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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Mrs C. on January 29, 2004, at 18:52:10
In reply to Please answer !! please please, posted by sexylexy on January 29, 2004, at 16:35:50
Lexy, I did gain about 6 pounds. I do not believe that it was from the lex though. Just me eating too much around the Holidays. I've sinced lost it all and more. Hope you aren't too concerned about this because I really don't think it will be a factor for you. You've been small all of your life and probably will continue to be. Mrs.C
Posted by Simus on January 29, 2004, at 23:09:00
In reply to Re: dosages? » Mrs C., posted by LynneDa on January 29, 2004, at 10:42:39
>I think I just got tired of doing for everyone and forgot to look out for my own needs and so was at a deficit - I had nothing left in my emotional bank account when things got tough. I guess I'm now in the process of finding balance - not feeling guilty for not carrying the rest of the world on my shoulders!
You are helping me learn a lot about myself just by reading this board. Thanks.
Posted by Simus on January 29, 2004, at 23:24:42
In reply to Re: Brand New Lexapro User, posted by Linda P. on January 29, 2004, at 11:15:54
My psychiatrist wants to add another medication, and is aggravated with me for not saying 'yes.' I am reluctant to add another medication regimen until I get some answers!
I think this was a wise decision on your part. And it does sound like the physical symptoms could be caused by a "panic" reaction to the nausea.
Posted by LynneDa on January 30, 2004, at 9:04:28
In reply to Re: dosages? » LynneDa, posted by Simus on January 29, 2004, at 23:09:00
Simus - I'm glad my thoughts are ringing some bells with you too! My husband says I think too much and complicate matters more, but I really believe you have to dig through all the sludge to get to the bottom of what's really bothering you. Sometimes healing doesn't require that your situation change drastically - just having that "a-ha" moment of identifying what's making you feel uncomfortable and out of sorts can be a helpful experience. Good luck and glad you posted!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> You are helping me learn a lot about myself just by reading this board. Thanks.
>
Posted by Linda P. on January 30, 2004, at 10:39:22
In reply to Re: dosages? » Simus, posted by LynneDa on January 30, 2004, at 9:04:28
LynneDa - Been following the exchange between you and Simus. First of all, I think it's safe to say most husbands think we wives think too much. (*:*) Secondly, sometimes there is NO "ah-ha" moment. When I had my first anxiety episode, my life was almost 100% perfect: we were building our dream home, both newly retired, three wonderful kids and their spouses, and seven gorgeous grandchildren. I have searched and searched and searched my conscience, my soul, my life events - and there were NO un-healed memories, no loose ends. NOTHING was bothering me. And wham! I got hit with this anxiety/depression/nausea thing that lasted three weeks - this was a little over four years ago - lost thirty pounds, terrified to go anywhere, and my outlook was utterly bleak. In retrospect, (maybe my "ah-ha" moment), I suspect good old female hormones. I was 56 years old at the time - well into menopause (tried all kinds of HRT, but they were utterly useless - gave up. We tend to underestimate hormones - but they are pretty powerful, as most of us know.) All my medical tests came back normal-normal-normal at the time, and that's when I started on the psychiatric route. Began with a mix of Paxil and Depakote, dropped the Depakote after a year, and then made the switch to Lexapro a year ago. I think the tendency to get busy-busy with the needs of others (spouses, family)is a sort of defense mechanism to stave off the sense of oncoming foreboding and gloom that comes hand-in-hand with anxiety/depression. It's as if, "If I run fast enough, it won't catch me." But all in all, I am convinced that what is/was wrong with me was hormone-based - and whatever it is in Paxil and then Lexapro have restored me to me, for which I'm intensely grateful.And if I have to take it for the rest of my life, so be it. It beats the alternative! Linda P.
Posted by LynneDa on January 30, 2004, at 11:13:41
In reply to Re: dosages? » LynneDa, posted by Linda P. on January 30, 2004, at 10:39:22
Linda - I totally agree with you - for some there are no issues to be resolved at all; it's purely chemical! Also I agree with the thought that if I have to be on meds the rest of my life, it's fine and so much better than the alternative!
I know I have issues to work out in my life, but whether they caused my depression, exacerbated it or were exacerbated by it I'll never know and I guess it doesn't really matter. The main thing is that I forgot how to make myself happy and to occasionally put myself first - because I was so down in my pit. Taking Lex has given me back the ability to work out the issues that I do have control over and I am grateful for that!
I will be so glad to go through menopause, maybe this will ease up? Do you think being on Lexapro will help me get through that time more easily? Thanks for writing, I really appreciate your input!
~Lynne
Posted by LynneDa on January 30, 2004, at 11:18:14
In reply to Re: Whoa! Took double dose by accident!, posted by thib on January 28, 2004, at 21:22:13
Hi! I forgot to respond and say thanks! I have Outlook on my email. It has a calendar with a reminder system. I get meeting reminders all the time. So, I put a recurring message to remind me to take my pill. So far, it's worked!
Taking the 2 wasn't so bad - I did have a higher heart rate for awhile, was a bit nauseous, wired feeling but so sleepy I thought I'd have to ask my husband to drive me home. I certainly slept better that night than I ever had before!
Thanks for everyone's replies, it's nice to feel so taken care of!
~ Lynne
Posted by LynneDa on January 30, 2004, at 11:29:00
In reply to Re: dosages?, posted by sexylexy on January 28, 2004, at 17:03:39
Hi! I realized I didn't respond directly to your post. In your situation, it could be seen as a blessing that this happened to you at a younger age than me :-). The earlier you learn the realities of the world, the better able you are to cope, sad as it is. I'm still rebelling a bit that things aren't the way I want them and I know too much!
But, my guess is, at your age you will still have a large percentage of your old self intact, once you get through this episode. Based on the way I was in my 20s (much more flexible and adaptable), you will learn to integrate your new-found knowledge and experiences and become comfortable and love that new person just as much as the old! What a journey . . . I wish you the best!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>LynneDa
> I think you raise a good point. Part of this is "I want my old self back" , "When will I be myself again" maybe your right. For 24 years I thought the world was my oyster and I was the pearl. After this experience I feel like I got knocked on my tail, do you think we ever get over this or learn to deal, cope and move to be happy with our new selves. Interesting questions, I would love feedback.
Posted by LynneDa on January 30, 2004, at 11:30:57
In reply to Increasing Lex Tonight, posted by KathrynLex on January 29, 2004, at 11:01:03
So, how're you feeling today?
~ Lynne
Posted by Linda P. on January 30, 2004, at 12:44:51
In reply to Re: dosages? » Linda P., posted by LynneDa on January 30, 2004, at 11:13:41
LynneDa - Menopause is like medication - different people react differently. My mother seemed to go through menopause for 40 years! Mine was surgical in nature - had a cystic ovary removed, and I think that was the one that was working. Had my 1st hot flash in the recovery room! Oddly, I didn't have the mood swings my mother always seemed to have, but I had dozens of hot flashes every day and my sleep pattern became so disturbed, I rarely slept the night through. I did the HRT thing for three years - gained 30 lbs.! - still had hot flashes and insomnia, so that's when I gave up! Discovered that hot flash triggers, for me, were red meat, caffeine and sugar. I struggled along with the hot flash/insomnia deal for 9 years before I "fell apart" - and the interesting thing is that since I've been on an anti-depressant, the hot flashes have all but disappeared, and I sleep like a baby! And I still don't have any mood swings. Paxil killed my sex drive - Lexapro restored it - so everyone's happy. (*:*) (Feel I should apologize for going on so - I'm a writer by profession, so there are no such things as "short answers" from me.) (*:*) Hang in there - it's an interesting ride! Linda P.
Posted by KathrynLex on January 30, 2004, at 13:21:38
In reply to Re: Increasing Lex Tonight » KathrynLex, posted by LynneDa on January 30, 2004, at 11:30:57
Hi,
I really appreciate everyones feedback to my post about increasing my dose. Last night I took 15 mg. I was so nervous that I put my bottle of Lorazepam next to my bed with a glass of water. But, I slept pretty soundly. I'm a little out of it today but not depressed or anxious...and I'm in a good mood. I hope everyone else is having a good day!
K.
Posted by bluesfan on January 30, 2004, at 13:25:08
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
Here is a message I posted earlier on the main Psycho-Babble site.
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040127/msgs/307226.html . Can you tell me if you think my symptoms sound like OCD, or if it is just anxiety? Do you think Lexapro is the answer? Thanks for any advice you can give me!
Posted by LynneDa on January 30, 2004, at 13:54:28
In reply to Re: dosages? » LynneDa, posted by Linda P. on January 30, 2004, at 12:44:51
Linda - Thank you, it is really wonderful to hear other women's experiences. I'm only 40, but both my Mom and Grandma were definitely premenopausal by 40 or 41 and pretty well done by 50. I'm hoping the Lexapro makes it an easier transition.
I don't mind the long posts, I have the roots of a writer in me (journalism degree, but recruiter by career!), so I understand!
~ Lynne
Posted by KathrynLex on January 30, 2004, at 14:09:49
In reply to Re: dosages?, posted by LynneDa on January 30, 2004, at 13:54:28
Hi,
For those of you who have increased from 10 mg to 20 mg, did you notice a significant improvement over how you felt at 10 mg?
K.
Posted by LynneDa on January 30, 2004, at 14:17:50
In reply to Question about Increasing, posted by KathrynLex on January 30, 2004, at 14:09:49
Kathryn - The only noticeable change at 20 mg was during the 10 days before my period and, yes, I would say that has been significant. I was fine during the other weeks of the month at 10mg.
This week, I have been slightly irritated, a little "wired but tired" and sleepy - but not weepy or angry (losing my temper)and able to stay on course much better at work than at 10mg. This is my 2nd "bad week" on 20 mg. It was a little better last month and a little more better this month :-).
Hang in there, it may take a few weeks to let you know if you did the right thing. We'll be here for you!!
~ Lynne
Posted by KatieT on January 30, 2004, at 16:02:32
In reply to Re: Hey Lex users, posted by tiredman on January 27, 2004, at 13:59:09
I found out that a friend of mine is also taking Lexapro. She said that she, too, is craving chocolate and is trying her best to give in only once in a while. My doctor told me that I may gain or lose weight by a few pounds, but after 3 days on the Lex, I have no appetite at, which in a way is a good thing. The bad thing is that I'm a diabetic and have to eat.
Posted by KathrynLex on January 30, 2004, at 16:15:15
In reply to Re: Hey Lex users, posted by KatieT on January 30, 2004, at 16:02:32
Hi Katie,
I found that my appetite came back at the beginning of the third week. I hope you're doing well on lex!
K.
Posted by COOP on January 30, 2004, at 16:18:49
In reply to Question about Increasing, posted by KathrynLex on January 30, 2004, at 14:09:49
Hi
I was on 10mg and needed to go to 20mg. Too many side effects after 2 days. I broke the pill in half and increased to 15mg for 2 weeks with less se. Than went to 20mg. I found a big positive difference. I am feeling pretty good now and regained most of my confidence.
Good luck
Joe
Posted by KathrynLex on January 30, 2004, at 16:52:42
In reply to Re: Question about Increasing, posted by COOP on January 30, 2004, at 16:18:49
Hi Joe,
Thanks for the encouraging post. So far I haven't encountered too many side effects, probably because I've increased to 15 mg before going to 20 mg. I'm glad you're doing well and have regained most of your confidence. That's a huge accomplishment and it's wonderful to hear.
K.
Posted by Mrs C. on January 30, 2004, at 17:46:53
In reply to Increased Lex Last Night, posted by KathrynLex on January 30, 2004, at 13:21:38
K, glad to hear that you are feeling okay! Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs C. on January 30, 2004, at 17:58:18
In reply to Lexapro for OCD?, posted by bluesfan on January 30, 2004, at 13:25:08
BLuesfan, There seems to be a fine line between OCD and generalized anxiety. I am currently in college studying psychology. I am very new to it though. My current course is abnormal psychology which is very interesting to me considering my current mental health status. I have OCD. Any obessive thinking that is extreme and causes disruption in your life and lasts for more than 6 months is considered to be obsessive. The compulsion comes from doing things that ease your anxiety about your obsession that take up more than an hour per day. For me, I obsess about my health and to make myself feel better I will look in medical books, online or anywhere else I can for information on my symptoms. It takes up alot of my time. If I am obsessing, my thoughts constantly go to my worry no matter what I am doing. Quite disruptive to my life to say the least. The Lexapro has seemed to help me. I haven't really had a true test yet though because I haven't had any symptoms to worry about. Although I do feel happier and less anxious. More mellow and patient. Maybe my absence of any symptoms to worry about is coming from the Lex, I don't know. I hope this has helped you. Please keep in mind that I am not an expert on the subject or a doctor. Just knowledgeable about OCD as I have experienced it. Let me know if I can help further. Mrs. C
Posted by nottoosoupy on January 30, 2004, at 22:10:58
In reply to Re: Question about Increasing » KathrynLex, posted by LynneDa on January 30, 2004, at 14:17:50
I have been on Lex for about a month now, two weeks ago I switched from 5 to 10. I am going through my first period on the drug and I am so happy that other people have experienced what I am going through! I am so relating to all of the posts here, it is really nice to have a community of people to talk to about this. I can totally relate to the irritated feeling this week, but am SO happy I am not crying and yelling.
> Kathryn - The only noticeable change at 20 mg was during the 10 days before my period and, yes, I would say that has been significant. I was fine during the other weeks of the month at 10mg.
>
> This week, I have been slightly irritated, a little "wired but tired" and sleepy - but not weepy or angry (losing my temper)and able to stay on course much better at work than at 10mg. This is my 2nd "bad week" on 20 mg. It was a little better last month and a little more better this month :-).
>
> Hang in there, it may take a few weeks to let you know if you did the right thing. We'll be here for you!!
> ~ Lynne
Posted by Mrs C. on January 30, 2004, at 22:35:53
In reply to Re: Question about Increasing, posted by nottoosoupy on January 30, 2004, at 22:10:58
Hi Soupy, hope you dont mind the abbreviated name. Anyway, glad that we have been able to help you. We all try to support eachother as much as possible. I think that you will find this to be a very comforting group.Even though I am feeling much better these days I still look forward to reading the posts and replying to some. Good Luck to you! Mrs. C
Posted by vandy on January 30, 2004, at 23:56:11
In reply to Re: dosages? » LynneDa, posted by Linda P. on January 30, 2004, at 10:39:22
Sounds to me like "Damn, things are too good to last" syndrome.
> LynneDa - Been following the exchange between you and Simus. First of all, I think it's safe to say most husbands think we wives think too much. (*:*) Secondly, sometimes there is NO "ah-ha" moment. When I had my first anxiety episode, my life was almost 100% perfect: we were building our dream home, both newly retired, three wonderful kids and their spouses, and seven gorgeous grandchildren. I have searched and searched and searched my conscience, my soul, my life events - and there were NO un-healed memories, no loose ends. NOTHING was bothering me. And wham! I got hit with this anxiety/depression/nausea thing that lasted three weeks - this was a little over four years ago - lost thirty pounds, terrified to go anywhere, and my outlook was utterly bleak. In retrospect, (maybe my "ah-ha" moment), I suspect good old female hormones. I was 56 years old at the time - well into menopause (tried all kinds of HRT, but they were utterly useless - gave up. We tend to underestimate hormones - but they are pretty powerful, as most of us know.) All my medical tests came back normal-normal-normal at the time, and that's when I started on the psychiatric route. Began with a mix of Paxil and Depakote, dropped the Depakote after a year, and then made the switch to Lexapro a year ago. I think the tendency to get busy-busy with the needs of others (spouses, family)is a sort of defense mechanism to stave off the sense of oncoming foreboding and gloom that comes hand-in-hand with anxiety/depression. It's as if, "If I run fast enough, it won't catch me." But all in all, I am convinced that what is/was wrong with me was hormone-based - and whatever it is in Paxil and then Lexapro have restored me to me, for which I'm intensely grateful.And if I have to take it for the rest of my life, so be it. It beats the alternative! Linda P.
Posted by sip on January 31, 2004, at 2:26:38
In reply to Re: Ladies on lex. please respond! FEELING HORRIBLE, posted by lepus on January 28, 2004, at 21:34:25
Lepus, how did it go? Please do keep us posted.
Unfortunately I can't seem to keep up with this board -- but I am grateful to be able to check in and see how folks are doing and find out new info.
Just wanted to give a little update: I am just about at 2 months on Lex and the changes have been incredible. I feel much more optimistic, much more steady, not prone to despair and negativity so much. Plus I find myself being more open and flexible in psychotherapy and my therapist noted that I seem to be in the middle of shifting toward listening to myself more. She observed that I am a very sensitive person who often accurately reads and then uses cues from other people (what they want/need) to determine my behavior and she's noticed that I seem to do better at being with myself. This shift has caused me to feel a litttle disoriented in some regards, but I am really glad I went on Lex.
I was worried in the beginning about a certain emotional flatness I was experiencing. I hadn't been crying at all. This is a rather funny sentence to write but last week I cried and was relieved about it. I feel like I can experience my feelings of sadness or disappointment without drowning in them.
Also I remember my dreams almost everyday. At first I thought I was having more vivid dreams but then I realized I didn't used to rememeber my dreams so this is a new development.
Not so positive developments:
*Intense* carb cravings.
Weak and delayed orgasmsI started taking gingko biloba for the sexual s/e's today and will report back if people are interested. I am still trying to figure out what to do about the carb cravings. I currently don't exercise and am at average weight (and don't seem to have gained) but I think I am going to need to get off my ass and start walking.
Lastly, I used to have terrible depressive PMS. I would cry very easily and become extremely sad. My PMS has lessened somewhat (this was true last month as well). But I noticed this month that rather than depressiveness I am bitchy and irritable. Nothing out of control or rageful (and frankly I kind of prefer being irritable than depressed and self-hating) but it's interesting.
Thanks for everyone's support and helpful words!!!
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