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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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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
Posted by wantinfo on March 9, 2004, at 18:37:30
In reply to Re: another bad day... » wantinfo, posted by LynneDa on March 9, 2004, at 17:00:31
thanks lynne...are you on 20? my doc wants me to skip directly to 20 from 10 but i am afraid...
Posted by wantinfo on March 9, 2004, at 18:38:45
In reply to Re: another bad day..., posted by mystic on March 9, 2004, at 18:29:47
thank you mystic...i actually didnt get my period this month bc i absentmindedly switched my pill pack a week early (ie didnt take the placebos). are you on 20mg now? my doc wants me to switch right to 20 from 10...
Posted by mystic on March 9, 2004, at 18:41:25
In reply to Re: another bad day... » mystic, posted by wantinfo on March 9, 2004, at 18:38:45
Emily...No I'm the same as you..the same time we started the same off from Paxil right on to Lexapro 10mgs..and he wants me to take 15mgs..but waiting to see...And taking xanax .5 once a day in the morning...but for now still on 10mgs...how are you doing tonight?...Mystic
Posted by wantinfo on March 9, 2004, at 18:46:24
In reply to Re: another bad day..., posted by mystic on March 9, 2004, at 18:41:25
hi mystic i am not doing great. i took 15 last night and my doc is telling me to take 20. i cant decide whether to or not but i am definitely not doing ok on 10! i take .25 xanax throughout the day as needed...usually 2 times a day...emily
Posted by mystic on March 9, 2004, at 18:50:08
In reply to Re: another bad day... » mystic, posted by wantinfo on March 9, 2004, at 18:46:24
Emily...I would do what you are doing..I would take just the 15mgs...I think that it is going to make you feel more comfortable then go up when you are feeling a little better and able to see what is going to happen with the upped dosage..that is what i'm going to do when I decide if i decide to up the dosage...I'm going to 15 not 20 like they wanted me to and my dr was comfortable with that...Do you have anything that you can do to relax yourself maybe try to get your mind off things...I'm not sure not working is going to help..I know I'm worst on the weekends when I dont have a plan...even though i really dread goin to work....I'm here for you Mystic
Posted by susielalala on March 9, 2004, at 22:21:57
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
Hi all! I am on my seventh day of lexapro. I actually hated it for the 1st 5 days. I had the worse side effects. I had bad anxiety, nervousness and my moods were really swinging. Yesterday it actually felt a little better. I was still nervouse but the anxiety seemed a little better, my moods are still a little crazy but they seem better. I am gonna stick with it for awhile and give it a chance to work. Oh by the way I am having some real wild dreams.
Posted by magdalena on March 9, 2004, at 23:35:54
In reply to Re: HELP..WHEN WILL THE ANXIETY END!!!!, posted by KathrynLex on March 8, 2004, at 13:58:02
i just started taking paxil this week after suffering with anxiety and depression (from the anxiety) for 5 years, Im 23. I thought i could 'get over it' on my own but instead i became secluded and avoid a million places and developed a few phobias instead. i am on day 4 of paxil and feel a little 'off'. The thing is on day 3 of taking these meds i had a REALLY bad anxiety attack at work but had to stay there cause i cant just leave work. This feeling was so bad its been at least 3 years since i had one so bad, does anyone know if its because of the paxil?
i hope somebody out there can ease my mind about this... its making me feel hopeless to be on meds, i just dont know what else to do.:(
thanks for listening, anything you can tell me might help..*sniff*
Posted by jlynne on March 10, 2004, at 1:56:09
In reply to Re: HELP..WHEN WILL THE ANXIETY END!!!!, posted by magdalena on March 9, 2004, at 23:35:54
Magdalena, I had a bad experience on Paxil several years ago, but I am not sure if it was the same as yours. With me, the anxiety started right away on the first day, and got progressively worse. By the third day, I was dangerous to be around! I had to stop taking it. However, Paxil has helped many people, including some who post here.
I would suggest that you talk to your doctor about your concerns, and keep coming back to this board; it is a very supportive place to be. I have been visiting here for about a month now, but this is the first time I have posted. I saw that it is late at night, and I didn't want you to go too long without hearing from someone.
I understand your feeling of being "hopeless on meds". I am 54 yrs old and have been trying for almost 30 yrs to find "the right one". I am just starting my 5th week of Lexapro, getting ready to up from 10mg to 15mg, and I have to be honest - if it weren't for the support I have found here (even though this is the first anyone has heard from me) I would have given up on the Lex because of the side effects. If the Paxil doesn't work out for you, I am sure that your doctor can come up with an alternative - don't give up. We are all here for you.
> i just started taking paxil this week after suffering with anxiety and depression (from the anxiety) for 5 years, Im 23. I thought i could 'get over it' on my own but instead i became secluded and avoid a million places and developed a few phobias instead. i am on day 4 of paxil and feel a little 'off'. The thing is on day 3 of taking these meds i had a REALLY bad anxiety attack at work but had to stay there cause i cant just leave work. This feeling was so bad its been at least 3 years since i had one so bad, does anyone know if its because of the paxil?
>
> i hope somebody out there can ease my mind about this... its making me feel hopeless to be on meds, i just dont know what else to do.:(
>
> thanks for listening, anything you can tell me might help..*sniff*
>
Posted by LynneDa on March 10, 2004, at 8:46:00
In reply to Re: another bad day..., posted by wantinfo on March 9, 2004, at 18:37:30
I'm on 20, went directly from 10 and it wasn't bad. My mini anxiety/panic attacks went away pretty quickly on 20 and the week before my periods has improved each month (3 cycles so far). I'm pretty sensitive to meds so was nervous to up that much, but it really was fine! Have a wonderful day, it's sunny where I am, hope it is for you too :-).
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>thanks lynne...are you on 20? my doc wants me to skip directly to 20 from 10 but i am afraid...
Posted by LynneDa on March 10, 2004, at 8:52:55
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro?, posted by susielalala on March 9, 2004, at 22:21:57
Hi Susielala -
Glad to hear you are doing better. It is amazing how quickly it can work. Your s/e's sound very normal and may take another week to really diminish. Weird dreams have been reported by others! Give your body time to adjust and I think you'll be happy with the results, I know I am!
~ Lynne
(20 mg Lex, 4 months)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Hi all! I am on my seventh day of lexapro. I actually hated it for the 1st 5 days. I had the worse side effects. I had bad anxiety, nervousness and my moods were really swinging. Yesterday it actually felt a little better. I was still nervouse but the anxiety seemed a little better, my moods are still a little crazy but they seem better. I am gonna stick with it for awhile and give it a chance to work. Oh by the way I am having some real wild dreams.
Posted by LynneDa on March 10, 2004, at 8:57:25
In reply to Re: HELP..WHEN WILL THE ANXIETY END!!!!, posted by magdalena on March 9, 2004, at 23:35:54
Hey Magdalena - Hang in there! I'm on Lex not Pax, but I imagine they are similar in that a takes a few weeks for your body to adjust to the meds. Give it some time - increased anxiety at the beginning has been reported by everyone on this board! Just go easy on yourself and realize it is just a stage you have to go through to get to the good part :-)
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>i just started taking paxil this week after
suffering with anxiety and depression (from the anxiety) for 5 years, Im 23. I thought i could 'get over it' on my own but instead i became secluded and avoid a million places and developed a few phobias instead. i am on day 4 of paxil and feel a little 'off'. The thing is on day 3 of taking these meds i had a REALLY bad anxiety attack at work but had to stay there cause i cant just leave work. This feeling was so bad its been at least 3 years since i had one so bad, does anyone know if its because of the paxil?
>
> i hope somebody out there can ease my mind about this... its making me feel hopeless to be on meds, i just dont know what else to do.:(
>
> thanks for listening, anything you can tell me might help..*sniff*
>
Posted by magdalena on March 10, 2004, at 12:19:33
In reply to Re: HELP..WHEN WILL THE ANXIETY END!!!! » magdalena, posted by LynneDa on March 10, 2004, at 8:57:25
Thanks so much for the posts you guys, it makes me feel very lucky to have people who i can talk about this to. It makes me feel better knowing that many people have had similar experiences with the increase in anxiety while begining to take meds, it is my first time on them and i really want to get better so i will give them a fair trial. I am also going to go see a therapist or psychiatrist in a month thats the soonest date they have so hopefully that will help me as well. I dont know if i am just being delusional but i hope with a combination of the both (meds and talk) i can beat this thing out of me or at least to a minimum, that is i want to be able to get on with out the meds eventually and not be a complete basket case:)
i will post here more often, and thank you guys for taking the time to make me feel better, im here for you too.
jlynne, are you taking Lexapro for an anxiety disorder or a combination of things? what kind of side effects have you had so far?
hope everyone has a good day today:)Magdalena
Posted by mrs c on March 10, 2004, at 13:53:11
In reply to another bad day..., posted by wantinfo on March 9, 2004, at 15:45:28
I am wondering when you take your lex. Like you I feel anxious and jittery from Lexapro but mine occurs during the morning hours. It lasts until about noon. I take my lex right before bed and sleep pretty well all night. It's when I wake up that I feel the jitters. Just a thought for you. Mrs. C
Posted by KathrynLex on March 10, 2004, at 13:55:32
In reply to Re: another bad day..., posted by wantinfo on March 9, 2004, at 18:36:33
Hi Emily,
Your doctor wants you to go right to 20 mgs? I think you should do what is comfortable. If slowly increasing to 15 mgs, then 20 mgs is easier I think you should tell your pdoc that's what you want to do. On the other hand, if your side effects (other than the anxiety) have been tolerable, you might have no problem increasing right to 20 mgs. Please let us know what you end up doing. Either way, I think you will be okay. Increasing right to 20 mgs might be a little more uncomfortable...but it could also take effect a lot faster and you might see results a lot sooner.
K.
> 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
Posted by KathrynLex on March 10, 2004, at 13:58:49
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro?, posted by susielalala on March 9, 2004, at 22:21:57
Hi Susie,
The first few weeks can be a little rough. I know exactly what you mean about the wild dreams. It's good to hear that things are getting a little easier for you. I'm glad you've decided to stick with it. I had to wait about 7 weeks before I noticed some very positive changes...but it's worth the wait.
K.
Posted by mrs c on March 10, 2004, at 14:10:15
In reply to Re: another bad day... » wantinfo, posted by KathrynLex on March 10, 2004, at 13:55:32
Hi Emily, My doctor also wanted me to go right to 20mgs from 10. I was not comfortable doing that though so I have started at 15mgs for now. I started Monday night and so far I feel pretty good. I do have some side effects but they are weaker than they were in the beginning. I'm okay with them now that I know what to expect and that it's normal. Bye for now. Mrs.C
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