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Posted by lil' jimi on September 15, 2003, at 16:05:25
In reply to Re: Lexapro Side Effects, posted by BLKVETTES on September 15, 2003, at 13:08:15
hi Patty,
you wrote:
> > Help -
> >
> > I've been taking 10mg of Lexapro for just a little over ten weeks now for depression. I noticed significant improvement almost immediately and really felt back to my old self. Suddenly today, I have been so anxious and feel like I'm ready to jump out of my skin. I have never had problems with anxiety in the past and am wondering if it's a side effect of Lexapro or perhaps my body's way of telling me I no longer need it? Ten years ago I was on Serzone for approximately six months for depression. My doc at the time told me my body would tell me when I no longer needed the meds. Butterflies in the stomach and overall anxious feelings seemed to come about the time my doc said I was okay to stop taking meds. I was able to withdraw with no problems. Though depression runs in my family, I'm generally not reliant upon meds to get me though. However, the past year has been overwhelming with the deaths of three people very close to me, cancer diagnosis in my father, and two other people who have been my rocks my entire life, moving across country. Now that I seem to be feeling better and accepting all of the difficult situations in my life recently, could the anxiety be an indication that I no longer need Lexapro? Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. Patty
> >
> >
>
>
> I truly just wanted to avoid this post all together. But after reading it the last couple of days, what the heck!!!!!! Your post is very unique!! I have read where traumatic events cause the chemicals in the brain to get unbalanced and going on a med sometimes straightens them out after awhile. Even my own situation I believe everything that has happened to me was triggered by events over a 2 year period. That might be true and then again not. Even Jim, I wonder about this also. I have also read where your body will tell you when you hit the right dose. Meaning if a person never has side effects they up the dose until they do. I will tell you this I was on a med before and felt pretty good and then everything went away very quickly. I wont get into why because it was rare. I dont believe anyone here can tell you what to do. As for me I cant take the chance of stopping my med. Once you have had a panic attack its a constant reminder never to stop your med, if your lucky enough to recover. TAKE CARE!!!!!!!
> WAYNE
>i want to add my voice to Wayne's here ... ... this is not like any other post we've read here ... ... but because you're considering going off your lex, we have to take it seriously ... and want to help you ... very much ...
how some ever, i have never heard your theory of this kind of experience you're having being an indicator of no longer needing your lexapro, or other med for that matter ...
... now Wayne and i both saying it's new would only amount to a little over a year's worth of lexapro experience ... but when you add in all of the reports we've read here and all that Wayne's reads everywhere else ... then we may have accumulated a LOT of collective knowledge ....
... and we ain't heard of this before ...... which ain't saying it ain't so ... at all ... but it is very different from anyhing i've heard or read here ... that's all
... now i don't have a theory on when to quit, other than intuition ... ... and this does seem to be a form of intuiton ... ... so it could work for you ...
those are my disclaimers (along with "your mileage may vary"):
here's my feelings about this ...
... after only ten weeks total, it just seems early to be recovered completely ... ... then one might face relapse, which could be devastating (as Wayne fears it might)(i do too) ...alternatively, you might want to try lowering your dose to see if you could get by at a lower dose and still feel good ... and this could then turn into just titrating down your dose in order to quit without withdrawals ...
... in every event, you should discuss these options extensively with your doctor, before making any changes ... ... especially to help get relief from possible withdrawals aka "discontinuation syndrome" ...
as for Wayne's theory of the origins of chemistry imbalances ... ... i agree ...
.... i look at like this:
somethings, we brought here with us ...
somethings, we got since we arrived ...
either one or some combination of both, could cause inadequate neurochemistry ... ... Has caused an imbalance in our neurochemistry ... ...we aren't real likely to know which caused the imbalance ... ... and we aren't going to be able to be sure, if we do think we know ...
if we are fortunate enough to have lexapro gives us our balance back ... .... ... that is a truly rare blessing and we should treasure it ... ... and if we think we have our balance and want to walk away from our lexapro ... ... then we think we are cured ... ... i would pray that this is true for you ...
... but i would walk away very carefully ...
GOOD LUCK!
~ jim
Posted by BLKVETTES on September 15, 2003, at 16:10:14
In reply to re: sinus thing , posted by leedsman on September 15, 2003, at 15:27:09
> Thanks, jimi, Mariposa, Wayne and all of you replied to, thanks for your input. I have a question is the 10mg. Lexapro on a time release or not, and do you guys feel these wavy feelings go over your eyes like there is a chemical in your body, any blurred vision, I have had a little blurred vision , but the neck and shoulder pain or tension, I do not know what it is., is really bothering me where I have to take 4 advil to get any kind of relief.I do not know ifit is areturning fibromyalgia thing or what, but when I took Paxil before , all that pain had stopped, but now for the last two or three weeks, this neck pain in the daytime causes fatigue, Anybody have any suggestions , I also heard folic acid helps Lexapro kick i faster, or Wellbutrin , any thoughts?
Paxil has a time release antidepressant. If this were the case with lexapro I could not cut it. I have someone I exchange emails with and she takes like half in the morning and half at night. She said this helped her get more balance. Dont know if that would help or not. If you did a search under paxil withdrawal on the web you would find some really terrible stories. If you are experiencing any of this you are doing better than most as far as what they report. Somewhere around 6 to 8 weeks you should have a good idea of where you are. Neck pain I had and my back muscles flare up time to time. I have found that aspercreme or p-k-5 or I think its called flexall do wonders. It surely helps if you have someone to massage it in for you also. TAKE CARE!!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by phv on September 15, 2003, at 17:48:54
In reply to re: PHV's Lexapro Side Effects, posted by lil' jimi on September 15, 2003, at 16:05:25
Hi Everyone -
Thanks so much for your honest opinions. This is the first time ever I've really even used a message board for anything serious - and I'm overwhelmed by the amount of genuine responses in such a short time. THANK YOU! I took all of the advice I've seen to heart - literally - and went to see my doctor today. She agreed with what most of you are saying - the anxiety is likely a side effect and will hopefully be very temporary. She also agreed that it is not likely my body's way of telling me it's time to go off - especially only in week ten. She prescribed Busbar and Xanax and told me I'll need to experiment with them. I'm relieved she was able to prescribe those to me because I'll be sitting on a plane for five hours tomorrow and the way I've been feeling for the past few days, I was terrified I would never be able to sit still that long without going crazy. I expressed my concerns to her about adding more drugs to my system for fear of becoming an "addict." She comforted me and confirmed that is not the case.
Honestly, I am grateful I found this message board. I have told no one that I even started Lexapro - for fear of people always whispering "she's on medication." I feel as though I've found a group that I can share my concerns and experiences with now - so, thank you!
I will be out of town the remainder of the week and will not have computer access - so I'll check back in over the weekend. Thank you all again for your support. I think together, we can all make it through!
Godspeed!
Patty
Posted by leedsman on September 15, 2003, at 17:53:02
In reply to sinus thing » leedsman, posted by lil' jimi on September 15, 2003, at 14:57:22
Hey, Lil Jimi, are you having itchy, red or burning eyes during this ragweed , pollen or dustmite season,I just talked to my nurse at the allerg office and she said its pretty bad out there now people are suffering. I stopped my allergy shots about February because I had reached my immunity level and did not have to go back any more, but now I am going to have to look into that because that could be part of the tiredness I am feeling
Posted by leedsman on September 15, 2003, at 18:09:22
In reply to Re: sinus thing, posted by leedsman on September 15, 2003, at 17:53:02
How do you know when it really kicks in, when you feel like you did before you felt that way, all side effects gone? Clear thinking returning, no more fogginess like a space cadet, with no more fatigue?
Posted by lil' jimi on September 15, 2003, at 18:44:39
In reply to Re: sinus thing, posted by leedsman on September 15, 2003, at 17:53:02
hi leedsman,
> Hey, Lil Jimi, are you having itchy, red or burning eyes during this ragweed , pollen or dustmite season,I just talked to my nurse at the allerg office and she said its pretty bad out there now people are suffering. I stopped my allergy shots about February because I had reached my immunity level and did not have to go back any more, but now I am going to have to look into that because that could be part of the tiredness I am feeling >
... i hear you ... and yes, i am suffering ...
... but not so much if i take my nasacort nasal spray ... ... it's strong ... ... i just have to remember to drink more water because both the spray and lexapro will dehydrate me ...... i'll bet you're right about the tiredness too ...
take care,
~ jim
Posted by Mariposa on September 15, 2003, at 19:02:45
In reply to re: leedsman's paxil to lexapro » Mariposa, posted by lil' jimi on September 15, 2003, at 14:40:10
I SO appreciate your compliments!!!! Although attention usually embarasses me, it's still nice!!!
I agree using old posts as *footnotes* is a great idea, so often I want to refer to them just to remember what it was like, what I was going through....it only re-enforces my opinion that I am doing much better than I was!!!
Guess I'll do some research on my day off an get prepared!!!
As always...your posts are the best....keep up the GOOD WORK!!
~~~8|8
Posted by Mariposa on September 15, 2003, at 19:12:47
In reply to Re: Lexapro kicking in, posted by leedsman on September 15, 2003, at 18:09:22
> How do you know when it really kicks in, when you feel like you did before you felt that way, all side effects gone? Clear thinking returning, no more fogginess like a space cadet, with no more fatigue?
It kind of snuck up on me, and several others that have posted here....I was sitting on the couch w/hubby and actually really LAUGHED at something on TV and realized *HEY I'M LAUGHING AND I FEEL GOOD!* just like that, one minute and I just KNEW it was the Lex and it was working.
I too was *looking* for a sign, I got very impatient around 6-7 week, thought this is NEVER going to work and I'm just wasting my time. But it doesn't work that way....one day you'll be sitting in your car staring at the traffic lite and BAM! it'll hit you that *HEY I feel different and it's GOOD!*
All I can Say is *Patience young Grasshopper...your time WILL come!*
Until then hang in there and be strong!~~~8|8
Posted by lil' jimi on September 15, 2003, at 19:17:06
In reply to Re: Lexapro kicking in, posted by leedsman on September 15, 2003, at 18:09:22
> How do you know when it really kicks in, when you feel like you did before you felt that way, all side effects gone? Clear thinking returning, no more fogginess like a space cadet, with no more fatigue? >
hey, leedsman,
... tough call ...
... i remember being on a bummer after about 4 weeks because i didn't feel that much different since the SEs had quit ... i just felt blah ...... within a couple of weeks ...
... i was like doing something with my family or something ... and i started to hear this sound ...
... then i realized it was coming from me ...
... only then was i surprised when i recognized
... it was laughter ...
... i was laughing !!
... and that's when i could tell that it was workinganother common experience is to be complaining, like i was, about getting no benefit .... only to have others comment on how it has made a difference ... ... they always notice these things first, it seems ...
take care,
~ jim
Posted by Peter on September 15, 2003, at 19:29:43
In reply to Re: Lexapro kicking in » leedsman, posted by Mariposa on September 15, 2003, at 19:07:50
I began 5mg Lexapro 11 days ago. I had some GI upset and lethargy for the first 4 days. My pdoc had me increase to 10mg on day 7.
I also take adderall 30-35mg and klonopin 3mg.
The day I began 10mg (daY 7), I really thought I was beginning to feel better - like the med was starting to work. My social phobia improved and I felt like I was beginning to gain interest again in everyday things - something my depression prevented me from being able to do.
However, since that day, my mood has gone down again. I feel much more irritable, somnolent, and socially avoidant - just more symptomatic overall.
What's going on? Was that day just a psychosomatic reaction to increasing the dose?
Shouldn't I be starting to feel better already?
And what's with the increased irritability? Is that a common, acute transient SE that passes?
Or am I having a bad reaction? Does this med just not work well for me?
I've been on SSRI+stim+klonopin combos in the past, and the synergies between all 3 seemed to work well for me; the klonopin+stim helps different areas of my social anxiety and ADD/impulsivity, while the SSRI's usually 'smoothed over' any ups and downs or anxiety caused by the stim and helped with more over-arching depression/anxiety. Now everything seems a mess - in fact, my adderall doses don't even seem to work anymore, as if the lexapro is blunting its efficacy. Each adderall dose just makes me more exhausted.
I'm hoping the irritability and lethargy will subside and the synergies will all work together well. If not, I fear this is going to be another of a million 'cocktails' I've had to taper off of and begin again from scratch, and I'm just so tired of doing that, I don't think I'd be able to handle it again.
Peter
Posted by bruce_w6 on September 15, 2003, at 20:49:44
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by BLKVETTES on September 15, 2003, at 12:41:23
Has anyone heard of Neurontin? Supposed to work for what we take lexapro for. pdoc adding it to my 15mg of lex.
Here is a link I found that tells about it.
www.psycom.net/depression.central.gabapentin.html
Posted by BLKVETTES on September 15, 2003, at 21:03:09
In reply to Re: Lexapro kicking in » leedsman, posted by Mariposa on September 15, 2003, at 19:12:47
> > How do you know when it really kicks in, when you feel like you did before you felt that way, all side effects gone? Clear thinking returning, no more fogginess like a space cadet, with no more fatigue?
>
> It kind of snuck up on me, and several others that have posted here....I was sitting on the couch w/hubby and actually really LAUGHED at something on TV and realized *HEY I'M LAUGHING AND I FEEL GOOD!* just like that, one minute and I just KNEW it was the Lex and it was working.
>
> I too was *looking* for a sign, I got very impatient around 6-7 week, thought this is NEVER going to work and I'm just wasting my time. But it doesn't work that way....one day you'll be sitting in your car staring at the traffic lite and BAM! it'll hit you that *HEY I feel different and it's GOOD!*
>
> All I can Say is *Patience young Grasshopper...your time WILL come!*
>
> Until then hang in there and be strong!~~~8|8
Yep, I was sitting on the computer late one night and realized I was not depressed. I was happy!!!! In fact I was afraid to go to sleep because I thought it would go away!!!! TAKE CARE!!!
WAYNE
Posted by Mariposa on September 15, 2003, at 21:13:57
In reply to Lexapro troubles - day 11, posted by Peter on September 15, 2003, at 19:29:43
> I began 5mg Lexapro 11 days ago. I had some GI upset and lethargy for the first 4 days. My pdoc had me increase to 10mg on day 7.
> I also take adderall 30-35mg and klonopin 3mg.
> The day I began 10mg (daY 7), I really thought I was beginning to feel better - like the med was starting to work. My social phobia improved and I felt like I was beginning to gain interest again in everyday things - something my depression prevented me from being able to do.
> However, since that day, my mood has gone down again. I feel much more irritable, somnolent, and socially avoidant - just more symptomatic overall.
> What's going on? Was that day just a psychosomatic reaction to increasing the dose?
> Shouldn't I be starting to feel better already?
> And what's with the increased irritability? Is that a common, acute transient SE that passes?
> Or am I having a bad reaction? Does this med just not work well for me?
> I've been on SSRI+stim+klonopin combos in the past, and the synergies between all 3 seemed to work well for me; the klonopin+stim helps different areas of my social anxiety and ADD/impulsivity, while the SSRI's usually 'smoothed over' any ups and downs or anxiety caused by the stim and helped with more over-arching depression/anxiety. Now everything seems a mess - in fact, my adderall doses don't even seem to work anymore, as if the lexapro is blunting its efficacy. Each adderall dose just makes me more exhausted.
> I'm hoping the irritability and lethargy will subside and the synergies will all work together well. If not, I fear this is going to be another of a million 'cocktails' I've had to taper off of and begin again from scratch, and I'm just so tired of doing that, I don't think I'd be able to handle it again.
> PeterI have no experience with anything but Lex....and Lex can take 6-8 weeks until you begin to feel *benefits*. I had a long list of very intense side effects starting @ 5mg, most of which subsided by 4th week, increased to 10mg at 5th wk. I did not know for sure Lex was working until week 9. I had bouts of deep depression and anxiety around weeks 4-5, and general blah feeling wk 6-8.
Maybe some of the other posters have input as far as the other meds.
Good luck and keep us posted on your progress!~~~8|8
Posted by BLKVETTES on September 15, 2003, at 21:14:02
In reply to Re: Lexapro kicking in, posted by lil' jimi on September 15, 2003, at 19:17:06
> > How do you know when it really kicks in, when you feel like you did before you felt that way, all side effects gone? Clear thinking returning, no more fogginess like a space cadet, with no more fatigue? >
>
> hey, leedsman,
>
> ... tough call ...
> ... i remember being on a bummer after about 4 weeks because i didn't feel that much different since the SEs had quit ... i just felt blah ...
>
> ... within a couple of weeks ...
> ... i was like doing something with my family or something ... and i started to hear this sound ...
> ... then i realized it was coming from me ...
> ... only then was i surprised when i recognized
> ... it was laughter ...
> ... i was laughing !!
> ... and that's when i could tell that it was working
>
> another common experience is to be complaining, like i was, about getting no benefit .... only to have others comment on how it has made a difference ... ... they always notice these things first, it seems ...
>
> take care,
> ~ jim
>
>Oh yea Jim, people would tell me that I seemed so much better. I was like are you kidding me I feel like Im dying here. Even as I look back Im not sure if they saw something or was just trying to give me hope!!!!!!! TAKE CARE!!!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by BLKVETTES on September 15, 2003, at 21:29:08
In reply to Lexapro troubles - day 11, posted by Peter on September 15, 2003, at 19:29:43
> I began 5mg Lexapro 11 days ago. I had some GI upset and lethargy for the first 4 days. My pdoc had me increase to 10mg on day 7.
> I also take adderall 30-35mg and klonopin 3mg.
> The day I began 10mg (daY 7), I really thought I was beginning to feel better - like the med was starting to work. My social phobia improved and I felt like I was beginning to gain interest again in everyday things - something my depression prevented me from being able to do.
> However, since that day, my mood has gone down again. I feel much more irritable, somnolent, and socially avoidant - just more symptomatic overall.
> What's going on? Was that day just a psychosomatic reaction to increasing the dose?
> Shouldn't I be starting to feel better already?
> And what's with the increased irritability? Is that a common, acute transient SE that passes?
> Or am I having a bad reaction? Does this med just not work well for me?
> I've been on SSRI+stim+klonopin combos in the past, and the synergies between all 3 seemed to work well for me; the klonopin+stim helps different areas of my social anxiety and ADD/impulsivity, while the SSRI's usually 'smoothed over' any ups and downs or anxiety caused by the stim and helped with more over-arching depression/anxiety. Now everything seems a mess - in fact, my adderall doses don't even seem to work anymore, as if the lexapro is blunting its efficacy. Each adderall dose just makes me more exhausted.
> I'm hoping the irritability and lethargy will subside and the synergies will all work together well. If not, I fear this is going to be another of a million 'cocktails' I've had to taper off of and begin again from scratch, and I'm just so tired of doing that, I don't think I'd be able to handle it again.
> PeterHi there, I know the benzos work well with the lexapro. I was taking xanax with the lexapro. I dont know anything about your other med. But if you were feeling good at 5mg you might want to get with your doc and move back down to see if that works again. Or you can just wait out the 10mg for awhile and see if you adjust. TAKE CARE!!!
WAYNE
Posted by phv on September 15, 2003, at 21:31:17
In reply to Re: Lexapro Side Effects » PHV, posted by Arrianna on September 15, 2003, at 0:19:41
Arrianna,
Thanks so much for your very kind words. I was very overwhelmed with the genuine responses of concerns posted by complete strangers who seem to share similar experiences. Thank you. I'm brand new to this message board thing - if it doesn't show - and sent my original post twice last night due to confusion as to whether or not the first one went through. Anyway, I responded to Jim & Wayne today as well - along with all others who have been so kind and actually addressed my situation with real concern. I visited my doctor today - thinking all day of your response specifically which I read before heading to the office this morning. Your encouraging words meant more than you can imagine. My doctor prescribed Busbar & Xanax - which have brought me down considerably back to normal. She feels this anxiety is a temporary side effect that shouldn't last more than a week or so. Since I'm going out of town the remainder of the week, I will follow up with her if I still have issues upon my return. Again, Arriana, thank you for your support. I feel blessed that I found this message board since I've confided in no one about starting Lexapro - and it brings great comfort being able to discuss it with others who can understand what I'm going through. Thank you Arriana!
Patty
Posted by PHV on September 15, 2003, at 22:19:39
In reply to Re: Lexapro kicking in, posted by BLKVETTES on September 15, 2003, at 21:14:02
> > > How do you know when it really kicks in, when you feel like you did before you felt that way, all side effects gone? Clear thinking returning, no more fogginess like a space cadet, with no more fatigue? >
> >
> > hey, leedsman,
> >
> > ... tough call ...
> > ... i remember being on a bummer after about 4 weeks because i didn't feel that much different since the SEs had quit ... i just felt blah ...
> >
> > ... within a couple of weeks ...
> > ... i was like doing something with my family or something ... and i started to hear this sound ...
> > ... then i realized it was coming from me ...
> > ... only then was i surprised when i recognized
> > ... it was laughter ...
> > ... i was laughing !!
> > ... and that's when i could tell that it was working
> >
> > another common experience is to be complaining, like i was, about getting no benefit .... only to have others comment on how it has made a difference ... ... they always notice these things first, it seems ...
> >
> > take care,
> > ~ jim
> >
> >
>
> Oh yea Jim, people would tell me that I seemed so much better. I was like are you kidding me I feel like Im dying here. Even as I look back Im not sure if they saw something or was just trying to give me hope!!!!!!! TAKE CARE!!!!!!
> WAYNE
>
Hi - It's Patty the newcomer here! After all the advice I've received on day one - I feel like I can actually add something to this question now! Wow! I'm on week ten of Lexapro and was very fortunate to have seen fairly significant results early on. However, I knew it really kicked in for me in week 7-8. My mom spent several weeks with me during that time. She moved 2,000 miles away in September, 2001. We were never more than 10 miles apart my entire life and were together several times a week for over 30 years. Her move took a huge toll in my life - and I honestly believe that's when my depression really started. Keep in mind the events that also occured in September, 2001 - which only amplified the depression of losing my mom in my eyes. When I dropped my mom off at the airport during week 8 of Lexapro - I cried as I usually do - and was very sad to come home to an empty house after her staying with me for so long. But I was only sad for that one night and was really okay with it for the first time EVER since she's moved away! In the past two years, I would literally cry every single day for at least a month after every visit I had with her - and often times - much longer than that. That was the moment that opened my eyes to the fact that Lexapro was something that was really helping me - and I wasn't crazy - and I wasn't someone who just had to learn to deal with reality. Oh yeah - my boyfriend of four years told me that he hasn't seen me so happy in a really long time - as the genuine happiness that my mother brought out in me! I finally recognized that I have a medical condition that can be treated if I give it a chance.You're all in my thoughts and prayers - my new friends . . . I thank you - and I know we can get through this together! Patty
Posted by Arrianna on September 15, 2003, at 22:21:24
In reply to Re: Lexapro Side Effects » Arrianna, posted by phv on September 15, 2003, at 21:31:17
Patty,
It's great to have you on the board!! You'll have alot to contribute as well as help others.
I'm so glad my post was beneficial for you. Believe it or not, you've helped me, too. ((smiles)) So, thank you, and you're VERY welcome.
This board is a true blessing, like you say. It's so nice that "strangers" can come here and support one another. Then these strangers turn into friends. So, I hope you will always feel free to post your thoughts and feelings. We are all here for you.
Sounds like things went well with your doctor. I'm glad you're finding answers and have decided to stick with it. Things will get better for you!!
Enjoy your trip and make sure to check in when you get back. You're in my thoughts and prayers.
Hugs,
Arrianna
> Arrianna,
>
> Thanks so much for your very kind words. I was very overwhelmed with the genuine responses of concerns posted by complete strangers who seem to share similar experiences. Thank you. I'm brand new to this message board thing - if it doesn't show - and sent my original post twice last night due to confusion as to whether or not the first one went through. Anyway, I responded to Jim & Wayne today as well - along with all others who have been so kind and actually addressed my situation with real concern. I visited my doctor today - thinking all day of your response specifically which I read before heading to the office this morning. Your encouraging words meant more than you can imagine. My doctor prescribed Busbar & Xanax - which have brought me down considerably back to normal. She feels this anxiety is a temporary side effect that shouldn't last more than a week or so. Since I'm going out of town the remainder of the week, I will follow up with her if I still have issues upon my return. Again, Arriana, thank you for your support. I feel blessed that I found this message board since I've confided in no one about starting Lexapro - and it brings great comfort being able to discuss it with others who can understand what I'm going through. Thank you Arriana!
>
> Patty
Posted by PHV on September 15, 2003, at 22:34:46
In reply to Re: Lexapro Side Effects » phv, posted by Arrianna on September 15, 2003, at 22:21:24
Arrianna -
Thanks to you - I feel as though I have a new friend and new inspiration. Thank you! Never before has one person's input in my life had such an effect and pushed me to take action so quickly! Wow - you must really be special! I already think you are! Thanks!
I will check back in over the weekend when I get back from my business trip. I also think my Xanax is kicking in as I'm feeling pretty mellow and sleepy - which is extremely welcome considering I've been feeling like running a marathon for the past 48 hours!
Thank you my new friend! I look forward to chatting with you over the weekend! You'll be in my thoughts and prayers.
Patty
Patty,
>
> It's great to have you on the board!! You'll have alot to contribute as well as help others.
>
> I'm so glad my post was beneficial for you. Believe it or not, you've helped me, too. ((smiles)) So, thank you, and you're VERY welcome.
>
> This board is a true blessing, like you say. It's so nice that "strangers" can come here and support one another. Then these strangers turn into friends. So, I hope you will always feel free to post your thoughts and feelings. We are all here for you.
>
> Sounds like things went well with your doctor. I'm glad you're finding answers and have decided to stick with it. Things will get better for you!!
>
> Enjoy your trip and make sure to check in when you get back. You're in my thoughts and prayers.
>
> Hugs,
> Arrianna
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> > Arrianna,
> >
> > Thanks so much for your very kind words. I was very overwhelmed with the genuine responses of concerns posted by complete strangers who seem to share similar experiences. Thank you. I'm brand new to this message board thing - if it doesn't show - and sent my original post twice last night due to confusion as to whether or not the first one went through. Anyway, I responded to Jim & Wayne today as well - along with all others who have been so kind and actually addressed my situation with real concern. I visited my doctor today - thinking all day of your response specifically which I read before heading to the office this morning. Your encouraging words meant more than you can imagine. My doctor prescribed Busbar & Xanax - which have brought me down considerably back to normal. She feels this anxiety is a temporary side effect that shouldn't last more than a week or so. Since I'm going out of town the remainder of the week, I will follow up with her if I still have issues upon my return. Again, Arriana, thank you for your support. I feel blessed that I found this message board since I've confided in no one about starting Lexapro - and it brings great comfort being able to discuss it with others who can understand what I'm going through. Thank you Arriana!
> >
> > Patty
>
>
Posted by lil' jimi on September 15, 2003, at 22:40:19
In reply to re: leedsman's paxil to lexapro » lil' jimi, posted by Mariposa on September 15, 2003, at 19:02:45
hi Mariposa!
> I SO appreciate your compliments!!!! Although attention usually embarasses me, it's still nice!!! >
you have earned them ... so i may have to embarrass you some more! .... YOU ARE GREAT !
>
> I agree using old posts as *footnotes* is a great idea, so often I want to refer to them just to remember what it was like, what I was going through....it only re-enforces my opinion that I am doing much better than I was!!! >i am so there
... ... reading my old posts is a trip ... !
... ... which i recommend to everyone ...> Guess I'll do some research on my day off an get prepared!!!
>
> As always...your posts are the best....keep up the GOOD WORK!!
>
> ~~~8|8sorry, but your posts are better ... ... i'm here for the comic relief .. ... .... HA!
TAKE CARE!
~ jim
Posted by Dr. Bob on September 15, 2003, at 23:06:15
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
[Posted by leedsman on September 14, 2003, at 12:55:52
In reply to http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20020609/msgs/109458.html]
> Thanks, for you replies. I have trouble in the morning, with muscle aches, also allergy type feelings, tiredness and no motivation today, I usually have to force myself out of bed to go to work, but since I have off today, I feel tired and do not feel like doing anything. I am starting my 5th week of Lexapro 10 Mg. today and I hope this will soon pass, because the frustration leads to me feeling hopelesness. I also have alittle blurry vision this past week and the foggy unclear thinking.
>
Posted by BLKVETTES on September 15, 2003, at 23:30:11
In reply to Re:lfrom paxil to Lexapro « leedsman, posted by Dr. Bob on September 15, 2003, at 23:06:15
> [Posted by leedsman on September 14, 2003, at 12:55:52
>
> In reply to http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20020609/msgs/109458.html]
>
> > Thanks, for you replies. I have trouble in the morning, with muscle aches, also allergy type feelings, tiredness and no motivation today, I usually have to force myself out of bed to go to work, but since I have off today, I feel tired and do not feel like doing anything. I am starting my 5th week of Lexapro 10 Mg. today and I hope this will soon pass, because the frustration leads to me feeling hopelesness. I also have alittle blurry vision this past week and the foggy unclear thinking.
> >Hey Dr. Bob that link did not not exist when I tried to go there. I was curious to what it was. take care Dr. Bob, this is a first LOL
Posted by leedsman on September 16, 2003, at 1:48:48
In reply to Re:lfrom paxil to Lexapro « leedsman, posted by BLKVETTES on September 15, 2003, at 23:30:11
Dr. Bob . I could not pull up your link also, Could you try again.
Posted by Peter on September 16, 2003, at 5:42:03
In reply to Re: Lexapro troubles - day 11 » Peter , posted by Mariposa on September 15, 2003, at 21:13:57
> > I began 5mg Lexapro 11 days ago. I had some GI upset and lethargy for the first 4 days. My pdoc had me increase to 10mg on day 7.
> > I also take adderall 30-35mg and klonopin 3mg.
> > The day I began 10mg (daY 7), I really thought I was beginning to feel better - like the med was starting to work. My social phobia improved and I felt like I was beginning to gain interest again in everyday things - something my depression prevented me from being able to do.
> > However, since that day, my mood has gone down again. I feel much more irritable, somnolent, and socially avoidant - just more symptomatic overall.
> > What's going on? Was that day just a psychosomatic reaction to increasing the dose?
> > Shouldn't I be starting to feel better already?
> > And what's with the increased irritability? Is that a common, acute transient SE that passes?
> > Or am I having a bad reaction? Does this med just not work well for me?
> > I've been on SSRI+stim+klonopin combos in the past, and the synergies between all 3 seemed to work well for me; the klonopin+stim helps different areas of my social anxiety and ADD/impulsivity, while the SSRI's usually 'smoothed over' any ups and downs or anxiety caused by the stim and helped with more over-arching depression/anxiety. Now everything seems a mess - in fact, my adderall doses don't even seem to work anymore, as if the lexapro is blunting its efficacy. Each adderall dose just makes me more exhausted.
> > I'm hoping the irritability and lethargy will subside and the synergies will all work together well. If not, I fear this is going to be another of a million 'cocktails' I've had to taper off of and begin again from scratch, and I'm just so tired of doing that, I don't think I'd be able to handle it again.
> > Peter
>
> I have no experience with anything but Lex....and Lex can take 6-8 weeks until you begin to feel *benefits*. I had a long list of very intense side effects starting @ 5mg, most of which subsided by 4th week, increased to 10mg at 5th wk. I did not know for sure Lex was working until week 9. I had bouts of deep depression and anxiety around weeks 4-5, and general blah feeling wk 6-8.>>> But I thought Lex was supposed to take a shorter time to kick in than other SSRI's, not longer! 6-8 weeks is longer than it took Prozac to work with me. I guess it's different for everone, but I heard some people began to feel the benefits at week 1 or 2 with lex.
Posted by Mattsit on September 16, 2003, at 7:54:45
In reply to Re: Lexapro Side Effects » PHV, posted by Arrianna on September 15, 2003, at 0:19:41
I've been taking the Lexapro for 5 days now. I havent really had any side effects that I've noticed other than the sleep. I fall asleep ok, but im up around 4 am, wide awake...then i lay around till 6:30 and get up and im TIRED till the early afternoon....Hopefully this goes away soon. How long before i feel better??? i've heard the Lexapro is pretty quick, like a week or two and I might start feeling interested in living again.
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