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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Esmarelda on January 14, 2004, at 13:49:27
In reply to someone help! , posted by sexylexy on January 14, 2004, at 13:45:33
HANG IN THERE - It was a good 5 weeks before I felt any better and I actually felt the worse around 2-3 weeks. Maybe you really do have the flu and Pms. Take care!
Posted by Gaza on January 14, 2004, at 13:56:39
In reply to someone help! , posted by sexylexy on January 14, 2004, at 13:45:33
But... but... you're sick today. You can't judge lexapro when you're so sick like that.
It sounds funny when you say you're all alone... with your family.> Hi ya'll
> I am having a really bad day. I guess today is about 22 on lex (10mg). This is the worst I have felt in quite a long time. I am sick today, bad sinus, sore throat ect which has caused me to stay home from work today. I am sick and all alone with my family and boyfriend 4 states away.
> I think I my PMDD is coming out in full force. I am so ready for this stuff to kick in so that I can deal with this. Its like one second I am crying, then ok some of the hypersensitivity is back and am feeling anxious as well. Ladies does this ever get better. Will this stuff kick in and let me have a normal life again. My side effects are going away so I don't want to give up. I jsut want to feel normal again. Smile, laugh be happy about something.
> I am just so sad and frusterated today. Anyone else feeling this way, will it ever work? Is 22 days to soon to move up my dose? Help please!
> A not so sexy feeling lexy
Posted by sexylexy on January 14, 2004, at 13:58:32
In reply to Re: someone help! , posted by Gaza on January 14, 2004, at 13:56:39
no .. I am all alone, and my family and boyfriend are 4 states away.
Posted by Gaza on January 14, 2004, at 14:01:39
In reply to Re: someone help! , posted by sexylexy on January 14, 2004, at 13:58:32
Oh. Yes, that's quite different. Can you drink more water, then bundle up & go to bed, or read a book in bed to distract your mind? Or do you have to stay up doing something for some reason?
> no .. I am all alone, and my family and boyfriend are 4 states away.
Posted by Jayslace on January 14, 2004, at 14:02:01
In reply to someone help! , posted by sexylexy on January 14, 2004, at 13:45:33
Lexy,
When I have a bad cold, I can't stand anything around me, and let alone myself. And that was before I ever had depression. My depression started in the last 2 years, so I can tell you that my last cold, had me so far down, it was all I could do to even smile for my kids. But I did, because I know there are more reasons to be on this Earth than not to be. Your cold will get better, as will your depressive feelings. If you like TV, find a good show, a movie to watch. Read a book, or just do something on the computer. Are you interested in ordered free samples of things? I can give you a site link to do it. I'm disabled now and have to find things to keep me motivated and positive. This board helps that's for sure.
But just hang in there, and look up to the sky, not down at the dirt!
Hugs to you!!!
Ruthie
Posted by LynneDa on January 14, 2004, at 14:15:21
In reply to someone help! , posted by sexylexy on January 14, 2004, at 13:45:33
Lexy - PMDD is horrible, I know. But you will feel better in a short time! It does take about 4 - 6 weeks for it to kick in.
Here is my history at 13 weeks on Lex:
The week before my first period I was A MESS! It was the worst I'd ever had (which is where you are now, I'm guessing).Then, the second cycle was a little better, but not as great as I wanted. It's like I was super-great for 2 weeks then yucko for 2 weeks - and the contrast from super to yuck was hard to take. My p-doc asked me to please hang in there til I reached about the 10 week mark & if I wasn't feeling better, I could up it to 20 mg, which I did.
Well, this is the week before my third period and guess what . . . I am FINE! I'm not down, I'm not mean to anyone, I'm not overly anxious & I'm not numb. Just a little sleepy still. I can't say I am overjoyed with happiness yet (like my old self), but I am getting there. You will too!!
Hope you feel better soon, girl! Keep in touch!
~ Lynne
Posted by sexylexy on January 14, 2004, at 14:48:39
In reply to Re: someone help! » sexylexy, posted by Jayslace on January 14, 2004, at 14:02:01
Hey girls,
Ya'll are so sweet it makes me want to cry (PMDD is wonderful huh?). I am so glad to hear ya'lls experiences. I will probably watch some tv and try to catch a nap. I would love that website with the samples. I love all the advice and support from you guys thanks!
Lexy
Posted by KathrynLex on January 14, 2004, at 14:57:54
In reply to someone help! , posted by sexylexy on January 14, 2004, at 13:45:33
Lexy,
First, this is only temporary. It may not feel like that right now, but I can assure you that you'll begin to feel better very soon. I'm on day 26 and I've started seeing glimmers of my old, happy self coming back. You're on day 22, and for most people it takes 4 - 6 weeks to see results. So, you're heading in to week 4! Any day now you will start to see an improvement. (You said your side effects are going away, I'd say that's an improvement.)
Also, remember that being sick can contribute to your depression. I highly recommend that you do something to pamper yourself. Take a warm, relaxing bubble bath. Make a cup of hot tea, curl up under a fuzzy blanket and watch something funny on TV or read your favorite book. Give yourself a pedicure and paint your toe nails with a cheerful color that makes you happy every time you look at it. Fix a bowl of your favorite soup and read the comics. Do something nice for yourself because you deserve it!
If you haven't already, I would also suggest that you take something for your sinus infection and sore throat. An advil would help with the pain, or a tylenol cold would work also.
In a few days your flu - or whatever it is - will go away, and I think you'll see that you're feeling much better.
K.
Posted by Jayslace on January 14, 2004, at 15:20:05
In reply to Re: someone help!, posted by sexylexy on January 14, 2004, at 14:48:39
Lexy,
I'm glad to hear things are going ok. As for the PMDD I've never had it that bad, PMS, yes, but only to the point of very tearful. But for the last 3 years I've been on Depo, so no problems. Heck, I don't need anymore , right? LOL
As for the Free sample sites, here ya go! Just watch what you order for, and have fun! If you have any questions, feel free to email me.
http://www.bigbigsavings.com/
http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/
http://www.hauntedhouseofreebies.com/ This site you can get a daily email from. Carmen is the owner of the site and she can have you laughing everyday. She boosts me up incredibly.
Lexy, life is here for us. I'm finding it out every minute of my life, more and more again. And I just found it out by sharing this with you.
Feel better, wrap your arms around yourself and feel the hug. You deserve it.
Health and freindship,
Ruthie
Posted by Gaza on January 14, 2004, at 15:32:34
In reply to Re: someone help! » sexylexy, posted by Jayslace on January 14, 2004, at 15:20:05
Can you expound on what you said, "life is here for us."?? What do you mean?
Posted by Jayslace on January 14, 2004, at 16:01:12
In reply to Re: someone help!, posted by Gaza on January 14, 2004, at 15:32:34
Gaza, Yes, I can expound. Life, as in alive, living, breathing. Seeing all around us and having the chance to be able to enjoy all that we have. Keyword being "having the chance." Not always do we feel we have the chance. But being positive , I said,"Life is here for us."
I died for 5 minutes Oct 10th 2001 from a pulmonary embolism. That was not my choice. Since then I have wanted to die 3 times by choice. However, Lexapro has helped me finally realize I don't want to die, I have too much in this life to live for. My brain is still not where it was 3 yrs ago, but ,heck, should that stop me from being a Mom, a wife, a daughter, a sister? Should it stop me from being Ruthie? It stops me from remembering when my doctor appts are unless I write them down on my calender, it keeps me from driving more than 30 miles(if it's a good day), it keeps me from forgetting peoples name I just met a few minutes ago, it makes me I put something on the stove and I leave the room and I burn something. BUT, I go to Kings Island with my kids and husband. I go swimming with my family. We play games. I can still cook and not burn things. LOL We live in a town where Walmart and Kroger is within a mile. I take my dog for a walk. I order Freebies off the internet and give them to neighbors and friends. And I 'adopted' a family for Christmas so they would have a good Christmas this year.
Life? Living, breathing, alive. Look around.
I hope I expounded enough. If not, I'm sure I can do more. LOL
Have a great night !!!!
Ruthie
Posted by Mrs C. on January 14, 2004, at 16:13:51
In reply to Re: IS IT THE DREADED *POOP-OUT*??? » Esmarelda, posted by Mariposa on January 13, 2004, at 22:02:10
Mariposa, I ditto Journeyman! I am only on my third month and can't offer more than my support and best wishes. Your posts have helped me in so many ways! Also, Journeyman, your posts are so wonderful. If you are not a writer in life you should be. Thanks for your inspiring words. Mrs. C
Posted by LynneDa on January 14, 2004, at 16:18:27
In reply to Re: someone help! » Gaza, posted by Jayslace on January 14, 2004, at 16:01:12
Ruthie -
Thank you for your contributions here! You have the outlook I'm trying to adopt for the new year -to be grateful for the small things and change my expectations a bit to fit new circumstances. I just hope I don't have to have a near-death experience to make this a permanent part of my personality!The only thing you can count on in life is change and no one or nothing should ever take away your spirit unless you let it!
Right now it is important to me to be reminded of all the positive things I can do and think, so I really appreciate you & all the others who give such great support and warm, caring messages!!
~ Lynne
Posted by Mrs C. on January 14, 2004, at 16:21:07
In reply to Re: IS IT THE DREADED *POOP-OUT*???, posted by Yogi on January 14, 2004, at 3:23:44
> Hi, has anyone taken Lexapro for OCD? If so, did it help?
Yes and yes. Let me explain further. I would obsess over health issues, looking through books, searching the web and literally driving myself (and others) crazy. The condition brought on depression and anxiety for me to the point where I just broke down and had to seek help. I'm glad I did. I have not searched the web for any symptoms I was having since the early stages of Lex. I have looked in my medical book but only once and forgot my problem soon after. Yes, I have improved and hope to continue doing so. I cannot go back to worrying about every little ache or pain. I dont mean just a little worry, I mean waking up with dread and going to bed with dread that I had some terrible life threatening illness. Not a good feeling. I hope that this helps. Sorry that I got a little long winded but Lex has helped me to develop a "gift of gab". Let me know how you are doing. Mrs. C
Posted by Gaza on January 14, 2004, at 16:27:43
In reply to Re: someone help! » Gaza, posted by Jayslace on January 14, 2004, at 16:01:12
Did you have an after-life experience when you were dead for 5 minutes? If so, I would like to give you an anonymouse email address you can reach me at, if you don't mind.
> Gaza, Yes, I can expound. Life, as in alive, living, breathing. Seeing all around us and having the chance to be able to enjoy all that we have. Keyword being "having the chance." Not always do we feel we have the chance. But being positive , I said,"Life is here for us."
> I died for 5 minutes Oct 10th 2001 from a pulmonary embolism. That was not my choice. Since then I have wanted to die 3 times by choice. However, Lexapro has helped me finally realize I don't want to die, I have too much in this life to live for. My brain is still not where it was 3 yrs ago, but ,heck, should that stop me from being a Mom, a wife, a daughter, a sister? Should it stop me from being Ruthie? It stops me from remembering when my doctor appts are unless I write them down on my calender, it keeps me from driving more than 30 miles(if it's a good day), it keeps me from forgetting peoples name I just met a few minutes ago, it makes me I put something on the stove and I leave the room and I burn something. BUT, I go to Kings Island with my kids and husband. I go swimming with my family. We play games. I can still cook and not burn things. LOL We live in a town where Walmart and Kroger is within a mile. I take my dog for a walk. I order Freebies off the internet and give them to neighbors and friends. And I 'adopted' a family for Christmas so they would have a good Christmas this year.
> Life? Living, breathing, alive. Look around.
> I hope I expounded enough. If not, I'm sure I can do more. LOL
> Have a great night !!!!
> Ruthie
Posted by Gaza on January 14, 2004, at 16:33:29
In reply to Re: IS IT THE DREADED *POOP-OUT*???, posted by Mrs C. on January 14, 2004, at 16:13:51
Who is Journeyman? Is that Bob Yuma?
> Mariposa, I ditto Journeyman! I am only on my third month and can't offer more than my support and best wishes. Your posts have helped me in so many ways! Also, Journeyman, your posts are so wonderful. If you are not a writer in life you should be. Thanks for your inspiring words. Mrs. C
Posted by nicky847 on January 14, 2004, at 17:05:24
In reply to someone help! , posted by sexylexy on January 14, 2004, at 13:45:33
Lexy-
Things will get better. One thing you have to keep in mind, and one thing that helps me, is that I dont expect Lexapro to make life perfect or even to make me happy...I expect it to do one thing and that is make me not feel sick anymore..the rest is entirely my responsbility...dont forget to LIVE while you are waiting for the lexapro to kick in..even if you dont enjoy things the way you used to..its important to still do them..to enjoy them a LITTLE..even if you cant enjoy them as much as youd like..having gone thru all of this with celexa..the 8 week mark is not the magic day when all becomes right in your world..if the med is working it will be a point where you can get thru an hour or two without obsessing over what you are thinking or how you are feeling...in a few months that hour or two grows to a day...then a week...recovering is very very gradual and it takes more than meds..it takes changing your priorities and your lifestyle so that your own needs come a little higher on the pecking order...
> Hi ya'll
> I am having a really bad day. I guess today is about 22 on lex (10mg). This is the worst I have felt in quite a long time. I am sick today, bad sinus, sore throat ect which has caused me to stay home from work today. I am sick and all alone with my family and boyfriend 4 states away.
> I think I my PMDD is coming out in full force. I am so ready for this stuff to kick in so that I can deal with this. Its like one second I am crying, then ok some of the hypersensitivity is back and am feeling anxious as well. Ladies does this ever get better. Will this stuff kick in and let me have a normal life again. My side effects are going away so I don't want to give up. I jsut want to feel normal again. Smile, laugh be happy about something.
> I am just so sad and frusterated today. Anyone else feeling this way, will it ever work? Is 22 days to soon to move up my dose? Help please!
> A not so sexy feeling lexy
Posted by BobYuma on January 14, 2004, at 17:27:50
In reply to Re: IS IT THE DREADED *POOP-OUT*???, posted by Gaza on January 14, 2004, at 16:33:29
> Who is Journeyman? Is that Bob Yuma?
>
> > Mariposa, I ditto Journeyman! I am only on my third month and can't offer more than my support and best wishes. Your posts have helped me in so many ways! Also, Journeyman, your posts are so wonderful. If you are not a writer in life you should be. Thanks for your inspiring words. Mrs. C
> > >
No, Gaza, I'm not Jorneyman, I'm Bob, Journeyman is Richard. Who's on third?
BobYuma
Posted by Gaza on January 14, 2004, at 17:57:46
In reply to Re: someone help! , posted by nicky847 on January 14, 2004, at 17:05:24
This is very helpful for me, and I need to remember it. I keep slipping into the mindset that lex will do it all for me & I won't have to do anything.
> Things will get better. One thing you have to keep in mind, and one thing that helps me, is that I dont expect Lexapro to make life perfect or even to make me happy...I expect it to do one thing and that is make me not feel sick anymore..the rest is entirely my responsbility...dont forget to LIVE while you are waiting for the lexapro to kick in..even if you dont enjoy things the way you used to..its important to still do them..to enjoy them a LITTLE..even if you cant enjoy them as much as youd like..having gone thru all of this with celexa..the 8 week mark is not the magic day when all becomes right in your world..if the med is working it will be a point where you can get thru an hour or two without obsessing over what you are thinking or how you are feeling...in a few months that hour or two grows to a day...then a week...recovering is very very gradual and it takes more than meds..it takes changing your priorities and your lifestyle so that your own needs come a little higher on the pecking order...
Posted by Mariposa on January 14, 2004, at 19:30:48
In reply to Mariposa - THE DREADED *POOP-OUT*???, posted by Esmarelda on January 14, 2004, at 9:19:48
> I am not sure what to do. I upped my dosage around the first of December because I was staying depressed since before Thanksgiving. I think the holidays may have something to do with it as I never do well during them, I think I have always had seasonal affective disorder and this was the first holidays without my beloved grandmother. However, be that as it may, I stayed busy enough that the holidays weren't too bad, but as soon as everything was over, I felt like I crashed. So, about a week ago, I started taking Wellbutrin with Lexapro to see if that helps. I seem to just not be able to get up and do it in the mornings. I get better as the day wears on. But, the bad part is I can really feel the disease lying to me again and putting negative thoughts in my head although I try to push them out. I hope this helps. I am hanging in there. If I have to increase or the Wellbutrin winds up helping, then so be it! Take care and you have helped me alot over the last few months. I truly wish you the best!
I'm doing much better today, and hope you are *coping*. I too felt the *crash* after the holidays, partially because I worked long hard hours, and a lot has to do w/fact that Mom-in-Law passed away 1 year ago on Jan. 1, which also happens to be my Birthday. I didn't even want to put up a tree this year but Hubby insisted, said it just wouldn't be right not put it up even if it was just the 2 of us.
I too have experienced a recurrence of impatience w/hubby, annoyance at the stupidity on TV, road impatience (as opposed to RAGE), and I just had period and could feel PMS uncomfortable where I haven't in recent months. Still a bit irritable and it's the week after already!
A lot of people post here that they take the Wel/Lex combo. I dread the thought of adding another med...it was so hard for me to decide to take Lex and stay with it.
I hope you come back often and update on your progress, interested in how well you do on this combo and hope for the best for you.~~~8|8
Posted by Danab on January 14, 2004, at 22:44:44
In reply to New to Lexapro and feeling awful, posted by jjana on May 8, 2003, at 13:42:39
Hi, my name name is Dana. I'm new to this site...I was searching on Lexapro info and found you guys. I just took my first dose about 1/2 hour ago and after reading these posts, well, I'm a freaking nervous wreck. The side effects seem horrible. I'm waiting to at any minute start throwing up, have an anxiety attack, get a rash, feel like I have the flu or eat like crazy ( just what I don't need!). My doc (primary care) orignally suggested Effexor but I was not comfortable with that after reading the info on it and he went to Lexapro. I actually did not get any specific instructions ( he gave me a month of samples)---Can someone tell me the best time to take this med? The samples are 10mg, which I broke in half (again, because I got no instructions I just thought I would start out as low as possible). I spoke to a pharmacist and she said before bed, but from what I've read here it seems most people take it much earlier in the day. I also take Ambien. I'm not even sure this drug is what I actually need. I would not say I'm very depressed ( although some friends would disagree with me) but more anxiety ridden. I think I have Body Dysmorphic Disorder---anyone know if Lexapro is an appropriate drug for that type of disorder?? Sorry this is so long...any insight would be greatly appreciated. Now back to waiting for those awful side effects to begin...
Dana in New Orleans
Posted by vandy on January 14, 2004, at 22:52:04
In reply to Mariposa - THE DREADED *POOP-OUT*???, posted by Esmarelda on January 14, 2004, at 9:19:48
It will be ok. You're not alone in that holiday thing. Check out the suicide numbers around the holidays if you don't believe me. The elderly croak, the depression prone get blue and the world seems to get heavier. Don't know why! The good news: you're past it. The better news: When the next one comes it won't feel nearly as bad. No guarantees that you won't get blue. I do. It's the damn season. Chaulk it off to that and find a way to laugh at it. I do that, too.
> I am not sure what to do. I upped my dosage around the first of December because I was staying depressed since before Thanksgiving. I think the holidays may have something to do with it as I never do well during them, I think I have always had seasonal affective disorder and this was the first holidays without my beloved grandmother. However, be that as it may, I stayed busy enough that the holidays weren't too bad, but as soon as everything was over, I felt like I crashed. So, about a week ago, I started taking Wellbutrin with Lexapro to see if that helps. I seem to just not be able to get up and do it in the mornings. I get better as the day wears on. But, the bad part is I can really feel the disease lying to me again and putting negative thoughts in my head although I try to push them out. I hope this helps. I am hanging in there. If I have to increase or the Wellbutrin winds up helping, then so be it! Take care and you have helped me alot over the last few months. I truly wish you the best!
Posted by vandy on January 14, 2004, at 22:57:09
In reply to Re: IS IT THE DREADED *POOP-OUT*??? - Gaza, posted by BobYuma on January 14, 2004, at 17:27:50
NO NO NO
Who's on first, what's on second and I don't know is on third!
Posted by friendofbillw on January 14, 2004, at 23:12:02
In reply to Re: effexor xr and lexapro anyone? » lam, posted by ayuda on January 17, 2003, at 22:55:16
> > If alcohol really does counter act the AD then if I don't drink, this AD could possibily work for me?
>
> It should be able to -- I don't know how many people are not responding to Lexapro, since few people who are not benefitting from it participate on this discussion board. I know that it works well for me, and I am no longer gaining weight like I was on the Effexor XR.
>
> As for alcohol, I have spoken with several doctors, and my mother, who is a nurse, and I have also spoken with a pharm rep (my roommate's dad), and every one agrees, regardless of what some people may say are their personal experiences, that the sole purpose of alcohol is that it is a CNS depressant, which is why 1) you are warned against mixing it with other CNS depressants, such as Valium or Codeine, and 2) most alcoholics also suffer from depression [On the Lexapro website, it says: "At-risk traits—tell your healthcare provider how often you drink alcohol or use drugs." Meaning that these are traits that make a person at-risk for depression. From the webiste, http://academic.hws.edu/alcohol/events/AwareWkLec/sld001.htm, "alcohol decreases serotonin activity." I include this link to this presentation because it goes step-by-step through explaining the link between alcohol and depression and serotonin on slides 3, 4 & 5.]
>
> The purpose of SSRI's such as Lexapro is to change the way your body absorbs serotonin, increasing serotonin activity. The Britannica Precise Dictionary says that, "Some cases of depression are apparently caused by reduced amounts or activity of serotonin in the brain; many antidepressants counteract that condition." There are many other places where you can get information concerning the action of SSRI's on serotonin, because that is the sole purpose of an SSRI (selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitor).
>
> So if alcohol causes a decrease in serotonin activity, and depression is characterized by a decrease in serotonin activity, and SSRI's are designed to increase serotonin activity, then it logically follows that alcohol does the opposite of what your Lexapro does, which means it counter-acts it.
>
> The detailed explanation hopefully helps you to understand that I am not giving you my personal opinion, but have researched this topic, and there are plenty of medical studies about this. So the bottom line is, if you do not drink alcohol, you give the SSRI a chance to do its job.
LOVE YOUR POST! Talk about detail and great information. Thanks so much. I'm an alcoholic who has been sober 5 years. Hazelden, a treatment center in Minnesota, is prescribing many patients an AD and they are very careful about prescriptions. I do believe in my case that I either had low seratonin previous to active alcoholism (a beer binge drinker), or had depleted it. Whatever the cause, as you stated, AD's and alcohol don't mix. If you can't stop drinking while on AD's you may want to take a look at your drinking.Best to all.
Billw
Posted by Mariposa on January 15, 2004, at 0:23:40
In reply to Re: IS IT THE DREADED *POOP-OUT*???, posted by Mrs C. on January 14, 2004, at 16:13:51
> Mariposa, I ditto Journeyman! I am only on my third month and can't offer more than my support and best wishes. Your posts have helped me in so many ways! Also, Journeyman, your posts are so wonderful. If you are not a writer in life you should be. Thanks for your inspiring words. Mrs. C
Thanks to you as well! I think you are a wonderful addition to this board, you always have a cheery word for those of us in need. Keep on!!!~~~8|8
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