![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 5981 to 6005 of 8406. Go back in thread:
Posted by Gaza on January 14, 2004, at 16:27:43
In reply to Re: someone help! » Gaza, posted by Jayslace on January 14, 2004, at 16:01:12
Did you have an after-life experience when you were dead for 5 minutes? If so, I would like to give you an anonymouse email address you can reach me at, if you don't mind.
> Gaza, Yes, I can expound. Life, as in alive, living, breathing. Seeing all around us and having the chance to be able to enjoy all that we have. Keyword being "having the chance." Not always do we feel we have the chance. But being positive , I said,"Life is here for us."
> I died for 5 minutes Oct 10th 2001 from a pulmonary embolism. That was not my choice. Since then I have wanted to die 3 times by choice. However, Lexapro has helped me finally realize I don't want to die, I have too much in this life to live for. My brain is still not where it was 3 yrs ago, but ,heck, should that stop me from being a Mom, a wife, a daughter, a sister? Should it stop me from being Ruthie? It stops me from remembering when my doctor appts are unless I write them down on my calender, it keeps me from driving more than 30 miles(if it's a good day), it keeps me from forgetting peoples name I just met a few minutes ago, it makes me I put something on the stove and I leave the room and I burn something. BUT, I go to Kings Island with my kids and husband. I go swimming with my family. We play games. I can still cook and not burn things. LOL We live in a town where Walmart and Kroger is within a mile. I take my dog for a walk. I order Freebies off the internet and give them to neighbors and friends. And I 'adopted' a family for Christmas so they would have a good Christmas this year.
> Life? Living, breathing, alive. Look around.
> I hope I expounded enough. If not, I'm sure I can do more. LOL
> Have a great night !!!!
> Ruthie
Posted by Gaza on January 14, 2004, at 16:33:29
In reply to Re: IS IT THE DREADED *POOP-OUT*???, posted by Mrs C. on January 14, 2004, at 16:13:51
Who is Journeyman? Is that Bob Yuma?
> Mariposa, I ditto Journeyman! I am only on my third month and can't offer more than my support and best wishes. Your posts have helped me in so many ways! Also, Journeyman, your posts are so wonderful. If you are not a writer in life you should be. Thanks for your inspiring words. Mrs. C
Posted by nicky847 on January 14, 2004, at 17:05:24
In reply to someone help! , posted by sexylexy on January 14, 2004, at 13:45:33
Lexy-
Things will get better. One thing you have to keep in mind, and one thing that helps me, is that I dont expect Lexapro to make life perfect or even to make me happy...I expect it to do one thing and that is make me not feel sick anymore..the rest is entirely my responsbility...dont forget to LIVE while you are waiting for the lexapro to kick in..even if you dont enjoy things the way you used to..its important to still do them..to enjoy them a LITTLE..even if you cant enjoy them as much as youd like..having gone thru all of this with celexa..the 8 week mark is not the magic day when all becomes right in your world..if the med is working it will be a point where you can get thru an hour or two without obsessing over what you are thinking or how you are feeling...in a few months that hour or two grows to a day...then a week...recovering is very very gradual and it takes more than meds..it takes changing your priorities and your lifestyle so that your own needs come a little higher on the pecking order...
> Hi ya'll
> I am having a really bad day. I guess today is about 22 on lex (10mg). This is the worst I have felt in quite a long time. I am sick today, bad sinus, sore throat ect which has caused me to stay home from work today. I am sick and all alone with my family and boyfriend 4 states away.
> I think I my PMDD is coming out in full force. I am so ready for this stuff to kick in so that I can deal with this. Its like one second I am crying, then ok some of the hypersensitivity is back and am feeling anxious as well. Ladies does this ever get better. Will this stuff kick in and let me have a normal life again. My side effects are going away so I don't want to give up. I jsut want to feel normal again. Smile, laugh be happy about something.
> I am just so sad and frusterated today. Anyone else feeling this way, will it ever work? Is 22 days to soon to move up my dose? Help please!
> A not so sexy feeling lexy
Posted by BobYuma on January 14, 2004, at 17:27:50
In reply to Re: IS IT THE DREADED *POOP-OUT*???, posted by Gaza on January 14, 2004, at 16:33:29
> Who is Journeyman? Is that Bob Yuma?
>
> > Mariposa, I ditto Journeyman! I am only on my third month and can't offer more than my support and best wishes. Your posts have helped me in so many ways! Also, Journeyman, your posts are so wonderful. If you are not a writer in life you should be. Thanks for your inspiring words. Mrs. C
> > >
No, Gaza, I'm not Jorneyman, I'm Bob, Journeyman is Richard. Who's on third?
BobYuma
Posted by Gaza on January 14, 2004, at 17:57:46
In reply to Re: someone help! , posted by nicky847 on January 14, 2004, at 17:05:24
This is very helpful for me, and I need to remember it. I keep slipping into the mindset that lex will do it all for me & I won't have to do anything.
> Things will get better. One thing you have to keep in mind, and one thing that helps me, is that I dont expect Lexapro to make life perfect or even to make me happy...I expect it to do one thing and that is make me not feel sick anymore..the rest is entirely my responsbility...dont forget to LIVE while you are waiting for the lexapro to kick in..even if you dont enjoy things the way you used to..its important to still do them..to enjoy them a LITTLE..even if you cant enjoy them as much as youd like..having gone thru all of this with celexa..the 8 week mark is not the magic day when all becomes right in your world..if the med is working it will be a point where you can get thru an hour or two without obsessing over what you are thinking or how you are feeling...in a few months that hour or two grows to a day...then a week...recovering is very very gradual and it takes more than meds..it takes changing your priorities and your lifestyle so that your own needs come a little higher on the pecking order...
Posted by Mariposa on January 14, 2004, at 19:30:48
In reply to Mariposa - THE DREADED *POOP-OUT*???, posted by Esmarelda on January 14, 2004, at 9:19:48
> I am not sure what to do. I upped my dosage around the first of December because I was staying depressed since before Thanksgiving. I think the holidays may have something to do with it as I never do well during them, I think I have always had seasonal affective disorder and this was the first holidays without my beloved grandmother. However, be that as it may, I stayed busy enough that the holidays weren't too bad, but as soon as everything was over, I felt like I crashed. So, about a week ago, I started taking Wellbutrin with Lexapro to see if that helps. I seem to just not be able to get up and do it in the mornings. I get better as the day wears on. But, the bad part is I can really feel the disease lying to me again and putting negative thoughts in my head although I try to push them out. I hope this helps. I am hanging in there. If I have to increase or the Wellbutrin winds up helping, then so be it! Take care and you have helped me alot over the last few months. I truly wish you the best!
I'm doing much better today, and hope you are *coping*. I too felt the *crash* after the holidays, partially because I worked long hard hours, and a lot has to do w/fact that Mom-in-Law passed away 1 year ago on Jan. 1, which also happens to be my Birthday. I didn't even want to put up a tree this year but Hubby insisted, said it just wouldn't be right not put it up even if it was just the 2 of us.
I too have experienced a recurrence of impatience w/hubby, annoyance at the stupidity on TV, road impatience (as opposed to RAGE), and I just had period and could feel PMS uncomfortable where I haven't in recent months. Still a bit irritable and it's the week after already!
A lot of people post here that they take the Wel/Lex combo. I dread the thought of adding another med...it was so hard for me to decide to take Lex and stay with it.
I hope you come back often and update on your progress, interested in how well you do on this combo and hope for the best for you.~~~8|8
Posted by Danab on January 14, 2004, at 22:44:44
In reply to New to Lexapro and feeling awful, posted by jjana on May 8, 2003, at 13:42:39
Hi, my name name is Dana. I'm new to this site...I was searching on Lexapro info and found you guys. I just took my first dose about 1/2 hour ago and after reading these posts, well, I'm a freaking nervous wreck. The side effects seem horrible. I'm waiting to at any minute start throwing up, have an anxiety attack, get a rash, feel like I have the flu or eat like crazy ( just what I don't need!). My doc (primary care) orignally suggested Effexor but I was not comfortable with that after reading the info on it and he went to Lexapro. I actually did not get any specific instructions ( he gave me a month of samples)---Can someone tell me the best time to take this med? The samples are 10mg, which I broke in half (again, because I got no instructions I just thought I would start out as low as possible). I spoke to a pharmacist and she said before bed, but from what I've read here it seems most people take it much earlier in the day. I also take Ambien. I'm not even sure this drug is what I actually need. I would not say I'm very depressed ( although some friends would disagree with me) but more anxiety ridden. I think I have Body Dysmorphic Disorder---anyone know if Lexapro is an appropriate drug for that type of disorder?? Sorry this is so long...any insight would be greatly appreciated. Now back to waiting for those awful side effects to begin...
Dana in New Orleans
Posted by vandy on January 14, 2004, at 22:52:04
In reply to Mariposa - THE DREADED *POOP-OUT*???, posted by Esmarelda on January 14, 2004, at 9:19:48
It will be ok. You're not alone in that holiday thing. Check out the suicide numbers around the holidays if you don't believe me. The elderly croak, the depression prone get blue and the world seems to get heavier. Don't know why! The good news: you're past it. The better news: When the next one comes it won't feel nearly as bad. No guarantees that you won't get blue. I do. It's the damn season. Chaulk it off to that and find a way to laugh at it. I do that, too.
> I am not sure what to do. I upped my dosage around the first of December because I was staying depressed since before Thanksgiving. I think the holidays may have something to do with it as I never do well during them, I think I have always had seasonal affective disorder and this was the first holidays without my beloved grandmother. However, be that as it may, I stayed busy enough that the holidays weren't too bad, but as soon as everything was over, I felt like I crashed. So, about a week ago, I started taking Wellbutrin with Lexapro to see if that helps. I seem to just not be able to get up and do it in the mornings. I get better as the day wears on. But, the bad part is I can really feel the disease lying to me again and putting negative thoughts in my head although I try to push them out. I hope this helps. I am hanging in there. If I have to increase or the Wellbutrin winds up helping, then so be it! Take care and you have helped me alot over the last few months. I truly wish you the best!
Posted by vandy on January 14, 2004, at 22:57:09
In reply to Re: IS IT THE DREADED *POOP-OUT*??? - Gaza, posted by BobYuma on January 14, 2004, at 17:27:50
NO NO NO
Who's on first, what's on second and I don't know is on third!
Posted by friendofbillw on January 14, 2004, at 23:12:02
In reply to Re: effexor xr and lexapro anyone? » lam, posted by ayuda on January 17, 2003, at 22:55:16
> > If alcohol really does counter act the AD then if I don't drink, this AD could possibily work for me?
>
> It should be able to -- I don't know how many people are not responding to Lexapro, since few people who are not benefitting from it participate on this discussion board. I know that it works well for me, and I am no longer gaining weight like I was on the Effexor XR.
>
> As for alcohol, I have spoken with several doctors, and my mother, who is a nurse, and I have also spoken with a pharm rep (my roommate's dad), and every one agrees, regardless of what some people may say are their personal experiences, that the sole purpose of alcohol is that it is a CNS depressant, which is why 1) you are warned against mixing it with other CNS depressants, such as Valium or Codeine, and 2) most alcoholics also suffer from depression [On the Lexapro website, it says: "At-risk traits—tell your healthcare provider how often you drink alcohol or use drugs." Meaning that these are traits that make a person at-risk for depression. From the webiste, http://academic.hws.edu/alcohol/events/AwareWkLec/sld001.htm, "alcohol decreases serotonin activity." I include this link to this presentation because it goes step-by-step through explaining the link between alcohol and depression and serotonin on slides 3, 4 & 5.]
>
> The purpose of SSRI's such as Lexapro is to change the way your body absorbs serotonin, increasing serotonin activity. The Britannica Precise Dictionary says that, "Some cases of depression are apparently caused by reduced amounts or activity of serotonin in the brain; many antidepressants counteract that condition." There are many other places where you can get information concerning the action of SSRI's on serotonin, because that is the sole purpose of an SSRI (selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitor).
>
> So if alcohol causes a decrease in serotonin activity, and depression is characterized by a decrease in serotonin activity, and SSRI's are designed to increase serotonin activity, then it logically follows that alcohol does the opposite of what your Lexapro does, which means it counter-acts it.
>
> The detailed explanation hopefully helps you to understand that I am not giving you my personal opinion, but have researched this topic, and there are plenty of medical studies about this. So the bottom line is, if you do not drink alcohol, you give the SSRI a chance to do its job.
LOVE YOUR POST! Talk about detail and great information. Thanks so much. I'm an alcoholic who has been sober 5 years. Hazelden, a treatment center in Minnesota, is prescribing many patients an AD and they are very careful about prescriptions. I do believe in my case that I either had low seratonin previous to active alcoholism (a beer binge drinker), or had depleted it. Whatever the cause, as you stated, AD's and alcohol don't mix. If you can't stop drinking while on AD's you may want to take a look at your drinking.Best to all.
Billw
Posted by Mariposa on January 15, 2004, at 0:23:40
In reply to Re: IS IT THE DREADED *POOP-OUT*???, posted by Mrs C. on January 14, 2004, at 16:13:51
> Mariposa, I ditto Journeyman! I am only on my third month and can't offer more than my support and best wishes. Your posts have helped me in so many ways! Also, Journeyman, your posts are so wonderful. If you are not a writer in life you should be. Thanks for your inspiring words. Mrs. C
Thanks to you as well! I think you are a wonderful addition to this board, you always have a cheery word for those of us in need. Keep on!!!~~~8|8
Posted by Gaza on January 15, 2004, at 8:25:50
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful, posted by Danab on January 14, 2004, at 22:44:44
You're worrying too much - aaahh. One of the symptoms of depression - yuck. Cheer up at least a little if you can, you're now on the right path. I don't think the se's (side effects) are very bad, the positive effects sure make it worth it.
But please don't be so scared. Did you know one of the SE's is to do aerobics for hours, while giggling uncontrollably??
> Hi, my name name is Dana. I'm new to this site...I was searching on Lexapro info and found you guys. I just took my first dose about 1/2 hour ago and after reading these posts, well, I'm a freaking nervous wreck. The side effects seem horrible. I'm waiting to at any minute start throwing up, have an anxiety attack, get a rash, feel like I have the flu or eat like crazy ( just what I don't need!). My doc (primary care) orignally suggested Effexor but I was not comfortable with that after reading the info on it and he went to Lexapro. I actually did not get any specific instructions ( he gave me a month of samples)---Can someone tell me the best time to take this med? The samples are 10mg, which I broke in half (again, because I got no instructions I just thought I would start out as low as possible). I spoke to a pharmacist and she said before bed, but from what I've read here it seems most people take it much earlier in the day. I also take Ambien. I'm not even sure this drug is what I actually need. I would not say I'm very depressed ( although some friends would disagree with me) but more anxiety ridden. I think I have Body Dysmorphic Disorder---anyone know if Lexapro is an appropriate drug for that type of disorder?? Sorry this is so long...any insight would be greatly appreciated. Now back to waiting for those awful side effects to begin...
>
> Dana in New Orleans
>
Posted by Gaza on January 15, 2004, at 8:32:51
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful, posted by Danab on January 14, 2004, at 22:44:44
Dana, also: One of the SE's I found and others have mentioned, is a noticable decrease in appetite. It's strange, but I simply lost a large percentage of my interest in food. Without even trying. I can see some food I would normally really crave, but instead, feel like, "Ah. I'm just not interested." It's wierd, but it's a SE I'm really happy for.
> Hi, my name name is Dana. I'm new to this site...I was searching on Lexapro info and found you guys. I just took my first dose about 1/2 hour ago and after reading these posts, well, I'm a freaking nervous wreck. The side effects seem horrible. I'm waiting to at any minute start throwing up, have an anxiety attack, get a rash, feel like I have the flu or eat like crazy ( just what I don't need!). My doc (primary care) orignally suggested Effexor but I was not comfortable with that after reading the info on it and he went to Lexapro. I actually did not get any specific instructions ( he gave me a month of samples)---Can someone tell me the best time to take this med? The samples are 10mg, which I broke in half (again, because I got no instructions I just thought I would start out as low as possible). I spoke to a pharmacist and she said before bed, but from what I've read here it seems most people take it much earlier in the day. I also take Ambien. I'm not even sure this drug is what I actually need. I would not say I'm very depressed ( although some friends would disagree with me) but more anxiety ridden. I think I have Body Dysmorphic Disorder---anyone know if Lexapro is an appropriate drug for that type of disorder?? Sorry this is so long...any insight would be greatly appreciated. Now back to waiting for those awful side effects to begin...
>
> Dana in New Orleans
>
Posted by hanging on on January 15, 2004, at 8:35:34
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful, posted by Danab on January 14, 2004, at 22:44:44
Dana,
First, you have come to the right place. I have received great support here. I am on day ~10 of lex. I started the first four days at 5mg and then went to 10mg. I also have fairly bad anxiety and depression right now... I think its always there but really gets bad when life situations go bad for me. I tried effexor for about 1 year in 2001. It didn't work and had some strange SE's also.
Right now I feel somewhat ok. Had headaches early on... asprin helped. Some BAD gastro problems for 2 days.
Hang in there. Thats all I can say. There are good time and tough ones. This forum has some veterans that are of great support to us new people.
-hanging on
Posted by LynneDa on January 15, 2004, at 9:03:39
In reply to Re: someone help! , posted by nicky847 on January 14, 2004, at 17:05:24
Posted by melley on January 15, 2004, at 9:23:24
In reply to Re: someone help! , posted by nicky847 on January 14, 2004, at 17:05:24
I got on here after a few days and was just amazed at your advice Nicky. That is just what I needed to hear! And the timing of hearing it was perfect. Thank you for your wise words....
> Lexy-
> Things will get better. One thing you have to keep in mind, and one thing that helps me, is that I dont expect Lexapro to make life perfect or even to make me happy...I expect it to do one thing and that is make me not feel sick anymore..the rest is entirely my responsbility...dont forget to LIVE while you are waiting for the lexapro to kick in..even if you dont enjoy things the way you used to..its important to still do them..to enjoy them a LITTLE..even if you cant enjoy them as much as youd like..having gone thru all of this with celexa..the 8 week mark is not the magic day when all becomes right in your world..if the med is working it will be a point where you can get thru an hour or two without obsessing over what you are thinking or how you are feeling...in a few months that hour or two grows to a day...then a week...recovering is very very gradual and it takes more than meds..it takes changing your priorities and your lifestyle so that your own needs come a little higher on the pecking order...
> > Hi ya'll
> > I am having a really bad day. I guess today is about 22 on lex (10mg). This is the worst I have felt in quite a long time. I am sick today, bad sinus, sore throat ect which has caused me to stay home from work today. I am sick and all alone with my family and boyfriend 4 states away.
> > I think I my PMDD is coming out in full force. I am so ready for this stuff to kick in so that I can deal with this. Its like one second I am crying, then ok some of the hypersensitivity is back and am feeling anxious as well. Ladies does this ever get better. Will this stuff kick in and let me have a normal life again. My side effects are going away so I don't want to give up. I jsut want to feel normal again. Smile, laugh be happy about something.
> > I am just so sad and frusterated today. Anyone else feeling this way, will it ever work? Is 22 days to soon to move up my dose? Help please!
> > A not so sexy feeling lexy
>
>
Posted by Gaza on January 15, 2004, at 9:35:18
In reply to Re: someone help! » nicky847, posted by melley on January 15, 2004, at 9:23:24
nicky847, you said, "...it takes more than meds..it takes changing your priorities and your lifestyle so that your own needs come a little higher on the pecking order..."
Do you think after accomplishing that, that you/we should ? be able to wean off the meds?
Posted by BobYuma on January 15, 2004, at 10:51:16
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful, posted by Danab on January 14, 2004, at 22:44:44
> > Hi, my name name is Dana. I'm new to this site...I was searching on Lexapro info and found you guys. I just took my first dose about 1/2 hour ago and after reading these posts, well, I'm a freaking nervous wreck. The side effects seem horrible. I'm waiting to at any minute start throwing up, have an anxiety attack, get a rash, feel like I have the flu or eat like crazy ( just what I don't need!). My doc (primary care) originally suggested Effexor but I was not comfortable with that after reading the info on it and he went to Lexapro. I actually did not get any specific instructions ( he gave me a month of samples)---Can someone tell me the best time to take this med? The samples are 10mg, which I broke in half (again, because I got no instructions I just thought I would start out as low as possible). I spoke to a pharmacist and she said before bed, but from what I've read here it seems most people take it much earlier in the day. I also take Ambien. I'm not even sure this drug is what I actually need. I would not say I'm very depressed ( although some friends would disagree with me) but more anxiety ridden. I think I have Body Dysmorphic Disorder---anyone know if Lexapro is an appropriate drug for that type of disorder?? Sorry this is so long...any insight would be greatly appreciated. Now back to waiting for those awful side effects to begin...
Dana in New Orleans > > > >Hello, Dana. How's the weather in New Orleans?
I think most of us can truly relate to what you're feeling right now. Remember, all of us on the board were "starters" with Lexapro at one time. And for the most part, we are still on Lex. In other words, it was never bad enough to make us quit.
You may have read my post "Lexapro and Expectations" -- If you did you saw that my final analysis of Lexapro [after talking about all the side effects] was, "The bottom line - Thank God for Lexapro." This is the way that most of us feel about taking Lex. What does that say? It says that whatever side effects we may suffer from are all worth the positive effects that we receive from Lex. That says a lot, right? And I believe that you'll feel the same way in just a few short weeks, maybe sooner.I was satisfied that my doc had picked the right med for me within two days after I started Lex. That was even with the side effects which had already started. The reason was that my depression was practically gone in those two days.
Do me a favor. Don't read about any more of the side effects on the message board. Wait until you think that you may be experiencing a particular side effect and then right a message on the board asking about that side effect. You'll receive some helpful answers that will aid you in coping with any side effect, plus you'll have an idea of how long to expect it to last. Reading about all the side effects only makes you look for them in yourself. Besides, you may be like I was, I had very few side effects, no nausea or sickness at all, and the few side effects I did have were fairly easily handled. But trust me, it's good to know that others have been through what you are going through and came out feeling better than they ever expected to.
As far as the amount to take, you'll probably have fewer and less "angry" side effects with 5 mgs. As far as when to take the Lexapro, it seems everyone is different where that's concerned. WIth me it works best if I take it before I go to bed, but like I said, everyone is different.Concerning Body Dysmorphic Disorder and Lexapro, I found the information below on the site: www.bodyimageprogram.com/
Take care, and God Bless.
BobYuma
Lexapro and Body Dysmorphic Disorder
"The medications that are most promising are serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs or SSRIs). These medications are fluvoxamine (Luvox), fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), paroxetine (Paxil), citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and clomipramine (Anafranil). These medications are not addicting and are usually well tolerated. They can significantly relieve BDD [Body Dysmorphic Disorder] symptoms, diminishing bodily preoccupation, distress, depression, and anxiety; significantly increasing control over one's thoughts and behaviors; and improving functioning. In some cases, they are lifesaving."
Posted by Mariposa on January 15, 2004, at 11:18:13
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful, posted by Danab on January 14, 2004, at 22:44:44
> Hi, my name name is Dana. I'm new to this site...I was searching on Lexapro info and found you guys. I just took my first dose about 1/2 hour ago and after reading these posts, well, I'm a freaking nervous wreck. The side effects seem horrible. I'm waiting to at any minute start throwing up, have an anxiety attack, get a rash, feel like I have the flu or eat like crazy ( just what I don't need!). My doc (primary care) orignally suggested Effexor but I was not comfortable with that after reading the info on it and he went to Lexapro. I actually did not get any specific instructions ( he gave me a month of samples)---Can someone tell me the best time to take this med? The samples are 10mg, which I broke in half (again, because I got no instructions I just thought I would start out as low as possible). I spoke to a pharmacist and she said before bed, but from what I've read here it seems most people take it much earlier in the day. I also take Ambien. I'm not even sure this drug is what I actually need. I would not say I'm very depressed ( although some friends would disagree with me) but more anxiety ridden. I think I have Body Dysmorphic Disorder---anyone know if Lexapro is an appropriate drug for that type of disorder?? Sorry this is so long...any insight would be greatly appreciated. Now back to waiting for those awful side effects to begin...
>
> Dana in New Orleans
>HI Dana and welcome to the board. Bob has some very good advice, I agree with everything he said. I started at 5mg almost 1 year ago, currently @20mg, and have had fairly good results.
When I first started I read about the se's and was scared. I had just about ALL of them and my second week was awful (called in sick to work and stayed in bed). I came here often for encouragement and support and with the help of this board I made it through the tough part. Even though I thought about quitting A LOT, I didn't because of the people here, and I'm glad I stuck with Lex.
My dx-PMDD and depression (kind of go hand in hand), and I have had relief from terrible and unreasonable anger and all PMS symptoms. However if you have read my recent posts, you know I am concerned because some of my symptoms, including depression, are starting to come back. My hope is that another increase in dosage will help again.
I know this will sound intimidating but...Lex ( and many other similar meds) may take 6-8 weeks before you feel results. For some it doesn't take that long, for me it was 9 weeks before I felt better.
Hang in there, give lex a chance, come here often, and best of luck to you!~~~8|8
Posted by Esmarelda on January 15, 2004, at 11:48:57
In reply to Alcohol and AD's , posted by friendofbillw on January 14, 2004, at 23:12:02
Hey BillW - I was drinking when I first started taking Lexapro and it worked some, but not much. I have not had a drink in 4 months (on Sunday) now. I am still depressed, but not drinking definitely helps. I am also in the program.
Posted by KathrynLex on January 15, 2004, at 11:53:11
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful, posted by Danab on January 14, 2004, at 22:44:44
Hi Dana,
Welcome to Lexapro. I was scared too when I began taking it. For those of us with anxiety it's not good to see a long list of awful side effects! If you do experience side effects, and not everyone does, they are temporary. I'm on week 4 of 10 mg of Lex and most of them are gone now.
You might want to give your doc a call and ask about dosage. Or, if you're comfortable increasing it yourself I would recommend taking 5 mg for 2 wks and then increasing to 10 mg if 5 isn't working as well as you'd like.
I take my Lex at night. It makes me a little groggy so taking it before bed lets me sleep through that. Although, some people find that the Lex makes them hyper and prefer to take it in the mornings. If you don't have any trouble sleeping, keep taking it at night. Start taking it in the morning if it's causing you problems. I was taking it in the mornings, but like I said, it made me a bit tired.
I haven't read anything specific about Lex and Body Dysmorphic Disorder. I do know that Lex has helped a great deal with my negative thinking patterns. I don't catastrphize every little thing, and my anxiety levels have gone down considerably.
I hope this helps. Give lex a chance. If it's the right drug for you, it will be worth waiting a few weeks to see if it works.
K.
Posted by bluesfan on January 15, 2004, at 11:56:49
In reply to Re: someone help! » nicky847, posted by melley on January 15, 2004, at 9:23:24
Nick helped me through my roughest time on Lexapro and helped me understand my symptoms were normal. I owe him a lot!
> I got on here after a few days and was just amazed at your advice Nicky. That is just what I needed to hear! And the timing of hearing it was perfect. Thank you for your wise words....
>
> > Lexy-
> > Things will get better. One thing you have to keep in mind, and one thing that helps me, is that I dont expect Lexapro to make life perfect or even to make me happy...I expect it to do one thing and that is make me not feel sick anymore..the rest is entirely my responsbility...dont forget to LIVE while you are waiting for the lexapro to kick in..even if you dont enjoy things the way you used to..its important to still do them..to enjoy them a LITTLE..even if you cant enjoy them as much as youd like..having gone thru all of this with celexa..the 8 week mark is not the magic day when all becomes right in your world..if the med is working it will be a point where you can get thru an hour or two without obsessing over what you are thinking or how you are feeling...in a few months that hour or two grows to a day...then a week...recovering is very very gradual and it takes more than meds..it takes changing your priorities and your lifestyle so that your own needs come a little higher on the pecking order...
> > > Hi ya'll
> > > I am having a really bad day. I guess today is about 22 on lex (10mg). This is the worst I have felt in quite a long time. I am sick today, bad sinus, sore throat ect which has caused me to stay home from work today. I am sick and all alone with my family and boyfriend 4 states away.
> > > I think I my PMDD is coming out in full force. I am so ready for this stuff to kick in so that I can deal with this. Its like one second I am crying, then ok some of the hypersensitivity is back and am feeling anxious as well. Ladies does this ever get better. Will this stuff kick in and let me have a normal life again. My side effects are going away so I don't want to give up. I jsut want to feel normal again. Smile, laugh be happy about something.
> > > I am just so sad and frusterated today. Anyone else feeling this way, will it ever work? Is 22 days to soon to move up my dose? Help please!
> > > A not so sexy feeling lexy
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by nicky847 on January 15, 2004, at 12:21:49
In reply to Re: someone help!, posted by Gaza on January 15, 2004, at 9:35:18
its hard to say...for everyone here like me that has been on meds and come off of them and had to go back on..there are many others you wont see on the message boards that weaned off the meds successfully and are doing fine off of them..for me after coming off the meds my life got turned upside down by losing my job and i was unable to keep my stress level where it needs to be...but there is nothing wrong with going back to square one and getting your priorities in order again..and being on lexapro has helped me in that i feel well enough to do that again..
> nicky847, you said, "...it takes more than meds..it takes changing your priorities and your lifestyle so that your own needs come a little higher on the pecking order..."
>
> Do you think after accomplishing that, that you/we should ? be able to wean off the meds?
>
Posted by Gator on January 15, 2004, at 13:05:47
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful, posted by KathrynLex on January 15, 2004, at 11:53:11
Hey everybody,
I haven't posted since the holidays but I read EVERY day.
A really really bad thing happened in my life on December 7 and it messed up my Christmas and New Years. I don't think that I would have come out of this tragic event like I did without the help of Lex and the inspiration of the people on this board.
I'm sorry that I have been a stranger, my life is getting better by the day so I will be willing to post more often.
Thanks again to everyone that post to help anyone in need.Take Care!
Gator
Posted by LynneDa on January 15, 2004, at 13:11:40
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful, posted by Gator on January 15, 2004, at 13:05:47
Gator - I'm sorry to hear you had a sad event happen! But I'm glad you were able to get through it and that you're back! Good luck to you and God Bless!
~ Lynne
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