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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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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
Posted by sexylexy on April 5, 2004, at 19:27:11
In reply to Okay...Increasing, posted by KathrynLex on April 5, 2004, at 18:56:04
Hey K...
I have irrational thoughts as well but thought it was part of the depression... what are your like?? Good Luck on 20!
Lexy
Posted by trucker on April 5, 2004, at 20:10:39
In reply to Re: Magdalena, posted by KathrynLex on April 5, 2004, at 18:31:16
they put me straight on 150 and 20 lex so far feel pretty good. she wants me to get energetic so i can loose the weight i have gained. due to depression.
trucker
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
> 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 trucker on April 5, 2004, at 20:17:37
In reply to Re: Hi Guys Everyone! » trucker, posted by sexylexy on April 5, 2004, at 18:40:32
ya she's neat, and she gets me my meds for free,& i will go to school for free too. because of her help and my injury she has my best interests at heart. and is trying to get me fixed.. part of this she thinks is hormone realated. ever heard of pcos.. poly cystic ovarian syndrom? well i am in the process of finding out for sure if that is the problem with allot of things..
trucker
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
> 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 sexylexy on April 5, 2004, at 21:07:44
In reply to Re: Hi Guys Everyone! » sexylexy, posted by trucker on April 5, 2004, at 20:17:37
Trucker,
How long have you been depressed? I have been though a lot in my life but never been depressed a day until I took the birth control pill Allese-28. The day I figured out what was going on I got off the stuff and was perfect! Then when my period came, it all flared up again and I was a depressed/anxious mess. That is why I am on the meds in the first place, I think Ive got some hormonal stuff as well. I am know a Obgyn who is also an Endocrinologist so I may go see her to get some more test run to see if I can get past this stuff...what is pcos about????
LExy
Posted by trucker on April 5, 2004, at 21:25:44
In reply to Re: Hi Guys Everyone!, posted by sexylexy on April 5, 2004, at 21:07:44
its cysts on your ovaries, which will make you misscarry if you do get pregnant but you will have dificult time getting preg. it also causes hair growth on face , irre4gular periods, tags on neck, diebetees, allsorts of stuff. which all symptoms i have and more. plus the dead baby. i have been depressed since the dead baby, carried almost to term. i can't take the pill. talk to your doc.
trucker
//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
> Trucker,
> How long have you been depressed? I have been though a lot in my life but never been depressed a day until I took the birth control pill Allese-28. The day I figured out what was going on I got off the stuff and was perfect! Then when my period came, it all flared up again and I was a depressed/anxious mess. That is why I am on the meds in the first place, I think Ive got some hormonal stuff as well. I am know a Obgyn who is also an Endocrinologist so I may go see her to get some more test run to see if I can get past this stuff...what is pcos about????
> LExy
Posted by Magdalena on April 5, 2004, at 23:51:18
In reply to Re: Hi Guys, posted by mystic on April 5, 2004, at 18:14:35
hey Mystic i get both anxiety and panic. the anxiety is over worrying about things that dont seem so stressful to anyone else, for me its more scared of embaressing myself in public like getting sick or passing out, and its also having 'the fear' of getting a panic attack. A panic attack for me is overwhelming and mostly phyiscal symptoms like a rush of total fear and at that moment you feel like you have to escape or something VERY BAD will happen to you, thats just how it feels and your heart races and you feel you are on the brink of DEATH AND COMPLETE INSANITY! sucks eh? the panic i notice mainly comes in a crowded room, or in an uncomfortable situation or sometimes out of nowhere at all, thats where anxiety kicks in cause i constantly worry about when the next attack will happen, what will people think?! thats what goes through my head.
hope this helps.Mag
(Big Hug)
Posted by mystic on April 6, 2004, at 6:40:32
In reply to Re: Hi Guys » mystic, posted by Magdalena on April 5, 2004, at 23:51:18
Thanks Mag...I do know exactly what a panic attack is I have had plenty and I know what the anticipatory anxiety is also..that is the worst and I live with it all the time...Its hard to explain the feeling that I have everyday it seems is just a constant dread and I never knew that it was indeed anxiety...I just thought that eventually I would go crazy or have a heart attack but not to the full extent of the panic attack ...so was really weird when she explained it to me that way..It is hard because a lot of people that I know have the panic attacks and the anticipatory but they dont explain the day to day as I do...Thank you sooo much for your post and that helps alot...Hey girlfriend how is the increase going good I hope....You shouldnt notice too much difference and you should be just getting better and better..I hope that you have a great day and will catch up to you soon...Thanks for being such a great person..Mystic
Posted by LynneDa on April 6, 2004, at 9:26:12
In reply to Re: Hi Guys, posted by mystic on April 5, 2004, at 18:14:35
Mystic - First off, don't apologize, you never bring us down :-) Secondly, I know how you feel! A panic attack many times starts with the overwhelming sense of doom and anxiety - over something or maybe nothing. I always feel like I have anxiety attacks - they never get as bad for me as people have described their panic attacks to be.
Anyway, you will become more clear the longer you're on the Lex and you'll be able to keep things straight in your head and actually get things done! I'm not 100% there, but I have days where I think back to how I used to be and know that I am better - more productive and with it. You will get there!!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>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 LynneDa on April 6, 2004, at 9:34:28
In reply to Okay...Increasing, posted by KathrynLex on April 5, 2004, at 18:56:04
Kathryn - After going up to 20mg, my anxiety/obsessive thoughts have decreased incredibly. It just doesn't enter my mind to be so worried over so many things. I can handle things so much better now. I'm not sure if that's the same kind of problem you have. I skipped 15 mg, so can't compare that, but I know I am much better now. I have maybe 2 or 3 little "squalls" come up per month, but it used to be everyday agony!
Good luck and let us know how you're feeling!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
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 want info on April 6, 2004, at 10:07:50
In reply to Okay...Increasing, posted by KathrynLex on April 5, 2004, at 18:56:04
hey k...i have bad days still (then again i've only been on 20 for a week) but even in this week i've noticed my thinking patterns are clearer and i am able to talk myself out of irratinal thoughts and anxiety much more easily. does that make sense? i hope the increase works for you. many docs say the increase from 10 to 15 is pretty negligible and that the 20 is what really helps. good luck! EM
Posted by LynneDa on April 6, 2004, at 10:16:42
In reply to Re: Hi Guys Everyone! » sexylexy, posted by trucker on April 5, 2004, at 20:17:37
Hi Trucker - I wish you the best of luck with taking time off and getting a diagnosis! Your doctor sounds like one of a kind with her heart and her knowledge both in the right place for you. I am sure coming off the road for awhile will help you. Everybody needs a break and re-grouping time. Sounds like you've needed it since the baby.
I have a friend with PCOS. She's on meds, I think. She also has a blood disorder so it's complicated. But anyway, it did make it easier for her to lose weight once that was under some control. She doesn't tell me much about her mental state though.
You have such a good attitude about everything, it's nice to hear it!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
ya she's neat, and she gets me my meds for free,& i will go to school for free too. because of her help and my injury she has my best interests at heart. and is trying to get me fixed.. part of this she thinks is hormone realated. ever heard of pcos.. poly cystic ovarian syndrom? well i am in the process of finding out for sure if that is the problem with allot of things..
>
> trucker
>
> ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Posted by want info on April 6, 2004, at 10:18:17
In reply to RE:: Mag, posted by mystic on April 6, 2004, at 6:40:32
hey girl...i just saw this now. i think it doesn't really matter whether you have anxiety or panic. i kind of have both but analyzing which you do or dont have doesnt really matter. xanax, even a small dose like .25mg, works WONDERS for those times. it sounds to me like you are having severe anxiety. that's what ihave too. 20mg seems to be helping me...no other dose really did. you'll be ok! E
Posted by trucker on April 6, 2004, at 10:48:07
In reply to Re: Hi Guys Everyone! » trucker, posted by LynneDa on April 6, 2004, at 10:16:42
thanks, i am glad for a break. maybe i can plant a few flowers this year. and even have a life....
trucker
//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
> Hi Trucker - I wish you the best of luck with taking time off and getting a diagnosis! Your doctor sounds like one of a kind with her heart and her knowledge both in the right place for you. I am sure coming off the road for awhile will help you. Everybody needs a break and re-grouping time. Sounds like you've needed it since the baby.
>
> I have a friend with PCOS. She's on meds, I think. She also has a blood disorder so it's complicated. But anyway, it did make it easier for her to lose weight once that was under some control. She doesn't tell me much about her mental state though.
>
> You have such a good attitude about everything, it's nice to hear it!
> ~ Lynne
> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>
>
> ya she's neat, and she gets me my meds for free,& i will go to school for free too. because of her help and my injury she has my best interests at heart. and is trying to get me fixed.. part of this she thinks is hormone realated. ever heard of pcos.. poly cystic ovarian syndrom? well i am in the process of finding out for sure if that is the problem with allot of things..
> >
> > trucker
> >
> > ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Posted by KathrynLex on April 6, 2004, at 10:52:18
In reply to Re: Okay...Increasing, posted by mystic on April 5, 2004, at 19:14:51
Hi Mystic,
I didn't know you were having a baby, congratulations!
I know exactly what you mean about having to come to work and pretend everything is fine. It's not easy to do that, but I admire anyone who is able to put their depression/anxiety aside and go to work. (Even though I'm not sure how healthy it is to do that.)
Everything will probably go just fine with your increase. And remember, we're all here for you!
K.
Posted by KathrynLex on April 6, 2004, at 11:04:16
In reply to Re: Okay...Increasing » KathrynLex, posted by sexylexy on April 5, 2004, at 19:27:11
Hi Lexy,
Most of my irrational thoughts are anxiety related. (e.g. If my heart beat feels irregular I'll start worrying about having a heart attack.) I know that irrational thoughts can come with depression too. At the worst of my depression I was thinking about how overwhelming everything was...even getting out of bed seemed like a huge, difficult task.
The lex has helped a lot with this though. I think I was just having the irrational thoughts because of my period...and I'm hoping an increase to 20 mgs will help me to stay rational next month when my period comes.
I'm glad to hear your mom is in town. It's always so nice to have family nearby when things are getting stressful. Just keep telling yourself that around this same time next month you'll be back home with your boyfriend. :)
K.
Posted by KathrynLex on April 6, 2004, at 11:10:31
In reply to Re: Okay...Increasing » KathrynLex, posted by LynneDa on April 6, 2004, at 9:34:28
Hi Lynne,
I noticed an improvement in my irrational thought patterns when I increased to 15 mgs. I'm hoping that I'll see another improvement with the increase to 20 mgs.
The "squalls" can be unpleasant. I just got through one, but not without a little help from Klonopin. It's ridiculous that some of us can't get through our periods without having symptoms of depression/anxiety return. That time of the month is already inconvenient, it doesn't seem fair that it's gotten worse. Oh well. Venting certainly helps. :)
K.
Posted by KathrynLex on April 6, 2004, at 11:13:05
In reply to Re: Okay...Increasing » KathrynLex, posted by want info on April 6, 2004, at 10:07:50
Hi EM,
Lex has definately given me a sense of control over my irrational thoughts. It's a huge relief compared to how I used to be. My biggest complaint about this med is that it makes me really tired...although the Wellbutrin helps. Hopefully this increase won't make me comatose. Thanks for the kind words.
K.
Posted by KathrynLex on April 6, 2004, at 11:20:20
In reply to Re: Hi Guys » mystic, posted by Magdalena on April 5, 2004, at 23:51:18
Hi Mag,
I've worried about the same thing! Panic attacks are awful...it would be nice to have a few moments peace and just lead a "normal" life. I think I'm getting closer to that, but I can't even go on vacation without worrying I'll loose my mind. I don't think it's too much to ask to be able to enjoy a vacation.
My grandfather always said that if you're worried about loosing your mind, you have nothing to worry about. (Because people who are crazy don't know that there is anything wrong with them.) It's kind of funny if you think about it, being afraid of loosing your mind is actually reasurring because you know you AREN'T really loosing it. Of course that's a very rational approach, and it's almost impossible to be rational during a panic attack.
K.
Posted by KathrynLex on April 6, 2004, at 11:23:44
In reply to Re: Magdalena » KathrynLex, posted by trucker on April 5, 2004, at 20:10:39
Hi Trucker,
Good luck with the weight loss! Gaining weight is the last thing a depressed person needs...you certainly don't need one more thing to decrease your mood. I hope you start feeling energetic so you can begin shedding those pounds!
K.
Posted by want info on April 6, 2004, at 11:24:38
In reply to Re: Hi Guys » Magdalena, posted by KathrynLex on April 6, 2004, at 11:20:20
hey ... that's so funny ... my dad used to tell me the same thing. if you think you're crazy ... you're not.
but yes again, it's nearly impossible to think that way during a panic attack.
emily
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