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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 3923 to 3947 of 8406. Go back in thread:
Posted by mph-speedy on August 17, 2003, at 16:10:55
In reply to Re: LEXAPRO update, posted by Mariposa on August 16, 2003, at 11:19:44
> Haven't posted in a while, but have been monitoring the board regularly.
>
> Have been taking 10mg for going on 6 months. About a month or so ago I started getting easily irritated and angry again along w/increased depression and apathy, feelings I had NOT had since starting the Lex ( dx-PMDD, or severe PMS from my Gyn doc ). I asked if I could raise my dose and Gyn doc refused. Have to get *permission* so insurance will cover.
>
> Decided to see a pdoc and had to jump through all kinds of hoops (phone calls to ins., several visits to counselor, etc. ) but did get in to see him finally. Had a long talk about my seeming *poop out*, and what he told me made a lot of sense. Liver starts producing enzymes to break down Lex when you start taking it. Over a period of time liver ramps up until it is producing the max. of enzyme that it can. At this point, the amount of Lex that makes it into your system to be of use may be less than the amount that was in system previously. That was why I was not feeling the same benefits as I had previously.
>
> What confused me, and still does, is that pdoc also talked about hormones as a possible cause of my troubles. Neither he, nor gyn doc offered to test my hormones. Am 47 and initially I thought I was peri-menopausal. No one has ruled that out as a possibility, but it also seems no one is overly concerned about it either!!!
>
> Pdoc also told me about Dr. Elizabeth L. Vliet and her website "www.herplace.com" as a source for more info on hormones.
>
> Got my Lex raised to 20mg, third day now and have not really noticed any difference yet, realize it is still early and will keep you posted.~~~8|8I almost "lost it", six months after cutting HRT (estrogen only) daily dose in half, going on a low fat, low carb diet, and cutting out alchohol consumption during the week. Seems like the combination of stopping the booze self medication and the drop in hormones made the depression very evident in the form of anger, anxiety, sadness, and major paranoia. Upped dose of estrogen back to what it was and went on 10mg lex. Immediate results with very little SE's. I think hormones can be a major factor if you are close to menapause. Prescription may not be neccessary, but definitely address the hormone issue. Get tested!
speedy
Posted by trucker on August 17, 2003, at 16:33:45
In reply to Re: re Psycho Comedy Babble, posted by lil' jimi on August 17, 2003, at 5:31:24
> > >
> > > ... and if there's any more laughs out there ... let us have them ... PLEASE? ... ... us depressed folks can always use them!
> > > any Lexapro jokes ?
> > >
> > > "laughter is the best medicine ... ... "
> > > so ... ...
> > > LAUGH 'EM UP!!//////////////////////////////////////////////////////well but have ya'll been laughing at my statements???
>
> no, trucker, not unless i hear you laughing (!) i hurt for you for all of the suffering you been through ... ...
/////////////////////////////////////////////////
well i am feeling alittle better, however i'm not out of the woods!> ... how's your pneumonia?
/////////////////////////////////////////////////
> ... when were you robbed?
jan 11, 1999
/////////////////////////////////////////////////
> .... .... which brings me to how nice it is to have you posting here ... you're great! ... ... and it's handy to get the replay of the posts from when you've been out of town ... ... are you really facing 300 posts to read?
/////////////////////////////////////////////////yes!
/////////////////////////////////////////////////
> ... are you going to be driving again?
yes
/////////////////////////////////////////////////
> ... how is your lexapro working out?
lex is doing good for me thus far. hard to tell how well though. when you are as sick as i am, my sex drive is non existant due to illness. i told the other half don't even think of it... it is out of the question. 102 degree temp kills that craving fast!!! how ever the more i take the meds i do feel that erge somewhat.
> /////////////////////////////////////////////////oh well, its a dirty job someone has to do it !!!!!
> > trucker
> now see there? you made me laugh!
>
> TAKE CARE !
> ~ jimtake care too!
trucker
Posted by Doug in PA on August 17, 2003, at 17:08:42
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl » Esmarelda, posted by galkeepinon on August 17, 2003, at 3:47:31
I am at the 2 month mark with Lex. There are days when I think that things are improving, then I get a day when everything goes wrong and my mood goes down the tubes. I call it reactive depression. When things go wrong in my technical job and I can't figure out a problem, my depression reacts to it and seems to come back. Self confidence goes out the window and I punish myself with negative thoughts, doubting that I was ever intelligent in my whole life. But then, on days when nothing goes wrong, things seem Okay.
===============================
> Hi Esmarelda, boy do I hear you!!!! I'm beginning to think it DOES get worse before it gets better-do you really think that's the case?? I have had some bad days, but today was a great day-I was able to rationalize some situations better and I was very productive for once in a long, long time. Lexapro has made me sleep forever sometimes too but other days I'm fine. I'm so sorry to hear about your grandmother-keep your chin up-I know it's hard.
> I don't think I've done this well on an SSRI before either except Celexa and Effexor and Effexor pooped out on me and the withdrawals were horrendous. The Celexa worked and I think even Lexapro is doing better than that.
> If you have any other questions or need support-I'm here for you!
> Take care!
>
>
>
>
>
> > I have been on Lexapro for about 8 weeks. I became very depressed after the death of my grandmother and some other situations to the point where I could not get out of bed on some days. After about 6 weeks, the Lexapro finally started working, but things got worse before they got better. I don't have the same depression or anxiety as before, but now I am so tired in the mornings that I cannot get up out of bed. Just the past few days, I slept almost all the way from Wednesday night through Friday morning. My therapist thinks it may be residual symptoms from the depression or maybe even the Lexapro. I like the lexapro and do not want to switch because I have not done even this well on any other antidepressants. Any help, comments, suggestions or speculation as to what is going on here would be appreciated. I have been reading this site for several weeks now and it has really helped me to understand the SE and hang in there and wait for the med to start working. I am glad I did, but I have to be able to get up and function. Thanks.
>
>
Posted by Angel1 on August 17, 2003, at 18:07:59
In reply to Re: LEXAPRO update, posted by mph-speedy on August 17, 2003, at 16:10:55
YOu have a GREAT pdoc if he knows and recommended you read info about Dr. Vliet. I am convinced hormones play a LARGE part in mental health, especially in women. Get your hormone levels check. I think Dr.Vleit recommends checking estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, FSH and LH.
Good Luck.
Posted by Mariposa on August 17, 2003, at 18:41:14
In reply to re: Mariposa!, posted by lil' jimi on August 17, 2003, at 10:55:30
Took test and I'm not bp, the *up* or *mania* was a SE of Lex I'm almost sure, never really acted that way before Lex.
As for getting hormones tested, I was hopeing one of my docs would order so ins. will pay. Guess I'll try being demanding next visit!!!
Posted by lil' jimi on August 18, 2003, at 2:23:40
In reply to Re: re Psycho Comedy Babble » lil' jimi, posted by trucker on August 17, 2003, at 16:33:45
A 102 degrees fever! Yikes!!
are you getting yourself good care there, i hope?
lots of nutrition and fluids and other good stuff?sorry to hear you are feeling so rough!
TAKE CARE !!!!!
~ jim
Posted by lil' jimi on August 18, 2003, at 2:36:48
In reply to re: Mariposa! » lil' jimi, posted by Mariposa on August 17, 2003, at 18:41:14
> Took test and I'm not bp, the *up* or *mania* was a SE of Lex I'm almost sure, never really acted that way before Lex.
>i agree completely ... ... i know nothing about bp, but i'm glad you took that test anyway ... ... i'll worry less ....
> As for getting hormones tested, I was hopeing one of my docs would order so ins. will pay. Guess I'll try being demanding next visit!!!
>i think that is a reasonable approach ... ... demanding is what i'd recommend ...
really good to read you again, Mariposa!
TAKE CARE !!!
~ jim
Posted by OceanMist on August 18, 2003, at 6:29:54
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I would just like to know if anyone had anything to say about my question I posted last week about Wellbutrin "Zyban"? I would like to know more about it, since I am taking it to curb the SE of Lexapro.
Thanks
Posted by lil' jimi on August 18, 2003, at 9:16:11
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by OceanMist on August 18, 2003, at 6:29:54
hi OceanMist!
(LOVE that name!)> I would just like to know if anyone had anything to say about my question I posted last week about Wellbutrin "Zyban"? I would like to know more about it, since I am taking it to curb the SE of Lexapro.
>
> Thanks
>... i posted this:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030812/msgs/251070.html
but you probably saw it already ... so far, no other replies yet ...
TAKE CARE !!
~ jim
Posted by mph-speedy on August 18, 2003, at 14:07:36
In reply to re: Mariposa! » lil' jimi, posted by Mariposa on August 17, 2003, at 18:41:14
> Took test and I'm not bp, the *up* or *mania* was a SE of Lex I'm almost sure, never really acted that way before Lex.
>
> As for getting hormones tested, I was hopeing one of my docs would order so ins. will pay. Guess I'll try being demanding next visit!!!What is test for bp? Didn't know there was one.
Speedy
Posted by tc0824 on August 18, 2003, at 14:25:18
In reply to No Insurance. Where can I buy Lexapro cheap?, posted by johnnylex on April 23, 2003, at 18:29:07
Where can I buy Lexapro at lowest price? I have been looking around and the cheapest I can find for 10mg at 90 is $234.00. Any help is greatly appreciated.
Posted by lil' jimi on August 18, 2003, at 14:27:54
In reply to re: Mariposa!, posted by mph-speedy on August 18, 2003, at 14:07:36
hi there speedy!
you wrote:
> What is test for bp? Didn't know there was one.try http://www.dbsalliance.org/questionnaire/screening.asp
i found the NIMH's website offers links to lots of screening quizes, including depression ... i should post one of those here ... next time ..
TAKE CARE! ... and let us know what you think of the test ....
~ jim
Posted by trucker on August 18, 2003, at 14:38:51
In reply to re: ((((((( trucker ))))))) is sick !!, posted by lil' jimi on August 18, 2003, at 2:23:40
> A 102 degrees fever! Yikes!!
> are you getting yourself good care there, i hope?
> lots of nutrition and fluids and other good stuff?
>
> sorry to hear you are feeling so rough!
>
> TAKE CARE !!!!!
> ~ jim/////////////////////////////////////////////////
i am feeling better, at least when i cough it is productive and that poison is leaving my body. not a fever any more so that is a plus, and tells me i am winning the battle right. still on antibiotics though.home for a few weeks unless the other half changes mind.
takecare!
trucker
Posted by trucker on August 18, 2003, at 14:42:06
In reply to re: wellbutrin and zyban » OceanMist, posted by lil' jimi on August 18, 2003, at 9:16:11
> hi OceanMist!
> (LOVE that name!)
>
> > I would just like to know if anyone had anything to say about my question I posted last week about Wellbutrin "Zyban"? I would like to know more about it, since I am taking it to curb the SE of Lexapro.
> >
> > Thanks
> >
>
> ... i posted this:
>
> http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030812/msgs/251070.html
>
> but you probably saw it already ... so far, no other replies yet ...
>
> TAKE CARE !!
> ~ jim
>
>/////////////////////////////////////////////////zyban is to help you quit smoking for the side effects, ya got me!
trucker
Posted by trucker on August 18, 2003, at 14:45:54
In reply to Re: No Insurance. Where can I buy Lexapro cheap?, posted by tc0824 on August 18, 2003, at 14:25:18
> Where can I buy Lexapro at lowest price? I have been looking around and the cheapest I can find for 10mg at 90 is $234.00. Any help is greatly appreciated.
/////////////////////////////////////////////////
tell your doctor that you don't have any insurance. there are programs out there that you should be gettting your meds free. i am of course i go to a pdoc at the county for a reduced price. $20.00 dollars a visit. and my meds are free. check into free programs. and maybe you can find county mental health that can work for you.
trucker
Posted by lil' jimi on August 18, 2003, at 15:55:35
In reply to re: wellbutrin and zyban » lil' jimi, posted by trucker on August 18, 2003, at 14:42:06
> > hi OceanMist!
> > (LOVE that name!)
> >
> > > I would just like to know if anyone had anything to say about my question I posted last week about Wellbutrin "Zyban"? I would like to know more about it, since I am taking it to curb the SE of Lexapro.
> > >
> > > Thanks
> > >
> >
> > ... i posted this:
> >
> > http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030812/msgs/251070.html
> >
> > but you probably saw it already ... so far, no other replies yet ...
> >
> > TAKE CARE !!
> > ~ jim
> >
> >
>
> /////////////////////////////////////////////////zyban is to help you quit smoking for the side effects, ya got me!
> trucker
>yes ... and equivalent to wellbutrin ...
... ... as i posted:
>> meanwhile, i looked up Zyban and found out it is the brand name for Bupropion labeled for smoking cessation, but not to worry ... looking up Wellbutrin reveals it is the brand name for, you guessed it, Bupropion, labeled for ... mental health .... so they are the same.
>>take care!
~ jim
Posted by galkeepinon on August 18, 2003, at 16:38:14
In reply to bi-polar screening test online » mph-speedy, posted by lil' jimi on August 18, 2003, at 14:27:54
ruh ro, I did this screening test and it indicated that I did not have criteria that matched bipolar-yet I was diagnosed bipolar. What does this mean-anyone? Now I'm wondering...................
Gal
> hi there speedy!
>
> you wrote:
> > What is test for bp? Didn't know there was one.
>
> try http://www.dbsalliance.org/questionnaire/screening.asp
>
> i found the NIMH's website offers links to lots of screening quizes, including depression ... i should post one of those here ... next time ..
>
> TAKE CARE! ... and let us know what you think of the test ....
> ~ jim
Posted by lil' jimi on August 18, 2003, at 16:54:26
In reply to bi-polar screening test online » mph-speedy, posted by lil' jimi on August 18, 2003, at 14:27:54
this is it:
http://www.depression-screening.org/screeningtest/screeningtest.htm
i don't write 'em, i just post 'em ... ...
but i would appreciate any and everyone who takes the screening to let us know how it goes ...
... i'm going to take it again my-own-self ...TAKE CARE !!
~ jim
Posted by lil' jimi on August 18, 2003, at 17:00:29
In reply to Re: bi-polar screening test online » lil' jimi, posted by galkeepinon on August 18, 2003, at 16:38:14
hi Gal Keepin On,
> ruh ro, I did this screening test and it indicated that I did not have criteria that matched bipolar-yet I was diagnosed bipolar. What does this mean-anyone? Now I'm wondering...................
> Gal... ... sorry i can't be any more supportive about this test ... i failed it too but that agrees with my gp ... ...
... ... guess you could have something to talk to your doc about ... ... ?... i'm hoping some more informed folks post back to us here ...
TAKE CARE!
~ jim
Posted by galkeepinon on August 18, 2003, at 17:10:51
In reply to Depression Screening Test Online, posted by lil' jimi on August 18, 2003, at 16:54:26
Posted by trucker on August 18, 2003, at 17:11:01
In reply to Depression Screening Test Online, posted by lil' jimi on August 18, 2003, at 16:54:26
> this is it:
>
> http://www.depression-screening.org/screeningtest/screeningtest.htm
>
> i don't write 'em, i just post 'em ... ...
>
> but i would appreciate any and everyone who takes the screening to let us know how it goes ...
> ... i'm going to take it again my-own-self ...
>
> TAKE CARE !!
> ~ jim///////////////////////////////////////////////// i took it and it said i needed help. that i was clinically depressed. and should dial 911
trucker
Posted by galkeepinon on August 18, 2003, at 17:12:12
In reply to re: bi-polar screening test online » galkeepinon, posted by lil' jimi on August 18, 2003, at 17:00:29
Posted by galkeepinon on August 18, 2003, at 17:13:26
In reply to Re: Depression Screening Test Online » lil' jimi, posted by trucker on August 18, 2003, at 17:11:01
Posted by Esmarelda on August 18, 2003, at 17:15:33
In reply to Re: Depression Screening Test Online » lil' jimi, posted by trucker on August 18, 2003, at 17:11:01
I thought I was better in the last couple weeks since taking Lexapro and I am, but the test said that I was still clinically depressed. I guess that's why I am on drugs.
Posted by galkeepinon on August 18, 2003, at 17:17:12
In reply to Depression Screening Test Online, posted by lil' jimi on August 18, 2003, at 16:54:26
I took it too----- this is what I got:
"Your screening results are consistent with clinical depression." The Lexapro must be working though, because 3 weeks ago I would have answered ALL THE TIME to everything hey hey
Hooray for Lexapro
However, this screening is not a substitute for a complete clinical evaluation. You are advised to see your doctor or a mental health professional for a complete evaluation, as soon as possible.> this is it:
>
> http://www.depression-screening.org/screeningtest/screeningtest.htm
>
> i don't write 'em, i just post 'em ... ...
>
> but i would appreciate any and everyone who takes the screening to let us know how it goes ...
> ... i'm going to take it again my-own-self ...
>
> TAKE CARE !!
> ~ jim
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Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
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