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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by reluctant on January 10, 2004, at 17:39:28
In reply to Loosing my mind on Lex? - HELP, posted by KathrynLex on January 10, 2004, at 17:15:58
Hi K -
I'd look to other possibilities before you decide you're losing your mind! I've definitely had moments like that, particularly when sick or coming down with something. How do you feel now?
if it keeps up, then I'd worry a little.
-r.
Posted by KathrynLex on January 10, 2004, at 19:57:59
In reply to Re: Loosing my mind on Lex? - HELP, posted by reluctant on January 10, 2004, at 17:39:28
I'm feeling a bit better now. Thank you for such a quick response. It's a very scary experience to not recognize familiar places. I'll have to go back and read the consumer info, but I think feelings of unreality are a side effect of the drug. I'd be interested to know if anyone else has experienced something like I described in my above post. Thanks!
K.
Posted by Jayslace on January 10, 2004, at 20:05:44
In reply to Re: Loosing my mind on Lex? - HELP, posted by KathrynLex on January 10, 2004, at 19:57:59
I feel with you with the problems with short term memory loss. That too is along with my disability. But the feeling of going to place where it's familiar, but it does not feel familiar is something not too mess with. If this continues, I agree, notify your doctor.
I've had those feelings before, but they were not when I was on Lex.
Take care and good luck to you all!
Ruthie
Posted by Mrs C. on January 10, 2004, at 20:42:41
In reply to Loosing my mind on Lex? - HELP, posted by KathrynLex on January 10, 2004, at 17:15:58
Hi KathrynLex,
Do you know that song by Matchbox 20 called "Unwell". Well, if have ever listened to the lyrics it would fit your life right now perfectly. I know this because my first month on Lex I felt as if I was going crazy and that was my theme song. I was spaced out, scattered brained, tired and wired at the same time and extremely worried that I had done the wrong thing by trying Lex. I never really got the experience you had today but I don't think there is anything wrong with you. You are probably so preoccupied by your side effects and your mind is not where it should be. You WILL get better soon! You are on the downhill slide, I promise. Soon you will be answering posts like yours trying to help someone else get through the difficult first month on Lex. Hang in there! Mrs. C
Posted by sexylexy on January 10, 2004, at 20:56:49
In reply to Re: Loosing my mind on Lex? - HELP, posted by Mrs C. on January 10, 2004, at 20:42:41
Hi Ya'll
Kathryn, what a scary experience. I have not had that yet but I did go to the mall the other day and was so spaced out that people were literally running into me. I swear sometimes I feel like a health hazard and it is personally very scary. Have you tried taking 5mg in the morning and 5mg before bed or taking it all before bed?
Mrs. C
Thank you so much for your support. I honestly have read your post many times and find your symptoms close to mine so it is wonderful to hear that things get better.
I do have to say that slowly I am seeing results. My anxiety is very low, no more crying spells, less moody. I am still a good ways from being myself but I am feeling like I actually may get there in time. I just wish this darn spaciness would clear.
Anyway, I am also having the short term memory thing though it seems to be getting better. Having trouble with names and remembering that I wanted to tell someone something ect. Does this ever end?????????????????????/
Lexy
Posted by sexylexy on January 10, 2004, at 21:09:38
In reply to Re: Loosing my mind on Lex? - HELP , posted by sexylexy on January 10, 2004, at 20:56:49
Needing Support~
ya'll today is dy 18 for me and Im almost at the point where I want to give up. I know its supposed to get better but I feel like a space cadet. Please re-assure me that this works!
Spacey Lexy
Posted by KathrynLex on January 10, 2004, at 21:11:39
In reply to Re: Loosing my mind on Lex? - HELP , posted by sexylexy on January 10, 2004, at 20:56:49
Thank you so much for all of your responses. It helps a great deal just knowing that there are other people out there who are going through some of this too. I'm feeling better...we'll see how tomorrow goes. Thanks again.
Posted by KathrynLex on January 10, 2004, at 21:13:07
In reply to Re: Lexapro and Concentration, posted by Bali on January 10, 2004, at 2:01:54
Thanks Bali. This is good to hear.
Posted by KathrynLex on January 10, 2004, at 21:14:47
In reply to Re: Lexapro and Concentration, posted by bill-bob on January 10, 2004, at 0:39:32
Hi Bill,
Did you ever notice an inability to concentrate, or did your concentration begin to improve as soon as you started taking Lex?
K.
Posted by Jayslace on January 10, 2004, at 22:18:19
In reply to Re: Loosing my mind on Lex? - HELP , posted by sexylexy on January 10, 2004, at 21:09:38
I'm living proof it works, and I know there are so many more on this board and some that are not even on this board to show it works. I've gotten throught the sleepy days now, and I'm so glad for that. Sure, I might still have some again, but that's ok. My concentration is so poor I can't read books, only short stories (because of mean , nasty brain tumors and defecits from them) but I have noticed better concentration since starting on the Lex (first 10mg, and now on my 10th day of 20mg)I think it's better for me because I am able to cope more with my anxietys and depression of being disabled now. We all have differences, and meds effect us differently, but just know that we still need each other for support. And I want you to know, you are not alone. Don't give up. I for one like Lexapro. I was on several other antidepressants in the last couple years. This one has me back to my normal self. Happy and smiling. The side effects I'm finding so much help to deal with thanks to this board.
Hang in there Lexy. I'm holding on to you!!!
Ruthie
Posted by KathrynLex on January 10, 2004, at 23:16:59
In reply to Re: Loosing my mind on Lex? - HELP , posted by sexylexy on January 10, 2004, at 21:09:38
Hi Lexy,
I'm right there with you. (On day 22 of Lex.) It IS discouraging...but the important thing right now is to wait it out so we can get better! Don't give up yet, at least hang on until 6 weeks have gone by. Mrs. C assures me that we're on the downhill side of things and everything should start to get better soon. There are a lot of people hanging on with you, you're not alone. There are also a lot of people who have been through exactly what we're going through right now, and they're feeling GREAT today. And we'll feel the same way very soon. Hang in there!!
K.
Posted by Vandy on January 11, 2004, at 1:18:39
In reply to Re: Loosing my mind on Lex? - HELP , posted by sexylexy on January 10, 2004, at 21:09:38
Missing your mind? It's another one of the phenomenae that go away. At least as an SE of Lex it goes away. I know many people who claim that their mind is the one thing they miss most from their youth. I suspect it's like everything else. Those wonderful things we used to have get better and better as they recede farther into the past. I know all my skills lost when my youth went away were much better in my memory than they were in my youth. But that's not my point. I want you to know something good from my experience. I thought I'd lost my mind before I started on LEX. I went through a very unexpected and unwelcome divorce. It cost me dearly in every sense of the word. One of the highest costs came from the loss of belief that I could ever share a secure love with another human being. Oh, I know death is life's only guaranteed outcome. Life is, after all, a terminal illness sexually transmitted. But one should be able to find some person with which life can be shared in those special ways that help give it meaning and comfort. Close your eyes and you can see what you truly have other than yourself in the final analysis. But the love of that special someone can sure cushion the blows of the built in solitude we all must face. And I had lost the ability to believe in finding such a person. The result was dispair. I would be in a store trying to holiday shop for my children and the gloom would settle around and try to suffocate me. It was all I could do to keep from running from the store. I could be doing anything and suddenly I might experience an anxiety that would paralyze me. Then I stopped trying to tough it out. I went to the doc and told him I needed some help. 20 mg of Lex plus some side effects plus 84 days and BINGO. The woman who loves me and shares my life doesn't fill me with the fear that she, too, might one day split. I discovered the love of friends again. My youngest son made me hear how much he loved me. My four year old grandson turned to me from a Nicolodeon program and like a bolt out of the blue said, "I wuv you gwanpa." And I could treasure it. Yes, I spent some time in some fog during my ramp up on Lex. I don't know exactly where to place the blame. I'm guessing it was the overload working its way out of my life. I don't know. But it's gone. I'm pretty sure yours will go too. Not your mind. It will probably return. And it will be better to you than it has been in years, I'll betcha!
> Needing Support~
> ya'll today is dy 18 for me and Im almost at the point where I want to give up. I know its supposed to get better but I feel like a space cadet. Please re-assure me that this works!
> Spacey Lexy
Posted by BLKVETTES on January 11, 2004, at 2:55:47
In reply to Re: lexapro side effect -- Dosage ? -- 5mg ?, posted by John2222 on January 10, 2004, at 16:18:11
> Does anyone know if Lexapro is available in 5mg tablets?
>
> Or does everyone split the 10mg tablets into half?THERE IS A 5MG. DOUBT MANY HAVE IT STOCKED THOUGH. I CUT A 10MG TO GET 7.5MG.AND USED TO CUT IN HALF TO GET 5MG. ITS ALL PERFECTLY SAFE.
WAYNE
Posted by Neatfreak on January 11, 2004, at 7:32:42
In reply to Loosing my mind on Lex? - HELP, posted by KathrynLex on January 10, 2004, at 17:15:58
>If this med has these effects on you. Better watch the driving. In my State if you are impaired,(driving under the inlflunce of alcohol or drugs, illegal or legal) it is unlawful.
It's day 22 on 10 mg of Lex. I was out running errands when...I don't know how to describe it...things didn't look familiar. I've lived in this city my entire life, but I didn't quite recognize it this afternoon. It took me a VERY long time to count out the right amount of money for the cashier at the store, I finally had to ask someone next to me if I'd counted it out right. It was a little bit like those feelings of unreality I sometimes get during a panic attack. Has this happened to anyone else, or can you offer some advice? I'm terrified and it feels like I'm loosing my mind.
>
> K.
>
>
Posted by Bali on January 11, 2004, at 8:33:43
In reply to Rediscovering my mind on Lex!, posted by Vandy on January 11, 2004, at 1:18:39
Vandy, What a lovely post! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences with us. You left me with such positive feelings and a great big smile to boot as I head off to church with my reluctant 8 year old. Hugs to all of you. Bali
Posted by Jayslace on January 11, 2004, at 11:20:13
In reply to Rediscovering my mind on Lex!, posted by Vandy on January 11, 2004, at 1:18:39
Vandy, Thank you for your post! It's so encouraging and inspirational. :-) And I'm so glad to hear about your wonderful happenings too! I hope it all keeps up!
Peace and comfort to us all!
Ruthie
Posted by John2222 on January 11, 2004, at 12:39:39
In reply to Re: Loosing my mind on Lex? - HELP » KathrynLex, posted by Neatfreak on January 11, 2004, at 7:32:42
About 6 weeks ago after a long slow tapering, I stopped Effexor XR, and now am taking Lexapro 5mg and Wellbutrin 150 XL each day.
But for last two weeks I have had really bad headache in back of my neck. I don't think its from stress beause that isn't a factor right now. I'm waking up at 4am each day with the headache and after heat pack and Advil's it usually goes away (sorta).
Today I decided to try and move my Lexapro from mornings to later in the day thinking that was causing the awakenings. At 10:15 am this morning I was still aching and decided to take the Lexapro now instead of waiting until noon.
Guess what? About 15 minutes after taking the Lexapro (unless it's my imagination), my headache stopped!
Any amatuer psychiatrists out there?
Wondering if I'm still having after-effects of a year of takng Effexor? Any other ideas?
I'm beginning to think that getting rid of headaches is more important than getting rid of depression!!
ARGGGH!
(thanks for listening....)
john
Posted by KathrynLex on January 11, 2004, at 12:59:27
In reply to Rediscovering my mind on Lex!, posted by Vandy on January 11, 2004, at 1:18:39
Thank you for the wonderful post Vandy. It's success stories like yours that encourage me to continue taking Lex. I'm glad you've found love again, it sounds like things have taken a wonderful turn in your life. That's wonderful!
Posted by bill-bob on January 11, 2004, at 19:25:31
In reply to Re: Lexapro and Concentration, posted by KathrynLex on January 10, 2004, at 21:14:47
> Hi Bill,
>
> Did you ever notice an inability to concentrate, or did your concentration begin to improve as soon as you started taking Lex?
>
> K.
Kathryn,I would say it took at least 3-4 weeks. Lack of ability to concentrate was one of my symptoms that prompted my doctor to prescribe the lexapro in the first place. I would agree that one has to be patient - I was a little disappointed when nothing seemed to be happening in the first few weeks (except some side effects), but now at about 6 weeks I do feel better, including the concentration thing. Unfortunately, a decreased libido is a problem for me, but I'll deal with that later - I'm just grateful to be starting to climb out of the deep, miserable funk I was in for many months.
Just keep on keeping on and best of luck to you!
Bill
Posted by Twuffy on January 11, 2004, at 19:36:02
In reply to Re: lexapro side effect -- Dosage ? -- 5mg ?, posted by John2222 on January 10, 2004, at 16:18:11
You have to split them, that is why they are scored. They come in 10 or 20 and my doc started me on 5. Just use a sharp knife and split them. Hope that helps.
Posted by dreaminoftx on January 11, 2004, at 21:30:39
In reply to Re: lexapro side effect -- Dosage ? -- 5mg ?, posted by Twuffy on January 11, 2004, at 19:36:02
I have been taking Lexapro since September. The 10 mg dose did nothing so my doc changed it to 20mg. It made me very sleepy in the afternoon. (I take the dose at night per Dr.'s instructions) On 12/9 she we tried to compensate for the drowsiness by scaling back to 15mg. but this dosage did not work for me so we went back to 20 and I am tired once again. Does this side effect eventually go away? Thanks-
Posted by dk on January 11, 2004, at 21:31:11
In reply to Average Lexapro dosage, posted by ednababish on January 1, 2004, at 9:19:02
> I am wondering how much Lexapro most of you are taking, so please let me know. My psychiatrist pronounced me more depressed than I was admitting to myself the first visit; this second visit she said I needed more because I was still irratable and blue. I have been taking 10mg; she suggested 20mg, but I was concerned because two years ago 40mgs of Celexa was too much for me--I had a spell while teaching a collge class that I thought I was going to pass out. She then suggested 15mgs. Celexa and Lexapro have both made me jittery and a bit panicky until they have been levelled off in my system--but Celexa worked beautifully at 30 mgs two years ago. Any insights on this?
hi - i stumbled over this board, because i had the excact same question as you. 10mg didn't work for me as well, but i was hesistant to double the dose, as i am hesistant towards all kinds of medication. but then i learned that to double the dose doesn't mean that the effects double as well - in fact it works like a hyperbola. i am now taking 20mg a day and feel much better -- i would say my mood increased from 60% to 80% or sometimes even 100%. i was wondering if anybody takes more than 20mg a day?
Posted by Vandy on January 11, 2004, at 22:17:42
In reply to Re: Rediscovering my mind on Lex!, posted by KathrynLex on January 11, 2004, at 12:59:27
Yes, my life had taken a wonderful turn about seven years before I started Lexapro. Fortunately for me I didn't toss it away in the meantime. Lex truly let me find the positives that were in my life already. The depression wouldn't let me enjoy them. Now I can see what was all around me when I was lower than a snake's belly. That's why I try to encourage my fellow sufferers as they deal with the SE's. The light at the end of the tunnel is truly not an oncoming train. It's the light in your life that depression and anxiety hide from you. Lex is a worthy tool to help you rediscover them. And tohelp you get your mind back as well.
> Thank you for the wonderful post Vandy. It's success stories like yours that encourage me to continue taking Lex. I'm glad you've found love again, it sounds like things have taken a wonderful turn in your life. That's wonderful!
Posted by KathrynLex on January 11, 2004, at 22:19:16
In reply to Re: Average Lexapro dosage, posted by dk on January 11, 2004, at 21:31:11
I read a post earlier in the week where some people reported taking 40 mg of Lex. Somebody with a very high tolerance for meds posted saying they take 100 mg.
I'm glad to hear you're having success on the higher dose. My pdoc suggested that I try 20 mg and I'm a little hesitant.
K.
Posted by Journeyman on January 11, 2004, at 22:55:33
In reply to Re: Loosing my mind on Lex? - HELP, posted by KathrynLex on January 10, 2004, at 19:57:59
K,
Hope today was more settled for you. The last thing you need when you're taking medication that deals with anxiety/depression is something else to be anxious about. The symptoms you described would certainly be unsettling and a bit frightening.
Here are a couple of thoughts: since medication affects people differently, boards such as this can be wonderfully helpful and reassuring; especially when others can relate experiences that are similar to our own, or can inspire us to hold out because things may very well change for the better. It may be that it was a blip, an uncomfortable and worrisome blip, but a blip nonetheless, and that like others, the side effects will diminish and then disappear. I certainly hope that's the case.
On the other hand, it may be that your body is not capable of handling Lexapro. Researchers at Stanford have identified a genetic marker that explains why some people can't tolerate certain medications. (see ref. below)
There was a very interesting article in last week's New York Sunday Times magazine about a p/doc who became depressed and then had a very difficult time when taking the medication she had prescribed so often for her own patients. She discontined use of it after four weeks because of the side effects, and the side effects were nothing of the sort you mention. The article is well worth reading. If you don't have it at home, you can probably get it at your local library and photocopy it. It's the Jan. 4, 2004 New York Times Magazine. The articles is on p. 58 and is entitled A Doctor's Toxic Shock. It's written by Nanette Gartrell. If you can't get your hands on a copy locally, you can download it from their website for $2.50. (www.nytimes.com)
In any case, I urge you to discuss the symptoms with your p/doc immediately.
We all want you to be safe, as well as happy.
Peace and comfort to you K.
Richard
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