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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by marfaith on February 25, 2004, at 8:26:34
In reply to Re: 1st week on Lex » marfaith, posted by tmhwrite on February 24, 2004, at 17:32:24
> Hi Mary,
>
> I had anxiety to begin with, but then my anxiety increased ten fold the first week on Lexapro. I thought I was either having a heart attack or going insane. My doc prescribed Clonazepam in addition to the Lex and that cleared it up completely. Made me a little sleepy at first, but it was a miracle drug to me as bad as I was feeling. Might be something to consider if your anxiety is preventing you from functioning.
>
> Best of luck and hang in there.
> TheresaThanks Theresa. I do have Xanax, which helps a lot. Mary
Posted by marfaith on February 25, 2004, at 8:35:03
In reply to Re: 1st week on Lex, posted by KathrynLex on February 24, 2004, at 17:17:55
> Hi Mary,
>
> I know exactly what you mean about going to bed terrified. That was me until 4 weeks in to Lexapro. Interestingly, my psychiatrist told me that it is very common for panic attacks to occur at night and many people who suffer from anxiety/panic feel that worrying prevents bad things from happening to them. The Lexapro really helps with that. I'm so grateful for this medication. I haven't been worrying at all for the last several weeks, at least not the way I used to. It's such a huge relief. Give it some time and don't rule out increasing if you don't feel better by week 9. I'm wishing you the very best, I've been where you're at and it can be terrible. But you won't be stuck there for much longer.
>
> K.Thanks K,
I can't imagine right now what it will be like to not worry constantly. Or automatically assume the worst about something. If it wasn't for my husband, I wouldn't attempt anything for fear that something will go wrong. Things have been going on in my life that I should really be feeling good about, even excited and I want to enjoy them. I'm hanging in there. Mary
>
>
Posted by tmhwrite on February 25, 2004, at 8:38:33
In reply to Re: 1st week on Lex, posted by marfaith on February 25, 2004, at 8:26:34
If the Zanax works for you -- great! I tried Zanax but it made me so sleepy I couldn't function. I mean I took a half a pill and slept for 17 hours straight. I know it affects different people different ways. The Clonazepam seems to have less side effects for me. Helps me sleep and reduces the anxiety without the extreme need to sleep for hours and hours on end. Just remember that you're on your way to health and you always have an outlet here.
Have a great day. //Theresa
Posted by LynneDa on February 25, 2004, at 8:58:59
In reply to Lynne, posted by Journeyman on February 20, 2004, at 22:31:56
Journeyman -
Thank you so much for your encouraging and, almost more importantly, understanding reply. The quotes are wonderful, I am a quote person. This message was a keeper!When I met my new husband a few years ago, the thing that sealed the deal was the way in which he is able to love me pretty unconditionally and allows me to be myself - which sort of freaked me out, literally. To have that freedom and not know who to be because no one is requiring you to be anything? Whoa! It was a case of "be careful what you ask for" because I did get it, for the most part. I'm still struggling with how to relax and just be myself without second guessing or acting a role. It is getting easier, but what a ridiculous thing to have to unlearn :-).
My sincere thanks and appreciation for all your compassion and clarity! I wish you continued peace and the ability to be your true self!
~ Lynne>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Lynne,
>
> I understand very well what you mean about the perfectionist/pleasing streak. My whole life, until very, very recently, I have labored to find my identity. Unfortunately, I looked for it in other people; that's to say, if they liked me or approved, then I was okay, and if they didn't, then there was something wrong with me and I had to adjust/change.
>
> What an awful way to live. And how ironic that the more I tried to be something that other people wanted, the less I was myself. I was disappearing.
>
> My new definition of being perfect is someone who fully accepts that they're not. And when they don't, they let that be okay too.
>
> Came across a couple of good quotes today related to this and the last e-mail:
>
> Once we accept our limits, we go beyond them. -- Brendan Francis
>
> Life has no other discipline to impose, if we would but realize it, than to accept life unquestioningly. Everything we shut our eyes to, everything we run away from, everything we deny, denigrate or despise, serves to defeat us in the end. What seems nasty, painful, evil, can become a source of beauty, joy and strength, if faced with an open mind. Every moment is a golden one for him [or her] who has the vision to recognize it as such. -- Henry Miller
>
> Accept everything about yourself - I mean everything, You are you and that is the beginning and the end - no apologies, no regrets. -- Clark Moustakas
>
> Happiness can exist only in acceptance. -- Denis De Rougamont
>
>
> May self-contentment be yours, as your embrace your scars, bruises, and foibles - as well as your beauty that's so evident here on the board.
>
> Journeyman
Posted by Thankful on February 25, 2004, at 13:20:21
In reply to Re: Feeling Flat on Lexapro, posted by linnie on February 23, 2004, at 10:13:41
Had many, almost daily very severe headaches (morning) on Lexapro. Also was NEVER hungry. I just ate because it was time. Just read that Imitrex and Lexapro are not supposed to be taken together. Too late for me on that one. Took Lexapro for eight months. No more of this junk for me.
Posted by Cathrina on February 25, 2004, at 15:15:21
In reply to Re: new to the board... sexual problems??, posted by LynneDa on February 24, 2004, at 17:02:03
> Cathrina - Forgot to focus on the positive for you ... Three Cheers and congratulations that your marriage is stronger due to Lex taking care of some of your other issues :-). I'm very glad to hear that and can say it has made a big difference in my marriage as well - I'm much easier to live with. Thank goodness for that positive outcome!!
> ~ LynneLynne
Thankyou for the congrats. I so understand when you say "I'm much easier to live with." As does my husband. He can finally do things right - in my eyes of course. Sorry to hear you're going through similar sexual problems but is comforting to know that maybe it is the medication. And yes it's frustrating for both of us... my husband is beginning to question his performance and what he can do differently. Please keep me updated if you try the other medication.. wellbutrin I think it was.Cathrina
Posted by Cathrina on February 25, 2004, at 15:18:26
In reply to Re: new to the board... sexual problems?? » Cathrina, posted by tmhwrite on February 24, 2004, at 17:52:20
Theresa
No other meds besides lex. Don't usually take medications... even when I have a headache.
cathrina
Posted by tanny on February 25, 2004, at 15:38:40
In reply to Re: just started lexapro, posted by tm on June 1, 2003, at 20:56:21
I started lexapro yesterday after dealing with depression for a few years. I thought I could deal with it but after I lost my ex husband (even though we were divorced we got back together) Nov. 28. I seemed to shrink into my depression headlong.
Either I was biting someone's head off or I was crying like a baby constantly.
I finally got tired of it and went to see the doctor yesterday and he wanted to put me on Lexapro. I took it right after I left his office and did alright for a couple hours and then the nauseousness set in. I slept for about three hours before it went away. Now I still get slightly nauseous but it seems to be when I get up too fast.
I don't know if it's the medicine or just the fact that I just finally went and started getting help but I feel like I have energy. A little bit too much of it and have been cleaning house like a fiend. But anyways I feel better.
Is it possible that I could be feeling better this fast?
Thanks for any help..
Tonya
Posted by Mariposa on February 25, 2004, at 16:53:56
In reply to just started lexapro yesterday, posted by tanny on February 25, 2004, at 15:38:40
> I started lexapro yesterday after dealing with depression for a few years. I thought I could deal with it but after I lost my ex husband (even though we were divorced we got back together) Nov. 28. I seemed to shrink into my depression headlong.
>
> Either I was biting someone's head off or I was crying like a baby constantly.
>
> I finally got tired of it and went to see the doctor yesterday and he wanted to put me on Lexapro. I took it right after I left his office and did alright for a couple hours and then the nauseousness set in. I slept for about three hours before it went away. Now I still get slightly nauseous but it seems to be when I get up too fast.
>
> I don't know if it's the medicine or just the fact that I just finally went and started getting help but I feel like I have energy. A little bit too much of it and have been cleaning house like a fiend. But anyways I feel better.
>
> Is it possible that I could be feeling better this fast?
>
> Thanks for any help..
>
> TonyaCheck out the Lexapro web site for a list of side effects.....nausea being one of them. The good news is most se's are temporary and do go away by 3rd week for many. It is possible to feel relief right away, but for many it takes the full 8 weeks. Also a wealth of info in previous periods of this web site if you have time to go back and read all about it. This is a great place for support, come back often!!!
We're all pulling for you!~~~8|8
Posted by KathrynLex on February 25, 2004, at 17:36:10
In reply to just started lexapro yesterday, posted by tanny on February 25, 2004, at 15:38:40
Hi Tonya,
It's possible that the Lexapro is starting to kick in, you might be sensitive to meds which can make them act faster. Or maybe simply knowing that you've taken a step towards recovery is helping you to feel better.
Also, sometimes Lexapro can give you an overly energized feeling. This goes away after a few weeks. It's wonderful that you're starting to see improvements after such a short time.
K.
Like Mariposa said, go to www.lexapro.com for useful info on the med.
Posted by ednababish on February 25, 2004, at 18:35:03
In reply to Re: just started lexapro yesterday, posted by KathrynLex on February 25, 2004, at 17:36:10
Tonya--
A good old dose of pepcid or tagamet will help with the nausea--and ride the wave of industriousness for all it's worth! I found that keeping really busy kept me from feeling as nauseated.
Edna Babish
Posted by tanny on February 25, 2004, at 18:44:23
In reply to Re: just started lexapro yesterday, posted by ednababish on February 25, 2004, at 18:35:03
Thanks for the encouragement. I also have a very high metabolism so it might be that kickin it in (the meds) faster too. I don't care what it is. It's nice to finally feel better.
Posted by mystic on February 25, 2004, at 19:20:31
In reply to Re: just started lexapro yesterday, posted by ednababish on February 25, 2004, at 18:35:03
Good Evening...Well 2 weeks today on 10mgs of Lexapro...Feeling better depression wise..Still have anxiety and my phobias...My appetite is back and the upset stomach has subsided some...All in all I'm glad that I stayed on the Lexapro so far..But very nervous that will gain the weight now that my apetite is back...Take care Mystic
Posted by Kimburtly on February 25, 2004, at 19:50:23
In reply to Re: just started lexapro yesterday, posted by mystic on February 25, 2004, at 19:20:31
I didn't find that I gained weight and I did find that Lexapro does eliminate some of the anxiety. I have had some anxiety lately but believe that I am able to handle it better now that I am on Lexapro - I was on Prozac and Paxil at some point which didn't provide the same medical coverage that Lexapro provides. I do experience dizziness, anyone else?
Posted by mystic on February 25, 2004, at 20:43:17
In reply to Re: just started lexapro yesterday, posted by Kimburtly on February 25, 2004, at 19:50:23
Thanks Kimberly for your feedback...I'm really interested in the weight gain and the anxiety aspect of the Lexapro so all feedback is welcome..I have had some dizzy spells but they seem to be subsiding somewhat..mostly when I get up quickly which I think happens even without the meds...Thank you again and Take care Mystic...PS Kimberly how long have you been on Lexapro and at what dosage..thanks
Posted by tmhwrite on February 25, 2004, at 21:59:33
In reply to Re: just started lexapro yesterday, posted by Kimburtly on February 25, 2004, at 19:50:23
I have had a little bit of dizziness as well, and have been experiencing some ups and downs on it, but it hasn't even been two weeks for me yet. The nausea is gone away, but I think that was due to a stomach virus anyway. Just remember that even with the little irritating side effects we experience, it's better than being in that dark place where not even one single ray of joy can reach us. This gives us hope.
My best to all.
Theresa
Posted by mystic on February 25, 2004, at 22:05:34
In reply to Re: just started lexapro yesterday » Kimburtly, posted by tmhwrite on February 25, 2004, at 21:59:33
Theresa...You are so right..Lexapro has worked quickly for me to get me out of that very dark place...Side effects and all and they havent been as bad as the bad effects from the depression...To look back on the last 3 weeks and see how much better I feel is incredible..I have been on other antidepresants and they have taken much longer..I have been able to get back to work without struggling through the day and that is all I can ask for right now...Good Luck to all and thank goodness that there is a place to go to get support...Thank you....Mystic
Posted by shequinn on February 25, 2004, at 22:17:36
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
My husband wants to step down his Lexapro because he is having emotional flattening, jaw popping issues and intolerable nausea - plus, the sun is starting to come back, and that's usually when his depression wears off (he has SAD). He's at 7.5 mg now, and was plannin to take 5mg instead, starting tonight, for a week to ten days.
Any advice? Any ideas of what he might want to look out for, or things he can expect?
Posted by Sad and Blue on February 26, 2004, at 1:18:52
In reply to Re: to all novice lex-er, posted by linnie on February 23, 2004, at 11:27:32
Since I've been on lexapro, I've been feeling not so wonderful. I've experienced a racing heart, nervousness, upset stomach, can't sleep, the list seems endless. I'll stick to it because that day of gloom will pass and I can smile once again.
Posted by BobYuma on February 26, 2004, at 8:37:19
In reply to Lexapro step-down: thoughts, advice?, posted by shequinn on February 25, 2004, at 22:17:36
>> My husband wants to step down his Lexapro because he is having emotional flattening, jaw popping issues and intolerable nausea - plus, the sun is starting to come back, and that's usually when his depression wears off (he has SAD). He's at 7.5 mg now, and was plannin to take 5mg instead, starting tonight, for a week to ten days. Any advice? Any ideas of what he might want to look out for, or things he can expect?
------------------------------------Hello, shequinn.
I now exactly how your husband feels. I also decided to step down my dose because the headaches and jaw clinching were driving me crazy.
I was taking 10 mgs at the time, so I cut the pill in half and tried 5 mgs for a few days. 5 mg's didn't do it for me (everyone is different). I felt the stress strongly coming back within about three days, and I knew that the depression would soon follow, that's the way it works for me. I went back to 10 mgs long enough to get over the stress, then tried 7.5 mg's. This amount is and has been working fine for me, the SE's are all but gone, and my stress level is something I can easily live with.
If 7.5 mgs are already helping your husband, but the SE's are a bigger problem, then if it were me, I'd try 5 mgs for a few days. It won't take him a week or ten days to find out if this amount isn't enough, and if it isn't, he can up the dosage at once.
But it may take him a little longer to see much difference in the side effects. They will lessen rather slowly, at least mine did, I suppose because the Lex is already in our system at the high-dose level. So tell him not to give up on that small amount
helping to lessen the SE's, it will eventually.
Hope this information helps. Take care and God Bless.
BobYuma
Posted by KathrynLex on February 26, 2004, at 10:25:04
In reply to Re: to all novice lex-er » linnie, posted by Sad and Blue on February 26, 2004, at 1:18:52
Hi Sad and Blue,
How long have you been on Lexapro? It should kick in by week 9 at the latest. If you're still feeling lousy at that point, you might consider increasing.
If you're still in the first couple of weeks, hang in there. You're body just needs some time to adjust. All your side effects will subside and you'll feel better soon.
K.
Posted by mrs c on February 26, 2004, at 10:26:19
In reply to Re: Marfaith, posted by marfaith on February 25, 2004, at 8:22:54
Marfaith, I started Lex in October and was really able to enjoy stress free holidays! For the first time since my children were born I really felt like I appreciated the holiday season. I loved shopping, baking, etc. If things didn't get done, I didn't care! Great feeling! I was still pretty anxiety stricken during Thanksgiving though. I was still experiencing the jittery feelings that came with the Lex. They subsided soon after that though. You are almost there, just hold on. Mrs. C
Posted by KathrynLex on February 26, 2004, at 10:29:20
In reply to Re: just started lexapro yesterday, posted by Kimburtly on February 25, 2004, at 19:50:23
Hi Kim,
Dizziness is very common with Lexapro. On the side of my lex bottle there is a big yellow sticker that says "May cause dizziness." I started taking my lex at night so I could sleep through the worst of the dizziness. That might work for you if your dizziness starts soon after you take it and subsides in 3 or 4 hours.
K.
Posted by mrs c on February 26, 2004, at 10:32:28
In reply to Re: just started lexapro yesterday, posted by mystic on February 25, 2004, at 20:43:17
Hi Guys, I still experience some dizziness after 4 months on Lex. It is very fleeting and doesn't bother me a bit anymore. Hang in there! Mrs.C
Posted by mrs c on February 26, 2004, at 10:38:31
In reply to Re: to all novice lex-er » linnie, posted by Sad and Blue on February 26, 2004, at 1:18:52
Sorry to hear that you aren't feeling well. I had all of your side effects but the insomnia. I slept really well for about 5 hours per night but only 5 hours and then I was UP! I do sleep through the night now and for as long as I want. As far as the heart racing and nervousness, I had those big time! Me being a very anxious person and prone to worrying anyway it was a very difficult side effect for me to handle. I spent the first weeks on lex worrying that something was wrong with me. Until I found this board and realized that I was not alone in what I was experiencing. You aren't either. These feelings will go away after about 3 weeks. You may experience them from time to time after that but very infrequently and they won't bother you as much anymore. I hope that you continue to look toward the future which I'm sure will be brighter. Mrs. C
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