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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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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
Posted by Mrs. C on March 25, 2004, at 19:29:56
In reply to Wellbutrin...here we go!, posted by KathrynLex on March 25, 2004, at 13:24:49
K, good luck with the wellbutrin. I will be very interested to hear how it works for you. Taking that first pill of a new medication is always scarey but we will be right here with you. Take care and check in with us tomorrow. Mrs. C
P.S. Are you taking 15 or 20 of Lex? Thanks
Posted by sexylexy on March 25, 2004, at 19:32:18
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin...here we go!, posted by KathrynLex on March 25, 2004, at 17:17:35
K~
Hope your first day on wellbutrin? I really hope all is going well. I wanted to write and say how proud of us I am. We have come such a long way and know we will continue. God Bless,
Lexy
Posted by Mrs. C on March 25, 2004, at 19:35:32
In reply to Re: new girl-follow up, posted by bride2be on March 25, 2004, at 14:26:26
HI, please remind me again how long you have been on lex. For me it took about 6 weeks to feel better and about nine for the full effects. The first 3-4 weeks I really felt anxious, grumpy, and just plain strange. I took 5mgs for the first few nights and then jumped to 10. I am now on 15. I feel pretty good except for some headaches which I think may be sinus related anyway. Hope you feel better soon. You will get the hang of posting soon, don't worry. Keep coming here, we'll help you through the tough spots. Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs. C on March 25, 2004, at 19:39:29
In reply to Re: one more question, posted by bride2be on March 25, 2004, at 16:53:13
Two weeks really isn't long enough to feel much of anything. If you can make it through the side effects, I would stick with 10mgs. The side effects won't last much longer, most people on this board see them subside between week 2-3. This is not a med for inpatient people. You must wait it out and try to relax. We are here for you if you need us. Mrs. C
Posted by bride2be on March 25, 2004, at 19:39:38
In reply to Re: new girl-follow up, posted by Mrs. C on March 25, 2004, at 19:35:32
i am on my fourth day. i was taking 10, but i had headaches and cant sleep so my doc said to take .5 for a week and then up it to 10 again. is that strange to start high and go low so soon? i feel very restless and i have more anxiety then i think i did before. i am sticking with it and hoping that the bad part will be over with soon. i just cant believe it takes so long. it seems like celexa worked quicker with less side effects, but the doc wanted me on lexapro instead this time. i suffer from mild depression, mood swings and anxiety. i will see what the next 4 weeks bring and then i see my doctor on april 20th. i hope i can find the right dosage for me. it is scary wondering if it will work or not.
Posted by Mrs. C on March 25, 2004, at 19:43:35
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin...here we go! » KathrynLex, posted by sexylexy on March 25, 2004, at 17:12:56
Lexy, I feel very happy for you. It's great to love life again isn't it!? I find myself really apppreciating the little things again and looking forward to the future. That's how I always used to be before...now I'm back. Hopefully for good this time. See Ya. Mrs. C
Posted by bride2be on March 25, 2004, at 19:46:27
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin...here we go!, posted by Mrs. C on March 25, 2004, at 19:43:35
you sound very happy! when i get discouraged i will think of all of yall and know that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. it makes me feel better. i am so happy that you feel joy again!
Posted by Mrs. C on March 25, 2004, at 19:48:52
In reply to Kellieann7's Lexapro update, posted by kellieann7 on March 25, 2004, at 17:37:57
Congratulations Kelliann! I am so happy for you and truly hope that your progress continues. Your post is an inspiration to all of those who are struggling right now. Hope that you continue to post. Mrs. C
Posted by bride2be on March 25, 2004, at 19:50:43
In reply to Kellieann7's Lexapro update, posted by kellieann7 on March 25, 2004, at 17:37:57
thanks for your story! i am new to lexapro and i would love for you to keep us updated! GOOD LUCK!
Posted by bride2be on March 25, 2004, at 19:54:16
In reply to Re: pms flipping out tonight HELP, posted by Mrs. C on March 25, 2004, at 19:24:29
i hope you are feeling better!
Posted by bride2be on March 25, 2004, at 20:02:34
In reply to Re: pms flipping out tonight HELP, posted by bride2be on March 25, 2004, at 19:54:16
I figured that for you guys to really be able to understand me that i should tell you more about me. I am almost 23 years old and i was adopted when i was 9 months old! i have a wonderful family. i never suffered from depression until 3 years ago when my grandfather commited suicide. it hurt bad and i did not know how or why something like that happened in my "almost perfect" family. anyways, i was put on celexa only for a month and was much better. about a year later i noticed that i felt angry and Obsessive compulsive about almost everything. i tried to ignore it, but then the stress came into play. i tried to deal with it for a year and finally went to the doc on monday. i am on lexapro now. my depression is barely present but i am in a bad mood more then i want or need to me. i hope this med helps me like it has some of you guys i just wanted you to know a little more about what i suffer from and why. thanks for listening.
Posted by mystic on March 25, 2004, at 21:34:43
In reply to Re: my story, posted by bride2be on March 25, 2004, at 20:02:34
Bridetobe...Thanks for sharing I hope that the Lexapro helps you but please be patient and keep posting this place is a great support and the lex will take time and you will go through many changes so take good care of yourself and talk to you soon...Mystic
Posted by mystic on March 25, 2004, at 21:38:31
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin...here we go! :), posted by bride2be on March 25, 2004, at 19:46:27
Lexy...glad to hear you are doing good on your increase...I'm still on the 10mgs and hoping to stay there...but started earlier this week and feeling very anxious so might increase later in the month after things settle down a bit..but good to hear it is working for you...Mystic
Posted by mystic on March 25, 2004, at 21:41:04
In reply to RE: K » mystic, posted by KathrynLex on March 25, 2004, at 13:19:55
Thanks K..I have the xanax and know that I can take it if need be...but havent taken any as yet..After taking the xanax I do seem to have a migraine for 2 days later so I try to stay away not to mention being med phobic...as we all are...I hope that you continue to do well and keep me posted and take good care of yourself...Mystic
Posted by mystic on March 25, 2004, at 21:42:27
In reply to Re: one more question, posted by Mrs. C on March 25, 2004, at 19:39:29
K...Are you on lex and wellburtrin what dosage are you on...Thanks Mystic
Posted by Damien on March 26, 2004, at 0:06:19
In reply to Wellbutrin...here we go!, posted by KathrynLex on March 25, 2004, at 13:24:49
Hi K -
I've been taking Wellbutrin since June of last year, and have not really noticed any side effects. Currently, I take the FDA maximum recommended dose of 450 mg. Wellbutrin is an "atypical" antidepressant, the only one in a class referred to as an "amino ketone." It's different than the old tricyclics, or the newer SSRIs. Supposedly Wellbutrin does have an energizing or stimulant effect that most other antidepressants lack. But I also have comorbid ADHD and take stimulants for that, so perhaps my response to the stimulating effect of Wellbutrin is masked by the other medicines. What I did notice was a tremendous improvement in my depression when I switched from 300 mg/day to 450 mg/day. Pretty good evidence that finding the right dosage of an atidepressant is fairly important. (I previously took Celexa with no improvement). Anyway, I hope the Wellbutrin works out for you. It's been of major benefit to me.
> 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.)
Posted by mel_light on March 26, 2004, at 8:31:25
In reply to Re: pms flipping out tonight HELP, posted by Mrs. C on March 25, 2004, at 19:24:29
Hi All,
I woke up this morning feeling a little better, just still exhausted. I went up to 10mgs yesterday and my pdoc says thats a great idea. I'm hoping I don't go through all of those nasty side effects again but if I do at least I know I have all of you to remind me that it's just the dosage change. Thanks to all of you...(((BIG HUGS)))
Posted by want info on March 26, 2004, at 10:34:32
In reply to Re: pms flipping out tonight HELP, posted by bride2be on March 25, 2004, at 19:54:16
hey guys. i'm not sure what's going on with me but i feel awful. i'm in my 7th week, and the 3rd day of my period which i initially thought was the culprit (and may be). i take 15mg (2 weeks on that). i felt great yesterday...i usually have to take a .25 xanax in the morning and afternoon but didn't take my afternoon one. my bf's mom came into town and we went to his basketball game...right afterwards i totally flipped out...massive panic like the room was spinning, i was shaking and felt like i didnt know where i was. this morning i feel awful. i barely slept and i am terrified of freaking out again. yesterday at this time i felt ok! i'm sitting here at work feeling shaky. please help!
emily
Posted by TexasChic on March 26, 2004, at 10:42:26
In reply to Wellbutrin...here we go!, posted by KathrynLex on March 25, 2004, at 13:24:49
I have been on Lexapro for about 5 months now. My doc added Wellbutrin to the mix a few weeks ago, and I have to admit that it helped with the tiredness. However, I've decided the Lexapro isn't for me, so I'm going back to Prozac (yeah!). I have felt like I'm in a bottomless pit the whole time I've been on Lexapro, it just didn't help the depression at all. My doc wants to keep me on the Wellbutrin along with the Prozac. All I want is my life back again, this has been horrible. But I do know Lexapro has worked wonders for other people, so I don't want anyone to be discouraged. I had the same 'non' reaction to Paxil. Its funny how these things work differently on different people. Good luck everyone.
Posted by TexasChic on March 26, 2004, at 10:48:12
In reply to not doing well..., posted by want info on March 26, 2004, at 10:34:32
Lexapro seems to have that anxiety producing effect on everyone at first, but then it calms down. I can't remember how long it took for me, but I remember I felt like I was going to jump out of my skin at first. Xanax definately helps with the trasition period. Hang in there and take your Xanax! Good luck!
Posted by ednababish on March 26, 2004, at 10:54:11
In reply to not doing well..., posted by want info on March 26, 2004, at 10:34:32
I seem to recall freaking out during my period too--are you using hormonal birth control by any chance?
Edna
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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