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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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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.
Posted by phil upland on September 16, 2003, at 8:32:16
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I started taking lexa 5 weeks ago for anxiety and mild depression. I have also been taking 50mg of trazodone for over a year for night terrors/sleepwalking which had been very effective. The lexa has had its good effects but it is outweighed by terrible g.i. problems (i have irritable bowel syndrome as it is) and a return of the night terrors and vivid dreams accompanied by waking up at 4am. I feel that the lexapro has over activated me. Anyone have thoughts. ps I am on 10mg I take in the a.m.
Posted by Mariposa on September 16, 2003, at 10:54:53
In reply to Re: Lexapro troubles - day 11, posted by Peter on September 16, 2003, at 5:42:03
> >
>>
> >>> 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.
>
>Yes some people get results right away, but from the posts I've read, it seems the number is small. Many more, myself included, report 6-8 wks. If you are not one of those lucky ones, please give it the full 8 weeks before you decide to quit, as the results are well worth the wait.
Keep us posted on your progress!~~~8|8
Posted by leedsman on September 16, 2003, at 11:20:37
In reply to Re: Lexapro Side Effects, posted by Mattsit on September 16, 2003, at 7:54:45
Anybody have no real appetite in the mornings, but can eat better in the afternoon and evening?
Posted by Esmarelda on September 16, 2003, at 11:59:38
In reply to re: PHV's Lexapro Side Effects » lil' jimi, posted by phv on September 15, 2003, at 17:48:54
I wish you the best of luck, Patty. Let us know how you are doing!!!
Posted by Esmarelda on September 16, 2003, at 12:05:20
In reply to Lexapro troubles - day 11, posted by Peter on September 15, 2003, at 19:29:43
As you know, each person is affected differently by any drug. My experience with Lexapro (I am not on anything else) was that the first few days I really did feel better. Then, up until about week 5 or 6, I felt worse than I ever had in the past. Extremely anxious, depressed, tired, etc. I also had some GI upset, but nothing too serious. I hung in there and am glad I did, because Lexapro really has worked. Go back and read some previous posts and you will see that others experienced extreme and mild forms of this kind of experience before it worked. I hope that you can hang in there becasue it was worth it for me. Best of Luck!!!
Posted by Esmarelda on September 16, 2003, at 12:11:57
In reply to Re: Lexapro Side Effects, posted by Mattsit on September 16, 2003, at 7:54:45
It took me about 5 -6 weeks before the Lex kicked in and I felt better. I am still tired in the mornings and have the same problem you do with waking up in the middle of the night. However, this is not entirely new to me since I have been an insomniac as long as I remember. I just now have a harder time the in a.m. My therapist thinks it may just be the residual depression. I think others have felt some tiredness on Lexapro, too. I have found that if I force myself up, I do fine.
Posted by Esmarelda on September 16, 2003, at 12:14:38
In reply to 5 weeks on Lexapro and problems, posted by phil upland on September 16, 2003, at 8:32:16
Check out the post I just replied to Mattsit! Good luck!
Posted by Esmarelda on September 16, 2003, at 12:16:51
In reply to Re: Lexapro Side Effects, posted by leedsman on September 16, 2003, at 11:20:37
I have lost much of my appetite at all times.
Posted by BLKVETTES on September 16, 2003, at 13:10:57
In reply to Re: Lexapro troubles - day 11 » Peter , posted by Mariposa on September 16, 2003, at 10:54:53
> > >
> >>
> > >>> 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.
> >
> >
>
> Yes some people get results right away, but from the posts I've read, it seems the number is small. Many more, myself included, report 6-8 wks. If you are not one of those lucky ones, please give it the full 8 weeks before you decide to quit, as the results are well worth the wait.
>
> Keep us posted on your progress!~~~8|8
If one is trying to balance chemicals in the brain this takes time. There is no super med that works in a week or two. What they say is that you may BEGIN to feel better or see results in a week or two. My crying jags quit after the first dose. I became numb, but would still cry time to time. So I guess looking back I did get results very early on if you want to call that getting results. But it took a good 6 weeks before I hit what I would call feeling better. If one is feeling like their old selves in a week or two I have to believe their depression or anxiety was minor to begin with. TAKE CARE!!!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by BLKVETTES on September 16, 2003, at 13:17:54
In reply to Re: Lexapro Side Effects, posted by leedsman on September 16, 2003, at 11:18:14
> Anybody have no real appetite in the mornings, but can eat better in the afternoon and evening?
I lost over 20lbs. before lex because of depression and anxiety. Way to much for my body size. Just trying to eat a bite of something truly disgusted me. That was truly a blessing when my appetite returned almost immediately after starting lexapro. I have gained every lb. back!!!!! TAKE CARE!!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by Arrianna on September 16, 2003, at 13:19:43
In reply to Re: Lexapro troubles - day 11 » Peter , posted by Mariposa on September 16, 2003, at 10:54:53
> > >
> >>
> > >>> 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.
Peter,Hang in there. It is different for everyone. I've been on 10mg lexapro now for 11 weeks. In my experience, I immediately felt benefits from Lex. I went on it for anxiety/panic attacks, and instantly my anxiety improved.
However, I went through many SE's for the first 3 weeks. I also got really depressed like you in either the first or second week.
Like you, I also experienced the initial good feeling of wanting to be around others; and then that went away for a time when I became depressed. All I wanted or felt like doing during this time was to be by myself.
But, that was short-lived. Things got alot better for me after week 3, as it continues to get better. So, please hang in there.
You might have to force yourself to get motivated, etc., during this time, but it'll pay off.
The best of luck to you!!!!
Arrianna
Posted by BLKVETTES on September 16, 2003, at 13:27:52
In reply to Re: Lexapro Side Effects » Mattsit, posted by Esmarelda on September 16, 2003, at 12:11:57
> It took me about 5 -6 weeks before the Lex kicked in and I felt better. I am still tired in the mornings and have the same problem you do with waking up in the middle of the night. However, this is not entirely new to me since I have been an insomniac as long as I remember. I just now have a harder time the in a.m. My therapist thinks it may just be the residual depression. I think others have felt some tiredness on Lexapro, too. I have found that if I force myself up, I do fine.
I like your honesty!!!!! I to have had insomnia all my life. But I belive the depression and anxiety took it one step further. Sleep was impossible!!!!!!! With lexapro it took months for me to get any kind of decent sleep. Im back like I used to be sometimes great sleep and other times its a struggle which has nothing to do with lexapro. Ive always been a night person anyways and a lot of this is my own fault. TAKE CARE!!
WAYNE
Posted by Esmarelda on September 16, 2003, at 13:34:30
In reply to Re: Lexapro Side Effects, posted by BLKVETTES on September 16, 2003, at 13:27:52
"ditto" Wayne!
Posted by BLKVETTES on September 16, 2003, at 13:35:23
In reply to Re: Lexapro troubles - day 11, posted by Arrianna on September 16, 2003, at 13:19:43
> > > >
> > >>
> > > >>> 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.
>
>
> Peter,
>
> Hang in there. It is different for everyone. I've been on 10mg lexapro now for 11 weeks. In my experience, I immediately felt benefits from Lex. I went on it for anxiety/panic attacks, and instantly my anxiety improved.
>
> However, I went through many SE's for the first 3 weeks. I also got really depressed like you in either the first or second week.
>
> Like you, I also experienced the initial good feeling of wanting to be around others; and then that went away for a time when I became depressed. All I wanted or felt like doing during this time was to be by myself.
>
> But, that was short-lived. Things got alot better for me after week 3, as it continues to get better. So, please hang in there.
>
> You might have to force yourself to get motivated, etc., during this time, but it'll pay off.
>
> The best of luck to you!!!!
> ArriannaLexapro does not work any faster than any other med. If a doctor tells you this he or she is mistaken or just plain ignorant!!!! The makers of lexapro do not make this claim. The way they write things is very clever. Kind of like the zoloft commercial its very misleading to say the least. It just not show the true hell those little bubble balls go through to get that cute little happy face. TAKE CARE!!!!!
WAYNE
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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