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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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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.
Posted by ednababish on August 3, 2004, at 11:17:35
In reply to Re: How do you know Depression ended?, posted by WAKI on August 2, 2004, at 23:01:04
Dear WAKI,
I suggest one on one therapy through any university counselling center (they probably have a good one at Northwestern)--you will probably be charged on a sliding scale, which means you pay what you can afford. I think you need to get at the roots of this problem, so that means you'll be in it for the long haul. You will be asked to explore: why do you feel the way you do, what early experiences have aided and abetted persistant feelings of "blah," what traumas did you suffer as a child. But don't stop there and dwell on them--work on changing how you think about things--if you beat up on yourself like I do, find out not only why you do that but also start working on re-shaping your reaction to dis-appointment. And finally, as silly as this may sound, and especially when it comes from some one who does not follow their own advice, go anywhere spiritual--an orthodox church, mass, any temple (jewish, hindu, buddhist), a mosque, a wiccan ceremony, but not just church, and feed your soul because it does sound to me like your soul needs a bit of feeding. Other than that, as I said it could take up to a full year for the depression to have receeded--try to take one day at a time, give yourself one treat a day, and soon you will look up and say, "Wow, I just strung together a week or a month of good days! I feel pretty OK!
We are thinking about you and here for you.
Edna
Posted by sexylexy on August 3, 2004, at 18:26:52
In reply to Re: How do you know Depression ended?, posted by WAKI on August 2, 2004, at 23:01:04
WAKI~
My two cents about your therapy. If I were you I would either go with Cognitive Behavioral. CB says that your thoughts influence your mood which influences your behaviors. Seems like you have conqured some of the behavior part but the thoughts and mood are still there. If you are thinking badly about yourself you are going to be in a sad mood. The CB will teach you to re-learn how to think which will infulence your moods ect. Find a good therapist...one you click with and can trust!
Best of luck!
Lexy
Posted by Peggyjo on August 3, 2004, at 19:03:26
In reply to Re: Lexapro Withdrawal Dizziness, posted by FRND4LF on July 30, 2003, at 14:01:21
> Hello,
> I was put on 10 mg of Lexapro in Sept. 2002. I do not think there is such a term, but I believe I had situational depression. My marriage experienced the darkest part of it's 12 years. For the first time in my life I was going back to bed in the daytime. The Lexapro did not get rid of the problems, but it helped me handle them. I never intended to be on Lexapro forever. The prescribing Dr. said a year would be all I needed. My marriage may not be perfect but it is healing. I have a new doctor (we moved across country) and at my request he gave me instructions for going off this medication. For 5 days I took 5mg and then off completely. It is day 4 of no Lexapro and emotionally I feel better than I have in a while.....but physically I am coming un-glued. The electric shocks, big head feeling, dizziness and distance perception are horrible. I called my new Dr. and was told these symptoms are because I really do need to be on the drug. He wants me to stay on the 10 mg a day. Huh?????
> Did I miss something or am I being led to believe once on an anti-depressant, always on an anti-depressant? This means that any time you experience a withdrawal symptom it means you really need the drug, be it Lexapro...cigarettes...alcohol etc? Yes, I am usually this sarcastic when I am mad! I called the office back and told them, no...I am not going back on Lexapro. I have not gone through 4 days of hell just to start over again down the road. All I wanted was a suggestion for making this transition a bit less uncomfortable. The office told me they could not help, and if the symptoms continued to go to the ER. So here I am, feeling pretty horrible, with no one to say hey...try this or do this. My husband is in the medical field. He believes that my new Dr. may be a bit worried about potential legal issues. I made it clear that I feel emotional strong, just physically falling apart. If there is nothing that can help this, so be it. Just don't make me stay on a drug I really don't feel I need anymore. Any words of wisdom or encouragement would be greatly appreciated. Prayers are always good too!I was put on Lexapro after finishing chemo for cancer. That was a year ago. I thought I should be off it too. I tapered down from 10mg to 5mg to every other day for a week. Then off all together. Since then I have had these funny sensations in my head and by body itches all the time. Now that my doctor has told me that these are withdrawal symptoms and that they will probably last a month or more I am not worried about having cancer in my brain. It is conforting to read on the Internet all the problems other people are having. I intend to stay the course and never go back on again. The symptoms do not keep me from doing my regular things but my head sure feels swoozy! Peggyjo
Posted by mystic on August 3, 2004, at 21:47:43
In reply to Re: How do you know Depression ended?, posted by sexylexy on August 3, 2004, at 18:26:52
Wow that is not very encouraging about the going off the lex and having all these problems and your dr wont help you...I think that you shouldve probably gone down a little slower as I have been told everytime I talk about going off these meds and the possible side effects that everyone talks about and my dr always says that at the time it needs to be very slowly and you can eliminate these problems..I do not know that this is true as I have not gone off yet and cant tell you...just passing on what I was told...I will pray for you and for you pain to end ..I hope that you do well and keep us posted..I have heard of the side effects that you describe mentioned many time though if that helps...A friend mystic
Posted by Missy K on August 4, 2004, at 6:46:37
In reply to Re: How do you know Depression ended?, posted by sexylexy on August 3, 2004, at 18:26:52
Hi everyone.
I was posting earlier this year when my doctor put me on Lexapro to treat SAD. Well, apparently it was not SAD, and I am back on the drug. And experiencing all the side effects I had before. Ugh. This was one place I could come before where you all understood, so hello again.Missy
Posted by mystic on August 4, 2004, at 7:24:32
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful » jjana, posted by worrywort on May 13, 2003, at 12:43:06
Welcome Missy...Glad that you feel that this is one place that you can come for help...You probably see all new posts since then and some of the same people are probably gone but we are here and we can help..SO good luck..You had good luck in the first try with lex??...Hopefully this time will be smooth as you know it does take time..so post when you need some reassurance..take care and have a great day....Mystic
Posted by LynneDa on August 4, 2004, at 9:11:41
In reply to Re: How do you know Depression ended?, posted by Missy K on August 4, 2004, at 6:46:37
Hi Missy - Welcome! Hang in there, you can get through those first few yucko weeks!! Did your doctor decide it wasn't SAD because your depression continued no matter what the season? Did the Lexapro help whatever was happening to you then?
Take care!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Hi everyone.
> I was posting earlier this year when my doctor put me on Lexapro to treat SAD. Well, apparently it was not SAD, and I am back on the drug. And experiencing all the side effects I had before. Ugh. This was one place I could come before where you all understood, so hello again.
>
> Missy
Posted by Sebastian on August 4, 2004, at 12:11:52
In reply to Re: How do you know Depression ended?, posted by WAKI on August 2, 2004, at 18:10:25
Stop taking your meds and see what happens. Thats how you know if the depression ended. If your life goes out of control again, it has not.
Posted by Missy K on August 4, 2004, at 13:33:06
In reply to Re: How do you know Depression ended? » Missy K, posted by LynneDa on August 4, 2004, at 9:11:41
I talked to my mother, it seems depression and anxiety disorders run in my family...on both sides. The Lex did help, a lot, when I took it last time. My doc offered to put me on something else, but I'm already a bit uncomfortable messing with my brain, I'd rather stick to what I know. So, here's hoping...thanks for the nice greetings.
Posted by AMD on August 5, 2004, at 20:33:42
In reply to Re: Lexapro and Celexa, posted by sexylexy on July 28, 2004, at 16:51:01
Just got put on 10 mg of Lexapro in addition to 60 mg of Celexa (which I lower from 80 mg). I've been on Celexa for years, just recently on 80 mg though. Also on 200 mg of Lamictal. All once per day, in the morning.
I drank last weekend (a tiny amount of alcohol, say a shot glass worth of vodka, max) and sunk into a /killer/ depression -- even perhaps a bit of a mixed episode -- which has subsisted until today. I think the Celexa just might not be working any longer. So my doctor added a bit of Lexapro to the mix. So I am hoping the addition of the Lexapro is enough to bring me out of these down periods (some ups, mainly normal ups, but mostly severe depression).
Anyone have experiences when adding Lexapro to a current Celexa prescription. How soon does the Lexapro's added effect (if any) start to kick in?
TIA,
a
Posted by WAKI on August 6, 2004, at 14:50:24
In reply to Re: How do you know Depression ended?, posted by ednababish on August 3, 2004, at 11:17:35
Hi,
Edna, I'm curious what made you assume I was near Northwestern?
There are some really good replys for my posting I sincerely appreciate it from all of you. I have made 1 change today from these replys and will defenetly need to do more.
My depression is a high fatigue type disorder. My father had this also now that I look back. Without the help of a Norepinephrine reuptake supplement I will eat myself to obesety and sleep until my life is destroyed.
The particular Norepinephrine help aid I am taking is Wellbutrin. It was the first drug out of 3 years of experimentation that worked.
This wellbutrin allows me to work out, return back to normal weight, control my eating habits, feel good about myself and stay awake all day and get out in the world. I have fell a sleep during the day from what I can remember for the last 25 years.This last 3 weeks has been the deepest low I have encountered in a long time. I attribute it to the Strattera which I now stopped today.
What I gather from all of you are:
1) Try without meds, I have many times and I fall deep into severe depression. Hence this is not a option.
2) If I don't know if I'm out of depression I am probably not. This is a good point. Although I have energy I am not motivated nor happy (more emotionless). Tomorrow I am going to start a dopamine reuptake AD. This is supposed to help motivation and pleasure, I'll know in a couple weeks hopefully.
3) Therapy. Edna, I'll ask my P-doc about this. I don't know if this will be allowable because it may skew my results. You see I am in a multi University medical research treatment program, and my particular experiment did not include therapy.
If I was to seek therapy, is there something called "Post Depression" or something?Thanks for the replies, I sure hope this next week improves without this Strattera because this was defenetly a strong setback.
Thanks and cheers to all of you!
WAK,PS: somebody thought I was a female, interesting because being a male it may mean I have a feminine side.... (Thats good right)? :)
Posted by AMD on August 6, 2004, at 17:33:15
In reply to On Celexa and Lexapro, posted by AMD on August 5, 2004, at 20:33:42
Chemist, any input on this?
a
Posted by mystic on August 6, 2004, at 19:33:21
In reply to Re: How do you know Depression ended?, posted by WAKI on August 6, 2004, at 14:50:24
Hey WAKI..good for you...you asked everyone answered and you listened..I'd say that you are well on your way...I hope that you get the help that you need...I"m a big advocate for therapy as I think if you find the right therapist it will make all the difference to hopefully get on with our lives...Right now I'm doing EMDR and it is working well for me ...and I'm finally after many years 20 at least years of on again off again therapy I have finally found someone that helps...I wish the same for you I hope that you continue to post and best of luck to you...Your freind Mystic
Posted by calico cat on August 6, 2004, at 19:51:57
In reply to RE::: Wow, posted by mystic on August 3, 2004, at 21:47:43
Hi everyone. Sorry about your loss Mrs. C. and sorry about the dog. (I forgot whose dog died - but loosing a pet is so hard).
Anyway, I have a 15 year old daughter on luvox for anxiety and depression. she has been on meds. for 4 years. Talk about depressing. Tonight she is sitting in front of the computer crying and won't tell anyone what her sorrow is. It bothers me that she seems so unhappy and refuses help of any kind. She vehemently refuses therapy - it doesn't help and she has her friends to help anyway. I just hope that when she is older, she can get the help she needs - in therapy and maybe in defining her emotions so her meds might work better.
I just don't understand how such a young girl can be this unhappy. It makes me wonder if we were this unhappy back then but we had to bury the feelings because it was not acceptable to go around crying and breaking down. Maybe that's why I am/was so messed up because I could never express my feelings as a child. But, then again, my daughter expresses her feelings, and she sure seems messed up anyway.
Thanks for letting me vent. I just don't know what to do to help.
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