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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by nitowl17 on May 10, 2003, at 15:51:12
In reply to New to Lexapro and feeling awful, posted by jjana on May 8, 2003, at 13:42:39
> Hello out there,
>
> I'm new to this board. I've been reading it for a while but this is the first time I've posted anything. My psychiatrist (pdoc?) just started me on Lexapro, and I'm in my third day. The first day I took 10mg, but that left me feeling So terrible, nauseous, out of it that I cut back to 5mgs the second day. I felt better, but this morning woke up with awful stomach cramps and diarrhea. I've also been having jaw clenching and muscle cramps.
>
> Also, I'm taking it for anxiety and depression, and right now my anxiety is about 10 times worse than when I started.
>
> Did anybody else out there suffer such severe side effects when you started Lexapro? If so, how long did they last, and did the drug end up helping you or not?
>
> I'm trying to decide if I should call my pdoc (I'm getting the lingo down) and ask for something extra for the anxiety, but I feel almost too anxious to call him up. I used to be afraid to make phone calls, and that seems to have come back suddenly. I'd like to just wait it out, but I'm a college student with finals this week, and I don't know what to do. I feel totally incapacitated, sick, scared, UGH.
>
> Sorry this is so long. Please, if anybody can offer me any comfort or advise, I'll be forever greatful. You all seem like such good friends and so supportive, I'd love to be part of your community.
>
> Thanks for listening,
> JanaThings went pretty well to start off with but I'm now getting a continual upset stomach and loss of appetite. I take nexium for gerd so I stopped that . That didn'nt seem to help so I tried to back off ambien that didn't seem to help (or a least didn't completely fix it) so now I'm backing off the Lexapro at least for a while to see if I can get on top of this. Lexapro seems to be the source of the problem . I will post later to let others know the results.
Hang in there, Nitowl
Posted by Suziq4 on May 10, 2003, at 19:16:38
In reply to Re: Cost of Lexapro » Suziq4, posted by Dysfunk on May 5, 2003, at 12:38:01
> What is so frustrating is when you are switching over to a new medication and have to keep buying different mgs of the same medicine. I was on Effexor for a while and had 3 diff scripts for when I was increasing the dosage and when I was withdrawing. Plus, I am on Prozac (generic- finally). Of course we want relief, so we do it, but do our $180/hr shrinks realize all this trial and error is costly to us patients???
I don't think any of the healthcare professionals give and the drug companies give two hoots about us and prescription cost! I have insurance and I think that $17 a month is alot of money. My Pdoc didn't even offer me a free sample.
Posted by Donia on May 10, 2003, at 21:27:09
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful » vandy, posted by Okpolosi on May 10, 2003, at 11:39:40
for armpit sweat, I use Certain Dry antiperspirant. I can only find it at one drug store in town. It can be a little irritating at first but it works for me. I have had the armpit sweating problem for the past few years on or off medication. I hope this helps.
Posted by Donia on May 10, 2003, at 21:31:50
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful » jjana, posted by nitowl17 on May 10, 2003, at 15:51:12
I have taken zoloft in the past and now lexapro. The first month on both, my anxiety was worse. It was a side effect for me and did go away. On the zoloft I took xanax for a while as I was in such bad shape anyway by the time I went to the doc for meds. This time I just toughed it out. The side effect of increased anxiety wasnt as bad with the lex though.
Posted by pumpkin on May 10, 2003, at 23:21:35
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful » blkvettes, posted by JaneB on May 10, 2003, at 15:17:15
Hey guys,
Just thought I would answer to this post with
what has happened to me.If it wasen't for meds., I probably wouldn't
be here today. As in previous posts- I "fought"
the major depression and panic attacks for 7-8
years without meds. I went through "therapy"
(counseling), hospitalizations, shock treatments,
etc. If anyone could say anything- it would be
me! This has been for most of my adult life!
No, med is not a "cure all", but when your brain
is racked and racked, and you've been through
what I've been, you come to a "balanced" conclusion- it's not all pysch! I hate having to
depend on meds to live, but I'm at "peace" within
myself if the Lord uses them to help me to live!
Just like a diabetic, or cancer patient, etc...
I believe that something went astray somewhere
in my brain. Science hasen't even hardly "addressed" the brain yet! There is so
much "unknown" ground! However, if someone is
going through depression, anxiety, etc., and KNOWS
why- this may be a different story. I know of
people who use the meds only a short time, and
then get off of them- which is great!As far as "addiction" goes- I think they can all
be addicting! Go off the meds, and there's
"withdrawel", stay on and they become a habit.In a nutshell, there are all different kinds of
"labels" (diagnosis)- all different levels-
all different symptoms, etc. If one "theory"
was correct- why is there so much pain still?I've been on both sides, seeking answers all the
time. I've got to live with me (my family too-
feel sorry for them! LOL!!!). Anyway, I don't
"wish" to go through another nervous breakdown,
nor to be "sick" and go through my life with the
past again! My water pot may be "cracked" alittle
but, I can still help the flowers around me to
grow!Lex has "helped" me by keeping my levels in
check. I DO understand where you are coming from,
and I hope that I haven't offended anyone. This
is not my intention(s).
Posted by under the weather on May 11, 2003, at 1:02:03
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful, posted by pumpkin on May 10, 2003, at 23:21:35
I'm new to all this and don't know that I understand everything said, but depression runs in my family and so I think that would be chemical. I just started lex 3 days ago, noticed a lot of yawning during the day, and now I'm up at 12am, alert with nausea. Was on Wellbutrin but had severe head aches. Has anyone come off of lex and not had to start something new? I expect this to be a "get me balanced again" thing and then let my body take over, but I'm hearing a lot of what sounds like long term meds talk. I'd like to hear your thoughts on this. Also, I'm newly hyper thyroid and wondering how this depression may be related. Any comments?
Posted by leeran on May 11, 2003, at 1:10:08
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful, posted by pumpkin on May 10, 2003, at 23:21:35
My husband's analysis is that the medications even me out enough to deal with everyday reality/stress.
In my case, I truly believe this is a chemical imbalance that is very much heriditary (possibly on both sides of the family) and has been exacerbated by early menopause.
A friend of mine tells me (quite often) that if I had gone through twelve years of therapy I wouldn't need medications, however, when she asked me (a few weeks ago) if I feel depressed the very minute I wake up, and I answered "yes," she reconsidered her suggestion, conceding that perhaps my depression is, in large part, the result of a chemical imbalance.
I have no doubt that a childhood spent with a mother who also suffers from severe depression, and perhaps even borderline personality disorder, had an impact on the way I react to stress and to certain social situations, but there's just too much of a difference on the medications to believe that they don't really work (in my instance - can't speak for anyone else).
I just spent the last hour laughing to the point of tears with my son and husband. One month ago that wouldn't have been possible. I attribute that to the medications.
Posted by blkvettes on May 11, 2003, at 1:17:13
In reply to do the meds really work? my opinion, posted by leeran on May 11, 2003, at 1:10:08
> I just spent the last hour laughing to the point of tears with my son and husband. One month ago that wouldn't have been possible. I attribute that to the medications.
>
>
I am happy for you, I know the feeling!!!!! Took my daughter to get earrings today at walmart. First time I have been in there since last year. I hope things continue in the right direction for you. It is tough, we are still going to have our bad days!!!!!! But at least we can enjoy some good ones to!!!! TAKE CARE!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by blkvettes on May 11, 2003, at 1:22:59
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful, posted by under the weather on May 11, 2003, at 1:01:35
> I'm new to all this and don't know that I understand everything said, but depression runs in my family and so I think that would be chemical. I just started lex 3 days ago, noticed a lot of yawning during the day, and now I'm up at 12am, alert with nausea. Was on Wellbutrin but had severe head aches. Has anyone come off of lex and not had to start something new? I expect this to be a "get me balanced again" thing and then let my body take over, but I'm hearing a lot of what sounds like long term meds talk. I'd like to hear your thoughts on this. Also, I'm newly hyper thyroid and wondering how this depression may be related. Any comments?
Hi there, your stomach should settle down with time. I have read people who quit there meds in the first 3 years 2 out of 3 will become depressed again. Are you asking if your thyroid can cause depression. If so the answer would be yes. Talk to your doctor on this!!!!
Posted by leeran on May 11, 2003, at 1:24:25
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful, posted by under the weather on May 11, 2003, at 1:02:03
Hi there Under the Weather,
I'm sorry to hear about the nausea you're experiencing. I wonder if those sea bands would help? A friend of mine used them during pregnancy and said they really cut down on the nauseousness.
Re: thyroid - I think depression can be related to thyroid disorders. I read a great book about this several years ago (but can't remember the title). If I think of it I'll post an Amazon link.
I'm on a combination of Adderall, Wellbutrin and 5 mg. of Lexapro. I take the Lexapro pretty late in the evening.
I was on 10 mg. (and went off) about six weeks ago. I found 10 mg. to be high of a dosage and simply couldn't take it in the morning without being zombie-like the rest of the day.
Many people here have done well with Lexapro, which has encouraged me to stay with it this time. Blkvettes, Okopolosi (sp?) and 'lil Jimi are three that come to mind immediately. Maybe you can do a search over the last few months and get a feel for the different side effects and how they have fared with this medication.
This Monday will be the third week mark for me, but considering the other medications I'm taking I might not be the best for comparison.
I hope you start feeling better soon. You'll get a lot of great words of wisdom from the long-term Lexapro (and non-Lexapro users as well) users here on this board.
Best wishes!
Lee
Posted by under the weather on May 11, 2003, at 1:25:02
In reply to Re: do the meds really work? my opinion, posted by blkvettes on May 11, 2003, at 1:17:13
Did you have to go thru more than one med before finding something that works? What about side effects - stomach, headache, sex, sleep?
Posted by under the weather on May 11, 2003, at 1:33:42
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful » under the weather, posted by leeran on May 11, 2003, at 1:24:25
Thanks for your feedback and encouragement. I know there are a lot of meds out there and each body unique, acknowledging your multi med situation as well as some others I've read in this forum, it appears it might be tricky for the docs to prescibe acurately 1st go round. Take care.
Posted by blkvettes on May 11, 2003, at 1:36:13
In reply to Re: do the meds really work? my opinion, posted by under the weather on May 11, 2003, at 1:25:02
> Did you have to go thru more than one med before finding something that works? What about side effects - stomach, headache, sex, sleep?
Hi, I tried paxil and zoloft but had allergic reactions to them!!!! I have always had insomnia, but now that the med works when I fall asleep I sleep great. You may have trouble sleeping for awhile and that goes away. I had no headaches, but others have and these also go away. Take something for the stomach and head that is safe!!!
I am a male and have no problem with sex, but women complain about this side effect.
Posted by leeran on May 11, 2003, at 1:38:45
In reply to Re: do the meds really work? my opinion, posted by blkvettes on May 11, 2003, at 1:17:13
Blkvettes,
You are such an inspiration. As you may recall, I read all of your posts in one afternoon and saw, in fast forward, the difference Lexapro has made in your life.
Re: getting out and actually enjoying life again . . . our son is fifteen and I just told my husband tonight that I'm thrilled that he still likes to go places with us (on occasion). He is so funny and full of life, and truly is a joy to be around. We went to the Grove, which is adjacent to the Farmer's Market and, despite the crowds, I thoroughly enjoyed myself and didn't feel the least bit panicky.
I'm glad you were able to go out with your daughter today! It sounds like you had a great time and the trip was yet another milestone for you!
I really started to feel a difference on Wednesday, which would have been day sixteen. I made it through a long dental appointment Thursday and actually felt good on the drive to the dentist's office.
Thanks for posting back. You're right, there will be not-so-good days, but that's just the way life is, I suppose. My main concern is keeping the black cloud at bay.
Have a good weekend!
Lee
Posted by blkvettes on May 11, 2003, at 1:40:28
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful, posted by under the weather on May 11, 2003, at 1:33:42
it appears it might be tricky for the docs to prescibe acurately 1st go round. Take care.
Its a constant guessing game and we are the pawns!!!!!
Posted by Snoozy on May 11, 2003, at 1:44:45
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful, posted by under the weather on May 11, 2003, at 1:01:35
Hi! Are you taking any medication for hyperthyroid? I have a family member recently diagnosed with it and the medication can have some yucky side effects, including nausea and vomiting. I don't know much about what effects the condition by itself would have.
Is the yawning you experience related to sleepiness/fatigue? Or are you just yawning even though you're alert? I have heard of Prozac causing this type of yawning (when you're alert that is).
> I'm new to all this and don't know that I understand everything said, but depression runs in my family and so I think that would be chemical. I just started lex 3 days ago, noticed a lot of yawning during the day, and now I'm up at 12am, alert with nausea. Was on Wellbutrin but had severe head aches. Has anyone come off of lex and not had to start something new? I expect this to be a "get me balanced again" thing and then let my body take over, but I'm hearing a lot of what sounds like long term meds talk. I'd like to hear your thoughts on this. Also, I'm newly hyper thyroid and wondering how this depression may be related. Any comments?
Posted by blkvettes on May 11, 2003, at 1:45:48
In reply to Re: do the meds really work? my opinion » blkvettes, posted by leeran on May 11, 2003, at 1:38:45
> Blkvettes,
>
> You are such an inspiration. As you may recall, I read all of your posts in one afternoon and saw, in fast forward, the difference Lexapro has made in your life.
>
> Re: getting out and actually enjoying life again . . . our son is fifteen and I just told my husband tonight that I'm thrilled that he still likes to go places with us (on occasion). He is so funny and full of life, and truly is a joy to be around. We went to the Grove, which is adjacent to the Farmer's Market and, despite the crowds, I thoroughly enjoyed myself and didn't feel the least bit panicky.
>
> I'm glad you were able to go out with your daughter today! It sounds like you had a great time and the trip was yet another milestone for you!
>
> I really started to feel a difference on Wednesday, which would have been day sixteen. I made it through a long dental appointment Thursday and actually felt good on the drive to the dentist's office.
>
> Thanks for posting back. You're right, there will be not-so-good days, but that's just the way life is, I suppose. My main concern is keeping the black cloud at bay.
>
> Have a good weekend!
>
> LeeYes, I hope the black cloud stays away for long periods of time!!!!!! A little rain is not bad as long as it is a short shower and the sun comes back out. You sound well and I am happy for you!!! I know you take a lot of stuff, but whatever works I guess!!!! You and your family have a great weekend also!!!!
WAYNE
>
>
Posted by under the weather on May 11, 2003, at 1:51:31
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful » under the weather, posted by Snoozy on May 11, 2003, at 1:44:45
I am on Methimazole for the thyroid and have been on a few mos. Pharmacist said no neg interaction with lex. I contacted my endocrinologist about the depression 1st & asked for recheck of my levels. She declined until my appt in June and referred me back to the GP. Labs aren't in yet, but I couldn't wait. I needed help now. The yawning seems to be related to taking lex. It makes me wonder why? Oxygen, iron, just playing with my head? thanks for your thoughts.
Posted by leeran on May 11, 2003, at 1:58:27
In reply to Re: do the meds really work? my opinion, posted by blkvettes on May 11, 2003, at 1:45:48
You know, I can't believe I take all these medications. I really trust my psychiatrist, but I've still had more than a few moments of feeling really freaked out (only words to describe it) about my daily cocktail.
Then, this last week the dermatologist added an anti-androgenic medication for acne. Lovely.
But, the good thing (?) is that I'm feeling a lot better (most days) and I'm losing weight for the first time in several years (I've lost twenty seven pounds in the last two years but each pound seemed to take about a month to lose!)
I take it you're on the Lexapro alone? 7.5 mg. as I recall?
Posted by under the weather on May 11, 2003, at 2:03:48
In reply to Re: do the meds really work? my opinion » blkvettes, posted by leeran on May 11, 2003, at 1:58:27
I've been taking 10mg of lex. But after finding this chat tonight, I'm considering cutting back to 5mg. I'll see how I am in the morning, I am a mom and can't be sleeping thru the day. I will also take the advice of taking it later in the day. Coming to terms with taking meds can be difficult, it can be even harder sometimes for family members to accept.
Posted by leeran on May 11, 2003, at 2:07:37
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful, posted by under the weather on May 11, 2003, at 1:51:31
UTW (my acronym for your name :-),
I found the Lexapro alone (more accurately, the Lexapro without Wellbutrin) to be very exhausting. I don't recall yawning but I hardly felt able to function (I didn't realize that my psychiatrist wanted me to stay on Wellbutrin and add Lexapro, so I really messed myself up for about a month and it's taken quite a bit to get back on track).
Are you taking 10 mg. of Lexapro? I know that's the smallest dosage available without using a pill cutter to go down to 5 mg. or 2.5 (which I did a few times in the last few weeks).
I have noticed a headache at about 4:00 every afternoon since taking Lexapro, which is easily relieved with two Extra Strength Excedrin. Today was the first day I didn't need the Excedrin. I just realized that.
I really didn't start to feel a positive difference until day sixteen (and that's on 5 mg. per day). I've read of some people not seeing much difference until the four week mark.
Hang in there!!! Most of these anti-depressants (SSRIs) seem to take at least two weeks to really get in your system and make a difference.
Posted by under the weather on May 11, 2003, at 2:14:07
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful » under the weather, posted by leeran on May 11, 2003, at 2:07:37
Thanks a bunch. I feel better already knowing that I'm not alone on this. I'm going to try to get some sleep. Kids will be up in about 3-4 hrs. thanks again.
Posted by leeran on May 11, 2003, at 2:18:45
In reply to Re: do the meds really work? my opinion, posted by under the weather on May 11, 2003, at 2:03:48
Are you taking the 10 mg. in the morning? That's what I was doing, and even with 40 mg. of Adderall, which is a pretty powerful stimulant, I was completely wiped out.
RE: family members. I think it was hardest for my mother back when I was diagnosed with depression by an internist (about seven or eight years ago). She has always battled depression and I guess she was hoping I had dodged the family bullet. I'm not sure if I had dodged it for all those years - or just ignored it. One thing I do know for certain is that "haywire hormones" have played a big part in my depression.
Luckily, my husband is very supportive and more or less begs me NOT to go off medication (for a long time it was Prozac alone). My M.O. is that start feeling better and think that I can "do it on my own."
It's hard adjusting to a new medication. I think it can be even more difficult when you have children/family to attend to throughout the day/night.
Ultimately, you're making a big step toward feeling better - which is for your benefit and for the benefit of your family. It might be rough at the beginning but the long-term effect should be well worth it!
Posted by blkvettes on May 11, 2003, at 3:18:15
In reply to Re: do the meds really work? my opinion » blkvettes, posted by leeran on May 11, 2003, at 1:58:27
> You know, I can't believe I take all these medications. I really trust my psychiatrist, but I've still had more than a few moments of feeling really freaked out (only words to describe it) about my daily cocktail.
>
> Then, this last week the dermatologist added an anti-androgenic medication for acne. Lovely.
>
> But, the good thing (?) is that I'm feeling a lot better (most days) and I'm losing weight for the first time in several years (I've lost twenty seven pounds in the last two years but each pound seemed to take about a month to lose!)
>
> I take it you're on the Lexapro alone? 7.5 mg. as I recall?
>
>
>
>
Yep, just about 7.5mg and take just a little xanax. I have been up to 10 on the lex and back down and under the 7.5 and back. I keep trying to find the perfect dose. I think what I need is to just leave it at one dose and just be patient. Attack all my fears and all the anxiety will pass. I have refused to give in on this illness. My last hurdle is the 1 hour drive to the beach by myself. Everything is not perfect, I have family problems still with my wife drinking. Dont know what I will do about that. It bothers me very much and I am surprised I have gotten this far with her passed out time to time. I guess I will deal with her last. Just cant keep watching her do this night after night. Many nights I need her and she is a vegetable. I know this holds me back a lot. Its enough to make anyone in the best of health to become depressed!!!!!! But I will keep up the fight for me and my daughter. GOD BLESS!!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by vandy on May 11, 2003, at 4:12:39
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful » blkvettes, posted by JaneB on May 10, 2003, at 15:17:15
I'm no expert. Having admitted that I believe that AD's are helpers. They get you to the place where you can function and you do the rest. Some people can then stop the AD. Many can not due to tricks their genetic make up played on their body chemistry. I'm sure grateful for the advance of science which lets us target an imbalance with more and more specificity so we can get on with our lives with fewer and fewer negative side effects.
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