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Posted by Mrs. C on March 18, 2004, at 15:06:45
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin » Mrs. C, posted by Simus on March 18, 2004, at 10:47:24
Simus, my fingers are crossed for you dear. Lexapro just may not have been the med for you. I hope that you continue to post here with us and keep us updated. Congrats on feeling better today and taking steps to improve your life. Mrs. C
Posted by LynneDa on March 18, 2004, at 15:28:57
In reply to wellbutrin??, posted by want info on March 18, 2004, at 15:05:47
Emily - You raise a very valid question . . . please don't let it worry you. Lex is wonderful!
Here is my opinion: We are human and on top of that we are (North)American - we always want bigger, better, faster, more! It's our culture, isn't it? Most of us were brought up believing pharmaceuticals & modern medicine can cure anything, right?
So, we're doing *pretty* well on Lex, but wouldn't it be just that much better if we weren't *quite* as tired or could get rid of that *last* little bit of anxiety we feel around that time of the month? For me, I'd like my insomnia & inorgasmia to go away altogether and I've heard Wellbutrin may help.
That's how I see it. Others may have different views, but I bet I'm not far off! Thanks for pointing this out to us all :-)
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>why are people who seem to be doing well wanting to ask about adding wellbutrin? that makes me nervous...isn't just lex enough for anyone? EM
Posted by KathrynLex on March 18, 2004, at 15:44:04
In reply to wellbutrin??, posted by want info on March 18, 2004, at 15:05:47
Hi EM,
I think the answer to your question vaires from person to person. In my case I've always had difficulty paying attention and focusing on tasks at work. Before finding a solution to that issue a more immediate problem of mine was anxiety and depression. Now that the Lexapro has relieved my symptoms of anxiety and depression, I can work on finding something to help my short attention span and inability to focus. Many people have had success with Wellbutrin so I've begun looking into it.
As far as my depression and anxiety are concerned Lexapro has been enough to help me get past it. So, my interest in Wellbutrin isn't related to concerns about Lex not working.
K.
Posted by Simus on March 18, 2004, at 16:12:56
In reply to wellbutrin??, posted by want info on March 18, 2004, at 15:05:47
> why are people who seem to be doing well wanting to ask about adding wellbutrin? that makes me nervous...isn't just lex enough for anyone? EM
I think the people that are considering asking for Wellbutrin are those not completely satisfied with the result of their SSRI. "Doing well" is a relative term. When I was, say, 90-95% of my old self, I was somewhat satisfied, and probably wouldn't have made a medicine change. But if I considered myself 80% or less than my old self, even though I was functional and considered myself "doing well" compared to a previous vegetative state, it would be worth it to me to seek additional help.
I will try to explain the medications to the best of my understanding - which you have to understand is limited. Lexapro is a SSRI. It targets the brain chemical serotonin. Wellbutrin is in a different class of antidepressants. It targets two completely different brain chemicals, dopamine and norepinephrine. That is why some people need either a SSRI (Lexapro), some need Wellbutrin, and some need a combination of the two. It depends on what brain chemical deficit is responsible for their depression. Sorry for the layman's answer. There are others on the site who are far better at explaining drugs than I am.
Posted by LynneDa on March 18, 2004, at 16:20:48
In reply to Re: wellbutrin?? » want info, posted by Simus on March 18, 2004, at 16:12:56
Posted by sexylexy on March 18, 2004, at 16:33:49
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin, posted by Mrs. C on March 18, 2004, at 15:06:45
Hey Ya'll
I am still thinking about adding wellbutrin to my routine but still thinking I may hold off till my next P doc apt in april after school is done ect. I am feeling a lot better though than I have been, next week will be the big test, it should be my PMS week the 28th seems to be D-day (hehe). I have heard words such as "amazing and fabulous" to describe the combo of lex and wellbutrin they seem to go hand and hand! What are ya'lls thoughts.
Em, do not worry, lex will get you a long way but Lynne is so right that we all want more. I am feeling pretty good on lexapro but wonder if my dopamine and noprhrine need a boost as well?
God Bless,
Lexy
Posted by sexylexy on March 18, 2004, at 16:43:32
In reply to Re: Does it get better-YES!, posted by Mrs. C on March 18, 2004, at 15:03:22
Hey Guys,
I went to my pdoc today and she was asking me some questions. She is a wonderful Dr. who is actually on anti-depressant herself so I trust her 100% and am able to talk to her about the physical feelings that accompany depression and she knows first hand everything I am talking about.
She asked me if I was still feeling unconfident and still not over the depression. I told her although I am doing so much better, I am ready to kick this depression to the curb and move on my way. We decided to move up to 20mg, I figure why fight so hard if I don't have to. I am also starting to see my new therapist next week so I am excited about that as well.
I did not ask about Wellbutrin on this visit but may call her in a few weeks about it if I feel that it may be benefical. Hope all is going well.
PS. Today, I have had a terrible day, my best friend is moving to Charleston with this guy she hardly knows and is dropping out of school to do it, my research teacher accused me of cheating on a test... ( a horrible fiasco turns out the idiot thought I was someone else) which took hours of emailing and phone calling.Plus now she is saying that I was not the one who cheated but the one who was not getting their share of work done, um hello I have a A adverage, not sure if she is smoking crack, plus some stupid jealous people are trying to convince our teacher that I was infact the one who cheated because I have good grades, work hard and am smart, (its the kind of test you really could not have cheated on even if you tried) However, I have not shed a tear or over reacted, I have remained calm (well as calm as you can be when you are super pissed off) and did not get over emotional. I am proud of this and know lexapro helpped me a lot!
Hope all is well for you guys, God Bless.
Lexy
Posted by LynneDa on March 18, 2004, at 16:54:53
In reply to Moving up to 20, posted by sexylexy on March 18, 2004, at 16:43:32
Wow Lexy - what a day! Sounds like you weathered the storm really well, though.
Let me know what you decide about Wellbutrin. I'm in that undecided mode too, but just starting back into counseling in a few weeks. That may be what I need more than an additional med.
OK, your friend's moving sounds *kind of* irresponsible, I hope she doesn't regret it later!!!!! But, everyone makes at least one big giant mistake in their lives and perhaps this is hers. Hope not for her sake!
Hold your ground girlfriend; maybe this was just a test for your mental health as much as your academic knowledge! Sounds like you need to kick back tonight and really relax!!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Hey Guys,
> I went to my pdoc today and she was asking me some questions. She is a wonderful Dr. who is actually on anti-depressant herself so I trust her 100% and am able to talk to her about the physical feelings that accompany depression and she knows first hand everything I am talking about.
> She asked me if I was still feeling unconfident and still not over the depression. I told her although I am doing so much better, I am ready to kick this depression to the curb and move on my way. We decided to move up to 20mg, I figure why fight so hard if I don't have to. I am also starting to see my new therapist next week so I am excited about that as well.
> I did not ask about Wellbutrin on this visit but may call her in a few weeks about it if I feel that it may be benefical. Hope all is going well.
> PS. Today, I have had a terrible day, my best friend is moving to Charleston with this guy she hardly knows and is dropping out of school to do it, my research teacher accused me of cheating on a test... ( a horrible fiasco turns out the idiot thought I was someone else) which took hours of emailing and phone calling.Plus now she is saying that I was not the one who cheated but the one who was not getting their share of work done, um hello I have a A adverage, not sure if she is smoking crack, plus some stupid jealous people are trying to convince our teacher that I was infact the one who cheated because I have good grades, work hard and am smart, (its the kind of test you really could not have cheated on even if you tried) However, I have not shed a tear or over reacted, I have remained calm (well as calm as you can be when you are super pissed off) and did not get over emotional. I am proud of this and know lexapro helpped me a lot!
> Hope all is well for you guys, God Bless.
> Lexy
Posted by want info on March 18, 2004, at 17:02:37
In reply to Re: wellbutrin?? » want info, posted by LynneDa on March 18, 2004, at 15:28:57
thanks guys. i am JUST beginning to feel better on 15mg of lex plus a tiny bit of xanax. i guess i was just a little discouraged to see that people who'd seemed so happy on lex might be reconsidering their overall happiness with the med? buy lynneda you are certainly right...we are always looking for the best!
kathrynlex thanks for your reply as well. it's good to know that the lex worked for the anxiety and depression. i actually have a good friend who had concentration problems due to adult adhd and wellbutrin worked well for her concentration.
simus, thanks for your explanation...i'm wondering if one or the other is better for anxiety...i have no problems with depression, just with anxiety. fyi if you don't already know this...i had lots of success on paxil for a long time.
thanks, EMps lexy i'm sorry you had a bad day but am glad you are feeling better. my pdoc doesnt seem convinced that 15 will be enough for me and may want me to go to 20 also?
Posted by KathrynLex on March 18, 2004, at 17:24:59
In reply to Moving up to 20, posted by sexylexy on March 18, 2004, at 16:43:32
Hi Lexy,
Good luck with the 20 mgs...I hope the adjustment goes smoothly! Sorry you had a lousy day today, tomorrow will probably be better.
K.
Posted by susielalala on March 18, 2004, at 18:12:48
In reply to Re: Does it get better » peace123, posted by Simus on March 18, 2004, at 10:57:05
I have been on Lex for 16 days. I have had good days and bad days. Your moods really change alot on this. Today I was in a good mood this morning, by 4 pm I was out of it. I felt like I was losing it. I cried all the way home. Now I am okay. I am not giving up on this medicine. I have faith that it will work. I know that it is gonna take awhile for it to work. I do have xanax to take. My anxiety has been bad. Has anyone else felt wierd in the head on this stuff? I mean kind of out of it or is it just me? Well take care all and I am praying for everyone. Keep the faith!
Posted by mystic on March 18, 2004, at 20:57:06
In reply to Re: Does it get better, posted by susielalala on March 18, 2004, at 18:12:48
Hey Ali ...it will get better you know it will..And you are feeling normal and you have to give it time...16 days is getting there but it took me and most of the other people 4-6 weeks It is irritating that I think that our Drs and literature tell us that it is quick and that you can see results in 2 weeks but that is just not so for everyone..So when 2 weeks come we are discouraged and ready to give up..not to mention the terrible anxiety we feel at the same time..>For me the depression lifted before the anxiety and I'm still struggling with the anxiety but not 1/2 as bad...so that is what you are going towards...you will soon be on the posts saying how much better you feel I promise..and If you need me you know where to find me...Hope your night got better and you took a xanax...Mystic
Posted by mystic on March 18, 2004, at 21:03:24
In reply to Does it get better, posted by peace123 on March 18, 2004, at 9:11:29
It definately will get better...Like I said in an earlier post the drs tell us that it will be about 2 weeks but in reality it takes about 4-6 and sometimes longer but it does happen for everyone it seems to be different for me the depression was faster to go away than the anxiety but I was taking xanax with it when I needed it and it helped but I know that most of us are phobic about meds and that is hard but there comes a point where you just have to feel better and it helps while letting us get used to the lexapro and to get through work..I would take it once a day to go to work and then not on the weekends..but an answer to your question is YES it will get better..and just keep posting because these people in this room are angels...Will think of you and talk to you soon..>Mystic
Posted by jlynne on March 18, 2004, at 23:12:01
In reply to I'm back!!!, posted by sexylexy on March 17, 2004, at 23:17:20
Hi, Lexy and Kathryn. I guess I started posting right around the time you went away. Seeing your enthusiasm has given me some encouragement and hope that maybe this stuff will really do something good eventually. I started at 10mg, then upped to 15mg about a week ago (I am early in my 6th week).
Nice going on the ring thing, Lexy! And I look forward to reading more posts from both of you.
By the way, I am trying to keep track of what time zones we are all in - I am in Pacific Standard. You? Thanks:^) ...jlynne
Posted by sexylexy on March 18, 2004, at 23:19:55
In reply to Lexy and Kathryn, posted by jlynne on March 18, 2004, at 23:12:01
Hey Jlynne!
This is Lexy. Believe me, I would not have made it though the lexapro with out my the lexapro family that I have found on this board. I am so glad you joined us and am looking forward to learning from each other. Its nice to know that my post can make people feel better. I know that they used to drag people down. Lexapro has helped me so much, I had never had a depressive episode but got on a birth control pill which gave me depression, I am hoping it is not a life long struggle but if it is so be it. I am not back to 100% but am feeling better and able to enjoy myself again. This is a lot from a girl who a few months back was scared to be alone because I was having super scary suicidal thoughts but when I was around people I was soooooooo sensitive that I would burst into tears if they looked at me the wrong way. My days are not all sunshine and cherrys but I am really looking foward to the day where I wake up and breathe a sigh of relief knowing that I have made it though. I know this day will come and I count on the support of my lexapro family to help me get there! So glad you have come!
God Bless,
Lexy
Posted by jlynne on March 18, 2004, at 23:28:26
In reply to Re: Does it get better, posted by susielalala on March 18, 2004, at 18:12:48
>My anxiety has been bad. Has anyone else felt wierd in the head on this stuff? I mean kind of out of it or is it just me?
Ali, you are not alone. I feel very spacey and kind of wired (and weird) most of the time. After about a month of 10mg, I kind of crashed and became very tearful and afraid. If it hadn't been for the people here assuring me that it would get better, I would have given up right then. But I talked with my doctor and he upped me to 15mg - I felt better almost immediately after increasing.
I am beginning my 6th week now, and I am starting to feel the anxiety coming back again. I am feeling a lot of pressure at work, so it might just be that, so I will wait awhile, but my doctor said I can go up to 20mg whenever I feel that I need to.
We are all sort of walking into the unknown here, but there is a trail of experience that helps keeps us going. Please, keep posting - we all want to be there for you. ...jlynne
Posted by jlynne on March 18, 2004, at 23:54:16
In reply to Re: Lexy and Kathryn » jlynne, posted by sexylexy on March 18, 2004, at 23:19:55
> Believe me, I would not have made it though the lexapro with out my the lexapro family that I have found on this board.<
I know what you mean; I get lots of warm-fuzzies here. And if it weren't for the experience of those who are ahead of me, I would have given up on Lex by now.
Thank you for the warm welcome:^) ...jlynne
Posted by Simus on March 19, 2004, at 0:26:22
In reply to Re: wellbutrin??simus, lynneda, kathrynlex etc, posted by want info on March 18, 2004, at 17:02:37
If you did well on Paxil, then Lexapro may work very well for you.
By the way, I never did understand why so many doctors are reluctant to let someone stay at 15mg Lexapro. What is magic about 20mg?
Posted by mvice on March 19, 2004, at 1:27:42
In reply to Re: Does it get better, posted by susielalala on March 18, 2004, at 18:12:48
does the effects of paxil wear off after time. i dont feal it working anymore after 4 years even at higer doses.SEROTONIN POP OUT?
Posted by want info on March 19, 2004, at 9:32:30
In reply to Re: Does it get better, posted by susielalala on March 18, 2004, at 18:12:48
ive been on lex for 6 weeks and still feel very "weird in the head" a lot. im trying to hang in there, we will make it! EM
Posted by want info on March 19, 2004, at 9:34:02
In reply to Re: Does it get better, posted by jlynne on March 18, 2004, at 23:28:26
jlynne i feel the exact same way...initially the lex worked, i crashed after about a month and went to 15 where ive been for about a week. i feel kind of better but there are definitely times i feel the anxiety returning. and my doc said the exact same thing about upping to 20 if i felt i needed to!
Posted by LynneDa on March 19, 2004, at 11:25:24
In reply to Re: Does it get better, posted by susielalala on March 18, 2004, at 18:12:48
Oh Ali, I feel for ya!! It will get better. Your body is still adjusting. It takes a while for the brain to get on its right footing & level itself out. I wouldn't really do a total evaluation of its effectiveness until you've been on it about 8 weeks. Your posts sound like all of ours did at the beginning. I had the wired and foggy feelings a lot, off and on. I just tried to appreciate the moments I felt okay and remembered the other parts will pass sooner than they used to. Take heart, you will get there!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Posted by linnie on March 19, 2004, at 11:38:42
In reply to Re: Does it get better » susielalala, posted by LynneDa on March 19, 2004, at 11:25:24
> Oh Ali, I feel for ya!! It will get better. Your body is still adjusting. It takes a while for the brain to get on its right footing & level itself out. I wouldn't really do a total evaluation of its effectiveness until you've been on it about 8 weeks. Your posts sound like all of ours did at the beginning. I had the wired and foggy feelings a lot, off and on. I just tried to appreciate the moments I felt okay and remembered the other parts will pass sooner than they used to. Take heart, you will get there!
> ~ Lynne
> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>What is your dosage of lex?
thanks
linnie
Posted by LynneDa on March 19, 2004, at 11:57:16
In reply to Re: Does it get better to Lynne, posted by linnie on March 19, 2004, at 11:38:42
Hi Linnie -
I started at 10 mg, then upped to 20 mg after 10 weeks. I've now been on 20 mg for about 11 weeks. My worst times are right before my period and that is the reason I upped. That time is now much better, I get a little out of wack but not too bad. I still have insomnia and some inorgasmia that I would like to address. I'm tired of medicating myself to sleep, but if that is my only alternative I guess that's it. I'm not ready to go off the Lex!
Take care,
Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Posted by KathrynLex on March 19, 2004, at 12:18:15
In reply to Re: Does it get better, posted by susielalala on March 18, 2004, at 18:12:48
Hi Susie,
I felt pretty out of it for the first 4 or 5 weeks on Lexapro. My head cleared around week 6. The first two weeks seem to be the hardest for most people, you're on the tail end of it. Things will start getting better very soon, you have a great attitude about it and that will help you a lot!
K.
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