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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Dysfunk on March 22, 2003, at 17:58:20
In reply to Lex working? Not working for me? My update., posted by Dysfunk on March 15, 2003, at 13:52:22
Well, it appears the latest increase of Lexapro is working out. I am not ecstatic, but at least I can feel upbeat and laugh again. Why, though, would I increase the dose, then feel good, then bad again and good again? Doesn't make sense to me.
Let's hope it is working. I am facing some difficult situations now. One of which is finding out today that the cat I adopted in Sept. is gravely ill. I cried all day. I feel so exhausted. I am afraid I will dip into a depression and not be able to come back up now. I will try and keep everyone posted on my progress.
-Dsyfunk
Posted by SLS on March 22, 2003, at 19:28:36
In reply to Re: atypical depression, posted by Leo BoStar on March 22, 2003, at 13:37:24
> My personal experience is that medication (including Lexapro) and therapy do not work. When this happens, the patient is described as having "atypical depression." You can't blame the medical professionals for taking this approach. The alternative would be to describe themselves as "useless." Better to let the patient take the heat for being "atypical".
Hi.I was going to write a long reply to this post, but decided against it. Let me just say one thing: the author of the post is ignorant to the definition of the term "atypical depression".
- Scott
Posted by SLS on March 22, 2003, at 19:36:48
In reply to Re: atypical depression » annlanka, posted by lil' jimi on March 22, 2003, at 17:10:19
> > hi -
> > i was wondering if any of you have been diagnosed with atypical depression. If so, are you taking lexapro for it? I think i may hae atypical depression and was wondering if i should be on an MAOI instaed of an SSRI?
> >
> > annlanka
>
> hi ann,
>
> sorry i don't know the answer to your question.
> i do have a question for you though:
> what makes a depression atypical?
> how would i know if i was typical or not ?
> Thanks, ~ jimHi Jim.
Here is a very simple answer to your question:
http://www.mhc.com/Algorithms/Depression/atypical.htm
- Scott
Posted by lil' jimi on March 22, 2003, at 19:42:35
In reply to Re: atypical depression » lil' jimi, posted by SLS on March 22, 2003, at 19:36:48
Posted by annlanka on March 22, 2003, at 19:54:28
In reply to Re: Lexapro and weight » handmemymidol, posted by Dysfunk on March 22, 2003, at 17:08:37
> Ha! Very funny name....Yes, the cravings for carbs has gotten less controllable for me since I started the medicine. So far I am holding at a weight increase of 7 lbs. Unfortunately, I have hurt my ankle, which may limit my workouts (depending on the test results). I am afraid without that, I will definitely gain weight. That leads me to depression and here we are again...is the medicine working???
I know how you feel. ITs like you are in a vicious cycle of questioning whether or not the medicine works, should you wait it out or swithch... if you switch you may have switched too early for the other one to have started working and are back to square one.
Posted by annlanka on March 22, 2003, at 20:05:29
In reply to Re: atypical depression » lil' jimi, posted by SLS on March 22, 2003, at 19:36:48
> > > hi -
> > > i was wondering if any of you have been diagnosed with atypical depression. If so, are you taking lexapro for it? I think i may hae atypical depression and was wondering if i should be on an MAOI instaed of an SSRI?
> > >
> > > annlanka
> >
> > hi ann,
> >
> > sorry i don't know the answer to your question.
> > i do have a question for you though:
> > what makes a depression atypical?
> > how would i know if i was typical or not ?
> > Thanks, ~ jim
>
> Hi Jim.
>
> Here is a very simple answer to your question:
>
> http://www.mhc.com/Algorithms/Depression/atypical.htm
>
>
> - Scotthey Scott-
Thanks for the post!
anne
Posted by blkvettes on March 22, 2003, at 20:38:06
In reply to Re: atypical depression, posted by annlanka on March 22, 2003, at 20:05:29
Can anyone relate, I am starting to have some good days but they are mixed with bad days. In the last 7 days or so I have 2 good days and then 2 bad days on and on. It is like a light in my head is flickering but wont come on all the way. It is very frustrating!!!!!!! THANKS!!!!
Posted by Donia on March 22, 2003, at 21:07:59
In reply to 5 WEEKS HELP PLEASE!!!!!!!!!, posted by blkvettes on March 22, 2003, at 20:38:06
My first attempt with meds was with zoloft. It took about 3 to 4 months for a constant feeling good. I am now on lexapro, it has been a little over two months and I am less anxious and less depressed but also have the good and bad days. I am waiting a while to see if everything evens out. Also whoever posted about the MAOI's being dangerous. I was afraid of meds. I always wait until I cannot function anymore to take them. I am at the point now where quality of life is becoming more important than the side effects of these meds. If the only thing that will work for some are the MAOI's than its a factor of is the depression worse than the side effects and being careful to watch labels.
Posted by pumpkin on March 22, 2003, at 21:33:17
In reply to 5 WEEKS HELP PLEASE!!!!!!!!!, posted by blkvettes on March 22, 2003, at 20:38:06
Hey guys,
I haven't been on for the last couple of days.
I was "diagnosed" with major depression,
anxiety panic-over 10 years ago. Today- the
"diagnosis" seems to change- possible Bi-Polar!
(Although I get "hyper" only when I'm on anti-
depressants-very depressed when off!) So, what
am I? They don't know! It's what the world
is going with at the time! I've come to this
conclusion- I don't care! I just want to be
stable!My husband is labeled or diagnosed as atypical.
But- he shows "other" signs too! Never had a
problem with panic- now going to sleep, his legs
are "full" of adrenaline, and he's contantly
"shaking" to get this "rushing" out of him!
My one daughter called him "compulsive" today
again. What's up? I don't know! He told me
that he is now having problems with anxiety!
Oh Lord! He's gone through this for over 10
years too! But, his doctor says "atypical"!
What's the difference? Who cares again!My oldest daughter, and half sister are on meds
too. The doctors make a guess? They don't know!
My mom (she's now in the hospital for serious
problems right now) has been depressed for years.
They don't know! My husbands side....Get what I mean? If I sound like I'm coming down
on doctors- I'm not meaning too. I'm blessed that
the Lord provides them, but there are many
"symptoms", many "sicknesses", many "stressors",
etc...It's good for sites like these- you aren't
"alone", and I have found alot of support! I've
just gotten to the point that if a med works- it
works, if not-move on! I'm just talking medically! I just get tired of the "labels"
and "diagnosis" part!Have a great week! I pray for it-despite our
gloomy "circumstances"!
Posted by KrissyP on March 22, 2003, at 22:02:19
In reply to 5 WEEKS HELP PLEASE!!!!!!!!!, posted by blkvettes on March 22, 2003, at 20:38:06
Posted by blkvettes on March 22, 2003, at 22:15:29
In reply to Are you on Lexapro?? (nm) » blkvettes, posted by KrissyP on March 22, 2003, at 22:02:19
Hi there, yes I am on lexapro
Posted by lil' jimi on March 23, 2003, at 0:20:00
In reply to Re: atypical depression » lil' jimi, posted by SLS on March 22, 2003, at 19:36:48
> > > hi -
> > > i was wondering if any of you have been diagnosed with atypical depression. If so, are you taking lexapro for it? I think i may hae atypical depression and was wondering if i should be on an MAOI instaed of an SSRI?
> > >
> > > annlanka
> >
> > hi ann,
> >
> > sorry i don't know the answer to your question.
> > i do have a question for you though:
> > what makes a depression atypical?
> > how would i know if i was typical or not ?
> > Thanks, ~ jim
>
> Hi Jim.
>
> Here is a very simple answer to your question:
>
> http://www.mhc.com/Algorithms/Depression/atypical.htm
>
>
> - ScottThanks again, Scott.
in response to Anne, these web sites read to me like atypical depression would be treated with SSRIs unless they failed, then MAOIs would be indicated, then tricyclics last.... sorta.
i also found this interesting:
http://www.biopsychiatry.com/atypicaldepression.htm
(anyone ever heard of biopsychiarty.com ? "hedonistic imperative" ?)and http://www.psycom.net/depression.central.html was informative.
peace,
~ jim
Posted by Leo BoStar on March 23, 2003, at 11:41:33
In reply to Re: atypical depression, posted by SLS on March 22, 2003, at 19:28:36
Scott,
Please don't post anything that would make me feel
accused or put down. In your message you suggested
that I am ignorant.I forgive you. Dr. Bob, please don't take action
against Scott for this violation of posting rules.
Posted by annlanka on March 23, 2003, at 12:30:05
In reply to Re: atypical depression » SLS, posted by lil' jimi on March 23, 2003, at 0:20:00
> > > > hi -
> > > > i was wondering if any of you have been diagnosed with atypical depression. If so, are you taking lexapro for it? I think i may hae atypical depression and was wondering if i should be on an MAOI instaed of an SSRI?
> > > >
> > > > annlanka
> > >
> > > hi ann,
> > >
> > > sorry i don't know the answer to your question.
> > > i do have a question for you though:
> > > what makes a depression atypical?
> > > how would i know if i was typical or not ?
> > > Thanks, ~ jim
> >
> > Hi Jim.
> >
> > Here is a very simple answer to your question:
> >
> > http://www.mhc.com/Algorithms/Depression/atypical.htm
> >
> >
> > - Scott
>
>
>
> Thanks again, Scott.
>
> in response to Anne, these web sites read to me like atypical depression would be treated with SSRIs unless they failed, then MAOIs would be indicated, then tricyclics last.... sorta.
>
> i also found this interesting:
> http://www.biopsychiatry.com/atypicaldepression.htm
> (anyone ever heard of biopsychiarty.com ? "hedonistic imperative" ?)
>
> and http://www.psycom.net/depression.central.html was informative.
>
> peace,
> ~ jimHi Jim-
Thanks for the info- im sure i will find it interesting if not helpful. I have been on lexapro for about 4 months now and still am feeling only a little better than when i first started them. The only thing that has really changed is that i am able to get out of bed. My mood, fogged up states and crying spells are the same.. blah, blah. you know, just basically down. I guess maybe i should try an MAOI but dont really know- has anyone switched from lexapro to another SSRI and had any luck? Lexapro is the only thing i have been on.
annlanka
Posted by lil' jimi on March 23, 2003, at 15:10:34
In reply to Re: atypical depression, posted by annlanka on March 23, 2003, at 12:30:05
> > > > > hi -
> > > > > i was wondering if any of you have been diagnosed with atypical depression. If so, are you taking lexapro for it? I think i may hae atypical depression and was wondering if i should be on an MAOI instaed of an SSRI?
> > > > >
> > > > > annlanka
> > > >
> > > > hi ann,
> > > >
> > > > sorry i don't know the answer to your question.
> > > > i do have a question for you though:
> > > > what makes a depression atypical?
> > > > how would i know if i was typical or not ?
> > > > Thanks, ~ jim
> > >
> > > Hi Jim.
> > >
> > > Here is a very simple answer to your question:
> > >
> > > http://www.mhc.com/Algorithms/Depression/atypical.htm
> > >
> > >
> > > - Scott
> >
> >
> >
> > Thanks again, Scott.
> >
> > in response to Anne, these web sites read to me like atypical depression would be treated with SSRIs unless they failed, then MAOIs would be indicated, then tricyclics last.... sorta.
> >
> > i also found this interesting:
> > http://www.biopsychiatry.com/atypicaldepression.htm
> > (anyone ever heard of biopsychiarty.com ? "hedonistic imperative" ?)
> >
> > and http://www.psycom.net/depression.central.html was informative.
> >
> > peace,
> > ~ jim
>
> Hi Jim-
> Thanks for the info- im sure i will find it interesting if not helpful. I have been on lexapro for about 4 months now and still am feeling only a little better than when i first started them. The only thing that has really changed is that i am able to get out of bed. My mood, fogged up states and crying spells are the same.. blah, blah. you know, just basically down. I guess maybe i should try an MAOI but dont really know- has anyone switched from lexapro to another SSRI and had any luck? Lexapro is the only thing i have been on.
> annlanka
>
>
hi Ann(e),
what doseage are you on?
would an increase be an option?i feel for your suffering and my heart goes out to you.
i hadn't any idea how much about depression is available on the web: measure of my cluelessness; shouldn't have been a surprised.
but ever since i was prescribed lex, i found this place and it's been my primary source of data and i got obsessed with reading the posts: they are fascinating!
i have learned a lot.
but i am only in my 3rd week of 5mg, so i haven't experienced all that much.
that said, here's this amatuer's idea of a good time, as if i were you: ask pdoc to maybe double my doseage and then give that maybe 6 or 7 weeks to settle in.
may be not feasible doseage-wise;
may be painful with the expected SEs from restabilizing the neurotransmitters levels;
worse,
maybe it won't work.acclimating to higher levels of lex should be less traumatic than acclimating to something new, but that may be small consolation.
before the advent of these medications, we were all at the mercy of our neurotransmitters;
they told us how to feel and what to do;
and we obey(ed).
with medication, now, we can tell our neurotransmitters what to do.
we are the early survivors from these first volleys fired by our side, in the war against neurotransamitter disease... up until now our side put up no defense ... neuroscience is still in its infancy.
we are blessed to live when these meds are possible.
there is hope.
hang in there.
we are with you.
post when it moves you.
we'll be here.~ jim
Posted by handmemymidol on March 23, 2003, at 17:43:36
In reply to Re: atypical depression, posted by annlanka on March 23, 2003, at 12:30:05
Hi Ann and everyone else, especially the females (sorry guys) when I think about this stuff, crying spells etc, I have to wonder how much of it might just be hormonal changes? Does anyone have any thoughts about this? Maybe it is just me in denial that there is something wrong with my BRAIN, that I would rather think that it is a haywire uterus. lol
Any input would be appreciated :)
Posted by handmemymidol on March 23, 2003, at 17:48:19
In reply to Re: atypical depression, posted by Leo BoStar on March 22, 2003, at 13:37:24
I dunno anything about "atypical" depression or how dangerous or not dangerous MAOIs are, but he IS right about all the contraindications. I make a big habit about reading over the counter labels especially when it comes to cold remedies and damn near every single one of them says they can't be mixed together.
Posted by blkvettes on March 23, 2003, at 18:04:36
In reply to Re: atypical depression, posted by handmemymidol on March 23, 2003, at 17:43:36
> Hi Ann and everyone else, especially the females (sorry guys) when I think about this stuff, crying spells etc, I have to wonder how much of it might just be hormonal changes? Does anyone have any thoughts about this? Maybe it is just me in denial that there is something wrong with my BRAIN, that I would rather think that it is a haywire uterus. lol
> Any input would be appreciated :)
>
>Hi there, please dont exclude the men. I had a crying episode the last 2 days. Feel pretty good today though!!!!!!! You might find this link interesting!!!!!!! TAKE CARE!!!!!!! I am a male 45 it could be my hormones!!!!!!!
http://aolsvc.health.webmd.aol.com/content/article/12/1685_50044
Posted by annlanka on March 23, 2003, at 18:08:00
In reply to Re: atypical depression, posted by handmemymidol on March 23, 2003, at 17:43:36
> Hi Ann and everyone else, especially the females (sorry guys) when I think about this stuff, crying spells etc, I have to wonder how much of it might just be hormonal changes? Does anyone have any thoughts about this? Maybe it is just me in denial that there is something wrong with my BRAIN, that I would rather think that it is a haywire uterus. lol
> Any input would be appreciated :)
>
Hey lol,
well, i tried to convince myself forever like 1 year (ok, maybe not forever) that it was hormonal. But after consecutive crying spells and irritability and exhaustion for weeks in a row, i dont rule out the hormonal hypothesis, however, i do believe there is more to it. Maybe thats what those guys over at forest labs are trying to figure out. does anyone know- do guys have crying spells? just curious..
anne
>
Posted by handmemymidol on March 23, 2003, at 18:11:38
In reply to RE: I hate the labels!, posted by pumpkin on March 22, 2003, at 21:33:17
This post is not just for pumpkin, but anybody who might find it useful. Pumpkin just caught my eye when she talked about her husband shaking his legs to get rid of excess adrenaline. Call me crazy if you like, it is a liitle off the wall, but try it if you will or take it with a grain of salt. I by no means suggest doing this in leui of meds or counseling but just as a supplement. Can't hurt ya.
I often practice what is called Grounding and Centering in some circles. It works like this.
Sit in a chair with your bare feet flat on the floor. Doing this outside if possible is even better. Feels great having naked toes wiggling in the grass :) Anyway, imagine "roots" coming out of the bottoms of your feet, reaching down through the earth. Really imagine it, every step, going thru the grass, then the soft earth, then the harder core, etc. Then imagine a golden warmth/light coming from the earth and traveling back up through your roots. Feel it coming up your legs, through your torso, along your arms and to your head. Then imagine it traveling back the way it come, back into the earth. This is a good mediation way for me to get rid of excessive or even negative energy (when I am mad or just grumpy) and getting focused and centered again.
I have other things like this that deal with chakras and energy if anyone is interested. Just holler and I will post them. It is just a nice way to get under control again and olnly takes a few minutes with practice. Something about connecting with the earth feels very healing, at least for me anyway.
Hope it helps someone :)
Posted by Dr. Bob on March 23, 2003, at 18:17:53
In reply to Re: atypical depression » SLS, posted by Leo BoStar on March 23, 2003, at 11:41:33
> I forgive you.
Thanks for the civil reply.
Bob
Posted by BarbaraS on March 23, 2003, at 19:17:35
In reply to Re: atypical depression » Leo BoStar, posted by Dr. Bob on March 23, 2003, at 18:17:53
Hi everyone,
I've been on Lexapro for about 4 weeks and am so tired that it's sometimes hard to get motivated. Has anyone else had this side effect and then it went away? I want to stay on the med longer but am concerned about my productiveness.
Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks!
Posted by blkvettes on March 23, 2003, at 19:25:41
In reply to Lexapro and tired, posted by BarbaraS on March 23, 2003, at 19:17:35
Hi there, I think everyone has been tired on the med. Have you tried taking at different times, it worked for me. Are you taking 10mg. This side effect will probably lessen as time goes on. TAKE CARE!!!!!!!!
Posted by pumpkin on March 23, 2003, at 19:30:07
In reply to Re: atypical depression » Leo BoStar, posted by handmemymidol on March 23, 2003, at 17:48:19
Hey guys,
I was on Nardil (MAOI) for a few months before
Lexapro.I can only tell alittle about my experience
because of my possible diagnosis (Bi-Polar).
As I stated in an earlier post- I have a major
problem with depression/panic attacks. If I
take an anti-depressant- I get hyper. Off an
anti-depressant, I get major depression.
I told my doctor that I was alittle hyper when
I started taking the MAOI. He uped my depakote
because my moods were weird, and my family kept
me "in check". He uped my dosage of Nardil
again. Again, I got hyper! My depakote was uped
too. This kept up until I couldn't sleep at all!
I decided that I wanted off. I had enough! My
depakote level was seriously high (I came down
on this too). I was told that Nardil couldn't
make you hyper- but check the "side effects".
Yes, it can. Yes, it did! I didn't have alot
of problems with the diet part. I didn't have
much choice at the time. I did at times want
pizza, and cheese, but my doctor told me to "try"
just alittle of some other certain foods. Alittle
was the key. If I was to get a headache- he told
me to stop. For the large part, I did stick to
the diet. I didn't want to "test", and have to
pay at a local hospital! I can honestly say that
Nardil did help me to "feel" better, but I was
always going- never getting sleep or rest! I
think more or less- it's my condition or diagnosis! So, I'm learning what works with
what, and what else may have to be used to calm
me. If nothing else has helped- you may want to
try an MAOI. The only thing you have to loose
is time. I really don't remember any great
"side effects" that I went through either except
hunger, and thirstyness?, and my hyper problems.
Maybe there is a site which would help, like this
one for Lex. Good luck!Meanwhile, has, or is anyone having problems with
headaches on Lex? Let me know. Tomarrow will
mark my two full weeks. I have a doctors appointment, and I'm sure he will up it alittle.
Will I feel more side effects, or has the med
worked in my system long enough? I'm on 5 mg.
at this time.
Posted by handmemymidol on March 23, 2003, at 19:47:55
In reply to MAOI's, posted by pumpkin on March 23, 2003, at 19:30:07
Yep, I had headaches too. They subsided after about 2 weeks or so. I believe several others on here had them as well.
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
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