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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Anjul on March 5, 2004, at 16:05:52
In reply to Re: Not a good day!!! » mystic, posted by LynneDa on March 5, 2004, at 15:36:51
Mystic
I know that feeling well of being afraid of everything and living in a state of terror. Thats why I went on Lex and Klonopin (basically the same as Xanax). It did the trick for banishing demons. And, I've lost weight. (just can't sleep yet)
My therapist gave me good advice while waiting for Lex to work: she said to break off a little piece of my benzo and take it during the day when it got bad. that really helped, and I never do that anymore. But the benzo's help alot with the fear.
Hang in there!
Anjul
Posted by mystic on March 5, 2004, at 16:57:08
In reply to Re: Not a good day!!! » mystic, posted by LynneDa on March 5, 2004, at 15:36:51
Thank you Lynne..you are an angel to post to me..that is certainly one of the things that I told the dr today is that I'm into for this long so I should just keep going a little longer...The worst time is when i'm alone that is when the throughts really start racing and just dont stop...Still stuggling with whether or not to go up to the 15mgs..I dont know what I would do without you all..thank you soo much...I am really also going to concentrate on finding a good councelor this weekend to call on monday but like you said it is very hard to find one that is good...But just have to try one and see if it fits and if not try and try again...Thank you Lynne...god bless you Mystic
Posted by mystic on March 5, 2004, at 17:02:43
In reply to Re: Not a good day!!!, posted by Anjul on March 5, 2004, at 16:05:52
Anjul...what is the dosage that you are on right now for the lexapro..My dr did mention that if wasnt going to take the xanax twice a day to maybe take 1/2 twice a day if that made me more comfortable..but he did want me to go up to the 15mgs..not sure yet..>Thank you and take care..Mystic
Posted by KathrynLex on March 5, 2004, at 17:26:21
In reply to Is Lexapro effective for Panic Disorder?, posted by jake97tx on March 4, 2004, at 6:00:32
Hi Jake,
I didn't see an improvement with my anxiety or panic disorder until I increased my dose from 10 mgs to 15 mgs. It was a small increase that's made a huge difference.
Have you looked in to benzos: Xanax, Lorazepam, Klonopin etc... for you anxiety. I take Lorazepam on an as needed basis and I've found it very helpful for panic attacks.
K.
Posted by KathrynLex on March 5, 2004, at 17:28:16
In reply to Mystic and everyone else too!, posted by mrs c on March 3, 2004, at 21:32:24
Hi Mrs. C,
I wish you all the luck in the world. It sounds like you've made a lot of progress and I think you're taking some very positive steps towards healing. Congrats...pat yourself on the back.
K.
Posted by mystic on March 5, 2004, at 17:29:49
In reply to Re: Is Lexapro effective for Panic Disorder?, posted by KathrynLex on March 5, 2004, at 17:26:21
K...Just read your post and thanks looking for information about going up to 15mgs..I have heard mixed...The Dr said that 15mg isnt really proven to improve more than going from 10-20mgs..But I like to use less if possible...Jake good luck to you also...My prayers are with everyone...Mystic
Posted by KathrynLex on March 5, 2004, at 17:31:15
In reply to New to Lexapro, posted by dzinegirl on March 4, 2004, at 10:44:57
Hi Dzinegirl,
Many of the side effects you mention are very common and go away around the 3rd or 4th week. I'm sorry Lexapro proved to be the wrong medication for you. Best of luck in finding the right cure to your anxiety and panic.
K
Posted by KathrynLex on March 5, 2004, at 17:34:27
In reply to Re: Sexylexy...How are you?, posted by linnie on March 4, 2004, at 13:38:04
Hi Linnie,
I'm sorry it's taken me so long to get back to you. I've been away from my computer the last two days. How is the increase going for you? In my experience it took about 2 wks on 15 mgs before I began to feel better. It sounds like it's working much faster for you. I hope that's the case!
K.
Posted by Anjul on March 5, 2004, at 17:38:21
In reply to RE:..anjul, posted by mystic on March 5, 2004, at 17:02:43
Mystic, I am only on 8.5 mgs of Lex and .125 of Klonapin. I am 85% less anxious even on this dose. Like you I am way sensitive to meds, and don;t like using benzo's much. I think you are smart to go up to 15 instead of 20mgs. a few mg's can make a huge difference. I have had GAD my whole life, and thought it was my karma to master it. I don;t believe that anymore. The lex has helped with that so much!!! Have a peaceful night.
Anjul
Posted by KathrynLex on March 5, 2004, at 17:39:58
In reply to Hello Lex Family, posted by Bubbasmom on March 5, 2004, at 1:42:07
Hi Michelle,
I'm so glad to hear that you're doing better. I LOVE success stories.
K.
Posted by KathrynLex on March 5, 2004, at 17:53:19
In reply to Not a good day!!!, posted by mystic on March 5, 2004, at 10:02:13
Hi Mystic,
I'm sorry you're having such a rough time. Keep in mind that not everyone has a difficult 5th week, it really depends on the individual. Some people actually start seeing good results that week!
I haven't gained any weight on Lexapro and only felt flat for the first two weeks after increasing. The "flat" feeling is a side effect that goes away for most people. I hope you have a good weekend and start having a positive experience with Lex.
K.
Posted by KathrynLex on March 5, 2004, at 17:55:18
In reply to Re: lexapro craziness..., posted by sexylexy on March 5, 2004, at 12:08:50
Hi Lexy,
It was encouraging to read that the Lexapro has helped with your fear of flying. I'm terrified to get on a plane and have a trip coming up. I'm debating whether or not to take a Xanax, or if I should rely on the Lexapro to get me through it. What do you think?
K.
Posted by wantinfo on March 5, 2004, at 17:59:03
In reply to Question for Lexy, posted by KathrynLex on March 5, 2004, at 17:55:18
hi k...i have some experience with this as well...i've found that a clonozepam (same as klonopin), which i used to take, was very helpful for flying. i'd take it about an hour before getting on the plane so it could be at its maximum effect.
im still not doing super well on 10mg after 4 weeks. my pdoc is on vacation until tuesday and i actually felt bad enough (depersonalized etc) to call her covering doc today...that doc said to raise to 20! i freaked at that...not going to double my dose, esp not after only 4 wks, without talking to MY doc.
for now, .25 xanax once or twice a day can stop the craziness for the most part. i do miss my old self!
Posted by sexylexy on March 5, 2004, at 19:18:32
In reply to Question for Lexy, posted by KathrynLex on March 5, 2004, at 17:55:18
Hey K~
I fly a lot and have been though some really bad flights, in fact my first panic attack was on a flight. I tend to try to sit by a window and that helps me a lot (not feeling trapped). Before I had ever thought of taking an anti depressant or anxiety I took a beta blocker which blocks your adrenal glads or something to make you not nervous. My Dad would not let me take them when I started taking lexapro so I have not taken anything but lex. I have been a flying fool lately going home every two weeks, and taking trips with the fam. I flew though bad weather twice last week and was pretty calm, (I embarass myself holding so tight to the arm rest) but this time I was hands free. I attribiute this to lexapro, however, if you are not confident I would rely on the Xanax or at least have one handy. I have had a lot less plane anxiety and much less general worry before (I used to start checking the weather 10 days ahead of my flight several times a day. Sorry this is winded, I am feeling a lot better and hoping to see more improvement from lex, the true test will be when my PMDD comes on! Good luck..Bbttom line, see how you do on just lex, if you need it pop a Xanax!
Good luck... you going on a fun trip or business?
Lexy
Posted by mrs c on March 5, 2004, at 21:01:51
In reply to Re: Mystic and everyone else too!, posted by KathrynLex on March 5, 2004, at 17:28:16
Thanks K! Mrs. C
Posted by mrs c on March 5, 2004, at 21:15:10
In reply to Re: Not a good day!!! » mystic, posted by KathrynLex on March 5, 2004, at 17:53:19
Hi Mystic, Today was not a good day but tomorrow may be! Have HOPE my friend. You are doing many positive things; speaking to your doctor, finding therapy, talking to and helping others on this board, taking your meds everyday even though you are afraid. All of those things tell me that you do have hope. Just a little bit is all it takes to get ya through. Soon you will be feeling better. I have absolutely no doubt about that. Up your dose to 15mg. If you do it, I will. I am thinking that I will start on Monday night. That gives me a few days to convince myself. I know that I have to, but like you I am afraid. So let me know what you plan to do and we can go through whatever happens together. I know what you mean about being alone and feeling more fragile. That is when my thoughts are at their worst. I try to keep busy so I can't think. I also work in an elementary school with special ed kids and they do wonders for me!
I wish I could have you over for coffee and pastries so that you won't be alone. Which reminds me, I have lost 14 pounds since beginning Lexapro. I have been trying to lose 20lbs before our trip to Orlando in April. So weight gain is not a given on this med. You may not experience that at all!
Keep doing what you are doing and things will get better for you. I am proof of that. Mrs. C
Posted by mrs c on March 5, 2004, at 21:19:34
In reply to Re: Question for Lexy, posted by sexylexy on March 5, 2004, at 19:18:32
Hey Lexy, you sound so good! I am so happy for you that you are feeling better.
I plan to increase my lex to 15mgs on Monday. My doc said go to 20 but I think I will start at 15 for a few weeks and see how I feel. I need a few days to prepare myself for it though. I hate the unexpected!
You make many references to your father, is he a doctor? Just curious.
Mrs. C
Posted by mel_light on March 5, 2004, at 21:53:00
In reply to Not a good day!!!, posted by mystic on March 5, 2004, at 10:03:02
Mystic,
I have a lot of the same feeling as you. If you ever need to speak right away, let me know and give me your email address. i'll try and help as much as I can. I know how hard it can be to feel alone with this and stuck. (((hugs)))
Posted by sexylexy on March 5, 2004, at 21:53:40
In reply to Re: Question for Lexy, posted by mrs c on March 5, 2004, at 21:19:34
Mrs. C,
Don't wait to take 15mg. I wish I would have done it weeks ago. I may even go up to 20 in a few weeks. I finally feel like I am on a anti depressant. I am not 100% but feeling pretty good. The side effects are already gone and today was day 3. No worries! DO IT, you will be glad you did! I know I am, I am taking a trip to las vegas with my boyfriend next week and am so excited because I think I will actually be able to enjoy it!!!
My Dad is actually a famous psychologist. You would probably know his name if you know much about psychology. I am not bragging, he is my best friend and I am super proud of him! He is very smart and knows a lot about medication ect..
Have a good one and don't be scared to up your dose!
God Bless,
Lexy
Posted by Journeyman on March 5, 2004, at 22:07:52
In reply to So Much for a Low Stress Day... » mystic, posted by tmhwrite on March 3, 2004, at 19:02:11
Theresa,
When you've had a chance to catch your breath, let us know how your week finished up.
Journeyman
Posted by mystic on March 5, 2004, at 22:10:18
In reply to Re: Not a good day!!!, posted by mrs c on March 5, 2004, at 21:15:10
Thanks Mrs C...good to hear from you..and I think a 15mg sisterhood would be good...I was thinking of giving it the weekend also and trying on monday...Was a little afraid of having to work the rest of the week ...but I can think of every excuse there is..It is kind of like a diet they always start on monday and end on monday evening...I am also very very in tune with my body and meds and illnesses and think I am going to get everything out there...I cant tell you how many tests that I have had done unnecessarily..We sure do sound a lot alike....These postings are a god sent...They say God will not give us more than we can handle...I just relate to everyone in here and that is soooo comforting...I'm here for you just let me know how I can help...Talk to you soon..Try to enjoy your weekend and lets not think tooo much about the impending dosage increase...A friend Mystic
Posted by mystic on March 5, 2004, at 22:12:08
In reply to Theresa, posted by Journeyman on March 5, 2004, at 22:07:52
Theresa....Thinking about you and wondering how the week went and how things turned out and how you are feeling...Have a great weekend...Mystic
Posted by mystic on March 5, 2004, at 22:14:16
In reply to Re: Not a good day!!!, posted by mel_light on March 5, 2004, at 21:53:00
Thank you for your support...same goes here if you want to exchange e-mails...Mystic
Posted by Simus on March 5, 2004, at 22:16:36
In reply to Question for Lexy, posted by KathrynLex on March 5, 2004, at 17:55:18
I take a Xanax (0.5mg) about an hour before I have to fly too. I think sometimes it is because of anxiety about having anxiety. (A wave of anxiety sends me straight for the bathroom, which is not something that you can easily get to when flying).
Posted by Stephanie B. on March 5, 2004, at 22:17:57
In reply to Re: Question for Lexy, posted by sexylexy on March 5, 2004, at 19:18:32
I have a question. Can Lexapro cause your heart to beat faster and your throat to close up? These seem like anxiety symptoms to me. Maybe Lexapro isn't working on my anxiety just my depression. Also, for the ladies, are your periods heavy now? A friend at work stopped taking it because she had heavy periods with major clotting. She said she read it in the side effects. Thanks for any info. I have been on Lex for about 6 months I guess. Thanks! Stephanie
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