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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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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
Posted by Magdalena on March 25, 2004, at 11:43:51
In reply to Re: pms flipping out tonight HELP » mel_light, posted by wantinfo on March 25, 2004, at 8:26:36
Hey Emily, oh i know about the headaches i have become an ibuprofen (sp?) feind over the last few days, every 4 hours. On top of that last night was my first night on 'the bc pill' and it says a side effect is headaches, im like 'well i have one already, bring it on!'. :S
Im working today (im part-time so i dont work everyday) and i hope it isnt too bad, i tend to stress before work which is one of the reasons i like the dayshift better.I find that when i am in panic mode around bed-time which thank god is one of the places it doesnt happen anymore, i tend to take a hot bath and try laying down again, maybe just write it out on paper, that helps me too and above all telling myself that its just a passing phase, that the medicine will soon make this horrible episodes fewer and further inbetween.
I hope you are feeling a bit better today, but i bet you feel tired, i know i do after coming down from the panic, i also refer to it as 'the fear'.:) take care.
Mag
Posted by KathrynLex on March 25, 2004, at 12:58:58
In reply to Re: Hi K, posted by Mrs. C on March 24, 2004, at 20:35:59
Hi Mrs. C,
Thanks for the encouraging words. I've considered increasing to 20 mgs and might do that if my period next month is as bad as this one. Again, I'm really glad to hear that the increase to 15 mgs has been beneficial.
K.
Posted by KathrynLex on March 25, 2004, at 13:19:55
In reply to RE: K, posted by mystic on March 24, 2004, at 20:49:49
Hi Mystic,
I'm feeling much better today. I took .5 mgs of Klonopin yesterday and it really helped. You might want to try taking some. It's lousy to feel so awful 1 week every month. It isn't something we should have to put up with, I'm convinced there are solutions! Hang in there...I'm right there with you.
K.
Posted by KathrynLex on March 25, 2004, at 13:24:49
In reply to Re: pms flipping out tonight HELP » wantinfo, posted by Magdalena on March 25, 2004, at 11:43:51
Hi Guys,
I talked to my pdoc this morning and asked him if I could try a low dose of Wellbutrin. He said it might help with my depression and lack of energy. I'll take my first dose tomorrow and what can I say - I'm a little scared. I'll be working my way up to 300 mgs (but I can stop at a lower dose if I feel like it's working.)
He said the most common side effects are increased anxiety (yes, I'll be keeping a bottle of Klonopin or Xanax with me at all times) and insomnia. So, we'll see what happens. I'm really hoping for positive results and I'll keep everyone posted on my progress.
If anyone else is taking Wellbutrin and Lex, I'd love to know how you like it, how much you're on, what side effects you experienced when you started etc...
Thanks!
K.
Posted by want info on March 25, 2004, at 13:41:34
In reply to Wellbutrin...here we go!, posted by KathrynLex on March 25, 2004, at 13:24:49
hey k...are you staying at 15 lex? and combining 300 wellbutrin WITH that?
i don't like to hear that just lex isn't enough! although i do hope it works for you...emily
Posted by KathrynLex on March 25, 2004, at 14:05:23
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin...here we go! » KathrynLex, posted by want info on March 25, 2004, at 13:41:34
Hi Emily,
I'm staying at 15 mgs of Lexapro and starting with 50 mgs of Wellbutrin. I'll increase my Wellbutrin dose until I figure out what works the best for me.
Don't be too worried. Just because I need to add something to my Lex dose doesn't mean that Lexapro by itself won't work for you. I think I mentioned this before, but Lexapro has been terrific for my depression and anxiety. However, I've always had trouble concentrating so I'm adding the Wellbutrin to see if it will help with that.
Again, let me stress that the Lexapro has really done wonders for my anxiety and depression. It's given me my life back in many ways.
Also, keep in mind that it's not uncommon for people to add medications to what they're already taking. Because everyone is different, they all need a customized "cocktail."
Think of it this way, women don't all wear the same color lipstick because certain colors work better for different people. Some women even have to mix two colors together to get a shade that they like. Medication is the same way in that the same thing doesn't work for everyone, and some people have to combine things to get the best results.
I hope this helps you relax about it a little.
K.
Posted by bride2be on March 25, 2004, at 14:26:26
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin...here we go!, posted by KathrynLex on March 25, 2004, at 14:05:23
i am still trying to figure out how to post messages, this is my 4th try. anyways, i talked to doc today and she said to take half of the 10 for a week and then go back to taking a 10 and that may help with the headaches and lack of sleep. has anyone else had to do this? does it work? i am still feeling grumpy, how long before that goes away. i know everyone is different, but any advice is welcome. thanks for everything and i glad i found yall!
Posted by sexylexy on March 25, 2004, at 16:41:11
In reply to Wellbutrin...here we go!, posted by KathrynLex on March 25, 2004, at 13:24:49
K...
My lex sister (haha), all the luck in the world to you the Wellbutrin. Let us know how it goes!!!
Lexy
Posted by KathrynLex on March 25, 2004, at 16:43:54
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin...here we go!, posted by sexylexy on March 25, 2004, at 16:41:11
Lexy,
Thanks for the support. I'll let you know when I start seeing positive changes and/or if it's something I would recommend for the rest of the Lex family.
I'm a little out of the loop, did you end up increasing to 20 mgs?
K.
Posted by sexylexy on March 25, 2004, at 16:49:38
In reply to Re: Lynne's Increase » ednababish, posted by want info on March 25, 2004, at 9:53:26
Emily,
You are getting a little ahead of yourself. I promise you, the first month of my period, I felt so anxious, depressed, irritable and crazy. I was picking fights with my boyfriend ect. This is month 3, I should start in the next few days. It has gotten so much better. I am now up to 20mg and I swear it is not bad at all. Try to clam down and take it a day at a time. IT WILL GET BETTER.God Bless,
Lexy
Posted by bride2be on March 25, 2004, at 16:53:13
In reply to Re: new girl-follow up, posted by bride2be on March 25, 2004, at 14:26:26
can anyone tell me what to expect for the 5th day through the 2nd week? shouldnt i have feelings of happiness like i did with celexa by now? if my doc wants me to cut back to half a 10 on my fourth day then wont that hold me back. i am not patient at all, thats my problem. please tell me when i can expect the anxiety to go away. thanks!
Posted by sexylexy on March 25, 2004, at 17:07:52
In reply to Re: Hi K, posted by Mrs. C on March 24, 2004, at 20:35:59
K..
20mg is really going well for me, its also nice because you can get lexapro in 20mg tabs so no more pill cutting!
Lexy
Posted by sexylexy on March 25, 2004, at 17:12:56
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin...here we go! » sexylexy, posted by KathrynLex on March 25, 2004, at 16:43:54
Hey K,
I did end up going up to 20mg because of the PMS issue. I started this afternoon and have had a much better time this month. I have only been on 20mg for a week but am glad I did. Feeling pretty good these days. Nice to actually want to live again and get some enjoyment from life. I am getting invloved, talking to friends and having some fun again. At this point I think I may stay with 20mg. Like Ive said before, my cycles have gotten progressivly better. I am thankful for this, if I continue to improve, I feel I may be back to "me" in a few more months. Hope I am not jinxing myself. Good luck and God bless you!
Lexy
Posted by KathrynLex on March 25, 2004, at 17:17:35
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin...here we go! » KathrynLex, posted by sexylexy on March 25, 2004, at 17:12:56
Hey Lexy,
I'm so glad to hear that things are going well for you at 20 mgs. You sound like you're doing wonderfully.
Thanks for all your support. I know you'll be back to "you" in no time at all. We've made it through the roughest part...now it should be smooth sailing. :)
K.
Posted by KathrynLex on March 25, 2004, at 17:24:53
In reply to Re: one more question, posted by bride2be on March 25, 2004, at 16:53:13
Hi Bride2be,
This was my experience:
Day 5 - Lex flu. (All the symptoms of the flu, but no fever. Started at the same time I began taking Lex.)
Day 6 - More Lex flu, slight increase in anxiety.
Day 7 - Flu started to go away, felt out of it most of the time.
Day 9 - Still felt out of it and very tired. Lots of insomnia and zero appetite.
Day 10 - Head cleared a little bit.
Day 11 - No appetite, very, very tired and anxious.
Day 12 - Anxious, appetite returned.
Day 13 - Anxious
Day 14 - Anxious but sleeping better.It wasn't until week 3 that my anxiety went away. It came back in spurts after that, which is why I increased to 15 mgs. I'm not a patient person either, but the lex helps with that. I would have given up on the med if it weren't for this board. Do hang in there even if you don't see immediate results, you'll be glad you did.
K.
Posted by bride2be on March 25, 2004, at 17:28:48
In reply to Re: one more question, posted by KathrynLex on March 25, 2004, at 17:24:53
thanks kathrynlex! do you think dropping to 5 from 10 will make it take longer to kill the anxiety? she said to take 5 for the next week and then go back to 10.
Posted by KathrynLex on March 25, 2004, at 17:34:13
In reply to Re: one more question, posted by bride2be on March 25, 2004, at 17:28:48
Hi Bride2b,
It might take a little bit longer, but not much. I know waiting is the hardest part, but we'll all be here for you.
K.
Posted by kellieann7 on March 25, 2004, at 17:37:57
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin...here we go!, posted by KathrynLex on March 25, 2004, at 17:17:35
I'm normally a lurker here, although I try to add an occasional post or two. For those that are new, I started taking Lexapro in early December. I was on 10 mgs for 2 weeks, and then doc upped the dosage to 20 mgs. I had been slowly sinking into depression for about 7 years (I am 26), but had a mini-crisis when I lost two pets, and felt like it was time to see someone about getting a handle on the depression. My experience has been fairly typical as far as side effects go: nausea, lethargic during the day, etc. After about 5-6 weeks, I noticed a definite improvement in my mood and energy level, and I can say that I have been feeling 100% for the last month. I remember "me" and it feels good. I am NOT a zombie, I like feeling a little jittery and chatty... this is how I was in high school. I still get angry, annoyed, irritated, etc, but my outlook on life is positive. I take Lexapro at night, and sleep for about 6-7 hours. I wake up each morning at 6, and twice a day, I take Metabolife, which is basically caffeine. This gets me through those dreaded lunch time brain voices that say "Sleep.... just for a few minutes."
Anyway, the point of this is: I had a follow up with my doc today because my prescription will run out at the end of the month. She asked how I am feeling, and I said, "Scared you will take this medicine away." I explained that I have experienced side effects, but they are tolerable, and I have modified my routine to one that benefits me. I explained that I have painted three rooms in the house, all my laundry is done, etc. She asked about sexual side effects, and I told her that honestly, since I am not obsessing over trying to get pregnant, sex is great! She also discussed the new warnings around AD's and asked if I had any suicidal thoughts. She also felt comfortable when I told her that if I did have these thoughts, I would inform her immediately. She wrote out a new script for 6 refills, and said that as long as I keep feeling the way I am, I will only have to call her to get a new on in six months. YEA! I realize there will be bad days too, but I now feel equipped with the tools (ie meds) I need to be a normal functioning person again.
Posted by KathrynLex on March 25, 2004, at 17:49:43
In reply to Kellieann7's Lexapro update, posted by kellieann7 on March 25, 2004, at 17:37:57
Hi Kellieanne,
It's wonderful that you're doing so well. Your story is quite inspirational...and a fantastic success story. Thanks for sharing, you made my day.
K.
Posted by Mrs. C on March 25, 2004, at 19:24:29
In reply to Re: pms flipping out tonight HELP, posted by mel_light on March 25, 2004, at 9:42:42
Hey Mel, I am so sorry to hear that you aren't feeling any better today. 5mgs is a pretty low dose. 10 may be better for you. I think you will notice an improvement. I feel for you and have been where you are right now, it does get better. Keep the faith. Mrs. C
Posted by sexylexy on March 25, 2004, at 19:28:26
In reply to Kellieann7's Lexapro update, posted by kellieann7 on March 25, 2004, at 17:37:57
Bravo Kelli Ann,
You have been such a help though me over this whole process. I am so glad you are out of depression and are able to stay on lex. I justed upped to 20mg and am sooooo glad I did. Its only been a week but I am feeling a big difference. I hope you keep having a wonderful outlook. Please stop in and say hello whenever you can!
God Bless,
Lexy
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