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Posted by KathrynLex on March 8, 2004, at 13:58:02
In reply to HELP..WHEN WILL THE ANXIETY END!!!!, posted by mystic on March 8, 2004, at 7:10:21
Hi Mystic,
Rest assured that the racing thoughts, anxiety etc... are all common side effects of Lexapro. Many of us here, myself included, have been through the exact same things you're experiencing now.
It's possible that you might be very sensitive to meds, that's why your body is having such a hard time adjusting. (I only say this because it sounds like the side effects are becoming too difficult to live with. The side effects I experienced were very uncomfortable, but tolerable.)
Consider talking to your psychiatrist/doctor about lowering the dose slightly. You could go down to 5 mgs and increase to 10 mgs in a few weeks...this would give your body more time to get used to the medication.
I would suggest waiting another week. If you aren't feeling better (hopefully by that time you will be), think about decreasing your dose or trying another med.
Remember, above all else to listen to your body and do what you think is right for it.
K.
Posted by KathrynLex on March 8, 2004, at 14:05:40
In reply to DOSE info HELP!!, posted by want info on March 8, 2004, at 12:34:58
Hi,
I was on 10 mgs for 5 weeks and increased to 15 mgs because I was still having panic attacks. (Sorry if I'm repeating myself, I might have told you this already.) It really helped me a great deal.
I would suggest trying it for 2 weeks. If you aren't feeling better, you can always go back down to 10 mgs. In my experience, the side effects of increasing from 10 to 15 mgs aren't that bad.
K.
Posted by want info on March 8, 2004, at 14:12:15
In reply to Re: DOSE info HELP!! » want info, posted by KathrynLex on March 8, 2004, at 14:05:40
thank you kathryn. even the tone of this email probably sounds calmer, but ironically i took .25 xanax at 9am and none since! it seems to take a looooong time to work for me.
anyway, you began 15mg after 5 weeks? i have been on lex since the first week of february, so that makes 5 weeks. i too (as i wrote earlier) am still having MASSIVE anxiety and disorienting panic attacks. people say that the 5th week is the worst. also i was on 20mg paxil whihc seems to be the equivalent of 10lex?
basically i think your advice is good which is to go up to 15mg for a few weeks and see how i feel. how soon after going up from 10 did you notice an improvement? and did you still feel massively anxious on 10?
sorry for all the questions, but i appreciate your advice :)
emily
Posted by KathrynLex on March 8, 2004, at 14:33:25
In reply to Re: DOSE info HELP!! » KathrynLex, posted by want info on March 8, 2004, at 14:12:15
Hi Emily,
At 10 mgs there were still times that I felt anxious, my biggest problem was that I still had panic attack symptoms such as feelings of unreality, rapid heart beat etc... Since increasing to 15 mgs all of that has gone away.
It took 2 wks after increasing before I started to see a difference. (Although some people see results a lot faster than that.) Please keep us all posted on your progress. I hope the increase works for you.
K.
Posted by dzinegirl on March 8, 2004, at 15:09:17
In reply to Re: Questions about Lexapro, posted by Stephanie B. on March 5, 2004, at 22:17:57
Hi Stephanie,
Im on my fourth week of Lexapro at 10mg and sometimes I do feel like my throat is closing. I keep swallowing. It could be a sinus thing or anxiety. I seem to be able to eat fine but I feel like my throat is tight and my heart does race a little. Just a side effect I keep telling myself. Hang in there we are all in this together.dzinegirl
Posted by mel_light on March 8, 2004, at 17:54:36
In reply to Re:Questions about Lexapro » Stephanie B., posted by dzinegirl on March 8, 2004, at 15:09:17
I get the throat closing thing all of the time. Feeling like I can't really swallow well. Must be a side effect.
Posted by sexylexy on March 8, 2004, at 17:58:59
In reply to Re: DOSE info HELP!! » want info, posted by KathrynLex on March 8, 2004, at 14:33:25
Hey Ya'll
This question is for those on 15 or 20mg. I am on day 6 of 15mg. I am not seeing a lot of difference yet but am having some side effects, nothing too bad, a little anxiety, nausea and spacey feeling. I am hoping it goes away soon but I am really looking forward to seeing more improvement.
Can you all tell me how you feel different on the upped level of lex. At this point I am hoping to continue to find relife form depression/anxiety. LynnDa... I loved your email, can you tell me if you are feeling better and overall more like yourself.
I really had thought that this whole healing thing was a quick process that last weeks but I am now starting to understand that it is more like months and a very slow process. Like I say, I may lose battles but I am going to win this war. Please give me feedback.
God Bless,
Lexy
Posted by sexylexy on March 8, 2004, at 18:02:29
In reply to Re:Questions about Lexapro, posted by mel_light on March 8, 2004, at 17:54:36
Hey...
When I get anxious my throat feels like that, maybe its a sign of panic but your just not actully having the panic attack. Kathrynlex was getting this at the beginning. Hope this helps!
Lexy
Posted by LynneDa on March 8, 2004, at 18:27:54
In reply to 15mg or 20mg Question, Pls respond, posted by sexylexy on March 8, 2004, at 17:58:59
Hi! This is going to be long, but I want to give you several specific examples. This was very therapeutic to write. So, I want to hear some back from all of you too :-)
It is indeed a very slow process. I too thought it would be a quick 4 - 6 months on Lex, then I could just taper off and be my old self!!
I'm into my 10th week on the upped dose of 20mg. This weekend was a good example. I had so much to get done and even though I didn't get to everything on my list, I felt energetic and happy to get even half of it done. I could look back and feel okay about it. I didn't beat myself up for not doing more. Also, I felt pleasant and almost light in my heart for most of the weekend.
Last week, I was able to go over to a very good friend's house and help her with her divorce agreement. I never could give emotionally to anyone else in the past couple of years cuz I was so tied up in knots. It was a great relief to be able to do that and not stress about time I was losing with my family, what is my husband doing to get the kids ready for bed, what about the dinner dishes I left, etc. It left me energized to be able to help her - which is the OLD ME!!!!
Another really good example is that my husband and I are laughing more and more over dumb things and really talking about issues (local politics, things we're interested in outside of work and family) like we used to. I actually have the mental energy to think outside of my small world and I have a better attention span so I can keep up with the conversation!
I don't sweat the small stuff as much. If the kids don't pick up their rooms perfectly, I don't go off on them (poor things!). I don't get as annoyed as easily and can blow things off better. I can tell my husband more directly when I need things from him and I don't feel guilty or like I'm asking too much (one of my personal issues). That feels NORMAL (so of course it feels a little weird, but I'll get used to it!).
Here's a big one Lexy . . . I can dream about the future and know I will have a happy one. I think I am starting to count on that - the old me always knew I'd be okay and NEVER worried about the future - I always felt blessed, lucky, charmed, protected . . . whatever - and not because of another person, just due to the goodness that surrounded me. I am starting to trust that again and that is HUGE. I am tearing up as I write this cuz it is such an important realization :-).
I know this is long and thanks for reading it, but these things are how I know it's working. I'm not all the way there yet and I'll never be 100% back to my old self. I've been changed permanently. But, the fog is lifting and the energy is returning.
Love, peace and God's blessings to all of you. I think about you all each day and keep you in my prayers. Please hang in there everyone, it does get better!!!!!!!!!!!
~ LynneP.S. Lexy - you're going to Vegas with your boyfriend? Home to little white chapels???? Keep us posted girlfriend!
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Hey Ya'll
> This question is for those on 15 or 20mg. I am on day 6 of 15mg. I am not seeing a lot of difference yet but am having some side effects, nothing too bad, a little anxiety, nausea and spacey feeling. I am hoping it goes away soon but I am really looking forward to seeing more improvement.
> Can you all tell me how you feel different on the upped level of lex. At this point I am hoping to continue to find relife form depression/anxiety. LynnDa... I loved your email, can you tell me if you are feeling better and overall more like yourself.
> I really had thought that this whole healing thing was a quick process that last weeks but I am now starting to understand that it is more like months and a very slow process. Like I say, I may lose battles but I am going to win this war. Please give me feedback.
> God Bless,
> Lexy
Posted by riken on March 8, 2004, at 19:08:29
In reply to Re: 15mg or 20mg Question, Pls respond » sexylexy, posted by LynneDa on March 8, 2004, at 18:27:54
hello all... the last three days i've missed my dose of lex...I guess when you feel better you can easily forget to take your pills.... anyways i have this slight headache trhu most of the day.. it will not be till tomorrow till i take my dose--- has anyone missed that many doses consecutively and what where the effects
Posted by mrs c on March 8, 2004, at 21:03:16
In reply to HELP..WHEN WILL THE ANXIETY END!!!!, posted by mystic on March 8, 2004, at 7:10:21
Don't give up Mystic! You are almost there! 4 weeks is not that long for this med. I experienced the same feelings of anxiety as you are feeling now and I got through. So can you! Please give it more time and maybe increase your dose like your doc suggested. I am increasing tonight and will let you know what I experience tomorrow. I am thinking of you and really wish I could be there to give you a hug. Did you call a therapist? Having someone to discuss this with face to face may really help. Please do it. Hoping for a better tomorrow for you. By the way, when do you take your lex. Maybe you should try a different time. I have always taken mine right before bed and the anxiety (when I have it) comes in the morning and is gone by afternoon. By bedtime I feel nice and sleepy. In the beginning I would only get about 5 hours of sleep per night but that has gotten much better. I can sleep as much as I want now. Just a thought for you. Have you tried any anti-anxiety strategies? Maybe watching a favorite TV show, music, taking a walk, etc. Anything that normally relaxes you will help. Sometimes we are so in tune to how our bodies are feeling that it can cause anxiety if something feels "off". Try to get your mind on something else. We're hear for you if you need us. Mrs. C
Posted by mrs c on March 8, 2004, at 21:16:05
In reply to Re: Question for Lexy Mrs.C, posted by sexylexy on March 8, 2004, at 13:20:03
Thanks Lexy, you are so sweet to say such encouraging things.
I will be increasing tonight and I am not that nervous about it. I know that it is time by the way I am feeling again. I am definetly happier than I was before beginning lex but my obsessive thoughts are back. So I think the depression is gone but I need more help beating the OCD.
My doctor told me to go to 20mg. But I am going to try 15 first. I hope that your PMDD is better this month too. I am keeping a close eye on you because I am right behind you with the increase. I have had terrible PMS these past few months with awful anxiety and obsessive thinking! I get better the week of my period but start to feel it again about 1 1/2 weeks before the start again. What a vicious cycle! Hopefully, the increase will work for us both. I know that Lynne says she is able to get through her PMDD alot better with her increase. Talk to you soon. Mrs. C
Posted by mrs c on March 8, 2004, at 21:22:59
In reply to Re: 15mg or 20mg Question, Pls respond » sexylexy, posted by LynneDa on March 8, 2004, at 18:27:54
Lynne, your post was an inspiration to me. Thank you for writing it. It really gives me hope. I hope that all of the new friends on this board who are struggling with side effects right this second can find peace in knowing that it does't last forever. There is light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you for all of your caring and thoughful posts. Your support has meant so much to me over these past months and I feel lucky to have this great group of lex users. I am so happy for you and wish you continued success in everything you do. Mrs. C
Posted by mystic on March 9, 2004, at 6:54:46
In reply to Re: DOSE info HELP!! » KathrynLex, posted by want info on March 8, 2004, at 14:12:15
Emily...I also went from 10mgs of Paxil right to 10mgs of Lexapro without stopping the Paxil before I went to the Lexapro..I think that might be were our anxiety levels are so high..I have heard it is very difficult to get off from Paxil and I do believe that...My anxiety is very high and I'm very discouraged..but like I said before we started this at the same time and are in very similar situations...I'm also trying to figure out whether to go up to 15mg havent done it yet...But have been taking the xanax in the morning just to be able to get to work..and like you it seems to work with just taking one even though the dr wanted me to take it 3 times a day..but my body is very sensitive to meds...so i take what I feel is good for me...Good luck today and hope you are a little better today...A friend Mystic
Posted by sexylexy on March 9, 2004, at 8:04:17
In reply to Re: Question for Lexy, posted by mrs c on March 8, 2004, at 20:53:36
Hey Ya'll
Good luck today Mrs. C, the increase has not been too bad at all. I think I am feeling pretty good for the most part. My big concern is my PMDD, about a week and a half before my period I am crazy, though much less this past month than the month before. If the 15mg does not work for it, I am going to pop up to 20mg. I am just all about the healing.
Mystic, sounds like things are starting to look up to for you. Your posts are a lot more positive and even if you do not feel it yet, you are on your way!
Good Luck and God Bless,
LExy
Posted by LynneDa on March 9, 2004, at 9:40:52
In reply to Re: 15mg or 20mg Question, Pls respond, posted by mrs c on March 8, 2004, at 21:22:59
Hi Mrs. C. - Glad you were able to get through it, it was so long :-)! It felt good to step back and look at the broad strokes, instead of analyzing every little feeling and action, like I'm more prone to do! Lexy's question made me do that.
The week before my period isn't perfect and the hour before I take my Lex (around 10pm)I can feel it wearing off and I have to force myself not to think and wait it out til 10! BUT, all things considered, it is good finally having the majority of my time spent feeling peace, good will toward those around me and lightness of heart.
I'll be anxiously awaiting your results over the next couple of weeks and always look forward to reading your posts! You deserve to feel better, everyone does, and that is my wish for the whole group!!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Lynne, your post was an inspiration to me. Thank you for writing it. It really gives me hope. I hope that all of the new friends on this board who are struggling with side effects right this second can find peace in knowing that it does't last forever. There is light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you for all of your caring and thoughful posts. Your support has meant so much to me over these past months and I feel lucky to have this great group of lex users. I am so happy for you and wish you continued success in everything you do. Mrs. C
Posted by ednababish on March 9, 2004, at 9:57:24
In reply to Re: Not a good day!!!, posted by mystic on March 6, 2004, at 15:37:26
Dear Mystic,
Edna Babish here. I am writing to encourage you to take 15 mgs of Lexapro. Although a lot of the contributors to this board run together for me--and I apologize for that--I believe that you have switched from Paxil. I switched from 25mgs Paxil CR in December, and paxil was awful for me--every day I realize just how bad a match paxil and I were. I started at 10mgs and raised it to 15 after two and a half weeks, and I suffered from some very dark, angry feelings for about three weeks after that. However, my pdoc and I both agree with many of this board's regular contributors that 10mgs is generally not enough. She needed and took 30 through her last pregnancy. So it's safe and effective at higher doses, even for a pregnant woman. Although I was hesitant at first, I thought that I hated feeling so grim that anything would be better than that feeling--even panic, dizziness, fatigue. I took the extra 5ngs. I also told myself it was a lot like when I was saved in church as a kid. Instead of dropping my sins at Jesus's feet, I dropped my anxiety and depression at the feet of the drug. Sorry if seems as if I am making light of religious feeling--believe me I am not. But there is something to be said for saying to yourself, "Let go, let God, let lexapro do its job." In other words, let the medication do its work even if it means taking more. The truth is, sometimes you do have to admit you can't do it yourself and you have surrender that burden. They tell alcoholics this all the time. This board is great; but let the medicine do it's job. I promise you at a higher dose you will free yourself up to stop worrying and start healing. Sorry this was so long winded,
I am concerned for you and thinking about you.
Edna Babish
Posted by LynneDa on March 9, 2004, at 10:09:26
In reply to Re: Not a good day!!!, posted by ednababish on March 9, 2004, at 9:57:24
Edna B. - Wonderful post. As usual, you have a candid, straight forward and very effective way with words :-). I appreciate what you have to say!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Dear Mystic,
> Edna Babish here. I am writing to encourage you to take 15 mgs of Lexapro. Although a lot of the contributors to this board run together for me--and I apologize for that--I believe that you have switched from Paxil. I switched from 25mgs Paxil CR in December, and paxil was awful for me--every day I realize just how bad a match paxil and I were. I started at 10mgs and raised it to 15 after two and a half weeks, and I suffered from some very dark, angry feelings for about three weeks after that. However, my pdoc and I both agree with many of this board's regular contributors that 10mgs is generally not enough. She needed and took 30 through her last pregnancy. So it's safe and effective at higher doses, even for a pregnant woman. Although I was hesitant at first, I thought that I hated feeling so grim that anything would be better than that feeling--even panic, dizziness, fatigue. I took the extra 5ngs. I also told myself it was a lot like when I was saved in church as a kid. Instead of dropping my sins at Jesus's feet, I dropped my anxiety and depression at the feet of the drug. Sorry if seems as if I am making light of religious feeling--believe me I am not. But there is something to be said for saying to yourself, "Let go, let God, let lexapro do its job." In other words, let the medication do its work even if it means taking more. The truth is, sometimes you do have to admit you can't do it yourself and you have surrender that burden. They tell alcoholics this all the time. This board is great; but let the medicine do it's job. I promise you at a higher dose you will free yourself up to stop worrying and start healing. Sorry this was so long winded,
> I am concerned for you and thinking about you.
> Edna Babish
Posted by nicky847 on March 9, 2004, at 10:59:52
In reply to 15mg or 20mg Question, Pls respond, posted by sexylexy on March 8, 2004, at 17:58:59
Lexy-
Yes you are right...fully healing is more than waiting for the meds to take effect...I successfuly beat this thing into remission a couple of years ago...and i think it took me a good 6 months before i could honestly say i truly had the upper hand on it...it is all about reprioritizing and putting yourself higher up on that list...and unfortunately that takes alot longer than 6-8 weeks..your attitude and positivity are great keep it up and you will find this experience will change your life for the better..
nick> Hey Ya'll
> This question is for those on 15 or 20mg. I am on day 6 of 15mg. I am not seeing a lot of difference yet but am having some side effects, nothing too bad, a little anxiety, nausea and spacey feeling. I am hoping it goes away soon but I am really looking forward to seeing more improvement.
> Can you all tell me how you feel different on the upped level of lex. At this point I am hoping to continue to find relife form depression/anxiety. LynnDa... I loved your email, can you tell me if you are feeling better and overall more like yourself.
> I really had thought that this whole healing thing was a quick process that last weeks but I am now starting to understand that it is more like months and a very slow process. Like I say, I may lose battles but I am going to win this war. Please give me feedback.
> God Bless,
> Lexy
Posted by wantinfo on March 9, 2004, at 15:45:28
In reply to Re: Question for Lexy Mrs.C, posted by mrs c on March 8, 2004, at 21:16:05
hi all. i have not been doing well, still. today i have not eaten anything at all and had to leave work early because of massive anxiety (i told them i felt nauseous and lightheaded, which was true). i have felt out of sorts and dizzy all day (unsurprising since i havent eaten).
my doc said to go to 20 (again i've been on 10 for 5 weeks). i left her a message asking if i should try 15 first. i've been waking up in the middle of the night shaky and sweating. overall i am terrified. i talked to my mom just now (26 and i still call my mom when im scared) and she was like its still early, you WILL get through this! but im so scared of the day to day. this morning i felt fine!
Posted by KathrynLex on March 9, 2004, at 16:52:21
In reply to another bad day..., posted by wantinfo on March 9, 2004, at 15:45:28
Hi Emily,
Just wondering...how often did you have panic attacks before starting Lexapro? It's possible that your lex dose just isn't high enough to prevent you from having panic attacks.
When I was still having attacks on Lexapro, I thought it was the medication causing them so I was afraid to increase. But I learned that it was just me and not the Lex!
In my experience, the lower doses seem to work well for depression but a higher dose is needed to treat anxiety. Also, didn't you say you were on Xanax? Maybe ask your doc about taking a larger dose during the day, that might help.
Panic attacks are awful. I wouldn't wish them on my worst enemy. You WILL get better and lead a normal life. Do something relaxing...have a warm bubble bath or make a bowl of hot soup. You're in my prayers.
K.
Posted by LynneDa on March 9, 2004, at 17:00:31
In reply to another bad day..., posted by wantinfo on March 9, 2004, at 15:45:28
Hi Emily -
I'm sorry to hear about your bad day! Why aren't you eating - due to nausea? I think going up to 15mg or 20mg could help overcome some of the anxiety. I used to wake up all sweaty too. That went away after a while. Remember you're at 5 weeks and that's been kind of hard for some people. Emily - I am guessing you mainly had a bad day cuz you were hungry. If I'm hungry or sleepy I had rotten days at first! I'm not sure what came first for you - nausea or not eating.HANG IN THERE!!! You will get thru this, Mom is right and I'm glad you have her. I talk to my Mom and Grandma all the time!!! {{{Emily}}}
Keep posting and let us know how you're getting by.
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
hi all. i have not been doing well, still. today i have not eaten anything at all and had to leave work early because of massive anxiety (i told them i felt nauseous and lightheaded, which was true). i have felt out of sorts and dizzy all day (unsurprising since i havent eaten).
>
> my doc said to go to 20 (again i've been on 10 for 5 weeks). i left her a message asking if i should try 15 first. i've been waking up in the middle of the night shaky and sweating. overall i am terrified. i talked to my mom just now (26 and i still call my mom when im scared) and she was like its still early, you WILL get through this! but im so scared of the day to day. this morning i felt fine!
Posted by mystic on March 9, 2004, at 18:23:59
In reply to Re: Not a good day!!!, posted by ednababish on March 9, 2004, at 9:57:24
Edna thank you soooo much for the reasurance..I dont want to jinx myself ...but today was a pretty good day..I got through work and I even caught my arobics class tonight which was not bad ...I dont know if it is because I have given in to the xanax in the morning or what but not going to analyze it just going to go with it..Thank you soooo much for your post it was wonderful and will keep it and re-read as I need...take care..Mystic
Posted by mystic on March 9, 2004, at 18:29:47
In reply to another bad day..., posted by wantinfo on March 9, 2004, at 15:45:28
Emily...My heart goes out to you...Anxiety panic attacks are not fun..and when they disrupt your life it is not good for you...I have given in to taking the xanax this week..I take my meds in the morning I even set my alarm at 7..then after I take my Lexapro I take my xanax and wait 20 minutes to get up and start my day...I had a pretty good day today and not sure if that is the reason..I did find that I had a couple of good days a few weeks ago then had my period and that wasnt good at all..So maybe it is that time for you....I just wish that this would get a little easier for you and you would not be suffering..Again I know that you are in the right place these people in here are wonderful...Let me know if there is anything I can do to help...I'm here for you....Take care and hopefully the rest of the day got better...A friend...Mystic
Posted by wantinfo on March 9, 2004, at 18:36:33
In reply to Re: another bad day..., posted by KathrynLex on March 9, 2004, at 16:52:21
thank you kathryn...i almost never had panic before starting lex. that is SO interesting and makes me feel better that a higher dose may be necessary for anxiety. are you on 15 or 20? my doc says i should go right to 20, but i am nervous to.
i know i will make it through but sometimes it seems so hopeless...and ive never been a depressed person. your story is inspiring to me!
emily
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