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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by want info on March 2, 2004, at 14:27:07
In reply to Re: A Frustrating Setback, posted by mrs c on March 1, 2004, at 7:34:04
hi all...i saw a few posts about this subject! i've been on lex for about a month after switching off 8 years on paxil. i'm due for my period tomorrow. i've felt massively anxious/depersonalized for the past few days...almost like the lex isn't working at all! do you all think this has something to do with my period? have i not been on it long enough for it to take effect? thanks guys.
Posted by LynneDa on March 2, 2004, at 14:38:15
In reply to lex and time of the month?, posted by want info on March 2, 2004, at 14:27:07
Hi! No, it's not too early to feel odd before your period! If the Lex is working at other times of the month, it's working. I just think it's not strong enough to overcome really severe PMS (like PMDD, which is my diagnosis)until you've been on it for a while.
My cycles were off the first few months - very light the first one, some women have even missed completely - then really heavy the second one, etc. Each month my pre-symptoms have improved a bit, so be encouraged that you'll probably not have this hard of a time next month!
Hang in there, you'll feel better soon!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
hi all...i saw a few posts about this subject! i've been on lex for about a month after switching off 8 years on paxil. i'm due for my period tomorrow. i've felt massively anxious/depersonalized for the past few days...almost like the lex isn't working at all! do you all think this has something to do with my period? have i not been on it long enough for it to take effect? thanks guys.
Posted by sexylexy on March 2, 2004, at 14:44:03
In reply to lex and time of the month?, posted by want info on March 2, 2004, at 14:27:07
Hi!
I feel like I am the queen of the that time of the month post so I'd behappy to answer!.
For me the lexapro did not make much of a difference till about week 5 or 6. It also seems to lose its effect around my time of the month which for me is a PMDD sitiatuon lasting close to 10 days. I am increasing my dose to 15mg to see if I can easier deal with the PMDD.
My depression was brought on by birth control pills so I feel a little homrmonally out of whack.
My first period on lexapro was over a week late and it felt like someone was re-wiring my brain, one second I would be happy then I was crying for no reason. This month was much better but still not where I wanted to be.
Also on lexapro I began light spotting between periods. At this point I just want to get back to me again.
The depersonalization thing happened to me about the first 5 weeks I was on lexapro. I felt very spacey all the time. I remember being in target one day and feeling like I was on an illegal drug or something, everything was just really sureal. I upped my dose today so I am actually feeling a little bit of that again. It does go away so do not worry!
Good luck, feel free to ask any question you can think of here!
Lexy
Posted by BobYuma on March 2, 2004, at 15:13:38
In reply to Re: Mystic, please post today -- Mystic to Bob Yum » BobYuma, posted by linnie on March 2, 2004, at 13:59:20
> Bob Yuma, You seem to have such wonderful ideas about things. It is refreshing to read your posts.
Any encouragement for one on 10 mgs for lex for aboput a month?
thanx, linnie > >
---------------------------------------
Hi, Linnie.
The most helpful information I received when I first started on Lexapro, and was having terrible side effects was simply to hang in there, because it does get better.
I've always felt like just about everything we go through on earth is a lesson, and it's important to complete our lessons. It doesn't matter how hard it was, or how much difficulty we had getting through it, the important thing is not to give up.Try to remember that no matter how bad a particular moment or day may seem, there are better days to come. I can promise you that.
Take care and God Bless.BobYuma
Posted by MarkD on March 2, 2004, at 15:26:49
In reply to Re: LONG lexapro support and a ? » sexylexy, posted by kellieann7 on February 11, 2004, at 22:28:47
kellieann7, well im taking the plunge and going to try Lexapro, i have had some of the same personality traits as you growing up and I'm very moody and quick tempored, also had the turney sick stomach as a kid, parents fought alot. Recently in the last 4 tears i lost my dad and my brother, and also have been battling high blood pressure for 10 years, my Doctor thinks that Lexapro could help very much for not only depression but the anxiety state ive been in and out of for years...
ill report back in a few weeks, hope all is well with you..
Mark
Posted by KathrynLex on March 2, 2004, at 15:31:31
In reply to A hopeful step ahead, posted by sexylexy on March 1, 2004, at 17:54:23
Hi Lexy,
You're in my thoughts, prayers and I'm happy to offer any support that I can.
Increasing to 15 mgs isn't too difficult. It made me very sleepy for about 2 weeks, but that was the worst of the side effects. It will probably take a little while before you start to see results, but rest assured that they will come.
K.
Posted by titlepro49 on March 2, 2004, at 16:40:56
In reply to RE: 5 Days on Lexapro-5 Days Off Paxil » titlepro49, posted by simus on March 2, 2004, at 0:28:28
> > I had my thyroid "nuked" 2 years ago and hypothyroidism finally under control as of December.
>
> If you don't mind my asking, what do you mean when you say your thyroid was nuked?I was diagnosed as having hyperthyroidism. After several different tests, my specialist saw that there was no reason for it except that my thyroid was no longer working as it should and was overproducing hormones. I went to the out-patient Nuclear Medicine Department at the hospital and was given two Radioactive Iodine pills. The dosage is only enough to shut the thyroid down permanently. No pain, no sickness, no long term contamination. The doctor monitored me for several months until my tests showed that the thyroid was in fact shut down, then he began treating me for hypothyroidism. I take Synthyroid evey day and the Synthyroid now works as my thyroid.
Posted by mystic on March 2, 2004, at 17:21:40
In reply to Re: Mystic, please post today -- Mystic, posted by BobYuma on March 2, 2004, at 7:51:04
Once again Bob thank you for the help...It is weird because when I have been struggling with the anxiety and I have felt better about the depression but the anxiety makes you depressed again....My Dr. has been telling me to take xanax which I have taken before for the anxiety..But because I am soooo phobic about taking meds at all I have rejected that idea and she just keeps tellling me to take a small dosage to get through the day to get me used to the Lexapro..This has been a struggle..Well today I had to drive myself to work which is another hard thing for me to do but my daughter was working and my husband was working out of town...Well by the time I got to work I had the worst anxiety attack...I finally took a xanax and it made me feel better but I couldnt bring myself to take another one this afternoon..Think I need to just realize that I might need some help before the Lexapro sets in..>My question is has anyone else taken these drugs and is it a problem to get off or do you have to continue to take them..I really had hoped that the anxiety wasnt going to be a problem..I really dont know how much longer I can deal with not knowing if this will go away with the Lexapro...My dr feels confident that it will get better and even wanted me to go up to 20mgs not ready for that yet but would consider 15mg and she said there has been no proof that there is any difference changing to 15mg...So confused oh yes i'm still confused...discouraged yes i'm still discouraged...I just want to be better and dont want to give up on something that might help but i'm really having thoughts that scare me...I know this is long and I apoligize..but thank you for listening and thank you so much for answering...God bless you all...Thanks Mystic
Posted by mystic on March 2, 2004, at 17:31:10
In reply to Re: lex and time of the month? » want info, posted by sexylexy on March 2, 2004, at 14:44:03
Thanks Lexy that is very encouraging..My first period after 3 weeks was horrible and still having the terrible thoughts and anxiety...My suicidal thoughts were just so strong this month and scared me....Taking some xanax when needed and hopefully that will help some...But being afraid to take the meds are my major problem and scared that when I'm feeling those thoughts that the xanax will only make it worse...But was good to read your post...Thank you Take care Mystic
Posted by mystic on March 2, 2004, at 17:33:54
In reply to Re: LONG lexapro support and a ?, posted by MarkD on March 2, 2004, at 15:26:49
Good luck Mark...I think that your in the right place these postings are great and you should check in often..I have been on for 3 weeks and it helps to check in these people are absolutely wonderful...God Bless you and will be praying for you...Someone who knows...Mystic
Posted by LynneDa on March 2, 2004, at 17:40:57
In reply to Re: Mystic, please post today -- Mystic, posted by mystic on March 2, 2004, at 17:21:40
Mystic - Wow, what a day you've had! No wonder you're feeling confused and scared and probably exhausted too!
Please don't be scared to take the meds. I know that's not saying anything you don't already tell yourself! They really work! You don't have to go through life feeling like this. In a short time, you will feel better, just as we all have. I'm curious, what is it about taking meds that scares you - lack of control over your emotions? Or just that drugs can hurt you or make you have unpleasant side effects?
I am a pretty normal woman with a pretty run of the mill life, I just get a little off balance, just as you do. Anxiety can breed depression and vice versa! That is normal. You just have to teach your body to stay calm at times when your body's chemistry wants to do the fight or flight thing! The meds will help re-train your body. Then, after that, other things in your life can fall into place more easily.
It does sound like you need to reduce your anxiety so you can work up to taking the Lex for depression. That would be okay. Whatever works for you is what you have to try - don't feel pressured to jump into more than you have to right off the bat! One step at a time. I'm not a doctor, but would think that once you have a couple of anxiety-free days under your belt with Xanax, you might be okay starting the Lex.
Also, my doctor told me I would probably be on Lex anywhere from 6 to 18 months. If you taper off gradually, you shouldn't have any problems coming off of them. It's the people who quit cold turkey that spread the horror stories :-)!
It's your body, your brain and your personal peace & happiness you're dealing with. You need to do what's right for you.
This is long too, but I want to reassure you. You are not alone. We all care about you and want you to feel better!!!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Once again Bob thank you for the help...It is weird because when I have been struggling with the anxiety and I have felt better about the depression but the anxiety makes you depressed again....My Dr. has been telling me to take xanax which I have taken before for the anxiety..But because I am soooo phobic about taking meds at all I have rejected that idea and she just keeps tellling me to take a small dosage to get through the day to get me used to the Lexapro..This has been a struggle..Well today I had to drive myself to work which is another hard thing for me to do but my daughter was working and my husband was working out of town...Well by the time I got to work I had the worst anxiety attack...I finally took a xanax and it made me feel better but I couldnt bring myself to take another one this afternoon..Think I need to just realize that I might need some help before the Lexapro sets in..>My question is has anyone else taken these drugs and is it a problem to get off or do you have to continue to take them..I really had hoped that the anxiety wasnt going to be a problem..I really dont know how much longer I can deal with not knowing if this will go away with the Lexapro...My dr feels confident that it will get better and even wanted me to go up to 20mgs not ready for that yet but would consider 15mg and she said there has been no proof that there is any difference changing to 15mg...So confused oh yes i'm still confused...discouraged yes i'm still discouraged...I just want to be better and dont want to give up on something that might help but i'm really having thoughts that scare me...I know this is long and I apoligize..but thank you for listening and thank you so much for answering...God bless you all...Thanks Mystic
Posted by KathrynLex on March 2, 2004, at 18:14:15
In reply to Re: Mystic, please post today -- Mystic, posted by mystic on March 2, 2004, at 17:21:40
Hi Mystic,
It sounds like you had a really rough day. Healing is a long and difficult process, but I can assure you that things get easier and your life will begin to improve soon.
I'm on 15 mgs of Lexapro and have noticed a significant improvement from 10 mgs. But of course, don't increase until you're ready.
Taking meds can be difficult, especially when you're afraid to take them. But you did find the strength to take a Xanax this morning and nothing bad came of it. Next time you need to take one, try to remind yourself of the positive experiences you've had with Xanax. (Or take a smaller dose. I've cut .25 mgs of Xanax in half and it's still effective.)
I know you want things to get better, they WILL improve. You only have to wait a few weeks. You might try getting a calendar and crossing off the number of days you've been taking Lexapro. Around Week 9 you'll know if it's effective or not. Also, keep a diary of how you feel each day...it helps to look back at it and you'll start to see subtle improvements.
You're doing a wonderful job of hanging in there. It's difficult, but you've held on for quite a while! You have the strength in you to wait just a little bit longer.
K.
Posted by mystic on March 2, 2004, at 18:15:56
In reply to Re: Mystic, please post today -- Mystic » mystic, posted by LynneDa on March 2, 2004, at 17:40:57
Thank you Lynne...Thank you so much...My phobia is just that the meds are for your mind and I hate not having control that is where the anxiety comes in...My childhood was very horrible and that is where it came from but I dont want to dwell on that I want to get past it and move on...So my plan was to take the meds and get to some good counceling that would take care of the problem not the past and to figure out why the anxiety is that bad where I want to commit suicide...I have been on the Lexapro 10mgs for 3 weeks actually all together will be 4 weeks tomorrow started on 5mgs..and trying to deal with the side effects and adding the xanax is soo hard. I do know that I was feeling great last week and then I crashed again..I have a lot on my plate right now and it doesnt make things easier...I try to take care of everyone and then I get this way...So to answer the question about why I have a phobia about the meds is because of the lose of control..After my childhood any lose of control scares me to death..I read the posts and I get inspiration and help ...tremendous help that someone understands and is willing to help..If you havent been through anxiety/depression there is just no way of knowing what people go through it is impossible to explain or to know...and people here know and help...Thank you soooo much Lynne your an angel...Mystic
Posted by mystic on March 2, 2004, at 18:28:39
In reply to Re: Mystic, please post today -- Mystic » mystic, posted by KathrynLex on March 2, 2004, at 18:14:15
Thank you K...I appreciate your feedback...and thank you very much....I am going to hang in there and you are soooo right I do journal and I heard someplace many years ago that "the worst part about depression is that it makes you think that you will never get any better"...I try to remember that...I pray tomorrow will be a better day...Take care and thank you so much ..Mystic
Posted by sexylexy on March 2, 2004, at 19:00:10
In reply to Re: lex and time of the month?, posted by mystic on March 2, 2004, at 17:31:10
Mystic,
What are you suicidal thoughts like? Mine were bad for a while, it was like a flash, or quick thought of harming myself. It was so scary because I knew I did not want to ever hurt myself but it was just so scary to not have that control over my thoughts. I even got to the point where I was scared to shave my legs or open the silverware drawer because of the blades.
I was on 10mg for 9 weeks and bumped it up to 15 today. I did notice a huge decrease in the suicidal flashes. At this point, first second day of week 10, I am having just about none of those horrible feelings. I am not back to "me" yet but thank God everyday that those feelings have disapated. Yours will too!!!!
A clean shaven and meat cutting
Lexy
Posted by wantinfo on March 2, 2004, at 19:05:41
In reply to Re: lex and time of the month? » mystic, posted by sexylexy on March 2, 2004, at 19:00:46
lexy i have had the same thoughts...and its so crazy bc i KNOW i would never want to harm myself or anyone else, it is just so unlike me to even think that. im just like, what if i go crazy and try to hurt myself or someone else? i can usually snap myself out of that. also i am terrified about health problems...like that i would have an aneurysm (sp?) or something...so weird...again it may just be pms, bc i was feeling less anxious for awhile!
Posted by sexylexy on March 2, 2004, at 19:13:43
In reply to Re: Mystic, please post today -- Mystic, posted by mystic on March 2, 2004, at 18:28:39
Mystic,
Can you tell me a little about your suicidal ideation? Mine were like flashes of harming myself, or like thoughts of myself actually doing that. It is not at all like I wanted to kill myself, but I could not stop these pictures from popping into my head. It was the most awful experience of my life. They lasted about 7 weeks on lexapro, they got progressively less and less and at this point are pretty much gone. Mine were so bad, I would panic each time I saw my razor or a knife blade. I would hear something about suicide on TV and freak out. Know that now, my legs are clean shaven and I am cutting my meat (hehe). Good luck to you, know that it will get better. You took a wonderful step in taking this medication, if you have issues with taking medication, try to look to it as a vitamin, thats what I do, weird but it helps me. God Bless you, you will make it though and we will be here for your journey.
Lexy
Posted by sexylexy on March 2, 2004, at 19:22:14
In reply to Re: lex and time of the month?, posted by wantinfo on March 2, 2004, at 19:05:41
Wow !
Its like your reading my mind (hahaha). I for sure would never harm myself or another person, but its like you get so anxious that your body looks for a way out. I found that mine was much better when I am taking good care of myself.
I am a therapist a constantly tell my clients to "self-care" do anything to make themselves feel good. I tell them to have their nails done, take bubble baths, read a good book, excercise, eat a good meal. I have started taking my own advice, I get my nails done each week, do some excercise and even got a massage the other day. It really does help. Especially during that time for me 10 days before my period, the self care is super important. Good luck, know the lexapro will help with those yuck and scary thoughts!
God Bless,
Lexy
Posted by mrs c on March 2, 2004, at 19:31:02
In reply to Re: Mystic, please post today., posted by mystic on March 1, 2004, at 19:43:10
Hi! So glad to hear from you! I know that it is difficult and hard to believe that anyone else can relate to your feelings. I remember all too well those feelings of not being able to handle the daily stresses of life. I could give you examples but I think you know what I mean. I am 38, work part-time, have 2 very active children who are 8 & 11. I also do many volunteer activities. It got to the point where I was considering quitting my job, pulling the kids from their activities and resigning from my volunteering. I just could not handle anything at all! I was a quivering mess of a woman on the inside. I kept up a pretty good front for others but inside myself I was crumbling. One day in October I found myself so full of anxiety, crying all the time, shaking during stressful situations and snapping at just about everyone. My whole attitude in general just went down hill fast! I also had this terrible feeling of dread that something horrible was coming my way. In my case, I obsessed about illnesses. Any little symptom worried me that I was terminal, honest! Not a fun way to live. Lexapro has changed all of that and more. My general outlook on life is so much better. I still struggle with the obsessive thoughts about illness from time to time especially around my time of the month. The different thing now is that I know these feelings are coming from my illness and that makes it a little easier to deal with them. It's almost like a fog has lifted and I can see things a little clearer. I'm praying and hoping for your recovery from this hole that you are in. I know that it will come because I dug myself out of it recently and so can you! Keep looking forward to the wonderful future I know you will have. Bye for now. Mrs. C
Posted by mystic on March 2, 2004, at 19:32:25
In reply to Re: lex and time of the month? » mystic, posted by sexylexy on March 2, 2004, at 19:00:10
Lexy....My thoughts are that I want to commit suicide if these feelings dont go away that I no longer want to live day to day with depression and anxiety and not really having a life...My life revolves around being afraid from the time I wake up in the morning until the time I go to bed at night...I just dont feel like I'm going to come out of it..I'm a very personable, funny, outgoing, everyones idea of a happy person and they just have no idea what goes on inside and that I have to struggle to not let people know..But I have had thoughts that I will hurt myself if this feeling doesnt go away...I'm a very impatient person...But thank you for sharing like i have said many times lately..I does help.thank you Mystic
Posted by mystic on March 2, 2004, at 20:08:13
In reply to Re: Mystic, please post today., posted by mrs c on March 2, 2004, at 19:31:02
Great to hear from you Mrs. C....I find myself coming home from work and hoping that I have an posting from you...We seem to be a lot alike...I just got done writing a whole post and it got erased...Well I am 41 and my depression started after a long stressful time...My daughter is 21 and she finally told us last April that she was struggling with bulemia/anorxia this was a shock to us as she is a beautiful girl who never had a weight problem...We were dealing with this and she was trying to get it under control and was having problems with her kidneys, liver and heart when because of her eating disorder and taking birth control it didnt work and she became pregnant...Somewhat of a shock to us as this was not what I wanted for her life College was starting and I had hoped this would happen at a much later time...(not to mention I'm way too young to be a grandmother 41)...But it has worked out really good...she is happy she is having a boy and her boyfriend and her are happy and looking forward to the future...So after all this stress I thought I had done really well..but that wasnt the case then came the deep darkness and anxiety that i'm dealing with now..And the worst thing is I have got things I need to do and take care of ...I'm just not sure I'm coming out of it this time and that is very very scary for me..I feel like this is it and there isnt going to be a me again...It feels like it would be better without me and everyone having to worry about me...Everything should be good and I'm stuck in the darkness ...Trying a medication that I dont wnat to be on and having a terrible time with the side effects..Mrs C...how many mgs are you on and how long have you been on Lexapro ..and do you take anything like xanax with it?...I'm sorry this has been quite the long posting...Just was letting you know where I was coming from...Thank you for listening and Take care of yourself...I will truely help others as you have helped me if and when I ever feel better...Thank you...Mystic
Posted by mrs c on March 2, 2004, at 21:06:45
In reply to re: Mrs. C., posted by mystic on March 2, 2004, at 20:08:13
Hello Mystic,
Just got the kids to bed and the house is finally quiet. I have been on lex for five months now at 10mgs. My first month on the medication was a nightmare for me. I began taking lex to combat the anxiety I was feeling but lex seemed to make me more anxious. Once I found this board and realized that I was not alone things turned around for me. I had hope. That is my prayer for you tonight, that reading all of these wonderful posts directed to you from people who truly care and know exactly what you are going through will give you hope that you will come out of this okay. Life will not be better without you and I'm sure your family will share that with me. As mothers, many people count on us and often we are so busy providing that to them that we forget about ourselves. Maybe it's time for you to admit that. You are the most important person in your life right now. Take care of you!One of the best things about this "group therapy" is that we can share our experiences to help others and we find out that we are not unique in our problems. That others have them too. Maybe not exactly the same problems, but life altering problems that we are seeking help for. It's okay to need help and to ask for it. I totally understand your fear of medication but I believe that sometimes they are necessary. I can hear the desperation in your words and I feel for you. But 3 weeks is really not all that long for Lex. It takes about 6 weeks. At nine weeks I was feeling the full effects. I'm sure that sounds like forever to you and I hope that you will reconsider your feelings about trying something else to help you get there. Personally I haven't but I'm not you. You seem to really need a little extra. There's nothing wrong with that Mystic. Just let the drugs do their job. I will check back with you tomorrow. Mrs. C
Posted by simus on March 2, 2004, at 21:14:01
In reply to RE: 5 Days on Lexapro-5 Days Off Paxil, posted by titlepro49 on March 2, 2004, at 16:40:56
Wow, it seems a little radical to me to destroy your thyroid completely, but what do I know? I was just wondering, did hyperthyroidism have similar symptoms to anxiety disorder?
Posted by simus on March 2, 2004, at 21:44:06
In reply to re: Mrs. C., posted by mystic on March 2, 2004, at 20:08:13
> My daughter is 21 and she finally told us last April that she was struggling with bulemia/anorxia this was a shock to us as she is a beautiful girl who never had a weight problem...
Tendencies toward depression/anxiety/eating disorders/etc can be genetic. I hope I am not adding another burden to your load, but please try to watch your daughter for post-partum depression after the baby is born (or make someone else aware to look for signs of it).
Posted by mystic on March 2, 2004, at 22:05:14
In reply to re: Mrs. C., posted by mrs c on March 2, 2004, at 21:06:45
Thank you once again Mrs C....you have made me feel better and given me some comfort before going to bed...Your an angel...Thank you so much and will check in again tomorrow night after work...Take care Mystic
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