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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Gator on December 22, 2003, at 9:39:03
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro?, posted by LynneDa on December 22, 2003, at 9:23:06
Merry Christmas everyone,
I don't post very often, but I read every day. I had a very terrible situation happen in my life 2 weeks ago and without Lex I would have never had the strength to get through it. I have been on 10mg for 3 months now. Without the support of my Mom, my best friend,Lex and reading this board daily I would have slipped into the dark hole of depresion again. The situation is getting better and I am seeing the light and feeling better. It is going to be a hard Christmas but I will be smiling!
Thanks to all and have a happy and peaceful Holiday!
Gator
Posted by LynneDa on December 22, 2003, at 10:03:53
In reply to Thank goodness for Lexapro!, posted by Gator on December 22, 2003, at 9:39:03
Here's a hug for you {{{{Gator}}}}}, glad you can see the light! Peace to you and Merry Christmas!
~ Lynne
Posted by BobYuma on December 22, 2003, at 10:26:12
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro?, posted by LynneDa on December 22, 2003, at 9:23:06
>>> Best wishes for success to everyone trying these meds and hang in there thru the s/e's - they usually go away in a month or so and I think most have found they've been worth the wait!
> > ~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Hi, Lynne.
I'm really glad to hear that you're doing so well with Lexapro.
You said that you've been on Lex for two months, and most SE's have gone away. My question is, did you have the side effect of clenching your jaws and teeth, and if so, has that side effect completely gone away yet?
I'm four days into my third week with Lex, and this is probably my biggest problem at this time, because it seems to be getting worse. I woke up about four times last night with my jaws hurting from clenching my jaws and teeth together. The jaws are actually sore this morning. I hope this SE goes away soon, I hate it.
Thanks, take care and good luck to you. May you have a Happy and Merry Christmas.
BobYuma
Posted by Neatfreak on December 22, 2003, at 10:40:33
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro?, posted by BobYuma on December 22, 2003, at 10:26:12
11th day on Lexapro poor sleep returned along with the mood shift, slight headache, and slight diarrhea not sure any of this is due to Lexapro.
Posted by LynneDa on December 22, 2003, at 10:41:25
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro?, posted by BobYuma on December 22, 2003, at 10:26:12
Hi Bob,
Yes! I did have the clenching. I think I was so disturbed by it because it was unexpected, as was the itchy neck! My p-doc said it couldn't have been related to the Lex cuz there was nothing he read that indicated this. I told him I've got pretty good anecdotal proof that it happens to many people! Until you asked, I hadn't noticed that it went away :-). I'm going to guess I haven't had it since about week 5 or 6. A lot of my s/e's disappeared at that time. I wonder if you took something to relax you and help you sleep if it would diminish the clenching and/or it wouldn't wake you up?I like reading your posts, thanks for being a part of this. Best wishes and peace to you!
~ Lynne
Posted by Kim B. on December 22, 2003, at 10:47:37
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro?, posted by LynneDa on December 22, 2003, at 10:41:25
Hi Lynne and Bob,
I have only been on Lex for 1 week and I also have the clenching in my jaw. It is probably the worst s/e that I have right now besides the insomnia. Any ways to help that?
Thanks and Have a Merry ChristmasHi Bob,
> Yes! I did have the clenching. I think I was so disturbed by it because it was unexpected, as was the itchy neck! My p-doc said it couldn't have been related to the Lex cuz there was nothing he read that indicated this. I told him I've got pretty good anecdotal proof that it happens to many people! Until you asked, I hadn't noticed that it went away :-). I'm going to guess I haven't had it since about week 5 or 6. A lot of my s/e's disappeared at that time. I wonder if you took something to relax you and help you sleep if it would diminish the clenching and/or it wouldn't wake you up?
>
> I like reading your posts, thanks for being a part of this. Best wishes and peace to you!
> ~ Lynne
Posted by LynneDa on December 22, 2003, at 10:49:17
In reply to Lexapro?, posted by Neatfreak on December 22, 2003, at 10:40:33
Flu? Hope not for your sake :-)
Keep in mind, it make take a couple of months for your body to completely adjust. I had a crummy first week, then a great week (mood & s/e's), then week 3 some s/e's, etc., until everything seemed to dissipate by week 5 or 6 and I started feeling more balanced and in control. If you're a female, the s/e's could change as your cycle changes as well. My cycle is very dictatiorial!!
Hang in there . . . rest, drink plenty of fluids and all that, just in case!!
~ Lynne
Posted by LynneDa on December 22, 2003, at 10:55:14
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro?, posted by Kim B. on December 22, 2003, at 10:47:37
Hi Kim - I just tried to become more cognizant of it and forced myself to relax when I caught myself doing it. But, I think it's involuntary for some reason and maybe it's something you just have to ride out. This sounds weird, but I would blow my cheeks out & expel my breath slowly to relax my jaws! Are you taking anything for the insomnia? Maybe that will help with the clenching if it happens at night. If not, melatonin worked great for me - 3mg at bed time and I was able to fall asleep. 3 more mg around 3am and I was able to sleep til 7am!
Hang in there, I'm pretty certain no one has reported the clenching past 2 months. Have a good holiday!
~ Lynne
Posted by Gator on December 22, 2003, at 15:14:10
In reply to Re: Thank goodness for Lexapro!, posted by LynneDa on December 22, 2003, at 10:03:53
Lynne,
Thanks for the hug! Here's one back to ya.
{{{{Lynne}}}}
Thanks again.
Gator
Posted by Neatfreak on December 22, 2003, at 16:02:04
In reply to Re: Lexapro?, posted by LynneDa on December 22, 2003, at 10:49:17
> Flu? Hope not for your sake :-)
>
> Keep in mind, it make take a couple of months for your body to completely adjust. I had a crummy first week, then a great week (mood & s/e's), then week 3 some s/e's, etc., until everything seemed to dissipate by week 5 or 6 and I started feeling more balanced and in control. If you're a female, the s/e's could change as your cycle changes as well. My cycle is very dictatiorial!!
>
> Hang in there . . . rest, drink plenty of fluids and all that, just in case!!
> ~ LynneNot a female but thanks for the history, perhaps I should not expect results this soon.
Thanks
Posted by BobYuma on December 22, 2003, at 16:09:58
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro?, posted by LynneDa on December 22, 2003, at 10:41:25
> Hi Bob,
> Yes! I did have the clenching. I think I was so disturbed by it because it was unexpected, as was the itchy neck! My p-doc said it couldn't have been related to the Lex cuz there was nothing he read that indicated this. I told him I've got pretty good anecdotal proof that it happens to many people! Until you asked, I hadn't noticed that it went away :-). I'm going to guess I haven't had it since about week 5 or 6. A lot of my s/e's disappeared at that time. I wonder if you took something to relax you and help you sleep if it would diminish the clenching and/or it wouldn't wake you up?
I like reading your posts, thanks for being a part of this. Best wishes and peace to you!
> ~ Lynne>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Hey, hey Lynne:
Thanks for the compliment [about reading my post]. I like reading yours too ... Mutual Admiration Society ... <wink>
About taking something before bedtime to help with relaxation and sleep: Yes Ma'am, I started taking a sleeping pill and one Lorazepam each night at bedtime. I guess they help me sleep, but they didn't keep me from waking up when I started clenching my jaws, nor did they keep me from doing it. But at least I can go back to sleep when I wake up in the night, I'm such a sleep hound. Anyway, I think I might try the Melatonin.
For anyone who's reading this and is having the same problem with "clenching": I'm still going to a massage therapist once a week, and she always works on the jaw. She can actually tell that they've "tightened" up, and she can massage the tension out. It's great, everyone should try a massage for tension and relaxation. I'm thinking about asking her to marry me, then I'd have my very own personal massage therapist right in my own home ... hmmm... wonder if she can cook too.Thanks as always for your intelligent input, Lynne. Have yourself a great week.
Bob
Posted by Bali on December 22, 2003, at 16:50:37
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? » LynneDa, posted by BobYuma on December 22, 2003, at 16:09:58
Hey Bob, I can cook!!!!
Posted by BobYuma on December 22, 2003, at 18:56:32
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro?, posted by Bali on December 22, 2003, at 16:50:37
> Hey Bob, I can cook !!!
>> >> >> >> >> >>Hey, Lynne ... what about the massage? .. you didn't mention the *daily* massage ... ?
[What can you cook? .. we're not talking a can of soup, are we? Now look ... I can do that..]
Posted by Kiks on December 22, 2003, at 20:17:31
In reply to Re: side effects of Lex, posted by Anjul on December 19, 2003, at 12:09:34
> I have been on 10 mg of Lex for 3 months and its changed my life. A miracle. One little problem, I cant sleep. Even with Klonopin or Trazadone. I also lost alot of weight. I am just cutting back to 5 MG in hopes that will help. Any ideas???
>
> AnjulMy Boyfriend has been on Lex for 3 weeks now. He was on 10mgs to start and cut himself down to 5mgs. The side effects of the 10mg was too much for him to handle. Now that he is only on 5mg he sleeps better, he has no more pian, he has no more headaches, and his anxiety is ALOT better. It has really helped him. I hope that it helps you too, good luck.
Rebekah
Posted by Kiks on December 22, 2003, at 20:50:22
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro?, posted by BobYuma on December 22, 2003, at 18:56:32
Well I am happy to report that my boyfriend has been doing alot better. He has improved drastically. He is now in his 3rd weeks, and things are starting to go his way. I have even noticed myself, that he sleeps at night, he is less irritable, he is less anxious, and that he does not have anymore pain. Thanks for the possitive feedback.
Rebekah
Posted by Kim B. on December 23, 2003, at 6:51:24
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? » LynneDa, posted by BobYuma on December 22, 2003, at 16:09:58
Anyone out there notice an increase in their anxiety when starting Lex? I am going on week 2 on 5mg and my panic attacks are almost daily, is this normal? Will they subside eventually? Any suggestions to help me in the meantime?
Posted by Neatfreak on December 23, 2003, at 7:07:13
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro?, posted by Kim B. on December 23, 2003, at 6:51:24
12th day on Lexapro 10 mg, feel better today slept 4 to 5 hours no other noticeable results
Posted by momster on December 23, 2003, at 8:10:00
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro?, posted by BobYuma on December 22, 2003, at 10:26:12
Bob
I'm on week 3 and just this week, noticed that my jaws are clenched ALL the time. I constantly have to remind myself, to relax my jaws! I just thought it was christmas tension.
Posted by BobYuma on December 23, 2003, at 8:35:43
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro?, posted by Kim B. on December 23, 2003, at 6:51:24
> > Anyone out there notice an increase in their anxiety when starting Lex? I am going on week 2 on 5mg and my panic attacks are almost daily, is this normal? Will they subside eventually? Any suggestions to help me in the meantime?
> > > > > > > > > > > >Hello, Kim.
My guess is that you're experiencing the over-stimulation as a side effect of Lexapro.
If you read the other posts, you'll see that stimulation is definitely a side effect for most Lex takers. The over-stimulation is so strong that it often feels like an anxiety attack starting for me.
You might want to check with your doctor to see if he or she will give you something to help with the anxiety caused by the Lex SE's.
As far as what I do, if the over-stimulation gets too strong, I take the lorezapam that I had used for the anxiety attacks before starting Lex.Remember, according to what everyone is saying on the message board, even this side effect will eventually go away.
Good luck.
Bob
Posted by LynneDa on December 23, 2003, at 9:05:35
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro?, posted by Kim B. on December 23, 2003, at 6:51:24
Kim B. - I've heard several new Lex users mention an increase in symptoms - whether anxiety, panic or depression - before starting to feel better. If you can't get any medication for it, just take deep breaths, get to a safe place (like pulling over if you're in the car!)& remind yourself that it will pass in a few minutes and it's just a side effect! My therapist told me to find a "happy thought" ahead of time and then force your brain to it when you feel a panic attack coming on. It worked for me sometimes - worth trying! Hang in there!
~ Lynne
Posted by Esmarelda on December 23, 2003, at 9:45:57
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro?, posted by Kim B. on December 23, 2003, at 6:51:24
My anxiety and depression got a lot worse in the first couple of weeks than it had been and before it got better. I have been on Lex for 6 months now and I fully believe it is a miracle drug. Nothing has ever worked this well for me. I have had to up my dosage a couple times, but I understand that is pretty normal. Hang in there, and things should get much better for you.
Posted by LynneDa on December 23, 2003, at 9:55:11
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? » Kim B., posted by Esmarelda on December 23, 2003, at 9:45:57
Hi! I've been on 10mg of Lex for 2 months and am not feeling as good as I'd like, depression-wise -altho anxiety is gone. My p-doc gave me scrip for 20 mg. I am nervous about s/e's starting again so I think I'll wait til after Christmas day.
But, my question is, what about taking 10mg in the a.m. and then 10 mg in p.m. Has anyone tried that while upping their dose? How bad are the s/e's while you up your dose?
Thanks!!
~ Lynne
Posted by bruce_w6 on December 23, 2003, at 9:56:25
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? » Kim B., posted by Esmarelda on December 23, 2003, at 9:45:57
I am trying to stop recieving posts and when I click on the part of the message that says click here to stop recieving posts I enter my ID and password and it comes up and says I am not recieving posts. ??????????
Posted by Esmarelda on December 23, 2003, at 10:29:11
In reply to Upping my Lex dosage - nervous! » Esmarelda, posted by LynneDa on December 23, 2003, at 9:55:11
This was my experience. I took 10 mg for about 2 months and then had some twinges of anxiety/depression. I then upped the dose to 15 mg and stayed on that for about 3 1/2 months. Lately, with holidays and certain things going on, I felt the depression coming on again so I upped it to 20 mg and I am doing good now. I did not have terrible side effects to start with. The only thing I noticed when upping the doses was a little diarrhea the second time and maybe a few headaches this time. Nothing serious. They may not have even been from the Lexapro. It took me a good 5 weeks before I felt any improvement from the lex and a good 8 weeks before I really felt good. Maybe give it another week or two and if you don't feel better then consider a higher dose. I don't think I would jump from 10 - 20mg, but gradually increase. Go to 15mg, if that works -- great. If not, go on up to 20 mg.
Good luck and Merry Christmas!
Posted by nemo kitty on December 23, 2003, at 10:30:53
In reply to Upping my Lex dosage - nervous! » Esmarelda, posted by LynneDa on December 23, 2003, at 9:55:11
I was sooo afraid to increase my dose also, but when I did (after waiting 3 months) I felt a ton better!!! Because my body was used to the drug, I had no additonal side effects other than a bit tired for a few days. I have been on Lexapro for 4 months now and feel awesome. I am calm and happier without all of my senses being "numbed". I still cry and laugh but without the depression or anxiety! I have not gained weight either!!
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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