with the attention it needs. I am already starting to find myself getting back to my former self, I just am wondering how much more better I can expect to feel.
>
> I am pretty aware of myself and my feelings, and am pretty sure that as I became a father I forgot about myself, and just need help getting it back. This anxiety and depression runs in my family, so its not just about counseling either.
>
> So my plan is to first get myself to a state where I can deal effectively with things, and slowly see what counseling can do for me.
> So my question is this....
> I have been on the LExapro for 2-1/2 weeks and I am each day feeling a touch better, but feel I need to feel just a little bit better, and than I will feel comfortable just conversing and joking with my coworkers again. So with these drugs, does it generally work like this whereas you slowly start feeling bettter, and how much better....I want a normal flow of thoughts like I am used to.....Hi Chuck,
This is the note I didn't get my respond posted on. I didn't click it right or something.
If you are new to SSRIs, I can't remember, yes it takes a fair amount of time to get them working well. Can be 3 months or so. I am at the 4 months point this time around and have been on Lexapro about 8 days now, so I'm still working to get it right.
Anxiety runs in my family too, but the point is, counseling helps you resolve it so you don't have to give into your genes. I feel that therapy is to help correct all the coping skills we used all our lives to help ourselves when we didn't have something like Lexapro. Even after we are on Lexapro or another SSRI, it's still hard to stop using those coping skills. We kinda need a teacher, you know? A counselor. Kinda like a diet - you lose the weight, but tend to go back to old, comfortable ways of eating and put it back on. Same with how we make our lives work. Years of either depression and/or anxiety can take their toll on self-esteme and all sorts of things. So I hope you do augment your biochemistry work with a little counseling to get a gauge of how you are doing.
I also have found that life never seems to settle down enough to find time for ourselves, helping ourselves. We want quick fixes, but sometimes, helping ourselves can be the foundation of making everything else work. Therapy work is only an hour once every 1 or 2 weeks. And in between, you have all sorts of new things to think about.
I seem to be doing awfully good on the Lexapro here at day 9. I am not nauseated anymore. I can't believe it, after 4 months of it on Celexa, and when I was very nauseated for about 6 hours a day for a couple of days when I first started Lexapro. Now, a week later, I feel fine - so far. And I am having fewer sensations of not wanting to do anything. I was only up to 30mg of the Celexa and as we added more, I got more and more nauseated, so we couldn't get the dose up to help with the depression and anxiety enough. Now at 10mg of Lexapro, I feel pretty good, but suspect we will go on up to 20mg to slow down my obsessional thinking.
Like you, I am feeling better at work. The stimulation there tends to make me feel better, anyway, but I have a reduction in this sensation I have there to getting things done. More and more, I am just working though the day with the most comfort I have known in years.
Today is Saturday, and I feel like showering and going out and having some fun instead of curling up in bed. That's pretty cool. Life is getting a little exciting and I feel a sense of optimism. I feel like I might be able to do some of the things I've missed doing.
Let's hope for both of us, hum?
Theona
Posted by Cherie on February 8, 2003, at 15:04:19
In reply to Re: New lex user-Theona --Anyone!!!!, posted by Theona on February 8, 2003, at 12:18:56
Need advice-just stopped Celexa 20 mg. 6wks ago after being on for 15 months. Did great on it, felt great. Why did I stop? Went for annual dr. visit and had gained 20 lbs in one year! Dr. suggested Lexapro immediately implying it would be answer to low libido and weight gain. I have been VERY intolerant and edgy and unmotivated recently and believe depression is creeping in. Any ideas on the weight gain?
Posted by Charlotte Groce on February 8, 2003, at 16:43:46
In reply to Re: lexapro need help--Charlotte, posted by jodie on February 2, 2003, at 21:38:19
Thank you Jodie for the encouragement.
My doctor told me to continue taking the medication. I decided on my own to stop. I have an appointment to see him this Monday.
Charlotte
Posted by Charlotte Groce on February 8, 2003, at 16:58:38
In reply to Re: lexapro need help,users » Charlotte Groce, posted by lcg4 on February 2, 2003, at 22:32:54
Thank you Linda for sharing your story about your son with me.
It hurts to know we can not have a normal life. Your son, like me I'm sure, cherishes his intellect. Even as I respond to you now I can not find the words in my head to express what I mean. Something that use to be so easy for me is so hard now.
I extend my love and understanding to both of you during this tough time.
Charlotte
Posted by Charlotte Groce on February 8, 2003, at 17:31:57
In reply to Re: Lexapro has been very good for me, posted by sussus on February 4, 2003, at 14:09:18
Sussus:
I too experienced demotivation with Lexapro and Paxil (more so with Lexapro). Things that make me happy and keep my attention no longer do. I have always been a multi-task person who could handle anything, but now I can not find the concentration that it takes.
At work, I always accepted difficult task and projects...always finishing before deadline. But now, I can't even seem to get started on my assignments.
I too just want to lay around, sleep, or just think.
Hang in there.
Charlotte
Posted by Charlotte Groce on February 8, 2003, at 17:43:27
In reply to Re: lexapro need help--Charlotte, posted by jodie on February 2, 2003, at 21:38:19
Jodie:
Thank you for the encouragement.
I have an appointment with my doctor this Monday.
Charlotte
Posted by bridgette on February 9, 2003, at 9:59:48
In reply to Re: No appetite????-daily run through, posted by Chuck2112 on February 6, 2003, at 15:40:15
Is anyone on the combination of Lexapro AND Wellbutrin SR/ I am on 10mg Lexapro and 150 mg os Wellbutrin Sr. I like combining them because of the sexual side effects of the SSRI and I think Wellbutrin enhances it---anyone else trying this???
Posted by Leo Bostar on February 9, 2003, at 13:48:24
In reply to Re: Now on 20mg, still no therapeutic effect, posted by EGR on February 7, 2003, at 20:18:20
One month.
> Just give it time. It affects some of us quicker than others. They told me to wait 4 weeks to see how it would work. How long has it bee since you doubled your dose?
>
> EGR
Posted by Leo Bostar on February 9, 2003, at 14:15:46
In reply to Re: Now on 20mg, still no therapeutic effect, posted by Theona on February 8, 2003, at 10:55:37
It was prescribe for relief of depression and migraines.
Here's the litany of negative experiences with anti-depressants, starting in 1995 and proceeding to the present with Lexapro:
Prozac - Initial relief, then increased depression, fatigue
Zoloft - No change in depression
Zoloft + Wellbutrin - No change in depression
Paxil - Initial relief, then severe depression,
alcohol relapse
Wellbutrin + Neurontin - Alcohol rehab, no change in depression
Desipramine - No change in depression
Desipramine + Buspar - Increased depression, increased Migraines, nightmares
Celexa - Initial relief, then increased depression, fatigue
Effexor - Increased depression, extreme illness, fatigue
Prozac + Lithium - Increased depression, illness, extreme confusion
Amytriptaline - Increased depression, fatigue
Serzone - Initial relief, then increased depression, fatigue
Serzone + Wellbutrin - Increased depression, exhaustion, illness, alcohol binging
Lexapro - Initial discomfort (night sweats, anxiety, headaches) then nothingAs you can see, I've had no luck at all with medications.
I've been told that I must "keep trying" and that I "WILL" find the right medication. Maybe, maybe not. The one certain thing is that I've been lining the pockets of the drug industry and behavioural health folks for the last eight years, and they haven't done a damn thing for me in return.
At the moment, it looks as though Lexapro is just another con.
> Hi Leo,
>
> Maybe you've written here before. I'm new here. I am wondering what your symptoms are - the reason you are on Lexapro? For depression?
> > Does this drug actually do anything? If so, what? Have you been on an SSRI before?
>
> It can talk a while for them to work, and for your doctor to get the dose right for you. Are you feeling any relief yet at all? Did you take other SSRIs in the past and have them work?
Posted by Leo Bostar on February 9, 2003, at 16:10:05
In reply to Lexapro and Wellbutrin SR, posted by bridgette on February 9, 2003, at 9:59:48
Wellbutrin never did anything for me when taken alone. In combination with other drugs, it amplified the negative side effects.
If it works for you and you have a health plan that covers some of the expenses, count your blessings.
> Is anyone on the combination of Lexapro AND Wellbutrin SR/ I am on 10mg Lexapro and 150 mg os Wellbutrin Sr. I like combining them because of the sexual side effects of the SSRI and I think Wellbutrin enhances it---anyone else trying this???
Posted by Theona on February 9, 2003, at 16:27:06
In reply to Re: Now on 20mg, still no effect Theona, posted by Leo Bostar on February 9, 2003, at 14:15:46
> It was prescribe for relief of depression and migraines.
>
> Here's the litany of negative experiences with anti-depressants, starting in 1995 and proceeding to the present with Lexapro:
>
> Prozac - Initial relief, then increased depression, fatigue
> Zoloft - No change in depression
> Zoloft + Wellbutrin - No change in depression
> Paxil - Initial relief, then severe depression,
> alcohol relapse
> Wellbutrin + Neurontin - Alcohol rehab, no change in depression
> Desipramine - No change in depression
> Desipramine + Buspar - Increased depression, increased Migraines, nightmares
> Celexa - Initial relief, then increased depression, fatigue
> Effexor - Increased depression, extreme illness, fatigue
> Prozac + Lithium - Increased depression, illness, extreme confusion
> Amytriptaline - Increased depression, fatigue
> Serzone - Initial relief, then increased depression, fatigue
> Serzone + Wellbutrin - Increased depression, exhaustion, illness, alcohol binging
> Lexapro - Initial discomfort (night sweats, anxiety, headaches) then nothing
>
> As you can see, I've had no luck at all with medications.
>
> I've been told that I must "keep trying" and that I "WILL" find the right medication. Maybe, maybe not. The one certain thing is that I've been lining the pockets of the drug industry and behavioural health folks for the last eight years, and they haven't done a damn thing for me in return.
>
> At the moment, it looks as though Lexapro is just another con.Goodness, Leo, you must be very discouraged. I'm not sure it's so much of a con as you seen to be at the end of a spectrum of people for whom SSRI's don't work. I remember on commentator on SSRIs saying a few years ago that we really were so elementary in our use of these things that it was like trying to do surgery with a machete. Manipulating our neurochemistry is so young in the history of man. You and I are living through it's infancy. I seem to be having some better luck than some.
I too have a drinking history, but after AA for 4 years, was dry for 15 years. A life crisis and no health coverage brought a return to it for anxiety relief, but use of it is much more manageable now. Mostly 2 glasses of wine a night, none for several nights in a row, maybe quitting altogether once the Lexpro is at 20mg.
I am going to try to get myself out exercising through walks to try to augment my treatment. I'm not a very physical person, but know I feel better days I work, so I think the increased activity during the week may be part of my feeling better then, than on the weekends. Really, really hard to push into some exercise when you are depressed. I'm sure you understand. I'd rather augment with exercise than another drug. I want one simple one like Lexapro work.
I'm sure you have tried everything. Have you encorporated any exercise? Any luck?
Posted by Theona on February 9, 2003, at 16:31:58
In reply to Re: New lex user-Theona --Anyone!!!!, posted by Cherie on February 8, 2003, at 15:04:19
> Need advice-just stopped Celexa 20 mg. 6wks ago after being on for 15 months. Did great on it, felt great. Why did I stop? Went for annual dr. visit and had gained 20 lbs in one year! Dr. suggested Lexapro immediately implying it would be answer to low libido and weight gain. I have been VERY intolerant and edgy and unmotivated recently and believe depression is creeping in. Any ideas on the weight gain?
I have to confess, Cheri, if I'd have felt so good on Celexa, I wouldn't have given it up, because if you feel good, it's easier to follow a diet program. I'm going to Weight Watchers with some success, but I sure wouldn't manipulate SSRIs to control weight. Getting your head feeling good is step one, then go with the rest.
Theona
Posted by MaryZee on February 9, 2003, at 20:33:52
In reply to Re: lexapro need help--Charlotte » jodie, posted by Charlotte Groce on February 8, 2003, at 16:43:46
Hi Charlotte: My doctor also put me on Lexapro.
I took it two weeks (l0 mg) and felt awful. I have cut the pills in half and am taking 5mg at night. Plan to discontinue completely. Seeing the doctor on the 24th (he's on vacation). After ten years on Prozac and now the Lexapro, I have decided that I am going to stop all the medication. I want to know how I feel without any of these drugs in my system. If I start acting "weird" my family will tell me and then I can always ask the doctor to put me back on the Prozac. Have not liked the Lexapro at all. I hope it helps you to read posts - it sure helps me. Before finding this place I thought I was very alone in my depression and panic attacks.
Twenty years of suffering - ten on med's - life get's tiring sometimes. But I always try to think that maybe tomorrow will be better. Lost my best friend/older sister to cancer three years ago. She made me promise that I would not commit suicide after she died (we knew she was dying).
She made me promise over and over. I wanted to after she died - but did not. Am glad now that she made me promise. So is my husband. He is supportive though he does not really "understand" what is going on with me. Let us know how you do off the meds, o.k.? Thanks for listening.
Posted by male34 on February 10, 2003, at 12:54:52
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by male34 on February 8, 2003, at 9:43:07
i f youve been on lexapro for a decent time now ,whats your comments basic question do you like it? is it working is it good??
ps-anxiety gone? ??
Posted by male34 on February 10, 2003, at 13:06:15
In reply to Re: Now on 20mg, still no effect Theona, posted by Theona on February 9, 2003, at 16:27:06
> > It was prescribe for relief of depression and migraines.
> >
> > Here's the litany of negative experiences with anti-depressants, starting in 1995 and proceeding to the present with Lexapro:
> >
> > Prozac - Initial relief, then increased depression, fatigue
> > Zoloft - No change in depression
> > Zoloft + Wellbutrin - No change in depression
> > Paxil - Initial relief, then severe depression,
> > alcohol relapse
> > Wellbutrin + Neurontin - Alcohol rehab, no change in depression
> > Desipramine - No change in depression
> > Desipramine + Buspar - Increased depression, increased Migraines, nightmares
> > Celexa - Initial relief, then increased depression, fatigue
> > Effexor - Increased depression, extreme illness, fatigue
> > Prozac + Lithium - Increased depression, illness, extreme confusion
> > Amytriptaline - Increased depression, fatigue
> > Serzone - Initial relief, then increased depression, fatigue
> > Serzone + Wellbutrin - Increased depression, exhaustion, illness, alcohol binging
> > Lexapro - Initial discomfort (night sweats, anxiety, headaches) then nothing
> >
> > As you can see, I've had no luck at all with medications.
> >
> > I've been told that I must "keep trying" and that I "WILL" find the right medication. Maybe, maybe not. The one certain thing is that I've been lining the pockets of the drug industry and behavioural health folks for the last eight years, and they haven't done a damn thing for me in return.
> >
> > At the moment, it looks as though Lexapro is just another con.
>
> Goodness, Leo, you must be very discouraged. I'm not sure it's so much of a con as you seen to be at the end of a spectrum of people for whom SSRI's don't work. I remember on commentator on SSRIs saying a few years ago that we really were so elementary in our use of these things that it was like trying to do surgery with a machete. Manipulating our neurochemistry is so young in the history of man. You and I are living through it's infancy. I seem to be having some better luck than some.
>
> I too have a drinking history, but after AA for 4 years, was dry for 15 years. A life crisis and no health coverage brought a return to it for anxiety relief, but use of it is much more manageable now. Mostly 2 glasses of wine a night, none for several nights in a row, maybe quitting altogether once the Lexpro is at 20mg.
>
> I am going to try to get myself out exercising through walks to try to augment my treatment. I'm not a very physical person, but know I feel better days I work, so I think the increased activity during the week may be part of my feeling better then, than on the weekends. Really, really hard to push into some exercise when you are depressed. I'm sure you understand. I'd rather augment with exercise than another drug. I want one simple one like Lexapro work.
>
> I'm sure you have tried everything. Have you encorporated any exercise? Any luck?****************
sounds like youve done a lot, this may sound easy but here goes, sunshine, tanning salon, exercise,oxygen flowing,b vitamens, calcium, magnese,magnesium, omega fish oil large amounts,dont dwell positive thoghts strong minded and pray to whom ever you pray to pray ,anxiety is anxious energy so release it by exercise get out and walk now! start to day and put all negative thoughts to postiive thoughts , make sure your taking youe MED. at correct time sometimes with certain foods it doesnt absorb , stay strong and stay busy dont think about pass it on start something new,good luck ill ptray fro you,you WILL get better, start today
Posted by Chuck2112 on February 10, 2003, at 13:58:49
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I know these SSRI's help increase? or let your brain get the most out of the serotonin. Do it actually raise the level of serotonin?
and whats the process? i mostly want to know why it takes several weeks for the meds to kick in. what is going on in the several weeks??
does it take your body a while to produce the product or something??
Posted by djmmm on February 10, 2003, at 16:09:28
In reply to How do these meds work?, posted by Chuck2112 on February 10, 2003, at 13:58:49
> I know these SSRI's help increase? or let your brain get the most out of the serotonin. Do it actually raise the level of serotonin?
> and whats the process? i mostly want to know why it takes several weeks for the meds to kick in. what is going on in the several weeks??
> does it take your body a while to produce the product or something??
Thats a fairly loaded question...and can only be answered in terms of "theory"SSRIs block the reuptake transport (pump) on serotonin neurons. They are "selective" because they have a higher affinity for serotonin neurons than the neurons of dopamine, norepinephrine, acetylcholine, etc. All SSRIs effect a myriad of neurotransmitter systems, they differ in potency and degree of selectivity.
Under normal conditions, the reuptake pumps "recycle" serotonin that has been "used" after binding to specific post-synaptic receptors. By blocking the reuptake pumps, SSRIs help allow synaptic serotonin to remain in an active state, binding to receptors.
initially, when you are exposed to SSRIs, your neurons adapt to the increased presense of serotonin, by actually decreasing serotonin synthesis...this response is fleeting, soon serotonin turnover returns to "normal" thus the varying delay in response rates. When synthesis stabilizes, and the neuron begins to function more normally, the SSRI allows the now INCREASED leves of synaptic serotonin to activate post synaptic receptors.
*the initial decrease in serotonin has been connected to suicide
*the constant presense of serotonin in the synapse causes downregulation of specific post synaptic receptors
*SSRIs only allow you to better utilize the serotonin; a supplement called 5-HTP can increase serotonin levels
Posted by ayuda on February 10, 2003, at 16:39:31
In reply to LEX users ? comments?, posted by male34 on February 10, 2003, at 12:54:52
> i f youve been on lexapro for a decent time now ,whats your comments basic question do you like it? is it working is it good??
> ps-anxiety gone? ??
>I've been on it for about 3 or 4 months now (can't remember). I feel that it is working for the depression, but that is since I went up to 20 mg. in December. When I was on 10mg, I became tired and weepy and lethargic after about 2 months, but on the 20mg, I am feeling almost like my old normal self (without the edginess).
As for anxiety, I wish it worked a little better. I had my first MRI the other night, and I could feel an anxiety attack come on, and I wished I had taken some lorazepam before I went. The panic attack did not surface, but that was because I had to work to suppress it, which I've done in the past, pre-AD. However, I am functioning a whole heck of a lot better than without the medication. And the feeling of a panic attack coming on happens only in rare situations, like the one above, rather than on a daily basis when I'm doing normal, every-day things, which is how it usually is without this medication.
It's not perfect, but I am doing a lot better, with a LOT less side effects, than any other AD I've been on recently (zoloft, celexa, effexor xr). I can see taking this long term and not hating that idea, which is not the way I usually feel about these meds.
Posted by jrbecker on February 10, 2003, at 17:51:56
In reply to Re: LEX users ? comments? » male34, posted by ayuda on February 10, 2003, at 16:39:31
Well it's been four months on Lexapro. And I can't say it was all peaches and ice cream. In terms of the positive side though, it was great for curbing atypical symptoms like hunger issues and helping to battle hypersomnia... better than any of the other SSRIs. And sexually, it's by far the most benign of the ADs I've been on in terms of anorgasmia.
But the down side was that the mood effect was just never as good as what I had experienced on Effexor and Celexa. Moreover, there always seemed to be this underlying anxiety that I seemed to never be able to shake, even after lowering the dosage and waiting it out for months.
So after four months of Lex, I'm going on a one month trial of celexa again. My idea is to keep the dosage low enough -- most likely around 10mg since I'm quite sensitive anyways --- so that a lot of the side effects (e.g., somnloscence, increased appetite, sexual dysfunction) remain tolerable.
It's only been four days into the switch but here's what I have to report:
definitely feeling better in terms of mood effect.
More cheerful and social again. Feel like I have my witty side again. Anxiety is definitely lower. Side-effect wise: a tad more sluggish, but not much. For instance, I've had a little more trouble getting out the door in the morning as well as trying to get motivated to run around the track at the gym. My appetite has increased a bit as well, but nothing intolerable yet. As for sexual side effect, my libido is actually back, but I think the sexual dysfunction part remains a slight problem. For the most part so far, I'm fairing a little better than I was on the Lex. If I can keep the side effects in check, I plan to stick with it. If not, I guess Lex will have to be the compromise I'll have to live with.Just thought I'd give you all the update.
JB
Posted by male34 on February 10, 2003, at 20:38:53
In reply to How do these meds work?, posted by Chuck2112 on February 10, 2003, at 13:58:49
> I know these SSRI's help increase? or let your brain get the most out of the serotonin. Do it actually raise the level of serotonin?
> and whats the process? i mostly want to know why it takes several weeks for the meds to kick in. what is going on in the several weeks??
> does it take your body a while to produce the product or something??
****your seratonin receptors are like tubes on the left and right we (us people) dont get enough seratonin shooting over from one side into the other so we take meds to help our seratonin levels become correct why it takes weeks is a good question im guessing its just an adsjutment thing ,but it does kick in and work give it time
Posted by EGR on February 10, 2003, at 21:19:25
In reply to Re: Lexapro and Wellbutrin SR » bridgette, posted by Leo Bostar on February 9, 2003, at 16:10:05
I recently added 100 mg of Wellbutrin to my 20 mgs of Lexapro. I have to skip a day or two every 5 or 6 days because of the buzzing in my head. So far I haven't noticed any increase in my sex drive, but I'll keep you all posted.
EGR
> Wellbutrin never did anything for me when taken alone. In combination with other drugs, it amplified the negative side effects.
>
> If it works for you and you have a health plan that covers some of the expenses, count your blessings.
>
> > Is anyone on the combination of Lexapro AND Wellbutrin SR/ I am on 10mg Lexapro and 150 mg os Wellbutrin Sr. I like combining them because of the sexual side effects of the SSRI and I think Wellbutrin enhances it---anyone else trying this???
>
>
Posted by EGR on February 10, 2003, at 21:22:39
In reply to Re: Now on 20mg, still no therapeutic effect EGR, posted by Leo Bostar on February 9, 2003, at 13:48:24
That would be frustrating. Try asking if you can go to 30... I know that I went through 4 meds before landing on Lexapro. I am not 100% pleased because of the sse, but I'd rather spend my life feeling like this than being suicidal and acheiving orgasms easily.
Hang in there... we care.
EGR
> One month.
>
> > Just give it time. It affects some of us quicker than others. They told me to wait 4 weeks to see how it would work. How long has it bee since you doubled your dose?
> >
> > EGR
>
>
Posted by Chuck2112 on February 11, 2003, at 16:05:36
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
still waiting.....
anxiety is still diminishing, but slowly....
i have had tight neck, shoulder, and arm muscles since sat night..... i still have the detached feeling, i still dont feel like my old self, and still dont feel much like doing the things is usually enjoy....but, i am determined.....although i feel closer to feeling like that than before the lexapro...so we will see
Posted by handmemymidol on February 11, 2003, at 17:49:14
In reply to Re: Lexapro and Wellbutrin SR » Leo Bostar, posted by EGR on February 10, 2003, at 21:19:25
I have been diagnosed and dealing with panic disorder and agorophobia for 5 years now. Zoloft did nothing for me. Paxil made my stomach hurt. Serzone worked great, but of course, can't take that anymore with the liver scare and all. Now I am on Lexapro. I can't decide what I think of it. On the plus side, I am living a "normal" life, work, etc. All panic symptoms have subsided. I did have the loss of apetite that others are mentioning but after the first 2 weeks or so, apetite is back. The biggest problems I am having are sexual. I have no interest at all anymore in sex. And when I do have sex, forget about an orgasm. I have taken to faking it so my husband doesn't feel bad. I am at the 10 mg dose and that is working well so I don't think the doc will be upping it. Will this symptom fade away too like the loss of apetite? How long might it take? It has also made me really sleepy. I have been experimenting with taking it at different times to eliminate that. Also, does anybody else experience itching? Geez, when I try to go to sleep at night, I itch like crazy! The more I try to ignore it, the more I itch! It is making me nuts! Doesn't bother me much during the day when I am busy, only when I am lying around, watching tv, etc., so I don't think it is an allergic thing. What say ye?
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