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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by LynneDa on November 20, 2003, at 15:08:00
In reply to 3rd week and Lex not working for depression, posted by sfmom on November 20, 2003, at 14:55:08
Sorry to hear you're having problems with the Lex. I've been on Lex 10mg for one month. The first 2 weeks were great, now it seems to have slowed down in effectiveness and some of the anxiety and depression/obsession is coming back. My p-doc said I need to wait another month to really evaluate cuz it might pick up a bit. I am trying to be patient but am tempted to up my dose myself!
It doesn't seem like 3 weeks is long enough to give it a fair trial, but I guess that depends on how bad your depression is. Can you not get out of bed cuz your sleepy or depressed? Are you not eating due to nausea or too depressed? I've heard that going from 10 to 20 causes you to go through side effects again. Many folks have gone 10 to 15 then 20 so the s/e's aren't so severe.
I use Melatonin for insomnia and it works great!
Hang in there & let us know what you decide!
~ Lynne
Posted by Esmarelda on November 20, 2003, at 15:44:33
In reply to 3rd week and Lex not working for depression, posted by sfmom on November 20, 2003, at 14:55:08
I felt better at first, but at about week 2-4, I felt worse that I felt before Lex. Then at about weeks 5-7, I all the sudden felt lots better. I started on 10 mg and then at about week 10 or so upped it to 15mg. It was worth it to me. I feel much better now with no side effects.
Posted by BLKVETTES on November 20, 2003, at 16:03:45
In reply to 3rd week and Lex not working for depression, posted by sfmom on November 20, 2003, at 14:55:08
> It's been three weeks today that I've been on Lex. After the first week or so I started to feel a little better but then really depressed again right before I was supposed to up my dose to 20mg. Then on 20 I was doing okay until the last three days and I just can't drag myself out of bed or force myself to eat anything. Since I'm still having insonmia, I called my pdoc and she prescribed some trazadone (sp?) which I haven't taken yet. But when I told her I was still depressed she said that maybe we should switch to Paxil. I've heard pretty terrible things about Paxil so I don't really want to go on it. Also, I've suffered through all of these freaking se's on Lex and don't want to go through that again.
>
> Any advice? Has anyone been taking more than 20mg for depression and anxiety? (I also take 3 Klonopin per day.) How about any experience with Paxil. As some have said the weight loss on Lex has been one of the best se's and I don't want to gain it all back!
Hey, it takes a good 4 to 8 weeks for most people to get relief with these meds. For me it was 6 weeks. The depression went first and then the anxiety was slowly brought under control. I cant believe your pdoc has even suggested a med change at this point. But then again Im not surprised based on what you have posted here before.
Posted by Meehee on November 20, 2003, at 16:32:38
In reply to Re: 3rd week and Lex not working for depression » sfmom, posted by Esmarelda on November 20, 2003, at 15:44:33
Ive been on Lex for six weeks now and everything everybody saying about Lexapro is what I went through. I had the problem with staying asleep and I to was prescribed ambien first 5mg and then my pdoc up'd it to 10mg and I would still not sleep all night. And that was first 3 or four weeks. And believe me I felt worse than ever. Than all of a sudden I just started getting really comfortable and relaxed at bed time and now I get into this real deep sleep and I have the wildest dreams some good, some bad but always interesting. And I will sleep all night without any ambien. But since I have pmdd Ive noticed that based on this week Im starting with the depression,agitation, anxiety and insomnia. I saw my pdoc yesterday he wants me to up my Lex to 20mg five days before my week before my period. So like for 12 days a month he wants me to take 20mg. I took my first 20mg this am with no side effects, and other than a slight agitation, mild depression and anxiety. I was alot better than I was yesterday. That could change at a moments notice though.
Posted by sfmom on November 20, 2003, at 16:36:55
In reply to 3rd week and Lex not working for depression, posted by sfmom on November 20, 2003, at 14:55:08
Thanks everyone for your advice and support. I guess, once again, I'll just have to stick it out. Hopefully the meds will start to work soon because I'm just not functioning right now. I'm supposed to go back to work on Dec 1 and I'm scared as hell about that. My doc says she can extend my medical disability, but the disability checks don't even come close to paying the bills so I'm also stressed out about that too.
Well, I dragged my butt out of bed today and forced myself to eat something. My friend is picking me up in about an hour to take me to her house to have a bath in her huge bathtub. I just have no idea what to do with myself in the meantime. Then I have therapy tonight and tomorrow morning, so hopefully that will help, although it usually makes me more anxious.
Thanks for letting me vent/express/ramble on. I don't know what I'd do without you all. Just wish I could get hugs online!
Posted by Esmarelda on November 20, 2003, at 16:40:35
In reply to Re: 3rd week and Lex not working for depression, posted by sfmom on November 20, 2003, at 16:36:55
You Can! ((((((((((((((sfmom)))))))))))))))!
Posted by LynneDa on November 20, 2003, at 16:43:13
In reply to Re: 3rd week and Lex not working for depression, posted by sfmom on November 20, 2003, at 16:36:55
((((((SFMOM)))))))
Hugs to you! You should be proud of yourself for getting out of bed and getting out of the house tonight!When you're feeling a bit better, make a list of very small things you can do around the house - that only take 5 - 10 minutes or so (clip coupons, clean out a sock drawer, file 10 bills or even work on a puzzle), and do this when you feel anxious and at loose ends. Not a cure for depression, but it may make you feel better at the moment - more normal. It works for me and makes the time go by. Hang in there and stay safe!
~Lynne
Posted by sfmom on November 20, 2003, at 16:58:21
In reply to Re: 3rd week and Lex not working for depression, posted by LynneDa on November 20, 2003, at 16:43:13
Posted by sapphira on November 20, 2003, at 17:29:09
In reply to Re: 3rd week and Lex not working for depression, posted by LynneDa on November 20, 2003, at 16:43:13
{{{{SFMom}}}}
i'm in my third week too, though the first week was at 2.5 mg and now i'm only taking 5 mg. i honestly feel that is all my body can handle at this point.
i've had the usual nausea, loss of appetite, dizziness and what i thought were urinary problems which seemed to resolve once i started drinking more liquids.
overall, i'm feeling better emotionally and not at all sad. i'm still somewhere in that in-between state of not being really happy and not sad. i'm able to sleep with the help of valium which i was taking before starting the lex. i'm just taking a bit more now.
i'm going to give the lex a good try. i really don't want to try anything else if the lex doesn't work. i've been through enough already and the s/es scare me.
sapphira
Posted by Dr. Bob on November 20, 2003, at 17:40:47
In reply to Re: Everyone - Interested in when these darn SE's stop » Dr. Jill, posted by anonymous13 on November 19, 2003, at 20:34:33
> Natural Alternatives...
I'd like follow-ups regarding natural alternatives to be redirected to Psycho-Babble Alternative. Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20031104/msgs/281817.html
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by vandy on November 20, 2003, at 22:15:51
In reply to Re: 3rd week and Lex not working for depression, posted by sapphira on November 20, 2003, at 17:29:09
{{{{sapphira}}}}
Never underestimate the power of a hug!It's great that you're starting to feel an emotional lift. Hang in there, kiddo! It gets better, believe me. I know it's discouraging at times because the progress feels so slow when you're in the middle of it all but you just wait. It's going to feel wonderful with this is behind you. At least it will if you share my experience. And it took me a while for sure. My take is that it was very much worth the wait. Keep us up to date and know that we care.
> {{{{SFMom}}}}
>
> i'm in my third week too, though the first week was at 2.5 mg and now i'm only taking 5 mg. i honestly feel that is all my body can handle at this point.
>
> i've had the usual nausea, loss of appetite, dizziness and what i thought were urinary problems which seemed to resolve once i started drinking more liquids.
>
> overall, i'm feeling better emotionally and not at all sad. i'm still somewhere in that in-between state of not being really happy and not sad. i'm able to sleep with the help of valium which i was taking before starting the lex. i'm just taking a bit more now.
>
> i'm going to give the lex a good try. i really don't want to try anything else if the lex doesn't work. i've been through enough already and the s/es scare me.
>
> sapphira
>
>
Posted by Oldhand on November 21, 2003, at 0:44:49
In reply to My Doctor Wants Me to Switch to Effexor (sp?), posted by Dr. Jill on November 20, 2003, at 14:09:14
> I just got back from the doctor and told him about all of my lovely side effects with Lexpro. I am taking it in the am (5mg). I can fall asleep with the help of Ambien, but can only sleep a few hours. At any rate, he wants to switch me to Effexor (sp?). Any experience with this medication! Jill
Hi Jill,
I took Effexor before Lexapro. Started with the 37.5mg, went to 75mg and could go no farther. It raised my blood pressure, gave me crazy anxiety attacks, brain and body zaps and I forget what all else. I (stupidly) tried to quit it cold turkey and that was worse than the effects of the drug. It was a nightmare I can't really remember. As with everything, it may be different for you. I have had very good results with Lexapro for over a year now, in combination now with Wellbutrin xl and Trazodone for sleep. Best of luck with Effexor but read up on it here and on other sites. It definately was not for me.
Shelley
Posted by Dr. Jill on November 21, 2003, at 5:52:59
In reply to Re: My Doctor Wants Me to Switch to Effexor (sp?) » Dr. Jill, posted by Oldhand on November 21, 2003, at 0:44:49
Thanks Shelley! Actually, it is very strange, but I felt so much better last night - I was able to sleep and my throat did not feel closed. Maybe I am finally over the hump with Lexapro. I have read many of the posts regarding Effexor and understandably, they are anecdotal. However, it seems that there are more positive stories with Lexapro than Effexor. I think I am going to hold off on switching. He did not even call in the prescription yet. He required that I take a pregnancy test first (he is very much CYA). Thanks again for the information! Jill
> > I just got back from the doctor and told him about all of my lovely side effects with Lexpro. I am taking it in the am (5mg). I can fall asleep with the help of Ambien, but can only sleep a few hours. At any rate, he wants to switch me to Effexor (sp?). Any experience with this medication! Jill
>
> Hi Jill,
> I took Effexor before Lexapro. Started with the 37.5mg, went to 75mg and could go no farther. It raised my blood pressure, gave me crazy anxiety attacks, brain and body zaps and I forget what all else. I (stupidly) tried to quit it cold turkey and that was worse than the effects of the drug. It was a nightmare I can't really remember. As with everything, it may be different for you. I have had very good results with Lexapro for over a year now, in combination now with Wellbutrin xl and Trazodone for sleep. Best of luck with Effexor but read up on it here and on other sites. It definately was not for me.
> Shelley
Posted by Oldhand on November 21, 2003, at 21:10:22
In reply to Thanks Shelley regarding info on Effexor! :-), posted by Dr. Jill on November 21, 2003, at 5:52:59
Posted by Journeyman on November 22, 2003, at 1:19:46
In reply to Re: 3rd week and Lex not working for depression, posted by LynneDa on November 20, 2003, at 16:43:13
First day on Lexapro or any kind of AD.
Thanks for your stories; it helps to know we're not in this alone.
Posted by sapphira on November 22, 2003, at 18:53:29
In reply to First day, posted by Journeyman on November 22, 2003, at 1:19:46
it's been so quiet that i'm wondering how everyone is doing with their lex?? i'm doing OK, still taking the 5mg. it is working as i know that my mood has changed and i'm not at all weepy. i feel better and i'm hoping to feel even better once i'm on it for six weeks or so. it's only been 3 weeks. the s/es are still with me though not as intense. the nausea is the worst of them right now and when i'm nauseous i'm a bit lightheaded. for now, the diarrhea has abated and i'm able to relax and sleep.
i see my dr. on the 15th and i'll see what she says. i'd like to stay at the 5mg as long as i feel it's working for me.
hugs to all,
sapphira
Posted by Journeyman on November 22, 2003, at 21:28:09
In reply to how's everyone doing??, posted by sapphira on November 22, 2003, at 18:53:29
Hello Sapphira,
Glad to hear things are getting better for you on the s/es end of things and that you're feeling better emotionally.
I just started taking Lex yesterday, 5 mg, and the dry/tight throat and mildly upset stomach are kicking in a little.
I'm curious, when did you start noticing the change in your mood? Does it seem pretty stable, even this early in the treatment?
Glad you're sleeping.
Richard
Posted by lonewolf91$ on November 22, 2003, at 22:21:46
In reply to Re: 3rd week and Lex not working for depression, posted by sapphira on November 20, 2003, at 17:29:09
I've been on lex for four months now. At first I felt a lot better, happier, more energetic. Now I seem to be slipping back into my old feelings of worthlessness and lack of ethusiasm. I guess it goes to show you real happiness can not be found in a pill.
Posted by sapphira on November 22, 2003, at 22:29:15
In reply to Re: how's everyone doing?? » sapphira, posted by Journeyman on November 22, 2003, at 21:28:09
hi, nice to "meet" you :-)
i noticed my mood change after the first full week. at first i felt 'dopey' and i hated that but then i started to feel just "calm" and not at all emotional or angry. i was really having problems with anger and 'flying off the handle' really easily. everyone ticked me off. that too has subsided, i find i'm able to 'blow things off more easily'. as for stability, for the most part yes, i'd say i'm pretty stable. i still get anxiety pangs when something worries me (i'm a worrier anyway) or upsets me. but i'm usually on a pretty even keel. that's one of the reasons why i'm content to stay at the 5mg. i do not feel a need right now to go to 10mg and go through all the unpleasant s/es again. the nausea is still there, though not as bad and my appetite is just so-so. i've lost weight but that doesn't upset me as i had gained during the depression.
if i can be of any help to you just let me know. everyone here is really nice and very helpful.
sapphira
Posted by sapphira on November 22, 2003, at 22:34:08
In reply to Seems to be losing it's effect, posted by lonewolf91$ on November 22, 2003, at 22:21:46
how much are you taking??
is there anything different going on in your life right now that could be bringing you down?
i know someone who is taking lex and her mom just died. she is feeling really bad (naturally so) and thought she needed to increase her lex. i told her that what she was feeling was 'normal' for the circumstances and probably not related to the lex.
sapphira
Posted by lonewolf91$ on November 22, 2003, at 22:39:20
In reply to Re: Seems to be losing it's effect, posted by sapphira on November 22, 2003, at 22:34:08
> how much are you taking??
>
> is there anything different going on in your life right now that could be bringing you down?
>
> i know someone who is taking lex and her mom just died. she is feeling really bad (naturally so) and thought she needed to increase her lex. i told her that what she was feeling was 'normal' for the circumstances and probably not related to the lex.
>
> sapphira
>
> I'm taking 10mg. The worst SE that I have is fatigue, by early evening I'm ready for a nap. Things havn't changed much in my life. The bill's get bigger while my paycheck stays the same, you know, what else is new :)
Posted by RRCarlo on November 23, 2003, at 11:09:08
In reply to Re: Lexapro Loss of Appetite » Scribbler, posted by Arrianna on October 17, 2003, at 23:30:52
This group never ceases to amaze me with its answers to my questions. (Even before I asked them.) This is my third day on Lexapro and I'm not hungry. That's unsual for me. I log on and, voila!, the answer to my concerns are waiting for me. Thank you all!
Posted by sfmom on November 23, 2003, at 12:29:41
In reply to how's everyone doing??, posted by sapphira on November 22, 2003, at 18:53:29
Hi Sapphira, I'm glad that the lex seems to be working for you. I'm up to 20mg and although my anxiety is better, the depression is really, really bad. So I'm just waiting out the next three weeks to see how I am after that miraculous six weeks. My doc also extended my disabity until Jan 5 (instead of Dec 1) so that is a big pressure lifted, I just don't know how I'm going to pay the mortgage! I'm still suffering from some stomach problems and have no appetite to speak of but I've started trying to exercise a couple times a week and it's really helped me feel better. I have to say though, the weight loss has been a nice side effect. I never thought I'd be a size 6 again! Of course I know it's not healthy and I'll gain weight as soon as I start eating normally again but with so much dragging me down, it's nice to have some good things too. Take care of yourself and keep us posted!
Posted by Mariposa on November 23, 2003, at 14:13:02
In reply to Seems to be losing it's effect, posted by lonewolf91$ on November 22, 2003, at 22:21:46
> I've been on lex for four months now. At first I felt a lot better, happier, more energetic. Now I seem to be slipping back into my old feelings of worthlessness and lack of ethusiasm. I guess it goes to show you real happiness can not be found in a pill.
Have you told your doc? I started @5mg, went to 10mg at week 5, and around the end of 4th month I felt as you do. My doc upped dose to 20mg and still doing well at that dose. It's possible that an increase might help you also, so consult w/doc.
Best of luck!~~~8|8
Posted by Mariposa on November 23, 2003, at 14:20:01
In reply to Re: how's everyone doing?? » sapphira, posted by sfmom on November 23, 2003, at 12:29:41
> Hi Sapphira, I'm glad that the lex seems to be working for you. I'm up to 20mg and although my anxiety is better, the depression is really, really bad. So I'm just waiting out the next three weeks to see how I am after that miraculous six weeks. My doc also extended my disabity until Jan 5 (instead of Dec 1) so that is a big pressure lifted, I just don't know how I'm going to pay the mortgage! I'm still suffering from some stomach problems and have no appetite to speak of but I've started trying to exercise a couple times a week and it's really helped me feel better. I have to say though, the weight loss has been a nice side effect. I never thought I'd be a size 6 again! Of course I know it's not healthy and I'll gain weight as soon as I start eating normally again but with so much dragging me down, it's nice to have some good things too. Take care of yourself and keep us posted!
You may not regain the weight, keep fingers crossed!!! I lost weight in the first few months, went from a size 10 to a 6, and have not gained it back. Have returned to old eating habits. Had a physical and everything checks out ok. Positive thoughts!! I also had trouble w/depression not easing at first, but now seem to have a handle on it most days.
Hang in there and hopefully the best is yet to come!~~~8|8
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