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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Gaza on January 15, 2004, at 13:25:54
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful, posted by Gator on January 15, 2004, at 13:05:47
Can you tell us? Many on this list pray.
> Hey everybody,
>
> I haven't posted since the holidays but I read EVERY day.
>
> A really really bad thing happened in my life on December 7 and it messed up my Christmas and New Years. I don't think that I would have come out of this tragic event like I did without the help of Lex and the inspiration of the people on this board.
>
> I'm sorry that I have been a stranger, my life is getting better by the day so I will be willing to post more often.
> Thanks again to everyone that post to help anyone in need.
>
> Take Care!
>
> Gator
Posted by Steve3211 on January 15, 2004, at 13:47:09
In reply to Re: Loosing my mind on Lex? - HELP , posted by hanging on on January 13, 2004, at 9:10:27
Hi,
I am in a similar situation. I am on day 23 and just went from 5 mg to 7.5 mg. Every time I bump up I get the side effects anew. Definately get the awful Lex flu and now my stomach is upset and appetite a little suppressed to. I think the Lex is working because I feel the worst after a night of poor sleep. I am going to stay at 7.5 mg for a while. Far as sleeping is concerned my wife and I have both had tremendous success on Restoril and I read about a lot of people who seem to respond to this. Hang in there - Best Steve
Posted by Gator on January 15, 2004, at 13:59:23
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful, posted by Gaza on January 15, 2004, at 13:25:54
Yes, I can tell you.
When my husband drinks he gets argumentative. Well, on December 7th we went to a Bear/Packer Game party. He was drinking all day and it being a Sunday I wanted to go home because everyone had work and school the next day. Finally, we went home and he started to get mad at me and the kids. I didn't want to deal with it and tried to leave. He totally got out of control and prevented me from leaving. He then told me that he was going to call the police on me for assulting him. I had not had anything to drink and did not assult him. So I told him to "bring it on". He then locked me out of the house and called the police. They came and interviewed both of us. They could tell he was drunk and arrested him with unlawful restraint and assult. Well, I went to his court date the next day and the judge said that we were not to have any contact with each other until his next court date which was set for January 5th. So, we were not able to spend Christmas or New Years together. We have been married for 13 years and have 3 beautiful girls. The time apart made both of us realize what we had and that we should not take anything for granted. He was able to move back home on January 5th and we have been putting the pieces back together. Without the Lex I would have been a huge pile of self-pity and depression but I was able to still make a good Christmas for my kids and I am strong enough to be willing to work on our marriage.
Sorry, I probally rambled abit. Once I got started it just tumbled out.
Gator
Posted by Gaza on January 15, 2004, at 14:04:08
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful, posted by Gator on January 15, 2004, at 13:59:23
OK those of you who pray. It's time.
> Yes, I can tell you.
>
> When my husband drinks he gets argumentative. Well, on December 7th we went to a Bear/Packer Game party. He was drinking all day and it being a Sunday I wanted to go home because everyone had work and school the next day. Finally, we went home and he started to get mad at me and the kids. I didn't want to deal with it and tried to leave. He totally got out of control and prevented me from leaving. He then told me that he was going to call the police on me for assulting him. I had not had anything to drink and did not assult him. So I told him to "bring it on". He then locked me out of the house and called the police. They came and interviewed both of us. They could tell he was drunk and arrested him with unlawful restraint and assult. Well, I went to his court date the next day and the judge said that we were not to have any contact with each other until his next court date which was set for January 5th. So, we were not able to spend Christmas or New Years together. We have been married for 13 years and have 3 beautiful girls. The time apart made both of us realize what we had and that we should not take anything for granted. He was able to move back home on January 5th and we have been putting the pieces back together. Without the Lex I would have been a huge pile of self-pity and depression but I was able to still make a good Christmas for my kids and I am strong enough to be willing to work on our marriage.
>
> Sorry, I probally rambled abit. Once I got started it just tumbled out.
>
> Gator
>
>
Posted by LynneDa on January 15, 2004, at 14:18:31
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful, posted by Gator on January 15, 2004, at 13:59:23
Gator - Thanks for sharing! I was glad to read that you had a happy ending: that you were able to get through the holidays AND you both decided you value what you have and will work on it together. Best of luck to you!
~ Lynne
Posted by lil' jimi on January 15, 2004, at 14:22:50
In reply to Re: IS IT THE DREADED *POOP-OUT*???, posted by Mariposa on January 13, 2004, at 16:42:12
hi mariposa,
well, you know me ... ... i am really bummed that you're still suffering this struggle ... ... and i am sorry i haven't been here ... ... still got my adx? ... ... at yahoo, yellowdogjim, right? ... anytime, ok?
i am still on only 10mg of lex ... never did bump up like i thought about...
how-some-ever ... i have been taking a shi*load of supplements lately ... ... and i have every reason to believe they are helping the lexapro help me ... ...
... are you taking supplements?
like magnesium, selenium, niacinamide, omega-3 fatty acids ... especially ... ... these are the biggies that i have started lately ... along with lots of Bs and C and ginseng like forever ...
... i could post my list ...how-some-ever, my list wouldn't be as good as one we devise for ourselves ... everybody's different ...
things i don't take, but could be good for you (or any lex folk)
... st. john's wort. ginkgo b, SAM-e, 5HT, tyrpophan ... ...... anyway i got everything i know about this stuff from Larry Hoover's posts ... ... at Alternative and here ... in the archives ... worth hunting for ... ...
(he's not around now, but i won't go there ... i don't want this to get re-directed to Admin)
i have been on lex since March and it is still holding out okay for me ... ...
... i mentioned the omega-3 oils to Oldhand too ...my best to you.
~ jim
Posted by Gator on January 15, 2004, at 14:28:19
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful » Gator, posted by LynneDa on January 15, 2004, at 14:18:31
Thank you for listening.
{{{Gaza}}} {{{Lynne}}}
I actually feel better since I shared.Thanks again.
Gator
Posted by Mrs C. on January 15, 2004, at 15:07:53
In reply to Re: IS IT THE DREADED *POOP-OUT*??? » Mrs C., posted by Mariposa on January 15, 2004, at 0:23:40
Journeyman is Richard!
Posted by Mrs C. on January 15, 2004, at 15:17:03
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful -- Dana, posted by BobYuma on January 15, 2004, at 10:51:16
Hi Dana,
I think the worst thing about the s/e's for me was not knowing if it was me or the lexapro. Once I found this sight and realized that it wasn't some terrible disease I had and just the new drug I felt much better. My side effects included feeling "wired & tired" at the same time and some weird feelings in my jaw. I also developed twitches in my face. They have all since gone away and I feel really great. It took about 6 weeks though. But as I previously said, the side effects weren't that difficult to handle once I realized that others have experienced them too. Hang in there and keep coming to this board. It will do wonders for your self-esteem and everyone here really cares without thinking you're nuts! A big plus for me since my family thinks I'm totally wacked! They think mental illness is something you can control yourself. Duh! Anyway maybe you won't experience any bad side effects but having them will let you know that the drug is working and that's a good thing. Bye for now. Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs C. on January 15, 2004, at 15:22:54
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful, posted by Gaza on January 15, 2004, at 13:25:54
Hi Gator, Glad you're back posting and reading. If you would like to share your bad experience it might help. Sometimes just writing down our feelings can do wonders. You also have the support of many wonderful people who have no idea who you are and can't gossip about you. If you can't share just know that we are all pulling for you. Mrs. C
Posted by Steve3211 on January 15, 2004, at 15:25:35
In reply to someone help! , posted by sexylexy on January 14, 2004, at 13:45:33
> 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 lexyLexy,
I am at approximately the same point as you. Your days will be better and some not quite so good. It all cycles. Yesterday I had a really good productive day for most of the day and then felt bad in the evening. I got only a little sleep today and am having an ok day. I think we all have a tendency to exagerate our bad times. I know that I always dread the mornings and getting up but most of the time it is not to bad with this medication. Tomorrow will probably be better. Keep reading and posting. Best-Steve
Posted by Mrs C. on January 15, 2004, at 15:27:49
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful, posted by Gator on January 15, 2004, at 13:59:23
Hi Gator, I'm glad you decided to share your story with all of us. It sounds like a bad experience encouraged something positive for you and your husband. Sometimes, that's what it takes. I will be praying for you both. Good luck! Mrs. C
Posted by Jayslace on January 15, 2004, at 15:39:35
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful -- Dana, posted by Mrs C. on January 15, 2004, at 15:17:03
Mrs. C, I was just trying to get caught up on all the posts. I haven't been on lately because I just haven't felt good lately. Nothing to do with the side effects though. Had one of my darn seizures, and that will slow me down anyway.
But I sure agree with you about families and how they feel. At first when after my tumors were removed and my mentality went down, then I became depressed, my Mom and sister just didn't know how to treat me at all. My Dad, kids, boyfriend(now husband) were great! But my Mom and sister said I 'rambled", I need to 'just relax,' 'calm down',
'just forget about everything that's happened.'
When I asked what they meant that I rambled, they said that I just talked to much. I reminded them that I had to have speech for 6 months to learn to talk again. LOL All my friends said I didn't talk anymoe than I did before and that my mom and sister just can't handle that I am not mentally where I was before. I used to be the 'Rock' of the family.
But as for now, I kinda still must be. My sister called me in December crying because she was having an awful day at work and she just needed a shoulder to cry on.
And one day my Mom called needing to complain about my Dad. LOL By the way, I have 2 very good parents.
So, yes, families can have a hard time dealing with mental illnesses. That's why we have this board!!!!
Hugs to you all!
Ruthie
Posted by Gator on January 15, 2004, at 15:51:30
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful, posted by Mrs C. on January 15, 2004, at 15:27:49
Thank you Mrs.C for your support!!
{{{Mrs.C}}}
Gator
Posted by KathrynLex on January 15, 2004, at 16:37:21
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful -- Dana, posted by Mrs C. on January 15, 2004, at 15:17:03
Hi Mrs. C,
First I'd like to thank you for the many supportive and encouraging posts you've written. They have been invaluable in helping me through my first month on Lex.
I'm sorry to hear that your family thinks mental illness is something you can control. Many people are under that impression, and it's difficult for them to understand what you're going through unless they've been through something similar themselves. I know it's frustrating trying to convince them that what you have is an illness, maybe over time they'll come around. I hope so.
K.
Posted by sexylexy on January 15, 2004, at 17:27:40
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful, posted by Gaza on January 15, 2004, at 8:25:50
Hi~
Lexapro has not been that terrible for side effects with me. I really think the only thing that I have seen in a slight increase in anxiety, insomnia and a spacey feeling. The thing with these drugs is that the side effects are supposed to diminsh over time until they are mostly gone. Do not freak out, worrying will only make you more aware of the side effects.
To everyone else. Thanks for all the support. Today was ok, better than yesterday, I went to the Dr. who said I have a sinus infection and gave me a Z pac. I was wondering if anyone also takes Omega 3 fish oil with their Lex... took it for a while before I took any SSRI and it was pretty good. I have not taken it with the Lex b/c I don't know if they lessen the effect of the other?
Also I know that lexapro is not a "happy" pill that is going to fix all your problems. However, before I took that stupid birth control pill and got my hormones all messed up I had been a happy person. Sure I had gone though things that made me sad but I had never been depressed a day in my life. I am not asking to be happy all the time, thats not life, I just want to get back to being me. Im thinking of all ya'll thanks again for the support.
Lexy
Posted by Mrs C. on January 15, 2004, at 17:58:30
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful -- Dana » Mrs C., posted by Jayslace on January 15, 2004, at 15:39:35
Thanks for your post. You really are quite an inspiration to me. You have actually experienced some of the things that I have obsessed about in the past(hence, lex). Glad you are feeling better, it's good to have to back on the board. Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs C. on January 15, 2004, at 18:06:41
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful -- Dana, posted by KathrynLex on January 15, 2004, at 16:37:21
Hi K,
I'm so glad that I have been able to help you. I really appreciate all of your posts as well.
My husband is very supportive, it's my parents that think I'm being dramatic about my issues. Oh well, I just don't go to them for support. Thank God for this board and people like you who know how I feel. Sounds like you've been feeling a little better too. Your most recent posts are much more positive. If I'm right, congrats! Bye for now. Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs C. on January 15, 2004, at 18:15:04
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful -- Dana, posted by KathrynLex on January 15, 2004, at 16:37:21
Hi K,
I am so glad that I have been able to help you. I appreciate your posts as well.
Actually my husband is very supportive, it's my parents who think that I am being dramatic about my issues. I just don't go to them for support. Thank God for the wonderful people on this board who know exactly how I feel or can at least sympathize with me. It sounds like you've been feeling a little better lately too. Your recent posts have been much more positive. If I'm right, CONGRATS! Bye for now. Mrs. C
Posted by Danab on January 15, 2004, at 18:58:39
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful -- Dana, posted by BobYuma on January 15, 2004, at 10:51:16
Hi Dr Bob,
Thanks so much for the insight. I think you are absolutely right--I will stop reading anything about side effects until I actually have reason to. As I said, last night was my first dose and I did not have any side effects yet that would seem extreme. ALthought from some post I've read, sometimes the worst side effects take a few weeks to raise their ugly heads. I am VERY tired and almost feel fluish ( that sort of dull headache--nothing extreme though). The only other thing I've noticed is a sort of "flat" feeling, just a kind of lack of any emotion except a vague anxiousness.
I guess I just have not realized how I'm perceive by other people lately. Today, two people told me that they never see me smile or look happy anymore. I was stunned---had it become that noticable??
Anyway, thanks to all who shared their thoughts with me and gave encouragment---Hanging On, Kathyrn ( Negative Thinking Patterns---thats me too!), Gaza and Mariposa.
I'll keep ya'll posted on my experience with Lexapro---hopefully I'll find the true me again.
And Dr Bob, the weather here is so so. Too hot as far as I'm concerned--mid 60's today and 70's tomorrow and raining...ugh! A very bad hair weekend (not good for someone who's hair causing a lot of anxiety :) ) I'll trade you....
Dana in New Orleans
Posted by Bali on January 15, 2004, at 19:13:10
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful -- Dana, posted by Danab on January 15, 2004, at 18:58:39
Gator, How courageous of you to share your story with us. Thank you. I am sorry your holidays were unhappy. Holidays can be so stressful in and of themselves but with the added "wrench in the works" of your husband not being able to share it with you and your daughters, I'm sure it was just awful. Glad to see you back on the board. I will pray for you, and here are lots of hugs!!! {{{{{{{{{{{GATOR}}}}}}}}}}
Posted by vandy on January 15, 2004, at 21:06:45
In reply to Re: someone help!, posted by Gaza on January 15, 2004, at 9:35:18
Goodness! You just made the team and you're talking Super Bowl! <grin>
Please be just a bit patient. Let your life unfold like the magic carpet that it really is. Don't miss any steps by over-anticipation. Enjoy the process. You know that old thing, "Happiness is found along the way, not at the end of the road." Have some fun. Lovely thing about Lex: you can enjoy the screwy things that make up this vale of joys and tears. Bless you for beginning the journey and don't hear preaching in my remarks, although that's probably easy to do. I really don't mean it that way. I have used this analogy before but someone taught it to me and I value the prospective it gives. You have many friends here. You're in the bottom of a canyon in the rapids while we who have made the river run before you stand on the rim of the canyon looking down. We see what you're going through. We see what's ahead, although it's hidden from your view by the bends in the river. So try to be patient with the things we shout down to you. You're going to be fine and we're going to help all you let us. Enjoy the ride. That will make looking back on it much more fun and the pictures much more vivid.
And let your body tell you when you need to taper off the meds. By no means should you rush it. The meds are like any other tool. I never saw a mechanic try to wean himself off a screwdriver or hammer!
> nicky847, you said, "...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..."
>
> Do you think after accomplishing that, that you/we should ? be able to wean off the meds?
>
Posted by BLKVETTES on January 16, 2004, at 2:06:46
In reply to Long Term Side Effects of Lex?, posted by KathrynLex on January 15, 2004, at 13:20:38
> Has anyone read anything about the long-term side effects of lexapro? I feel a little uncomfortable about taking a drug without knowing what it will do to me in the long run.
>
> K.There is nothing to read its to new. But you can look at the older antidepressants. But it will probably take a generation or two for your answer. But everyone is so different. They still disagree about aspirin. Regular checkups with your family doctor will help warn you of complications. A simple blood test for liver problems should done at least once a year. Some family doctors wont even prescribe antidepressants unless they have this test done.
WAYNE
Posted by BLKVETTES on January 16, 2004, at 2:09:30
In reply to Re: Long Term Side Effects of Lex?, posted by BLKVETTES on January 16, 2004, at 2:06:46
HEY GOOD TO SEE YOU POST!!!!!! TAKE CARE!!!!!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by BLKVETTES on January 16, 2004, at 2:17:37
In reply to Re: someone help!, posted by vandy on January 15, 2004, at 21:06:45
>>>>>>>And let your body tell you when you need to taper off the meds. By no means should you rush it. The meds are like any other tool. I never saw a mechanic try to wean himself off a screwdriver or hammer!
OH YES THAT WAS GOOD VANDY!!!!!! I LIKE THIS THAT I READ BELOW AWHILE BACK. THIS IS WHY I STILL TAKE MY MED!!!!!!!!
WAYNE8. DO THE SSRIs WORK, AND FOR HOW LONG?
The big questions for people with depression are do the drugs really work and, if so, how long do you need to keep taking them for?In people who have had more than two episodes of "major" depression, and got better with antidepressants, research has now shown that over the next three years;-
Less than 1 in 4 people who carry on taking an antidepressant become depressed again
Nearly 9 out of 10 people who do not take an antidepressant become depressed again
If you stop your antidepressant after you have got better, you are six times as likely to become depressed again within three years2 out of every 3 people who stop their antidepressant after three years become depressed again within the next two years
Only 1 in 20 people who carry on with an antidepressant become depressed again
We do not know for certain what happens after five years. Many people may be advised to carry on with an antidepressant for longer but that is a decision for you and your doctor to make.
http://www.nmhct.nhs.uk/pharmacy/moa-ssri.htm
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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