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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by eebeshy on October 10, 2003, at 15:22:07
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
Oops, sorry I'm new at this!!! Hi, I'm taking Lexapro @ 15mg a day (been 3-4 months now) and my Dr. started me on Wellbutrin (100mg) a week ago because although I was still able to get out of bed in the morning to go to work, I was still feeling low all the time all I wanted to do was sleep. Been battling depression now for over 12 years (mental illness runs bigtime in my family). I started feeling better right away, but I've had trouble sleeping at night. I put in a call to my Dr. and he said that low a dosage shouldn't be a problem. Anyone have any suggestions? I also take Klonopin....maybe should I take one right before going to bed? BTW, reading everyone's comments has made me feel better about the whole depression issue. Thanks!
eebeshy
Posted by Esmarelda on October 10, 2003, at 15:22:56
In reply to Crossing my fingers!!, posted by Peter on October 9, 2003, at 19:38:45
I wish you the best of luck. There will probably be a few "down" days even when you begin to feel the effect. It took at least 5-8 weeks for it to work on me. And, then I felt really tired for about another month or maybe more, but I do think it's benefits are really good. I will say a prayer for you!
Posted by Peter on October 10, 2003, at 15:32:58
In reply to Re: Crossing my fingers!!, posted by Esmarelda on October 10, 2003, at 15:22:56
> I wish you the best of luck. There will probably be a few "down" days even when you begin to feel the effect. It took at least 5-8 weeks for it to work on me. And, then I felt really tired for about another month or maybe more, but I do think it's benefits are really good. I will say a prayer for you!
>>How refreshing to hear something POSITIVE. Thank you(o:
Posted by dutch on October 10, 2003, at 15:41:39
In reply to Re: dutch » dutch, posted by galkeepinon on October 10, 2003, at 14:19:10
thanks kristen :) i really have lost hope for side effect improvement, as i have been on the med for 6 months now. in the last month or two, the memory loss thing has really gotten to me. i am tired of it but i do feel a heck of a lot better overall. i guess i have to learn to live with mild altzheimers basically.
Posted by Arrianna on October 10, 2003, at 17:57:58
In reply to Crossing my fingers!!, posted by Peter on October 9, 2003, at 19:38:45
> I posted a new thread yesterday in the general area, and then realized it would be good to also post within the ongoing lex thread.
> Here's the deal:
> Day 34 total lexapro, day 28 on 10mg (I started with 5mg the first 6 days). Everytime I thought it was beginning to kick-in, I'd feel like crap again. I've taken every other SSRI, with varying degrees of success, and also a plethora of other meds and med combos over the last 8 years. I spoke with my pdoc yesterday about the fact that I felt really bad all the time, unable to wake up, sleeping thru my alarm, irrtable and depressed all day, unresponsive to anything or anyone around me, numb and dull, etc. He said that it seemed as if I wasn't responding well to the lex - that it was both activating me (thus the irritability) and 'flattening' my mood (thus the continued depression and apathy). He suggested that I begin to taper the med and that we move toward my trying a med from the only class I haven't yet tried - the MAOIS. I've been considering them for years, and I'm probably a good candidate considering my history. But I am so sick of going from one med cocktail to the next; also, I've come this far already on the lex (and it hasn't been easy), and I've read so much about people feeling NOTHING on 10mg until week 7, 8, or even 9, and then it kicks in and it's well worth the wait. I just don't want to stop prematurely. So I made a resolution last night that I would stick with it another week or two instead of tapering it right now. I also decided that I would put a little more effort in to increase the chances of my responding well to the lex. What I mean by this is the following: I find that a lot of my lack of response has had to do with my
> not 'allowing' the lex to work, so to speak; it's almost as if I've been thinking so pessimistically about the med and SSRI's in general, that I've been psychosomatically hindering its benefits. Today, I felt that my acceptance and resolution to stick with the lex and do what I can do -
> both physically (getting my sleep/wake cycles back on track, exercising) and mentally (not letting my pessimism get the best of me) - seemed to help me benefit more from
> the lex; I just have a feeling that it might be beginning to work (fingers crossed). I awoke with more energy today, and felt better in the afternoon than I have in a long time. Of course, it's not all about my shift in attitude and resolve; the action of the lex itself is helping me to HAVE a more positive, optimistic outlook on my responding well to it. So it might very well be that my own efforts +the therapeutic actions of the lex are beginning to work together to my benefit. I hope this makes sense. Does it? Cause I sort of feel like I'm not making any sense at all! Regardless, I hope my better mood today is the lex kicking in and not just another 'false alarm'! I really would prefer to not go on another 'med-roller-coaster' at this point. And my doc agreed that I stick with the lex another week or two, saying that my more positive outlook and decision to 'allow' the med to work will make me all the more liable to respond well to it. So, of course a positive response to the lex would be mostly due to the pharmacological actions of the drug and the balancing out of the NT's in my brain, but in my case it looks like some of it has to do with my cooperating with the process and doing what I can to allow it to work . All right, now I think I'm just further convoluting what was already pretty convoluted in the first place. Sorry! Is there any sense in what I'm saying?
> thanks,
> Peter
>Peter:
Your post makes complete sense! I hear what you're saying. It never hurts to have a positive attitude. Keep it up.
Glad to hear that you've decided to hang in there with the Lex! You may just need a few more weeks for it to "kick in". Who knows. It's different for everyone, but I've heard the average time is 4-8 weeks.
I almost gave up on lexapro early on, too, but I'm glad I didn't. Hopefully, things will get better for you soon as they sound like they already are: acceptance and a positive attitude are huge!!!!!!
From your other post inquiring about social anxiety: I am taking lexapro for generalized anxiety including social anxiety. At first on Lex, I didn't feel like being around others - just felt lazy and didn't feel like going out. So, I had to force myself to do those things. To my surprise, I found myself much more comfortable in social settings ~ felt more natural, and I actually began to enjoy socializing and wanting to be around others! This was huge for me since I had "always" preferred to be alone.
Anyway, I'm assuming you have a bit of social anxiety yourself. If so, give it a chance and hope you find yourself comfortable as well.
Good luck!!
Arrianna
Posted by Arrianna on October 10, 2003, at 18:02:11
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? » Dr. Bob, posted by eebeshy on October 10, 2003, at 15:22:07
eebeshy:
Welcome to the board!! Sorry to hear about the sleep problems. I also had trouble sleeping early on with Lexapro ~ but, that got better for me after around three weeks. Then, I was able to sleep through the night.
Hang in there. It also never hurts to do a little trial and error with the time you take your meds. to see it that will help.
Good Luck! Hope things get better for you.
Arrianna
Posted by Peter on October 10, 2003, at 18:31:16
In reply to Re: Crossing my fingers!!, posted by Arrianna on October 10, 2003, at 17:57:58
> > I posted a new thread yesterday in the general area, and then realized it would be good to also post within the ongoing lex thread.
> > Here's the deal:
> > Day 34 total lexapro, day 28 on 10mg (I started with 5mg the first 6 days). Everytime I thought it was beginning to kick-in, I'd feel like crap again. I've taken every other SSRI, with varying degrees of success, and also a plethora of other meds and med combos over the last 8 years. I spoke with my pdoc yesterday about the fact that I felt really bad all the time, unable to wake up, sleeping thru my alarm, irrtable and depressed all day, unresponsive to anything or anyone around me, numb and dull, etc. He said that it seemed as if I wasn't responding well to the lex - that it was both activating me (thus the irritability) and 'flattening' my mood (thus the continued depression and apathy). He suggested that I begin to taper the med and that we move toward my trying a med from the only class I haven't yet tried - the MAOIS. I've been considering them for years, and I'm probably a good candidate considering my history. But I am so sick of going from one med cocktail to the next; also, I've come this far already on the lex (and it hasn't been easy), and I've read so much about people feeling NOTHING on 10mg until week 7, 8, or even 9, and then it kicks in and it's well worth the wait. I just don't want to stop prematurely. So I made a resolution last night that I would stick with it another week or two instead of tapering it right now. I also decided that I would put a little more effort in to increase the chances of my responding well to the lex. What I mean by this is the following: I find that a lot of my lack of response has had to do with my
> > not 'allowing' the lex to work, so to speak; it's almost as if I've been thinking so pessimistically about the med and SSRI's in general, that I've been psychosomatically hindering its benefits. Today, I felt that my acceptance and resolution to stick with the lex and do what I can do -
> > both physically (getting my sleep/wake cycles back on track, exercising) and mentally (not letting my pessimism get the best of me) - seemed to help me benefit more from
> > the lex; I just have a feeling that it might be beginning to work (fingers crossed). I awoke with more energy today, and felt better in the afternoon than I have in a long time. Of course, it's not all about my shift in attitude and resolve; the action of the lex itself is helping me to HAVE a more positive, optimistic outlook on my responding well to it. So it might very well be that my own efforts +the therapeutic actions of the lex are beginning to work together to my benefit. I hope this makes sense. Does it? Cause I sort of feel like I'm not making any sense at all! Regardless, I hope my better mood today is the lex kicking in and not just another 'false alarm'! I really would prefer to not go on another 'med-roller-coaster' at this point. And my doc agreed that I stick with the lex another week or two, saying that my more positive outlook and decision to 'allow' the med to work will make me all the more liable to respond well to it. So, of course a positive response to the lex would be mostly due to the pharmacological actions of the drug and the balancing out of the NT's in my brain, but in my case it looks like some of it has to do with my cooperating with the process and doing what I can to allow it to work . All right, now I think I'm just further convoluting what was already pretty convoluted in the first place. Sorry! Is there any sense in what I'm saying?
> > thanks,
> > Peter
> >
>
> Peter:
>
> Your post makes complete sense! I hear what you're saying. It never hurts to have a positive attitude. Keep it up.
>
> Glad to hear that you've decided to hang in there with the Lex! You may just need a few more weeks for it to "kick in". Who knows. It's different for everyone, but I've heard the average time is 4-8 weeks.
>
> I almost gave up on lexapro early on, too, but I'm glad I didn't. Hopefully, things will get better for you soon as they sound like they already are: acceptance and a positive attitude are huge!!!!!!
>
> From your other post inquiring about social anxiety: I am taking lexapro for generalized anxiety including social anxiety. At first on Lex, I didn't feel like being around others - just felt lazy and didn't feel like going out. So, I had to force myself to do those things. To my surprise, I found myself much more comfortable in social settings ~ felt more natural, and I actually began to enjoy socializing and wanting to be around others! This was huge for me since I had "always" preferred to be alone.
>
> Anyway, I'm assuming you have a bit of social anxiety yourself. If so, give it a chance and hope you find yourself comfortable as well.
>
> Good luck!!
> Arrianna
>>Hi Arrianna:
Thanks so much for the encouragement. I was so relieved to read your post and find that lexapro can be effective on GAD and social anxiety as well as depression. The only evidence I've seen supporting lexapro's efficacy for anxiety is on the lex web site news section; some study was done showing how patients with GAD, social anxiety, and panic disorder all responded significantly better to lex than placebo. But I was concerned because I hadn't read any personal accounts of lex-takers on this thread showing lex's efficacy for social anxiety. My pdoc says that each SSRI is a bit different, but all of them probably treat social anxiety to the same degree. But lately I've seen posts describing lex as not very effective for anxiety, and it discouraged me. I'm glad to hear that it works for you, 'cause it gives me hope. I also always prefer to be alone, even isolate from others, and I get a lot of anticipatory and social anxiety about travelling, meeting new people, going to any social event, etc. I still feel the anxiety while taking lex, but it'sencouragong to know that you did also - until you pushed yourself to go out and found that you enjoyed being around others and that socializing was easier. Maybe I just need to give myself a push, even though I'm so used to always declining invitations to go out. If I just do it, I might find that the lex IS helping me in that area. Interesting; Wish me luck! Thanks again for your support!
Peter
Posted by Mariposa on October 10, 2003, at 19:05:34
In reply to Re: Crossing my fingers!! » Arrianna, posted by Peter on October 10, 2003, at 18:31:16
I am taking Lex for depression, but I have always had *social anxiety* and never thought of it as a problem....very few people I could call *friends*, fear of crowds, new situations, new places I had never been to before, job interviews KILL me!!! I could go on...point is Lex has helped me get over some of these fears, I recently flew on a plane to go visit my Mother for her 73 birthday!
The depression is another matter, still struggling day by day, new boss at work has me in knots...trying to get mortg. on house when I have *bad* credit...anniv. of mom-in-law's death looming...I feel like I can't get up and face another day but somehow I go on. At least I am *functioning* when I could be a basket case. THANK YOU Lexapro!
Good luck to us all!~~~8|8
Posted by galkeepinon on October 10, 2003, at 20:16:12
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? » Dr. Bob, posted by eebeshy on October 10, 2003, at 15:22:07
Hey there:-)
I know the 'I've had trouble sleeping at night' issue on Lexapro~it hit me about the 7th or 8th week, but oh man, I couldn't sleep for the life of me for about 2 weeks.
Someone had suggested OTC Unisom Sleep Gels~they have the ingredient Diphenhydramine HCI 50mg, which is a really good sleep aid. But this is just my experience. To my amazement, it works great and doesn't interact with any other meds I am taking, and I never have a 'hang over' the next day, especially if you have to work.
I know many people who are on Wellbutrin and had trouble sleeping the first few weeks, but their sleep improved after they got used to the medication.
About the Klonopin, I take 2mg at night, you didn't mention how much Klonopin you take each day or PRN or what? Maybe your prescribing doctor could work with you on taking a Klonopin before bed, that may help, you're right.
Hang in there and good luck!!!:-)
Kristen
> Oops, sorry I'm new at this!!! Hi, I'm taking Lexapro @ 15mg a day (been 3-4 months now) and my Dr. started me on Wellbutrin (100mg) a week ago because although I was still able to get out of bed in the morning to go to work, I was still feeling low all the time all I wanted to do was sleep. Been battling depression now for over 12 years (mental illness runs bigtime in my family). I started feeling better right away, but I've had trouble sleeping at night. I put in a call to my Dr. and he said that low a dosage shouldn't be a problem. Anyone have any suggestions? I also take Klonopin....maybe should I take one right before going to bed? BTW, reading everyone's comments has made me feel better about the whole depression issue. Thanks!
> eebeshy
Posted by Arrianna on October 11, 2003, at 0:53:04
In reply to Re: Crossing my fingers!! » Arrianna, posted by Peter on October 10, 2003, at 18:31:16
Peter:
I'm so glad that my post was helpful to you. I completely understand how dibilitating anxiety can be. I, too, and still do at times, suffer the precipatory anxiety. It's really a sad thing that anxiety can cause us to miss out on so much -on life itself!!
For me, it seemed my anxiety significantly improved on Lexapro right away. However, it took a few occasions of being around others before I truly felt comfortable. So, please don't be discouraged if you find yourself uneasy in a social setting at first. Give it another chance before you make up your mind that it's not helping your anxiety. You may just need to keep pushing yourself, and like you said, you'll never know if it's helping your social anxiety unless you test yourself, so to speak.
I'm at the 3month mark of being on 10mg Lexapro now, and some of my anxiety has returned, if not all. It's such a bummer to have been feeling and doing so well only for it to creep back up. Guess it's just time for me to increase my dose to 15mg ~ seems that my body has become more efficient at breaking down the lex, that the 10mg just isn't cutting it anymore.
Hope that this doesn't discourage you either. I was doing significantly well before this. Just wanted to share that I relate to how you feel ~ and that sometimes, we need to change to meet the changes of our bodies ~ and to stay in tune with what our bodies are telling us. (Oh, I've learned and gained so much insight from others on this board!!)
Anyway, Peter, you just keep your head up ~ stay strong ~ and be sure to keep us posted. Thanks for responding back, too. You've been an inspiration to me: how you're hanging in there and going through the process to get where you want to be!!
Good for you!!
Arrianna
Posted by vandy on October 11, 2003, at 12:03:33
In reply to Crossing my fingers!!, posted by Peter on October 9, 2003, at 19:38:45
For me the light went on after 84 days. That doesn't mean I saw no positive effects from the gradual build of Lex in my system. I did have days where the clouds disapated a bit and then settled back in over me. That happens. Like as in "stuff" happens! I started with 20 mg and that always has been the dose I've taken. In hindsite, I wish it was like a commercial: total gratification in 30 seconds. But real life doesn't work that way, no matter what the politicians promise. It took 12 weeks to feel as I do now. Now that it's over I didn't mind the wait. While it was happening....well, that's a different story. I could have easily given up I guess. Three months is a long wait unless you're pregnant. I guess that last three months is a pisser for pregnant women, too. But I would have gotten three months older anyway and I sure would have traded three months of my life to lift that awful cloud bank.
DON'T GIVE UP! I WILL BE WORTH THE WAIT, THE S.E's AND EVERYTHING ELSE.
I'm rooting for you and everyone else who climbs this slippery slope.
ONE WORD OF ADVICE HOWEVER: Don't cross your fingers because it makes it almost impossible to pick up those little pills with your fingers crossed.> I posted a new thread yesterday in the general area, and then realized it would be good to also post within the ongoing lex thread.
> Here's the deal:
> Day 34 total lexapro, day 28 on 10mg (I started with 5mg the first 6 days). Everytime I thought it was beginning to kick-in, I'd feel like crap again. I've taken every other SSRI, with varying degrees of success, and also a plethora of other meds and med combos over the last 8 years. I spoke with my pdoc yesterday about the fact that I felt really bad all the time, unable to wake up, sleeping thru my alarm, irrtable and depressed all day, unresponsive to anything or anyone around me, numb and dull, etc. He said that it seemed as if I wasn't responding well to the lex - that it was both activating me (thus the irritability) and 'flattening' my mood (thus the continued depression and apathy). He suggested that I begin to taper the med and that we move toward my trying a med from the only class I haven't yet tried - the MAOIS. I've been considering them for years, and I'm probably a good candidate considering my history. But I am so sick of going from one med cocktail to the next; also, I've come this far already on the lex (and it hasn't been easy), and I've read so much about people feeling NOTHING on 10mg until week 7, 8, or even 9, and then it kicks in and it's well worth the wait. I just don't want to stop prematurely. So I made a resolution last night that I would stick with it another week or two instead of tapering it right now. I also decided that I would put a little more effort in to increase the chances of my responding well to the lex. What I mean by this is the following: I find that a lot of my lack of response has had to do with my
> not 'allowing' the lex to work, so to speak; it's almost as if I've been thinking so pessimistically about the med and SSRI's in general, that I've been psychosomatically hindering its benefits. Today, I felt that my acceptance and resolution to stick with the lex and do what I can do -
> both physically (getting my sleep/wake cycles back on track, exercising) and mentally (not letting my pessimism get the best of me) - seemed to help me benefit more from
> the lex; I just have a feeling that it might be beginning to work (fingers crossed). I awoke with more energy today, and felt better in the afternoon than I have in a long time. Of course, it's not all about my shift in attitude and resolve; the action of the lex itself is helping me to HAVE a more positive, optimistic outlook on my responding well to it. So it might very well be that my own efforts +the therapeutic actions of the lex are beginning to work together to my benefit. I hope this makes sense. Does it? Cause I sort of feel like I'm not making any sense at all! Regardless, I hope my better mood today is the lex kicking in and not just another 'false alarm'! I really would prefer to not go on another 'med-roller-coaster' at this point. And my doc agreed that I stick with the lex another week or two, saying that my more positive outlook and decision to 'allow' the med to work will make me all the more liable to respond well to it. So, of course a positive response to the lex would be mostly due to the pharmacological actions of the drug and the balancing out of the NT's in my brain, but in my case it looks like some of it has to do with my cooperating with the process and doing what I can to allow it to work . All right, now I think I'm just further convoluting what was already pretty convoluted in the first place. Sorry! Is there any sense in what I'm saying?
> thanks,
> Peter
>
Posted by Patient on October 11, 2003, at 16:37:42
In reply to Re: Celexa transport systems?, posted by Fuscia on August 5, 2002, at 13:09:14
> Hello pharmrep,
>
> Do you know what the transport system(s) is for citalopram? The following was posted by James Ferrell, but does not include information about citalopram.
>
> Thanks in advance for any information you can share! Fuscia
>
> Dr. Bob's Psychopharmacology Tips
> http://www.dr-bob.org/tips/
>
> "Date: Wed, 2 Apr 1997 15:05:51 -0800 (PST)
> From: ferrell@cmgm.stanford.edu (James Ferrell)
> Subject: Transport systems and antidepressants
>
> Here are some data to give you an idea of what transport systems are
> likely to be tweaked by the different antidepressants.
>
> From: Bolden-Watson C, Richelson E. Blockade by
> newly-developed antidepressants of biogenic amine uptake into rat
> brain synaptosomes. Life Sciences. 52 (12): 1023-9, 1993.
>
> ------------------------------------------------------
> Ki (nM)
> Drug ------------ Selectivity for 5HT
> ----------------5HT-----NE---(Ki NE / Ki 5HT)
> ------------------------------------------------------
> desipramine 180-------0.6-----0.003
> doxepin -----220------18------0.08
> amitriptyline -84------14------ 0.2
> imipramine ---41------14------0.3
>
> venlafaxine ---39-----210------5.4
>
> fluoxetine -----14-----143------10
> norfluoxetine --25----410------17
> paroxetine ------0.7----33------45
> sertraline -------3----220------64
> ------------------------------------------------------
>
> From: Hyttel J. Pharmacological characterization of selective
> serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). International Clinical
> Psychopharmacology. 9 Suppl 1: 19-26, 1994 Mar.
>
> ------------------------------------
> Drug Selectivity for 5HT
> (IC50 NE / IC50 5HT)
> ------------------------------------
> clomiprimine 14
> fluoxetine 54
> fluvoxamine 160
> paroxetine 280
> sertraline 840
> ------------------------------------"Well, I finally found , or rather, stumbled upon the answer to my question (formerly Fuscia). Thanks to D. Spinks* and G. Spinks at the Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Organon Laboratories Ltd., Newhouse, Lanarkshire, ML1 5SH, Scotland, UK
http://www.bentham.org/sample-issues/cmc9-8/spinks/table1.gif
Posted by bruce_w6 on October 11, 2003, at 17:47:27
In reply to Re: Celexa transport systems, posted by Patient on October 11, 2003, at 16:37:42
I have noticed a sharp decrease in messages on the weekends (Saturday & Sunday). I would hate to think that most of the posts are from companies (9-5 Mon-Fri workers) that want us to keep going on the meds. Anyone else notice this drop off?
Posted by Diva Blue on October 11, 2003, at 17:58:35
In reply to Strange Weekend Thing, posted by bruce_w6 on October 11, 2003, at 17:47:27
> I have noticed a sharp decrease in messages on the weekends (Saturday & Sunday). I would hate to think that most of the posts are from companies (9-5 Mon-Fri workers) that want us to keep going on the meds. Anyone else notice this drop off?
huh??? I get new post emails to this thread daily....dont you? I havent personally noticed a difference. I, for one, do NOT work for a drug company.
It seems to me that we are all just posting responses as needed. Some times we need each other more than others. Perhaps it is just more stressful for all us during the "work-week" and we need each other more then.....best wishes to all.
Posted by bruce_w6 on October 11, 2003, at 18:08:54
In reply to Re: Strange Weekend Thing, posted by Diva Blue on October 11, 2003, at 17:58:35
> > I have noticed a sharp decrease in messages on the weekends (Saturday & Sunday). I would hate to think that most of the posts are from companies (9-5 Mon-Fri workers) that want us to keep going on the meds. Anyone else notice this drop off?
>
> huh??? I get new post emails to this thread daily....dont you? I havent personally noticed a difference. I, for one, do NOT work for a drug company.
> It seems to me that we are all just posting responses as needed. Some times we need each other more than others. Perhaps it is just more stressful for all us during the "work-week" and we need each other more then.....
>
> best wishes to all.
>I also get them daily, but many, many more Monday thru Friday.
Posted by Patient on October 11, 2003, at 18:24:22
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? » Dr. Bob, posted by eebeshy on October 10, 2003, at 15:22:07
> Oops, sorry I'm new at this!!! Hi, I'm taking Lexapro @ 15mg a day (been 3-4 months now) and my Dr. started me on Wellbutrin (100mg) a week ago because although I was still able to get out of bed in the morning to go to work, I was still feeling low all the time all I wanted to do was sleep. Been battling depression now for over 12 years (mental illness runs bigtime in my family). I started feeling better right away, but I've had trouble sleeping at night. I put in a call to my Dr. and he said that low a dosage shouldn't be a problem. Anyone have any suggestions? I also take Klonopin....maybe should I take one right before going to bed? BTW, reading everyone's comments has made me feel better about the whole depression issue. Thanks!
> eebeshyHello,
Many doctors will add or augment Wellbutrin to SSRI's. The added boost from the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine from the Wellbutrin can be helpful if one isn't completely responding to an SSRI, or, as in your case, to counteract daytime somnolence, as well as some other side effects of SSRI's.
I have, unofficially, Borderline Personality Disorder-can be difficult to treat, especially anger outbursts have been a problem for me, as well as still getting depressed while taking SSRI's. I've been taking Lexapro since February of this year. I started out with 5mg daily in morning, and 250mg of carbamazepine(Tegretol, mood stabiliser) for the first month, then increased Lexapro to 5mg twice a day. (I couldn't tolerate 10mg at once on most days-it made me a bit on the anxious side.) After a month of this combination I couldn't take the severe somnelence-I was a walking and napping zombie. So, stopped the carbamazepine, only taking it a week or two before my period starts, since this is when I'm most irritable. After a couple months I reduced down to 5mg daily Lexapro, mainly due to affordability. For me, 5mg daily is just as effective as the twice a day dosage. As of recent, I no longer take Tegretol as it seemed to make the daytime sleepiness even worse, especially 12 or so hours after taking it. I really didn't notice any improvement with it anyway, though was taking a low dose.
Here is where I finally get to the part about my experience with Wellbutrin (I can be long-winded).
A couple of years ago I had been prescribed Wellbutrin SR and took 150mg a day. It made me relaxed, but I was quick to snap at my husband-it was a strange combination-to be relaxed and easily irritated at the same time. I tried increasing to 300mg a day and couldn't handle the "snappiness". That was my month+ experience with Wellbutrin by itself.
In the past couple of months I have been experiencing what I call, false hunger pangs. While eating I would feel hungry, but an uncomfortable hunger. Just recently I stopped drinking real coffee-my stomach said no more. I don't know if it is from the Lexapro, but someone else on this board said they experienced acid reflux after taking Celexa. I have some leftover Wellbutrin SR and for the past few days I've been taking 150mg once in morning, and 5mg Lexapro in mid-afternoon. Wow-what a difference! I thought the Lexapro was helping, but after a few days on the Wellbutrin I feel ten times better-more alert-able to fill out a crossword puzzle within a shorter period of time, do not feel lethargic or tired during the day (just as you mentioned). The best part is that I feel relaxed-a calm feeling-and an added surpise is that my stomach is no longer bothering me. I do know that Wellbutrin can supress the appetite. I no longer am aware of my stomach throughout the day-no more pangs. I've only been on this combination a few days, but I am happy with the results so far. I'm ashamed to admit that I usually drink a glass of homemade wine or beer in the evenings to help calm me, and this isn't good, especially if you are taking any medications. Since I've taken the Wellbutrin I no longer want a glass of wine to relax me in the evenings. I have Ativan (lorazepam) if I need it, but I try to avoid it as my doctor told me the benzos can disrupt sleep cycles-eveningtime was usually when I'd take Ativan-it's effects lasting well into the A.M. hours.
You are on a low dosage of Wellbutrin-make sure you take it as early in the morning as possible. Sometimes the insomnia-effect goes away after you've been on Wellbutrin a while.
I would suggest you ask your doctor about trazodone (Desyrel). It's an older antidepressant that today is more commonly prescribed in a low dose to counteract insomnia caused by stimulating antidepressants. In my opinion, it works better than Ambien (zalpidem)or Sonata (zaleplon), as these only last a few hours, whereas trazodone helps one sleep the night through. Months ago my doctor prescribed 50mg trazodone taken at bedtime-he said it doesn't disrupt sleep cycles. It worked great at helping me sleep, but would cause stuffy nose and dry mouth, enough to keep me awake for the first two hours after taking it. Eventually I found 12.5mg worked fine without side effects. For me, it usually starts to make me sleepy in about thirty minutes to an hour.
Posted by Arrianna on October 11, 2003, at 18:29:49
In reply to Strange Weekend Thing, posted by bruce_w6 on October 11, 2003, at 17:47:27
Yep, I certainly do, too!! It is strange to think that this board may just be a "hoax" the way you put it!!
But, I'm certainly real as I'm sure the others are. Don't let your mind play tricks on ya'. I'm just thinking that it's the weekend and everyone is doing other things or taking a break to take care of themselves in other ways.
I'll be on the computer tonight working on my resume if you need to post. What med. are you on BTW??
Arrianna
Posted by bruce_w6 on October 11, 2003, at 18:44:07
In reply to Re: Strange Weekend Thing » bruce_w6, posted by Arrianna on October 11, 2003, at 18:29:49
> Yep, I certainly do, too!! It is strange to think that this board may just be a "hoax" the way you put it!!
>
> But, I'm certainly real as I'm sure the others are. Don't let your mind play tricks on ya'. I'm just thinking that it's the weekend and everyone is doing other things or taking a break to take care of themselves in other ways.
>
> I'll be on the computer tonight working on my resume if you need to post. What med. are you on BTW??
>
> ArriannaJust went to 15 Lex from 10. It does work but I still have more up and downs than I like.
I don't think it's a total hoax, but I do think it's flavored.
As far as weekend goes, wouldn't people have more time to write during the weekend because they work during the week (most of them).
Posted by Arrianna on October 11, 2003, at 20:05:21
In reply to Re: Strange Weekend Thing, posted by bruce_w6 on October 11, 2003, at 18:44:07
Bruce:
Up to 15mg? Can I ask how long you were on it before you increased and is it better now (besides the occasional ups and downs) that you've gone up?
Just wondering because my 10mg isn't working as it used to and am going to titrate up slowly. My neurons and everything else have been off lately.
It is curious as to the "deadness" of the board on the weekend. I have wondered about it before, too. But, some of us may actually have lives away from here. Anyway, I have too much to figure out already without trying to figure this out, too.
Keep postin'
From one weekend poster to another:
Arrianna
Posted by bruce_w6 on October 11, 2003, at 20:36:09
In reply to Re: Strange Weekend Thing » bruce_w6, posted by Arrianna on October 11, 2003, at 20:05:21
> Bruce:
>
> Up to 15mg? Can I ask how long you were on it before you increased and is it better now (besides the occasional ups and downs) that you've gone up?
>
> Just wondering because my 10mg isn't working as it used to and am going to titrate up slowly. My neurons and everything else have been off lately.
>
> It is curious as to the "deadness" of the board on the weekend. I have wondered about it before, too. But, some of us may actually have lives away from here. Anyway, I have too much to figure out already without trying to figure this out, too.
>
> Keep postin'
> From one weekend poster to another:
> ArriannaHi
I went from 10 to 12.5 after 8 months. Now it is a year and I went to 15. Yes it definitely helps. From my experiences with these drugs that you will reach a level that will last a number of years, it just takes time and adjustment to find that level.
Posted by Arrianna on October 11, 2003, at 21:03:36
In reply to Re: Strange Weekend Thing, posted by bruce_w6 on October 11, 2003, at 20:36:09
Posted by Mariposa on October 11, 2003, at 21:12:56
In reply to Re: Strange Weekend Thing, posted by bruce_w6 on October 11, 2003, at 18:08:54
I wonder if it's also that many have access to computers at work and are sneaking onto the web-site while they are supposedly *working*. Once they get home for the weekend, the kids are hogging the computer, or the game is on, or something besides P-Babble is occupying their minds.~~~8|8
Posted by vandy on October 11, 2003, at 23:34:04
In reply to Re: Strange Weekend Thing, posted by Diva Blue on October 11, 2003, at 17:58:35
Maybe you belong in the PsychoBabble Paranoia thread? <ducking>
I don't work for a drug company. And I get a slug of post notices every day. I created a rule in Outlook Express just to handle them. It seems to me that Saturday's posts were higher in number than Friday's.
> > I have noticed a sharp decrease in messages on the weekends (Saturday & Sunday). I would hate to think that most of the posts are from companies (9-5 Mon-Fri workers) that want us to keep going on the meds. Anyone else notice this drop off?
>
> huh??? I get new post emails to this thread daily....dont you? I havent personally noticed a difference. I, for one, do NOT work for a drug company.
> It seems to me that we are all just posting responses as needed. Some times we need each other more than others. Perhaps it is just more stressful for all us during the "work-week" and we need each other more then.....
>
> best wishes to all.
>
Posted by BLKVETTES on October 12, 2003, at 1:24:45
In reply to Strange Weekend Thing, posted by bruce_w6 on October 11, 2003, at 17:47:27
> I have noticed a sharp decrease in messages on the weekends (Saturday & Sunday). I would hate to think that most of the posts are from companies (9-5 Mon-Fri workers) that want us to keep going on the meds. Anyone else notice this drop off?
Hi, its like that on all the boards I go to. I know a lot of them!!!!!! Maybe its just break time and sleep time!!!!!!! TAKE CARE!!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by Mariposa on October 12, 2003, at 6:44:53
In reply to Re: Strange Weekend Thing, posted by Mariposa on October 11, 2003, at 21:12:56
> I wonder if it's also that many have access to computers at work and are sneaking onto the web-site while they are supposedly *working*. Once they get home for the weekend, the kids are hogging the computer, or the game is on, or something besides P-Babble is occupying their minds.~~~8|8
Just wanted to add that I am NOT a pharm rep, and I believe most if not all post are from real people, not made up by drug co reps. Not sure how you can be a regular reader here and believe we are all *made up* just to keep people taking drugs.~~~8|8
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