![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 6453 to 6477 of 8406. Go back in thread:
Posted by KathrynLex on February 2, 2004, at 13:44:15
In reply to Re: dosages? » Linda P., posted by Esmarelda on February 2, 2004, at 10:48:13
Hi,
Today is day 4 on 15 mg. I'm slowly increasing to 20 mg. Last night I woke up feeling a bit anxious but was able to fall right back asleep. (Does anybody know why Lex can make you feel anxious?) Aside from being tired and waking up in mild sweats, I haven't encountered a lot of side effects.
K.
Posted by sexylexy on February 2, 2004, at 13:51:20
In reply to Re: Question about Increasing » Mrs C., posted by terrics on February 1, 2004, at 21:19:03
Hey Ya'll
I am wondering for you who have been taking lexapro for a while and are seeing the benefits could tell me how you realized you were *happy* again. Most people seem to be doing better about week 8 or week 9 and continue to see improvements from then.
I am on week 6 and 1/2. I feel like for a few hours I will be feeling pretty good then hours later feeling bad again. I am hoping that this medication will give me a long enough good so that I can forget (and stop the worry) to feel bad and move on from there. Isn't that what the medication is supposed to do?
Its hard because yesterday I was writing about how I was feeling a bit better. Have you all experienced a consecutive good? I am not saying feeling wonderful and never experiening sad day, that is not life, nor would I want it to be. I just want to be able to go from A (feeling good) to M (being sad) with out having to fall from A to Z.
So all this long windedness is to ask about ya'lls transition into "good". Thanks.
God Bless,
Lexy
Posted by KathrynLex on February 2, 2004, at 14:54:35
In reply to low on lexapro, posted by sexylexy on February 2, 2004, at 13:51:20
Hi Lexy,
I'm really sorry to hear that you're not feeling better yet. It doesn't seem like too much to ask to be happy.
Have you discussed any of this with your pdoc? Maybe he/she would have some suggestions for you such as increasing your dose or adding Wellbutrin to the mix.
I know you're not crazy about the idea of taking more/different meds. I wasn't thrilled about increasing, but it's much better than the alternative of feeling anxious/depressed all the time.
You're in my prayers.
K.
Posted by Esmarelda on February 2, 2004, at 15:06:22
In reply to low on lexapro, posted by sexylexy on February 2, 2004, at 13:51:20
Lexy - Read my previous post. I added Wellbutrin about a month ago and feel great. Lexapro actually worked wonders when I first started and also feel good for one day, feel bad the next for a while. I had to up the dosage first from 10 -15 after a couple months and then to 20 mgs after another couple months. I really like the new combo. Hate the fact I have to take drugs ... but so much better to be able to function. I couldn't even get out of bed 6 months ago.
Posted by LynneDa on February 2, 2004, at 15:15:57
In reply to low on lexapro, posted by sexylexy on February 2, 2004, at 13:51:20
Hi Lexy - I understand your concern. I'm really glad to hear you had a good weekend.
Someone once mentioned that being depressed is a learned behavior. I take that to mean that once you've been depressed for awhile, your behaviors, attitudes and outlooks become ingrained, habitual. Therefore, even though the medication removes the chemical barriers to feeling depressed, there are still the behavioral and cognitive barriers that we may have to work on.
That's one train of thought. Another is that our body's chemistry is not consistent and even. It changes daily depending on what & when we eat, how & when we sleep, the weather, what we have to accomplish, etc.
My third thought for you is that you may not feel wholly good until you're back in your home surroundings with the people who love you! And that feeling is normal and would happen to anyone, depressed or not :-).
It's been a gradual thing for me - you will feel better for a larger percentage of the day as time goes on. But, those percentage leaps may be quick for a few weeks and then slow down for a few weeks.
For my part, I have moments and hours when I am so up, energetic, talk too much, am way too friendly to people, etc. And it feels sort of chemically-induced. There are other times when I just need to be by myself to re-energize - and that is not like me, I've never felt that need before. So, even at 15 weeks, I still don't feel like I'm "cured" and happy all the time (within realistic expectations, I mean). But, I feel like my upping to 20mg worked, because the times when I don't feel really up aren't as bad as they were a couple of months ago. I feel calm and in control of my emotions the majority of the time.
I had a little blow-up with my husband over the weekend and it's so hard for me to judge whether I was being rational or not! I don't trust my judgment like I used to - is it depression or PMS or do I have a legitimate gripe here?
Hope you don't feel like I just gave a lecture!! Just know I have your same concerns, but being a couple of months further along, I think you will feel better about things as time goes on. Hang in there, girl!
~ Lynne
Posted by KathrynLex on February 2, 2004, at 16:55:12
In reply to low on lexapro, posted by sexylexy on February 2, 2004, at 13:51:20
Hi Lexy,
I found an old post from Mariposa that you might be interested in:
I have no experience with anything but Lex....and Lex can take 6-8 weeks until you begin to feel *benefits*. I had a long list of very intense side effects starting @ 5mg, most of which subsided by 4th week, increased to 10mg at 5th wk. I did not know for sure Lex was working until week 9. I had bouts of deep depression and anxiety around weeks 4-5, and general blah feeling wk 6-8.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
It's frustrating that Lex takes so long to be effective. But at least you know that even though they had to wait a little while, others have had positive benefits with Lex.
K.
Posted by lepus on February 2, 2004, at 18:53:49
In reply to Re: low on lexapro, posted by KathrynLex on February 2, 2004, at 16:55:12
After about 30 days on 5mg of Lex my doctor upped it to 10mg today. I am rather scared about it because I feel like it has been making me a little manic (I have BPII or so they say). It hasn't been a pleasant manic either, more of a "I want to run until my legs fall off" or just generally feeling unpleasant in my own skin. However I am also pretty depressed so...I don't know. I am afraid of what happened with my menstrual cycle too and that that will happen again this month even worse being on a higher dosage. I guess we will see.
Is anyone else on this BP?
Posted by Mrs C. on February 2, 2004, at 19:23:04
In reply to Re: Question about Increasing, posted by ednababish on February 2, 2004, at 8:58:26
Thanks! Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs C. on February 2, 2004, at 19:28:02
In reply to low on lexapro, posted by sexylexy on February 2, 2004, at 13:51:20
Lexy, yes I know exactly what you are talking about. Some days I felt as though I was finally "better" and other days I wasn't. When you feel happy again, you will know it. Trust me. I can tell by the tone of your post that you are really struggling with this and I am sorry that you are still so conflicted. I am praying for you and hoping that the good times come soon. If not, you know that there is always the option of increasing as many of our friends on this board have. Keep the faith. Mrs. C
Posted by happyK on February 2, 2004, at 20:48:21
In reply to Night sweats and Lexapro, posted by newuser2 on January 23, 2003, at 8:39:29
Hi. I have been on Lexapro now for about 7 weeks and for the last two nights have woken up in a cold clammy sweat. My sheets and pajamas soaked. I got on here to check and see if others had this problem from Lex and it appears so. Thanks for everyone's comments.
Have any of you stopped Lex and how did you do so. I'm taking 20mg. Thanks
Posted by Nemo2 on February 2, 2004, at 21:25:27
In reply to low on lexapro, posted by sexylexy on February 2, 2004, at 13:51:20
Hi Lexy,
I empathize with your concerns about knowing when happiness arrives for you. I'm on week 3 1/2 and I sensed an upswing in my "average" mood on about day 5 of the first week. I was amazed because it really helped me realize what depression is all about. I think I've been "toughing it out" for years with a big job and lots of stress and a growing level of anxiety, declining physical health and a more and more troubled personal life. Over the last 5 years I've gradually decended into what I see now as a clear state of depression. Since beginning the Lexapro, I've had some of the same concerns you've had as my variance in moods has gone from A to M, or so. Since the start of week 2, I've been consistently better and have accepted the fact that I should not want or expect my moods to flow from A to C. M's and worse are going to happen because life will make them happen. Bottom line, you've got a great approach and I am thankful that you sent the last post. It's helped me and a lot of others. Thanks, Nemo2
Posted by ednababish on February 2, 2004, at 22:00:40
In reply to low on lexapro, posted by sexylexy on February 2, 2004, at 13:51:20
Lexy--I don't know everything, but here's what I do know. The results are pretty gradual--it seems that you have to come out of your depression gradually, just like you became depressed gradually. First you will find yourself feeling less tense; you'll notice your neck isn't tight, or you feel sleepy at night, or you're not obsessively worried about something you used fret about a lot. Then you find yourself laughing at something funny on TV. Then you notice that you have bigger or better fish to fry than the ones you used to worry about, so your feelings aren't hurt as easily as they had been. You find yourself just going ahead and finishing tasks that used to paralyze you with indecision, and you're not worried about failure or looking particularly stupid because the job you did is not perfect. Then you start wanting to do the things you used to enjoy but somehow lost the zest for. Then one day you get up and you say--gee, that's who I am! I'm glad to have me back. I was on celexa for a whole year at 20-30mgs before I had that moment when I said Hey! that's me--I remember me. I was on it for a year when I sat down and finished my dissertation--a task I put off for five years because my depression had me paralyzed with insurmountable fear and indecision that kept me from even doing any real work. And I was on it for a year when I made the decision I put off for years because I didn't want to deal with it--to have a baby, because I didn't feel as if I could take care of myself, let alone an infant. It took me a year, but it only took me about four months to get to a point where I stopped dwelling on all the bad feelings and get down to some brass tacks--that is also when I increased my dose from 20 to 30. And I will tell you that you should look at how far you've come, give yourself at least four months, and then be concerned.
I'll pray for you if you pray for me. Edna Babish
Posted by sexylexy on February 2, 2004, at 22:08:55
In reply to Re: low on lexapro, posted by ednababish on February 2, 2004, at 22:00:40
Hey Ya'll,
Thanks so much for all of your support. I feel like I have a bunch of angels looking out for me. I had a bad day today but talked to my boyfriend and parents for a while, I feel like I have pulled out of it well. I am definitly going to keep my faith up and pray for God to help me continue to improve. I am so thankful for you all and wish you all the luck in the world!
Lexy
Posted by Nemo2 on February 2, 2004, at 22:44:34
In reply to Re: low on lexapro, posted by ednababish on February 2, 2004, at 22:00:40
Thank you Edna,
I'm just into this for about 3 weeks now and your message to Lexy gives us all a shot of hope. God bless you.
Nemo2
Posted by Mrs C. on February 3, 2004, at 8:57:49
In reply to my update, posted by lepus on February 2, 2004, at 18:53:49
Hi Lepus,
I am not BP but I do sympathize with how you are feeling. I guess all that you can do right now is trust in your doctor and wait. It does take some time to feel improvement. Alot of us have been feeling a little "manic" on this drug. But in my case it was okay. I got my entire house organized; closets, cupboards, drawers, even my computer files are clean! I hope that you feel better soon and remember that we will be here to support you. Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs C. on February 3, 2004, at 9:01:26
In reply to Re: low on lexapro, posted by ednababish on February 2, 2004, at 22:00:40
Dear Edna Babish,
What you posted was wonderful. You hit the nail on the head! What great advice to give. Congratulations on finding yourself again and I hope all of us can do the same. Mrs. C
Posted by panicman on February 3, 2004, at 9:53:06
In reply to Re: Anyone feeling more agitated on Lexapro? » looking for a life, posted by Ward on December 4, 2002, at 16:40:50
> Looking: 40mg. of Lexapro a day is a huge dose. I think your doctor made a mistake. One of the comparisons I've seen on this board is that 10 mg.of Lexapro is comprable in effectivness to 40 mg. of Celexa. I started with 10mg. of Lexapro for three weeks, then went up to 15 mg. for 5 weeks, and have been on 20 mg for the last 3 weeks. Side effects I experienced early on included night sweats, increased anxiety, and trouble sleeping. The sweats diminished after about a month (but are not completely gone). The anxiety has diminished, and I take 50 mg. of Trazodone at night for sleep. My most troublesome side effect right now is jaw clenching - this got worse when I went up to 20 mg.
> I suggest you call your doctor immediately and verify your dosage - I can't believe that 40 mg. is correct! Remember that the first 2 to 3 weeks on any SSRI is usually rough. Hang in there and keep us posted.
>
> I started Lexapro 40mg last week. I was on Celexa 20mg. I have noticed that I have been more agitated and more "bitchy". My father was switched to Lexapro as well 10mg from 40mg of Celexa. He is experiencing the same snappy feeling. My patience is so much shorter.
> > I also noticed that getting to sleep and staying asleep is getting more difficult as well.
> > Another side effect that has increased with Lexapro is the sweating. I sweat befoe on Celexa but now it's horrible. I break into a massive sweat just doing the dishes or light housework. I'll have sweaqt dripping off my face and soaking my clothes. This is a horrible thing to experience. It is greatly affecting my daily life. It's embarrasing as well. Any input on this would be greatly appreciated.
> > I was told that it was supposed to increase your energy as well. I have not really noticed that much of an increase in energy. I take Adderall to atleast get me through the day. Without it I would be a total slug. My energy level is next to nothing. Without the Adderall it would take me 3 days to get motivated enough to go to the store for milk.
> > I am unsure if this is related to the med but I have had chest pains. I am pretty sure it's muscular but it's right in the middle of my chest. It's new since last week. Haven't experienced it before either.
> > The only positive effect I have had is a small increase in sexual desire . It's not enough to really be happy about though.
> > Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. I feel like I am going out of my mind with the increased stress!
> > Thanks so much!
> >
> >
>
>This message may be late getting to you but your Dr. went the wrong way with your prescription. He should have taken you down to about 10 mg of lexapro.
Posted by panicman on February 3, 2004, at 10:01:55
In reply to Re: Night sweats and Lexapro, posted by happyK on February 2, 2004, at 20:48:21
I have been on Lexapro for about 7 weeks and started having night sweats. Oddly the sweats are from the waist down with most of the sweat on my thighs. It is so uncomfortable. This morning I woke up from the sweating and then dropped back off to sleep only to have it happen again.
If you go to web md and read about night sweats it tells you you could have a serious infection or disease. Can realy scare the hell out of you and those of us taking this for panic really don't need that. Thanks to all of you for posting about your sweating side effects. I'm sorry it is happening but I'm glad to know I'm not "crazy".
Panicman
Posted by KathrynLex on February 3, 2004, at 10:44:07
In reply to my update, posted by lepus on February 2, 2004, at 18:53:49
Hi Lepus,
I'm not BP, but I have experienced some of what you describe. It's unpleasant, that's for sure. But I only have breif moments where I'm wired or want to jump out of my own skin. Have you discussed it with your pdoc?
I've increased from 10 mg to 15 mg and haven't had many additional side effects...if anything I'm feeling a little better. So, don't be too worried about increasing from 5 mg to 10 mg. And you never know, it might even help you have an easier time with your menstrual cycle.
K.
Posted by sexylexy on February 3, 2004, at 10:50:35
In reply to Re: my update, posted by KathrynLex on February 3, 2004, at 10:44:07
Hey Guys!
Thanks again for all the support, my spirits are a little higher than yesterday. I am just getting frusterated with not feeling good but I know that this medication will work as it has for so many others. I am just going to pray and wait it out.
Speaking of wait or in this case weight, I am happy to report that I have started to work out and eat better. This has allowed me to easily drop two of the 5 lbs I have gained. Looks like I may escape the ssri weight gain! Whewwwwwwww
Praying for ya'll
Lexy
Posted by KathrynLex on February 3, 2004, at 10:54:34
In reply to Re: Night sweats and Lexapro, posted by panicman on February 3, 2004, at 10:01:55
Hi Panicman,
If you go to lexapro.com "increased sweating" is listed as one of the side effects of lex. Night sweats are not uncommon on this med. I've gotten them. I'm taking lex for panic/depression and it terrified me the first time I woke up covered in sweat. Many people have been through it so you're definately not crazy.
K.
PS For Lepus - I haven't tried to get off lex, but it's something I've discussed with my pdoc. He says it is VERY important to taper off gradually because you can go through withdrawl if you stop suddenly. You might try going down to 15 mg for 2 wks, then 10 mg and see how you feel.
Posted by KathrynLex on February 3, 2004, at 10:56:03
In reply to Re: Night sweats and Lexapro, posted by KathrynLex on February 3, 2004, at 10:54:34
Ooops. The PS in my above post is for Happy K who asked about getting off Lex.
K.
Posted by jake97tx on February 3, 2004, at 21:20:03
In reply to Re: Night sweats and Lexapro, posted by KathrynLex on February 3, 2004, at 10:56:03
Hi...
I have pretty bad panic disorder with agoraphobia. I say 'bad' because I'm anxious throughout the day even at home. I've been on Paxil for 8 years and am currently battling withdrawal from that crap. PDoc put me on 10 mg of Lexapro a little over 5 weeks ago. I've noticed I am less prone to Panic Attacks (in fact I haven't had one!), but I'm still anxious throughout the day. So my question is, should I give it a little more time to kick in or increase my dosage? Or...is Lex even effective for anxiety?
I am currently down to 2.5 mg of Paxil (the end of that nighmare is almost in sight!)Current Cocktail:
10 mg Lex
2.5 mg Pax
.25mg x 3 XanaxThanks. ;)
Posted by vandy on February 3, 2004, at 22:58:34
In reply to Re: Night sweats and Lexapro, posted by panicman on February 3, 2004, at 10:01:55
Well, I'm shocked! Shocked, I say! Why did it take 7 weeks? I got night sweats right away. I thought I had TB or some other upper respiratory thing that caused those type of reactions.
But then I read in the SE's on this site.....It's normal. It goes away... So I calmed down. I was frightened at first. Ok, so I'm a big dummy. It did go away. The sheets did dry out. I'm fine now. I wish the same for you.> I have been on Lexapro for about 7 weeks and started having night sweats. Oddly the sweats are from the waist down with most of the sweat on my thighs. It is so uncomfortable. This morning I woke up from the sweating and then dropped back off to sleep only to have it happen again.
>
> If you go to web md and read about night sweats it tells you you could have a serious infection or disease. Can realy scare the hell out of you and those of us taking this for panic really don't need that. Thanks to all of you for posting about your sweating side effects. I'm sorry it is happening but I'm glad to know I'm not "crazy".
>
> Panicman
Posted by vandy on February 3, 2004, at 23:04:04
In reply to Re: my update, posted by sexylexy on February 3, 2004, at 10:50:35
That's so nice! You're praying for me. And I bet you are hurting. God bless you! It's people like you that make this world fit for human life. Thank you. And you're on the right track with exercise and stuff. I found that exercise is a great boost to the good things in Lex. Those endorphins caused by exercise add to the positive effect and good feelings caused by a regamin of SSRI's. The exercise gives you a bonus. You not only feel super but your bod looks snazzy. Keep it up. Keep the faith. You're on the right track.
> Hey Guys!
> Thanks again for all the support, my spirits are a little higher than yesterday. I am just getting frusterated with not feeling good but I know that this medication will work as it has for so many others. I am just going to pray and wait it out.
> Speaking of wait or in this case weight, I am happy to report that I have started to work out and eat better. This has allowed me to easily drop two of the 5 lbs I have gained. Looks like I may escape the ssri weight gain! Whewwwwwwww
> Praying for ya'll
> Lexy
Go forward in thread:
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.