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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 8354 to 8378 of 8406. Go back in thread:
Posted by Journeyman on December 20, 2005, at 18:55:56
In reply to Re: Checking in After a Long Time, posted by Esmarelda on December 2, 2005, at 16:54:51
LilJimi and Esmerelda, it was really good to see that you're still checking in. I'm pleased to hear that things are going reasonably well with both of you.
You've both done a good job of giving some history to this particular thread, devoted specifically to Lexapro. Here's a bit more that will fill in the background to my previously posted comments.
When I first logged onto this site, I read through thousands of messages. Lexapro was a new medication (or at least a newly modified version of an older one) and I was very interested in learning whatever I could about it. It wasn't easy for me to start taking Anti-Depression medication because I'd always felt I should be able to overcome any problems through eating well, exercising, talking things out, etc. To add to it, my (soon to be ex) wife was not supportive of it and viewed it as some sort of failure on my part. Seeing that other people were also concerned, worried, anxious, relieved, pleased, etc. showed me that I wasn't alone.
At the time, there were often dozens of postings in a single day. People would check in once or twice or even several times a day and encourage each other, follow-up from previous conversations, ask how things were going, etc. It was generally a very accepting community and we all benefited by being a part of it.
Because we got to know each other pretty well, the postings sometimes went more along social lines rather than just discussions about the Lexapro, per se. Consequently, any time people wanted to make 'social' comments, they were to go to another thread. While that was an important function, it ultimately led to the (near) demise of this thread.
New people came, with different contributions and ideas, and the general tone of the site changed. Some people formed a new group on another website and inevitable change came.
When I logged on last month to see what was going on with this site, I was surprised and saddened to see that an entire month had gone by with no posts, and that prior to that there were only a few over quite a long period.
If you're visiting for the first time, I encourage you to post and to keep coming back. There is much to be gained from sharing questions and exeriences.
Perhaps the spirit of the past can be rekindled. After all, seeing the changes in my own life, I khow that the seeming impossible can happen.
Strength and joy to all,
Journeyman
Posted by BLKVETTES on December 21, 2005, at 17:34:03
In reply to Checking in Again After Less Time, posted by Journeyman on December 20, 2005, at 18:55:56
GOOD JOB JOURNEYMAN!!!!!!
Posted by BLKVETTES on December 21, 2005, at 17:37:17
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro?, posted by BLKVETTES on October 21, 2005, at 6:23:03
TO DA LEXAPRO BOARD.....EVERYONE TAKE CARE!!!
WAYNE
Posted by Journeyman on December 21, 2005, at 19:13:03
In reply to MERRY CHRISTMAS, posted by BLKVETTES on December 21, 2005, at 17:37:17
Wayne,
It's good to see that you're still here. If nothing else, it means you're still doing what you need to do.
I hope that you're well.
Journeyman
Posted by Esmarelda on January 13, 2006, at 15:30:18
In reply to A Familiar Voice, posted by Journeyman on December 21, 2005, at 19:13:03
I agree with Journeyman - there was much to learn here, medically, emotionally, and just other's experiences. It is a very alone feeling when you are depressed. I guess the old adage is true - Misery does love company. Or, at least likes to know they are not alone. Lexapro worked for me. I am on something different now after a bried respite from the Lexapro. However, I have a lot more physicial going on now which I did not have at all in 2003 and 2004 when I was heavy posting and reading. Take care you guys and good hearing from you. I will check in from time to time!!!
Posted by genatay on February 12, 2006, at 17:34:37
In reply to Re: A Familiar Voice, posted by Esmarelda on January 13, 2006, at 15:30:18
Hi, My first day.. How's everyone?
I'm weening myself off lexapro of 4 years and now trying to find an all natural substitute..I'm tired of being a guinee pig for my doctors and pharmaceutical companies. I religiously take my MSM and Apple Cidar Vinegar,and proud to say my cholesterol and blood pressure are good..
Hope to find something soon ..
TY
Posted by Dr. Bob on February 14, 2006, at 23:11:01
In reply to Re: NEW VOICE, posted by genatay on February 12, 2006, at 17:34:37
> I'm weening myself off lexapro of 4 years and now trying to find an all natural substitute..
Welcome! And sorry if it's confusing here, but I'd like to redirect follow-ups regarding all natural substitutes to Psycho-Babble Alternative. Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20060130/msgs/609640.html
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by Kenny bb on April 3, 2006, at 11:15:19
In reply to Re: Lexapro sex drive, weight gain, dreams » bozeman, posted by proud mary on January 28, 2003, at 11:51:20
I'm 25and started Lexapro last week... My sex drive has increased but cannot acheive a full orgasm.. Been thinking of dis-continuing this med. Through a DR. of course. Is this normal and are there alternitives as far as medication
Posted by ramsea on April 3, 2006, at 11:22:27
In reply to Re: Lexapro sex drive, weight gain, dreams, posted by Kenny bb on April 3, 2006, at 11:15:19
It's pretty common as a SE. There are things that help some people--take a look at the section on the subject in a book by a Washington D.C. psychiatrist called The Anti-depressant Survival Guide. Sorry--forget his name and don't own it, checked it from library. One thing he mentioned was Gingko Biloba, a herbal remedy, worth asking your doctor. Also some people find it helps to "plan ahead" and take the med later than usual so it isn't fullblast in the system. good luck, ramsea
Posted by Esmarelda on April 6, 2006, at 17:30:20
In reply to Re: Lexapro sex drive, weight gain, dreams, posted by Kenny bb on April 3, 2006, at 11:15:19
I am not a man, but it seems that I recall from posts several years ago that after you are on Lexapro for some time, this situation improves. I don't know about weight gain. I lost weight on it initially because it made me nauseas and I don't recall any strange dreams. You might want to look back at posts from around 2003. Fran
Posted by trucker on April 6, 2006, at 18:13:16
In reply to Re: Lexapro sex drive, weight gain, dreams, posted by Esmarelda on April 6, 2006, at 17:30:20
the lower the dose the better the drive,
trucker
Posted by ginad37 on April 21, 2006, at 13:49:15
In reply to A Familiar Voice, posted by Journeyman on December 21, 2005, at 19:13:03
Im very new to this i just started therapy recently after suffering from aniety and depression for a long pieriod of time and although i have beeen prescribed anti anxiety drugs in the past this the first try at anti depression medication at this point im only on week one my doctor said i should start feeling the efffects within 2 weeks . My question is to other users how effective have they found it to be in treating their symptoms? Side effects? i was told they were very mild almost minimal. I am hoping this drug works for me. Like i said i have no experience with anti depression drugs. Any thoughts or opinions, advice etc.would be welcome. Thanks, Gina
Posted by miggy on May 3, 2006, at 8:10:39
In reply to how lexapro has helped and effected other users » Journeyman, posted by ginad37 on April 21, 2006, at 13:49:15
ginad37
Just started as well, a little nausia. Interested in how ppl are doing with it. Hoping to get over anxiety, depression, and return to work.thanks and be well
miggy
Posted by nikkij2626 on May 6, 2006, at 9:04:17
In reply to Re: lexapro -IBS » vero, posted by Phil on January 20, 2003, at 20:47:45
I took lexapro about 2 years ago and it worked wonders. the only 2 problems i had was gaining 10 pounds and loss of sex drive. which in my book was worth it to feel great again. but i stopped taking it, because i thought i was ok. and now i started to take it again. I take it for stress and bad anxiety. So good luck.
Posted by MercyMe on June 9, 2006, at 17:01:38
In reply to Re: how exapro has helped and effected other users » ginad37, posted by miggy on May 3, 2006, at 8:10:39
Taking Lexapro is like someone pushed the NORMAL button for me! I was on Wellbutrin, a small dose of Lithium and Topamax and still was riddled with anxiety and crying all the time, as well as a sense of hopelessness. Two weeks on Lexapro and it all stopped. I have gained 10 pounds though. I'm sure that's directly related to my increase in appetite, and I suppose that's a side effect of the drug. But I'd rather be fat and happy than the way I was before. I have developed myoclonis which is that jerking of the body one often gets when falling asleep, although mine is more pronounced. It could be exacerbated from another medical problem I have that has to do with my central nervous system. I was taking my higher dose of Lexapro at night and my doc just had me reverse it. We'll see if it helps. I say it's a wonder drug. I remember taking Celexa years ago and went back to Prozac because it didn't work very well for me. ~~ MercyMe
Posted by razzles on July 4, 2006, at 7:56:58
In reply to Checking in Again After Less Time, posted by Journeyman on December 20, 2005, at 18:55:56
Hi, I stopped Lexapro thinking I was fine and hating the 25 pound gain. Well, must be completely out of my system now and GAD is back.
Muscle jerks all night long, thought I was dying, every noise woke me and made me jump.
Guess I am going to take meds no matter how great I think I am. My mom had this and now I inherited it. Hate pills. Hate the weight, not good for my heart problem. Double time at the gym now I figure and cross my fingers that works.
Just venting from a night of mental torment. Thanks for any comments or suggestions.
Posted by lil' jimi on July 5, 2006, at 11:59:54
In reply to Re: Checking in Again After Less Time, posted by razzles on July 4, 2006, at 7:56:58
hi razzles,
> Hi, I stopped Lexapro thinking I was fine and hating the 25 pound gain. Well, must be completely out of my system now and GAD is back.
>
> Muscle jerks all night long, thought I was dying, every noise woke me and made me jump.
>
> Guess I am going to take meds no matter how great I think I am. My mom had this and now I inherited it. Hate pills. Hate the weight, not good for my heart problem. Double time at the gym now I figure and cross my fingers that works.
> Just venting from a night of mental torment. Thanks for any comments or suggestions.sorry things are being so rough for you.
best of good luck with finding relief.
i would have guessed you were staying up late, since you're replying to Journeyman's old post there.
i'd LOVE to hear how he's doing.
not that i'd imagine you'd have any idea, of course.
it just took me back to that place, that seems so long ago now.i'm still the same ol', same ol'
... 10mg a day for more than 3 years.
i take it along with my supplements, like omega oils, minerals and ginseng; all in a big hand-full GULP!but my symptoms have never been severe like.
i'm a cheap med-head.
what can i say?our other late night viewers may amuse themselves by searching my name in this thread.
there's a lot of wisdom in this old thread.
ah, back in the day.
we were keeping the camp fires burning there for a while.!!! TAKE CARE!!
~ just plain "jim"
Posted by Journeyman on July 22, 2006, at 11:15:45
In reply to Re: Checking in Again After Less Time, posted by lil' jimi on July 5, 2006, at 11:59:54
Jim - I'm doing pretty well, thank you. I hope you are too.
To those of you who are new(er) to this board and have read more than just a handful of messages, you'll see suggestions that you go back and read through old posts. So what are you waiting for?
You didn't develop your depression and anxiety overnight; it probably took years. Perhaps you grew up in an environment where you weren't valued for who you were, or where your mom or dad or some other important person tried to get their own needs met through you. You didn't have the chance to be cared for as you should have been, and the threat of being cut off by the very people whose job it was to care for you threatened your very existence. Of course you were anxious and scared! And it became a part of your way of thinking. Whatever your own story, the mental conditioning probably didn't happen overnight, and it's not going to disappear overnight either; so you've got some time as you work your own program to recovery. Read them. They're more interesting than that late-night television stuff anyway.
What will you read about in the messages? You'll learn that for some people, Lexapro was not suitable at all, and that for others it has had a profound effect by helping them to cope/get strengthened/reduce their anxiety so that their natural impulses can help take over and take care.
Another message you'll discern is that you're not alone. There are lots and lots of others who are making the struggle to approach life one day at a time.
You'll also see that people get to where they're going by different paths. They've tried this combination and that, and they'll continue to search until they find what they need.
You'll also read what may seem like a bunch of junk. But hey, we're human - welcome to the club.
You'll see people who are (at least temporarily) giving up, and others who are winning the battle to know in their hearts that they are okay. You have the power to choose which ones you'll be like.
And with some time, and taking care of yourself mentally, physically, and spiritually - you are also very likely to find the most important thing you're looking for: the awareness that you belong. That you are perfectly acceptable just as you are, and in fact, are worth celebrating.
May your journey bring you appreciation and wisdom of its own adventure.
Posted by dilutedlexapro on July 24, 2006, at 22:42:33
In reply to Keep Hope Have an Open Mind, posted by Journeyman on July 22, 2006, at 11:15:45
I have been taking 10 mg of lexapro diluted in 8 oz of water for about 1.5 yrs. It has been literally a lifesavor. I had tried for many years and many uncontrolable bouts of depression or maybe it was the panic disorder. I know I have had some serious panic attacks that I could'nt seem to get out of. I was HORRIBLE. I have a question for any body who takes lexapro, have you noticed considerable weight gain? I have gained 30lbs and it doesn't seem to be stopping anytime soon.
Posted by lil' jimi on July 24, 2006, at 23:01:56
In reply to Keep Hope Have an Open Mind, posted by Journeyman on July 22, 2006, at 11:15:45
> Jim - I'm doing pretty well, thank you. I hope you are too.
thanks, i'm doing finer than frog's fur!
great to hear your voice.rock on,
~ jim
Posted by lil' jimi on July 24, 2006, at 23:20:40
In reply to weight gain » Journeyman, posted by dilutedlexapro on July 24, 2006, at 22:42:33
hey, dlex,
> I have been taking 10 mg of lexapro diluted in 8 oz of water for about 1.5 yrs. It has been literally a lifesavor. I had tried for many years and many uncontrolable bouts of depression or maybe it was the panic disorder. I know I have had some serious panic attacks that I could'nt seem to get out of. I was HORRIBLE.
i am grateful you've found the magic bullet that works for you.
adapting to an SSRI can be so hard.
it is gratifying when it can relieve suffering.> I have a question for any body who takes lexapro, have you noticed considerable weight gain? I have gained 30lbs and it doesn't seem to be stopping anytime soon.
i have gained weight, but it has not correlated with my taking lexapro.
for me, it correlates to a lifetime misspent eating as much as possible and avoiding any exercise or exertion, which worked okay when i was younger and had a metabolism.Now, not so much.
now i think i will have to stay hungry for the rest of my life
and exercise constantly if i don't want to become overweight.there is an occassional side effect to lexapro that could be salient:
lexapro (and/or its relieving depression) made food taste good (better).take care,
~ jim
Posted by ramsea on July 25, 2006, at 3:07:58
In reply to weight gain » Journeyman, posted by dilutedlexapro on July 24, 2006, at 22:42:33
When I was on Lexapro I gained weight steadily and also developed a weird night-eating disorder where I would eat without knowing it, a kind of sleepwalking. My sugar balance was all over the shop. It stopped when I stopped the Lexapro. But it also wasn't helping me--it was making me manicky in a bad way. So I wasn't getting the benefit you are.
I'm glad you are feeling better, it's hell to panic acutely. Maybe a nutritionist could help--really work on the balance part of insulin response and appetite regulation through the right foods/water/timing. good luck. ramsea
Posted by ramsea on July 25, 2006, at 3:10:28
In reply to weight gain » Journeyman, posted by dilutedlexapro on July 24, 2006, at 22:42:33
When I was on Lexapro I gained weight steadily and also developed a weird night-eating disorder where I would eat without knowing it, a kind of sleepwalking. My sugar balance was all over the shop. It stopped when I stopped the Lexapro. But it also wasn't helping me--it was making me manicky in a bad way. So I wasn't getting the benefit you are.
I'm glad you are feeling better, it's hell to panic acutely. Maybe a nutritionist could help--really work on the balance part of insulin response and appetite regulation through the right foods/water/timing. good luck. ramsea
Posted by Evie on August 3, 2006, at 13:41:02
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful, posted by oregon on May 13, 2003, at 11:55:27
First i have to say i have never been on any medication and when i first went to therapy the first thing she suggested was for me to get on medication and boy i was so deep in depression that i was considering suicide. I AM ON LEXAPRO FOR 4 WEEKS NOW AND WHAT A DIFFERENCE, I FEEL HARDLY ANY ANXIETY AND MY DEPRESSION IS GETTING BETTER!! Am scared to take these type of drugs but hey it way better than how i felt 1 month ago. Lost my appetite too. Deal with the dry mouth but i feel better!
Posted by Violetskyye on October 21, 2006, at 15:01:29
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? » Dr. Bob, posted by AntiTrust on February 28, 2004, at 15:30:17
I'm on Day 22 of 5 mg Lexapro, and have spent the last 10 days pretty much on my bed sleeping or watching TV. Does this stuff ever kick in? After three weeks, I am wondering if I just go off and try something else [already tried Zoloft, Prozac, Wellbutrin and Luvox], or keep dragging myself through the days hoping the fatigue and apathy will pass.
First four days or so, I had moments of doing stuff I couldn't do before: speaking in public; going shopping alone and other things, but the last two weeks, I'm getting progressively more exhausted and unable to get anything done. I heard the meds kick in in two weeks, and side effects subside in a week or so, but not for me.
Any advice, anyone. ZZZZZzzzzzzzzz.
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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