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Posted by KathrynLex on April 5, 2004, at 15:28:08
In reply to Re: Hi Guys » KathrynLex, posted by LynneDa on April 5, 2004, at 15:13:41
Hi LynneDa,
I'm up to 150 mgs of Wellbutrin on top of 15 mgs Lexapro. Wellbutrin hasn't helped my anxiety much but it's really helped me to feel less tired during the day.
I'm thinking about increasing my Lexapro dose or maybe starting on Klonopin once or twice a day. I might move out of state in a couple of months and want to get my mental health in check before I make any major changes.
The idea of being away from my family (my mom, dad and brother all live in the same state) is a little scary, and with my panic attacks and anxiety I worry that I might loose my mind. It's unrealistic, I know.
Running is going really well. I'm doing a 5K in two weeks and looking forward to it. It's good to hear that the treadmill is working for you - it is definately nice to get that extra little burst of energy. :)
K.
Posted by LynneDa on April 5, 2004, at 15:31:11
In reply to Re: not doing so well » LynneDa, posted by want info on April 5, 2004, at 15:19:46
You're right, mixing sleeping stuff with xanax might not be a great idea! Hopefully taking it morning and night will reduce your anxiety enough to sleep better. Maybe you'll just have to do it til your body adjusts to the 20 mg and then you can taper back the xanax to once per day. Let us know how you do tonight, I'll keep my fingers crossed for you :-)
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
thanks lynne...it's kind of like a chicken or the egg thing. if i don't sleep i get very anxious but if i am anxious i can't sleep well. i had actually been sleeping fine for weeks before last night :( i have been trying to eat and am doing ok with that. i am going to try to work out tonight also. i take .25 xanax in the morning and at night (my doc keeps encouraging that but i get worried about it bc it seems like no one else takes it so often!) so i don't think i should mix something like tyl pm with that? emily
Posted by LynneDa on April 5, 2004, at 15:36:16
In reply to Re: Hi Guys » LynneDa, posted by KathrynLex on April 5, 2004, at 15:28:08
K. - I'm glad to hear the Wellbutrin helps your energy. Hopefully that will in turn help with the anxiety? I've heard good things about Klonopin and anxiety. Maybe that will do the trick. You are wise to get this all situated before you move. That is stressful, but also such an adventure. You didn't mention husband/kids, so my opinion is that this is the time in your life to branch out and try new things! You sound very strong in your posts, as well as sensible and pretty grounded; I bet you will do fine!
Good luck in your 5K!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Hi LynneDa,
>
> I'm up to 150 mgs of Wellbutrin on top of 15 mgs Lexapro. Wellbutrin hasn't helped my anxiety much but it's really helped me to feel less tired during the day.
>
> I'm thinking about increasing my Lexapro dose or maybe starting on Klonopin once or twice a day. I might move out of state in a couple of months and want to get my mental health in check before I make any major changes.
>
> The idea of being away from my family (my mom, dad and brother all live in the same state) is a little scary, and with my panic attacks and anxiety I worry that I might loose my mind. It's unrealistic, I know.
>
> Running is going really well. I'm doing a 5K in two weeks and looking forward to it. It's good to hear that the treadmill is working for you - it is definately nice to get that extra little burst of energy. :)
>
> K.
Posted by want info on April 5, 2004, at 15:37:09
In reply to Re: Hi Guys » LynneDa, posted by KathrynLex on April 5, 2004, at 15:28:08
hi k. i may be wrong on this but i have seldom heard of wellbutrin being used for anxiety - only for depression. i'm not sure which you hope to alleviate (ie, i have severe anxiety but no depression and i know many on this board have just depression) but i have heard it IS effective for depression.
and i TOTALLY sympathize with feeling like you could lose your mind. that is one of my most severe anxiety symptoms. sometimes i look around when im in public and am convinced im going crazy. but you can make it through this!
klonopin and xanax, even in tiny doses, can really help. i've been taking .25 xanax twice a day since i started lex 2 months ago...my doc says it is fine until my body adjusts totally to the lex (been on 20 for a week). ive found benzos VERY helpful (been on klonopin too in the past).
emily
Posted by susielalala on April 5, 2004, at 16:52:11
In reply to Re: I have to travel this weekend ughhhhhhhhhhhhh » susielalala, posted by LynneDa on April 5, 2004, at 12:20:14
Hi Lynne! The trip was great. I had a good time with my family. I has some anxiety but overall it was great. Thanks for asking. I am glad you had a good time too in Nashville. :) Take care. Ali
Posted by Magdalena on April 5, 2004, at 16:52:25
In reply to Magdalena, posted by jlynne on April 5, 2004, at 0:16:58
Jlynne you are so sweet to me, thank you for everything. I increased today and so far i am ok except i am DREADING going to work, i always expect the worst and i hate that about me. If i could find someone to cover my shift then i would but then tomorrow would be even harder. i hope i adjust faster then last time, cause its so hard when you get negative results from the medication that is supposed to be helping you.
well i'll post tonite and i hope everyones monday goes reletivly pain free.
The school i applied for is local, its the college i graduated from last year but now i am going back for a co-op program. Its for Pharmacy technician and i would work half the term then do classes the other half, i really hope i get in it will be a steping stone for my future cause i really want to move out on my own, to feel independant, i think that would do wonders for my self esteem.
Have a great afternoon!
Magdalena
Posted by Magdalena on April 5, 2004, at 16:57:26
In reply to RE:: Mag, posted by mystic on April 5, 2004, at 7:47:07
thanks Mystic, i take them with my lunch so around noon or a bit after. Thats ususally not to long after i get up cause i always work afternoons/nights. When do you take yours?
Im feeling a slight headache now i dont know if its from the increase or from my fears of going in to work tonite...either way i have to get through it.(which really sucks by the way, im sure you know what i mean).Tell me how your day went! how is the medication been with you lately?
i'll be back tonite after work.
Mag
Posted by KathrynLex on April 5, 2004, at 17:23:32
In reply to Re: Hi Guys » KathrynLex, posted by LynneDa on April 5, 2004, at 15:36:16
Hi Lynne,
I appreciate the encouragement. You're right that now is a good time to branch out and explore things. I'm sure that once I get there things won't be as stressful as I imagine them to be. It would just be so nice to get my anxiety under control.
Thanks again. It's wonderful to hear positive things from someone who knows what you're going through.
K.
Posted by KathrynLex on April 5, 2004, at 17:27:10
In reply to Re: Hi Guys » KathrynLex, posted by want info on April 5, 2004, at 15:37:09
Hi Emily,
The Wellbutrin has really helped my mood in addition to keeping me awake at work. (Lex has made me SO tired.)
Severe anxiety/panic attacks is like living through your worst nightmare. I hate it. I've taken Xanax and Klonopin on an as needed basis, and it helps but I'd like to start taking it regularly. My first choice would be to try Klonopin. How did you like it and was it difficult to stop taking?
K.
Posted by jlynne on April 5, 2004, at 17:29:05
In reply to Re: Magdalena » jlynne, posted by trucker on April 5, 2004, at 14:17:56
Wow, Trucker! That is huge news. Is that going to be something do-able for you?? How do you feel about it?
I think it's great that you won't have to be gone so much, and you can stick around here *with us* more:~)
Good luck with the Wellbutrin - have you started it yet?
((((home)))) ((((friends)))) ((((HUGS))))
...jlynne
> hey folks i'm back from my sdoc she put me on 150mg of welbutrin along with the 20 mg of lex. said that i have been under way too much stress for way to long... no more trucking i am grounded.... she also said i should apply for SSDI because i not only have physical troubles but mental/emotional troubles as well. and she wants me away from the truck not good for me... she wants me to go to school. tech school. diesel mechanics. and she wants the stress of the road and hubbysoris to stop. so in time we will see i see her again in a couple of weeks.
>
> trucker
>
> /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
>
>
>
>
>
> > > i went to Walmart yet couldnt find those sheets:( Maybe Canadian Wal-Marts dont carry them.
> >
> > Magdalena, the sheets were in a very small section of the sheets dept, and the last time I bought some, they came in their own little draw-string jersey storage bag. They were hard to spot, so it probably would be a good idea to ask a clerk for assistance. [and, btw, I get paranoid in big stores, too - I am almost running by the time I get out; sometimes in tears by the time I reach my car]
> >
> > I am glad to hear that you are applying for school. Is it a local school, or will you have to commute, or live on-campus? Hope you hear soon. That is a big step.
> >
> > It's weird, but it seems like everyone on this board has been having a really hard time the last few days. Maybe for you, it is a sign that it really is time to increase. I'm not doing too bad - just extremely tired. I hope that is just a passing thing.
> >
> > Good luck on your increase. Drink lots of water and remember to breathe. I will be holding your hand:~)
> >
> > ((((Magdalena)))) ((((friendship)))) ((((serenity))))
> >
> > ...jlynne
>
>
Posted by KathrynLex on April 5, 2004, at 17:29:37
In reply to Re:Jlynne, posted by Magdalena on April 5, 2004, at 16:52:25
Hi Mag,
Just out of curiosity, how much are you increasing to? When I went from 10 mgs to 15 mgs it wasn't very difficult. It made me a little tired, but I didn't experience any horrible side effects. I hope it all works out for you!
K.
Posted by sexylexy on April 5, 2004, at 17:54:17
In reply to Re: Hi Guys » want info, posted by KathrynLex on April 5, 2004, at 17:27:10
Hey Ya'll
I am glad thing seem to be going ok for everyone. I am doing OK, had a major breakdown on Friday, I am sooooo stressed out with school and trying to move ect, thinking of buying a little house...maybe...?? Do any of ya'll get that feeling that you are just barley holding it together and that you are fighting yourself and your tears. Well thats the past few days I have been having. Its like PMS but right after my period. I have been on 20mg for two weeks so maybe its my levels just getting evened out...heres hoping. My Mom is flying out here Thrusday so I won't have to spend easter alone, she is going to help me pack which is great.
K~ my best advice is that if you decide to move to a new state, definitley get your mental health under control. I moved away from home summer 2002 before I had ever had problems, I made it thought last year pretty well but this year has been really hard leaving my friends, family and boyfriend behind. I am actually hoping a lot of my depression will lift as I return home.
LynneDa~ Glad you had a good time in Nashillve, were you a shopping queen? Nashville is such a fun town.
Mrs. C~ Hope your doing well, I know the 15mg seem to have been doing a lot for you and I hope you are smiling a lot.
Mystic~ Hope your stress level is ok. I know you are going though a lot right now but at least tomorrow a lot will be answered, you are in my prayers.
EM~ I hope you are feeling a little better and that the 20mg is working well for you, maybe we just need some time to adjust, I forget that we are re-modeling our brains and in re-modeling, sometimes things have to get worse before they get better? Here's hoping
Mag~ I hope your increase is going well and that you had a nice birthday.
Jlynne~ I enjoyed our chat on Saturday night with Mystic and Fallen.
Kelliann~ Not sure if you post over here but hope you are doing well!
Edna Babish- Hope you have made some good decisions as to increaseing. It was a good move for me.
Fallen~ If you read this I hope your box runneth over!
Have a good day, God Bless,
Lexy
Posted by trucker on April 5, 2004, at 17:58:17
In reply to Trucker, Wow!, posted by jlynne on April 5, 2004, at 17:29:05
yes i started welbutrin already... i'll be glad to be off the road. see i am disabled but due to bills and the rising costs of fuel i was forced by hubby and debt to go back out on the road. how will me manage with out that income??? well the more i work the more i have to pay in.. this crap has been going on all thru pregnancy and i guess for a 5 or 6 year period. file for social security disabily ins. well only time will tell and i can only get turned down.. no biggy there. i'll just keep trying till it works..
trucker
///////////////////////////////////////////////////
Posted by susielalala on April 5, 2004, at 18:04:16
In reply to Trucker, posted by jlynne on April 3, 2004, at 21:35:38
Hi everyone. I hope everyone is feeling better than last week. I have been praying for all of you. I am feeling better. I went to Chicago this weekend and had a really good time. Had a little anxiety but not too bad. I am on day 34 of being on Lexapro. I went through hell the first 3 1/2 weeks on the lex. I had nervousness, anxiety and depression, mostly anxiety. The anxiety has been lifting daily. I still have those wierd days but seem to be able to cope with them better. I want to thank all of you for your encouragement here. I know I dont post alot, but I do think of all of often. You are all in my prayers. Again thanks for all the support you have given to me. I dont think I would of stayed on it if it werent for all of you, especially Mystic :) . Thanks again, Ali
Posted by Magdalena on April 5, 2004, at 18:09:51
In reply to Re:Jlynne, posted by KathrynLex on April 5, 2004, at 17:29:37
Hey im increasing from 5mg of Paxil to 10mg. I hope i dont get bad side effects, i did when i first started, like PANIC and headahces, and fuzzyness amongst the worst of it. Im just worried that i have to 'start over' or so to speak, although i definatly needed an increase, i was over the side effects from when i started at 5mg for the most part and started leaving my house again without as much worry. we'll see how this goes but i know i just have to get through it no matter what.
thanks for the encouagement, it did make me feel better knowing that not everyone feels side effects of the increase.Much appreciated, it made my day:)
Mag
Posted by Magdalena on April 5, 2004, at 18:12:07
In reply to Re: Hi Guys Everyone!, posted by sexylexy on April 5, 2004, at 17:54:17
Fallen~ If you read this I hope your box runneth over!
LOL@THAT!! hahahahha...i did read that on the weekend, too funny;)
luv you guys
Posted by mystic on April 5, 2004, at 18:14:35
In reply to Re: Hi Guys, posted by KathrynLex on April 5, 2004, at 17:23:32
Hey Guys...I dont know how many people have anxiety / panic / depression...I am trying to figure out something that the dr said to me a couple of weeks ago when she asked me if I had panic attacks or if I have anxiety...For me I thought it was always the same thing...But I have always had this dread feeling like an shock that goes through my system and have never been able to explain it..That is when I start to feel the horrible dread and that I'm going to lose my mind..Everything is going to be horrible and it scares me to death..Now is that anxiety is that what she was talking about I dont know but that certainly would explain a lot..and maybe then the xanax would work and that is what I should be taking it for...I dont know..I know that I'm rambling..But with everything going on I cant help it...
Also..Sometimes or most of the time I just feel sooo fuzzy and cant concentrate or think right anymore..I feel like I have no memory and I just have so much on my mind I know that but I need to get myself out of this or I just dont know what will be next ....It scares me....
Well sorry to go on and on..just really feeling not so great tonight...I hope that this does not bring anyone down that is not my intention..I want to be better and i want everyone else to be also...Take care and talk to you all soon...Mystic
Posted by mystic on April 5, 2004, at 18:17:07
In reply to RE: Mystic, posted by Magdalena on April 5, 2004, at 16:57:26
Hey mag..good luck on the meds..I take mine at 7am they are at a stand still right now I think ...It hasnt been such a good time..But will get through this I hope and I know that you will also...I think the increase is still a low dose but it may make all the difference...Take care and I'll be thinking of you...mystic
Posted by trucker on April 5, 2004, at 18:21:39
In reply to Re: Hi Guys Everyone!, posted by sexylexy on April 5, 2004, at 17:54:17
YOU FORGOT ME.... MEANNY
TRUCKER
///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
> Hey Ya'll
> I am glad thing seem to be going ok for everyone. I am doing OK, had a major breakdown on Friday, I am sooooo stressed out with school and trying to move ect, thinking of buying a little house...maybe...?? Do any of ya'll get that feeling that you are just barley holding it together and that you are fighting yourself and your tears. Well thats the past few days I have been having. Its like PMS but right after my period. I have been on 20mg for two weeks so maybe its my levels just getting evened out...heres hoping. My Mom is flying out here Thrusday so I won't have to spend easter alone, she is going to help me pack which is great.
> K~ my best advice is that if you decide to move to a new state, definitley get your mental health under control. I moved away from home summer 2002 before I had ever had problems, I made it thought last year pretty well but this year has been really hard leaving my friends, family and boyfriend behind. I am actually hoping a lot of my depression will lift as I return home.
> LynneDa~ Glad you had a good time in Nashillve, were you a shopping queen? Nashville is such a fun town.
> Mrs. C~ Hope your doing well, I know the 15mg seem to have been doing a lot for you and I hope you are smiling a lot.
> Mystic~ Hope your stress level is ok. I know you are going though a lot right now but at least tomorrow a lot will be answered, you are in my prayers.
> EM~ I hope you are feeling a little better and that the 20mg is working well for you, maybe we just need some time to adjust, I forget that we are re-modeling our brains and in re-modeling, sometimes things have to get worse before they get better? Here's hoping
> Mag~ I hope your increase is going well and that you had a nice birthday.
> Jlynne~ I enjoyed our chat on Saturday night with Mystic and Fallen.
> Kelliann~ Not sure if you post over here but hope you are doing well!
> Edna Babish- Hope you have made some good decisions as to increaseing. It was a good move for me.
> Fallen~ If you read this I hope your box runneth over!
> Have a good day, God Bless,
> Lexy
Posted by KathrynLex on April 5, 2004, at 18:31:16
In reply to Re: Magdalena » jlynne, posted by trucker on April 5, 2004, at 14:17:56
Hi Trucker,
I'm on 150 mgs of Wellbutrin SR and 15 mgs of Lexapro. The Wellbutrin has definately improved my mood and I experienced very few side effects. (I started at 50 mgs and increased by 50 mgs every 3 days until I got to 150 mgs.)
The Wellbutrin has interfered with my memory a little bit, but I think that is temporary. The day after I started taking it I forgot I had lunch with a friend and left her waiting for 2 hours! Oooops.
Anyway...I hope this proves to be a successful combo for you.
K.
Posted by mystic on April 5, 2004, at 18:35:11
In reply to Re: Magdalena, posted by KathrynLex on April 5, 2004, at 18:31:16
K....It is really good to see you over here..glad you found us..>!!!>>!>> Hope that you stick around...Mystic
Posted by sexylexy on April 5, 2004, at 18:40:32
In reply to Re: Hi Guys Everyone! » sexylexy, posted by trucker on April 5, 2004, at 18:21:39
TRUCKER......
My Sweet Princess... I am so sorry, please forgive me. I hope you are doing well, just read one of your post and sounds like you are having a tough day. Are you a truck driver? Thats neat, I am sure you have met a lot of cool people. I really am sorry to have left you out. I hope you have a better day. Sounds like you have a caring doctor who really wants whats best for you.
sorry again!God Bless,
Lexy
Posted by KathrynLex on April 5, 2004, at 18:51:08
In reply to Re: Hi Guys, posted by mystic on April 5, 2004, at 18:14:35
Hi Mystic,
As I understand it, the difference is this:
Panic Attacks come on suddenly and last a short amount of time. They usually aren't triggered by anything specific and symptoms include a rapid heart beat, sweaty palms, a feeling of unreality, irrational thoughts about something being physically wrong (e.g. thinking you're about to die of a heart attack)
Anxiety is more prolonged and there is usually a source for it such as the stress of getting a divorce or dealing with a difficult project at work/school. Anxiety can be accompanied by overwhelming thoughts and the inability to think clearly.
I've copied some additional info that I found online. It's a bit wordy, but useful:
K.
From http://www.anxiety-depression-solutions.com
What are anxiety attack symptoms?
Anxiety attacks are generally called Panic attacks.The most common definition (and anxiety attack symptoms) for Panic Attacks according to the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders by American Psychiatric Association) is:
A specific period of intense fear or discomfort in which 4 or more of the following symptoms occur
palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rate
sweating
trembling or shaking
sensations of shortness of breath or smothering
feeling of choking
chest pain or discomfort
nausea or abdominal distress
feeling dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded, or faint
feelings of unreality or being detached from oneself
fear of losing control or going crazy
fear of dying
numbness or tingling sensations
chills or hot flushesAnd at least 1 of the attacks has been followed later by;
persistent concern about having additional attacks
worry about the implications of the attack, for example worry about losing control or having a heart attack or “going crazy”
a significant change in behavior related to the attacksA less severe condition is usually defined or referred to as generalized anxiety disorder. Generalized anxiety is usually anxiety about work or school or life in general.
When the anxiety has a specific focus it usually has a different diagnosis.
For example anxiety about being embarrassed in public is usually considered Social Phobia.
Anxiety about being contaminated is usually classified as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.
Having a lot of physical complaints is usually defined as Somatization Disorder.
Anxiety about weight is usually Anorexia Nervosa.
Related conditions include Obsessive- Compulsive disorder and Posttraumatic stress
Several “disorders” have very similar or even the same symptoms including
Anxiety Disorder Due to a General Medical Condition Substance-Induced Anxiety Disorder Generalized Anxiety Disorder Social Phobia Obsessional thoughts Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Mood Disorders Psychotic Disorders and Nonpathological anxiety
Posted by KathrynLex on April 5, 2004, at 18:56:04
In reply to Re: Hi Guys » mystic, posted by KathrynLex on April 5, 2004, at 18:51:08
Hi Guys,
I just got off the phone with my pdoc. I've been having trouble with increased anxiety (my biggest symptom has been irrational thoughts) and he said to increase to 20 mgs. I'll go up tonight. I'm not thrilled about it, but I really hope it helps. For those of you are taking Lex for anxiety, did increasing help??? Thanks! Everyone have a good night and I'll let you know how it goes.
K.
Posted by mystic on April 5, 2004, at 19:14:51
In reply to Okay...Increasing, posted by KathrynLex on April 5, 2004, at 18:56:04
K...thanks for all that information..and you know you explained it again when you were talking about increasing...the irrational thoughts that is what i have all the time and it happens at work alot...I think someone else mentioned maybe it was EM...The worst thing about going back to work on monday is that we have to try so hard to act like everything is fine and that is what is soooo hard...I'm going to get myself this week to a place that I'll be able to increase maybe after the workday on thursday I will try to increase hopefully to 15mg on friday am so I will have 3 days off...I wish that it came easy for me to do that but have to think about 5 1/2 weeks baby is due...so have to think about that...Thanks K i'm sooo grateful you are here posting..I missed you...Your friend Mystic
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