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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by mystic on March 18, 2004, at 21:03:24
In reply to Does it get better, posted by peace123 on March 18, 2004, at 9:11:29
It definately will get better...Like I said in an earlier post the drs tell us that it will be about 2 weeks but in reality it takes about 4-6 and sometimes longer but it does happen for everyone it seems to be different for me the depression was faster to go away than the anxiety but I was taking xanax with it when I needed it and it helped but I know that most of us are phobic about meds and that is hard but there comes a point where you just have to feel better and it helps while letting us get used to the lexapro and to get through work..I would take it once a day to go to work and then not on the weekends..but an answer to your question is YES it will get better..and just keep posting because these people in this room are angels...Will think of you and talk to you soon..>Mystic
Posted by jlynne on March 18, 2004, at 23:12:01
In reply to I'm back!!!, posted by sexylexy on March 17, 2004, at 23:17:20
Hi, Lexy and Kathryn. I guess I started posting right around the time you went away. Seeing your enthusiasm has given me some encouragement and hope that maybe this stuff will really do something good eventually. I started at 10mg, then upped to 15mg about a week ago (I am early in my 6th week).
Nice going on the ring thing, Lexy! And I look forward to reading more posts from both of you.
By the way, I am trying to keep track of what time zones we are all in - I am in Pacific Standard. You? Thanks:^) ...jlynne
Posted by sexylexy on March 18, 2004, at 23:19:55
In reply to Lexy and Kathryn, posted by jlynne on March 18, 2004, at 23:12:01
Hey Jlynne!
This is Lexy. Believe me, I would not have made it though the lexapro with out my the lexapro family that I have found on this board. I am so glad you joined us and am looking forward to learning from each other. Its nice to know that my post can make people feel better. I know that they used to drag people down. Lexapro has helped me so much, I had never had a depressive episode but got on a birth control pill which gave me depression, I am hoping it is not a life long struggle but if it is so be it. I am not back to 100% but am feeling better and able to enjoy myself again. This is a lot from a girl who a few months back was scared to be alone because I was having super scary suicidal thoughts but when I was around people I was soooooooo sensitive that I would burst into tears if they looked at me the wrong way. My days are not all sunshine and cherrys but I am really looking foward to the day where I wake up and breathe a sigh of relief knowing that I have made it though. I know this day will come and I count on the support of my lexapro family to help me get there! So glad you have come!
God Bless,
Lexy
Posted by jlynne on March 18, 2004, at 23:28:26
In reply to Re: Does it get better, posted by susielalala on March 18, 2004, at 18:12:48
>My anxiety has been bad. Has anyone else felt wierd in the head on this stuff? I mean kind of out of it or is it just me?
Ali, you are not alone. I feel very spacey and kind of wired (and weird) most of the time. After about a month of 10mg, I kind of crashed and became very tearful and afraid. If it hadn't been for the people here assuring me that it would get better, I would have given up right then. But I talked with my doctor and he upped me to 15mg - I felt better almost immediately after increasing.
I am beginning my 6th week now, and I am starting to feel the anxiety coming back again. I am feeling a lot of pressure at work, so it might just be that, so I will wait awhile, but my doctor said I can go up to 20mg whenever I feel that I need to.
We are all sort of walking into the unknown here, but there is a trail of experience that helps keeps us going. Please, keep posting - we all want to be there for you. ...jlynne
Posted by jlynne on March 18, 2004, at 23:54:16
In reply to Re: Lexy and Kathryn » jlynne, posted by sexylexy on March 18, 2004, at 23:19:55
> Believe me, I would not have made it though the lexapro with out my the lexapro family that I have found on this board.<
I know what you mean; I get lots of warm-fuzzies here. And if it weren't for the experience of those who are ahead of me, I would have given up on Lex by now.
Thank you for the warm welcome:^) ...jlynne
Posted by Simus on March 19, 2004, at 0:26:22
In reply to Re: wellbutrin??simus, lynneda, kathrynlex etc, posted by want info on March 18, 2004, at 17:02:37
If you did well on Paxil, then Lexapro may work very well for you.
By the way, I never did understand why so many doctors are reluctant to let someone stay at 15mg Lexapro. What is magic about 20mg?
Posted by mvice on March 19, 2004, at 1:27:42
In reply to Re: Does it get better, posted by susielalala on March 18, 2004, at 18:12:48
does the effects of paxil wear off after time. i dont feal it working anymore after 4 years even at higer doses.SEROTONIN POP OUT?
Posted by want info on March 19, 2004, at 9:32:30
In reply to Re: Does it get better, posted by susielalala on March 18, 2004, at 18:12:48
ive been on lex for 6 weeks and still feel very "weird in the head" a lot. im trying to hang in there, we will make it! EM
Posted by want info on March 19, 2004, at 9:34:02
In reply to Re: Does it get better, posted by jlynne on March 18, 2004, at 23:28:26
jlynne i feel the exact same way...initially the lex worked, i crashed after about a month and went to 15 where ive been for about a week. i feel kind of better but there are definitely times i feel the anxiety returning. and my doc said the exact same thing about upping to 20 if i felt i needed to!
Posted by LynneDa on March 19, 2004, at 11:25:24
In reply to Re: Does it get better, posted by susielalala on March 18, 2004, at 18:12:48
Oh Ali, I feel for ya!! It will get better. Your body is still adjusting. It takes a while for the brain to get on its right footing & level itself out. I wouldn't really do a total evaluation of its effectiveness until you've been on it about 8 weeks. Your posts sound like all of ours did at the beginning. I had the wired and foggy feelings a lot, off and on. I just tried to appreciate the moments I felt okay and remembered the other parts will pass sooner than they used to. Take heart, you will get there!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Posted by linnie on March 19, 2004, at 11:38:42
In reply to Re: Does it get better » susielalala, posted by LynneDa on March 19, 2004, at 11:25:24
> Oh Ali, I feel for ya!! It will get better. Your body is still adjusting. It takes a while for the brain to get on its right footing & level itself out. I wouldn't really do a total evaluation of its effectiveness until you've been on it about 8 weeks. Your posts sound like all of ours did at the beginning. I had the wired and foggy feelings a lot, off and on. I just tried to appreciate the moments I felt okay and remembered the other parts will pass sooner than they used to. Take heart, you will get there!
> ~ Lynne
> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>What is your dosage of lex?
thanks
linnie
Posted by LynneDa on March 19, 2004, at 11:57:16
In reply to Re: Does it get better to Lynne, posted by linnie on March 19, 2004, at 11:38:42
Hi Linnie -
I started at 10 mg, then upped to 20 mg after 10 weeks. I've now been on 20 mg for about 11 weeks. My worst times are right before my period and that is the reason I upped. That time is now much better, I get a little out of wack but not too bad. I still have insomnia and some inorgasmia that I would like to address. I'm tired of medicating myself to sleep, but if that is my only alternative I guess that's it. I'm not ready to go off the Lex!
Take care,
Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Posted by KathrynLex on March 19, 2004, at 12:18:15
In reply to Re: Does it get better, posted by susielalala on March 18, 2004, at 18:12:48
Hi Susie,
I felt pretty out of it for the first 4 or 5 weeks on Lexapro. My head cleared around week 6. The first two weeks seem to be the hardest for most people, you're on the tail end of it. Things will start getting better very soon, you have a great attitude about it and that will help you a lot!
K.
Posted by KathrynLex on March 19, 2004, at 12:30:02
In reply to Lexy and Kathryn, posted by jlynne on March 18, 2004, at 23:12:01
Hi Jlynne,
I upped my dose to 15 mgs around my 6th week and it made a big difference, it only took 2 wks at the higher dose before I saw results. I hope it works out well for you.
K.
Posted by linnie on March 19, 2004, at 12:31:30
In reply to Re: Does it get better to Lynne » linnie, posted by LynneDa on March 19, 2004, at 11:57:16
> Hi Linnie -
> I started at 10 mg, then upped to 20 mg after 10 weeks. I've now been on 20 mg for about 11 weeks. My worst times are right before my period and that is the reason I upped. That time is now much better, I get a little out of wack but not too bad. I still have insomnia and some inorgasmia that I would like to address. I'm tired of medicating myself to sleep, but if that is my only alternative I guess that's it. I'm not ready to go off the Lex!
> Take care,
> Lynne
> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Lynne,Have you noticed any increase in anxiety if you drink alcohol?
linnie
Posted by LynneDa on March 19, 2004, at 12:41:23
In reply to Re: Does it get better to Lynne, posted by linnie on March 19, 2004, at 12:31:30
Linnie -
No, I haven't had any ill effects from drinking on Lex. I probably have a glass of wine or a margarita 2 or 3 times a month, don't drink much anymore! I do seem to get sleepy more quickly on Lex after a drink.From what I've read (& I'm no expert), it can make your heart race (which can feel like anxiety). Since alcohol's a depressant and Lex is anti, it works against the Lex by cancelling it out . . . which could lead to anxiety making an appearance, since the Lex is supposed to control that.
Good luck, be careful!
~ Lynne
Posted by want info on March 19, 2004, at 13:03:59
In reply to Re: Lexy and Kathryn, posted by KathrynLex on March 19, 2004, at 12:30:02
hi kathryn...thats exactly what ive done...am now at about 9 days on 15mg, in about 6.5 weeks overall. i do feel less "cloudy," but still very anxious. i am expecting my time of the month in a few days so maybe that's why. i'm holding out for less anxiety any day now! em
Posted by peace123 on March 19, 2004, at 14:37:20
In reply to Re: Does it get better » peace123, posted by LynneDa on March 18, 2004, at 11:11:51
peace to you all,
thank you all for the replies.. what a wonderful support system you all have developed here. :)
Sorry for forgetting who asked if my doc is a pdoc or family doc...but here is the answer >>
It is one of the docs that works in the office of my primary care provider<<.. and in fairness to her.. she did offer my something for anxiety.. but also said they can be habit forming.. and that kinda scared me.
But I took the script for ambain, because i really needed to get some sleep.I start some counseling for work stress next week, God willing.. this will also be helpful.
I am glad to read that things do get better further down lexapro lane :)
:)
Posted by LynneDa on March 19, 2004, at 16:08:26
In reply to Re: Does it get better, posted by peace123 on March 19, 2004, at 14:37:20
Hi everyone! I will be on vacation (nowhere too fun, just at home relaxing with the kids on spring break) and won't be checking posts often. I usually do that at work. Have a good week everyone and talk to you the week of 3/29 when I'm back at the office.
~ Lynne
Posted by sexylexy on March 19, 2004, at 16:10:01
In reply to Re: Lynne on vacation, posted by LynneDa on March 19, 2004, at 16:08:26
Lynne!!!
WE WILL MISS YOU! Have a great spring break, get some good rest and loving from your hubby!
God Bless,
lexy
Posted by sideorder on March 19, 2004, at 16:23:05
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects » dr. dave, posted by Ritch on June 19, 2002, at 9:11:56
I was just prescribed Lexapro by my doctor for general stress/anxiety reduction. I was told that the sexual side effects were minimal...primarily "ejaclatory delay" (and only happens to a small precentage).... I guess if it's "delayed", it wouldn't be that big of a deal---just so it eventually happens. Also wondering if it causes any erectile dysfunction or decreased libido. I really don't want to become sexually dysfunctional in any way. Any men out there taking Lexapro (or women who are with men taking Lexapro) that can give me the lowdown? I have a VERY healthy sex life with my girlfriend and hate to see it take a turn just because I'm taking an anti-anxiety drug. Any advice/comments or feedback would be appreciated. Also, don't even know if I'm "posting" in the right place...I'm totally new to this.
Posted by sltex on March 19, 2004, at 18:21:07
In reply to Sexual Dysfunction and Lexapro? Need Feedback, posted by sideorder on March 19, 2004, at 16:23:05
> I was just prescribed Lexapro by my doctor for general stress/anxiety reduction. I was told that the sexual side effects were minimal...primarily "ejaclatory delay" (and only happens to a small precentage).... I guess if it's "delayed", it wouldn't be that big of a deal---just so it eventually happens. Also wondering if it causes any erectile dysfunction or decreased libido. I really don't want to become sexually dysfunctional in any way. Any men out there taking Lexapro (or women who are with men taking Lexapro) that can give me the lowdown? I have a VERY healthy sex life with my girlfriend and hate to see it take a turn just because I'm taking an anti-anxiety drug. Any advice/comments or feedback would be appreciated. Also, don't even know if I'm "posting" in the right place...I'm totally new to this.
> I am a guy who's been on Lexapro for about 5 weeks. I too have had a very healthy, terrific sex life (with my wife). I too am new to this posting stuff. My experience is that there's a bit of a reduced libido, although certainly not too bad, no ED, but the delayed ejaculation has been distressing for both me and for my wife. I am trying to be patient with this side effect. I started out on Effexor and it was much worse with ED and no ejaculation, so Lex is better but certainly the delayed ejaculation side effects are there, but I am committed to get over the depression.
Posted by susielalala on March 19, 2004, at 20:52:32
In reply to Re: Does it get better to Lynne, posted by linnie on March 19, 2004, at 11:38:42
thanks Lynne. I am on 10 mg of lex. I actually had a pretty good day today. I am praying for all of us. Have a great night!!
Posted by sexylexy on March 19, 2004, at 21:19:20
In reply to Re: Does it get better to Lynne, posted by susielalala on March 19, 2004, at 20:52:32
Hi Ya'll,
I have heard some really good things about lexapro and wellbutrin as a cocktail. I am thinking about going that way. The problem is, when my whole fiasco started, my temp GP gave me Wellbutrin when I was complaining of anxiety. Of course I now know that this is a stimiluant but at the time did not know and was an anxious mess after taking it.
I am wondering, if lexapro helps to curb some of the se from wellbutrin including anxiety. Thanks 1000000, God Bless,
Lexy
Posted by Nemo2 on March 19, 2004, at 22:06:51
In reply to Re: Does it get better, posted by KathrynLex on March 19, 2004, at 12:18:15
This post is for KathrynLex and anyone else with thoughts or suggestions. K, I've read many of your posts regarding your decision to up the dose to 15mg on Lex. You are much appreciated. I'm at 70 days on 10mg and have had very good results against my depression. Much more energy and better spirits consistently. Se's have been jitteryness along with my lifelong hand tremors amplified and a brain fog. These se's peaked about week 3 and have diminished since then by about 80%. The last few days have seen the first noticeable anxiety and depression in 2 months. Today was clearly like old times. Not good. Some situational contributions to this downturn for sure, but still very disappointing. I remembered your choice to go to 15mg at about this point in time (I think) and took my 10mg about 5 hours earlier than normal. I've been taking it about 8pm nightly. The effect took about 45 minutes and was terrific. I lost the anxiety and the depression within 30 more minutes. The dose I took last night seemed to have little effect on me today. Tomorrow I'm going to take 10mg in the morning and then take another 5mg 12 hours later. I'll see what happens with the se's and the symptoms. Any thoughts from you on this move?
Thanks, Nemo2
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