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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Esmarelda on September 10, 2003, at 14:03:47
In reply to Come to think of it.......... » Esmarelda, posted by galkeepinon on September 10, 2003, at 14:00:32
I know. Take your Lexapro, take a deep breath, pray and realize that you have no control over anyone, except your own actions and reactions ( and sometimes --not even over those - haha!)
Posted by galkeepinon on September 10, 2003, at 14:14:13
In reply to Re: Questions about weight gain » galkeepinon, posted by Esmarelda on September 10, 2003, at 14:02:15
Lamictal, from what I understand is used as a mood stabilizer for some. It's actually an anti-epileptic med used for seizures but was recently approved for use in biolar becuase of such great results in a lot of patients. I was diagnosed with bipolar 2~more depressive than manic. I hardly, if ever, get manic so the Lamictal helps in conjunction with my anti-depressant for the depression too. I actually found out too, my psychiatrist just told me at my appt the other day that it will help with my "cycling"
I will keep on! I hope the Lamictal within time will help, I was on it before and it did wonders. My psychiatrist just has me going slowly on it.
Thanks so much again.
You take care:-)
(I'm still smilin)> Keep on!!! Glad nothing upsetting happened. What does that other drug Lamactil??? do?
Posted by Mariposa on September 10, 2003, at 14:14:47
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Concerned Mom_FL on September 10, 2003, at 13:30:29
> My 17 year old son has been on Lexapro for several months now. He sleeps almost continuously, has no energy and becomes angry very easily. The medicine has helped somewhat with the depression and anxiety he was experiencing. My question to all of you is this, if you miss a single dose of the medicine does it have a great affect on you? On three separate occasions my son has forgotten to take his mediciation at night and had a severe reaction. He either becomes excessively angry where I almostcalled the police or he shakes and cries uncontrollably. I am trying to determine if this is normal. Today for instance, we had to pick him up from school because he had an anxiety attack and started crying uncontrollably and shaking. He says he forgot to take his pill last night, he is on 20 mg, and that nothing in particular triggered the episode that he can think of. I do know he and his girlfriend had been arguing yesterday afternoon. I am seriously considering having him gradually reduce the dosage and come of the meds. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
I have been on Lex 6 mos. now @ 20mg. I have forgotten to take my meds twice, and both times I felt REALLY bad the next day. I have not had major anxiety, and only minor depression since week 4. I am by no means an expert nor do I want to advise on this matter, but to me it does not seem that the Lexapro is working properly for your son, you should seek professional guidance on this.
Best of luck to you both!~~~8|8
Posted by galkeepinon on September 10, 2003, at 14:16:50
In reply to Re: Come to think of it.......... » galkeepinon, posted by Esmarelda on September 10, 2003, at 14:03:47
(((hugs to you)) Thanks.
So true! I've got to remember that. I can only change me, my reactions, my actions, and my thoughts. Got to take my Lex now.> I know. Take your Lexapro, take a deep breath, pray and realize that you have no control over anyone, except your own actions and reactions ( and sometimes --not even over those - haha!)
Posted by KayJ on September 10, 2003, at 15:38:09
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Concerned Mom_FL on September 10, 2003, at 13:30:29
To Concerned Mom,
I really can offer no advice as I am new here and am asking for help myself. But as a mother of a 20 yr old son and two older daus, I know how you must feel. My older dau had depression problems in her early twenties..and I felt so helpless. She is taking zoloft. I know how awful and frightening anxiety attacks can be and my heart goes out to you and your son. Maybe this med isn't for him, has he tried anything else? He sounds like he is suffering from alot of emotional pain. I know someone here can help you with some good advice. Good luck to you.
KayJ
Posted by KayJ on September 10, 2003, at 16:26:37
In reply to KayJ , posted by lil' jimi on September 10, 2003, at 10:42:16
Hi lil' jimi,
I can't tell you how much I appreciated your post...and I didn't mind the length at all. I liked it. It was full of encouragement and support and it made me feel better about everything. You brought up some points that I had not thought of..such as the length of treatment by pdoc (learning the lingo)and how I should not feel bad for having SEs...or for not getting well. All of your observations are true..except the one about benzo med. To give him his due, I have been on Klonopin .5 mg in the mornign for panic attacks (helps, but not totally). When I first went to him 11 years ago (was referred finally by primary doc who had put me on librium) he said I had two problems..the librium and smoking. Within two years I gave up both...and feel worse emotionally. I breathe way better : )and will not smoke again.
I agree that lex is good for many..those we wouldn't hear from. Do they not use any tricyclics anymore? Maybe with good reason. I only know that my Mother could not take the new drugs and was on elavil for years. I think I am already hyper enough.. I can never relax.Enough about me. I'm glad that lex is working for you. Have you ever been on anything else? Sure hope you don't have any more panic attacks..I have them fairly often. I wish I could hang in long enough to get beyond the SEs.
Thanks to you I think I will see the doc with a new attitude and see what happens.
I will read the postings as you reccomend and I know they will be full of useful info and support for all.
Thanks for yur very long post ..and taking your time to help me out.
Thanks so much.
KayJ
Posted by galkeepinon on September 10, 2003, at 16:46:05
In reply to KayJ , posted by lil' jimi on September 10, 2003, at 10:42:16
jimbo :-) you are too funny~and a great guy!
May I please ditto this post for KayJ? I really couldn't have said it better!
And yep~I read all the way down your post:-)
*lauhing* good attitude:-)
> hi KayJ
>
> first you post this one here see:
> >> I only just started Lex..after trying just about everything else...and could not sleep the first night..couldn't even lie still. I was only taking 5 mg and I had taken my one 10 mg Pamelor for sleep. I have now been on it three days and having much the same problem, but now along with that I am having irritable bowel. I just don't think I can take SSRIS. Has anyone else had similiar experience..any solutions???? >>
> >> I feel like there is something wrong with me as I can't seem to take anything due to side effects. Sometimes I think the doc thinks I'm making it up...aren't they told of the side effects?
> Thanks for any help you may offer. >>
>
> then you post this one:
> > Thanks so much for your reply. I did not take my dose of Lex today..I am hoping for a good nights sleep and hope to see the ibs symptoms..diarrhea mainly for me..subside. I have been seeing a psychiatrist for 11 years and am still depressed. None of the meds seem to work..or maybe it is because I give up too soon because of the side effects. There isn't really any therapy involved..he thinks meds should fix it..but I doubt I will ever find one unless they come up with something new. Lex is about the newest and I have tried all of the other SSRIS. But after reading some posts I see that Lex is basically celexa which I tried and could not take. Zoloft worked the best of any I have tried..and I have tried it several times for several months, maybe even a year at a time, but I could not tolerate the jitters. I'm embarrassed to even go back to the Doc and say once again that I can't take what he prescribed! >
>
> ... this set me off so bad i had to post this before i gave myself the chance to read the subsequent posts here ... so someone may have already gone into this ... so ...
>
> KayJ i feel really strongly that the only one who should be embarrassed is your psychiatrist ... ...
>
> ... in a 11 YEARS of treatment you are getting basically no therapy ? ...
> ... your pdoc didn't even acknowledge, let alone inform you, let alone warn you, about adaptation SEs from anti-depressants?
> ... you have been through all of the SSRIs, never told of SEs, quit from the jitters And you get no benzo supplementation offered ?
> ... this psychiatrists has managed to build a bond of trust over 11 years, which has left you believing he/she thinks you make SEs up?
> ... AND intimidated from admitting that, his/her attempts to guess at which med will (apparently?) 'magically' "fix" you, have failed Again?
>
> KayJ, i do not see any talk based support myself, so i know nothing about getting therapy, never done it (yet), but this doesn't sound like you're getting your (or your insurance comapany's) money's worth at all ... ...
> are there any care provider alternatives there?
>
> can we find a second opinion, maybe?
>
> lexapro is different from celexa even though lexapro is a component within celexa ... ... ... more than a few celexa users posted that they could not tolerate lexapro ... ... the other isomer of lexapro, that is in celexa, must be having a much larger effect than clinical trials have indicated ...
>
> depressed, i was prescribed 10mg of lexapro a day and took 10 mg Once (march 6) and took myself down to 5mg for month before trying 10 mg again .... been there since ... ... i never had any anxiety symptoms to speak of, but the 1st week on lex i had my 1st panic attacks ... that SE went away in days and all of my SEs faded to zero by my 3rd week ... ... ... could have been like week 5 or 6 before i felt therapeutic benefits ... ... lexapro has been good for me ...
>
> ... ... we see the posts here of folks looking for help and we may presume that there are significant numbers of lex users who never come here because they never need to come here because they don't have problems ... ... therefore it's reasonable to believe these posts to this thread represent a sample of lexapro users' reports which will tend to be more negative than a randomly selected sample ... ... it's like we are the squeaky wheels and we are trying to get some grease ... ... sorta ...
>
> ... lexapro can require a LOT of perserverance ... ... you should read Okpolosi's posts or BLKVETTES' .. ...
>
> ... in fact this message board contains the self-reported case studies of dozens (100s?) of lexapro users ... ... an invaluable resource of wisdom from other's experience(s) ... ... read as much of this board as you have time to ... ... it helps ... it helped me ...
>
> learn how to search the board for posters names to follow their threads and by subject words, like "insomnia" ... ... Dr. Bob's FAQs are great too ... ...
>
> post as often and as extensively as possible especially when you want support through your SEs ... ... it's good for you and it's good for us ... that's why we're here ...
>
> thanks for your post and hang in there ...
> ... ... keep us informed ... posted! and
> TAKE CARE !!
> ~ jim
>
> p.s.
>
> a lot of posters will apologize for their post being too long ... ... ... i don't ... ... ... if is it just tooooooo loooong then they can just quit reading it and if they can see i wrote it then they should not even bother ... ... just in case they are still reading this ! ... ... ... HA!
> (none of which is direct at you at all my KayJ! ... okay? )
> ~ j
Posted by KayJ on September 10, 2003, at 17:59:12
In reply to Re: KayJ~Ditto Kay:-) » lil' jimi, posted by galkeepinon on September 10, 2003, at 16:46:05
Thanks to all who have replied to my message...you have been a great help and have offered great advice ..and I even got a good laugh out of it too!!
This is a great group of people..wish I had found it sooner! Like years!!
KayJ
Posted by lil' jimi on September 10, 2003, at 18:10:38
In reply to Re: KayJ , posted by KayJ on September 10, 2003, at 16:26:37
hi KayJ,
all i've ever used is lexapro these last 6 months
> Hi lil' jimi,
> I can't tell you how much I appreciated your post...and I didn't mind the length at all. I liked it. It was full of encouragement and support and it made me feel better about everything. You brought up some points that I had not thought of..such as the length of treatment by pdoc (learning the lingo)and how I should not feel bad for having SEs...or for not getting well. All of your observations are true..except the one about benzo med. To give him his due, I have been on Klonopin .5 mg in the mornign for panic attacks (helps, but not totally). When I first went to him 11 years ago (was referred finally by primary doc who had put me on librium) he said I had two problems..the librium and smoking. Within two years I gave up both...and feel worse emotionally. I breathe way better : )and will not smoke again.
> I agree that lex is good for many..those we wouldn't hear from. Do they not use any tricyclics anymore? Maybe with good reason. I only know that my Mother could not take the new drugs and was on elavil for years. I think I am already hyper enough.. I can never relax.
>
> Enough about me. I'm glad that lex is working for you. Have you ever been on anything else? Sure hope you don't have any more panic attacks..I have them fairly often. I wish I could hang in long enough to get beyond the SEs.
> Thanks to you I think I will see the doc with a new attitude and see what happens.
> I will read the postings as you reccomend and I know they will be full of useful info and support for all.
> Thanks for yur very long post ..and taking your time to help me out.
> Thanks so much.
> KayJ... i'm really glad to read your doc is as least trying to take care of you ... ... that made me feel a little better ...
... but what delighted me was to read you have quit smoking !!!!!!
few things could make me as happy as to read that from you ... thank you very much!way to go !!!
and congratulations!!
TAKE CARE,
~ jim
Posted by lil' jimi on September 10, 2003, at 19:16:04
In reply to Re: KayJ~Ditto Kay:-) » lil' jimi, posted by galkeepinon on September 10, 2003, at 16:46:05
> jimbo :-) you are too funny~and a great guy!
> May I please ditto this post for KayJ? I really couldn't have said it better!
> And yep~I read all the way down your post:-)
> *lauhing* good attitude:-)
>
>.. .. .. .. you're too kind ... ... thank you ...i try
... to always leave 'em laughing !! ... ... HA !
... or as we always used to say in secular school:
Minutus cantorum,
minutus balorum,
minutus carborata
descendum pantorum. **(this is the meds page, right ... okay ... i am on 10 mg of lexapro ... 6 months ... everything's great
... ... how's that?)TAKE CARE !!!
~ jimp.s. ** :
A little song,
a little dance,
a little seltzer
down your pants.
Posted by galkeepinon on September 10, 2003, at 19:18:44
In reply to Re: KayJ~Ditto Kay:-) » galkeepinon, posted by lil' jimi on September 10, 2003, at 19:16:04
That was toooooooo funny!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm on 10mg Lexapro~6 weeks, doing okay!
Posted by sassyveg on September 10, 2003, at 19:42:33
In reply to Re: KayJ~Ditto Kay:-), posted by KayJ on September 10, 2003, at 17:59:12
I couldn't agree with you more! It's great to have other people who have been through similar experiences....it especially lets you know that you're not the only one suffering from side effects, which is so reassuring.
(My MO: 20mg Lex for the past 6 months for panic attacks, attempted to stop last week, started having withdrawals and the return of anxiety symptoms, and decided that law school is way too stressful to come off of it right now [I just started...EEK!])
Thank you to everyone on this board for being so kind and supportive!!!
> Thanks to all who have replied to my message...you have been a great help and have offered great advice ..and I even got a good laugh out of it too!!
> This is a great group of people..wish I had found it sooner! Like years!!
> KayJ
Posted by theump on September 10, 2003, at 19:55:40
In reply to Re: about insomnia side effect » galkeepinon, posted by KayJ on September 10, 2003, at 0:00:41
I am still on the 15mg and having no problems with it. Infact I didn't even really go through the original SEs again. I feel pretty good, but I'm trying to decide if I should try 20 like the doctor wanted me to.
Have you started with your Lex powder in 1mg doses? I haven't been reading the board much lately so if you've already let everyone else know how it's going, I apologize for having you repeat.
Hope you're having a good day,
Renee aka The Ump
Posted by lil' jimi on September 10, 2003, at 21:44:19
In reply to Hey Lil Jimi, have you moved up?, posted by theump on September 10, 2003, at 19:55:40
hi. Renee!
> I am still on the 15mg and having no problems with it. Infact I didn't even really go through the original SEs again. I feel pretty good, but I'm trying to decide if I should try 20 like the doctor wanted me to.
>
> Have you started with your Lex powder in 1mg doses? I haven't been reading the board much lately so if you've already let everyone else know how it's going, I apologize for having you repeat.
>
> Hope you're having a good day,
> Renee aka The Ump... oh, no, you haven't missed a thing ... ... i'm still hanging at 10mg and i haven't crushed a single pill yet ... ... no repitition necessary ... ...
... great to hear you are doing good ... ...
... wondeful to know your SEs weren't bad ... ...... i'm thinking i'll hang back, so if i need to do some bumping i'll have some room to bump .... .... if you know what i mean ... ... maybe
take care,
~ jim
Posted by theump on September 10, 2003, at 21:47:58
In reply to Re: Hey Lil Jimi, have you moved up? » theump, posted by lil' jimi on September 10, 2003, at 21:44:19
You sound good as usual, so maybe you don't need to bump anyway. If you do decide to do it, I'll be here. ;)
Renee
> hi. Renee!
>
> > I am still on the 15mg and having no problems with it. Infact I didn't even really go through the original SEs again. I feel pretty good, but I'm trying to decide if I should try 20 like the doctor wanted me to.
> >
> > Have you started with your Lex powder in 1mg doses? I haven't been reading the board much lately so if you've already let everyone else know how it's going, I apologize for having you repeat.
> >
> > Hope you're having a good day,
> > Renee aka The Ump
>
> ... oh, no, you haven't missed a thing ... ... i'm still hanging at 10mg and i haven't crushed a single pill yet ... ... no repitition necessary ... ...
> ... great to hear you are doing good ... ...
> ... wondeful to know your SEs weren't bad ... ...
>
> ... i'm thinking i'll hang back, so if i need to do some bumping i'll have some room to bump .... .... if you know what i mean ... ... maybe
>
> take care,
> ~ jim
Posted by lil' jimi on September 10, 2003, at 22:11:35
In reply to Re: Hey Lil Jimi, have you moved up?, posted by theump on September 10, 2003, at 21:47:58
hi Renee!
great to know i have your support .. ... ..
my problem with my original plan to bump up was that i didn't really have to ... ... so i thought maybe i could wait until i see if it turns out i need to ... ... because right now, i really don't need to ... ...
... i'm in no hurry~ jim
> You sound good as usual, so maybe you don't need to bump anyway. If you do decide to do it, I'll be here. ;)
>
> Renee
>
>
>
> > hi. Renee!
> >
> > > I am still on the 15mg and having no problems with it. Infact I didn't even really go through the original SEs again. I feel pretty good, but I'm trying to decide if I should try 20 like the doctor wanted me to.
> > >
> > > Have you started with your Lex powder in 1mg doses? I haven't been reading the board much lately so if you've already let everyone else know how it's going, I apologize for having you repeat.
> > >
> > > Hope you're having a good day,
> > > Renee aka The Ump
> >
> > ... oh, no, you haven't missed a thing ... .
.. i'm still hanging at 10mg and i haven't crushed a single pill yet ... ... no repitition necessary ... ...
> > ... great to hear you are doing good ... ...
> > ... wondeful to know your SEs weren't bad ... ...
> >
> > ... i'm thinking i'll hang back, so if i need to do some bumping i'll have some room to bump .... .... if you know what i mean ... ... maybe
> >
> > take care,
> > ~ jim
>
>
Posted by theump on September 10, 2003, at 22:52:55
In reply to re: Hey Lil Jimi, you haven't moved up yet, man ? » theump, posted by lil' jimi on September 10, 2003, at 22:11:35
You'll know if you need it. And no use fixing something that isn't broke!
Have a good evening, I'm off to dream land.
Renee
> hi Renee!
>
> great to know i have your support .. ... ..
> my problem with my original plan to bump up was that i didn't really have to ... ... so i thought maybe i could wait until i see if it turns out i need to ... ... because right now, i really don't need to ... ...
> ... i'm in no hurry
>
> ~ jim
>
> > You sound good as usual, so maybe you don't need to bump anyway. If you do decide to do it, I'll be here. ;)
> >
> > Renee
> >
> >
> >
> > > hi. Renee!
> > >
> > > > I am still on the 15mg and having no problems with it. Infact I didn't even really go through the original SEs again. I feel pretty good, but I'm trying to decide if I should try 20 like the doctor wanted me to.
> > > >
> > > > Have you started with your Lex powder in 1mg doses? I haven't been reading the board much lately so if you've already let everyone else know how it's going, I apologize for having you repeat.
> > > >
> > > > Hope you're having a good day,
> > > > Renee aka The Ump
> > >
> > > ... oh, no, you haven't missed a thing ... .
>
>
> .. i'm still hanging at 10mg and i haven't crushed a single pill yet ... ... no repitition necessary ... ...
> > > ... great to hear you are doing good ... ...
> > > ... wondeful to know your SEs weren't bad ... ...
> > >
> > > ... i'm thinking i'll hang back, so if i need to do some bumping i'll have some room to bump .... .... if you know what i mean ... ... maybe
> > >
> > > take care,
> > > ~ jim
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by Mariposa on September 11, 2003, at 9:40:18
In reply to re: Hey Lil Jimi, you haven't moved up yet, man ?, posted by theump on September 10, 2003, at 22:52:55
Hey Lil Jimi!
It really doesn't sound like you need to *bump up*!! And as theump said, you WILL know if you need to.
I think you might appreciate this more than anyone......A little Story Time.....
When I was in college ( the good ole days!) I started growing African Violets in my little apt. I don't know if you know anything about A. violets, but they CAN be very hard to grow without the right conditions. My 2nd floor apt. had a sheltered northern view window (which they prefer). I started out with one, it did well, so I bought more, and even started a bunch of my own from cuttings. Soon I had a massive display of VERY healthy and beautiful violets, quite impressive if I do say so myself.
Then I moved (moved a bunch back then) and the new place wasn't good and they ALL died eventually. 20 years later, and I decide to try again. I bought a few and they lived but did not really thrive and had puny blooms if they bloomed at all, discouraged, a few died, and I quit caring again and then things start going wrong in my life, and it starts spiraling out of control.
Moved again, this time into Mom-in-law's house to take care of her. I bring the 3 violets I have left, and they start doing better and better, but I don't really notice. Mom passes away, things get worse, I get help. I notice the violets are doing better, and I start paying attention to them, and caring for them. I even buy one more to add to the tiny collection. My Lex *transformation* has given me back something wonderful I had totally forgotten about. A few weeks ago I started 4 new plants from cuttings, and the others all have blooms and are looking healthier and healthier.
Somehow this was all going to tie in with my decision to go up to 20mg, there was a point where I knew I was not feeling the same *joy* about life in general and my violets in particular, and I decided to get my pdoc to bump me up to 20mg. Since then I have been doing much better again, and my violets are again a great joy. Only fitting for a Butterfly!!
I wish you all the best and hope you continue to do so well at 10mg. I ALWAYS enjoy all of your posts and thank you for being such a great support to us all.
Keep on keepin' on!!!~~~8|8
Posted by Esmarelda on September 11, 2003, at 11:08:36
In reply to Re: KayJ~Ditto Kay:-), posted by sassyveg on September 10, 2003, at 19:42:33
Sassyveg - I am on 15 mg of Lex for the last week and 10 mg for 10 weeks prior. I did fine through law school - it's being a lawyer that has driven me crazy - ha! Just kidding! Actually, being a lawyer is great and I love it - good luck! It was death that set me back!
Posted by lil' jimi on September 11, 2003, at 12:35:40
In reply to re: Hey Lil Jimi, you haven't moved up yet, man ?, posted by Mariposa on September 11, 2003, at 9:40:18
thank you, Mariposa ...
> Hey Lil Jimi!
>
> It really doesn't sound like you need to *bump up*!! And as theump said, you WILL know if you need to. >thanks ... still trying to cheerlead here ...
... the truth is i want to try bumping "just for fun" ... still want to ... ... but not right now
... and there could come a time when i need to ... not "just for fun" ...... this thread keeps me mindful of how fortunate i am to have such luxuries in my discretion about my decision ....
> I think you might appreciate this more than anyone......A little Story Time.....
>
> When I was in college ( the good ole days!) I started growing African Violets in my little apt. I don't know if you know anything about A. violets, but they CAN be very hard to grow without the right conditions. My 2nd floor apt. had a sheltered northern view window (which they prefer). I started out with one, it did well, so I bought more, and even started a bunch of my own from cuttings. Soon I had a massive display of VERY healthy and beautiful violets, quite impressive if I do say so myself.
>
> Then I moved (moved a bunch back then) and the new place wasn't good and they ALL died eventually. 20 years later, and I decide to try again. I bought a few and they lived but did not really thrive and had puny blooms if they bloomed at all, discouraged, a few died, and I quit caring again and then things start going wrong in my life, and it starts spiraling out of control.
>
> Moved again, this time into Mom-in-law's house to take care of her. I bring the 3 violets I have left, and they start doing better and better, but I don't really notice. Mom passes away, things get worse, I get help. I notice the violets are doing better, and I start paying attention to them, and caring for them. I even buy one more to add to the tiny collection. My Lex *transformation* has given me back something wonderful I had totally forgotten about. A few weeks ago I started 4 new plants from cuttings, and the others all have blooms and are looking healthier and healthier.
>
> Somehow this was all going to tie in with my decision to go up to 20mg, there was a point where I knew I was not feeling the same *joy* about life in general and my violets in particular, and I decided to get my pdoc to bump me up to 20mg. Since then I have been doing much better again, and my violets are again a great joy. Only fitting for a Butterfly!! >that is a beautiful story and i do appreciate it very much ... ... especially from our Butterfly
... and her African Violets ....i so sorry for you losing your mom-in-law and for the trauma of going through the care-giving part of that tragedy
... how long ago was this?
... did this have an impact on your dosage increase?
... you sound great ... i hope your recovery from your loss is going as well as you sound ...
... you know i miss seeing your smiling face here
...
... Hey! where's Wayne ?> I wish you all the best and hope you continue to do so well at 10mg. I ALWAYS enjoy all of your posts and thank you for being such a great support to us all.
>
> Keep on keepin' on!!!~~~8|8 >love your butterfly logo, mariposa!
hey, you support me ... we support them ...they support us ... so maybe we can have a good time ... ... help those who aren't
... ... it's all just life on the lex thread ...please post soon and
TAKE CARE !!
~ jim
Posted by Saran on September 12, 2003, at 13:10:00
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I have been on Xanax for years for anxiety/panic dissorder. Xanax worked great...no problems,...till I got "that age" then PMS symptoms raged. Hormone replacement seemed risky, but mood swings and "power surges" were awful. Dr. suggested I try Lexapro 10mg. Wow! After two weeks no "power surges" and family votes I'm more mellow to live with. Had recent hystroectomy and still no PMS symptoms.
Posted by ELENI4 on September 12, 2003, at 21:26:59
In reply to re: Hey Lil Jimi, you haven't moved up yet, man ?, posted by Mariposa on September 11, 2003, at 9:40:18
Out of curiousity, does Lexapro seem to poop out after four months or so, requiring an increased dose?
> Hey Lil Jimi!
>
> It really doesn't sound like you need to *bump up*!! And as theump said, you WILL know if you need to.
>
> I think you might appreciate this more than anyone......A little Story Time.....
>
> When I was in college ( the good ole days!) I started growing African Violets in my little apt. I don't know if you know anything about A. violets, but they CAN be very hard to grow without the right conditions. My 2nd floor apt. had a sheltered northern view window (which they prefer). I started out with one, it did well, so I bought more, and even started a bunch of my own from cuttings. Soon I had a massive display of VERY healthy and beautiful violets, quite impressive if I do say so myself.
>
> Then I moved (moved a bunch back then) and the new place wasn't good and they ALL died eventually. 20 years later, and I decide to try again. I bought a few and they lived but did not really thrive and had puny blooms if they bloomed at all, discouraged, a few died, and I quit caring again and then things start going wrong in my life, and it starts spiraling out of control.
>
> Moved again, this time into Mom-in-law's house to take care of her. I bring the 3 violets I have left, and they start doing better and better, but I don't really notice. Mom passes away, things get worse, I get help. I notice the violets are doing better, and I start paying attention to them, and caring for them. I even buy one more to add to the tiny collection. My Lex *transformation* has given me back something wonderful I had totally forgotten about. A few weeks ago I started 4 new plants from cuttings, and the others all have blooms and are looking healthier and healthier.
>
> Somehow this was all going to tie in with my decision to go up to 20mg, there was a point where I knew I was not feeling the same *joy* about life in general and my violets in particular, and I decided to get my pdoc to bump me up to 20mg. Since then I have been doing much better again, and my violets are again a great joy. Only fitting for a Butterfly!!
>
> I wish you all the best and hope you continue to do so well at 10mg. I ALWAYS enjoy all of your posts and thank you for being such a great support to us all.
>
> Keep on keepin' on!!!~~~8|8
Posted by leedsman on September 12, 2003, at 21:53:06
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I was on Paxil for 5 years, which really helped, but about 7 months ago, I started cutting down to 10 mg. from 20 mg, I started getting depressional symptoms, but I had just got over a sinus infection and I thought it was just flaring up again. I tried increasing back to 20 mg, for a month but no avail, I was wondering if I was getting immuned to Paxil. Then I started seeing a shrink after 2 ER visits , which lead to all normal results, she put me on Paxil cr 25 mg. for two weeks, but I still did not get any effect. She suggested Lexapro, and how it has helped her patients. I started 5mg. Lexapro, and reduced to Paxil 12.5 mg CR on alternate days for a week. I started getting nausea in the morning and fatigue. Then the next week Iwent off Paxil and took Lexapro 5mg, for another week,
That week, I has extreme fatigue like I had mono or something. Then I started on 10 mg. Lexapro almost 3.5 weeks ago, and I had spaciness , wooziness for about 2 days in the mornings. I now started getting terrible muscle aches in shoulder and neck area causing major pain and fatigue. Plus with my allergies, this past week has been pollen counts very high and causing me more tiredness than usual, I feel sedated , tired, like my mind is not connected to my body, and a little anxiety.
I have been reading this board and am willing to give it some more time as long as I get rid of this foggy, not very clear thinking. Anybody else out there have any ideas or comments. Do you think I could have some Paxil withdrawal, but I thought if you change to another AD that it would be over soon. Please help .
Posted by lil' jimi on September 13, 2003, at 1:33:17
In reply to re: Hey Lil Jimi, you haven't moved up yet, man ? » Mariposa, posted by ELENI4 on September 12, 2003, at 21:26:59
hi ELENI4,
> Out of curiosity, does Lexapro seem to poop out after four months or so, requiring an increased dose? >
this revolves around an issue that is serious enough for many of us that we have to take it as a matter of something rather more than just curiosity ... ... sorry, no offense intended to you ...
we, who have come to depend on lexapro, must live with the threat of the proverbial "poop out" ... the diminishing of its therapeutic effectiveness ...
the variation in the response to lexapro, from one individual to the next, is so great that very little can be gained by considering the probabilities or generalizations, in the face of the specific case of a particular user ...
for instance, for some users, their effective dose can be as little as 5 mg and, for some, it can be 30 mg or more ... ...
... i have read of some treatment resistant cases, where lexapro followed a previous pattern of other ssris, and its effectiveness could not be maintained ... i read of maybe two others who quit lex due to effectivess decrease ...
i know of one guy who has been on lex for a year and 2 for more than 8 monhts and then there's a large team of us around 6 (like myself) or 7 months ...
... and i would say a lot of my teamamtes (6 or 7 monthers) have increased their dose at one point or another ... ... i increased 5 months ago, but not from poop out ... i was till feeling out my effective dose and getting up to it ...anyway, that's my long winded way to say, "that's the way it seems to me" ...
how's it seem to you ?
have you been using lex for around 4 months?take care,
~ jim
Posted by BLKVETTES on September 13, 2003, at 2:40:25
In reply to Re:lfrom paxil to Lexapro, posted by leedsman on September 12, 2003, at 21:53:06
> I was on Paxil for 5 years, which really helped, but about 7 months ago, I started cutting down to 10 mg. from 20 mg, I started getting depressional symptoms, but I had just got over a sinus infection and I thought it was just flaring up again. I tried increasing back to 20 mg, for a month but no avail, I was wondering if I was getting immuned to Paxil. Then I started seeing a shrink after 2 ER visits , which lead to all normal results, she put me on Paxil cr 25 mg. for two weeks, but I still did not get any effect. She suggested Lexapro, and how it has helped her patients. I started 5mg. Lexapro, and reduced to Paxil 12.5 mg CR on alternate days for a week. I started getting nausea in the morning and fatigue. Then the next week Iwent off Paxil and took Lexapro 5mg, for another week,
> That week, I has extreme fatigue like I had mono or something. Then I started on 10 mg. Lexapro almost 3.5 weeks ago, and I had spaciness , wooziness for about 2 days in the mornings. I now started getting terrible muscle aches in shoulder and neck area causing major pain and fatigue. Plus with my allergies, this past week has been pollen counts very high and causing me more tiredness than usual, I feel sedated , tired, like my mind is not connected to my body, and a little anxiety.
> I have been reading this board and am willing to give it some more time as long as I get rid of this foggy, not very clear thinking. Anybody else out there have any ideas or comments. Do you think I could have some Paxil withdrawal, but I thought if you change to another AD that it would be over soon. Please help .Hi there, a lot of doctors insist there is no such thing as withdrawal. As Jim would say HA!!! 5 years on paxil is a long time and jumping from med to med is very common now. We are all so different that no one could tell you if your having withdrawal or not. Could be a combination of both meds. If it is withdrawal the worst is over in about 4 weeks, but can take a little longer. Thats why I am not a fan of jumping from med to med becuse in situations like yours you cant really tell for sure whats going on. The only thing I can tell you is that about into 6 weeks you should know where you are at. The tiredness should go away along with the aches and pains. But yes withdrawal from the paxil is possible. I went through it before starting lexapro and had aches and pains, fever, really it felt like I was dying, anxiety, crying jags, all kinds of fun stuff. Cant tell you what to do, but if you can stick with it for about 6 weeks things may get a lot better. TAKE CARE!!!!!!!
WAYNE
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