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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by mrs c on March 3, 2004, at 21:19:34
In reply to Dramatic unexpected side effect of Lexapro, posted by kellieann7 on March 3, 2004, at 12:08:40
Kelliann, thanks for the chuckle and for explaining the aching I have been having in my wrist recently! Mrs. C
Posted by mrs c on March 3, 2004, at 21:32:24
In reply to Thanks Theresa, posted by mystic on March 3, 2004, at 18:21:41
Hi Mystic, glad to hear that you made it through today. Your post sounds a tad bit better than yesterday's. I took a big step today and called a therapist. So far I have just been handling all of my issues alone with Lex and you guys. My doctor thinks that I could really benefit from someone to talk things out with. She also increased my dosage to 20mgs. I have been having a return of obsessive thoughts recently and they are becoming more frequent. I spent pretty much the whole day today obsessing about a disease I think I could have. I am a little frightened at the prospect of increasing my dose. I had some pretty rough anxiety when first beginning Lex and hope that it's not that bad this time around. I am also hoping that I can be free from these thoughts once again. The good news is that I am not depressed anymore, I have lost 14 pounds since my last doctor visit and my blood pressure was lower than it has ever been! So I feel pretty good about the future and am looking forward to conquering these obsessive thinking patterns. Wish me luck!
Posted by mrs c on March 3, 2004, at 21:41:31
In reply to So Much for a Low Stress Day... » mystic, posted by tmhwrite on March 3, 2004, at 19:02:11
Hi Theresa, I think we have all been where you are and can relate. The pressure can be so overwhelming at times. Make a priority list and stick to it. Include yourself on that list. Take some time during the day for some quiet relaxation. I always have 45 minutes during the day after work and before everyone gets home. Sure, I could accomplish alot during this time but I choose to sit down and watch my tape of General Hospital.It's my form of relaxation. It's only 45 minutes but it makes such a difference in my outlook on the day. It gives me something to look forward to and it gives me the energy to carry on with the rest of the day to come. Just a thought! Mrs. C
Posted by mrs c on March 3, 2004, at 21:49:26
In reply to RE: Lynne, posted by mystic on March 3, 2004, at 19:19:00
Mystic,
How selfish of me. I rambled on and on about my day and really just forgot to give you the encouragement I wanted to give you. I thought of you often throughout my day (in between worrying about myself). Let me just say that 4 weeks was not really a turning point week for most of us. I remember week 5 being difficult and then having a breakthrough around week 6. My point is that you may have a few more weeks before your sadness subsides and you feel a bit like your old self. I can promise you that things will only get better from where you are right now. If your doctor feels that you need an increase than do it. Maybe it will help the Lex to kick in a little sooner. There is hope for you Mystic. If you can't believe that right now at least know that I and many others on this board have it for you! Talk to ya tomorrow. Mrs. C
Posted by mystic on March 3, 2004, at 22:19:36
In reply to Re: So Much for a Low Stress Day..., posted by mrs c on March 3, 2004, at 21:41:31
Mrs C ....Thanks for the encouragement...I hope that your day will be a good one and that the increase in your med will not bring back the anxiety...I will pray for everyone tonight and hope that tomorrow brings a better day for all...Not looking forward to the 5 week slump as I have heard so much about...One more day down is all I think about and moving ahead and getting rid of these thoughts...Thank God for angels in this room...There are just sooooo many of them...Thank you compasionate loving people...Mystic
Posted by kellieann7 on March 3, 2004, at 22:45:58
In reply to Re: Dramatic unexpected side effect of Lexapro » kellieann7, posted by linnie on March 3, 2004, at 14:02:09
Linnie,
I looked all over the Net for info, and I found that in a small number of trial patients, joint pain and myalgia (I guess that means pain) were found as side effects. I believe the incidence of occurance was the same as having gas as a side effect. :-)Lynne,
Sorry I worried you with my post title, but I'm glad I could make you laugh. I love those manic cleaning spells, I'm never hyped up for housework and even though I wasn't excited about doing it, at least I felt COMPELLED to do so, and had the energy to keep up. Now I am restless and anxious.... another store in the area is having triple coupons til Saturday, and I have to go! Must....shop.....with.....one.....hand!MrsC and Linnie.... be sure to keep an eye on your wrist. The test my Dr. did was had me put my thumb in my palm (like the signal for #4) then fold your fingers over your thumb (a fist with your thumb tucked in, aka, a girl fist). Keeping your wrist straight and your knuckles flat on top, bend your wrist in the opposite direction from your thumb (towards your pinky). If there is pain, you may have DeQuervain's. That rhymed. I need to get to bed now! :-)
Posted by kellieann7 on March 3, 2004, at 23:07:09
In reply to Re: LONG lexapro support and a ?, posted by MarkD on March 2, 2004, at 15:26:49
Mark,
That nervous stomach is quite a pain, isn't it. And amazingly, my parents didn't think anything about it! Thank you for sharing your story! Lexapro has been wonderful for my depression. I just found out recently that my mom took it for about two weeks (sporatically) and HATED IT! She said it made her feel numb and affected her sexually, so she quit. I think she was on 5 mg?? I have had the opposite effect... I still feel sad when I watch "Animal Cops," and I get angry and irritated when DH puts his dirty socks on the floor for the umpteenth time. I also laugh a lot, and remember again what good old belly laughs over stupid things feel like. I have the most vivid, amazing dreams about love, life, sex (constantly), and just feel alive. I would recommend giving Lexapro a try, and seeing how it works.I think I talked in my first post about DH's anxiety. He has irritable bowel, and started having anxiety attacks about a year and a half ago. HE lost about 30 lbs in two months, and was in pain constantly. He is high strung in that he bounces his legs constantly, doesn't focus on tasks well, etc. However, his general demeanor is very quiet and calm. We had tons of tests done, but because he acted "normal" and is a healthy, strong man, these docs refused to do any mental diagnosis for 10 months. I have a BA in psych (does me a lot of good, huh), and because I saw how much he had changed, I knew this was more than lactose intolerance. It would flare up whenever anything (no matter how minor) would come up with our pets. He was having thoughts about them dying and would feel faint and start sweating. Then the IB would start. Finally he told me he was feeling very depressed because he didn't know what was wrong with him. I pulled him back into the Dr., and made him tell him about the depression. They put him on Paxil, and he mellowed instantly (almost too much on 25 mg). Since we lost two of our pets while he was on Paxil, he has learned to deal with his grief, and his dose has been reduced. I think Lexapro wouldn't have worked for him, he was too anxious and high strung physically, and too mellow emotionally. We are pretty much the exact opposite as far as our symptoms and personalities go. Lex was perfect for getting me out of bed and going, my husband would have thought he was going crazy.
Posted by KathrynLex on March 3, 2004, at 23:21:53
In reply to Yikes! Help, posted by sexylexy on March 3, 2004, at 20:17:24
Hi Lexy,
The emotional rollercoaster will even out. Your body is adjusting (again) and feels out of balance, which is bound to make anyone cranky. As you get used to the higher dose, you'll feel much less irritable. These periods of transition are the hardest because it involves so much waiting...and all you want to do is feel better. It really isn't that much to ask. I've got my fingers crossed that 15 mgs turns out to be the magic dose for you.
K.
Posted by Dr. Bob on March 3, 2004, at 23:36:34
In reply to Re: Hey Ya'll Lexaproers, posted by MarkD on March 1, 2004, at 13:09:05
> I got this advice from a book call "Hope and Help for your Nerves" by Dr. Clarie Weekes...
I'd just like to plug the double double quotes feature at this site:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#amazon
The first time anyone refers to a book without using this option, I post this to try to make sure he or she at least knows about it. It's just an option, though, and doesn't *have* to be used. If people *choose* not to use it, I'd be interested why not, but I'd like that redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20020918/msgs/7717.html
Thanks!
Bob
Posted by vandy on March 4, 2004, at 2:20:45
In reply to Re: lex and time of the month? Vandy, posted by sexylexy on March 3, 2004, at 17:29:33
That's encouraging! If love is the weapon I'm pretty well armed. ;-)
Thank you, Lexy!
> Hey Vandy,
> Thanks for all your post you give a lot of hope. As for the person with possible suicidal ideation, I can tell you what they teach us to do in graduate school( am getting my masters in clinical social work and a therepist at the University of Louisville). The biggest thing is to be there for the person, do not just tell the person that you care for them, show them, it is ureal how many people say they care but do not go though the actions. Also it is good to sit down with the person and talk to them how excited you are and they could be about that persons life and what lies ahead. Also let them know that depression treatable in 90% of people. Also for the most part, depression comes in episodes but for the most part ends. Let the person know that there are others who feel as bad as they do, refer them to support groups as well as crisis centers! Good luck.. love is the most important weapon on keeping people alive.
> Lexy
Posted by jake97tx on March 4, 2004, at 6:00:32
In reply to Re: lex and time of the month? » vandy, posted by simus on March 3, 2004, at 0:27:56
Hi!
I'm on week TEN of 10mg of Lexapro. My PDoc prescribed it while coming off Paxil. My last day of Paxil was 2 days ago. I know all about Paxil Withdrawal, believe me....however I'm not seeing any benefit from Lexapro. :(It could be that the deleterious effects of paroxetine withdrawal are hiding the postives of Lexapro, but I kinda doubt it at this point.
My PDoc wants me to up the Lexapro to 20 mg, but I'm wary. So many people do well at 10mg and I'm a small person!
So my question is for those with Panic Disorder and anxiety. Have you seen a benefit from an increase in dosage? Paxil worked so well on my anxiety and it feels as if I'm on nothing at the moment. Isn't 10mg Lexapro supposedly equal to 20mg of Paxil? I can't see how.
Blessings to you.
Posted by COOP on March 4, 2004, at 6:59:50
In reply to Mystic and everyone else too!, posted by mrs c on March 3, 2004, at 21:32:24
Had the same problem. I am on 20mg aday after 12 weeks. I am doing fine. I still get these thoughts during the day but I am able to blow them off after afew minutes. I am able to go on with my life. You have to live for today. If you think about dying tomorrow from a disease you will be killing today and you are alive today. I had cancer ( the word HAD ) is very important.
I am also getting other help. I lost 40 pounds during my anxiety attacks and now that I am feeling pretty good, I am also eating toooo good.
Best of luck
JoelHi Mystic, glad to hear that you made it through today. Your post sounds a tad bit better than yesterday's. I took a big step today and called a therapist. So far I have just been handling all of my issues alone with Lex and you guys. My doctor thinks that I could really benefit from someone to talk things out with. She also increased my dosage to 20mgs. I have been having a return of obsessive thoughts recently and they are becoming more frequent. I spent pretty much the whole day today obsessing about a disease I think I could have. I am a little frightened at the prospect of increasing my dose. I had some pretty rough anxiety when first beginning Lex and hope that it's not that bad this time around. I am also hoping that I can be free from these thoughts once again. The good news is that I am not depressed anymore, I have lost 14 pounds since my last doctor visit and my blood pressure was lower than it has ever been! So I feel pretty good about the future and am looking forward to conquering these obsessive thinking patterns. Wish me luck!
Posted by Anjul on March 4, 2004, at 7:01:58
In reply to Re: lex and a female question (more complaints), posted by mrs c on February 27, 2004, at 21:37:36
I have been on Lex at doses between 5 and 10 mg's since October, and havent had an orgasm since. I see no signs that they are "coming back". I am capable of sexual intimacy, and arrousal, and prefer this to the negative dialogue ,etc in my head when I was my former psycho orgasmic self. its a drag to have to choose, but I'll take it gladly. Anjul
Posted by COOP on March 4, 2004, at 7:32:21
In reply to Is Lexapro effective for Panic Disorder?, posted by jake97tx on March 4, 2004, at 6:00:32
It helped me for Panic Disorder and anxiety after I was on 20mg aday. It took two weeks to take effect on 20mg. I was on 10 for 4 weeks and than 15mg for 2 weeks before I took 20mg. My condition seem to get worst until my body adjusted to the 20mg. Lex worked much better for me than Paxil.
Good luck
> Hi!
> I'm on week TEN of 10mg of Lexapro. My PDoc prescribed it while coming off Paxil. My last day of Paxil was 2 days ago. I know all about Paxil Withdrawal, believe me....however I'm not seeing any benefit from Lexapro. :(
>
> It could be that the deleterious effects of paroxetine withdrawal are hiding the postives of Lexapro, but I kinda doubt it at this point.
>
> My PDoc wants me to up the Lexapro to 20 mg, but I'm wary. So many people do well at 10mg and I'm a small person!
>
> So my question is for those with Panic Disorder and anxiety. Have you seen a benefit from an increase in dosage? Paxil worked so well on my anxiety and it feels as if I'm on nothing at the moment. Isn't 10mg Lexapro supposedly equal to 20mg of Paxil? I can't see how.
>
> Blessings to you.
Posted by want info on March 4, 2004, at 8:47:56
In reply to Yikes! Help, posted by sexylexy on March 3, 2004, at 20:17:24
hi lexy...i feel the same way! for me it's more related to the post i made yesterday...like im not really there when im with my boyfriend sometimes, almost as if i dont know him, when of course i do. it's so crazy! have you ever felt that way? i suspect your increased irritability has to do with the higher dose?
Posted by marfaith on March 4, 2004, at 8:49:28
In reply to Re: mystic, posted by LynneDa on March 3, 2004, at 9:22:20
> Mystic - In reading your post to Lexy, I can relate. I just wanted my bad feelings to end. I was tired of feeling hateful toward myself, of feeling useless to those around me and of being so worried, angry and sad all the time. I still have a few moments of it, even after 4 months and 20 mg of Lex, but they pass SO quickly - in minutes instead of days. I'm starting to like myself again!
>
> Mystic, do you have anyone you can call when you are feeling at your lowest? I used to call my sister. I didn't have to tell her what my thoughts were, she knew by the sound of my voice and would go into save mode - reassuring me that these feelings would pass, that it's just my depression talking not me and reminding me of my good points and all I had to look forward to. Please find someone like that to help you when you're at your lowest.
>
> You will get better little by little over the next few weeks. Find a phrase that is comforting to you and during times of weakness repeat it over & over (like "I am strong, I will persevere." - even if you don't believe it at the time!). It's amazing how self-talk can help distract you & help re-program you.
>
> To Mystic & Mary and all those struggling at the beginning: Hang in there sisters, we're here for you and are living proof that things will become brighter & recovery, normalcy & the ability to cope will happen to you soon! :-)
> ~ Lynne
> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
> Thanks Lynne for your kind words. I read the posts everyday, but don't always have time to reply. You, Theresa, and Mrs. C always are so kind. I wanted to let you all know how much you help others with your incouraging words. You must be very special people. I wish you all the best and thanks again. Mary
>
>
>
> Lexy....My thoughts are that I want to commit suicide if these feelings dont go away that I no longer want to live day to day with depression and anxiety and not really having a life...My life revolves around being afraid from the time I wake up in the morning until the time I go to bed at night...I just dont feel like I'm going to come out of it..I'm a very personable, funny, outgoing, everyones idea of a happy person and they just have no idea what goes on inside and that I have to struggle to not let people know..But I have had thoughts that I will hurt myself if this feeling doesnt go away...I'm a very impatient person...But thank you for sharing like i have said many times lately..I does help.thank you Mystic
> >
> > Mystic...Hope you don't mind me responding to this email. I can totally relate to you. I have so many good things happening in my life, but it is hard to enjoy them when I have this constant worry I carry with me. I am starting my third week of lex. I am hoping that I will have the success that others have had. I do take xanax when I need it. I am also one who is afraid of taking meds, but having the xanax has really helped me. Especially with the side effects of the lex. I hope you can hang in there for your family who loves you. That is what keeps me going. Mary
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by want info on March 4, 2004, at 8:49:59
In reply to re: emily, posted by mystic on March 3, 2004, at 19:46:18
hi mystic! i am on lex 4 weeks yesterday too. i started feb 4, i believe. i was on 20mg paxil for 8 years! i dont feel great these days either. kind of depersonalized and anxious. i'm still hoping it will pass, though with each week i lose more hope that this is the med for me, although people tell me it can take up to 9 weeks! my problems are more anxiety than depression...but if you need someone to talk to i am here. emily
Posted by marfaith on March 4, 2004, at 8:59:17
In reply to Re: mystic, posted by LynneDa on March 3, 2004, at 9:22:20
Thank you for your kind words. You, Theresa, and Mrs C. are always so thoughtful. You really are special people. I wish you all the best. Thanks again. Mary
Posted by edna babish on March 4, 2004, at 9:03:43
In reply to Re: Is Lexapro effective for Panic Disorder?, posted by COOP on March 4, 2004, at 7:32:21
I went from 25 mgs of Paxil CR to 10 mgs of lexapro 13 weeks ago. I did not notice anxiousness or an increase in my panic reaction, although I was anxious and I did have an increase in depression. It took two weeks of 15 mgs to really see the full advantages, although my doctor said she wanted me to increase to 20. I am a small woman too, and really suceptable to medications--last year I had a baby and the nurses were amazed that I could taste the IV when it was started and supplemented. Fifteen mgs has worked very well for me. As far as 20 to 10 Paxil to Lexapro ratio--I don't believe it. Nor do I buy the 40-10 Celexa-lexapro ratio--when I took 40 of celexa I had fainting spells because my bp bottomed out. Paxil worked well on my anxiety too, but I felt totally numb and spacey, I was constantly forgetting important things, and I could not get aroused even with great effort. You will probably want to try 15 mgs. Good luck and keep us updated. Edna
Posted by ednababish on March 4, 2004, at 9:15:34
In reply to Re: lex and time of the month? Vandy, posted by vandy on March 4, 2004, at 2:20:45
Dear Womens,
I have a question or two myself. I began using 10mgs lexapro on Dec 19th with an immediate switch from 25mgs Paxil CR, upped the dose to 15mgs Dec 29th, and started to feel much better about Feb 7th. I also use trazadone to sleep and for pain management because I have fibromyalgia. I started using the birth control patch at the end of January, and during week three I had tremendous headaches, insomnia. Went off for my period, went back on and the headaches started immediately. Week two I noticed nausea, headaches, insomnia, and an edgy panicky feeling I have not experienced since September. My question is this--are these panic feelings related to hormal problems causes the birth control patch? Has anyone else experienced this while using hormonal birth control? I know many of you have confessed that during that time of month the lexapro seems to work less effectively, so is this related?Any insight would be appreciated here, and thanks in advance.
Edna Babish
Posted by mrs c on March 4, 2004, at 9:21:40
In reply to Re: Mystic and everyone else too!, posted by COOP on March 4, 2004, at 6:59:50
Hi COOP, thanks for your post. I really appreciate hearing from someone who has been through what I fear most, a serious disease. Please tell me how you coped with that. I really can't imagine being able to get through something that scarey. How do you learn to live for "today" and not worry about what tomorrow will bring. That is the question of my life.Currently, I am a healthy women. My problem is that I worry that every little ache or pain, rash, etc. is something serious. I spend days obsessing about it and then it will just stop bothering me for a while until it reappears and I re-worry. I can't wait to discuss all of this with a therapist. Any thoughts? Mrs. C
Posted by LynneDa on March 4, 2004, at 10:25:20
In reply to Questions at 15mg or 20mg, posted by sexylexy on March 3, 2004, at 18:21:36
Hi Lexy -
The main difference I noticed after upping to 20 mg is during the week before my period (which was the reason I upped, to improve during that time). I am much calmer & in control. I'm not 100% okay but better than on 10mg. One way I know I'm better is that I am doing things I used to do long ago: I baked cookies last night while we were eating dinner, then went over to visit a friend who's going thru a divorce . . . I never had the physical or emotional energy to do extra things like that or reach out to someone else in need before taking Lex. I think the 20mg has pushed me into a new realm of competency, clarity & energy.Hang in there, you will see improvements as the weeks continue :-). I've been at 20mg for 9 weeks now and in the last few weeks have seen the most improvements. Have a great weekend!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Hey Ya'll
> Today is day two on 15 mg of lex. I am feeling a little spacey/tired and flat but know those will go away pretty soon. They are much milder than when I began lex.
> I know many of you are on 15mg and 20mg. Can you tell me what the differences you saw from 10mg to the higher doseage. I felt about up to 70%-75% but just not really *happy* and really un confident which is a very new thing for me. Please give me some good news!!!
> God Bless,
> Lexy
Posted by LynneDa on March 4, 2004, at 10:29:35
In reply to So Much for a Low Stress Day... » mystic, posted by tmhwrite on March 3, 2004, at 19:02:11
Wow Theresa - it sounds like you've been presented with a lot of wonderful opportunities all at once. Wonder what the message is supposed to be here? Well, you can do it. Just try to stay in the moment. Take deep breaths, make sure you eat some energy snacks if you don't have time for a meal and drink lots of water. That will help your brain keep functioning :-). I'll be thinking of you and waiting to hear how it all comes out next week. YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Posted by dzinegirl on March 4, 2004, at 10:44:57
In reply to re: emily » mystic, posted by want info on March 4, 2004, at 8:49:59
Hi everyone,
This board has been a great source for me. thanks to all.
Im on my 3rd week of Lexapro after being diagnosed with GAD and acute panic disorder.
My first week was rough. I really didn't know much about side effects and was convinced that I was dying of a disease not anxiety. I took it at night and had insominia and that burning feeling in my stomach. Im on 10mg and only weigh 95lbs very petite and have never been ony medicine in my life. I was scared and shaky and my therapist had me switch to taking in the morning. I take about 6:45am and by night I can sleep. My sister took me to her chiropractor and I have been getting adjusted and massaged and it really helps the nervous system. Ive been feeling better gained 5lbs and started to walk 30minutes a day and take yoga on weekends. I still experience side effects like shakyness and sweating, hot flash but I tell myself its just a side effect not a disease. Im hoping to wean myself off to 5mg soon and try to get back naturally. Its a journey but Im going to try my best to get my life back together. God Bless All--
Posted by bluesfan on March 4, 2004, at 11:38:29
In reply to Re: Questions at 15mg or 20mg » sexylexy, posted by LynneDa on March 4, 2004, at 10:25:20
Lynne-
I just started on 20mg 2 days ago, so I'm looking for some answers as well. You said you weren't "100%". Do you plan on having another dosage increase until you are 100%? I'm worried that I will have to have another increase after this and I don't want to keep having to go through the massive fatigue that is associated with it.
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