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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Zombie Girl on July 26, 2004, at 15:36:33
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
Well, I've been on Lexapro for about a month, after experiencing the "Prozac Poop-Out" from being on it for 9 years, and then switching to Effexor for about 4 months, with some nasty side effects. I call myself Zombie Girl for a reason - my energy and motivation have been zapped, I am constantly tired, have memory problems, red blotches on my face, heavy sweating, irritability, neck pain, and the list goes on. I don't know what to do next. Should I stay on it a little longer to see if the SE's go away?
Posted by Mariposa on July 26, 2004, at 16:04:12
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro?, posted by Zombie Girl on July 26, 2004, at 15:36:33
> Well, I've been on Lexapro for about a month, after experiencing the "Prozac Poop-Out" from being on it for 9 years, and then switching to Effexor for about 4 months, with some nasty side effects. I call myself Zombie Girl for a reason - my energy and motivation have been zapped, I am constantly tired, have memory problems, red blotches on my face, heavy sweating, irritability, neck pain, and the list goes on. I don't know what to do next. Should I stay on it a little longer to see if the SE's go away?
Took 9 weeks for me to feel *benefits* from Lex, literature says 6-8 weeks. Should give it that long at least. I had rough time in the beginning, but it was all worth it.~~~8|8
Posted by trucker on July 26, 2004, at 16:12:49
In reply to Wellbutrin and. . ., posted by ednababish on July 26, 2004, at 9:17:45
folks i saw T today and she took me off welbutrin... i didn't care for it i was on it for months and i felt alittle better with each passing month but i felt alot better on lex alone
trucker
Posted by trucker on July 26, 2004, at 16:16:18
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? » Zombie Girl, posted by Mariposa on July 26, 2004, at 16:04:12
i agree with 8/8 it is worth it in the long run i enjoy it now and it was slow in coming to the point i liked it but it is worth the wait to me.. i am happy and energentic
trucker
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
> > Well, I've been on Lexapro for about a month, after experiencing the "Prozac Poop-Out" from being on it for 9 years, and then switching to Effexor for about 4 months, with some nasty side effects. I call myself Zombie Girl for a reason - my energy and motivation have been zapped, I am constantly tired, have memory problems, red blotches on my face, heavy sweating, irritability, neck pain, and the list goes on. I don't know what to do next. Should I stay on it a little longer to see if the SE's go away?
>
> Took 9 weeks for me to feel *benefits* from Lex, literature says 6-8 weeks. Should give it that long at least. I had rough time in the beginning, but it was all worth it.~~~8|8
Posted by flipsactown on July 26, 2004, at 16:52:23
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro?, posted by Zombie Girl on July 26, 2004, at 15:36:33
Yes, please do. It took 45 days for Lex to lift my depression. That is just slightly more than 6 weeks. So give it at least a couple of more weeks. I also was on Prozac for over 7 years before it pooped out. I was ready to quit the Lex because of extreme fatigue and insomnia, but now 7 weeks later, my unipolar depression is gone and only have slight insomnia and fatigue. I am sure given more time, the insomnia and fatigue will also subside. Good luck.
FST
> Well, I've been on Lexapro for about a month, after experiencing the "Prozac Poop-Out" from being on it for 9 years, and then switching to Effexor for about 4 months, with some nasty side effects. I call myself Zombie Girl for a reason - my energy and motivation have been zapped, I am constantly tired, have memory problems, red blotches on my face, heavy sweating, irritability, neck pain, and the list goes on. I don't know what to do next. Should I stay on it a little longer to see if the SE's go away?
Posted by Catgirl on July 26, 2004, at 18:05:09
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? » Zombie Girl, posted by flipsactown on July 26, 2004, at 16:52:23
I was on Buspar originally for anxiety. It worked for a while until I had a full-blown panic attack while stuck in traffic one day. I went back to my doctor and he changed me to Lexapro, 10 mg. a day.
I've been on Lexapro for about 7 weeks now and the only real side effect I am still having is the fatigue. It's helped me tremendously with the anxiety, and with the depression that I really didn't realize I had.
Posted by LynneDa on July 27, 2004, at 14:39:24
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin and. . ., posted by nemokitty on July 26, 2004, at 10:15:09
Hi Nemo -
Thought I would chime in here. I just asked my doctor today if I could combine Lex & Wellbutrin so I'm starting back on Lex (10mg) tonight in conjunction with the WB (I'm on the SR at 300 mg).I took Lex for 2 months at 10mg then at 20mg for 6 months. It made me soooooo sleepy, although it almost completely took away my anger, crying spells and depression. After one month on Wellbutrin, I'm more focused, motivated and awake - but the cycle-related depression is back.
I'm not sure what your experiences are, but wanted to share mine and let you know I am about to embark on the "combo ride" with high hopes of alleviating most of my symptoms while staying awake!
I understand the up and down cycles. I hate it. I know my husband hates it, and my poor little daughter who just doesn't understand it but probably thinks it's normal :-(.
Good luck!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Thanks Ednababbish....
>
> As usual I woke up feeling sorry that I caused a fight/scene with my husband. I am so up~and~down. I feel good today, so far. I do feel
> like a combo of lex & wellbut. may work. Maybe a low dose of the lexapro. I will ask my Doctor.
> Thank you for the encouragement and advice.
> Nemo
Posted by ednababish on July 27, 2004, at 15:53:15
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin and. . . » nemokitty, posted by LynneDa on July 27, 2004, at 14:39:24
Lynne,
Please do keep us posted about the combination!
Thanks, Edna
Posted by nemokitty on July 27, 2004, at 18:46:00
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin and. . . » nemokitty, posted by LynneDa on July 27, 2004, at 14:39:24
Hi Lynn
Thanks for sharing. I think I need the Lex. as well. The Wellbut. helps me alot with depression, just not mood swings, anger, and anxiety. I am on WB 150sr twice a day. I do like that the WB does not make me gain weight. On Lexapro I do feel really HUNGRY all the time and notice like a 5lb weight gain. Maybe it is just bloating yuk!
Maybe I will add just 5mg of Lexapro to start. My doctor said to start low and increase if needed. I think she is just so tired of me going back and forth on what meds I have tried. Sometimes I feel like I know better than them (the dr.'s) because I know how my body reacts to different meds. I do get very hot and have a hard time sleeping on the Lexapro. Also, the last time I went off Lexapro I was dizzy and felt "different" for about a month after I completely stopped. (And I weaned very slowly off too) It is Weird how we all react different. Good luck to you.
Posted by calico cat on July 28, 2004, at 9:50:58
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin and. . ., posted by nemokitty on July 27, 2004, at 18:46:00
Hello. I was just reading about how you are hungrier on Lexapro. I am really hungry as well, and I am worried about gaining weight. I find that I sleep really well though and am not nearly as roasting as I used to be on wellbutrin or effexor. I stopped wellbutrin a week and a half ago and I don't miss it at all. It made my sleep very disturbed.
Last night I had a terrible nightmare, but I am thinking it is just coincidence.
Overall, I am feeling better on lexapro because my sleep is so much better. I sleep through the night and for almost 8 hours.
It is interesting that everyone is so different on these medicines. my np told me few people gain weight on lexapro. My pharmacist says lexapro seems to be the most popular a.d. right now; he thinks it's because the side effects are fewer.
Posted by ednababish on July 28, 2004, at 16:44:30
In reply to Re: wellbutrin to lexapro, posted by calico cat on July 28, 2004, at 9:50:58
Hi All,
I would like to know how many of you had been on Celexa prior to lexapro, or had just been on it in the past. I took it for 15 months with great success--I slept better on it than on lex, I didn't gain weight, didn't have night sweats, had better concentration, fewer sse's and had some really great laughs (that is my gauge for success with an AD). The only thing it didn't seem to work as well for was anxiety and panic. I would like to know what the rest of you thought about how the two stacked up because I'm thinking of switching back to Celexa.
Thanks for your input,
Edna Q Babish
Posted by sexylexy on July 28, 2004, at 16:51:01
In reply to Lexapro and Celexa, posted by ednababish on July 28, 2004, at 16:44:30
Hey Edna!
I have heard a lot of really good things about Celexa, though I have never taken it before. I am not sure if you ever use www.remedyfind.com you can click on a host of ailments including depression and anxiety. They have like 100s of people experiences and opinions. I think it is a pretty darn good sight. You may want to check it out if you don't get a lot of hits here. Good luck!!!
Lexy
Posted by calico cat on July 28, 2004, at 19:30:42
In reply to Lexapro and Celexa, posted by ednababish on July 28, 2004, at 16:44:30
Hi Edna. My husband is on celexa - 20 mgs. He does not sleep that well, and he has a lot of twitchiness which he claims he has always had. Anyway, I really think it depends on the person. I am feeling very lucky and happy with lexapro, but I am concerned with the weight issue. My husband did gain some weight, but not like I did when I had been on effexor.
I am now seeing a n.p. who only deals with a.d.'s vs. seeing my regular doctor. I like seeing someone who is more knowledgeable about all the different meds. I actually read this advice on this site when I was dealing with effexor withdrawal. I think it is important to consider.
Good luck.
Posted by tulip04 on July 29, 2004, at 19:19:13
In reply to Lexapro and Celexa, posted by ednababish on July 28, 2004, at 16:44:30
Edna,
I too was on both celexa and lexapro... I had really good success with Celexa but when I went back to get it refilled, they put me on lexapro. After a few months I went off the lexapro -- just didn't feel it was working as well. I was off ADs for about 4 months and started feeling the anxiety and depression again -- so we went back to celexa, its been about 2 weeks and I'm back to the good feelings that I first experienced on Celexa -- so I say if it worked for you, go back to it.
Posted by robot on August 2, 2004, at 0:12:53
In reply to Wellbutrin and. . ., posted by ednababish on July 26, 2004, at 9:17:45
Hello all...
Ive been on Lexapro for about 4 months. Im better but not great, not even average yet.
The sexual side effects were just too much for me--it made me feel inhuman, and just added frustration to the blocked sexual energy of the depression before treatment. Plus I felt like i need something that didnt just work on seretonin.
I finally got my doctor to add something. He suggested Wellbutrin and so in addition to my 20 mg Lexapro, for 2 weeks Ive been on Wellbutrin XL.
I think Ive noticed a change. Its made it difficult to sleep, but I can handle that, and its supposed to go away eventually; I tend to wake up after a few hours of sleep with a nice body buzz that helps keep me awake, and I had this early on with lex too. (A couple of OTC Melatonin pills can help). I expect that Wellbutrin enhances the lex, since its a slight Uptake Inhibitor also, so expect side effects you had when beginning lex to return for awhile. I think its helped some with sexual interest (The samples of Viagra he gave me once did absolutely nothing).
Im going to post a message to the forum called "What Ive learned about Lexapro so far" which will detail more my experience and recommendations, so look for it.
Posted by trucker on August 2, 2004, at 0:51:22
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin and. . ., posted by robot on August 2, 2004, at 0:12:53
ladies to help with sexual side effects i have been taking avimil.. its natural and is advertised on tv.. it works... for me so maybe you could try it too.. it takes a month to get full benny's
trucker
Posted by ednababish on August 2, 2004, at 9:03:44
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin and. . ., posted by robot on August 2, 2004, at 0:12:53
Dear All,
Just so you know, I have just recently felt that my depression has finally gone. After one month of too little celexa, I took four months of Paxil; I then started on 10 mgs of lex 12/15, went to 15mgs 12/29, then to 20mgs on 4/11. For all of you who wonder how long it will take, it takes a while. But it will happen--it happened just after a year of treatment. It doesn't happen overnight, but it will happen.
Edna
Posted by LynneDa on August 2, 2004, at 9:40:24
In reply to Takes a While to Feel It, posted by ednababish on August 2, 2004, at 9:03:44
I am SO HAPPY that you feel like your depression has ended, Edna!
As for me, I haven't taken the Lex yet - too afraid I'll gain weight again. (I was on Lex for 3 months @ 10mg, then 6 months @20mg and gained 20 lbs., weaned off the Lex and switched to 300mg Wellbutrin SR 5 weeks ago). I started a low carb diet this weekend and have lost 4 lbs. so I'm going to wait on re-adding the Lex til I get thru the 1st 2 weeks of this diet. But then I will HAVE to add the Lex back in cuz I am back to my angry, sad, crying, worthless-feeling self again and it is awful! The Wellbutrin is wonderful for my focus, concentration, motivation, libido etc., but I need the serotonin uptake too.
Good luck to everyone and BIG CHEERS for Edna :-)
~ Lynne>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Dear All,
>
> Just so you know, I have just recently felt that my depression has finally gone. After one month of too little celexa, I took four months of Paxil; I then started on 10 mgs of lex 12/15, went to 15mgs 12/29, then to 20mgs on 4/11. For all of you who wonder how long it will take, it takes a while. But it will happen--it happened just after a year of treatment. It doesn't happen overnight, but it will happen.
>
> Edna
Posted by ednababish on August 2, 2004, at 9:52:31
In reply to Re: Takes a While to Feel It, posted by LynneDa on August 2, 2004, at 9:40:24
LynneDa
Thank you. Let me know how the combo works for you.
Edna
Posted by WAKI on August 2, 2004, at 18:10:25
In reply to Takes a While to Feel It, posted by ednababish on August 2, 2004, at 9:03:44
This may seem like an odd question but I think I might be in this dilimia.
I've been struggling with this fatigue type of depression for the good part of 20 years.
After a few years of treatment I believe I am starting to get better. IE: excercising, weight loss.
My question is I have been depressed for so long how do I know I am better?
Now that I have all this energy, I appear to have a motivation problem. I go work out for a couple hours, do a few things around the house then kick back.
When you start feeling better, how do you increase your motivation after being un motivated for so long.
I have been planning a long trip to europe in which one would think I should be excited. The sad fact is, I am planning it but am just going through the motions. I do not look forward to it.
It does not matter if I am cooking, excercising, being sociable, hobbys it all is a rather bland emotionless feeling in which I just go through the motions.
This University Research program that is federally funded for depression treatment I am in is not offering therapy.
I don't even know if therapy is my problem.
I feel better physically just don't feel better mentally.
For the record it's been about 4 months that I found the proper medication cocktail.
Any advise?
Posted by sexylexy on August 2, 2004, at 20:19:24
In reply to Re: How do you know Depression ended?, posted by WAKI on August 2, 2004, at 18:10:25
Hey WAKI,
I am a therapist although of course I do not know enough information about you to give you a proper diagnoses. It sounds like you have Dysthymic Disorder. If you are not familar with that, it is a depression that is mild and last long periods of time...like you said 20 years. It also seems to be a more physically draining form of depression. What meds are you on? The thing about therapy, it is a really good thing if you can afford it or find someone who gives it for free, community centers ect. If you have been depressed for 20 years the actual way you think has been harmed so even if you don't have like a traumatic issue you need "therapy" for, you and your therapist can re-train you to think more positively and be productive. Also a drug like Wellbutrin for extra motivation and energy along or Provigil which is $$$ but will be paid for if you have a sleeping disorder. Anyway, for me, I think I would not be depressed when I stop worring about becoming depressed again...I am sure everyone is different...also depression has been very physcial for me, I just don't feel like myself... When that falls back into place I know the nightmare will be over!!
Best of luck!!
LExy
Posted by ednababish on August 2, 2004, at 21:01:08
In reply to Re: How do you know Depression ended?, posted by WAKI on August 2, 2004, at 18:10:25
Dear WAKI,
If I may be so presumptuous, I don't think you are over it. True, you are feeling lots more energetic, but the motivation is still a problem. Motivation has been one of the reasons I know I am over it. I have been researching for two classes I am teaching this fall, a paper I will give in Cambridge England in April, and writing a prospectus for an essay to be included in a compilation. Instead of thinking it's all a frightful mess, terribly complicated, incredibly intimidating, and really more than I can handle, I've been chipping away at it all a bit at a time. I set daily goals and I try to meet them in a reasonable amount of time. I am so excited to be heading back to England--I lived there in my early twenties. Two years ago I finished my dissertation and went back to Greece, my favorite palce in the whole world. Two years ago I had taken Celexa for a year--and I know that if I hadn't I would never have finished my dissertation.
What I am saying is this: you may not have the motivation at first, and you may not receive any enjoyment from the things you used to enjoy, but these are the bonuses you get after you enjoy more energy and better sleep. It took me nearly a year in both cases to feel free of depression symptoms.
I would also like to suggest that you do something completely out of character for you--something you've been afraid of or something you thought just isn't your style--it just might shock you out of your depression. And try hanging out with a 15 month old (preferable your own); they've got great way of looking at the world.
Good Luck and God Bless
Edna
Posted by mystic on August 2, 2004, at 22:11:21
In reply to Re: How do you know Depression ended?, posted by ednababish on August 2, 2004, at 21:01:08
Hey Edna ...great advise..I have a brand new well 3 month old grandson that when I'm feeling my worst my daughter will pick up on it and next thing you know my door is opening and they are coming in and my feelings go away for a while and I just lose myself in the wonderment of him I'm 42 almost ...haha...and it is the most special time of my life..even though I'm going through the worst time of my life with anxiety/depression it is hard to explain....
I also agree that you sometimes cant figure out that you are still depressed but it sounds like WAKI is still in her depression as she feels physically able to rally the downness and discouragement seems to be there and that is depression...
Edna great job on all your accomplishments you sound like a very determined woman...keep up the great work...Are you still on meds or are you on nothing at all??...Well thanks for sharing take care everyone...Mystic
Posted by WAKI on August 2, 2004, at 23:01:04
In reply to Re: How do you know Depression ended?, posted by ednababish on August 2, 2004, at 21:01:08
Edna and Sexylexy,
You both have good points.
I don't know what type of depression I have. All of the P-docs have just called it depression and anxiety and they say they treat them all the same in general terms. My depression is a constant fatigue it felt like i was partially a sleep all day. Napping was my biggest priority I can sadly say.
The sadness came in when I vewed where I came from and what a loser I was becomming. My eating was poor and out of control, no excercise, basically worked as a workaholic and went home crashed and started the new work day. I became a couch patato that I always said it would never be me and I dispised the lack of productivity of it.
As far as meds go, wellbutrin has been the first that has given me energy, excercise, eat well and look good again.
At night I have been taking lamictal 400 mg, 80 mg stratera (this is new only 6 weeks now) The strattera appears to be making me focus more and 10 mg ambien to get my sleep pattern back.
I have shocked my life about as much as one can shock it. Quit a very well payed career, sold many prescious belongings, taking a year maybe two travelling, smelling roses, seeing quiet tranquil scenery, joined social groups, helping the needy. I do get with my nephews and neices sometimes which is that younger perspective you mentioned.
In summary I don't know if my problem is phycological or biological or both. I am not in denile I would love to change my cognitivt behavior if I just knew what it is I am supposed to change.
I hope by this posting you can see I am being productive it just lacks any emotional involvement, pleasure, motivation and more organized home managment.
I could keep pursueng these routine activities used to enjoy.However it's like visiting an out
Bottom-line is it's all a show and I enjoy none of it.
The federal funded research expermentation I am going through covers all meds and 2 visits per week. This program does not have therapy. I do have insurance that would cover a group therapy.
What exactly is the type of therapy I need? I don't like generalizing things but I do want my Motivation, drive, zest for life, productive and organized life style back.
I don't think they have a therapy class for that do they?
Is there a good self help book I should be reading?
I have been keeping distant from potential relationships beacsue I don't want to drag a sweet lady into my transistion.
I think it would be very interesting if I met a woman who is also going through this type of transistion. This way we could push and motivate each other.
It still gets back to me socializing with people in the same stage in life as I though. But where?
As far as everyone else is concerned, I did a 180 degree turn, look great appear to feel great and am great to be around.
The sad part about all of it is the truth is I only have more energy and the rest of these things came about because I knew I used to enjoy them. I also lnew they were the correct things to do to start to get my life back. I really don't enjoy them though, I just pretend to.
I was contenplating going to law school but am questioning it now until I get my emotional act together.
I know I rambled on but I did not want to leave any rock ub turned in the case someone coulf offer me avfvise on where to go in the Chicago area.
Posted by robot on August 2, 2004, at 23:19:57
In reply to Re: How do you know Depression ended?, posted by WAKI on August 2, 2004, at 18:10:25
I know exactly how you feel--the stressful uncertainty of knowing exactly what it is you feel now (THEY call it depression) and what the heck it is thats missing that you want to get back. The quirk of depression is it takes away all perspective about who you are, what the world is--things you take for granted when undepressed, but when depressed become ungrippable and, finally, hardly recallable.
The idea Im putting my faith in is that when I become undepressed, I will know it. I remind myself that before, when I have felt quite good, suddenly I knew what had been missing and that, yes, it HAD been missing (whatever it is).
So if wondering if youre depressed is a big question for you, I think that means youre still depressed. Its simple but makes sense to me.
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