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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by EGR on February 21, 2003, at 11:33:36
In reply to My story in a Nut Shell (no PUN intented, maybe ;) » EGR, posted by NOTINSANEJUSTPPMD on February 21, 2003, at 10:33:08
Hi NOT...! (You have a much too long name! :-) )
Here's my scoop. I have been depressed off and on for about 20 years.. runs in the family. For the last 4 or so years I have been denying the fact that I needed meds... trying to do it with CBT kinds of stuff. Last fall I starting becoming VERY negative and ended up suicidal. My pastor (who is also my boss... I work at a church) ended up having to do an intervention and got me on meds. I SHOULD have gone inpatient but didn't. I was on 4 meds before landing on Lexapro around Dec. Started on 10 mgs and went to 20, then added the Wellbutrin for sse. I, too, love knowing that I'm not alone, that these side effects are "normal", that some go away... and that the support is out here.
Bozeman is an actual person on this site, but I'm glad to make your acquaintance too!
EGR
Posted by bozeman on February 21, 2003, at 23:12:12
In reply to Hey Bozeman!, posted by EGR on February 20, 2003, at 23:28:54
> I haven't "seen" you in awhile. Is all fine and dandy, or are things really bad? Or are you just busy? I hope you're just too busy to post and not that you're having problems.
>
> You're missed! :-)
>
> EGRHi EGR!!
Life has exploded (imploded a better word perhaps?) I've been venting over on social about my troubles (someone must have kidnapped my boyfriend, as there's a rabid wolverine in his place -- my kitty baby tried to die on me but I wouldn't let him -- luckily he's as tough as his mama ha ha -- etc ad nauseum.)
The *good* news is, I saw my doctor yesterday and we discussed (among other things) the difference in
*chemical* and *emotional* depression. She says it's perfectly normal and OK for someone going through all this to be upset (almost certain impending breakup of long-term relationship, etc, etc) but the point is to keep me from being chemically depressed so I can still have my coping skills. And she's right -- it feels completely different than the "crush-the-breath-out-of-you" depression I was fighting before the Lexapro. I'm sad and stressed, but it's from actual events, not from "anticipating/dreading" events, if that makes any sense.Like the impeding breakup. This is probably the first time in my life I've been able to sit and work through it in my mind without going to pieces. It's almost like we've already split, and I wish it didn't have to be so, but it is, and I can't change him. His way of dealing with issues is yell and then avoid/ignore, so they never get resolved. I've always known this about him, so I've always backed off and let him have his way. The biggest reason I started taking Lexapro is my doctor was concerned that I seemed to be forcing myself farther and farther back into a box (and it was slowly compressing me to a point where I would have eventually exploded.) She was right -- I was avoiding his anger by refusing to stand up to him. Since getting stable on Lexapro, I don't fear his anger (I'm not so rejection-sensitive :-) and I speak my mind. Don't pick fights, but don't back down if he picks one, either. So he's getting more and more unstable lately, (probably because he's insecure of my feelings since I'm verbally standing up to him) and that makes me very sad. I know he is just feeling threatened, but I can't change how he feels, only he can, and if being with me, who I *really* am, makes him feel threatened to that extent, then better that we make a clean break now. It makes me very sad but I can't change it. :-( Don't get me wrong, he's not violent and he would never hurt me. But he's violently opinionated, probably because he's insecure about his opinions, and he needs as much therapy as I've had to work through those issues. But he's waaaay to stubborn and obstinate to get it. So our impasse is permanent, it seems. I can't/ won't give up who I am, and he can't let go of the past without help, and he won't get help. Endgame. =-(
But at least I'm a different kind of sad -- it doesn't feel like the end of the world. I always wondered how people could break up and just go on with their lives -- not go into a screeching halt from grief. Now I know. Those people weren't clinically, chemically depressed. And, as much as I have always argued about it, I apparently have been for nearly thirty years, if not my entire life.
Hope everything is well in your world, my friend. Thanks for checking on me. I'll check back in when things calm down a bit.
bozeman
Posted by xxshooffxx on February 22, 2003, at 3:55:45
In reply to side effect,answers!!!!, posted by male34 on February 20, 2003, at 13:04:58
I'm new to this sort of stuff!!! I herniated a disk in my lower back about 6 mos. ago, and have been off work ever since. This is the longest I've been off work in 15 years. Married with 2 boys 1- 18mos., and 1- 6 weeks. Not really sure how to handle being off work. I'm aggitated easily and mood swings are becoming more agressive. The doc gave me some Lexapro to try out I had 2 weeks worth. I ran out a few days ago. Now, I've been having some crazy dreams, and the sweating sounds too familiar, and the teeth grinding as well. So, is this normal or is it too soon to say it's the Lexapro? any info would be very helpful. Thanks
Posted by judangel on February 22, 2003, at 11:08:18
In reply to Re: Celexa and Japan » johnj, posted by IsoM on August 23, 2002, at 20:17:16
I switched from Zoloft to Lexapro 3 weeks ago. Side effects seem to be about the same. I don't think that it is helping my depression.......yet. I was on 50 mg. of zoloft and am currently taking 10mg. of Lexapro. Anyone have similar results?
Posted by kb on February 22, 2003, at 11:10:19
In reply to Re: Lexapro and Wellbutrin SR » NOTINSANEJUSTPPMD, posted by EGR on February 19, 2003, at 23:04:17
I take both Lexapro and Wellbutrin and haven't noticed any side effects - I was previously on celexa and wellbutrin and made the switch without any trouble. I'm also currently in the process of switching from Zyprexa to Abilify.
Posted by NOTINSANEJUSTPPMD on February 22, 2003, at 12:13:52
In reply to new to this stuff!!!, posted by xxshooffxx on February 22, 2003, at 3:55:45
Hi, I am no expert by any means but two weeks is not long enough to know if the lexapro or not. I would say since you have not had any for a few days your body is in a tremoil because you stopped taking the meds. I would contact your doctor and tell them whats going on and then let them make a desicion. You have to give meds at least 4-8 weeks to see how things are going and never ever go off your meds. I did that after my first daughter six years ago and I went wacko. Then after my secound child two years ago it got worse and finally I was diagnosed with post partum major depression. Which now they say I just have major depression. So please get on your meds and give it a shot. Your only going to hurt yourself and your family if you don't keep on them. ( Not physically just its hard I put my family through pure hell for past 6+ years) God Bless
Posted by NOTINSANEJUSTPPMD on February 22, 2003, at 12:17:26
In reply to Lexapro, posted by judangel on February 22, 2003, at 11:08:18
Really toi soon to tell, But if questions contact your doctor maybe going to 20 mg you might feel better. You may even ask if going with Lexapro and Wellbutrin SR would be better. I was on Zoloft for 6 years and all the way up to 150 mg and it did not really help. I mean it did but not good enough. The combo of Lexapro and Wellbutrin SR for me has been awesome so far and I am going on 3 months. I am currently taking 20 mg of Lexapro and Wellburtin SR 150 mg twice a day. Hope this helps Good Luck. And hang in there.
Posted by NOTINSANEJUSTPPMD on February 22, 2003, at 12:19:44
In reply to Re: Lexapro and Wellbutrin SR, posted by kb on February 22, 2003, at 11:10:19
Yo will love being off the Zyprexa!!! I was on it for over 9 months gain 55 lbs and could not do anything to get it off and it sort of made my depression worse. I know nothing about what your switching too. I just had to put my two cents in on the Zyprexa. :) Good luck God Bless :)
Posted by oldhand on February 22, 2003, at 12:52:19
In reply to new to this stuff!!!, posted by xxshooffxx on February 22, 2003, at 3:55:45
> I'm new to this sort of stuff!!! I herniated a disk in my lower back about 6 mos. ago, and have been off work ever since. This is the longest I've been off work in 15 years. Married with 2 boys 1- 18mos., and 1- 6 weeks. Not really sure how to handle being off work. I'm aggitated easily and mood swings are becoming more agressive. The doc gave me some Lexapro to try out I had 2 weeks worth. I ran out a few days ago. Now, I've been having some crazy dreams, and the sweating sounds too familiar, and the teeth grinding as well. So, is this normal or is it too soon to say it's the Lexapro? any info would be very helpful. Thanks
Give the Lexapro more time. Two weeks is not nearly enough. I continue to have sweats and jaw clenching after more than 3 months but I can deal with those easier than the depression. The jaw clenching is MUCH better than it was earlier and it practically disappears if I am getting some exercize. Sweats are a piece of cake after hot flashes :-)
This med has practically turned my life around after trying almost all the other ADs. Please get with your doc for a longer trial and see if it will help you too. Best wishes and good health.
Posted by Dysfunk on February 22, 2003, at 13:34:44
In reply to Re: 4 weeks and one day on lexapro » Dysfunk, posted by SLS on February 18, 2003, at 21:20:11
I have tried all kinds of combinations. Can't even remember. Prozac works the best for me. I just went up on Lexapro yesterday, so I will see what happens in the next 2 weeks before I give up. Thanks.
Posted by Sadsack on February 22, 2003, at 14:12:14
In reply to Re: Hey EGR, how's the Wellbutrin mix going?, posted by EGR on February 20, 2003, at 23:22:21
You're right of course, feeling better is the most important part. I still miss my o's but they can wait I guess. I don't think I like the sound of head buzzing-you get your blood pressure checked? High BP can cause that too.
I am wondering if I should be doing something a bit different. I am functional and not depressed but am still feeling some "quiet desperation". It motivates me to do things like purge my house of everything not tied down (so far not the husband and kids, but.......). Which is good since we have a small house and alot of stuff, but It kinda feels like digging an escape tunnel, like maybe if I remove the clutter I can breathe again. Does this make any sense? I guess I am telling you because you seem to be one of the most level headed, empathetic folks out there (and I appreciate your positive attitude). I'd like to hear your opinion.
Thanks and take care
Sadsack
Posted by bozeman on February 22, 2003, at 14:37:38
In reply to Re: Hey EGR, how's the Wellbutrin mix going? » EGR, posted by Sadsack on February 22, 2003, at 14:12:14
Wow. I am so relieved to hear someone else has the "purge the whole house" reaction to stress. I want to simplify, simplify, simplify to the point of throwing away things I really do need, when life gets overwhelming. (even when I'm not in the grips of a depression, like now)
bozeman
Posted by EGR on February 22, 2003, at 17:12:47
In reply to Re: Hey EGR, how's the Wellbutrin mix going? » EGR, posted by Sadsack on February 22, 2003, at 14:12:14
Hey Sadsack,
> I don't think I like the sound of head buzzing-you get your blood pressure checked? High BP can cause that too.
Yeah... I think I've been in denial about that... I've suspected it might be BP related... now that someone has mentioned it, I'll check it out. Thanks!
> I am wondering if I should be doing something a bit different. I am functional and not depressed but am still feeling some "quiet desperation". It motivates me to do things like purge my house of everything not tied down (so far not the husband and kids, but.......). Which is good since we have a small house and alot of stuff, but It kinda feels like digging an escape tunnel, like maybe if I remove the clutter I can breathe again. Does this make any sense?Makes perfect sense. In a way, the motivation is a good sign. It means you're feeling better, right? How long have you been on the meds? I don't remember. I'm still "lazy" but not quite as much. But you're right, it COULD BE escape. What sort of things are you purging? Junk? or "good stuff"?
"Quiet desperation" doesn't sound too good though. How are you with day to day tasks like laundry and cooking dinner, etc.? Can you get up in the morning alright? or are you still dragging yourself out of bed? Because it IS possible you need a med increase.
I guess I am telling you because you seem to be one of the most level headed, empathetic folks out there (and I appreciate your positive attitude). I'd like to hear your opinion.
WOW!! THAT is humbling. Thank you.
> Thanks and take care
> SadsackI'll look forward to hearing from you. Take care yourself... remember that you're loved.
EGR
Posted by NOTINSANEJUSTPPMD on February 22, 2003, at 18:49:52
In reply to Re: Hey EGR, how's the Wellbutrin mix going? » Sadsack, posted by bozeman on February 22, 2003, at 14:37:38
Prasie God I thought it was just me! My husbnad thinks I have gone completly mad!! :) I too have clean out every square foot of my house and I still find more tp throw away! Wow we are more normal than we all thought!!!:) LOL
Posted by male34 on February 22, 2003, at 20:29:06
In reply to new to this stuff!!!, posted by xxshooffxx on February 22, 2003, at 3:55:45
> I'm new to this sort of stuff!!! I herniated a disk in my lower back about 6 mos. ago, and have been off work ever since. This is the longest I've been off work in 15 years. Married with 2 boys 1- 18mos., and 1- 6 weeks. Not really sure how to handle being off work. I'm aggitated easily and mood swings are becoming more agressive. The doc gave me some Lexapro to try out I had 2 weeks worth. I ran out a few days ago. Now, I've been having some crazy dreams, and the sweating sounds too familiar, and the teeth grinding as well. So, is this normal or is it too soon to say it's the Lexapro? any info would be very helpful. Thanks
*********crazy dreams all normal but you either have to slowly og off or stay on, this is not a drug to be taken on and off just like that I feel for you man, Im a dad also construdtion work etc,, being out of work is hard kids are hard your sitting around just thinking thinking thinking right? try to keep busy and maybe stay on lexapro let it work for you , its gotten good results but it takes 3-4 weeks to become theraputic its not an overnight instant> it needs to adjust to your body ,try your best good luck love your family all the best my man!
Posted by Lynda58 on February 23, 2003, at 9:42:19
In reply to Re: Night Sweats » newuser2, posted by Kairos on January 1, 2003, at 23:18:12
I have found the best thing in the world @ www.koolsheets.com
Posted by mickchick on February 23, 2003, at 13:39:52
In reply to Re: Night Sweats, posted by Romulus on January 2, 2003, at 11:31:16
xanax and klonopin non-addictive? no way. they are two VERY ADDICTIVE drugs. that's why dr.s discourage continuous use of them. so, be careful when using them.
Posted by Donia on February 23, 2003, at 17:50:03
In reply to Re: Night Sweats, posted by mickchick on February 23, 2003, at 13:39:52
I have also been cleaning like crazy! Our trash is piled up due to all the snow we got last week and the trash man didnt run and my cleaning binge. About night sweats, my doc said to try vitamin E if I keep having them. I am only having them a few nights a week. I have been on lexapro a little over a month and boy what a big difference it is making. I think I can live with the night sweats a few nights a week.
Donia
Posted by Donia on February 23, 2003, at 18:40:21
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
By the way all I am a 30 year old woman and finally had an "O" last night. I took zoloft before for 6 months and the sexual side effect wore off after a couple of months but it has only been a little over a month on the lexapro and I am able to do that again so there is hope that this side effect will go away.
Donia
Posted by NLD on February 23, 2003, at 23:11:44
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I switched from Celexa to Lexapro in January. Since that time, I have definitely noticed an increase in energy (I just don't seem to be as tired as I was on Celexa). The downfall, however, is that I'm awake much later than I was before (by hours), which is not a good thing for me. I take that to mean my insomnia is magnified by the Lexapro. (I had experienced horribled insomnia for nearly 7 years prior to Celexa -- i.e., not able to fall asleep until anywhere from 2:00 to 5:00 a.m. every night). Additionally, in the last month, I have acquired quite a horrible rash on my entire mid to upper torso (breasts, stomach, etc.), which appears to be getting worse. My night sweats (I'm in peri-menopause) have increased dramatically -- to where I'm waking up every night from them. Granted, I've been experiencing the night sweats since last Summer, but now they are nightly. The sweats might be the reason for my rash, I'm not sure. Due to my hubby's new job, we had to switch from the Sutter Medical system to Kaiser in January. Kaiser does not cover Lexapro. In fact, they don't typically cover Celexa either, but my doctor had the restriction waived because I've been taking Celexa for nearly two years, with good results. For that reason, I think I'm switching back to Celexa. I'm happy to fight some tiredness if I can get back to a "regular" bedtime again. Are any other women experiencing any of the above symptoms on Lexapro? Thanks in advance for any input received! To God be the Glory!
Posted by nails on February 24, 2003, at 13:38:27
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by NLD on February 23, 2003, at 23:11:44
After 2 weeks on Lex, I found all I did was sleep and sweat. I slept for 3 days straight and, although experienced sweating on Prozac, it was much worse on the Lex. So, I have gone off all meds for now.
Posted by Sadsack on February 24, 2003, at 15:19:53
In reply to Re: Hey EGR, how's the Wellbutrin mix going? » Sadsack, posted by EGR on February 22, 2003, at 17:12:47
> Hey EGR,
>I'll feel better when you tell me your BP is normal.
>I'm purging everything that I don't have a use for this very minute. I know I should save some of it, but I feel like I'm drowning in "stuff". I find myself really agitated when my husband wants to keep some of it. My mother in law does a garage sale in the summer and will sell all of it for me so I at least have a viable outlet :) I think I just want to "start over". I'd like to move away, get a new house, something! Guess that smacks of escapism. I started the Lex in November and am up to 20mg. I AM better, I get household tasks done. I am not a huge fan of cleaning and my girls are getting to the age where they help some but I have to follow them around to get it done right. I cook, daily, but if I had my "drothers" I'd rather not. I used to bake for relaxation but I was recently told I had low blood sugar. So now I can't eat the goodies I make (bummer!). I am working 30 hours a week in a job I like and it helps me claim a little bit of myself but it's stressful too. I really need to work for the budget to remain intact.
As far as getting out of bed. I am better at it, but I can honestly say, I can't ever remember a day in my entire life when I wanted to get out of bed.My husband is a nice guy but never really bought into the whole "two become one" principle in marriage. He is a sweet, kind thoughtful man who interacts great on a superficial level but doesn't seem capable of going deeper. So it get's a bit lonely trying to work through this when I get the impression he would prefer to not hear about my struggles. It frustrates him to feel helpless knowing he can't fix it. I just don't have any desire to make it an issue either-seems like too much work.
I guess I should say that overall I am truly better, just not "there". I am a woman of deep faith and that helps tremendously. I also have an incredible (albeit somewhat twisted) sense of humor and that helps too.
I'd just like to be myself again!
>
>
>Thanks for caring
> > Sadsack
>
> >
> >
Posted by Sadsack on February 24, 2003, at 15:28:26
In reply to Re: Hey EGR, how's the Wellbutrin mix going? » Sadsack, posted by bozeman on February 22, 2003, at 14:37:38
Hey bozeman,
You, EGR, and ayuda seem like rocks and I appreciate your input. It's good to know you all struggle with the same things. It sound like you have your hands full these days so thanks for taking the time to reply.
If you get a chance, check out my note to EGR and let me know what you think. I'll understand if it is "one more thing" and you don't get to it!
Take Care,
Sadsack>
Wow. I am so relieved to hear someone else has the "purge the whole house" reaction to stress. I want to simplify, simplify, simplify to the point of throwing away things I really do need, when life gets overwhelming. (even when I'm not in the grips of a depression, like now)
>
> bozeman
Posted by handmemymidol on February 24, 2003, at 15:45:04
In reply to Re: Hey EGR, how's the Wellbutrin mix going? » EGR, posted by Sadsack on February 24, 2003, at 15:19:53
Hi Sadsack!
I understand completely about your husband. It is a very sad/strange phenomenon, that I have noticed more and more in others posts as well.
I was married for 15 years, 10 when I was diagnosed with panic disorder and agoraphobia. It was a very hard time for us all. I remember once standing outside my daughter's school cafeteria and watch her choir performance through the window. It was raining and cold but I couldn't bear to go inside with all those people. This of course, hurt my daughter and aggravated my husband and I felt like I was just a big old pain in the ass. We finally divorced two years ago because he said he was tired of having a "broken" wife. It really sucks when people can't understand what we are going through and I lack the words to try to make them understand.
What I find strange/sad about all this and the main point/question of my post is this; along with drug therapy, I also saw a counselor weekly for 2 years. As I got better, things seemed to get worse at home. I don't know if it is because as I was getting better I could see the bullshit for what it really was, or if he couldn't stand me getting better because he needed me to be sick for some reason. Whatever the case, I strongly recommend anyone who goes thru what we are, to seek family counseling as well. I don't know that it would have saved my relationship, but I do know that it is hard to do this alone. I wish you all good luck and much support as you travel down your paths.
Posted by handmemymidol on February 24, 2003, at 16:14:13
In reply to Re: Hey EGR, how's the Wellbutrin mix going? » Sadsack, posted by handmemymidol on February 24, 2003, at 15:45:04
First let me say that I know everyone is different and I don't know why each of you are on the meds to begin with, but I thought perhaps I could share my experience with you and maybe you could take something from it.
I was had my first panic attack while I was in college. I thought I was going to die, that I had some sort of brain tumor or something. I was in school full time, worked full time, had a husband and three kids. Doc says take these pills and when you graduate and have less stress, they will likely go away. Well duh, I graduated but the stress nor the panic went away. If you're alive, you have stress. Just different kinds, then it was career instead studies. Needless to say, I went on a downward spiral. I eventually developed agoraphobia due to having the attacks whenever I left the house. After several medication changes and a couple years of counseling, things leveled out. The panic was controlled by the meds and I went back to work and regained most of my life sans the husband. (Sometimes I wonder if living with him is what caused them in the first place lol)
Anyway, my counselor told me that I would likely be on the meds the rest of my life, that due to my serotonin levels being wacko, going off the meds would probably make the panic come back. I wasn't too happy to hear this, I didn't want to take the meds forever.
A year ago, after my divorce and move to another state and a new life (one without my pdoc or counselor) I weaned myself off the serzone. And things were fine. I understand completely everyone's desire to find out what it feels like to be "real" and not on the meds. In all honesty things were really good. I maintained. Every now and then I would have a little twinge of the panic, if I was out of my element or in a restaurant. Restaurants have always been really hard for some reason. But in the past few months, those twinges began happening more and more. Enough to scare and worry me. Nothing full blown, but enough. I went and saw the family practicioner and he put me on Lexapro. I am not thrilled to be feeling drugged again, but I wanted to do something before it got out of control like before. I never want to go there again.
Just please know yourselves and know your signs. And don't ever feel like going back to the meds is a failure. We all need a boast every now and then. Good luck to you all!
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