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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by LynneDa on March 4, 2004, at 11:50:14
In reply to Re: Questions at 15mg or 20mg » LynneDa, posted by bluesfan on March 4, 2004, at 11:38:29
Bluesfan -
Good question! I don't think I'll increase.Part of my problem is the insomnia. If I can get that fixed, it will help. Additionally, I need counseling to work through a lot of my issues now and I've been putting it off due to lack of time. Thirdly, I need to exercise - my treadmill comes this weekend! And, lastly, I'm going to try to supplement with some natural remedies if the first 3 things don't bring me where I want to be . . . but I think they will!
Hang in there thru the sleepy fog at the beginning! I know it makes everything seem more difficult. I can say it took me 7 or 8 weeks before I really felt better, but then I have the insomnia issue that does some masking. Good luck!!!!!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>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.
Posted by COOP on March 4, 2004, at 11:54:33
In reply to Re: Mystic and everyone else too!, posted by mrs c on March 4, 2004, at 9:21:40
Hi
First I am Mr C or Joel
I had such bad attacks that I had to be rushed to the hospital thinking that I was having a heart attack. After having prostate & scin cancer and pains in my chest I was totally loosing it. The attacks after 1 1/2 years got so bad that I wanted to die, just to get it over with. The fear of suffering was worst than dieing. After my operation and than 6 weeks of radation I was so weak and every pain in my body was of cause cancer. I still have many of the pains but they are so important now. I am doing well with the lex and more important decided to go for theropy 10 weeks ago. I go every week and decided to be as honest as I could with myself and the therapist. Three things helped me put my life together. I went back to work part time, some days it was horrible but kept to it. Started to do physical things and make plans for the future.
Planning a vacation or trip even if I deide not to go. Making up my mind that I don't have control over disease ( except VD ) or how long I will live. I am still affread but when I have a pain or problem I say T H E H E L L W I T H IT ! The best reason is that this Saturday I became a first tme grandfather of a little boy that I love and makes be beleave in God.
I hope this helps.
Joel
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 bluesfan on March 4, 2004, at 12:32:05
In reply to Re: Questions at 15mg or 20mg » bluesfan, posted by LynneDa on March 4, 2004, at 11:50:14
Did it take 8 to 9 weeks after the increase, or just in total after taking the drug? I was on 10mg for about 10 weeks before starting the new dosage. Good luck to you as well!
> Bluesfan -
> Good question! I don't think I'll increase.
>
> Part of my problem is the insomnia. If I can get that fixed, it will help. Additionally, I need counseling to work through a lot of my issues now and I've been putting it off due to lack of time. Thirdly, I need to exercise - my treadmill comes this weekend! And, lastly, I'm going to try to supplement with some natural remedies if the first 3 things don't bring me where I want to be . . . but I think they will!
>
> Hang in there thru the sleepy fog at the beginning! I know it makes everything seem more difficult. I can say it took me 7 or 8 weeks before I really felt better, but then I have the insomnia issue that does some masking. Good luck!!!!!
> ~ Lynne
> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>
> 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.
>
>
Posted by Gator on March 4, 2004, at 13:29:02
In reply to Re: Questions at 15mg or 20mg » LynneDa, posted by bluesfan on March 4, 2004, at 12:32:05
Lynne,
Insominia just started for me after being on Lex for 5 months. I have been taking melatonin about 1/2 hour before I go to bed and it helps me sleep soundly all night.
Take Care!
Gator
Posted by LynneDa on March 4, 2004, at 13:29:54
In reply to Re: Questions at 15mg or 20mg » LynneDa, posted by bluesfan on March 4, 2004, at 12:32:05
I was also on 10 mg for about 10 weeks before increasing. It took about one month on 20 mg before I noticed a measurable difference.
It was at about 8 weeks after the increase that I could say I felt about 90% better than before I began any meds. Not that 100% is perfect, but 100% is where I want to get to, if that makes sense. But, again, don't forget about my insomnia - lack of sleep makes my recovery much slower than it should be I think!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Did it take 8 to 9 weeks after the increase, or just in total after taking the drug? I was on 10mg for about 10 weeks before starting the new dosage. Good luck to you as well!
>
> > Bluesfan -
> > Good question! I don't think I'll increase.
> >
> > Part of my problem is the insomnia. If I can get that fixed, it will help. Additionally, I need counseling to work through a lot of my issues now and I've been putting it off due to lack of time. Thirdly, I need to exercise - my treadmill comes this weekend! And, lastly, I'm going to try to supplement with some natural remedies if the first 3 things don't bring me where I want to be . . . but I think they will!
> >
> > Hang in there thru the sleepy fog at the beginning! I know it makes everything seem more difficult. I can say it took me 7 or 8 weeks before I really felt better, but then I have the insomnia issue that does some masking. Good luck!!!!!
> > ~ Lynne
> > >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
> >
> > 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.
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by linnie on March 4, 2004, at 13:38:04
In reply to Re: Sexylexy...How are you? » KathrynLex, posted by sexylexy on March 3, 2004, at 18:15:46
> K~
> Thanks for asking, its nice to know that someone is thinking of me. Today is day 2 of 15mg. I feel a little flat, tired and spacey but nothing like I felt when I first started lex. I am hoping the side effects go away pretty soon. Hopefully from there I will start to notice improvement. Its odd that you had a panic attack this weekend, I had a small one Friday night (my first in a long time. It was probably my fault though, I was at a ball with my boyfriend and had two martinis... bad lexy, bad...How are you doing... what have you noticed on 15 that 10 did not bring? Thanks, God Bless,
> LexyHi Lexy and K,
I also just upped my dose to 15mgs on lex and it's been 2 days also. So I would be interested in what you both have to say about this. So please keep me posted.
Lexy, tell me about the panic attack. I know i get extreme anxiety and feel like nothing is worth anything. I have also noticed that alcohol is not good even just a couple of drinks as I have big time depression the next day.
K, How soon was it that you felt better on 15mgs. The first day, I felt on top of the world but that may have been the efffect of coffee. I know we can do it!!linnie
Posted by LynneDa on March 4, 2004, at 14:41:14
In reply to Insominia--LynneDa, posted by Gator on March 4, 2004, at 13:29:02
Thanks Gator - Melatonin does help somewhat. I guess there's no long-term negative effect for taking it every night? From what I've read there isn't, but have you heard anything different?
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Lynne,
>
> Insominia just started for me after being on Lex for 5 months. I have been taking melatonin about 1/2 hour before I go to bed and it helps me sleep soundly all night.
>
> Take Care!
>
> Gator
Posted by Gator on March 4, 2004, at 15:01:27
In reply to Re: Insominia--LynneDa » Gator, posted by LynneDa on March 4, 2004, at 14:41:14
Lynne,
I haven't heard anything bad with continued use. I used to take it years ago(couldn't shut my brain off, constant worrying). I took it every night for quite a while back then and didn't have any trouble. I don't know why now I have been having trouble, it's not that I can't get to sleep it's that I can't stay asleep. Melatonin has helped me to sleep all night.
If anyone has heard of negative reports about long term usage of Melatonin could you let me know? Thanks.
Good Luck Lynne with the insomnia - things always seem worse when your tired.
Gator
Posted by LynneDa on March 4, 2004, at 15:12:10
In reply to Re: Insominia--LynneDa » LynneDa, posted by Gator on March 4, 2004, at 15:01:27
Gator,
That's for sure (looks worse when you're tired)!I have the same trouble, I fall asleep, but wake up in the middle of the night either several times briefly or one big time feeling wired. Thanks for your response!
~Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Lynne,
> I haven't heard anything bad with continued use. I used to take it years ago(couldn't shut my brain off, constant worrying). I took it every night for quite a while back then and didn't have any trouble. I don't know why now I have been having trouble, it's not that I can't get to sleep it's that I can't stay asleep. Melatonin has helped me to sleep all night.
>
> If anyone has heard of negative reports about long term usage of Melatonin could you let me know? Thanks.
>
> Good Luck Lynne with the insomnia - things always seem worse when your tired.
>
> Gator
Posted by mrs c on March 4, 2004, at 15:20:14
In reply to Re: Mystic and everyone else too!, posted by COOP on March 4, 2004, at 11:54:33
Hi Joel, thanks for your reply. I am glad to hear that Lex is working for you. You seem to have such a great outlook on life and I hope that I can get there too! Lex has taken care of most of the depression but the obsessive thoughts are putting up a fight! Congratulations on becoming a grandfather! What a wonderful way to celebrate the new and positive you! I hope that you continue to improve and I look forward to hearing more from you. Mrs. C
Posted by Gator on March 4, 2004, at 15:22:26
In reply to Re: Insominia--LynneDa » Gator, posted by LynneDa on March 4, 2004, at 15:12:10
No problem.
I don't post very often, but I read every day.
Take Care!
Gator
Posted by mrs c on March 4, 2004, at 15:25:25
In reply to Re: Questions at 15mg or 20mg » bluesfan, posted by LynneDa on March 4, 2004, at 13:29:54
Hey you guys, I am supposed to start taking 20mgs as of yesterday. I took 10 last night and I am terrified to start 20. I know the sooner I do it the sooner I will feel better but I am so afraid of the increased anxiety I felt when first beginning Lex. Were your side effects less extreme when increasing to 20? My doc said that I could alternate between 10 and 20 at first so I may try that. She said increasing to 15 probably wouldn't help for long. That is what I wanted to do. Maybe I should do that anyway until I feel comfortable. I dont know. I am confused. Help! Mrs. C
Posted by mrs c on March 4, 2004, at 15:30:11
In reply to Re: Insominia--LynneDa » LynneDa, posted by Gator on March 4, 2004, at 15:22:26
Hey guys, do any of you have any experience taking Lex with narcotic pain relievers? I will be having dental surgery soon and will need to take something stronger than Advil or tylenol for a few days. Does anyone know about any negative effects? I am nervous about telling my dentist that I take Lexapro but will if I have to. I know him and his wife personally and don't want them to know. Thanks for any input. Mrs. C
Posted by LynneDa on March 4, 2004, at 15:38:31
In reply to Re: Questions at 15mg or 20mg, posted by mrs c on March 4, 2004, at 15:25:25
Hi Mrs. C. -
I understand how you feel. I was reluctant to increase too. But, my s/e's were not bad at all and only lasted 10 days or so! I was a little nauseous and spacey - but not to the extent AT ALL that I was at first - not all the time and not every day. After 9 weeks on 20mg, my anxiety, sadness & anger are about 90% gone - even the week before my period - I only had about 2 "episodes" that week (which was week 8).Your posts indicate that you are experiencing increased anxiety and unhappiness. You are such a wonderful, caring and articulate person and so great to hear from each day. I hate seeing you suffer any more than you have to! Go up to 20 mg and see what happens. Alternating doesn't seem right for some reason, like you'll confuse your brain or something!
I bet it will help you! It may take a couple of weeks to get readjusted, but we are here for you! Let us know what you decide.
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Hey you guys, I am supposed to start taking 20mgs as of yesterday. I took 10 last night and I am terrified to start 20. I know the sooner I do it the sooner I will feel better but I am so afraid of the increased anxiety I felt when first beginning Lex. Were your side effects less extreme when increasing to 20? My doc said that I could alternate between 10 and 20 at first so I may try that. She said increasing to 15 probably wouldn't help for long. That is what I wanted to do. Maybe I should do that anyway until I feel comfortable. I dont know. I am confused. Help! Mrs. C
Posted by sexylexy on March 4, 2004, at 15:40:15
In reply to Lex and pain medications, posted by mrs c on March 4, 2004, at 15:30:11
Hi Mrs. C,
When I first started lexapro I got a sinus infection. I took advil, tylenol and aleve, regular cold and sinus and night time. I am still here, you should not have any side effects or problems!
Good Luck,
Lexy
Posted by sexylexy on March 4, 2004, at 15:42:15
In reply to Re: Questions at 15mg or 20mg, posted by mrs c on March 4, 2004, at 15:25:25
Mrs. C,
On my way to 15 I took 12.5 for a few days then up to 15. I think you should do what makes you feel comfortable. That is the only way to not freak yourself out!!
You can do it,
Lexy
Posted by LynneDa on March 4, 2004, at 15:46:39
In reply to Lex and pain medications, posted by mrs c on March 4, 2004, at 15:30:11
I don't personally know, but would definitely ask your primary care physician about it. I would think they work on different parts of the brain. If anything, maybe the Lex would cause you to become drowsier from the pain killers than normal? Good luck!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Hey guys, do any of you have any experience taking Lex with narcotic pain relievers? I will be having dental surgery soon and will need to take something stronger than Advil or tylenol for a few days. Does anyone know about any negative effects? I am nervous about telling my dentist that I take Lexapro but will if I have to. I know him and his wife personally and don't want them to know. Thanks for any input. Mrs. C
Posted by sexylexy on March 4, 2004, at 15:51:09
In reply to Re: Sexylexy...How are you?, posted by linnie on March 4, 2004, at 13:38:04
Hi,
Today I have been in a bad mood but it is improving a little. I had a panic attack Friday night because I drank a few martini's at a Ball my boyfriend took me to. My panic attacks make me feel like I am about to pass out or explode. I feel really anxious and cannot concertrate. They are a lot better with lexapro. I can tell myself that I am having a panic attack and it makes it much easier to get though. I also do not get anxious on airplanes which was a huge source of panic for me. I went on 15mg because I just was not happy and my PMDD was still not good. Anyway, tell me how 15mg treats you, I have been on it 3 days now without much difference. Of course I need to give it some time. I have had few side effects, feeling a little moody, spacey and tired. It could also be the gloomy weather. Anyway, sorry I got a little winded, keep in touch and let me know how life is!
God Bless,
Lexy
Posted by want info on March 4, 2004, at 15:59:01
In reply to Re: Sexylexy...How are you? » linnie, posted by sexylexy on March 4, 2004, at 15:51:09
lexy you remind me so much of myself! do you mind if i ask how old you are? im 26. i totally have the cant concentrate feeling although mine is more of the unreality i wrote about before. id been on paxil since i was 18 and thus far lex hasnt been as effective...just trying to wait it out!
Posted by want info on March 4, 2004, at 15:59:15
In reply to Re: Sexylexy...How are you? » linnie, posted by sexylexy on March 4, 2004, at 15:51:09
lexy you remind me so much of myself! do you mind if i ask how old you are? im 26. i totally have the cant concentrate feeling although mine is more of the unreality i wrote about before. id been on paxil since i was 18 and thus far lex hasnt been as effective...just trying to wait it out!
Posted by linnie on March 4, 2004, at 16:22:36
In reply to Re: Sexylexy...How are you? » linnie, posted by sexylexy on March 4, 2004, at 15:51:09
>Lexy,
I have been on 15mgs for 2 days and don't notice any difference either yet. I don't get panic attacks but I sure do have anxiety and dumb worry patterns AND dperession. I feel like I don't care about anything and nothing interests me. UGH.:( What is PMDD?
Please keep in touch. I think there is another person using linnie too so I will sign off as
LA
Hi,
> Today I have been in a bad mood but it is improving a little. I had a panic attack Friday night because I drank a few martini's at a Ball my boyfriend took me to. My panic attacks make me feel like I am about to pass out or explode. I feel really anxious and cannot concertrate. They are a lot better with lexapro. I can tell myself that I am having a panic attack and it makes it much easier to get though. I also do not get anxious on airplanes which was a huge source of panic for me. I went on 15mg because I just was not happy and my PMDD was still not good. Anyway, tell me how 15mg treats you, I have been on it 3 days now without much difference. Of course I need to give it some time. I have had few side effects, feeling a little moody, spacey and tired. It could also be the gloomy weather. Anyway, sorry I got a little winded, keep in touch and let me know how life is!
> God Bless,
> Lexy
Posted by Anjul on March 4, 2004, at 17:44:28
In reply to Re: Insominia--LynneDa » LynneDa, posted by Gator on March 4, 2004, at 15:22:26
Do either of you take a benzo at night? I was warned against taking Melatonin with my Klonapin by my pdoc.
I havent had a good night sleep since October. I take 1/4 mg Klonapin at night and wake up every hour usually. Nothing helps. Someone just suggested 7.5 mg Remeron at night. Have you heard of this combo? If this continues, I have to go off Lex, which I love. But having to choose between sleep and GAD w/depression really stinks! Anjul
Posted by sexylexy on March 4, 2004, at 18:10:48
In reply to Re: Sexylexy...How are you? » sexylexy, posted by want info on March 4, 2004, at 15:59:01
Hey Want Info (Im not sure of your name!)
I think we probably are a lot a like. I am 24 year old female. I have never had a problem with depression infact, I was always called the "strong one" when going though hard situations. I started taking Allese birth control pill and found myself becoming really sad. The summer was ending and I knew I would have to go back to Graduate school away from my friends, family and boyfriend. I continued to become sad and figured it was homesickness. I finally went home and the depression actually got worse because I expected it to be better. I was really irrational, almost broke up with my boyfriend because I thought that he was making me depressed. I thought about quiting school everything. I cried infront of my parents for the first time in yeaaaaaaaaaars. We have no history of depression so it made it really hard for them to understand. Finally, my dad suggeted I stopped the b/c pill because depression is a uncommon side effect. It was like with in two days I was back to my old self, happy as ever. I had this feeling for a little over a week then unexpectedly a friend died. I was all alone in this strange city when I wanted to be anywhere else. I started feeling sad then became so anxious that I would become depressed again. I went to the Dr. who gave me wellbutrin for my anxiety.. he must have graduated from the med school of stupidity. So I took one wellbutrin and shook in my bed for 24 hours. I then flew home, and was able to recover to about my old self. I was pretty good for about 3 weeks then got into a huge fight with my boyfriend. The sadness came back with lead this time to paralizying anxiety. I could not function b/c I was so anxious. At this point I started taking Zoloft which made my depression much worse. I stayed on for 3 weeks and was sooooo miserable. I then got on lexapro and started feeling improvement. I am doing ok now... just wanting to get the "me" I so loved back. I feel like I will win the war but am loosing a lot of battles in the mean time Mainly I have 0 self confidence, no pride in my many accomplishments and a higher sensitivity. I would love to hear your story, thanks for the note and support! God Bless!
LexyPS. PMDD is when about ten days before your period, you become a sad/anxious ball of hormones and it last till you start. It is one of the lovely things I have gotten from a stupid birth control pill !
Posted by simus on March 4, 2004, at 18:38:01
In reply to Re: Questions at 15mg or 20mg, posted by mrs c on March 4, 2004, at 15:25:25
I wouldn't think that alternating between 10 and 20 would be a good idea. Have you considered going to 15 for a week or so, or even 12.5 if you can break it that precisely? I have found that the side effects of increasing dosages isn't as traumatic as starting a new med. Good luck.
Posted by mystic on March 4, 2004, at 18:41:26
In reply to Re: Questions at 15mg or 20mg, posted by mrs c on March 4, 2004, at 15:25:25
Hey Mrs C....I'm with you...I think tomorrow my Dr will tell me to go up to 20mgs..I wanted to go to 15mg and he had said before that it wouldnt make a difference...I pray for you I know how hard it is to do it..and I'm here for you...Remember what you tell everyone else...We are always so full of advise and help with other people and have no compassion for ourselves..remember that and remember to take care of yourself...God Bless Mystic
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