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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by tmhwrite on February 19, 2004, at 15:02:56
In reply to Re: Another novice lex-er, posted by Samm on February 19, 2004, at 13:42:40
Hi Sam,
I'm taking Lex for depression. The anxiety is just an unexpected little (huge) extra.
Theresa
> Hi Theresa,
> I have a question for you...Are you taking the Lex mainly for Panic attacks, or also depression?
>
> Sam
Posted by tmhwrite on February 19, 2004, at 15:15:03
In reply to Ambien question » gracielexie, posted by LynneDa on February 19, 2004, at 13:53:48
Hi Lynne,
I'm currently using Clonazepam (.5mg) in addition to the Lex (10mg) but have used Ambien in the past. Ambien is more of a mild sleep aid. I used it for about a week and and then only occasionally after that and it helped my body get back into the correct ryhthm of sleeping. I didn't notice any side effects even when I stopped using it. Clonazepam is a stronger substance that is a better version of Xanax (less side effects). It is an anti-aniety medication as opposed to a sleep aid, though it has helped me sleep because it calmed the anxiety attacks that were keeping me up all night. After what I've been through over the past several weeks, I'm a huge fan of it. I didn't think I was ever going to be able to sleep through the night again!
Hope this helps. Good luck to you
Theresa> Hi & welcome to the Board, it's been a very helpful and encouraging place for me. I've been on Lex 4 months, went from 10 to 20 mg about 8 weeks ago. I take Lex at night now because of my insomnia and day-time sleepiness. It helped me feel more awake during the day, but I still have middle of the night awakenings - I am wired and awake for about an hour or so.
>
> My anxiety and PMDD-related depression is not all the way gone, but much better after upping to 20mg. I hope after another few weeks your 20mg dosage will kick in and eliminate some of your anxiety, tears, etc. Those symptoms are oh-so-familiar to me!! The menopause and no-thyroid combo just makes all that worse, I feel for you! Good luck to you in your quest for a better doctor, sounds like that would be a step in the right direction.
>
> Question for everyone: I started taking 5 mg of Ambien this week and I'm a little concerned because of its addictive properties. What will happen in a week when I have to go off of it? It's been so wonderful sleeping all night for the last 3 nights. I can see why people get hooked on it! If it's the Lex that makes me wake up feeling wired, how will the Ambien change that after a week? What is Clonazepin (sp?) and is it different than Ambien? Thank you for any advice or info.!
>
> ~ Lynne
> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>
>
> I have been on Lexapro for a little over a year...started with 10mg and was increased to 20mg about a month ago. I take it in the morning, but am wondering if it's better at night..sleep better? I do feel anxiety as well..I saw my doctor yesterday and he YELLED at me that I take homeopathic stuff to help me sleep, like "Quietude" or Bach's Rescue Remedy..also I told him I take calcium with magnesium and Gaba and he flipped out on me...obviously, nothing should be taken with Lexapro..also, I had my thyroid removed in 1999...AND in menopause without taking any HRT........HELP!!! Seems like any little thing makes me anxious or depressed..sometimes just blue..sometimes up and down...yesterday I wanted to just die..if I had to do it over, i'd NEVER have my thyroid taken out..just cold nodules on it..better to have biopsy every year..taking it out is the WORST thing..anyway, thanks for letting me vent..I would love to hear from somebody..anybody..
>
>
Posted by linnie on February 19, 2004, at 15:19:16
In reply to Feeling Flat on Lexapro, posted by KathrynLex on February 9, 2004, at 17:33:25
> Hi,
>
> I'm starting my 8th week on Lexapro and I feel so flat. It's strange. My boyfriend ruined a new $40 sweater by putting it through the wash (I told him a thousand times not to wash it) and I just can't summon a reaction one way or the other. Ordinarily I'd either be angry or think it was funny - the sweater shrunk to about half it's original size and looks like it was made for a doll. But like I said, I didn't really have a reaction.
>
> It's a huge relief not to feel anxious or depressed, but I only feel really happy for brief moments during the day. I'm trying not to get discouraged, especially since I'm in the middle of increasing to 20 mg. I know it will take a while for my body to adjust...I guess I could just use a little bit of encouragement. Sorry, this sounds like an echo of Lexy's earlier post about "Lexapro Purgatory." (Hey, at least I have company.)
>
> K.I too have been on 10mgs of lex for about 4 weeks. Sometimes I feel good, other time I feel flat and anxious. I have also been reading books on cognitive therapy as I know our thoughts are sometimes the worst enemy.
Any words of wisdom?
L
Posted by KathrynLex on February 19, 2004, at 15:19:31
In reply to Re: Hello, from a novice Lex-er, posted by mrs c on February 19, 2004, at 13:20:50
Hi Mrs. C,
It's good to see you on the board again. How have you been doing? Did you decide to increase, or are you feeling better?
K.
Posted by KathrynLex on February 19, 2004, at 15:42:30
In reply to Ambien question » gracielexie, posted by LynneDa on February 19, 2004, at 13:53:48
Hi Lynn,
While I haven't taken Ambien before, I hear it's a wonderful drug for insomnia. Sometimes those medications can reset your sleeping patterns and you'll find that you're tired at bedtime even though you haven't taken it. (My brother took a med very similar to Ambien and he said after taking it for six days his sleeping patterns were greatly improved.)
Clonazepam is in a different family of meds than Ambian. It's a benzo (like Xanax) that is often times used to treat anxiety and it makes some people very tired. Another med similar to Xanax and Clonazepam is Lorazepam. You might want to look in to them if you're thinking about replacing your Ambien with something else.
Good luck coming off of Ambien. Some people have no trouble at all when they stop taking it, and I hope you find that is the case with you.
K.
Posted by LynneDa on February 19, 2004, at 15:45:09
In reply to Re: Ambien question, posted by KathrynLex on February 19, 2004, at 15:42:30
Posted by tmhwrite on February 19, 2004, at 15:47:10
In reply to Re: Feeling Flat on Lexapro, posted by linnie on February 19, 2004, at 15:19:16
Oh, god, I know that feeling. I remember pulling off to the side of the road one day and just sitting there thinking it would be better to feel bad than to just feel nothing. It's important to look at anything else you might be taking, cold medicine, certain foods, alcohol, that can cause that that feeling to be amplified. Hang in there, it will pass and you will be laughing and feeling and experiencing life again.
Theresa
Posted by linnie on February 19, 2004, at 15:52:01
In reply to Re: Feeling Flat on Lexapro, posted by tmhwrite on February 19, 2004, at 15:47:10
> Oh, god, I know that feeling. I remember pulling off to the side of the road one day and just sitting there thinking it would be better to feel bad than to just feel nothing. It's important to look at anything else you might be taking, cold medicine, certain foods, alcohol, that can cause that that feeling to be amplified. Hang in there, it will pass and you will be laughing and feeling and experiencing life again.
Teresa,
Thanks for your encouraging words. Are you taking lexapro? I am only on 10mgs and hope that will be enough to make me feel a part of life again.
linnie
>
> Theresa
Posted by tmhwrite on February 19, 2004, at 15:57:57
In reply to Re: Feeling Flat on Lexapro » tmhwrite, posted by linnie on February 19, 2004, at 15:52:01
Linnie,
Yes, I'm on 10 mg of Lex, just recently re-started on it. After trying to get off of antidepresants for a decade and always crashing again (this time worse than before) I guess I have to settle into the fact that I'm going to be on it for the rest of my life. The alternative is too scary and dark.
Let me know how you're doing.
Theresa
Posted by KathrynLex on February 19, 2004, at 16:00:46
In reply to Re: Feeling Flat on Lexapro, posted by linnie on February 19, 2004, at 15:19:16
Hi Linnie,
Now that I'm on my 9th week of Lexapro I've been feeling better. One of the nicest benefits I've had with this med is that it helps me control my negative thinking. (You're right that our thoughts are sometimes our worst enemy.) I did a little bit of congnitive therapy in the past and I think it might be more successful now that I'm on Lexapro.
K.
Posted by linnie on February 19, 2004, at 16:11:20
In reply to To Linnie, posted by tmhwrite on February 19, 2004, at 15:57:57
> Theresa,
Thanks for your reply. I guess I am finding it out too. How long do you think it takes for it to work? I have only been on it for about 4 weeks. Sometimes I feel ok and other times...wow..the anxiety can be a killer. Thanks for your support. We are going to make it.
Linnie
Linnie,
>
> Yes, I'm on 10 mg of Lex, just recently re-started on it. After trying to get off of antidepresants for a decade and always crashing again (this time worse than before) I guess I have to settle into the fact that I'm going to be on it for the rest of my life. The alternative is too scary and dark.
>
> Let me know how you're doing.
>
> Theresa
Posted by sexylexy on February 19, 2004, at 16:18:54
In reply to Sexylexy, posted by KathrynLex on February 19, 2004, at 12:45:35
K~
Thanks so much. I actually randomly took 12.5 mg for the past two days and have been feeling better! A lot better. I am going to to Dr. pretty soon and may bump up to 15mg, I was not crazy about increasing but think that I may need it to help me finish grad school, being away from the boyfriend, parents and friends. Hopefully will be tempoary but at this point I know I deserve to feel better and am going to do what I have to go get there. How are you doing? Still liking 15mg? For me 10mg was good for anxiety but not quite enough for my depression. Write me let me know how things were, did u have a happy valentines day? Write back.
Lexy
Posted by sexylexy on February 19, 2004, at 16:24:46
In reply to Another novice lex-er, posted by tmhwrite on February 19, 2004, at 11:59:21
Hi Ya'll
Im Lexy. I am sure that some of my post from this week have scared you all to death. I am really sorry, I had been on an upward swing for two weeks then kinda had a bad day and 1/2. I just came on here and let out the frusteration to friends. I am feeling MUCH better the past day or so. I hope my post did not discourage anyone. Over all I think lex is pretty good. I am just kinda wanting to rush the process and being impaitent. Welcome all new comers and hang in there! Praying for you all.
Lexy
Posted by tmhwrite on February 19, 2004, at 16:25:11
In reply to Re: To Linnie, posted by linnie on February 19, 2004, at 16:11:20
Hey Linnie,
I guess it varies per individual, but anywhere from 6-8 weeks should help you see improvement. I've been told that it may take a bit longer for the Lex to work on the anxiety. It seems to affect the depression more quickly. That's why I ended up on the clonazepam. I couldn't wait that long for the anxiety to go away. It was too severe -- I couldn't function.
Theresa
Posted by sexylexy on February 19, 2004, at 16:31:46
In reply to Re: To Linnie, posted by tmhwrite on February 19, 2004, at 16:25:11
Hey Ladies,
Wanted to give my 2 cents. I am at week 8 1/2 of 10 mg of lex. I have surely had my ups and downs on the med. You may want to keep a journal so you can see your progress. Somedays, I think to myself this drug does not work at all and has done nothing. However, I look back at how far Ive come and realize that there is improvement, a big one. I of course am waiting to the golden day where I feel *happy*, *great* and all those words people like us crave more then I crave Godivia around my time of the month. Lexapro has worked for so many, here hoping it keeps up for us too!
PS- for me it was week 6 before I noticed a difference, the negitiave voice in my head stopped and some of the pain from being sad went away.
Good luck, God Bless
LEXY
Posted by tmhwrite on February 19, 2004, at 16:35:34
In reply to to all novice lex-er, posted by sexylexy on February 19, 2004, at 16:24:46
Thanks Lexy,
Being off and on antidepressants for 10 years now, I am all too aware of the ups and downs of it. I hope this time I can just stay on them and maintain some sort of balance. It seems that every time I go down into that black abyss, it's worse than before.
I appreciate all the comments here. I felt like I found a home!
Theresa
Posted by sexylexy on February 19, 2004, at 17:02:02
In reply to Re: to all novice lex-er, posted by tmhwrite on February 19, 2004, at 16:35:34
Hi,
Interesting that you have been on and off for ten years. What seemed to bring back your depression. Ive been lucky in that its not in my family and I have never had anything resembling depression until I got on the birth control pill. I am hoping that I will "unlearn" depression and be able to get off meds but if I have to take meds and be happy, Id choose that everyday. Good luck to you glad that you've come to our "home"
lexy
Posted by KathrynLex on February 19, 2004, at 17:04:33
In reply to Re: Sexylexy » KathrynLex, posted by sexylexy on February 19, 2004, at 16:18:54
Hi Lexy,
It's wonderful that you're feeling better! Increasing might be the way to go for you, 15 mg isn't a radical jump and it might be just what you need. Or, your doc might think it's fine for you to stay at 12.5 mg. Whatever works!
I really like my dose of 15 mg. (Although, every time I cut my 10 mg pills in half I can't help but wonder why, oh why don't they make 5 mg pills?)
My Valentines Day was nice. How was yours? Lexapro has really improved my relationship with my boyfriend. I'm not nearly as irritable as I used to be.
It's wonderful that you're so committed to finishing grad school. Being away from your support network isn't easy, especially in a high stress situation like school. I really hope things continue to improve for you, and let me know how your doc appt. goes.
K.
Posted by tmhwrite on February 19, 2004, at 17:43:01
In reply to Re: to all novice lex-er » tmhwrite, posted by sexylexy on February 19, 2004, at 17:02:02
Stress seems to bring it on. This past year I was supposed to be getting married to a guy who lives in Ireland--the "love" of my life, but he ended up flaking out on me the very same month I got laid off from my job -- so I didn't have a great 2004. I tried to fight it on my own and thought I was doing better -- got my real estate license, sold my first house within a month, starting dating a new guy, but I could feel my body getting worn down and pretty soon it just crashed. I couldn't get out of the house, much less sell real estate.
I also have a family history of it -- my mother, my sister, my grandmother...
I've never heard of birth control pills bringing it on. Can you tell me more about that.
Theresa
Posted by 360 on February 19, 2004, at 19:06:31
In reply to re: Any BPD screening tests online? :- » galkeepinon, posted by lil' jimi on August 18, 2003, at 21:09:25
hey..
i myself suffer from depression mostly associated with BPD and i'm afraid there aren't any accurate free self-test for BPD online but heres a link that might be of interest to you..http://www.4degreez.com/misc/personality_disorder_test.mv
hope i was of some help here :)
take care!
Posted by Journeyman on February 19, 2004, at 20:29:21
In reply to re: Any BPD screening tests online? :-, posted by 360 on February 19, 2004, at 19:06:31
Here's one for you: It's managed by the National Institute of Mental Health, a division of the NIH.
They have a good website on depression, and here's a specific link on it related particularly to BPD.http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/bipolarmenu.cfm
Once you're at the site, click on the second link under For the Public. It will take you to a brochure about BPD, and includes a diagnostic which is probably as accurate an online quiz as you're likely to find on the internet.
Good luck,
Journeyman
Posted by Journeyman on February 19, 2004, at 20:47:27
In reply to Re: Hope in the Works, posted by mrs c on February 16, 2004, at 14:38:14
Mrs. C,
You're doing a good job of keeping tabs on your feelings. It's much better to have anxiety and to be aware of it, than not to be tuned in.
There's a book I've been reading which I wonder whether you might not find some comfort in. It's by Tara Brach and it's entitled, "Radical Acceptance." I've found her suggestions about dealing with feelings of anxiety, inadequacy, etc. to be gentle, wise, and effective. Perhaps you will too.
Keep in mind that you're already all right. It's not as though when you shake the depression that you'll suddenly be okay. You're already someone who's okay, who happens to have depression.
May comfort and peace be frequent companions of yours.
Journeyman
Posted by sexylexy on February 19, 2004, at 20:50:43
In reply to For Mrs C, posted by Journeyman on February 19, 2004, at 20:47:27
Mrs. C
I hope your doing ok. Know your on my mind and in my prayers!!
Lexy
Posted by Journeyman on February 19, 2004, at 21:42:46
In reply to Re: Hope in the Works » Journeyman, posted by LynneDa on February 16, 2004, at 17:18:16
Lynne:
Thanks for your response. It's always pleasant to read your messages.
As usual, your post a couple of days ago had a wonderfully gutsy, honest look at what you're dealing with. You said..."I am at a scary point because I am feeling the depression and anxiety lifting, but still have my other problems to deal with. It's like peeling back the layers of an onion. The outer hard layer is almost gone (the hormonally induced stuff), but now I have the inner layers to peel back - the behavioral, decision-making, confrontational side . . . the work I've been putting off for the past year or so! I guess it's step by step and day by day. I can't hope to fix everything in one fell swoop."
Absolutely. A noble and worthy endeavor. We didn't get depressed in a day, and we won't get out of it in a day. But we can work at it every day and even learn to enjoy the journey. One of the struggles I've always had is trying to be somehow perfect - whatever that would be. I've always viewed my 'flaws' as something to eradicate, avoid, ignore, or use as self-flagellation material. No longer. I welcome the 'dark deities' into my life, ask them to sit down and converse with me, and find out what I can learn from them. They have something to teach me about myself.
You're a good soul Lynne; deep and wise.
May your journey continue to include the light you've obviously benefited from, and may the darkness teach you what the light can't.
Journeyman
Posted by Journeyman on February 19, 2004, at 21:51:48
In reply to Re: Hope in the Works, posted by KathrynLex on February 16, 2004, at 17:11:25
Hi K:
Just a quick not to thank you for your response and to congratulate you on the continual progress you're making.
There's such an important mind-body connection between eating well, exercising, and ones mental health that it really can't be overstated.
Thanks too for the encouragement and support you offer on this board. There are strong voices that reach out and yours is certainly one of them.
Keep us up-to-date on the 5K; it's just as relevant to your overall health as how many mg. of Lexapro you're taking.
Continued perseverance and health to you,
Journeyman
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