![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 7060 to 7084 of 8406. Go back in thread:
Posted by KathrynLex on March 6, 2004, at 18:14:32
In reply to bad day here too :(, posted by wantinfo on March 6, 2004, at 17:22:23
Hi Emily,
I think you made the right choice not to increase without talking to your pdoc. The substitute doc was frighteningly quick to suggest an increase, and she's not that familiar with your history.
How long have you been feeling the way you do now...hours, days, weeks?
I felt really out of it the first 4 weeks I was on Lexapro. I couldn't concentrate or follow conversations.
The few times that I felt really disassociated from myself turned out to be panic attack symptoms...I just didn't recognize them because they weren't followed by an attack (thanks to the lex.) That might be what's happening to you.
Another possibility is that you're getting close to your period. (I think you've seen most of the discussion postings about that...for some people lex isn't as effective around that time of the month. That creates some pretty strange feelings.)
The good news is that whatever you're experiencing now WILL pass...the bad news is that you have to wait for it to go away. Do something to distract yourself like watching a funny movie or take a long tub soak...things that make you feel good, without using up a lot of your energy.
I hope you feel better soon. Keep us posted on how you're doing.
K.
Posted by mystic on March 6, 2004, at 18:15:38
In reply to Re: Not a good day!!! » mystic, posted by Simus on March 6, 2004, at 17:38:31
Simus....thank you for reaching out...it means alot...How long have you been on Lexapro and what are you on it for?...what is your dosage?..I hope that it is helping you and that you are feeling better than you did before for whatever reasons you are taking it...It helps when you know there is someone out there who understands..I was posting earlier about a book that I was reading which I warn you is very long but it sounds like it could help with our thoughts..The name is The Feeling Good Handbook by David Burns...Like I said it is a large book but covers a lot...Not sure if it would help but thought I would put it out there...Thank you again...And take care of yourself also..Mystic
Posted by KathrynLex on March 6, 2004, at 18:23:17
In reply to Re: Question for Lexy » mrs c, posted by sexylexy on March 5, 2004, at 21:53:40
Hi Lexy,
Wow, you sound like you're doing much better! There is no doubt in my mind that you'll have a terrific time while you're on vacation.
K.
Posted by sexylexy on March 6, 2004, at 18:59:51
In reply to bad day here too :(, posted by wantinfo on March 6, 2004, at 17:22:23
Posted by sexylexy on March 6, 2004, at 19:00:34
In reply to Re: bad day here too :( (nm), posted by sexylexy on March 6, 2004, at 18:59:51
Hey Girl,
I swear the same thing happened to me. It did pass. I wanted it out for and the spacey feeling is gone. The out of body type feeling (like your looking in on yourself ) hard to explain but I know what your talking about. It is just one of the lovely side effects. Mine was gone but now that I am upping my dose, I am having a touch of it again, not as bad though. I would give it about 6 to 7 weeks before upping. I waited 10 and wish I would have done it at like 6 or so. Good luck, I promise you will get though it. Remember it is a process. You will not wake up one day feeling great, it takes time, most people say it takes 6 months to get over an episode like this. I am feeling better but still see little things each day that improve. I hope to continue to see improvements from my 15mg of lex and assume I will. Good luck, you can do it hold out and know I have been where you are now... if you look back one of my post on week four, I was so spacey and disoriented that I almost quit. I am now glad I did not..you will be too.
God Bless,
Lexy
Posted by fires on March 6, 2004, at 21:58:16
In reply to Re: Question for Lexy, posted by mystic on March 5, 2004, at 22:18:03
Try to find someone who will stay awake during your visits. :) I've had some fall asleep on me.
Posted by Simus on March 6, 2004, at 23:51:57
In reply to RE; simus, posted by mystic on March 6, 2004, at 18:15:38
Mystic,
I have suffered from depression and OCD, undiagnosed though, since early childhood. (I am now 42 - wife and mom of two.) About 9 years ago, severe anxiety and panic attacks started and I had no choice but to get medical help. I have been on Paxil, Zoloft, Effexor, and now Lexapro, along with Xanax.
In November, my doctor switched me from 300mg Effexor to 10mg Lexapro. It was soon clear that this was not enough, so I went to 15mg and then to 20mg. In the mean time, I went through withdrawal symptoms as I reduced the Effexor dosage. Also during this time, for insomnia my doctor tried me on Seroquel (?). After 3 days, I became virtually mentally disabled. It took almost two weeks to recover from that fiasco. Then my doctor wanted to try me on Xanax XR. (Why, I don't know, and I didn't even ask! I took Xanax nightly for sleep and didn't have any problems with it, other than it lost some of it's effectiveness with time.) So I took the Xanax XR, slept a lot, and walked around in a fog when I was up. I insisted that he put me back on the regular Xanax, but by the time I got it a month had passed and I realized I had become addicted to the the XR. So I had to break that addiction.
That was the long way around the block to tell you I am on 20mg Lexapro and 1mg Xanax. And I don't care how bad I feel (and I do feel bad), I told my doctor I WILL NOT be making any more medicine adjustments for a while.
I have had to take a medical leave because trying to work through this mess was proving impossible. If I was able to drag myself in, the chances of being able to concentrate or even remember what someone said a few minutes earlier was slim.
So, yes, I do understand bad days, and I wish I had answers to help you all on the board. The posts absolutely break my heart, because I have been and am there. And I do care, but I feel so helpless for either you or myself.
God bless you all,
Simus
Posted by KathrynLex on March 7, 2004, at 1:14:53
In reply to Re: RE; simus, posted by Simus on March 6, 2004, at 23:51:57
Hi Simus,
Your story is both tragic and inspiring. The nightmare of so many med adjustments must have been devastating and I'm sorry you had to go through it. You've had a very difficult time, yet managed to continue being a wife and mother. It must take a lot of strength and courage, I admire that. I genuinely hope you find some peace and happiness in your life.
K.
Posted by Simus on March 7, 2004, at 2:27:59
In reply to Re: RE; simus » Simus, posted by KathrynLex on March 7, 2004, at 1:14:53
>I genuinely hope you find some peace and happiness in your life.
Thank you. That is my prayer for all of you too.
Posted by wantinfo on March 7, 2004, at 7:50:21
In reply to Re: bad day here too :( » wantinfo, posted by KathrynLex on March 6, 2004, at 18:14:32
hi k...i have been feeling totally out of it and spaced for about a week...i actually won't get my period this month bc i accidentally started my birth control pills a week early but this would be the week i'd have it. as i said i was on paxil 20mg for about 8 years and it was working up until the very end...i am now in my 4th week of 10mg lex and still feel this way. i havent felt "normal" since i started lex but this week was noticeably worse...i felt like i was losing my mind! i do take .25 xanax once or twice a day but yesterday i was so bad it barely seemed to help. i did have a few drinks while i was out with my boyfriend last night and that did seem to make me feel better (great huh). i just want this to pass! it's like i don't trust my own mind.
Posted by wantinfo on March 7, 2004, at 7:52:05
In reply to Re: bad day here too :(, posted by sexylexy on March 6, 2004, at 19:00:34
hey lexy...your spacey, looking in feeling went away? after how long? like i said i am in my 4th week...i did weird things like i said, started my birth control pill packet accidentally a week early and wore those 2 diff shoes the other day last week. i feel like i'm losing it...i feel like i don't trust my own mind :( thank you for your support...i just want to be myself again...emily
Posted by mystic on March 7, 2004, at 9:31:25
In reply to Re: RE; simus, posted by Simus on March 6, 2004, at 23:51:57
Simus....First of all Thank you so much for sharing I do realize that was probably pretty hard to write...and you did it to help people...I'm so sorry that you are having such a hard time also..I know that reading the posts gives us all hope that someday this will work and we will feel better...and right now just a little better would be good...K was right you should be proud of the things that you are able to do..taking care of your children...as I mentioned in an earlier post I have started reading a book The Feeling Good Handbook by David Burns..and it does have some very intesting things in it that really make you think...Are you getting any therapy? I'm beginning to realize the two meds and therapy might go together..that is what I will be trying to find for myself on Monday that might help...You are definately in my prayers and I hope that today is a better day for all...Take good care of youself..and Thank you so much for sharing I sense that it isnt easy for you...Mystic
Posted by mystic on March 7, 2004, at 9:35:39
In reply to Re: bad day here too :( » KathrynLex, posted by wantinfo on March 7, 2004, at 7:50:21
Good morning Emily....I hope that you feel better today...I feel about the same but am hopeful..going to drag myself to the gym and work out then get out in the sunshine which happens to be making an appearance today...Just remember you are not alone we are all there with you praying and hoping that today will be a good day...Take care Mystic
Posted by sexylexy on March 7, 2004, at 11:13:02
In reply to Re: bad day here too :(, posted by wantinfo on March 7, 2004, at 7:52:05
Emily,
It took like 5 or 6 weeks for it to go away. A big thing I noticed is that some of the crazy things I was doing are things I had probably done before or would not have thought much of if I did not have this anxiety. Remember your mind is so consumed with a constant self check "how am I feeling" "how am I doing" "do i feel like hurting myself" "can other people tell I'm depressed" ect to infinity. Some of your craziness is due to the spacey feeling however, I know for me, looking back I am able to see that it was for the most part me being so hyper concerned about my feelings each second that I was not paying attention to the things that I used to, ie my makeup, my homework (Im in graduate school, and I would like forget my books for class). I promise there is nothing wrong with you. It will go away, try to keep yourself busy with other things so your not so self consumed (not in a concided way but in a self help way). You will get past this, and if it makes you feel any better, I was so worried that I was going nutts that I called my pdoc and she said that 40%/50% of people get that feeling...I guess we were the lucky ones. Emily, you will get though it!
God Bless,
Lexy
Posted by sexylexy on March 7, 2004, at 11:20:42
In reply to Re: RE; simus, posted by Simus on March 6, 2004, at 23:51:57
Simus,
What a story, May the Lord bless you and keep you may the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May the Lord lift up his conternence upon you and bring you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26.
Lexy
Posted by sexylexy on March 7, 2004, at 11:25:07
In reply to Thank you Lexy, posted by mystic on March 6, 2004, at 16:46:21
Hey Mystic,
I have heard really good things about the Feeling Good Handbook, there is also a workbook that goes along with it which is supposed to be great. We just ordered the workbook for the counseling center where I work, I am really looking foward to using it with some of my clients ( I won't lie, I plan on copying some of it and using it on myself!). You may want to get the set...?
Lexy
Posted by mystic on March 7, 2004, at 11:59:38
In reply to Re: RE; simus, posted by sexylexy on March 7, 2004, at 11:20:42
May the Lord bless you and keep you may the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May the Lord lift up his conternence upon you and bring you peace.
Lexy that is just beautiful..thanks for sharing...Your an angel....I think that I have the workbook it is very very long..and it has all kinds of things to do in it..I know that there was a book at first then he came out with the workbook and that is what I have...going to read some more today..but it is really nice out today so going to get out for a bit..went to the gym and knock on wood feel pretty good...thanks Mystic
Posted by sexylexy on March 7, 2004, at 12:57:40
In reply to RE: Lexy, posted by mystic on March 7, 2004, at 11:59:38
Great to hear mystic... it is wonderful to hear you feeling even the least bit better!
Lexy
Posted by sexylexy on March 7, 2004, at 13:02:07
In reply to RE: Lexy, posted by sexylexy on March 7, 2004, at 12:57:40
Hey Guys!
I am starting to take my multi vitamin, fish oil and b complex. Have you all had any occurance of the vitamins making lex work not as well. I really do not know much about this. I want to take my vitamins so I can regain some energy.. I have been a sleeping fool this weekend. I just wondered if the vitamins could have an adverse effect on the lex and when you all take them.. together, before after whatever your lexapro.
Thanks guy!!
Lexy
Posted by BobYuma on March 7, 2004, at 14:50:17
In reply to Vitamins and Lexapro, posted by sexylexy on March 7, 2004, at 13:02:07
> Hey Guys! I am starting to take my multi vitamin, fish oil and b complex. Have you all had any occurance of the vitamins making lex work not as well. I really do not know much about this. I want to take my vitamins so I can regain some energy. I have been a sleeping fool this weekend. I just wondered if the vitamins could have an adverse effect on the lex and when you all take them.. together, before after whatever your lexapro. Thanks guy!! Lexy
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Hi, Lexy.
I was already taking lots of vitamins when I started on Lexapro, and as far as I could tell, they didn't have any adverse effects. I take the vitamins throughout the day, and the Lex I take at bedtime.
Of course, I wouldn't know if starting vitamins after you're already taking Lex would make a difference or not, but I honestly don't think it would.
Take care and God Bless.
BobYuma
Posted by mystic on March 7, 2004, at 14:59:37
In reply to Re: Vitamins and Lexapro - Lexy, posted by BobYuma on March 7, 2004, at 14:50:17
Hey guys...I was just wondering if anyone has a problem with energy on Lexapro and if this is a side effect that goes away in time...I have the hardest time just getting through the day not to mention an arobics class..went to the gym this morning and I had no energy to lift weights and noticed that the amount of weight is less than I usually do...Didnt know if this would go away with time...Been on the Lex for 5 weeks tomorrow....thanks Mystic
Posted by simus on March 7, 2004, at 16:57:51
In reply to Re: RE; simus, posted by mystic on March 7, 2004, at 9:31:25
Thank you for your kind words. No, I have never had therapy per se, but my Pdoc keeps close tabs on events in my life. But both he and I see this as purely a chemical imbalance, so he doesn't spend much time on talk therapy. Thank you for caring about me. :)
Posted by simus on March 7, 2004, at 17:03:12
In reply to Re: RE; simus, posted by sexylexy on March 7, 2004, at 11:20:42
> Simus,
> What a story, May the Lord bless you and keep you may the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May the Lord lift up his conternence upon you and bring you peace.
> Numbers 6:24-26.
> LexyOh, God bless you. That is absolutely one of my favorite scriptures! It always makes me smile.
Posted by simus on March 7, 2004, at 17:28:10
In reply to Vitamins and Lexapro, posted by sexylexy on March 7, 2004, at 13:02:07
Lexy,
Have you checked out the P-B Alternative section? They will be able to help you more. I don't think that any supplements will make Lexapro any less effective. However, you do have to be careful with adding supplements. If a chemical imbalance is the cause of the problems that originally caused you to take ADs, then you could potentially make the imbalance worse with the wrong supplements. For instance, if your body is too high in copper, and your multi-vitamin has copper, it could make you feel worse. Be careful with the B complexes too. Some people react negatively to folic acid.
I don't want to scare you away from supplements, because I really believe that the right ones for your body can make a night and day difference. Just be careful. I just got the book "Mood Cure" by Julia Ross (excellent), and I am in the process of figuring out which supplements will help me.
Good luck.
Posted by mrs c on March 7, 2004, at 21:04:22
In reply to Re: Question for Lexy » mrs c, posted by sexylexy on March 6, 2004, at 16:08:23
HI Lexy,
Ideally, I would like to become an elementary counselor. It seems out of reach for me though because of my age and needing so much more schooling. It's up in the air right now. I'm just taking it one credit at a time. I really enjoy working with children, especially special ed kids. I am lucky enough to be able to do that now in my job as a teachers aide but would like to take it further. Anyway thanks for your encouragement.Hope you are feeling well today. I plan to begin my 15mg dosage tomorrow night and will be looking for support. I know that you recently began that dosage. How long has it been now? Do you notice anything different?
I also have an appointment with a clinical social worker on Friday and can't wait! It's long overdue. Bye for now. Mrs. C
Go forward in thread:
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.