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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Gator on January 25, 2004, at 11:51:12
In reply to Re: scared and confused, posted by vandy on January 23, 2004, at 20:04:05
Vandy,
That is a great way of looking at it!! I chuckled when I read your post. The next time he asks me why I need a chemical to help me feel better I am going to use that water and air are chemicals too. Thanks for the ammo!
Gator
Posted by bobbiedobbs on January 25, 2004, at 13:03:20
In reply to Special Effects, posted by Journeyman on January 20, 2004, at 22:19:38
Lexapro and Ritalin - strange bedfellows?
Wanted sage counsel from active lex-site about any experiences combining the above medications -I am an adult lexapro user, apparently prescribed the ritalin add-on to help with excessive sleep (not outright fatigue or obvious depression, but low motivation) and inability to focus. The "R" word is scary to me because of all the press re Attention Deficit disorder and kids. Has anyone ever heard of this med match? I had suggested Lexapro augmented with Wellbutrin to help with the slowness and the sexual side-effects as well documented by numerous others. My doctor wants to try Ritalin and Lexapro first, if that doesn't work, perhaps Geodone (which I've never even heard of).
Any help would be much appreciated. I'm kind of losing my already fragile sense of who I am. Phil
Posted by vandy on January 25, 2004, at 13:13:50
In reply to Re: scared and confused » vandy, posted by Gator on January 25, 2004, at 11:51:12
I wish I was there to hear it.
"Hey, you put that H two Oh down right this minute. You want to develop chemical dependency?""Are you snorting that Oh two again? What kind of an example does that set for the children? Don't try to defend yourself by telling me it's only 20% Oh Two. The rest is mostly N two and that's ANOTHER chemical!"
Posted by Bali on January 25, 2004, at 13:45:53
In reply to Re: Special Effects, posted by bobbiedobbs on January 25, 2004, at 13:03:20
Phil, There is another Lex group that I occasionally visit and there was a person posting on there a month or so ago who takes/took Ritalin with the Lex. You might want to check out this group: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Lexapro/
~Bali
Posted by lelebug on January 25, 2004, at 18:27:38
In reply to Re: Ladies on lex. please respond!, posted by sip on January 23, 2004, at 13:35:05
Lexy-
I'm so glad someone asked about this. I haven't read anything on the site about periods and Lex yet. I have been on lex for about 16 days, and I'm about 6 days late for my period this month. I was starting to get a little worried about it. But in the back of my head kept telling myself that it was just my body getting use to the new meds. I haven't had any symptoms of pms or anything else. So it's been kind of a nice break. I'm sure once our bodies get use to this we'll be back on schedule. It is nice to know I'm not the only one experiencing this though.
Posted by lepus on January 25, 2004, at 18:37:26
In reply to Re: Ladies on lex. please respond!, posted by lelebug on January 25, 2004, at 18:27:38
I have been on Lex for about 19 days and I am late with my period and having the worst PMS symptoms ever. I am cramping, can't stop crying and frankly am feeling suicidal. My face has broken out horrendously. I don't bother to tell my doctor because he would never believe it was the Lex. I am not sure it is either 100% but it seems like something is wrong.
God, I just feel terrible. I am also on 1mg Klonopin twice a day, 1000mg Depakote ER and 25 mg Seroquel when I need it. Dx'd Bipolar II. Does anyone have any idea why I am feeling so horrible??
Posted by Mrs C. on January 25, 2004, at 20:39:47
In reply to Ladies on lex. please respond! FEELING HORRIBLE, posted by lepus on January 25, 2004, at 18:37:26
My best guess is that you are in transition. A short adjustment period between feeling lousy and feeling better. At that "special" time of the month everything becomes more dramatic and intense. Just ride it out. Drink lots of water, relax and try having a cup of tea. Put some sweat pants on and watch tv. You'll be feeling better in no time. I know it seems terrible right now but we all have those months when we just want to have all our reproductive organs removed. Add emotional distress to the hormone level and you have one messed up system. Calm down because I bet the stress of wondering what is wrong with you is only making you feel worse. I have been there and I know what I am talking about. You will be fine, trust me. Keep coming to this board, we all help eachother a great deal! Good luck. Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs C. on January 25, 2004, at 20:42:13
In reply to Ladies on lex. please respond! FEELING HORRIBLE, posted by lepus on January 25, 2004, at 18:37:26
I just read your message again and I feel that I must ask you to call someone about your suicidal thoughts. You need help from someone who is live and in person, not cyber friends. Of course we are here for you but I strongly urge you to call someone NOW! Mrs. C
Posted by Jayslace on January 25, 2004, at 20:51:14
In reply to Ladies on lex. please respond! FEELING HORRIBLE, posted by lepus on January 25, 2004, at 18:37:26
Lepus, I'm agreeing with Mrs. C on everything she said. Including calling someone. Your life is so important, much more than what you think right now. Our body chemicals can make us feel so sad sometimes as can the weather, and just things that go around us in life, but let's not let that stop that from living completely. Pick up your phone and start dialing. And if you can't do that, just keep emailing this board, we will gladly keep emailing you back. We are real people hear who have been through so much, some close to what you have (me 3 times, but no more!! ). I'm a yahoo messenger, with Jayslace. Clue there :-)
We're always here for you !!!!
Put your arms around yourself and know that's from me.
Ruthie
Posted by bobbiedobbs on January 25, 2004, at 22:45:24
In reply to Phil please read, posted by Bali on January 25, 2004, at 13:45:53
> Phil, There is another Lex group that I occasionally visit and there was a person posting on there a month or so ago who takes/took Ritalin with the Lex. You might want to check out this group: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Lexapro/
> ~BaliThanks for the lead, Bali. There seems to be a wealth of info and a good vehicle for info-sharing here. Hopefully this will help. Phil
Posted by simus on January 25, 2004, at 23:01:12
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by Bali on January 25, 2004, at 10:32:45
> Brown eyed girl,
> Melatonin might also help with your insomnia.Be careful with the melatonin. I had a bad reaction from it - bad anxiety.
Posted by nicky847 on January 26, 2004, at 9:26:10
In reply to Has no one experienced this?, posted by KathrynLex on January 23, 2004, at 17:10:23
Kathryn-
I dont think it is too surprising that you would experience this..I think that one of the things Lexapro does is to kind of disrupt thought patterns..its good in the sense that you dont spiral into anxious irrational thoughts with the constant what if chain reaction..but its bad in the sense that sometimes it is hard to concentrate on things because you lose your train of thought so easily...i dont have any remedies for this but i can say that i think what you are describing is real....i think the best thing to do would be to write down things that you really need to remember..and perhaps start using a day planner so that you can refer back to it and not forget appointments or important tasks or anything like that..
nick
> I posted this earlier today and only one person has responded. This entire week has been so unproductive at work because I can't seem to focus on my job. I need to know if this will go away. I have a pdoc visit scheduled next week. But it is nice to get feedback from people who are on lex vs. a guy with a clipboard.
>
> Hi,
> >
> > Since starting lex my attention span has gotten worse. I was having a conversation with a friend today and realized half way through that I had no idea what she was talking about. This happened occasionally before I was on lex, but since starting on lex it's occuring much more often - at least once a day. I'm also having trouble focusing on tasks at work and leisure reading has become more difficult because my mind wanders very quickly...way more quickly than it used to. Is this a side effect of the lex that will go away, or could it be something else? This is fairly disconcerting, any ideas or suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks!
> >
> > K.
>
>
>
Posted by bluesfan on January 26, 2004, at 11:25:57
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I have been on 10mg of Lexapro for 40 days now, and I feel that my dosage may be too low. I just had an appointment with my physician last Thursday, and she said there is a chance that I may need to up my dosage if I'm not feeling better by now. Should I give the drug more time at this dosage and see what happens? Could this still be the fallout from the "week 5 blues"? I feel like Lexapro has definitely helped and I no longer have any side effects, but my horrible thoughts are creeping back in my head and I really hoped that would be better by now. Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Posted by ednababish on January 26, 2004, at 11:35:55
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by Brown eyed girl on January 24, 2004, at 19:13:07
> I am on my 5th day of lex. Having some bad nausea and my insomnia has gotten worse any suggestions.
Ask your doctor for a few ambien to tide you over until the insomnia passes--it's okay to take them together. As for nausea, take a pepsid or tagamet and eat crackers. Sit tight and this will pass.
Posted by lepus on January 26, 2004, at 13:13:23
In reply to Re: Ladies on lex. please respond! FEELING HORRIBLE » lepus, posted by Jayslace on January 25, 2004, at 20:51:14
Thanks for your concern, both of you Mrs. C and Jayslace. I am having suicidal thoughts and will call if they get worse or if I get a plan. For now I am just remembering that this has to pass.
It is just strange what is happening with my period. I am getting cramps, a grayish discharge (ick sorry)and then the mood change is so extreme. Did anyone else get this? I believe so. I will have to check the past posts again. I am so tired as well.
Anyway, I have just been curling up in bed with a book and waiting for this to pass.
Thanks-
Posted by Alain on January 26, 2004, at 13:19:07
In reply to Re: Ladies on lex. please respond! FEELING HORRIBLE » lepus, posted by Jayslace on January 25, 2004, at 20:51:14
Don't give into your suicidal thoughts. It will pass. You are just having a bad day. I get depressed also around my period. Curl up with a book or watch t.v. Email later today and let us know how you are doing. Go easy on yourself..Alain
Posted by KathrynLex on January 26, 2004, at 13:33:14
In reply to Re: Ladies on lex. please respond! FEELING HORRIBLE, posted by lepus on January 26, 2004, at 13:13:23
Hi Lepus,
My heart goes out to you. Lexapro does strange things around that time of the month. My period is approaching and I've felt pretty "off." Just yesterday I burst in to tears while I was in my car...that's VERY unusual for me. I'll be happy one minute and two seconds later I'm yelling at my boyfriend. Heellloo mood swing!
I've been on 10 mg lex for 38 days now. Discharge, cramps, feeling awful... it's happening to me but not as badly because I think my body has had a longer time to adjust to the lex. Next month will be much easier for both of us.
Stay curled up in bed with your book...maybe get up to make yourself a cup of cocoa (chocolate can help sometimes) and watch a funny movie. Remember you're not alone in this. There are others (me included) going through the very same thing. It WILL get better!
K.
Posted by Mariposa on January 26, 2004, at 14:35:04
In reply to How long before upping the dose?, posted by bluesfan on January 26, 2004, at 11:25:57
I went from 5mg to 10mg at 5th week, then to 20mg fifth month. It sounds like an increase is possibly what you need, and it sounds like your dr thinks so too. I would let her know.~~~8|8
Posted by LynneDa on January 26, 2004, at 15:08:49
In reply to Re: Need info - pleeeaaassseee, posted by Mrs C. on January 23, 2004, at 17:55:53
Mrs. C., I'm glad to hear it! I did more cleaning this weekend :-)
~ Lynne
Posted by LynneDa on January 26, 2004, at 15:19:33
In reply to Re: Has no one experienced this? » KathrynLex, posted by Journeyman on January 24, 2004, at 13:02:07
OK, Journeyman, you're a teacher . . . that explains your witty and glib turn of a phrase! Or maybe it explains why you're a teacher!
Kathryn - I had a weird thing happen on Friday. I was at exactly 4 weeks on 20 mg. of Lex. There was an almost electric crackle and my fog suddenly lifted. I haven't had the loss of thought or major forgetfulness since then. Maybe it's finally kicked in? That moment was so strange cuz it felt electrical and it made my eyes open wider. I hope something like this happens for you. This forgetful fog thing is hard to deal with! I feel sort of like I used to and I just hope it lasts.
Good luck -
~ Lynne
Posted by LynneDa on January 26, 2004, at 15:30:19
In reply to getting better, posted by Missy K on January 24, 2004, at 20:17:01
Oh, you're right, nothing is sacred here :-)
Yes, inorgasmia is still an s/e I have & it's a pretty common one, but it supposedly improves. I was at 10mg for 2 months and now 20 mg for 2 months. I'm hoping it will continue to improve as everything else has (better temperament, less anxious & obsessive, etc.).Good luck!
~ Lynne
Posted by Jayslace on January 26, 2004, at 15:31:55
In reply to Re: Need info - pleeeaaassseee » Mrs C., posted by LynneDa on January 26, 2004, at 15:08:49
Hi to you all! I just sat down to take a break. Why? Because I just finished vacumming the living room, dining room, hallway and laudry room. Also swept the bathroom and kitchen. Dusted the entire entertainment center down, which meant I was having to be down on my stomach reaching back to the back of the darn thing , but it's done! I also have one load of wash in the dryer and one in the washer. To top it off, my 8 and 11 yr old have a friend over here and they are all 3 playing a video game in the living room (where I am now). I'm missing my husband, he's on a business trip, but we keep in contact alot.
But all in all, my energy level is up, obviously, and I feel good. Still rubbing my teeth back in forth, but sleeping better at night, and not so sleepy during the day.
I hope my energy level stays up like this!!!
Good luck to you all!!!
Ruthie
Posted by KathrynLex on January 26, 2004, at 15:44:39
In reply to Re: Need info - pleeeaaassseee » LynneDa, posted by Jayslace on January 26, 2004, at 15:31:55
Ruthie,
Just wondering, how long have you been on lex?
K.
Posted by Jayslace on January 26, 2004, at 15:52:30
In reply to Re: Need info - pleeeaaassseee, posted by KathrynLex on January 26, 2004, at 15:44:39
K, I been on 10mg Lex for approx. 3 months then my doc increased it 20mg and I started that Jan 1st this year. As far as the PMS side effects I don't get those, I've been on Depoprevera for 3 yrs. No periods at all. But, I know I used to have bad cramps and nasty periods so I sure can imagine what I would be going through if I was having them.
Any more info, just ask. I want to help out and I know all of you here will help me out.
Hugs to you and all!
Ruthie
Posted by LynneDa on January 26, 2004, at 16:06:43
In reply to Ladies on lex. please respond! FEELING HORRIBLE, posted by lepus on January 25, 2004, at 18:37:26
Hang in there!!! You're still early on and what you are feeling is typical to most of us who've started Lex! It will get better. For me it was at the 4 - 5 week mark that I could say most of the s/e's were really gone. Many people also seemed to experience more anxiety at the beginning, as their bodies adjusted.
No matter whether what you're feeling is from the Lex,another med or whatever reason, you should still be able to talk to your doc and see if there is anything he/she can do to provide relief. Causes are important, but so is the fact that you are feeling so awful - no matter what the reason!
I know this is minor, but Motrin PMS was helpful to me during bad PMS time - it's got a diuretic in it which helps with bloating, pain killer to help with cramps and it makes me tired so I get a decent night's sleep!
Please hang in there and let us know how you're doing!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>I have been on Lex for about 19 days and I am late with my period and having the worst PMS symptoms ever. I am cramping, can't stop crying and frankly am feeling suicidal. My face has broken out horrendously. I don't bother to tell my doctor because he would never believe it was the Lex. I am not sure it is either 100% but it seems like something is wrong.
>
> God, I just feel terrible. I am also on 1mg Klonopin twice a day, 1000mg Depakote ER and 25 mg Seroquel when I need it. Dx'd Bipolar II. Does anyone have any idea why I am feeling so horrible??
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