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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by KathrynLex on March 24, 2004, at 18:10:27
In reply to new lexapro girl!, posted by bride2be on March 24, 2004, at 17:47:06
Hi BridetoBe,
Welcome to the Lexapro family. I agree with you that it's discouraging having to wait so long before the Lex kickes in...but let me assure you, the results are worth the wait!
It just takes a while for your body to adjust to the new medication. This was my experience with the first few weeks on Lex: (Keep in mind yours might be different because meds effect everyone so differently.)
Week 1: Noticed a few uncomfortable side effects
Week 2: Side effects peaked and this was the most uncomfortable week for me
Week 3: Side effects began to decline
Week 4: I noticed positive changes in my mood
Week 5: Some people continue to see positive mood changes. Although, I hit a slump at week 5 and increased to 15 mgs.
Week 6: Adjustment to 15 mgs wasn't difficult. Felt tired, but no other side effects.
Week 7 and on: Continued positive changes in my anxiety/mood.A few words of advice:
- Note: Lexapro can cause anxiety for the first few weeks that you take it. Keep some Klonopin or Xanax nearby so you can have it if you start to feel overly anxious.
- If you start feeling any uncomfortable side effects that you're worried about, post them on this board. I can guarantee that other people have had the same symptoms and know what to do about them.
-Try taking advil for your headaches and just take it easy over the next couple of weeks while your body gets used to the Lexapro.Best of luck and keep us posted on how you're doing.
K.
Posted by bride2be on March 24, 2004, at 18:26:31
In reply to Re: new lexapro girl!, posted by KathrynLex on March 24, 2004, at 18:10:27
> Hi BridetoBe,
>
> Welcome to the Lexapro family. I agree with you that it's discouraging having to wait so long before the Lex kickes in...but let me assure you, the results are worth the wait!
>
> It just takes a while for your body to adjust to the new medication. This was my experience with the first few weeks on Lex: (Keep in mind yours might be different because meds effect everyone so differently.)
>
> Week 1: Noticed a few uncomfortable side effects
> Week 2: Side effects peaked and this was the most uncomfortable week for me
> Week 3: Side effects began to decline
> Week 4: I noticed positive changes in my mood
> Week 5: Some people continue to see positive mood changes. Although, I hit a slump at week 5 and increased to 15 mgs.
> Week 6: Adjustment to 15 mgs wasn't difficult. Felt tired, but no other side effects.
> Week 7 and on: Continued positive changes in my anxiety/mood.
>
> A few words of advice:
>
> - Note: Lexapro can cause anxiety for the first few weeks that you take it. Keep some Klonopin or Xanax nearby so you can have it if you start to feel overly anxious.
> - If you start feeling any uncomfortable side effects that you're worried about, post them on this board. I can guarantee that other people have had the same symptoms and know what to do about them.
> -Try taking advil for your headaches and just take it easy over the next couple of weeks while your body gets used to the Lexapro.
>
> Best of luck and keep us posted on how you're doing.
>
> K.
>thanks so much! i feel better already! very anxious, but better!
Posted by wantinfo on March 24, 2004, at 18:34:31
In reply to new lexapro girl!, posted by bride2be on March 24, 2004, at 17:47:06
hey bride...dont worry about the headaches, you'll be ok. i'm in my 6th/7th week and still get them now and then. the anxiety WILL get better though. welcome! em
Posted by Mrs. C on March 24, 2004, at 20:35:59
In reply to Re: Kathrynlex » Mrs. C, posted by KathrynLex on March 24, 2004, at 16:10:45
Hey, it's good to hear from you again. I am sorry to hear about your PMS difficulties. I know exactly what you are going thru and it stinks! Maybe increasing the dose will work for you to make that time a little easier. I think that Lynne has posted that she is doing much better at 20mgs. So far 15 is working for me but I have the permission from my doc to increase to 20 whenever I feel the need to. Let us know how tomorrow goes. Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs. C on March 24, 2004, at 20:42:58
In reply to new lexapro girl!, posted by bride2be on March 24, 2004, at 17:47:06
Hey girl! Glad you're here. You came to the right place. This board is full of wonderful friends who have much advice and support to give. You name the side effect and someone here has had it! I just increased my dose from 10 to 15 and have had a headache every day since. It's been two weeks now since I made the increase. Maybe it's the weather or something else(tumor)but it sure is a pain. I have been on Lex for five months now altogether and find it to be a wonderful med. Once you get through the first few weeks you will begin to feel better. Hang in there, we are here to help if you need it. Mrs. C
Posted by mystic on March 24, 2004, at 20:49:49
In reply to Re: Kathrynlex » Mrs. C, posted by KathrynLex on March 24, 2004, at 16:10:45
Hey K...I have the same problem...most people talk about their symptoms of PMS but mine is when I am having my period I feel like I am back to square one...Was worried about it this month because I have my daughters baby shower on sunday and that is right in the middle and have been feeling crappy since starting yesterday...So let me know how you are doing it is good to hear from you....A friend Mystic
Posted by mel_light on March 24, 2004, at 20:54:21
In reply to Re: Kathrynlex, posted by mel_light on March 24, 2004, at 17:45:12
I guess I jinxed myself. Now I have a headache, feel nauseous, and my chest is tight. My heads beginning to get a little foggy. I took a xanax about a half hour ago and still no results. I can't stand this feeling. I'm not sure if I should go up in dosage or not...AAAAHHHHHH
Posted by mystic on March 24, 2004, at 20:56:34
In reply to Re: Hi K, posted by Mrs. C on March 24, 2004, at 20:35:59
Hey bridetobe ....This is a great group and you are in the right place we will all help you through this and we have all been there at different times I'm on week 7 and feeling pretty good except at my period time...but we can all help and we are here for you so just keep posting and learning that you are not alone and you will be fine..just takes time and patience something that we really dont have great deal of...Take care Mystic
Posted by mystic on March 24, 2004, at 20:58:01
In reply to Re: pms flipping out tonight HELP, posted by mel_light on March 24, 2004, at 20:54:21
Hey girlfriend calm down and breathe you will be ok...You will be ok...Just try not to think about it...tell me a little about yourself and how long you have been on the lex...Mystic
Posted by mystic on March 24, 2004, at 21:00:31
In reply to RE: Hey mel light, posted by mystic on March 24, 2004, at 20:58:01
Mel_light...you are on a very low does of lexapro maybe you should give your dr a call and he can help you decide what to do...The xanax will take effect pretty soon as long as you just relax and breathe...we are all stressed at that time of the month but you will be ok...Try to relax...Mystic
Posted by Mrs. C on March 24, 2004, at 21:06:59
In reply to Re: pms flipping out tonight HELP, posted by mel_light on March 24, 2004, at 20:54:21
Mel, Calm down. Deep breaths! You are freaking out because of the Lex. Sometimes the side effects can do this to you. Once you realize that it's only the med you will calm down. Lex is not as effective during our PMS times. All of the women who post here have had this happen to them. You will be okay. How are you feeling now? Mrs. C
Posted by mel_light on March 24, 2004, at 21:19:32
In reply to Re: pms flipping out tonight HELP, posted by Mrs. C on March 24, 2004, at 21:06:59
I just took an aleve for my headache. I can feel that I'm so tense but I keep thinking it's something else. Maybe something is seriously wrong. I know that's the anxiety talking but I just can't rationalize it with my head right now. I feel tired but I'm scared to go to sleep. I haven't had an attack like this for a while. I've been on lex for over 5 weeks are these still side effects? I just want to cry right now
Posted by mel_light on March 24, 2004, at 21:22:43
In reply to RE: Hey Mel_light, posted by mystic on March 24, 2004, at 21:00:31
Can I ask what kind of things you guys experience around period time? Similar to what I'm having or am I just weird?
Posted by Mrs. C on March 24, 2004, at 21:25:17
In reply to Re: pms flipping out tonight HELP, posted by mel_light on March 24, 2004, at 21:19:32
Listen to me, it is the Lex! There is nothing wrong with you. Lex seems to lose it's effectiveness at that time of the month. We have all experienced it! You are on a very small dose of Lexapro and may need to increase. Talk to your doctor about it tomorrow! There is no need to suffer like this next month. When my dose of 10mgs started to wear off I experienced great anxiety around my time of the month. I was on Lex almost five months before that happened. I believe that is what is happening to you now. But you should definetly let your doc know. Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs. C on March 24, 2004, at 21:34:08
In reply to RE: Hey Mel_light, posted by mel_light on March 24, 2004, at 21:22:43
Very similar dear. I hope that you can relax soon and get some rest. Tomorrow is another day and may be better than tonight. I'll pray for you and for everyone here. I'll check back with you tomorrw. Goodnight all! Mrs. C
Posted by mel_light on March 24, 2004, at 21:44:24
In reply to RE: Hey Mel_light, posted by Mrs. C on March 24, 2004, at 21:34:08
Thank you so much for the kind words. I'll call my dr in the morning. Right now I'm going to try and sit still and stop these thoughts (and grinding my teeth) This is so overwhelming
Posted by mystic on March 24, 2004, at 21:53:34
In reply to RE: Hey Mel_light, posted by mel_light on March 24, 2004, at 21:44:24
Hey Mel_light...hope that you feel better and try to remember every day is a new day and that much closer to getting some relief and it will happen..You probably have to go up on your dosage and then maybe things will start to be clearer..but I will say it again..We are all here for you and keep posting you are in the right place...Take care and hope that you had a good rest of the night or at least tolerable..and get some sleep...A friend Mystic
Posted by Magdalena on March 24, 2004, at 23:38:30
In reply to RE: Hey Mel_light, posted by mystic on March 24, 2004, at 21:53:34
Hey there new Lex user;) I'm the non-lex user of the site, but i find is just as helpful anyway. i am on a low dose of paxil, 5mg and i KNOW i need to up my dose too im only on week 3 but my anxiety has been creeping back and making life HARD, very much so. dont stress out too much, my pms felt like i was on a downwards spiral and i never used to pms before starting the meds, maybe this is how my brain really works and the meds make it so. lol (god i hope not;))
anyway have a goodnite, sleep can do wonders for anxiety(so it seems)
Magdalena
Posted by wantinfo on March 25, 2004, at 8:26:36
In reply to Re: pms flipping out tonight HELP, posted by mel_light on March 24, 2004, at 21:19:32
MEL MEL MEL!! i wish i had seen this last night. i am feeling the same way. im on just over 6 weeks of lex so youre not alone! its the second day of my period. last day i couldnt function, had the worst headache, took half a xanax and 2 aleve and still felt awful! i barely coudl fall asleep bc of the panic. my boyfriend thought i was going crazy. how are you today? im waiting to hear from you :)
Emily
Posted by ednababish on March 25, 2004, at 8:44:37
In reply to Re: new lexapro girl!, posted by Mrs. C on March 24, 2004, at 20:42:58
In the immortal words of California's govenor,
"It's not a tumor."
Posted by Mrs. C on March 25, 2004, at 8:51:14
In reply to RE: Hey Mel_light, posted by mel_light on March 24, 2004, at 21:44:24
Good morning Mel, The sun is shining here today and it is 50 degrees. Feels like a heat wave compared to what it has been. Hope that your day is filled with warmth today. Don't forget to call your doc. I also have started to clench my teeth since beginning lex. That is one side effect that has never gone away for me. In fact, I think it has alot to do with why I have been getting headaches. I will check back this evening to see how you are. Mrs. C
Posted by ednababish on March 25, 2004, at 8:53:01
In reply to Re: Hi K, posted by Mrs. C on March 24, 2004, at 20:35:59
I have not gone up as I had been thinking I might--had a bad case of "during menstral syndrome" (dms?)last week and a lot of awful and annoying things happen--whiny and pathetic Freshman comp students, and then a student whose beautiful, promising and talented 16 year-old daughter died of a pulmonary embolism (which really tore me up). This week I'm feeling fine now--as fine as can be, at any rate. But for those of you who have made a leap from 15 to 20, how did you know it was the right thing to do--and how much more right did you feel after you did up your dose? If it's just PMS, I can live with that.
Thanks for any input,
Edna Babish
Posted by mel_light on March 25, 2004, at 9:42:42
In reply to Re: pms flipping out tonight HELP » mel_light, posted by wantinfo on March 25, 2004, at 8:26:36
Well, I'm breathing today (always a good sigh) However I tossed and turned all night. I even work up one time with my heart beating so fast I thought I was having a heart attack. This morning I just feel exhausted and I have a horrible stomach ache (probably my ulcer) my stomach is burning and I still haven't started my period so of course in my mind now I probably have a ectopic pregnancy (I have an IUD that was placed right before I started lexapro) I just can't efficiently control my thoughts. I think I'm going to work half day and come home and rest. I'm going to call my dr. first thing but I think I might just go up to 10mgs this morning. At my last appointment with her I told her I still have mild anxiety and she said we could go up to 10 I told her I would wait and see how this period was. Obviously, not good and I haven't even started yet. Another day....Thanks for all of your gals support. I couldn't do this alone. My poor husband and kids look so confused with what goes on with me.
Posted by want info on March 25, 2004, at 9:53:26
In reply to Lynne's Increase, posted by ednababish on March 25, 2004, at 8:53:01
hi edna..i am having the same issue. i've been on 15 for 2 weeks and am having a terrible case of what you call DMS...anxiety, disorientation, headaches etc. how do you feel about 20? for me i think im a bit afraid to go up bc its like, if this doesnt work, i feel like id have to try another med, and that is scary! what are your thoughts?
emily
Posted by ednababish on March 25, 2004, at 11:11:58
In reply to Re: Lynne's Increase » ednababish, posted by want info on March 25, 2004, at 9:53:26
Emily,
Except for the DMS and the other stuff that was going on, I feel okay right now. I still feel some anxiety, but that's normal. I always find a good yardstick to measure my progress is if I am having really good laughs; if I'm not laughing, I'm in bad shape. I would give everything four weeks, keeping a careful log of how I felt each day for an overview. When I took Celexa before, I took it from June to January before I really noticed a remarkable improvement; I had my first real laughing fit in May. I would also suggest you see a pdoc rather than a GP for medical counselling on ADs. And like I said before, if it's just PMS I can handle that--it's temporary, and I can take it easy for a couple of days as needed. The only thing I am worried about is sexual dysfunction--I am experiencing an increase in libido and very little trouble reaching the acts' ideal culmination--true, it may not be as intense, but the other factors more than make up for it! Take care and let us know how you decide.
Edna
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