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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Journeyman on January 4, 2004, at 20:59:58
In reply to Re: Excessive Sleepiness, posted by JohnFromCalifornia on January 4, 2004, at 15:53:12
John:
You're sounding better than your previous post a few days ago. Sounds like things are picking up.
Please let us know when you get back on your bike again, even if it's just for a spin around the block.
Richard
Posted by Journeyman on January 4, 2004, at 21:01:10
In reply to Re: Excessive Sleepiness, posted by JohnFromCalifornia on January 4, 2004, at 15:53:12
John:
You're sounding better than in your previous posting a few days ago. Sounds like things are picking up.
Please let us know when you get back on your bike again, even if it's just for a spin around the block.
Richard
Posted by reluctant on January 4, 2004, at 21:06:14
In reply to Re: lexapro + social anxiety - any luck?, posted by Mrs C. on January 4, 2004, at 20:17:05
> I don't really know anything about social anxiety, I just wanted to wish you luck. You sound like a wonderful and intelligent person.
> Mrs C.well I ain't too smart but I'm a hard worker . . .
honestly, between you & journeyman . . urk. thanks. journeyman asked me to list 3 things i'm good at w/ no disclaimers etc. "accepting compliments" would not be on the list, though "self-deprecating humor" might. so for the moment I will just hold my tongue. the support is appreciated! both for myself and for other people to whom you've lent kind words.
it is good to have this board; I've lurked for a long time before posting. part of me held back for a long time because of a perverse notion that discussing my condition with others would make it more real, cement it . . . but really,talking about it and allowing the depression to come out from under the carpet puts us more in control. does that make sense? personally I can't really talk about it anywhere else, except with my immediate family, and somehow their concern makes me feel worse - like an invalid.
there is also something healing about reaching out to others to offer help & support - on both ends. thank you everyone! it's especially nice to see that there are a lot of positive people on this board - which is fairly remarkable. it's hard to be positive with this stuff.
sorry this has gotten off the topic of medication. ok, a med update: lexapro/wellbutrin still ok (though inevitable teeth clenching going on) - cleaned apartment, washed and combed dog (no small feat) - generally feeling more capable. it's still early & i'm not exactly a ball of sunshine yet, but I sure do feel better than on the zoloft/wellbutrin. there, now i've talked about medication.
-r.
Posted by Journeyman on January 4, 2004, at 21:06:27
In reply to Re: Lexapro + Wellbutrin, posted by Mrs C. on January 4, 2004, at 20:35:49
Dear Mrs C:
Wherever you are and whatever you're doing, I wish you both a pleasant Monday and a vigorous, peaceful, joy-brimmed new year.
You're absolutely right about the board. There are times when I feel like writing; sometimes I just take comfort in reading what other people are saying. Either way, it's become an important new kind of community for me.
Thanks for your frequent and supportive messages to the board.
Richard
Posted by Jayslace on January 4, 2004, at 21:13:26
In reply to Re: Excessive Sleepiness » Jayslace, posted by Journeyman on January 4, 2004, at 20:46:38
Good evening to all,
I've made it through another day, and stayed awake! Hard to have done , yes, even with all this rain in this Ohio valley plus the Lex. LOL
My kids are in bed, and my husband and I are heading that way too. But I just shared with him the encouraging letters I just read on this board. We both feel I have finally found the right people to have come to talk to , or at times to just sit back and listen to.
I do see a psychologist every 2 weeks also. She has been a very welcome 3rd party person , I have to say. I've only been seeing her for 2 months now. But she gives me a comfortable feeling to be able to talk.
There is just so much more to life than looking down at the dirt, we must look up at the sky more often. See the birds, the tree tops, watch the clouds float by. Feel the sun on our face.
That's what I am trying to do again. And I am doing it much more.
I breathe therefore I am...
Health and friendship and good sleep to us all,(but not too much!!)
Ruthie
Posted by Journeyman on January 4, 2004, at 21:25:33
In reply to psychobabble mutual admiration club » Mrs C., posted by reluctant on January 4, 2004, at 21:06:14
Dear r (which along with reluctant, could also stand for revered, rambunctious, rollicking, riveting, etc.)
If I were an editor (and thank god/buddha, the goddess, Allah, Yaweh, etc. I'm not) and I were gleaning missives for you know what, I wouldn't even get past your first sentence to Mrs C.
Well, I'll save that challenge for your actual response posting.
In the meantime, I'm glad you had a decent day today.
And even if you aren't "exactly a ball of sunshine yet," where would we (and those of The Great Depression) be without moonshine?
No sure how long you've been on Lex, but a number of people have mentioned the teethclenching.
Richard
Posted by reluctant on January 4, 2004, at 21:30:24
In reply to psychobabble mutual admiration club » Mrs C., posted by reluctant on January 4, 2004, at 21:06:14
I wanted to offer some words to everyone that were helpful for me. They come from Thomas Moore's Care Of The Soul - a book that I have mixed feelings about. Sometimes its messages are a theraputic jolt & very thought-provoking, other times I think the book glosses over serious pain with new-agey hoke - but this passage in particular gave me a lot of food for thought:
(hope it's ok to excerpt passages on this board)"Loneliness can be the result of an attitude that community is something into which one is received. Many people wait for members of a community to invite them in, and until that happens they are lonely. There may be something of the child here who expects to be taken care of by the family. But a community is not a family. It is a group of people held together by feelings of belonging, and those feelings are not a birthright. 'Belonging' is an active verb, something we do positively. . . . A person who is oppressed by loneliness can go out into the world and simply start belonging to it, not by joining organizations, but by living through feelings of relatedness - to other people, to nature, to society, to the world as a whole. Relatedness is a signal of soul. By allowing the sometimes vulnerable feelings of relatedness, soul pours into life and doesn't have to insist on itself symptomatically."
easier said than done, maybe, but it put the problem of being with others in a new light. and i thought it was apropo for this board.
-r.
Posted by reluctant on January 4, 2004, at 21:39:12
In reply to Hi, it's the thorn in your side calling » reluctant, posted by Journeyman on January 4, 2004, at 21:25:33
If I were an editor (and thank god/buddha, the goddess, Allah, Yaweh, etc. I'm not) and I were gleaning missives for you know what
. . . no, what?
well, maybe it's better if I don't know.
I haven't forgotten our deal & you'll get your response - but then you're up to bat!ha!
-r.
Posted by Journeyman on January 4, 2004, at 21:47:37
In reply to Re: Hi, it's the thorn in your side calling » Journeyman, posted by reluctant on January 4, 2004, at 21:39:12
sdb (aka - self-deprecating behavior)
Read a review of Care of the Soul; sounds interesting.
What do you mean then I'm up to bat. That's sounds grossly fair.
Richard
Posted by Journeyman on January 4, 2004, at 21:52:47
In reply to Re: Excessive Sleepiness » Journeyman, posted by Jayslace on January 4, 2004, at 21:13:26
Ruthie:
We are such stuff
As dreams are made on, and our little life
Is rounded with a sleep.
"The Tempest" (4.1.168-170)Sweet Dreams.
Posted by reluctant on January 4, 2004, at 22:40:33
In reply to Re: Hi, it's the thorn in your side calling » reluctant, posted by Journeyman on January 4, 2004, at 21:47:37
Three things I do well, no caveats etc.
This is hard. Everything I think of comes with a footnote or a qualifier.
Here goes:I’m good at making the things I make (I’m an artist by avocation and occasionally by vocation)
I’m good at encouraging others to keep at their artwork or their passion
I’m good at expressing myself in writing, and . . .BONUS ROUND: I make a mean fruit salad. Mmm, mm.
(really, I do! mint, lime, maple syrup & pecans - add to best fruit you can find, don't skimp on the mango)It’s funny – it was hard getting started but when I finished a few more came to mind, most importantly: I’m good at confronting fear.
(I had a qualifier in that last sentence, and took it out, and you’re right – it feels much better!)
your turn . . .
-r.
Posted by platinumbride on January 4, 2004, at 23:09:25
In reply to Re: Lexapro + Wellbutrin, posted by Bali on January 4, 2004, at 8:39:13
How wonderful for you to have such a re-awakening! Thank you so much for sharing it. You kinda made me feel as is I had been right there with you ;-)
Diane
Hi. I am on the Lex/Well cocktail and it has worked beautifully for me. I do have joy for life now (Platinumbride)....sometimes looking back at my former dark self I just can't believe I am the same person. I am a pleasure to be around (says my daughter and son) and just the other night I met someone and there were actual sparks. I've not wanted to go out, much less be involved with a man for at least three years. I used to be a social butterfly (Reluctant)but for some unknown reason just pulled inside of myself three years ago after a bad break up. It's not that I was still in love with this man from three years ago, it's just that I slid into a bad place and wasn't coming out of it. Those dark, ugly feelings I was having about people I would encounter in my everyday life were scaring me. I felt like an evil, very unattractive person. As I have posted before, Lex took away those sinister thoughts and made me feel good about myself despite me being over my regular weight. Adding Wellbutrin, I think, is what got me out of the house and socializing...and, voila, I even talked to and felt chemistry toward someone.(!) This is a wonder to me because I've not had this feeling for so long. You know that normal feeling that you can have when you see an attractive man/woman and you get a little butterfly feeling? Well, that was totally dead inside of me. When I met this guy, I wasn't thinking "Oh, this is the one, swoon, swoon", but I was thinking, "Wow, I can be attracted to and be attractive to someone(!)" This has been a long post, but you can see from all of the above that Lex-Wellbutrin has been very, very good to me. I like myself and because of that other people like me. Bali
Posted by Vandy on January 5, 2004, at 0:28:39
In reply to Hi, it's the thorn in your side calling » reluctant, posted by Journeyman on January 4, 2004, at 21:25:33
> Dear r (which along with reluctant, could also stand for revered, rambunctious, rollicking, riveting, etc.)
>
> If I were an editor (and thank god/buddha, the goddess, Allah, Yaweh, etc. I'm not) and I were gleaning missives for you know what, I wouldn't even get past your first sentence to Mrs C.
>
> Well, I'll save that challenge for your actual response posting.
>
> In the meantime, I'm glad you had a decent day today.
>
> And even if you aren't "exactly a ball of sunshine yet," where would we (and those of The Great Depression) be without moonshine?
>
===========================Yeah. Right. Reminds me of that Martin Mull thing: "I'd rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy."
=================
> No sure how long you've been on Lex, but a number of people have mentioned the teethclenching.
>
> Richard
>
Posted by Vandy on January 5, 2004, at 0:31:46
In reply to Re: Lexapro + Wellbutrin, posted by platinumbride on January 4, 2004, at 23:09:25
YOU GO GIRL!
Posted by lexman on January 5, 2004, at 0:32:33
In reply to Re: Lexapro and Wellbutrin SR » Leo Bostar, posted by EGR on February 10, 2003, at 21:19:25
> I recently added 100 mg of Wellbutrin to my 20 mgs of Lexapro. I have to skip a day or two every 5 or 6 days because of the buzzing in my head. So far I haven't noticed any increase in my sex drive, but I'll keep you all posted.
>
> EGR
>
> > Wellbutrin never did anything for me when taken alone. In combination with other drugs, it amplified the negative side effects.
> >
> > If it works for you and you have a health plan that covers some of the expenses, count your blessings.
> >
> > > Is anyone on the combination of Lexapro AND Wellbutrin SR/ I am on 10mg Lexapro and 150 mg os Wellbutrin Sr. I like combining them because of the sexual side effects of the SSRI and I think Wellbutrin enhances it---anyone else trying this???
> >
> >
>
>
>
I am taking lexapro 10mgs and wellbutrin sr 100mg.I noticed my depression and energy seem to be better but not sexual.Do you take them together at the same time during the day?
Posted by Kim B. on January 5, 2004, at 10:06:41
In reply to Re: Excessive Sleepiness » JohnFromCalifornia, posted by Mariposa on January 1, 2004, at 12:17:16
I am starting week four of Lexapro. I have been taking 5mg but have started taking 10mg every other day. I am so lethargic and sleepy even during the day, but yet feel speedy at the same time. Does this go away and when will the anxiety attacks lessen they seem to be worse at the moment?
Posted by John2222 on January 5, 2004, at 10:15:20
In reply to Re: Excessive Sleepiness, posted by Kim B. on January 5, 2004, at 10:06:41
Are you taking the Lexapro in the evenings or mornings? I'm wondering the same thing though--when should you take it? I thought morning was supposed to be best so you could sleep easier at night, but I've also heard of others taking it in the evening.
Any opinions here?
> I am starting week four of Lexapro. I have been taking 5mg but have started taking 10mg every other day. I am so lethargic and sleepy even during the day, but yet feel speedy at the same time. Does this go away and when will the anxiety attacks lessen they seem to be worse at the moment?
Posted by Mandy Roberts on January 5, 2004, at 10:54:06
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by Esmarelda on December 15, 2003, at 14:58:03
I'm starting the the first day of week number two on 10mg of Lexapro & need some encouraging words. I didn't have a hard time eating or sleeping before, but since the first day I started taking it, I've not had much of an appetite, I've been nauseous and I've had horrible insomnia - usually waking up with severe anxiety (which is fairly new). I don't want to give up if it truly gets better after the 2nd week. Let me know!!
Posted by bluesfan on January 5, 2004, at 10:56:42
In reply to Re: Excessive Sleepiness - morning or night?, posted by John2222 on January 5, 2004, at 10:15:20
I've been on Lexapro for 17 days now, and I've been taking it primarily at night before bed. I tried to take it first thing in the morning initially, but the side effects weren't good on me. Now that I take it at night (around 10:30pm) I sleep well and have energy throughout the day. Hope this helps!
> Are you taking the Lexapro in the evenings or mornings? I'm wondering the same thing though--when should you take it? I thought morning was supposed to be best so you could sleep easier at night, but I've also heard of others taking it in the evening.
>
> Any opinions here?
>
> > I am starting week four of Lexapro. I have been taking 5mg but have started taking 10mg every other day. I am so lethargic and sleepy even during the day, but yet feel speedy at the same time. Does this go away and when will the anxiety attacks lessen they seem to be worse at the moment?
>
>
Posted by bluesfan on January 5, 2004, at 11:12:51
In reply to Lexapro side-effects, posted by Mandy Roberts on January 5, 2004, at 10:54:06
I'm on day 17 of 10mg of Lexapro and I'm starting to feel a little better. Week 2 was not fun for me (anxiety was worse, loss of appetite) but I think it is that was for everyone. Hopefully you will start to feel better soon. Good luck!
> I'm starting the the first day of week number two on 10mg of Lexapro & need some encouraging words. I didn't have a hard time eating or sleeping before, but since the first day I started taking it, I've not had much of an appetite, I've been nauseous and I've had horrible insomnia - usually waking up with severe anxiety (which is fairly new). I don't want to give up if it truly gets better after the 2nd week. Let me know!!
Posted by platinumbride on January 5, 2004, at 11:22:40
In reply to Re: Lexapro + Wellbutrin, posted by Vandy on January 5, 2004, at 0:31:46
Posted by bluesfan on January 5, 2004, at 11:58:19
In reply to Re: Lexapro + Wellbutrin, posted by platinumbride on January 4, 2004, at 23:09:25
Can I ask how long you have been on Lexapro? I'm currently at day 17 on 10mg. You said you were having "dark, ugly feelings" about people before......can you elaborate? Did you just not want to be around people, or were you afraid of them dying? I'm having a very hard time getting death out of my head, and that is the scariest part. Good luck to you, and I hope you have contiued success!
> How wonderful for you to have such a re-awakening! Thank you so much for sharing it. You kinda made me feel as is I had been right there with you ;-)
>
> Diane
>
> Hi. I am on the Lex/Well cocktail and it has worked beautifully for me. I do have joy for life now (Platinumbride)....sometimes looking back at my former dark self I just can't believe I am the same person. I am a pleasure to be around (says my daughter and son) and just the other night I met someone and there were actual sparks. I've not wanted to go out, much less be involved with a man for at least three years. I used to be a social butterfly (Reluctant)but for some unknown reason just pulled inside of myself three years ago after a bad break up. It's not that I was still in love with this man from three years ago, it's just that I slid into a bad place and wasn't coming out of it. Those dark, ugly feelings I was having about people I would encounter in my everyday life were scaring me. I felt like an evil, very unattractive person. As I have posted before, Lex took away those sinister thoughts and made me feel good about myself despite me being over my regular weight. Adding Wellbutrin, I think, is what got me out of the house and socializing...and, voila, I even talked to and felt chemistry toward someone.(!) This is a wonder to me because I've not had this feeling for so long. You know that normal feeling that you can have when you see an attractive man/woman and you get a little butterfly feeling? Well, that was totally dead inside of me. When I met this guy, I wasn't thinking "Oh, this is the one, swoon, swoon", but I was thinking, "Wow, I can be attracted to and be attractive to someone(!)" This has been a long post, but you can see from all of the above that Lex-Wellbutrin has been very, very good to me. I like myself and because of that other people like me. Bali
>
Posted by Steve3211 on January 5, 2004, at 12:32:21
In reply to Lexapro side-effects, posted by Mandy Roberts on January 5, 2004, at 10:54:06
> I'm starting the the first day of week number two on 10mg of Lexapro & need some encouraging words. I didn't have a hard time eating or sleeping before, but since the first day I started taking it, I've not had much of an appetite, I've been nauseous and I've had horrible insomnia - usually waking up with severe anxiety (which is fairly new). I don't want to give up if it truly gets better after the 2nd week. Let me know!!
Mandy,
Just ended my second week at 5mg. Nausea was bad at first but seems to be a little better now. I also could not eat a thing on this for a long time, but my appetite is slowly returning. Takes a while. Somewhat hopeful. Hang in there.
Steve
Posted by LynneDa on January 5, 2004, at 12:41:59
In reply to Lexapro side-effects, posted by Mandy Roberts on January 5, 2004, at 10:54:06
Hi Mandy - Hang in there . . . it does get better! The first 2 weeks were hard. I started feeling really good and s/e free by week 5 or 6. I've been on 10 mg of Lex since late October. I was nauseous, had some abdominal problems, felt jittery, couldn't sleep, yet was so tired, etc.! About 10 days ago I upped the dosage to 20 mg. and had a repeat of some of the s/e's, but not bad.
Don't give up. This is a wonderful drug that has alleviated symptoms of anxiety and depression for so many posting to this Board!! Let us know how you're doing!
~ Lynne
Posted by Bali on January 5, 2004, at 13:24:35
In reply to Re: Lexapro + Wellbutrin » platinumbride, posted by bluesfan on January 5, 2004, at 11:58:19
Hi bluesfan. Let me tell you a bit more. My dark thoughts were hateful ones toward others....In the car, at work, at family functions, I was constantly thinking: "Oh my God, you are so stupid, ugly, loathsome".... (you fill in the negative adjective, and chances are that I was thinking that at some time or another). These thoughts I was having were at times about people I once cherished and had warm feelings towards (and now do again). So to answer you question, no, I didn't have thoughts about death, although I have read posts on this forum from those who have, but my negative thoughts did in time go away. Where once I was cussing in my head about how slow or stupid someone was being, I now feel very generous and patient with him or her. I feel like I have a new personality....but it's not new, it's how I used to be years ago. I had forgotten that me until that me came back thanks to Lex. (I take Wellbutrin too, but my dark feelings had gone away before I began taking it, so I do attribute the positive outlook to Lex). Hope this helps, and the best of luck to you. Please keep me posted because although I don't know you, I do care about you. Regards,Bali
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