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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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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!!
Posted by LynneDa on December 23, 2003, at 10:30:55
In reply to Re: Upping my Lex dosage - nervous! » LynneDa, posted by Esmarelda on December 23, 2003, at 10:29:11
Thanks, I appreciate your response. I think I might do the 15 mg first, then wait a month or so and see how it's going. Thanks again and have a happy holiday!
~ Lynne
Posted by LynneDa on December 23, 2003, at 10:33:31
In reply to Re: Upping my Lex dosage - nervous!, posted by nemo kitty on December 23, 2003, at 10:30:53
Nemo Kitty - Thanks! It sounds like your experience was a good one. I am hoping to get to that point where I feel like my old self and can cope and handle life without anger or sadness . . . and without feeling numb or blocked like other SSRIs do. Lexapro is really wonderful for that! Thanks again and have a good holiday!
~ Lynne
Posted by Forbidden on December 23, 2003, at 10:50:42
In reply to Re: Upping my Lex dosage - nervous! » nemo kitty, posted by LynneDa on December 23, 2003, at 10:33:31
Hi all, I am new to this board. I have recently been prescribed Lexapro - on my 6th day now.
My major symptom is being lightheaded, it' almost constant now and has lasted for about 8 months (2 weeks after my baby girl was born!). I went and had a physical, all was normal. Ever since this started I began almost obsessing about my health, thinking I haved a brain tumor, etc..... I am constantly reading about symptoms, etc and waiting for new symptoms to pop up - it reallly interferes w/ daily life.
This past year my wife and I have gotten married, had a baby, sold our house, bought another house, changed jobs and started a new company.
I guess what I am asking is anyone else feeling like I am, and do you think the Lexapro can help?
Thanks in advance.
Posted by LynneDa on December 23, 2003, at 10:57:43
In reply to Symptoms, posted by Forbidden on December 23, 2003, at 10:50:42
Yes, it may help you! That is a lot of stress for one year and even the most stable person can be pushed mentally into a realm you didn't want to go! I had some similar events in my life that started a lot of obsessive thinking, then anxiety and true depression set in. I let it go for 3 years before getting on meds (kept going to counseling, tho).
I've been on Lex a couple of months now (10 mg, considering going up to 15 or 20) and the anxiety and obsessive thinking are pretty much gone. Depression is almost gone.
Good luck, glad you're seeking to take care of yourself! Happy holidays!
~ Lynne
Posted by Forbidden on December 23, 2003, at 11:04:47
In reply to Re: Symptoms, posted by LynneDa on December 23, 2003, at 10:57:43
Thanks for the feedback.
I guess it's just hard for me to believe that stress/anxiety can cause physical symptoms like I have, but everyone is telling me that it can.
I certainly hope it works, I am driving myself/family crazy talking about my health!!
Posted by LynneDa on December 23, 2003, at 11:10:17
In reply to Re: Symptoms, posted by Forbidden on December 23, 2003, at 11:04:47
Hang in there, you'll come out the other side!
Posted by Sapphira on December 23, 2003, at 12:54:44
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
hi all, i had my six week check-up last week and my Dr. was very pleased with my progress. i'm only taking 5 mg at this point and she said to continue with it as i am very sensitive to meds. she said that maybe the 5 is all i will ever need but to increase it if i feel it is necessary. i told her about the horrible s/es i had and that they have all disappeared now. i feel a bit 'punk' right before my period, but she said that that is normal even with the lex.
as a side note, by BP is up (moderately) BUT it was up before i started the lex, so she told me it is most likely related to stress, the fact that i've gained 12 pounds since last spring or heredity as my mom has it and my daddy did too. she did not put me on meds yet, but is waiting to see if it will come down once i start jazz dancing again and lose the weight. i quit dancing when the depression hit.
holiday hugs to all of you. i never would have stuck it out with the lex if it weren't for your encouragement.
happy holidays,
sapphira
Posted by LynneDa on December 23, 2003, at 12:59:45
In reply to My six week check-up, posted by Sapphira on December 23, 2003, at 12:54:44
Hi Sapphira - Congratulations on your good check-up! Sounds like things are going well for you on the Lex. You're right, the support here is wonderful. Happy Holidays to you too!
~ Lynne
Posted by tiredman on December 23, 2003, at 14:13:31
In reply to Once more into the breech my friends..., posted by tiredman on December 19, 2003, at 14:05:04
I feel sooo bad. When it was working I felt good but the higher dose just doesn't seem to be working. Just in time for Christmas. It's so hard to be all happy for my kids and feel like crying. Christmas shopping was torture. I can't wait until it's all over. Maybe the Lex will kick in by then.
-Tiredman
>
> First, let me say thanks to all that contribute to this forum. I don't post very much, but I do continue to read.
>
> I started Lex about two months ago. I started at 2.5 mg because I am sensitive to meds. I felt good for a few days and then it stopped working. I increased my dose to 5. It worked for about a week and then stopped. Then 7.5 , 10, and 15. Each increase lasted longer. At fifteen I had been feeling good for more then two weeks. I thought I had it made but it pooped out a few days ago. My pdoc says that she has not seen this before. I seem to metabolize Lex very fast. I just upped it to 20 and am waiting for it to kick in.
>
> I feel terrible. Not just because I am depressed, but because I will always know that it's just a matter of time before the lex stops working. Even worse, it's without a warning. I went to my company Christmas party last night. It was OK while I was stuffing my face, but when I watched people on the dance floor I suddenly felt very, very sad. Like I was never going to be allowed a good time again.
>
> My wife and I are both suffering from a trauma and maybe we will always feel this way. I sure was hopeful when it seemed that lex was going to work for me. I know that for some people anti-depressants stop working after a period of years but have any
> of you had this problem with lex?
>
> Thanks!
> tiredman
Posted by Bill LL on December 23, 2003, at 15:18:37
In reply to Re: Upping my Lex dosage - nervous! » LynneDa, posted by Esmarelda on December 23, 2003, at 10:29:11
You take 20 mg Lexapro? that's nothin. I take 30, and doing very well. Some take 40.
Posted by Esmarelda on December 23, 2003, at 15:25:24
In reply to Re: Upping my Lex dosage - nervous!, posted by Bill LL on December 23, 2003, at 15:18:37
That's good to know in case I need to go up in the future. I think it's a great drug.
Posted by Journeyman on December 23, 2003, at 16:12:48
In reply to Re: Upping my Lex dosage - nervous! » nemo kitty, posted by LynneDa on December 23, 2003, at 10:33:31
LynneDa:
Your postings here are a wonderful addition to the site. They're supportive, encouraging, honest, and helpful. Thanks for all you add.
Now, I would like to venture to encourage you. You wrote that you would like to get to that point where you feel like your old self and can cope and handle life without anger or sadness...I wish you a world of luck in your pursuit of happiness and contentment, but it would be good for us to remember that sadness and anger are essential emotions that are as vital to our wellbeing as happiness and joy. We experience them because they are good barometers of our mental health.
While all of us who read/write on this bulletin board have had more than our share of feeling sad and angry, they are healthy responses to many of life's situations.
I dont' wish to sound patronizing - I just don't want you to set yourself up, thinking that as long as you are having those feelings, you're somehow not normal or okay. Based on your postings, you're obviously a compassionate, caring, and nurturing individual.
Have a wonderful day LynneDa. You really are an important part of this community.
Richard
Posted by Journeyman on December 23, 2003, at 16:25:00
In reply to Symptoms, posted by Forbidden on December 23, 2003, at 10:50:42
Forbidden,
Given everything you've gone through in the last year, it's no wonder you're stressed out. After the loss of a loved one, moving is the highest event on the stress scale. You've also gotten married (huge adjustment). Add to that mix the fact you have an infant ( = sleep deprivation, a whole new identity adjustment, an enormous new responsibility, potential new conflicts with your spouse over raising your daughter, etc.) and the fact that you've not only left your old job but are starting a new business - man, your stress level is literally off the charts!
Seems quite natural that you'd obsess about your health. It's probably your subconscious rubbing up next to the latent realization that you've got two other people depending on you now (one of them, whose very life depends on you).
If you're not getting regular exercise, eating well, and seeing a therapist, these options might be helpful to get you through what is clearly a year of herculean emotional/physical output.
All the best with your journey.
Journeyman
Posted by Journeyman on December 23, 2003, at 16:32:25
In reply to My six week check-up, posted by Sapphira on December 23, 2003, at 12:54:44
Hi Sapphira:
Hope your trip to AZ over Thanksgiving went well. Am glad too that your 6-week checkup went well.
Have a wonderful Christmas and give yourself the gift of doing 30 minutes of jazz dance. You'll feel better and it will burn off probably 300-400 calories.
I'll do a little jazz move to your continued progress.
Journeyman
Posted by COOP on December 23, 2003, at 18:01:39
In reply to Upping my Lex dosage - nervous! » Esmarelda, posted by LynneDa on December 23, 2003, at 9:55:11
I went from 10 to 20mg. The 20 did a job on me so I tried 10 am and 10 pm. It still had bad Se on me so I cut one pill in half and took 15mg in the morning. The SE were less and only took a week to get use to it. I decided on staying with 15mg since it got the job done. I am in my 7th week and feeling pretty good most of the time.
Joel> 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 Forbidden on December 23, 2003, at 18:37:01
In reply to Re: Symptoms » Forbidden, posted by Journeyman on December 23, 2003, at 16:25:00
Strange, when I see someone else type all of the stuff I have/had going on, it seems to all of a sudden make sense.. :)
Thanks for the encouragement, Journeyman - it is much appreciated. I am very glad that I found this board, it sure beats looking up brain tumor symptoms on other websites... :))
Posted by Mrs C. on December 23, 2003, at 21:23:04
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?
Hi, Yes my anxiety was increased when I first began taking lex. It has gotten much better since about my 4th week on lex. Hang in there and you will see results. Good luck.
Posted by Mrs C. on December 23, 2003, at 21:32:27
In reply to Symptoms, posted by Forbidden on December 23, 2003, at 10:50:42
> Hi all, I am new to this board. I have recently been prescribed Lexapro - on my 6th day now.
>
> My major symptom is being lightheaded, it' almost constant now and has lasted for about 8 months (2 weeks after my baby girl was born!). I went and had a physical, all was normal. Ever since this started I began almost obsessing about my health, thinking I haved a brain tumor, etc..... I am constantly reading about symptoms, etc and waiting for new symptoms to pop up - it reallly interferes w/ daily life.
>
> This past year my wife and I have gotten married, had a baby, sold our house, bought another house, changed jobs and started a new company.
>
> I guess what I am asking is anyone else feeling like I am, and do you think the Lexapro can help?
>
> Thanks in advance.Oh my gosh you sound just like me! I was not feeling light headed, I was feeling nervous all the time. I constantly worried about symptoms I was having. I've imagined cancer of just about every body organ, lupus, heart problems, you name it I've imagined thatI've had it. I would spend hours looking through medical books, internet searching, etc. Lex has helped tremendously with this and I feel like a new person. Less anxious, less irritated by life's challenges and much happier. I still have some bad days but nothing like before. I have been on lex for about 2 months! Keep with it and I hope you feel better soon. Please keep me posted because it is so comforting to chat with someone else who has felt like me.
>
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