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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 23 of 23. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by justanotherofyou on October 22, 2002, at 13:22:54
Hi everyone...
Just wanted to post my experience of Lexapro. I saw my neurologist recently and explained that my depression seemed worse (constant overwhelming feelings, ruminations, worrying, inability to concentrate, anxiety, etc., etc. -- we know them all). I've been through the talk therapies for years and years, tried all the families of anti-depressants and tried ECT and finally EMDR. Out of all of these EMDR actually helped me with one critical situation. Prozac helped too for a short while. I saw the neuorologist for migraines and after he asked me to try Depakote about eight years ago, things seems so much better. My anxiety was lifted. Now, after long-term use it is becoming less effective. I don't want to feel drugged, just less anxious and be able to function normally and possibly find a little joy in some things. My memory loss from the ECT's is horrible.
As far as the lexapro goes, I'm just exhausted. I can sleep, but after getting the kids off to school I can accomplish little and come time to make dinner --- I'm ready to crash. I can't though. They count on me. Late afternoon is the worst. And you know, Mom's have dinner to make, laundry to do, homework to help with, and for us music practice daily and lessons weekly. Little ones require help with bath, snack, stories, and finally bedtime. I'm exhausted before I begin. I can't say there's joy either, but there seems to be no "Land of Happy" that's for sure. Never was. It's the little moments that I glimpse that come closest to joy that I try to hold onto. All that said, I don't think there is a medication yet for me, diagnosed with severe and chronic depression, and PSTD. I surely don't think Lexapro is working.
Posted by meow mary on October 22, 2002, at 14:03:17
In reply to Lexapro... and No Land of Happy, posted by justanotherofyou on October 22, 2002, at 13:22:54
Hi Just Another
Unfortunately I am just like you. It's been over a month for me on Lexapro and I am nowhere near that Happy Land. I'd settle for waking up in the morning and not immediately thinking, "I hate myself and want to die." My doctor said most of his patients are not responding at 10mgs and wants me go up to 20. I'm at 15 so far and all I'm doing is sweating more at night. Anyway, I just wanted to respond to someone else who hasn't had the Lexapro "aha" experience. I'm still hanging on to hope (miraculously) that something eventually will work-- maybe.
Posted by sjb on October 22, 2002, at 14:32:52
In reply to Re: Lexapro... and No Land of Happy, posted by meow mary on October 22, 2002, at 14:03:17
I, too, am quite worried. I was doing a lot better the first month, and am grateful that Lexapro does not have the side effects as others do, but . . .
I'm basically back to isolating, overeating, dreading the holidays, sleeping too much and so overly sensitive. I had told my husband and PDoc that this was the last shot at meds in early Sept, before I started Lexapro.
I've been on over 25 different meds and combos and am ready to give up. It's like there is no safety net out there. No one seems to care and I find it harder and harder to keep fighting in this society that values looks, thinness, achiement, etc. I'm an invisable blob now. I just want to hide. I feel so inferior to my overachieving, socially active attractive friends and co-workers.
Posted by jyl on October 22, 2002, at 15:30:27
In reply to Re: Lexapro... and No Land of Happy, posted by sjb on October 22, 2002, at 14:32:52
mary mary mary-
there are so few of us left out there.
come over to my couch-we will have tea and mabe a good ole fashion cry.
peace
jyl
Posted by jyl on October 22, 2002, at 15:33:15
In reply to Re: Lexapro... and No Land of Happy, posted by meow mary on October 22, 2002, at 14:03:17
Posted by meow mary on October 22, 2002, at 16:26:33
In reply to Re: Lexapro... and No Land of Happy » sjb, posted by jyl on October 22, 2002, at 15:30:27
Posted by Phil on October 22, 2002, at 18:10:48
In reply to Lexapro... and No Land of Happy, posted by justanotherofyou on October 22, 2002, at 13:22:54
Why not try augmenting with Wellbutrin, Provigil, or a stim?
Posted by meow mary on October 22, 2002, at 19:33:59
In reply to Re: Lexapro... and No Land of Happy » justanotherofyou, posted by Phil on October 22, 2002, at 18:10:48
Posted by justanotherofyou on October 22, 2002, at 19:34:11
In reply to Re: Lexapro... and No Land of Happy » justanotherofyou, posted by Phil on October 22, 2002, at 18:10:48
> Why not try augmenting with Wellbutrin, Provigil, or a stim?
>
Hi Phil...
Well I have tried Wellbutrin... no go.
I honestly don't know what Provigil is.
A stim? Well, I have taken ritalin and at one time combined with Prozac I felt good, but it lasted a very short while, about two months.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Posted by justanotherofyou on October 22, 2002, at 19:47:59
In reply to Re: Lexapro... and No Land of Happy, posted by sjb on October 22, 2002, at 14:32:52
> I, too, am quite worried. I was doing a lot better the first month, and am grateful that Lexapro does not have the side effects as others do, but . . .
>
> I'm basically back to isolating, overeating, dreading the holidays, sleeping too much and so overly sensitive. I had told my husband and PDoc that this was the last shot at meds in early Sept, before I started Lexapro.
>
> I've been on over 25 different meds and combos and am ready to give up. It's like there is no safety net out there. No one seems to care and I find it harder and harder to keep fighting in this society that values looks, thinness, achiement, etc. I'm an invisable blob now. I just want to hide. I feel so inferior to my overachieving, socially active attractive friends and co-workers.Hi Mary...
Now this sounds like me years ago. I had tried everything. Listen to me, don't let them talk you into ECT. It is barbaric and they won't tell you that. It has wiped out blanks of memory for me that I'll never get back and not the bad memories either. Also my new memories fade quickly but you never can tell which you'll forget. It's odd. It's unfair. The reality is, that nobody out there is gonna love you more than you are willing to. That is when we realize that we can't give up, no matter how much we want to. There just might be something you are meant to do before you leave this world, (I don't mean that you're suicidal, but think it's good to remember that). If you can possibly volunteer in some way that will help you feel less invisible. Those people at work care about money. That is something that goes as fast as it comes and a lesson they will learn one day. I wish for you peace and health along your journey...
Posted by Phil on October 23, 2002, at 6:55:42
In reply to Re: Lexapro... and No Land of Happy, posted by justanotherofyou on October 22, 2002, at 19:34:11
Provigil, modafinil, is a wakefullness promoting drug for narcolepsy. It also helps with mental alertness. It's chemically close to a stim but doesn't require triplicate scripts..it's not Schedule II drug.
Ask your doc about it and search the archives here. It's got a bit of a spotty record but works very well for some. I don't remember any SE's. If you want to try another stim, Adderall XR is very good. I took Ritalin for a few years and like this better, it's smoother. It shouldn't poop out for a long time.Hope this helps.
Phil
Posted by Phil on October 23, 2002, at 6:56:44
In reply to Hi Phil-- I already am, but thanks for the sugg. (nm), posted by meow mary on October 22, 2002, at 19:33:59
Posted by sjb on October 23, 2002, at 8:00:54
In reply to Re: Lexapro... and No Land of Happy, posted by justanotherofyou on October 22, 2002, at 19:47:59
Posted by Phil on October 23, 2002, at 12:11:43
In reply to I am not Mary - sjb (nm), posted by sjb on October 23, 2002, at 8:00:54
Posted by justanotherofyou on October 23, 2002, at 12:22:35
In reply to I am not Mary - sjb (nm), posted by sjb on October 23, 2002, at 8:00:54
I am so sorry, I realized it after I typed it. My message was in reply to your post though.
Posted by justanotherofyou on October 23, 2002, at 12:38:15
In reply to Re: Lexapro... and No Land of Happy » justanotherofyou, posted by Phil on October 23, 2002, at 6:55:42
> Provigil, modafinil, is a wakefullness promoting drug for narcolepsy. It also helps with mental alertness. It's chemically close to a stim but doesn't require triplicate scripts..it's not Schedule II drug.
> Ask your doc about it and search the archives here. It's got a bit of a spotty record but works very well for some. I don't remember any SE's. If you want to try another stim, Adderall XR is very good. I took Ritalin for a few years and like this better, it's smoother. It shouldn't poop out for a long time.
>
> Hope this helps.
>
> PhilThank you Phil...
This is new and helpful information to me. I will do some research and with a little luck, who knows? Tell me, did Ritalin make you a litte anxious or make your heart feel like it was racing... sometimes to the point of worry? Smoother sounds wonderful (lol) sounds like we're speaking of a fine wine.
I just said to my husband last night that my mind clicks through thoughts like he clicks through channels on the remote. No wonder I can't concentrate. If you don't mind, after I do a little research or trial, I'll probably want to share my findings with you.
Namaste
Posted by Prima on October 23, 2002, at 17:14:19
In reply to Re: Lexapro... and No Land of Happy, posted by justanotherofyou on October 23, 2002, at 12:38:15
Hi Another you,
Lexapro has taken away my immense anxiety but i've been replaced with your own descriptive experience....housework takes a backseat to the fatigue. Not to mention (I truly empathize with you here) ...the children! For me a catch 22. Moms more relaxed, but mom is now slack...so to speak. So my dear, I would be very interested in your findings on battling the fatigue s/e. I think I will have to chat with my pdoc on this matter as well, I cannot truly see myself getting caught in a guilt triggered depression for being relaxed. What good would it all have been? (Lex) Good luck, Lets not give up.
Phil-- Excellent advice, appreciate the read.
Om Shanti,
Prima
Posted by justanotherofyou on October 23, 2002, at 18:09:25
In reply to Re: Lexapro... and No Land of Happy, posted by Prima on October 23, 2002, at 17:14:19
> Hi Another you,
> Lexapro has taken away my immense anxiety but i've been replaced with your own descriptive experience....housework takes a backseat to the fatigue. Not to mention (I truly empathize with you here) ...the children! For me a catch 22. Moms more relaxed, but mom is now slack...so to speak. So my dear, I would be very interested in your findings on battling the fatigue s/e. I think I will have to chat with my pdoc on this matter as well, I cannot truly see myself getting caught in a guilt triggered depression for being relaxed. What good would it all have been? (Lex) Good luck, Lets not give up.
>
> Phil-- Excellent advice, appreciate the read.
> Om Shanti,
> PrimaHey Prima!
Wow, it feels so alone and then along comes a woman with whom I can relate. Yes, I think Phil's advice was excellent. He seems interestingly well informed. Perhaps for you too his suggestion might be the best combination. Lexapro for me didn't relieve any of the anxiety, well not yet anyway. I refused to give up the Depakote though, so they suggested both that and Lexapro. For me the tiredness did not mean less anxiety at all, and I guess that was something I didn't expect.
Don't let yourself get caught in the guilt trap. Try to think/self-talk exceedingly positively... as if Tony Robbins were with you every step of the way! If you don't mind me asking, Prima... is this a bought of anxiety or depression or both? ...And the kids, well, they love Mommy slack or no. We just have to keep loving them and doing the best we can. Keep in touch!
Posted by Phil on October 23, 2002, at 18:51:32
In reply to Re: Lexapro... and No Land of Happy, posted by justanotherofyou on October 23, 2002, at 12:38:15
> > Provigil, modafinil, is a wakefullness promoting drug for narcolepsy. It also helps with mental alertness. It's chemically close to a stim but doesn't require triplicate scripts..it's not Schedule II drug.
> > Ask your doc about it and search the archives here. It's got a bit of a spotty record but works very well for some. I don't remember any SE's. If you want to try another stim, Adderall XR is very good. I took Ritalin for a few years and like this better, it's smoother. It shouldn't poop out for a long time.
> >
> > Hope this helps.
> >
> > Phil
>
> Thank you Phil...
>
> This is new and helpful information to me. I will do some research and with a little luck, who knows? Tell me, did Ritalin make you a litte anxious or make your heart feel like it was racing... sometimes to the point of worry?
>>>Very seldom but I was taking Klonopin then, too so maybe it would have happened more. Also, I'm an excellent "drug blender". Otherwise, I'm at the point of worry from the moment I wake up in the morning.Smoother sounds wonderful (lol) sounds like we're speaking of a fine wine.
I'm really impressed with Adderall XR, I think without stims the past several years, none of my other meds would have done enough to keep me afloat.
>
> I just said to my husband last night that my mind clicks through thoughts like he clicks through channels on the remote. No wonder I can't concentrate. If you don't mind, after I do a little research or trial, I'll probably want to share my findings with you.
>
> Namaste
>
>>> Sure, sounds interesting. I remember 10 years ago, before I got back on meds, I would open the store in the morning, and walking down the isle I would be talking these random thoughts out. My mind was going from one bad thought to the next like a clock. It's good when that stuff is quieted.
Anyway, I'll be around.
Posted by Prima on October 24, 2002, at 19:02:14
In reply to Re: Lexapro... and No Land of Happy, posted by Phil on October 23, 2002, at 18:51:32
Hey there,
I don't mind you asking at all. I have suffered with reacurrent depression for almost 10 years and the anxiety is greatly a part of that due to hiding my depression. Exploding within has caused anger tendencies...and so on and so on. I have lived holistically(ie-herbalism,aryveda,yoga) for 6 years now and pretty much threw away my stigma behind medicating these cycles. So here I am, on Lexapro and reading many an entry from people and learning about the world of medication. I don't even have any idea how she (my pdoc) came to choose Lex?? However, if the only s/e is fatigue, i'd hate to gamble on another.
Then again, I may be left with no other choice. Thankfully my stigma resides in the wind.
Glad I can relate. Question..do you think that relief from anxiety is a product of my fatigue? Perhaps once my body gets acclamated to the med it will rise>?hmmm?? I suppose I will cross that bridge if and when. Chin up...as Charlotte says.
Omshanti,
Prima Phil, indeed I am enjoying
your knowledge. :)
Posted by Prima on October 24, 2002, at 19:03:29
In reply to Re: Lexapro... and No Land of Happy, posted by Phil on October 23, 2002, at 18:51:32
Hey there,
I don't mind you asking at all. I have suffered with reacurrent depression for almost 10 years and the anxiety is greatly a part of that due to hiding my depression. Exploding within has caused anger tendencies...and so on and so on. I have lived holistically(ie-herbalism,aryveda,yoga) for 6 years now and pretty much threw away my stigma behind medicating these cycles. So here I am, on Lexapro and reading many an entry from people and learning about the world of medication. I don't even have any idea how she (my pdoc) came to choose Lex?? However, if the only s/e is fatigue, i'd hate to gamble on another.
Then again, I may be left with no other choice. Thankfully my stigma resides in the wind.
Glad I can relate. Question..do you think that relief from anxiety is a product of my fatigue? Perhaps once my body gets acclamated to the med it will rise>?hmmm?? I suppose I will cross that bridge if and when. Chin up...as Charlotte says.
Omshanti,
Prima Phil, indeed I am enjoying
your knowledge. :)
Posted by Phil on October 25, 2002, at 6:29:23
In reply to Re: Lexapro... and No Land of Happy, posted by Prima on October 24, 2002, at 19:03:29
Posted by justanotherofyou on October 25, 2002, at 8:46:55
In reply to Re: Lexapro... and No Land of Happy, posted by Prima on October 24, 2002, at 19:03:29
Hi again...
It was great of you to share your difficulty with finally coming to terms with your depression. To answer you question, I honestly don't know that much about Lexapro, (except my own experience) to tell you whether or not the fatigue s/e will fade as your body gets used to the medication, but assume it will. That is what I thought would happen when I began taking it but couldn't give it enough of a trial to know.
I have given up on it personally, I can't afford to have the awful ideations that I've recently experienced, the crying boughts and the fatigue and anxiety which somehow seemed worse by taking that medication. For you though it seems to be working... and if I was feeling better as you are I'd stick to it and wait out the fatigue or add a stim like Phil suggested (of course with your doctor's approval). You have done amazingly well without medication for having depression for that long. I've been there and chose the medication route and we rarely found anything that would help for long. So far Depakote relieved both the migraines and that horrible anxious, mind-blocking (stuck in your tracks) feeling. At first it helped within three days (I noticed I wasn't crying anymore). After about eight years, I am noticing I need more help and need to address what my options are.
You mentioned yoga which in and of itself takes great discipline...kudos, kudos!!! I love your reference to Charlotte! Keep posting!
Namaste
This is the end of the thread.
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