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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by vandy on July 17, 2003, at 16:04:06
In reply to re: second appointment, posted by sandiegogal on July 16, 2003, at 20:17:30
I don't know if this will help but here goes. Part of my depression was my inability to see myself as a flawed human being. I have been told I'm very intelligent and the tests I've taken in my life seem to confirm that. If I'm so intelligent why couldn't I just snap out of it? Why do I need some chemical? How can I do something which might make me chemically dependent?
Here's how I finally dealt with that. First of all, I don't like myself when I'm depressed. That's not how I see myself. I am less productive, less opportunistic, less able to plan for the future, less capable of thinking of tomorrow, less pleasant company to other people and less pleasant company to myself. So what? How does that justify my consideration of some chemical introduced to my body. Then I learned about the serotonin effect. This is a chemical. But it's a chemical that is found naturally in my body. The SSRI I'm taking allows it to work its magic on me.
But chemically dependent? I think of my best friend Don. Don is diabetic. He takes chemicals. It helps his body process sugar. Without the chemicals he dies. Like me, his body needs help.
Maybe some day I can wean myself from this chemical. For me it's too soon. The light, my friend, just went on for me TODAY! I am a big guy. I stand 6' 4" and weigh over 280 pounds. It took lots of lex (20 mg) a long time to bring me back to me. Thanks and praise be to God and the folk who imported this formula.
Don't deprive yourself and cheat yourself out of a good life. Chemicals run rampant through your entire body. They are a necessity. In our case, sometimes we need just a little help.
Posted by BLKVETTES on July 17, 2003, at 16:17:52
In reply to re: second appointment, posted by vandy on July 17, 2003, at 16:04:06
> I don't know if this will help but here goes. Part of my depression was my inability to see myself as a flawed human being. I have been told I'm very intelligent and the tests I've taken in my life seem to confirm that. If I'm so intelligent why couldn't I just snap out of it? Why do I need some chemical? How can I do something which might make me chemically dependent?
>
> Here's how I finally dealt with that. First of all, I don't like myself when I'm depressed. That's not how I see myself. I am less productive, less opportunistic, less able to plan for the future, less capable of thinking of tomorrow, less pleasant company to other people and less pleasant company to myself. So what? How does that justify my consideration of some chemical introduced to my body. Then I learned about the serotonin effect. This is a chemical. But it's a chemical that is found naturally in my body. The SSRI I'm taking allows it to work its magic on me.
>
> But chemically dependent? I think of my best friend Don. Don is diabetic. He takes chemicals. It helps his body process sugar. Without the chemicals he dies. Like me, his body needs help.
>
> Maybe some day I can wean myself from this chemical. For me it's too soon. The light, my friend, just went on for me TODAY! I am a big guy. I stand 6' 4" and weigh over 280 pounds. It took lots of lex (20 mg) a long time to bring me back to me. Thanks and praise be to God and the folk who imported this formula.
>
> Don't deprive yourself and cheat yourself out of a good life. Chemicals run rampant through your entire body. They are a necessity. In our case, sometimes we need just a little help.
Hi there Vandy, that was a very good post!!!! Glad your feeling good!!!! TAKE CARE!!!
WAYNE
Posted by sandiegogal on July 17, 2003, at 17:35:11
In reply to re: second appointment, posted by BLKVETTES on July 17, 2003, at 16:17:52
Thanks so much for helping me with this stuff and sharing your experience. I hope to walk through this fear of not being able to control my depression/anxiety on my own.
Posted by liesl on July 17, 2003, at 19:44:27
In reply to Re: Rich or Mitch, posted by Donia on July 11, 2003, at 21:42:24
Hello,
I'm currently switching from Lexapro to effexor because I've gained about 20 punds in the last seven months since I started it. I am so tired all the time and I have no motivation to do anything, though the anxiety was almost zero. My doctor has me on 20 mg of Lexapro plus 37.5 mg of Effexor this week which will change to 10/75 next week. Anyone else switching from the Lexapro due to the sleepiness/laziness?Liesl
Posted by oldhand on July 17, 2003, at 23:25:35
In reply to old hand, Re: second appointment, posted by McPac on July 14, 2003, at 22:08:47
> "that I have been on 20mg of Lex for 5 weeks now and had the second appointment with the pdoc today. I have felt signifigantly better on that dosage"
>
> >>>>>>>>>>>> So the 20 mg dosage made you feel much better than your previous dose...what was your previous dose and how long did you give that dose a try? How long after you bumped your Lexapro up to 20 mg did the better feelings start? (I ask because I have been on Lexapro for 2 weeks (at 10 mg's) and was thinking about bumping the dose up). Thanks!!!!!!!Hi McPac,
I was on 10mg for around seven months. I moved in the interim and had difficulty finding a new doc. I guess I noticed feeling better around the fourth week of the new dosage.
If you dont't mind a comment: two weeks may not be long enough to feel any effects from the Lexapro. I believe most of us here waited four or more weeks and even longer before we noticed any therapeutic effect. I know there are others who have almost become discouraged at their original dose, only for it to kick in later on.
Good luck and keep us posted.
Peace for all our souls,
Posted by Kayla on July 18, 2003, at 13:12:50
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I have been on celexa, and i am currently on lexapro. I find that they both cause tiredness, but lexapro has no sexual side effects.
Posted by arrianna on July 18, 2003, at 15:11:48
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Kayla on July 18, 2003, at 13:12:56
Hi. I am a recent user of Lexapro. I've only been taking it for almost two weeks. This is my first time on an anti-depressant and it was prescribed for me for anxiety.
The first couple of days on Lexapro was great. It seemed my anxiety instantly improved. Although my anxiety still is showing an improvement, I am concerned about the side effects.
Though I've had my bouts with depression in the past, I was not depressed before starting Lexapro. Yet after being on it for only a short time, I've been experiencing a depressed mood as well as tiredness and loss of libido.
I understand that nausea and loss of sexual desire are both common side effects. However, I have not heard that a depressed mood is. I was just wondering if this is normal.
I am also curious to whether others with more experience can tell me if the side effects (tiredness, etc.) get better after time? Do they go away?
I'd really like to continue lexapro because it has improved my anxiety, yet I am thinking it may be best to quit taking it if these side effects continue to persist. If so, it doesn't seem to me that the benefits outweigh the risks.
Any hope or knowledge about this would be greatly appreciated. -Thank You!
Posted by BLKVETTES on July 18, 2003, at 15:55:10
In reply to new user of Lexapro, posted by arrianna on July 18, 2003, at 15:11:48
> Hi. I am a recent user of Lexapro. I've only been taking it for almost two weeks. This is my first time on an anti-depressant and it was prescribed for me for anxiety.
>
> The first couple of days on Lexapro was great. It seemed my anxiety instantly improved. Although my anxiety still is showing an improvement, I am concerned about the side effects.
>
> Though I've had my bouts with depression in the past, I was not depressed before starting Lexapro. Yet after being on it for only a short time, I've been experiencing a depressed mood as well as tiredness and loss of libido.
>
> I understand that nausea and loss of sexual desire are both common side effects. However, I have not heard that a depressed mood is. I was just wondering if this is normal.
>
> I am also curious to whether others with more experience can tell me if the side effects (tiredness, etc.) get better after time? Do they go away?
>
> I'd really like to continue lexapro because it has improved my anxiety, yet I am thinking it may be best to quit taking it if these side effects continue to persist. If so, it doesn't seem to me that the benefits outweigh the risks.
>
> Any hope or knowledge about this would be greatly appreciated. -Thank You!
Hi there, being tired and sexual dysfunction are common side effects. They in a lot of us go away in time. 2 weeks is not very long and it takes a good 4 to 8 weeks to adjust to the med. What is your dose? Im guessing 10mg, sometimes a dosage change is all that is needed. But that should not come until after 4 weeks and thats my opinion. You could go down a tad in dose and see if that helps the depression part. I against my doctors orders started playing with the dose. I have settled in at about 7mg and have stayed there for quite awhile. Months ago I was suicidal, suffered panic attacks and bad anxiety and was housebound.I am now free of all that hell.Some need more than 10mg and some need less. Just a thought before you give up on the lexapro. But I guess only you can decide if its all worth it. GOOD LUCK!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by McPac on July 18, 2003, at 15:58:14
In reply to Re: old hand, Re: second appointment » McPac, posted by oldhand on July 17, 2003, at 23:25:35
Posted by Sesika on July 18, 2003, at 17:02:37
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Kayla on July 18, 2003, at 13:12:56
Posted by tm on July 18, 2003, at 20:36:34
In reply to new user of Lexapro, posted by arrianna on July 18, 2003, at 15:11:48
> Hi. I am a recent user of Lexapro. I've only been taking it for almost two weeks. This is my first time on an anti-depressant and it was prescribed for me for anxiety.
>
> The first couple of days on Lexapro was great. It seemed my anxiety instantly improved. Although my anxiety still is showing an improvement, I am concerned about the side effects.
>
> Though I've had my bouts with depression in the past, I was not depressed before starting Lexapro. Yet after being on it for only a short time, I've been experiencing a depressed mood as well as tiredness and loss of libido.
>
> I understand that nausea and loss of sexual desire are both common side effects. However, I have not heard that a depressed mood is. I was just wondering if this is normal.
>
> I am also curious to whether others with more experience can tell me if the side effects (tiredness, etc.) get better after time? Do they go away?
>
> I'd really like to continue lexapro because it has improved my anxiety, yet I am thinking it may be best to quit taking it if these side effects continue to persist. If so, it doesn't seem to me that the benefits outweigh the risks.
>
> Any hope or knowledge about this would be greatly appreciated. -Thank You!I agree with Wayne. I take it for anxiety and after being on it a few weeks my pdoc says it sounds now like you are suffering with some depression, and he was right. My loss of labedo came back as well. Like Wayne said give it a little more time. I take 20mg of Lex and .5 of Xanax a day. The Xanax is immediate help for aniety.
Good Luck Tim
Posted by tm on July 18, 2003, at 20:46:35
In reply to Re: Changing to Lexapro from Paxil, posted by BJB on July 17, 2003, at 10:07:41
I take my 20mg of Lex and .5mg of Xanax for anxiety and started this the last week in April. My question is do any of you ever have the feelings of anxiety come back and does it go away? I have been free of anxiety for 6 weeks. I am not suffering like I was when I first started and I would like to think this will go away. I am able to handle it, but it would be nice to know it will go away. It does go away now when I am distracted and not thinking about it.
Thanks Tim
Posted by Rich B on July 18, 2003, at 20:53:23
In reply to Re: Lexapro Withdrawal Dizziness, posted by Micheke on July 17, 2003, at 11:46:08
Michele,
On Wednesday, I had to go back to taking it because I could not stand the dizziness anymore. I took 5 mg (half of what I had) that afternoon, then 5 mg again yesterday morning. This morning (Fri) I took a quarter of a pill (which is pretty darn small) and I still feel fine. I will do that for a few more days and if am still fine then, I'll will try stopping.I started getting dizzy the same day I stopped taking it. I was off it for 5 full days and took it after work on day 6. The dizziness went away about an hour and a half to two ours after I took that 5 mg. I am suprized that a quarter of a pill is making a difference. A quarter of a pill is really really small. But then again, today was only my first day on a quarter of a pill. Maybe tomorrow it will catch up to me. I hope I am totally off it with no dizziness by next Saturday because I am going on vacation then. Wish me luck.
Rich
Posted by Capri on July 18, 2003, at 22:29:41
In reply to Re: new user of Lexapro, posted by BLKVETTES on July 18, 2003, at 15:55:10
Hi,
I took Effexor 37.5 for 6 weeks. Started feeling depressed on it after 6 weeks. The doc increased it to 75 mg and I was worse. I was told to stop taking it. Lexapro may not be for you. Let your doc know your concerns.
I wondered too how anyone could get depressed on an "anti-depressant"...go figure...I did.
Good luck and listen to what your body tells you.
Capri
Posted by Doug in PA on July 18, 2003, at 22:56:26
In reply to Re: new user of Lexapro » BLKVETTES, posted by Capri on July 18, 2003, at 22:29:41
I think that sometimes, what is going on in your life and in your head is just too much for some meds to work without putting you in la la land.
I definately feel worse on Lex.
Hang in there.
Doug in PA> Hi,
>
> I took Effexor 37.5 for 6 weeks. Started feeling depressed on it after 6 weeks. The doc increased it to 75 mg and I was worse. I was told to stop taking it. Lexapro may not be for you. Let your doc know your concerns.
>
> I wondered too how anyone could get depressed on an "anti-depressant"...go figure...I did.
>
> Good luck and listen to what your body tells you.
>
> Capri
>
Posted by HushDarling on July 19, 2003, at 0:33:13
In reply to depakote before Lexapro, posted by joebob on July 9, 2003, at 23:40:15
I have been taking Depakote (500 mg) for over three years now and I have had no problems with this drug. I will have to go off it if I decide I want to become pregnant otherwise it has been treating me fine. NOW...today I was told to go completely off Prozac and was put on 10 mg. of Lexapro. I will start tomorrow. So far everything I have read sounds a bit positive but I am worried about the side effects. Like, exactly what are some of the side effects you are having?
Melissa
> i was told to try a 2 week predose of depakote prior to starting lexapro...........
> and then read all this horrible stuff about the depakote..........
> will neurontin do the same thing, i.e. prepare the brain for the ssri rush..........?
> i had a mild manic break on the 3rd day of trying lexapro at a very low dose...........
> any advice or experience
Posted by joebob on July 19, 2003, at 9:50:06
In reply to Re: depakote before Lexapro » joebob, posted by HushDarling on July 19, 2003, at 0:33:13
am having some weird dreams and light sleep on the depakote
will post again later
Posted by bookgurl99 on July 19, 2003, at 16:13:13
In reply to Re: old hand, Re: second appointment » McPac, posted by oldhand on July 17, 2003, at 23:25:35
Hey,
I was toggling between 50 mgs and 25 mgs of Zoloft for about a year, feeling out of it and low motivation and gaining weight. So I quit, only to discover that it was also preventing migraine for me quite effectively.
Has anyone had success using lexapro for migraine prevention? And, have the side effects been manageable? I don't want to feel sedated or emotionally numb.
Posted by arrianna on July 19, 2003, at 18:50:29
In reply to Re: new user of Lexapro, posted by Doug in PA on July 18, 2003, at 22:56:26
Hi again!! Just wanted to thank everyone: Capri, Wayne, Tim, and Doug for your feedback! I'm so glad I found this site: it's great support! I am now starting to feel better again on Lex (I take 10mg).
My depression is lifting, although some of the other side effects remain. However, I'm optimistic now that they will also improve. Thanks so much!!
Take Care,
Arrianna
Posted by BLKVETTES on July 19, 2003, at 19:40:35
In reply to Thanks everyone!!, posted by arrianna on July 19, 2003, at 18:51:24
Hi there, sounds good!!!!! I hope everything continues to improve for you!!! TAKE CARE!!!
WAYNE
Posted by DixieGirl on July 20, 2003, at 10:39:31
In reply to ARRIANNA AND LEXAPRO. , posted by BLKVETTES on July 19, 2003, at 19:40:35
I was looking for info on Lexapro when I came across this site. I only registered yesterday and have posted a few times since.
Reading this chain makes me want to cry. I wish this had been around when I was first Dx in '96. I thought it was "just me" when the meds weren't working. I also thought I should be strong enought to survive without drugs. I am so grateful for wonderful doctors (the very few) who can explain that this is chemical, not just pychological.
My sincere thanks to each person brave enough to voice your fears, take a chance, and help each other along. I am having good days now (Pamelor) but remember all too well the dark days.
We can survive, can't we? <<happy tears>>
Posted by BLKVETTES on July 20, 2003, at 11:13:51
In reply to Re: ARRIANNA AND LEXAPRO. , posted by DixieGirl on July 20, 2003, at 10:39:31
> I was looking for info on Lexapro when I came across this site. I only registered yesterday and have posted a few times since.
>
> Reading this chain makes me want to cry. I wish this had been around when I was first Dx in '96. I thought it was "just me" when the meds weren't working. I also thought I should be strong enought to survive without drugs. I am so grateful for wonderful doctors (the very few) who can explain that this is chemical, not just pychological.
>
> My sincere thanks to each person brave enough to voice your fears, take a chance, and help each other along. I am having good days now (Pamelor) but remember all too well the dark days.
>
> We can survive, can't we? <<happy tears>>Hi there, sounds like you have been on that road to hell and back way to long in your life. Thats what I call it anyway pure hell. I cant recall anything in my life that even compares. When you cant control your mind and it overtakes all your thoughts and feelings. I have suffered for 9 months and have recovered. I read everything there was to read on mental illness. I used the net for stocks and sports. Now my favorites are filled with maybe a 100 links on this crap. I still keep reading because I am not sure how this all plays out. My darkest days were because of my first 2 meds. I had allergic reactions and had to taper off everything and start over. I was crushed each time. I was like this is not fair Im doing like they told me. But then lexapro gave me my life back. No allergic reactions, but it took a good 6 weeks for it to start to work. I call it a miracle!!!!!! Im happy again!!!! I want to live!!!! No more panic, anxiety and depression. Im happy you also are having better days. I to have shed tears during the bad days and then happy tears when I was given my life back!!! TAKE CARE!!!
WAYNE
Posted by oldhand on July 20, 2003, at 23:17:57
In reply to lexapro and migraine and side effects, posted by bookgurl99 on July 19, 2003, at 16:13:13
> Hey,
>
> I was toggling between 50 mgs and 25 mgs of Zoloft for about a year, feeling out of it and low motivation and gaining weight. So I quit, only to discover that it was also preventing migraine for me quite effectively.
>
> Has anyone had success using lexapro for migraine prevention? And, have the side effects been manageable? I don't want to feel sedated or emotionally numb.I also get migraines, though as I age they seem to be less frequent. I have had very few while taking the Lexapro, only one so severe I ended up in the ER, but the rest are just 20 or so minutes of visual disturbance and they go away without a headache.
Side effects for me included insomnia (given trazodone to help) and some jaw clenching, dizziness and sweats. These have become very infrequent and are very manageable for me. I do not feel either sedated or emotionally numb. IMHO the Lexapro needs a fair chance to work, minimum six weeks and maybe more. I hope it helps you as it has me. Keep us posted.
Posted by Micheke on July 21, 2003, at 13:09:37
In reply to Re: Lexapro Withdrawal Dizziness » Micheke, posted by Rich B on July 18, 2003, at 20:53:23
Rich,
Good Luck! Thursday was the last time I took a dose of lexapro but, of course, by Saturday evening I was dizzy again. It's now Monday and I'm still trying to muscle through it. The dizziness is really bad this time, pretty much like when I went from 10mg to zero. Not sure how long I can deal with this since I do have to work. The new thing is now my hands start shaking on and off and I'm having trouble sleeping. I took a .25mg of xanax last night to help me relax to sleep but I'm not sure if it really did anything. I'm hoping this goes away by sunday beause my fiancee is leaving for a business trip for a week and I'll be home alone. We'll see what happens, I may wind up going back up to .25mg temporarily but I'm trying not to. I just want this done. Sounds like we're dealing with the same things. Keep me posted on your progress...hope your done by saturday for your trip.
-Michele
Posted by bookgurl99 on July 21, 2003, at 18:01:25
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Kayla on July 18, 2003, at 13:12:50
Should I be taken lexapro in the morning or at night?
I took one this afternoon and noticed feeling reaaaally tired and nauseated. (But, my migraines make me tired too.) Would taking it at night make me sleep through the worst start-up effects?
I'm starting on lexapro in an attempt to get the migraine control I got on zoloft without the side effects.
Thx to my frequent med changes, my migraines are getting worse. My dr. basically flung 4 weeks' worth of lexapro at me and told me to come back and see him then.
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