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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Samm on February 18, 2004, at 22:21:01
In reply to Re: Hello, from a novice Lex-er, posted by KathrynLex on February 18, 2004, at 18:10:04
Thanks for your reply, K!
I am in fact taking 10 mg of Lexapro. I actually started with 5 mg, then moved up to ten (I think it's because my doc knows how scared I was to take the meds).
I've taken Xanax in the past and really liked the relief they gave me. But my doctor is very reluctant to prescribe them since they are so habit forming. I can sort his point, because whenever I feel anxious or panicky and I actually have the xanax, I'm so quick to pop one in my mouth. (I know--very surprising from someone who's scared to death to take medication). Now he gave me Lorazapam to help with the jittery side effects from the Lexapro. I'm actually sort of scared to run out because these are my security blanket.
Anyway, thanks for the welcoming words. I'm really glad I found this board.
Samm
> Hi Samm,
>
> Welcome to the board. You'll find a lot of very supportive, helpful people here.
>
> I know exactly what you mean about being anxious to take a pill. When I first started on Lexapro I sat with the pill in my hand for about 20 minutes before swallowing it.
>
> Congratulations on moving forward in your life. Therapy and meds are wonderful tools that can really help with anxiety/depression.
>
> Can I ask how much Lexapro you're taking? I started at 10 mg and have recently increased to 15 mg because I was still having mild panic attacks at 10 mg. You might consider increasing your dose if you still haven't seen an improvement in your anxiety after about 9 weeks. (Six weeks or nine weeks seems to be the magic number with Lexapro. That's when a lot of people seem to get the best results from the med.)
>
> You might also want to talk to your pdoc (psychiatrist) or whoever prescribes your meds about getting a benzo to take on an as needed basis. Benzos are a family of drugs that can really help with anxiety/panic. Examples of Benzos are Xanax, Lorazempam and Klonopin. I've tried them all and they've been very effective.
>
> I hope some of this advice is useful and once again, welcome to the board!
>
> K.
Posted by tmhwrite on February 19, 2004, at 11:59:21
In reply to Re: Hello, from a novice Lex-er, posted by Samm on February 18, 2004, at 22:21:01
Hello all -- thank you so much for all your comments. They've really helped. I started off on Zoloft, but got very sick to my stomach so the doc switched me to Lex (turns out I think I had a stomach virus). Anyway, I began having severe panic attacks, not sleeping, and feeling overall like I was going crazy with my heart pounding out of my chest. I tried Xanax, but then all I could do was sleep. Doc switched me to Clonazepam and for the first time in weeks I'm sleeping again and feel like I have some relief. I guess it just takes times to figure out what the right mix is. I'm still weak, not back on top of my game (missed an important interview, which I'm very upset about) but at least I feel like there's hope I'm going to be okay.
I've been off and on anti-depressants for years, but this was the worst reaction I've ever had getting back on. It makes me want to stay on this for the rest of my life so I don't have to go thru this again.
Theresa
Posted by tmhwrite on February 19, 2004, at 12:05:10
In reply to Re: Will it ever end?????, posted by Kim B. on February 18, 2004, at 13:13:44
> Hi Everyone,
>
> I have not been on the site in sometime due to the fact that I was doing great on 10mg of Lexapro. But, recently I started to experience waking up at night every 2hours or so and then started with severe Tension Headaches. I just saw my Dr. this morning and he feels that I am still feeling alot of anxiety which is causing me to not sleep at night. I increased my meds today to 15mg and I am so dizzy I can hardly hold my head up. Is this normal and has anyone else experienced anything like this. Thanks for anyones help. Kim B.Hi Kim,
I was having the same trouble, though without the headaches. I was up constantly through the night with heart palpitations and severe anxiety. The doctor added Clonazepam in addition to the 10 mg of Lex I'm on and I feel like a new woman. I'm finally sleeping and slowly slowly getting back into life.Hang in there.
Theresa
Posted by KathrynLex on February 19, 2004, at 12:43:12
In reply to Another novice lex-er, posted by tmhwrite on February 19, 2004, at 11:59:21
Hi Theresa,
Wow, your initial reaction to Lexapro sounds awful! When I started taking Lexapro I noticed that my panic attacks came much more frequently. It was later that I learned Lexapro can actually cause panic attacks/anxiety for the first few weeks that you take it.
Like you, I've taken meds on and off for a couple of years and starting on Lexapro was the worst adjustment I've had to make. It's been worth it though. My depression has lifted and ever since I increased my Lexapro dose to 15 mg I haven't had a single panic attack. (Knock on wood!)
I'm glad that you've found the right combination of meds. You'll probably be back on the top of your game in a couple of weeks after your body has had time to adjust.
K.
Posted by KathrynLex on February 19, 2004, at 12:45:35
In reply to Re: Another novice lex-er, posted by KathrynLex on February 19, 2004, at 12:43:12
Hi Lexy,
I just wanted to check in and see how you were doing. You're coming up on week 9 aren't you? Hopefully it proves to be the "magic week" for you when you finally start to feel better.
K.
Posted by gracielexie on February 19, 2004, at 13:13:41
In reply to Re: Will it ever end?????, posted by Kim B. on February 18, 2004, at 13:13:44
I have been on Lexapro for a little over a year...started with 10mg and was increased to 20mg about a month ago. I take it in the morning, but am wondering if it's better at night..sleep better? I do feel anxiety as well..I saw my doctor yesterday and he YELLED at me that I take homeopathic stuff to help me sleep, like "Quietude" or Bach's Rescue Remedy..also I told him I take calcium with magnesium and Gaba and he flipped out on me...obviously, nothing should be taken with Lexapro..also, I had my thyroid removed in 1999...AND in menopause without taking any HRT........HELP!!! Seems like any little thing makes me anxious or depressed..sometimes just blue..sometimes up and down...yesterday I wanted to just die..if I had to do it over, i'd NEVER have my thyroid taken out..just cold nodules on it..better to have biopsy every year..taking it out is the WORST thing..anyway, thanks for letting me vent..I would love to hear from somebody..anybody..
Posted by tmhwrite on February 19, 2004, at 13:19:30
In reply to Re: Another novice lex-er, posted by KathrynLex on February 19, 2004, at 12:43:12
I know all of us have probably experienced it, but when you're going through it, it feels like you're never going to feel better. Even though I'm not ready to jump back into life full force, I almost feel euphoric that I can function again. I'm trying not to push things, just gently ease back into life.
Theresa
Posted by mrs c on February 19, 2004, at 13:20:50
In reply to Hello, from a novice Lex-er, posted by Samm on February 18, 2004, at 15:29:29
Hi and welcome to the board! You will find some incredible people posting here! I found this board during my first week on Lexapro and have been coming to it everyday since. The support and encouragement have been lifesaving for me. Glad you're here! Mrs. C
Posted by tmhwrite on February 19, 2004, at 13:32:39
In reply to Re: Will it ever end?????, posted by gracielexie on February 19, 2004, at 13:13:41
My heart goes out to you. It didn't seem to matter whether I took it in the morning or the evening, sleep was impossible either way. I tried melatonin, but it didn't help, tried chamomile tea with mint, didn't help. The only thing that has worked is the Clonazepam. It helped immediately with the anxiety without zoning me completely out like the Xanax. I don't want to speak ill of your doctor, but if I had a doctor yelling at me, I have to say I'd be finding a new doctor with a bit more understanding of this. You have to experience it to know how debilitating this can be. As far as the thyroid, I have hypothyroidism and am on Synthoid, but don't know the effect of having it taken out. My heart goes out to you. Please hang in there and find the right combination that works for you even if it means going to another doctor.
Theresa
> I have been on Lexapro for a little over a year...started with 10mg and was increased to 20mg about a month ago. I take it in the morning, but am wondering if it's better at night..sleep better? I do feel anxiety as well..I saw my doctor yesterday and he YELLED at me that I take homeopathic stuff to help me sleep, like "Quietude" or Bach's Rescue Remedy..also I told him I take calcium with magnesium and Gaba and he flipped out on me...obviously, nothing should be taken with Lexapro..also, I had my thyroid removed in 1999...AND in menopause without taking any HRT........HELP!!! Seems like any little thing makes me anxious or depressed..sometimes just blue..sometimes up and down...yesterday I wanted to just die..if I had to do it over, i'd NEVER have my thyroid taken out..just cold nodules on it..better to have biopsy every year..taking it out is the WORST thing..anyway, thanks for letting me vent..I would love to hear from somebody..anybody..
Posted by Samm on February 19, 2004, at 13:42:40
In reply to Another novice lex-er, posted by tmhwrite on February 19, 2004, at 11:59:21
Hi Theresa,
I have a question for you...Are you taking the Lex mainly for Panic attacks, or also depression?Sam
Posted by Samm on February 19, 2004, at 13:48:27
In reply to Re: Will it ever end?????, posted by gracielexie on February 19, 2004, at 13:13:41
I'm sorry to hear that you're suffering. Hearing about your experience makes me nervous because Lex was prescribed to me specifically to treat my anxiety and panic disorder.
More and more I feel that counseling will be the best therapy for me. We'll see, I guess.
I'm just really anti-medication and still trying to get used to the idea that I'm on it and could be on it for the rest of my life.
Posted by Samm on February 19, 2004, at 13:51:48
In reply to Re: Hello, from a novice Lex-er, posted by mrs c on February 19, 2004, at 13:20:50
Thanks for the welcome, Mrs. C. I'm glad I'm here too! My husband is extrememly supportive, but will never be able to give me support from having experienced what I'm going through. In fact, nobody has been able to up to this point. I wouldn't wish this upon anybody, but it is so nice to know that I'm not going crazy and I'm not alone!
Thanks!
Posted by LynneDa on February 19, 2004, at 13:53:48
In reply to Re: Will it ever end?????, posted by gracielexie on February 19, 2004, at 13:13:41
Hi & welcome to the Board, it's been a very helpful and encouraging place for me. I've been on Lex 4 months, went from 10 to 20 mg about 8 weeks ago. I take Lex at night now because of my insomnia and day-time sleepiness. It helped me feel more awake during the day, but I still have middle of the night awakenings - I am wired and awake for about an hour or so.
My anxiety and PMDD-related depression is not all the way gone, but much better after upping to 20mg. I hope after another few weeks your 20mg dosage will kick in and eliminate some of your anxiety, tears, etc. Those symptoms are oh-so-familiar to me!! The menopause and no-thyroid combo just makes all that worse, I feel for you! Good luck to you in your quest for a better doctor, sounds like that would be a step in the right direction.
Question for everyone: I started taking 5 mg of Ambien this week and I'm a little concerned because of its addictive properties. What will happen in a week when I have to go off of it? It's been so wonderful sleeping all night for the last 3 nights. I can see why people get hooked on it! If it's the Lex that makes me wake up feeling wired, how will the Ambien change that after a week? What is Clonazepin (sp?) and is it different than Ambien? Thank you for any advice or info.!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I have been on Lexapro for a little over a year...started with 10mg and was increased to 20mg about a month ago. I take it in the morning, but am wondering if it's better at night..sleep better? I do feel anxiety as well..I saw my doctor yesterday and he YELLED at me that I take homeopathic stuff to help me sleep, like "Quietude" or Bach's Rescue Remedy..also I told him I take calcium with magnesium and Gaba and he flipped out on me...obviously, nothing should be taken with Lexapro..also, I had my thyroid removed in 1999...AND in menopause without taking any HRT........HELP!!! Seems like any little thing makes me anxious or depressed..sometimes just blue..sometimes up and down...yesterday I wanted to just die..if I had to do it over, i'd NEVER have my thyroid taken out..just cold nodules on it..better to have biopsy every year..taking it out is the WORST thing..anyway, thanks for letting me vent..I would love to hear from somebody..anybody..
Posted by tmhwrite on February 19, 2004, at 15:02:56
In reply to Re: Another novice lex-er, posted by Samm on February 19, 2004, at 13:42:40
Hi Sam,
I'm taking Lex for depression. The anxiety is just an unexpected little (huge) extra.
Theresa
> Hi Theresa,
> I have a question for you...Are you taking the Lex mainly for Panic attacks, or also depression?
>
> Sam
Posted by tmhwrite on February 19, 2004, at 15:15:03
In reply to Ambien question » gracielexie, posted by LynneDa on February 19, 2004, at 13:53:48
Hi Lynne,
I'm currently using Clonazepam (.5mg) in addition to the Lex (10mg) but have used Ambien in the past. Ambien is more of a mild sleep aid. I used it for about a week and and then only occasionally after that and it helped my body get back into the correct ryhthm of sleeping. I didn't notice any side effects even when I stopped using it. Clonazepam is a stronger substance that is a better version of Xanax (less side effects). It is an anti-aniety medication as opposed to a sleep aid, though it has helped me sleep because it calmed the anxiety attacks that were keeping me up all night. After what I've been through over the past several weeks, I'm a huge fan of it. I didn't think I was ever going to be able to sleep through the night again!
Hope this helps. Good luck to you
Theresa> Hi & welcome to the Board, it's been a very helpful and encouraging place for me. I've been on Lex 4 months, went from 10 to 20 mg about 8 weeks ago. I take Lex at night now because of my insomnia and day-time sleepiness. It helped me feel more awake during the day, but I still have middle of the night awakenings - I am wired and awake for about an hour or so.
>
> My anxiety and PMDD-related depression is not all the way gone, but much better after upping to 20mg. I hope after another few weeks your 20mg dosage will kick in and eliminate some of your anxiety, tears, etc. Those symptoms are oh-so-familiar to me!! The menopause and no-thyroid combo just makes all that worse, I feel for you! Good luck to you in your quest for a better doctor, sounds like that would be a step in the right direction.
>
> Question for everyone: I started taking 5 mg of Ambien this week and I'm a little concerned because of its addictive properties. What will happen in a week when I have to go off of it? It's been so wonderful sleeping all night for the last 3 nights. I can see why people get hooked on it! If it's the Lex that makes me wake up feeling wired, how will the Ambien change that after a week? What is Clonazepin (sp?) and is it different than Ambien? Thank you for any advice or info.!
>
> ~ Lynne
> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>
>
> I have been on Lexapro for a little over a year...started with 10mg and was increased to 20mg about a month ago. I take it in the morning, but am wondering if it's better at night..sleep better? I do feel anxiety as well..I saw my doctor yesterday and he YELLED at me that I take homeopathic stuff to help me sleep, like "Quietude" or Bach's Rescue Remedy..also I told him I take calcium with magnesium and Gaba and he flipped out on me...obviously, nothing should be taken with Lexapro..also, I had my thyroid removed in 1999...AND in menopause without taking any HRT........HELP!!! Seems like any little thing makes me anxious or depressed..sometimes just blue..sometimes up and down...yesterday I wanted to just die..if I had to do it over, i'd NEVER have my thyroid taken out..just cold nodules on it..better to have biopsy every year..taking it out is the WORST thing..anyway, thanks for letting me vent..I would love to hear from somebody..anybody..
>
>
Posted by linnie on February 19, 2004, at 15:19:16
In reply to Feeling Flat on Lexapro, posted by KathrynLex on February 9, 2004, at 17:33:25
> Hi,
>
> I'm starting my 8th week on Lexapro and I feel so flat. It's strange. My boyfriend ruined a new $40 sweater by putting it through the wash (I told him a thousand times not to wash it) and I just can't summon a reaction one way or the other. Ordinarily I'd either be angry or think it was funny - the sweater shrunk to about half it's original size and looks like it was made for a doll. But like I said, I didn't really have a reaction.
>
> It's a huge relief not to feel anxious or depressed, but I only feel really happy for brief moments during the day. I'm trying not to get discouraged, especially since I'm in the middle of increasing to 20 mg. I know it will take a while for my body to adjust...I guess I could just use a little bit of encouragement. Sorry, this sounds like an echo of Lexy's earlier post about "Lexapro Purgatory." (Hey, at least I have company.)
>
> K.I too have been on 10mgs of lex for about 4 weeks. Sometimes I feel good, other time I feel flat and anxious. I have also been reading books on cognitive therapy as I know our thoughts are sometimes the worst enemy.
Any words of wisdom?
L
Posted by KathrynLex on February 19, 2004, at 15:19:31
In reply to Re: Hello, from a novice Lex-er, posted by mrs c on February 19, 2004, at 13:20:50
Hi Mrs. C,
It's good to see you on the board again. How have you been doing? Did you decide to increase, or are you feeling better?
K.
Posted by KathrynLex on February 19, 2004, at 15:42:30
In reply to Ambien question » gracielexie, posted by LynneDa on February 19, 2004, at 13:53:48
Hi Lynn,
While I haven't taken Ambien before, I hear it's a wonderful drug for insomnia. Sometimes those medications can reset your sleeping patterns and you'll find that you're tired at bedtime even though you haven't taken it. (My brother took a med very similar to Ambien and he said after taking it for six days his sleeping patterns were greatly improved.)
Clonazepam is in a different family of meds than Ambian. It's a benzo (like Xanax) that is often times used to treat anxiety and it makes some people very tired. Another med similar to Xanax and Clonazepam is Lorazepam. You might want to look in to them if you're thinking about replacing your Ambien with something else.
Good luck coming off of Ambien. Some people have no trouble at all when they stop taking it, and I hope you find that is the case with you.
K.
Posted by LynneDa on February 19, 2004, at 15:45:09
In reply to Re: Ambien question, posted by KathrynLex on February 19, 2004, at 15:42:30
Posted by tmhwrite on February 19, 2004, at 15:47:10
In reply to Re: Feeling Flat on Lexapro, posted by linnie on February 19, 2004, at 15:19:16
Oh, god, I know that feeling. I remember pulling off to the side of the road one day and just sitting there thinking it would be better to feel bad than to just feel nothing. It's important to look at anything else you might be taking, cold medicine, certain foods, alcohol, that can cause that that feeling to be amplified. Hang in there, it will pass and you will be laughing and feeling and experiencing life again.
Theresa
Posted by linnie on February 19, 2004, at 15:52:01
In reply to Re: Feeling Flat on Lexapro, posted by tmhwrite on February 19, 2004, at 15:47:10
> Oh, god, I know that feeling. I remember pulling off to the side of the road one day and just sitting there thinking it would be better to feel bad than to just feel nothing. It's important to look at anything else you might be taking, cold medicine, certain foods, alcohol, that can cause that that feeling to be amplified. Hang in there, it will pass and you will be laughing and feeling and experiencing life again.
Teresa,
Thanks for your encouraging words. Are you taking lexapro? I am only on 10mgs and hope that will be enough to make me feel a part of life again.
linnie
>
> Theresa
Posted by tmhwrite on February 19, 2004, at 15:57:57
In reply to Re: Feeling Flat on Lexapro » tmhwrite, posted by linnie on February 19, 2004, at 15:52:01
Linnie,
Yes, I'm on 10 mg of Lex, just recently re-started on it. After trying to get off of antidepresants for a decade and always crashing again (this time worse than before) I guess I have to settle into the fact that I'm going to be on it for the rest of my life. The alternative is too scary and dark.
Let me know how you're doing.
Theresa
Posted by KathrynLex on February 19, 2004, at 16:00:46
In reply to Re: Feeling Flat on Lexapro, posted by linnie on February 19, 2004, at 15:19:16
Hi Linnie,
Now that I'm on my 9th week of Lexapro I've been feeling better. One of the nicest benefits I've had with this med is that it helps me control my negative thinking. (You're right that our thoughts are sometimes our worst enemy.) I did a little bit of congnitive therapy in the past and I think it might be more successful now that I'm on Lexapro.
K.
Posted by linnie on February 19, 2004, at 16:11:20
In reply to To Linnie, posted by tmhwrite on February 19, 2004, at 15:57:57
> Theresa,
Thanks for your reply. I guess I am finding it out too. How long do you think it takes for it to work? I have only been on it for about 4 weeks. Sometimes I feel ok and other times...wow..the anxiety can be a killer. Thanks for your support. We are going to make it.
Linnie
Linnie,
>
> Yes, I'm on 10 mg of Lex, just recently re-started on it. After trying to get off of antidepresants for a decade and always crashing again (this time worse than before) I guess I have to settle into the fact that I'm going to be on it for the rest of my life. The alternative is too scary and dark.
>
> Let me know how you're doing.
>
> Theresa
Posted by sexylexy on February 19, 2004, at 16:18:54
In reply to Sexylexy, posted by KathrynLex on February 19, 2004, at 12:45:35
K~
Thanks so much. I actually randomly took 12.5 mg for the past two days and have been feeling better! A lot better. I am going to to Dr. pretty soon and may bump up to 15mg, I was not crazy about increasing but think that I may need it to help me finish grad school, being away from the boyfriend, parents and friends. Hopefully will be tempoary but at this point I know I deserve to feel better and am going to do what I have to go get there. How are you doing? Still liking 15mg? For me 10mg was good for anxiety but not quite enough for my depression. Write me let me know how things were, did u have a happy valentines day? Write back.
Lexy
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