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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by sfmom on October 27, 2003, at 9:56:00
In reply to Re: Lexapro for anxiety/switching pm to am » sfmom, posted by Mariposa on October 26, 2003, at 11:12:09
> > I'm on day four of Lexapro and can't sleep even with Clonopin (sp?) although I'm exhausted during the day. Haven't had a panic attack yet on Lex but I'm so jittery I can barely type. Can't sleep because my legs and ankles jerk and hand shake. This is really a problem for me because I have to be up before 7 with my 2 year old. Has anyone found a time of day to take Lex that makes it easier to sleep at night. I've been taking 10mg after dinner to help with the nausea, not that it's really helping. Also, I'm totally out of it and can't concentrate. Is this the Lex, or just the depression I'm feeling now that the panic attacks are gone? Help please.
> >
> >
> I started off taking in the morning, had some of the same problems you mention, switched to afternoons, then to evenings, and now I'm back to mornings again. The first couple of weeks can be tough w/se's but they should go away, mine were mostly gone by end of 4th week. Had insomnia in the beginning, but now I fall asleep quickly and easily and sleep soundly through the night - THANK YOU Lex for THAT!!! I took OTC for sleep (Tylenol PM, Unisom, Ibuprofen, Acitomenifen).Trouble concentrating - I had that too but OK now. I think the time of day thing is something you have to play with, try different times to see what works for you. As I said before, I moved around a bunch but settled on mornings in the end.
>
> Good Luck to You!~~~8|8Is it okay to take an OTC sleep aid on top of the Lex and Klonopin? I really need some sleep! I'm going to start to move my Lex dose earlier in the day so see if that helps too. I'm exhausted, but still going to drag myself to group now. . .who scheduled these things first thing in the morning?!?
Posted by ginger C on October 27, 2003, at 10:47:44
In reply to Re: Lexapro for anxiety/switching pm to am » sfmom, posted by Mariposa on October 26, 2003, at 11:12:09
Im taking Lexapro in the mornings now because I was having problems sleeping and legs jerking. I don't know if my concentration problems are medicine related or depression related but I am beginning to suspect it is mostly the depression.
Posted by GEEKUS on October 27, 2003, at 16:25:56
In reply to Re: SEXUAL SIDE EFFEECTS one more thing » platinumbride, posted by LynneDa on October 27, 2003, at 9:55:03
I SPOKE TO MY DOC ABOUT THE SEXUAL SIDE EFFECTS AND THE INCREASING GENERAL ANXIETY - CANNOT FOCUS - EXTREME FOOT & FINGER TAPPING. THIS IS AFTER 6 WEEKS OF LEXAPRO 20MG.
WHEN I FIRST STARTED ON PROZAC, I HAD THIS WAVE OF EUPHORIA THAT CAME TO ME AFTER A FEW WEEKS. I STAYED ON IT FOR 3 YEARS AND THEN IT TUCKERED OUT ON ME, AND THE DEPRESSION CAME BACK.
I MENTION THIS BECAUSE I HAVE NOT HAD EVEN THE SLIGHTEST HINT OF THE ABOVE DESCRIBED 'EUPHORIA'. INSTEAD, WITH LEXAPRO IT HAS BEEN A REDUCTION IN FATALISTIC THOUGHTS, BUT AN INCREASED ANXIETY, SEXUAL DISFUNTION, AND AN INABILITY TO FOCUS.
IT HAS BEEN MENTIONED TO ME THAT BUSPAR MIGHT BE ABLE TO HELP WITH THE ANXIETY. AS FOR THE SEXUAL ISSUES, I TOO HAVE HEARD ABOUT WELBUTRIN HELPING.
THE DOC HAS ADVISED ME TO REDUCE DOSEAGE TO 10 MG.
Posted by vandy on October 27, 2003, at 17:25:56
In reply to Re: SEXUAL SIDE EFFEECTS » carolee, posted by platinumbride on October 27, 2003, at 9:22:06
People here are sooo open. Why should I be any different?
My wife and I both take lex. One might guess that could mean a challenge on the desire issue. My wife doesn't initiate as she used to before Lex and it's been enough time for both of us so we can't say it's a temporary side effect. I volunteer. It's the least I can do! And we make sure she is rewarded by using one of the "Silver Bullet" variety vibrators. It's perfect for clitoral stimulation during penetration. It gets my wife where she wants to go. When I see and feel her in full enjoyment it's easy for me to go over the edge as well.
Good vibes has one of these things called "Bullet Blaster" and it carries Mr. & Mrs. Vandy's seal of approval.
> I experieced that problem on the great lexapro as well as celexa. (well, they worked for depression for over a year,so I guessI can be grateful for that)
>
> OK kids, get the giggles out now.......
>
> What my hubby suggested was a vibrator. The nice feminine ones with the light touches couldn't do it for me anymore......
>
> I had to get one with more strength.
>
> I don't own stock in vibrator companies.......
> I don't knwo how to say this without offending anyone or seeming like I am trying to sell something, so I will just dare to offend and apologize in advance.
>
> accuvibe was a very good choice for me.
>
> You may want to visit www.goodvibes.com and write to customer service, which is what I did. They recommended several products based on my question. And I ddint get gross spam the day after either. Well, I did, but who doesn't???
>
> Diane
Posted by DQBLIZ on October 27, 2003, at 18:04:49
In reply to Re: Lexapro for anxiety/switching pm to am, posted by sfmom on October 26, 2003, at 10:47:25
Has anyone been placed on 20mg of Lexapro right after being on 10mg for one week? My doc said that I should jump up to 20 right away.
Posted by platinumbride on October 27, 2003, at 18:08:49
In reply to Re: SEXUAL SIDE EFFEECTS, posted by vandy on October 27, 2003, at 17:25:56
Well, since we havne't been censored by prudes yet (mean of me.......I should just say people for whom this is not an ucmfortable thing)
ATTETNION ALL WOMEN WHO HAVE GAINED WEIGHT ON MEDS
a more "vigorous" vibrator with a longer handle and no stupid bunnies or dolphins are really a help. I am one of those women, so I know what i say......
Libido can be enhanced by a few "good vibrations", not in the sweet spot right away, but in areas around it.
It does take a little effort.....but the climax and what follows is worth it, i think.......Sex can make things a little more bearable in life....Diane
Posted by platinumbride on October 27, 2003, at 18:11:44
In reply to Re: Lexapro for anxiety/switching pm to am, posted by DQBLIZ on October 27, 2003, at 18:04:49
yes
about 20 minutes agoDiane
Posted by Mariposa on October 27, 2003, at 18:34:57
In reply to Re: Lexapro for anxiety/switching pm to am » DQBLIZ, posted by platinumbride on October 27, 2003, at 18:11:44
> yes
> about 20 minutes ago
>
> DianeIt sounds a little *excessive* to me also. Literature says 10mg is recommended dose.
I had bad side effects starting at 5mg. Have you experienced any SE's?Keep us posted!~~~8|8
Posted by Mariposa on October 27, 2003, at 18:37:16
In reply to Re: YOU WOMEN ARE DOING GREAT » Mariposa, posted by Scribbler on October 27, 2003, at 9:16:43
> Just wanted to let you know that I had a potentially stressful weekend with two public speaking engagements and then an occasion in which I found myself seated in the middle of a church pew with people packed in on either side (an instant panic attack situation!) and was able to relax. No cold sweats, racing heart, light-headed fainting feelings. I'm beginning week #3 of Lexapro today and doubt I'd be this far without your encouragement and reassurance. Thank you SO MUCH for helping me get this far! I wonder if you who respond to our pleas for help realize how much it means to know you're here with us and understand so completely what your compassion means. Wish there were something I could do to repay your kindness.
I feel it's the least I can do....I got so much help from this board myself and am just trying to re-pay. But THANK YOU, it's nice to be appreciated!!
Hang in there~~~8|8
Posted by sfmom on October 27, 2003, at 19:26:03
In reply to Re: Lexapro for anxiety/switching pm to am, posted by ginger C on October 27, 2003, at 10:47:44
> Im taking Lexapro in the mornings now because I was having problems sleeping and legs jerking. I don't know if my concentration problems are medicine related or depression related but I am beginning to suspect it is mostly the depression.
Can you sleep again? Did the leg jerking stop? I switched from evening to afternoon today and am planning to go to morning tomorrow. Is there anything I can do to counteract the tension and jerking? I took my Lex a couple of hours ago and my ankles are killing me right now and I'm feeling really anxious, although yogurt seems to be helping with the nausea. If this continues, I don't know if I'm going to be able to stay on Lexapro. It's only been five days and I'm supposed to go up to 20 mg after two weeks!
Posted by Mariposa on October 27, 2003, at 22:05:08
In reply to Re: Lexapro for anxiety/switching pm to am » ginger C, posted by sfmom on October 27, 2003, at 19:26:03
>
I took my Lex a couple of hours ago and my ankles are killing me right now and I'm feeling really anxious, although yogurt seems to be helping with the nausea. If this continues, I don't know if I'm going to be able to stay on Lexapro. It's only been five days and I'm supposed to go up to 20 mg after two weeks!The initial side effects can be quite bothersome, but they should taper off and go away. The worst was over for me after 2nd week, mostly gone after 5th week.
I started at 5mg, went to 10mg 5th week, and 20mg at 5 months. May I ask, why the big rush to go up to 20mg?~~~8|8
Posted by Esmarelda on October 28, 2003, at 8:58:11
In reply to Re: Lexapro for anxiety/switching pm to am, posted by DQBLIZ on October 27, 2003, at 18:04:49
No. I took 10 mg of Lexapro for a couple months, then started feelings kind of anxious again and bumped it up to 15mg where I have been for about 2 more months and everything is just fine. Of course, listen to your doctor, but people don't automatically need 20 mg. I think there are some that come to this board who have always been on 5 or 7.5 mg. If the 10 mg is working, I would talk to my doctor about keeping it right there and then easing up if you have problems with that dosage.
Posted by sfmom on October 28, 2003, at 9:48:01
In reply to Re: Lexapro for anxiety/switching pm to am » sfmom, posted by Mariposa on October 27, 2003, at 22:05:08
> >
> I took my Lex a couple of hours ago and my ankles are killing me right now and I'm feeling really anxious, although yogurt seems to be helping with the nausea. If this continues, I don't know if I'm going to be able to stay on Lexapro. It's only been five days and I'm supposed to go up to 20 mg after two weeks!
>
> The initial side effects can be quite bothersome, but they should taper off and go away. The worst was over for me after 2nd week, mostly gone after 5th week.
>
> I started at 5mg, went to 10mg 5th week, and 20mg at 5 months. May I ask, why the big rush to go up to 20mg?~~~8|8The quick answer is because my pdoc said so. The longer answer is that I have been totally non-functioning because of anxiety and panic attacks and since Lex is mainly for depression, she wants to get me up to a higher dose quicker so it can work for the anxiety too and I can taper off the Klonopin which she doesn't want me to stay on too long. Also, I'm out on disability only until Dec 1 so she wanted to get me functioning before then so I can go back to work. Anyway, this is how it was explained to me, don't know how much truth it holds. I was planning to take my Lex this morning in hopes of being able to sleep better tonight but am putting it off in fear of feeling sick the rest of the day. The joint pressure and pain seems to be getting worse with every dose. There's got to be something to help with this! Have you heard of anything that lessens it? My mom said to try calcium (sp?) but that's mainly for cramping, not joint pain and jerking.
Posted by Esmarelda on October 28, 2003, at 9:51:19
In reply to Re: Lexapro for anxiety/switching pm to am » Mariposa, posted by sfmom on October 28, 2003, at 9:48:01
Hang in there. The SE's will go away. I was only nauseated for about one week. I never did have the joint pain. I feel for you. While Lex may not be for everyone, I know those who have hung in there, have sure been glad they did. Myself included.
Posted by platinumbride on October 28, 2003, at 11:17:07
In reply to Re: SEXUAL SIDE EFFEECTS one more thing » platinumbride, posted by LynneDa on October 27, 2003, at 9:55:03
I'm not a sick perv, but I would like to know if anyone has any luck with anything that vibrates. It has really helped me a lot.....
Diane
Posted by Gator on October 28, 2003, at 11:18:55
In reply to Re: Lexapro for anxiety/switching pm to am » sfmom, posted by Esmarelda on October 28, 2003, at 9:51:19
This is the first time I have posted, but I read all of the posts every day. I've been taking Lexapro for 3 weeks now. In the begining I had several SE's including migraines, nausea, problems with my blood sugar going too low, feeling diconnected and being very tired. But at about 2 weeks everyone of them were almost completely gone. I am taking this for depression and I am feeling better, even like I deserve to be on this earth.
Thank you for all of the people that post - you guys were my inspiration to get through the SE's and feel the way I am today.
Posted by Esmarelda on October 28, 2003, at 11:24:04
In reply to Re: Lexapro for anxiety/switching pm to am, posted by Gator on October 28, 2003, at 11:18:55
Congratulations! Glad to hear that you are feeling better. Lexapro has been a miracle drug for me. You just gotta hang in there a bit!
Posted by LynneDa on October 28, 2003, at 11:29:16
In reply to Re: Lexapro for anxiety/switching pm to am, posted by Gator on October 28, 2003, at 11:18:55
Thanks for posting. I'm heading into week 2 and am seeing some of my s/e's leave,am feeling much more balanced. It's encouraging to hear most of your s/e's are gone. I am looking forward to that!
~ Lynne
Posted by Mariposa on October 28, 2003, at 22:10:31
In reply to Re: Lexapro for anxiety/switching pm to am » Mariposa, posted by sfmom on October 28, 2003, at 9:48:01
I was planning to take my Lex this morning in hopes of being able to sleep better tonight but am putting it off in fear of feeling sick the rest of the day. The joint pressure and pain seems to be getting worse with every dose. There's got to be something to help with this! Have you heard of anything that lessens it? My mom said to try calcium (sp?) but that's mainly for cramping, not joint pain and jerking.
If it's really painful you should consult your physician.
I take all kinds of supplements (Calcium,B12,E,fish oil, etc.) I didn't have the joint pain you mention...I have arthritis so I probably wouldn't have noticed it anyway. Jerking was not a side effect I experienced, aand hopefully so of the more knowledgeable posters will respond???~~~8|8
Posted by Mariposa on October 28, 2003, at 22:13:13
In reply to Re: Lexapro for anxiety/switching pm to am, posted by Gator on October 28, 2003, at 11:18:55
> This is the first time I have posted, but I read all of the posts every day. I've been taking Lexapro for 3 weeks now. In the begining I had several SE's including migraines, nausea, problems with my blood sugar going too low, feeling diconnected and being very tired. But at about 2 weeks everyone of them were almost completely gone. I am taking this for depression and I am feeling better, even like I deserve to be on this earth.
>
> Thank you for all of the people that post - you guys were my inspiration to get through the SE's and feel the way I am today.This is GREAT!!! Positive thoughts and continue improving!!!~~~8|8
Posted by Cubsfan on October 29, 2003, at 15:03:54
In reply to Re: Lexapro for anxiety/switching pm to am » Gator, posted by Mariposa on October 28, 2003, at 22:13:13
Hi there! Today was the first time I read through the messages on this thread and they are all very interesting. Thanks to all of you for your contributions! I have recently been prescribed to take Lexapro for mild depression and possibly dysthymia. I have been counseled by my therapist for the past three months to take an anti-depressant but have resisted thus far due to the SE's as well as the fear of becoming dependent upon them. The short-version of my story is that I'm 27 years old and have gone through major bouts of depression a couple of times in my life, most recently starting about a year back. Although I don't feel that I currently have major depression, I don't feel quite right and don't feel that I have any excitement for life. I've felt this way for a long time off and on. That's why I wonder if I have dysthymia, something which no one has been able to confirm one way or the other. Basically, I'm still unsure about whether there is some sort of a chemical imbalance that I'm suffering from or just thinking patterns that I need to work on. It's very frustrating, cause I want to feel better but don't know how to go about it.
My question is whether those of you who take Lexapro feel it would be helpful for someone like me who possibly suffers from a mild form of depression, or is it only helpful for those with a major form? I've been presribed to take 10mg but, after reading some of the postings on this thread, am now a little reluctant again due to the SE's. I would love to hear your response. Thanks!
Posted by Mariposa on October 29, 2003, at 15:28:06
In reply to bi-polar screening test online » mph-speedy, posted by lil' jimi on August 18, 2003, at 14:27:54
> 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 ....
> ~ jimHere's one I found back in our thread...sure there are more out there.~~~8|8
Posted by Diva Blue on October 29, 2003, at 15:43:06
In reply to Re: bi-polar screening test online, posted by Mariposa on October 29, 2003, at 15:28:06
> > hi there speedy!
> >
> > you wrote:
> > > What is test for bp? Didn't know there was one.
> >
> > try http://www.dbsalliance.org/questionnaire/screening.asp
> >Hey....Took this test. Found out I am NOT bi-polar according to it. WHEW.....glad there wasnt one more thing to be worried about. I have been feeling pretty good lately. Was almost starting to wonder if I was drifting over into the other spectrum....
Amazing how well this SSRI works after you combat the SE's.hope all of you are doing as well.
hugs and kisses, diva "not so" blue
Posted by LynneDa on October 29, 2003, at 16:05:33
In reply to Lexapro for mild depression/dysthymia?, posted by Cubsfan on October 29, 2003, at 15:03:54
Hi! I think we have some similarities so hopefully this will help. I think I have dysthymia and/or mild depression, no one's sure which. I have also been diagnosed with PMDD and I definitely have anxiety issues. My moods, ability to handle things, etc., are definitely cyclical thru the month and the year. I'm perimenopausal apparently (at 40). But the past few years have been much worse than my 20s & 30s.
I have been in counseling off and on for 10 years or so, but never have had any episodes of major depression where I can't function at all. I just don't function well - maybe about 60% of where I should be on bad days and 80% on good.
To make a long story short, because of the extremity of my tears, anger, apathy, intermittent desires to just drop out, unexplained fatigue and lowered functioning in all areas of life, I decided, with encouragement from my internist, gynecologist, therapist, parents, boss and friends, to try Lexapro.
It's been over one week and I am so much better, it's amazing. The s/e's were very tolerable compared to Sarafem (prozac, really) that I tried a year ago and quit after 2 months. I feel a bit sleepy but not any worse than before really, a little nausea at first, a bit of constipation, some inorgasmia . . . but I am much more able to cope, actually make a decision and deal with the extra stresses in my personal life right now.
The end result is this: I know there are behavior patterns I need to change and issues I need to work through. Having this *veil* of mild depression lifted off of me will now give me the energy and clear-sightedness to work on those things. (I hope!)
I was terrified too (& that's not an exaggeration)! I recommend you give it a try and keep us posted. This board is immensely encouraging and supportive while you go thru any side effects. Good luck whatever you decide!
~ LynneHi there! Today was the first time I read through the messages on this thread and they are all very interesting. Thanks to all of you for your contributions! I have recently been prescribed to take Lexapro for mild depression and possibly dysthymia. I have been counseled by my therapist for the past three months to take an anti-depressant but have resisted thus far due to the SE's as well as the fear of becoming dependent upon them. The short-version of my story is that I'm 27 years old and have gone through major bouts of depression a couple of times in my life, most recently starting about a year back. Although I don't feel that I currently have major depression, I don't feel quite right and don't feel that I have any excitement for life. I've felt this way for a long time off and on. That's why I wonder if I have dysthymia, something which no one has been able to confirm one way or the other. Basically, I'm still unsure about whether there is some sort of a chemical imbalance that I'm suffering from or just thinking patterns that I need to work on. It's very frustrating, cause I want to feel better but don't know how to go about it.
>
> My question is whether those of you who take Lexapro feel it would be helpful for someone like me who possibly suffers from a mild form of depression, or is it only helpful for those with a major form? I've been presribed to take 10mg but, after reading some of the postings on this thread, am now a little reluctant again due to the SE's. I would love to hear your response. Thanks!
Posted by Scribbler on October 29, 2003, at 16:21:52
In reply to Re: Lexapro for mild depression/dysthymia? » Cubsfan, posted by LynneDa on October 29, 2003, at 16:05:33
Hi there -- I'm in Week #3 of Lexapro and just awoke up from a nap (everyone's nodding their head, because they know where I'm at, right?) but even if I had realized the extent of the more severe SE's before I took my first pill, which I didn't, I'd have gone ahead with it because the results are so positive. Day #1 was a little rocky for me and after that I felt much better. Give it a try! You'll find a lot of encouragement from this Board and we'll be with you all the way.
...Now for my own question: can anyone tell me when this daytime sleepiness ends? Or just assure me that it does? I kind of like feeling drowsy and relaxed, but I'm not getting enough done.
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