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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by mph-speedy on July 29, 2003, at 7:22:57
In reply to Re: dirurnal variation » Bela, posted by jrbecker on July 28, 2003, at 23:18:20
To JR re: a.m. exercise.
I'm been on Lex (first time on AD) for about a month. I was on running program before and that is what kept me from falling apart before Lex(obsessive/compulsive running habit I could count on). I've always run first thing in the a.m. (6:00 a.m.) and continue to do so. Have only minimum daytime tiredness, and since I have always been an insomniac don't see much difference there except sometimes have to get up to go to the bathroom more often. Regular exercise helps all around I believe.
One more thing that has helped me deal with my insomnia - my mom always told me - "you sleep more than you actually think you do". I know that sometimes I dream I'm awake - so many times I don't worry about it if it's just a day or two and the anxiety of not sleeping passes and then I'll get a good night's sleep. Just another coping mechanism, but hey!
Also, had started to sleepwalk occasionally before Lex (would wake up in another room of the house -- freaky). No more of that since on meds.
Posted by Bela on July 29, 2003, at 10:15:33
In reply to Re: dirurnal variation » Bela, posted by jrbecker on July 28, 2003, at 23:18:20
> > I have a question for Lexapro users and those that who have experienced the poop-out syndrome with other SSRIs. Over the years of experiencing the SSRI merry-go-round, the main depression symptom I experience when they all quit working, was diurnal variation (DV). DV involves no motivation in the morning, dragging the butt out of bed, etc., with improvement as the day progresses. At present, the Lexapro is working for me and basically eliminated the DV, but I am not optimistic about it working forever. For any of you that have experienced DV, do you have suggestions for psychotherapeutic coping mechanisms? Do any of you know what happens during the night to cause the cycle to repeat itself the next day?
> > Bela
> >
>
> diurnal variation is also a major symptom of my [atypical] depression. My body's natural clock wants me to sleep til noon and stay up past 2am. And taking antidepressants only exacerbates the daytime sleepiness.
>
> The best tips I can give (besides finding the best AD that won't sedate you) are:
>
> 1.Take a sleep agent at night if you aren't on one already. Whether it's Ambien, a regular benzo, or something stronger like trazodone, find something that will get you a good night's rest. In some of us, this is just not possible while taking an AD montherapeutically. In my case, even though I'm tired all day, I still won't get a good night's rest -- this is a symptom of the daily phase shift most depressive sufferers exhibit as well the insomnia from the AD. Take a good look at your sleep efficiency: if you can sleep through the night, but sometimes toss and turn and wake-up intermittently, your sleep pattern might be dysfunctional and could probably be made a lot more efficient by the addition of a sleep aid. For a lot of depressed people, this realization isn't always an apparent one, and remains the missing link to getting over a good deal of the daytime sleepiness.
>
> Equally important, make sure that your sleep agent doesn't have too much overhang sedation the next day. Finding the right one for you is the tricky part. A dose of Ambien and some short-acting xanax were a good combo for me (the ambien on its own didn't keep me asleep the whole night). But something like klonopin left me too tired the next day. There is a new sleep med, much like Ambien, but much more potent and with a longer half-life, called Estorra, that is due out near the beginning of '04. There was a lot of great data to show that this will be a better drug -- with no daytime overhang. I suggest you check it out when it surfaces on the market.
>
> 2. Take the AD at night if you can. I found that when taking Lexapro, this was possible. The catch-22 is that you might have to take more sleep agent to compensate.
>
> 3. Exercise at the peak of your daily schedule. This would be around mid-afternoon for someone's normal sleep-wake cycle. This will definitely put you to sleep earlier and also shift your clock to be arouse earlier in the morning. A more reliable option is that you can try exercising vigorously right as you get up in the morning for more than a half hour. As much as the idea of running right as you first get up strikes you as pleasant, it might just be worth it if it actually keeps you energized the rest of the day.
>
> 4. Try B12. Important: make sure it is Methylcobalamin form - this is really the only form that crosses the BBB efficiently. Some people find it to help moderately (for me it probably gives me a 10% overall boost). It helps maintain energy during the early part of the day and helps with getting to bed by inducing the a timely release of melatonin earlier in the evening.
>
> 5. Tried light therapy? Take advantage of the summer weather and get as much light as you can throughout the early part of the day.
> In the darker/colder months, get outside around noon and catch the sun at its zenith -- take a walk or something. This will help wake you up.
>
> Good luck
>
>
JrBecker,
I concur with others; your advice is very helpful. Thank you for such an informative message. In response to some of your points, I have taken various sleep agents over the past few years and Ambien worked well for me most of the time and so did Seroquel. The hangover from both was minimal at low doses. Several weeks ago I ordered an herbal remedy called "GreatNightSleep" and it has worked surprisingly well for me. I was dubious at first and have been pleasantly surprised. No hangover. My wife took it one night and got zero benefit, so its effectiveness obviously varies from individual to individual. It is only $19.95 for a month's supply.I do exercise religiously. Aerobic exercise, as everyone says, is of paramount importance for fighting depression and just about every other medical problem.
I have not tried B12, but will. In the winter, I have found light therapy works wonders for Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Bela
>
Posted by jrbecker on July 29, 2003, at 16:48:49
In reply to Re: dirurnal variation - jrbecker, posted by BekkaH on July 29, 2003, at 0:43:18
I take 5,000 mcg of methylcobalamin B12 in the form of a sublingual lozenge (dissolves within a minute under the tongue) at breakfast. I'd recommend trying 2,000 mcg to see if it has any benefit. The reason I take 5,000 is only because the tablet comes in that dosage. I have thought of experimenting with a second dose at lunch, but have not gotten around to it yet. It's not stimulating at all, so you shouldn't have any concern with taking too much, your body will just get rid of the excess anyways (since it's water-soluble).
Posted by Capri on July 29, 2003, at 17:44:05
In reply to re: .... how are We ? » Capri, posted by lil' jimi on July 28, 2003, at 21:47:19
Hi Jim,
I started 7.5 mg last Friday. Since the increase I have the tiredness and dizziness but the headache is gone. I see my doc Friday. Wait til he finds out I'm not taking 10 mg like he suggested. We'll see.
Do you think I still need to give the Lex some time? Been taking it almost 6 weeks this Friday.
Still have some anxiety, etc. I can't say I'm cured.Thanks for responding. You're a great help to this board!
Feel good,
Capri
Posted by gamble on July 29, 2003, at 18:19:22
In reply to re: .... how are We ? » lil' jimi, posted by Capri on July 29, 2003, at 17:44:05
Capri, I would give it some time yet. Everyone is different and it takes some people longer than others. I don't think your doctor should be too disappointed because you are gradually getting up to the prescibed dosage and are staying with the program. I wish you the best of luck!
Posted by lil' jimi on July 29, 2003, at 18:53:28
In reply to re: .... how are We ? » lil' jimi, posted by Capri on July 29, 2003, at 17:44:05
hi Capri,
you posted ;
> I started 7.5 mg last Friday. Since the increase I have the tiredness and dizziness but the headache is gone. I see my doc Friday. Wait til he finds out I'm not taking 10 mg like he suggested. We'll see.
>
> Do you think I still need to give the Lex some time? Been taking it almost 6 weeks this Friday.
> Still have some anxiety, etc. I can't say I'm cured.
>
> Thanks for responding. You're a great help to this board!
>
> Feel good,
> Capri... aaahh, i ain't nothing but a cheerleading menance here ... but it's kind of you, and it lifts the spirits ... thanks ...
.. ... .. and you want my opinion? ... well, you're getting what you pay for ... ... HA!
i'd gently suggest that perhaps you might try working yourself up to 10mg and see how you feel after a few ... weeks? ... ... maybe?
hey, but i'm not one of our anxiety suffers, so i think we should get Wayne's expertise ... ...
(Wayne's my expert on panic/anxiety and Lexapro) ...i am glad we can support each other here, and i have worried about lex SEs with your anxiety ... ... i'm proud of you for making this far ... . i know it can't have been easy ... 6 weeks! ... remember counting the days of your first week?
.. .. i'll give Wayne a shout and ask him for his recommendation(s) ... .. (Please, Wayne?)
... did you know it's my tribute to Wayne? evertime i close with ...
TAKE CARE !!!!
~ jim
... i got 'take care!' from him ... ~ j
Posted by Peter S. on July 29, 2003, at 19:47:20
In reply to Re: Lexapro to 30mg or higher anyone?, posted by pasdenom on July 28, 2003, at 18:19:08
Thanks for your experience pasdenom! I'm really glad it's working for you. It's very encouraging and I may be bumping up soon.
Best,
Peter
> >
> > I've been on Lexapro for about 7 weeks with not a lot of benefit. I increased to 20 mg last week and noticed a slight increase in mood, but now it seems to be dissipating. I'm wondering if others have gone beyond 20mg and whether this has worked.
> >
> > My pdoc has talked about examples of people not responding fully to Prozac until they got up to 80mg. Maybe Lex has the same effect- I've seen research that indicates that there isn't a whole lot of difference between 10 and 20mg, but it's such a new drug and there are so many individual differences about how people respond to meds.
> >
> > Thanks for any responses!
> >
> > Peter
> >
> >
> >
> > Hi Peter,
> I am on Lexapro 30 mg and it did take this dosage to bring me out of my depression.
> I am also on Effexor XR 140 mg and Lamictal 100mg.
> I hope everything works out for you.
>
>
Posted by BLKVETTES on July 29, 2003, at 19:49:23
In reply to re: Hey, Wayne! re: how are We? » Capri, posted by lil' jimi on July 29, 2003, at 18:53:28
> hi Capri,
>
> you posted ;
> > I started 7.5 mg last Friday. Since the increase I have the tiredness and dizziness but the headache is gone. I see my doc Friday. Wait til he finds out I'm not taking 10 mg like he suggested. We'll see.
> >
> > Do you think I still need to give the Lex some time? Been taking it almost 6 weeks this Friday.
> > Still have some anxiety, etc. I can't say I'm cured.
> >
> > Thanks for responding. You're a great help to this board!
> >
> > Feel good,
> > Capri
>
> ... aaahh, i ain't nothing but a cheerleading menance here ... but it's kind of you, and it lifts the spirits ... thanks ...
>
> .. ... .. and you want my opinion? ... well, you're getting what you pay for ... ... HA!
>
> i'd gently suggest that perhaps you might try working yourself up to 10mg and see how you feel after a few ... weeks? ... ... maybe?
>
> hey, but i'm not one of our anxiety suffers, so i think we should get Wayne's expertise ... ...
> (Wayne's my expert on panic/anxiety and Lexapro) ...
>
> i am glad we can support each other here, and i have worried about lex SEs with your anxiety ... ... i'm proud of you for making this far ... . i know it can't have been easy ... 6 weeks! ... remember counting the days of your first week?
>
> .. .. i'll give Wayne a shout and ask him for his recommendation(s) ... .. (Please, Wayne?)
>
> ... did you know it's my tribute to Wayne? evertime i close with ...
>
> TAKE CARE !!!!
> ~ jim
> ... i got 'take care!' from him ... ~ jHi, move up to 10mg I guess you have nothing to lose. You can always move back. But you just started 7.5mg and I stand by the link below. Start low and go slow!!!! When one withdrawals the same thing very slow!!!! GOOD LUCK CAPRI!!!
TAKE CARE!!!!
WAYNE>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>HI JIM!!!!
http://panicdisorder.about.com/features/blmed1.htm
Posted by BLKVETTES on July 29, 2003, at 20:00:18
In reply to re: Hey, Wayne! re: how are We?, posted by BLKVETTES on July 29, 2003, at 19:49:23
Hi, found these to be interesting!!!!!
WAYNE
http://www.bayarea.com/mld/mercurynews/6325166.htmhttp://aolsvc.health.webmd.aol.com/content/article/66/79883.htm?cobrand=aol
http://aolsvc.health.webmd.aol.com/content/article/60/67172.htm
Posted by lil' jimi on July 29, 2003, at 20:09:22
In reply to re: Hey, Wayne! re: how are We?, posted by BLKVETTES on July 29, 2003, at 19:49:23
Posted by sandiegogal on July 29, 2003, at 20:28:22
In reply to re: how are We? Thanks Wayne !! (nm) » BLKVETTES, posted by lil' jimi on July 29, 2003, at 20:09:22
I am on day 8 and i am now taking 5mg of lexapro. I feel spacey and tired and also i have very little appetite. I have been reading all your postings and the links to websites with info on depression and anxiety. I just wanted to say thanks for all of your input. It has helped me to convince myself to stay with this for atleast a few weeks to see if things change. I still have the depression but the anxiety is definately lowered. I am a little leary of going to 10mg because of the tiredness though. Does anyone know if 5 can be a therapeutic dose?
Posted by vandy on July 29, 2003, at 21:44:00
In reply to ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION INFO, posted by BLKVETTES on July 29, 2003, at 20:00:18
Hey, that first link reminded me of that old question: "How can you tell a boy chromosome from a girl chromosome?"
answer: "Easy, look in its genes!"
Posted by Capri on July 29, 2003, at 22:06:21
In reply to re: how are We? Thanks Wayne !! (nm) » BLKVETTES, posted by lil' jimi on July 29, 2003, at 20:09:22
Posted by BLKVETTES on July 29, 2003, at 22:42:09
In reply to 8 days and counting, posted by sandiegogal on July 29, 2003, at 20:28:22
> I am on day 8 and i am now taking 5mg of lexapro. I feel spacey and tired and also i have very little appetite. I have been reading all your postings and the links to websites with info on depression and anxiety. I just wanted to say thanks for all of your input. It has helped me to convince myself to stay with this for atleast a few weeks to see if things change. I still have the depression but the anxiety is definately lowered. I am a little leary of going to 10mg because of the tiredness though. Does anyone know if 5 can be a therapeutic dose?
Hi there, you can stay there until your side effects are to your liking and move up another 2.5mg and so forth. Yes, 5mg has helped others. I take 7.5mg and that seems to be my magic dose. Some take as much as 30mg. We are all so different. TAKE CARE!!!
WAYNE
Posted by BLKVETTES on July 29, 2003, at 22:52:17
In reply to Re: ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION INFO, posted by vandy on July 29, 2003, at 21:44:00
> Hey, that first link reminded me of that old question: "How can you tell a boy chromosome from a girl chromosome?"
>
> answer: "Easy, look in its genes!"My My the lexapro must have been very very good to you. But Im sure that all jokes should be redirected the psycho babble comedy link if there is one. Im sure JIM would know!!! HA!! TAKE CARE!!!
WAYNE
Posted by BekkaH on July 30, 2003, at 0:00:04
In reply to Re: dirurnal variation - jrbecker » BekkaH, posted by jrbecker on July 29, 2003, at 16:48:49
Thank you for the information on B12. Have you ever taken Melatonin at night? Did it help to correct your phase shift? I've read that the "natural" melatonin tablets should be avoided because they are made from ground up pineal glands of sheep and cows, and they might be infected with prion or viral diseases. I've also read that the amount of melatonin that is helpful in inducing sleep is much less than what is commercially available. I think 0.3 mg is the maximum recommended dosage. I'm interested to hear what you have to say about melatonin.
Posted by kayenna on July 30, 2003, at 2:15:04
In reply to Re: Lexapro Withdrawal Dizziness, posted by arrianna on July 27, 2003, at 12:27:26
This is to Arriana- I hate it that I may have frightened you...what I am coming to understand is that people have varying chemical responses and sensitivities. You may not have a difficult reaction on withdrawal (sending good thoughts on that). I am hyper-sensitive to every kind of drug and now know that for me, I must do everything I can to stay away from the SSRI's. Zoloft gave me the same side effects when on it, but there was no withdrawal effect like Lex. As for you, stay the course that makes sense and allows you to live most fully. We can be grateful that this type of site exists...and I agree. It ticks me off royally that no doctor advised me that such withdrawal symptoms can occur. Be well! K
Posted by Capri on July 30, 2003, at 9:32:02
In reply to Re: 8 days and counting, posted by BLKVETTES on July 29, 2003, at 22:42:09
Hi Wayne,
Wondering if you feel like your brain is not as sharp or your memory on Lex. I had that problem 4 years ago when I took Paxil. I feel like the brain is fried. Any thoughts?
Thanks!
Capri
Posted by BLKVETTES on July 30, 2003, at 10:19:00
In reply to Wayne..Question, posted by Capri on July 30, 2003, at 9:32:02
> Hi Wayne,
>
> Wondering if you feel like your brain is not as sharp or your memory on Lex. I had that problem 4 years ago when I took Paxil. I feel like the brain is fried. Any thoughts?
>
> Thanks!
> CapriHi Capri, some people report this type thing on many different meds. I to thought I was having problem with my memory and felt things in my head did not feel right for quite awhile. In fact I watch a lot of old shows on tv. I would sit there and see if I knew the real names of people on tv shows. During the day I felt like a zombie and was very tired. But at night I had really bad insomnia. I guess you might say I had racing thoughts that I could not shake. Did not matter when I took the med, what I did or did not eat or drink. I have been on lex almost 6 months I guess. I dont know but if you have a true chemical imbalance I guess it takes awhile for your brain to function properly again. Thats the best way I can describe it. I found water and taking a vitamin helped I guess. I eat better foods also. At about 5 weeks my depression started going away. About 6 or 7 weeks the anxiety just so slowly started easing up. I would say it has taken a good 4months for my anxiety to leave pretty much completely. My mind is crystal clear now and it feels like I dont even take a med daily. My insomnia is gone for the first time in my life. Sometimes I think this is a miracle because I had panic attacks, anxiety and was so depressed I wanted to die. It took 2 failed med tries before I hit the jackpot with lexapro. Cant say it will work for you as you already know going through paxil first. I changed the dose of my med so many times I could not count. When I was no longer tired I moved it up just a tad. I have been up as high as 10mg but always came back to abot 7.5mg. Everything is great now. But Im also very sensitive to meds. I could not take 1mg of xanax it would knock me out. The most I could take at one time was about a third of 1mg. I no longer take xanax during the day just a tiny bit before sleep. I think this is more for peace of mind than anything. I just hope it does work for you because living in hell is no fun. Sorry this was so long since you asked just one question!!! GOOD LUCK CAPRI!!!!!!
Posted by Just Wondering on July 30, 2003, at 11:22:48
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
Doc wants to put me on Lex-only considering if someone can tell me if it helps the emotional state of mind and the sex life. Feel no emotion but anger and irritability on Celexa as well as horrible sexual side effects (lack of). Please advise if anyone knows if the Lex might help or will everything stay the same-read that the Lex is a "better" Celexa any comments on this???
Posted by jrbecker on July 30, 2003, at 11:26:52
In reply to melatonin questions - jrbecker, posted by BekkaH on July 30, 2003, at 0:00:04
> Thank you for the information on B12. Have you ever taken Melatonin at night? Did it help to correct your phase shift? I've read that the "natural" melatonin tablets should be avoided because they are made from ground up pineal glands of sheep and cows, and they might be infected with prion or viral diseases. I've also read that the amount of melatonin that is helpful in inducing sleep is much less than what is commercially available. I think 0.3 mg is the maximum recommended dosage. I'm interested to hear what you have to say about melatonin.
Melatonin actually slightly disrupts my sleep. I don't know if this is because it wears off too early in the night or something else is going on. I do find that I can wake up more naturally in the morning the nights that I have taken it, but that might mean I will get tired later in the day from not having a good night's rest. I sometimes take it along with other Rx sleep agents, but I am not certain what added effect it has. This is a subjective experience though - which is usually not representative of the norm. So don't let my experience dissuade you from trying it for yourself. Many individuals report that it works for them. Perhaps I just need to experiment with other brands and dosages.
You're right though, it is only recommended that you take about .25 mg per night -- much less than what tablets sold are formulated in.
Posted by BLKVETTES on July 30, 2003, at 11:38:32
In reply to Loss of emotion, posted by Just Wondering on July 30, 2003, at 11:22:48
> Doc wants to put me on Lex-only considering if someone can tell me if it helps the emotional state of mind and the sex life. Feel no emotion but anger and irritability on Celexa as well as horrible sexual side effects (lack of). Please advise if anyone knows if the Lex might help or will everything stay the same-read that the Lex is a "better" Celexa any comments on this???
The only thing I can tell you is some found changing to lexapro helped and some did not. This goes for celexa and other meds. No one can tell you for sure, its trial and error. I had to try 3 meds to get the right one. TAKE CARE!!!
WAYNE
Posted by arrianna on July 30, 2003, at 11:40:44
In reply to Re: Lexapro Withdrawal Dizziness » arrianna, posted by kayenna on July 30, 2003, at 2:15:04
K- Don't worry about it: it wasn't you that frightened me- just the thought of withdrawal. I got a little over my head thinking into the future of "what ifs" when I need to stay in today. I was naive to think that I may experience the same symptons as you: so thanks to you and everyone else who set me straight- ssri's and the symptons, etc. vary from individual to individual. I am going to give the Lex some more time and see what happens: so far it's working for me and the side effects are getting better. I'll worry about the withdrawal when it's time. Hope you're feeling better, K, and hope it's getting easier. YSIPB, Arrianna
Posted by FRND4LF on July 30, 2003, at 14:01:21
In reply to Re: Lexapro Withdrawal Dizziness, posted by Rich B on July 28, 2003, at 15:12:19
Hello,
I was put on 10 mg of Lexapro in Sept. 2002. I do not think there is such a term, but I believe I had situational depression. My marriage experienced the darkest part of it's 12 years. For the first time in my life I was going back to bed in the daytime. The Lexapro did not get rid of the problems, but it helped me handle them. I never intended to be on Lexapro forever. The prescribing Dr. said a year would be all I needed. My marriage may not be perfect but it is healing. I have a new doctor (we moved across country) and at my request he gave me instructions for going off this medication. For 5 days I took 5mg and then off completely. It is day 4 of no Lexapro and emotionally I feel better than I have in a while.....but physically I am coming un-glued. The electric shocks, big head feeling, dizziness and distance perception are horrible. I called my new Dr. and was told these symptoms are because I really do need to be on the drug. He wants me to stay on the 10 mg a day. Huh?????
Did I miss something or am I being led to believe once on an anti-depressant, always on an anti-depressant? This means that any time you experience a withdrawal symptom it means you really need the drug, be it Lexapro...cigarettes...alcohol etc? Yes, I am usually this sarcastic when I am mad! I called the office back and told them, no...I am not going back on Lexapro. I have not gone through 4 days of hell just to start over again down the road. All I wanted was a suggestion for making this transition a bit less uncomfortable. The office told me they could not help, and if the symptoms continued to go to the ER. So here I am, feeling pretty horrible, with no one to say hey...try this or do this. My husband is in the medical field. He believes that my new Dr. may be a bit worried about potential legal issues. I made it clear that I feel emotional strong, just physically falling apart. If there is nothing that can help this, so be it. Just don't make me stay on a drug I really don't feel I need anymore. Any words of wisdom or encouragement would be greatly appreciated. Prayers are always good too!
Posted by Micheke on July 30, 2003, at 15:39:32
In reply to Re: Lexapro Withdrawal Dizziness, posted by FRND4LF on July 30, 2003, at 14:01:21
I am appalled at the answer that your doctor's office gave you. Please get a new doctor quickly! I am finding out rapidly that many of us experience the same withdrawal symptoms - that does not mean that we need the the drug. It is the physiological changes our brains are making trying to adjust to life without it. How dare your doctor give you this information & now basically tells you that you're on your own?? I do not know how long the withdrawal symptoms last since I am not through my withdrawal either but believe me - you are not alone! If it gets too bad, go back up and then taper slowly. That's the best I've got right now. Keep in touch, this is a great forum for support. Good luck!
-Michele
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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