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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by kinsey on June 1, 2003, at 15:03:58
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
Hi, I am new to this board and it has been very helpful to me. i have suffered from anxiety and depression for many years, but believe it or not finally at 48 i am taking something. i started lexapro last week. i really have not noticed any difference but i know i have to be patient. i'm scared but reading all your stories has helped me as i have no one really to talk to about this. just wanted to say thank you for making me feel not alone.
Posted by blkvettes on June 1, 2003, at 18:54:06
In reply to just started lexapro, posted by kinsey on June 1, 2003, at 15:03:58
> Hi, I am new to this board and it has been very helpful to me. i have suffered from anxiety and depression for many years, but believe it or not finally at 48 i am taking something. i started lexapro last week. i really have not noticed any difference but i know i have to be patient. i'm scared but reading all your stories has helped me as i have no one really to talk to about this. just wanted to say thank you for making me feel not alone.
Hi there, glad you got help after all these years. How many mg of lex are you taking? There is really not much to fear!!! Be patient and welcome to the board!!! Sometimes the board gets slow but you can read old posts for info with a search. We care here but sometimes everyone is away at the same time. TAKE CARE!!!
WAYNE
Posted by tm on June 1, 2003, at 20:56:21
In reply to Re: just started lexapro, posted by blkvettes on June 1, 2003, at 18:54:06
> > Hi, I am new to this board and it has been very helpful to me. i have suffered from anxiety and depression for many years, but believe it or not finally at 48 i am taking something. i started lexapro last week. i really have not noticed any difference but i know i have to be patient. i'm scared but reading all your stories has helped me as i have no one really to talk to about this. just wanted to say thank you for making me feel not alone.
>
>
> Hi there, glad you got help after all these years. How many mg of lex are you taking? There is really not much to fear!!! Be patient and welcome to the board!!! Sometimes the board gets slow but you can read old posts for info with a search. We care here but sometimes everyone is away at the same time. TAKE CARE!!!
> WAYNE
>
> Hi, I'm just a few weeks ahead of you. Reading this board has also given me relief. Read about Cleo he started May 7 and has started to feel better. I made it through today with taking Xanax whe I woke up and that's all, I normally take it 4 times a day. From all I have read on this board it sounds like Lex will pay off with time. Listen to what Wayne has to say, we have posted back ond fourth the last few days and he has given me hope and relief. Hang in there, I will look forward to future posts to see how you are doing. Tim
Posted by tm on June 1, 2003, at 21:00:15
In reply to Re: just started lexapro, posted by tm on June 1, 2003, at 20:56:21
> > > Hi, I am new to this board and it has been very helpful to me. i have suffered from anxiety and depression for many years, but believe it or not finally at 48 i am taking something. i started lexapro last week. i really have not noticed any difference but i know i have to be patient. i'm scared but reading all your stories has helped me as i have no one really to talk to about this. just wanted to say thank you for making me feel not alone.
> >
> >
> > Hi there, glad you got help after all these years. How many mg of lex are you taking? There is really not much to fear!!! Be patient and welcome to the board!!! Sometimes the board gets slow but you can read old posts for info with a search. We care here but sometimes everyone is away at the same time. TAKE CARE!!!
> > WAYNE
> >
> > Hi, I'm just a few weeks ahead of you. Reading this board has also given me relief. Read about Cleo he started May 7 and has started to feel better. I made it through today with taking Xanax whe I woke up and that's all, I normally take it 4 times a day. From all I have read on this board it sounds like Lex will pay off with time. Listen to what Wayne has to say, we have posted back ond fourth the last few days and he has given me hope and relief. Hang in there, I will look forward to future posts to see how you are doing. TimMeant to say Theo not Cleo! Sorry! Tim
>
>
Posted by lil' jimi on June 2, 2003, at 1:56:31
In reply to Lexapro Update, posted by Bill L on June 1, 2003, at 11:16:38
hi Bill L !
thanks for posting your update! ... i've only used lex for 3 months .... hoping you won't mind a few question, please ... ?
Bill L writes:
>> Lil Jim asked for my lex experience so far. I started on 20 mg (since I was on 60 mg Celexa) when lex first came out about 8 months a go. I have been doing great on it. I feel a bit sharper mentally than I did on Celexa.
>may i ask a few details of your history, please?:
... what were the symptoms originally?
... when did you begin celexa?
... why did you switch to lexapro?Bill L continues:
>> As for the daytime tiredness, I had it both on Celexa and lex but it has been gone ever since I started my dark chocolate treatment 10 weeks a go. I eat one serving ( 1 ounce) a day around 10 am and I do not feel like sleeping at my desk anymore. I'll post something soon on dark chocolate. Mars has developed a dark chocolate with a gtd minimum amount of flavinoids. Dove dark chocolate bars is the only product currently using it. Dark chocolate lowers blood pressure and lowers bad cholesterol. I have good results with Dove, but also with Hersheys dark.
>thanks for this info! ..... this i got to try!
for blkvettes benefit: these beneficial flavinoids are found only in the dark chocolate, NOT in milk chocolate, right Bill L?
.... how many calories in an ounce, Bill?
.... cholesterol?more from Bill L:
>> As for the sexual side effects, they are less with lex than celex, but still there to some extent. Taking yohimbine is a big help but causes jitteriness for a few hours.
>about the sexual SEs: i've read about three separate issues: decreased libido; erectile function; anorgasmia.
.... i take it that yours is libido decrease?a few days ago i noticed this post implying sexual SE (from another SSRI) recovery by using Claratin:
"FYI: Claritin and Sexual Dysfunction
Posted by JonW on June 8, 2002, at 15:36:48Hi all,
The latest Journal of Clinical Psychiatry (Volume 63 June 2002 Number 6) includes a letter to the editor entitled "Fluoxetine-Induced Sexual Dysfunction Reversed by Loratadine. Russel V. Brubaker".
Jon"
thought it could be worth a try!
my specific interest in your experience is whether or not you have had any indication of "poop out"?
.... this remains of great concern to those of us beginning to have confidence in lexapro.thanks again for your post and best to you,
~ jim
Posted by kinsey on June 2, 2003, at 18:56:02
In reply to Re: Lexapro Update » Bill L, posted by lil' jimi on June 2, 2003, at 1:56:31
Hi everyone,
I am new to this board, started taking lexapro over a week ago. I have anxiety and depression, but this is the first time i have ever taken any medication. I know it's too soon but i feel really anxious and just can't imagine this helping, but i will stick with it. Thank you for all your input it has been a great help. I do not feel so alone.
Posted by kinsey on June 2, 2003, at 19:12:52
In reply to Re: just started lexapro, posted by tm on June 1, 2003, at 20:56:21
Had posted a message yesterday and didn't think it went through, so i rewrote and when i came on the message board i saw it had gone through and people actually answered!! i am on 10mg - one tablet a day of lexapro, i guess it is too soon for any results (one week), but i keep hoping. thanks again for all your input, it really helps.
Posted by Ninki on June 2, 2003, at 19:47:14
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
Having swelling and numbness in extremeties...I started Lexapro 3 weeks ago. Changing from Paxil CR. Reduced Paxil for 2 weeks with 10mg of Lexapro then third week went to just 20 mg of Lexapro. Some of the things I have experienced have been mentioned by many of you. The naseua, fatigue and headaches. But I also have had swelling in my hands and feet, face, etc. I call it swelling because it's not constant. Trouble getting usual rings on, feet swelling in shoes, numb fingertips. I also have joint pain and stiffness in my back and worst of all, I wake at night with my arm asleep but when I shake it or rub it to increase the blood flow it doesn't help. I noticed last night that as I was lying in bed watching tv on my left side, my right arm still fell asleep. I had no pressure on that side. I am wondering if anyone else has experienced similar symptoms.
Posted by lil' jimi on June 2, 2003, at 21:41:53
In reply to Lexapro side effects-joint swelling..., posted by Ninki on June 2, 2003, at 19:47:14
hi Ninki,
welcome to our lex thread .... glad to have you posting and thanks for your contribution!
sorry you are having such a rough time:
you wrote:
>> Having swelling and numbness in extremeties...I started Lexapro 3 weeks ago. Changing from Paxil CR. Reduced Paxil for 2 weeks with 10mg of Lexapro then third week went to just 20 mg of Lexapro. Some of the things I have experienced have been mentioned by many of you. The naseua, fatigue and headaches. But I also have had swelling in my hands and feet, face, etc. I call it swelling because it's not constant. Trouble getting usual rings on, feet swelling in shoes, numb fingertips. I also have joint pain and stiffness in my back and worst of all, I wake at night with my arm asleep but when I shake it or rub it to increase the blood flow it doesn't help. I noticed last night that as I was lying in bed watching tv on my left side, my right arm still fell asleep. I had no pressure on that side. I am wondering if anyone else has experienced similar symptoms.it's getting to be the classic syndrome around here ... folks switching from one SSRI to lexapro, usually seeking refuge from some SE .... problems being the compounding of the effects of "discontiuation syndrome" aka withdrawals, With the adaptaion SEs from lexapro.... let's just say this is not the formula for a party ..... sorry you are having to go through all this.
...and a lot of folks have to endure these transistion phases to get to the benefits of lexapro ... so usually it is jsut a matter of waiting the SEs out before we can get relief .... so i want to encourage you to hang in there .....
Ninki, i have read a lot of posts about folks' SEs with lexapro, but yours is the first that i can remember involving swelling and your swelling sounds systemic, which is my way of saying i think it needs serious attention ... because something it effecting your circulation and lexapro could be a contributor ....
best thing to do is contact your doctor and let him/her know what's going on ..... make them earn their money!
please keep us posted about how you are doing .... and TAKE CARE !!!!!!!
~ jim
Posted by lil' jimi on June 2, 2003, at 21:55:57
In reply to oops!!, posted by kinsey on June 2, 2003, at 19:12:52
hi kinsey,
>> Had posted a message yesterday and didn't think it went through, so i rewrote and when i came on the message board i saw it had gone through and people actually answered!! i am on 10mg - one tablet a day of lexapro, i guess it is too soon for any results (one week), but i keep hoping. thanks again for all your input, it really helps.
welcome to our lexapro party! .... man , my 1st week was sure rough ... i had an unholy host of SEs come at me with anxiety attacks like i never knew existed, because i'd never'd had one before....... now it is all good .... really good.
i use the e-mail notification pBabble offers when we post .... i get e-mail to tell me when posts are made to the thread ...
listen, sometimes it helps just to post something here when you are going through this ..... so post anytime .... one of the reasons this is here.
(some folks Have seen benefits in as little as a week ..... we don't talk about them very much ... they make some of us jealous .... (LIKE ME!!) (HA! Just Kidding!!))
i really hope you do get relief soon .... HANG IN THERE!!!
Take Care!!
~ jim
Posted by 2beornot2benuts on June 3, 2003, at 9:23:18
In reply to Lexapro Update, posted by Bill L on June 1, 2003, at 11:16:38
Hi guys+gals, Today is my birthday, I'm 37! Woo-ooh! and this is by far one of the roughest time in my life! (mentally,emotionally,relationshipy,and for some wierd reason, physically). Today is also day 15 of lexapro, and day 3 of my monthly (thing for girls). I sure hope no one is offended by my mention of the monthly thing, after all, I do want to be as civil as possible! I have no appetite, even for chocolate, my favorite! I clench my jaws, which by the middle of the day, ends up giving me a wicked tension headache. I wake up very achy especially, my legs. I'm a MESS! The deppression hasn't lifted a bit! I don't care if I shower, or go out of the house. And this is Spring! Time to get out and enjoy the weather, and I just rather stay in and take a nap (when my 2yr. old daughter does). If anyone has similar symptoms, achyness, jaw clenching, please let me know. Thanks for being here... 2B
Posted by tm on June 3, 2003, at 9:44:42
In reply to Re: Lexapro Update, posted by 2beornot2benuts on June 3, 2003, at 9:23:18
> Hi guys+gals, Today is my birthday, I'm 37! Woo-ooh! and this is by far one of the roughest time in my life! (mentally,emotionally,relationshipy,and for some wierd reason, physically). Today is also day 15 of lexapro, and day 3 of my monthly (thing for girls). I sure hope no one is offended by my mention of the monthly thing, after all, I do want to be as civil as possible! I have no appetite, even for chocolate, my favorite! I clench my jaws, which by the middle of the day, ends up giving me a wicked tension headache. I wake up very achy especially, my legs. I'm a MESS! The deppression hasn't lifted a bit! I don't care if I shower, or go out of the house. And this is Spring! Time to get out and enjoy the weather, and I just rather stay in and take a nap (when my 2yr. old daughter does). If anyone has similar symptoms, achyness, jaw clenching, please let me know. Thanks for being here... 2B
Hi!
I have two of your symptons I clench my teeth which just makes my jaw sore and my appetite is off. I am about at week 4 and started to feel better yesterday. I am also more short tempered at home. Hang In There!! Tim
Posted by Napaba on June 3, 2003, at 9:51:07
In reply to Re: Lexapro Update » 2beornot2benuts, posted by tm on June 3, 2003, at 9:44:42
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
I want the appetite thing. I still need to loss 20 pounds. I hope I get that side effect at least for a while.
> > Hi guys+gals, Today is my birthday, I'm 37! Woo-ooh! and this is by far one of the roughest time in my life! (mentally,emotionally,relationshipy,and for some wierd reason, physically). Today is also day 15 of lexapro, and day 3 of my monthly (thing for girls). I sure hope no one is offended by my mention of the monthly thing, after all, I do want to be as civil as possible! I have no appetite, even for chocolate, my favorite! I clench my jaws, which by the middle of the day, ends up giving me a wicked tension headache. I wake up very achy especially, my legs. I'm a MESS! The deppression hasn't lifted a bit! I don't care if I shower, or go out of the house. And this is Spring! Time to get out and enjoy the weather, and I just rather stay in and take a nap (when my 2yr. old daughter does). If anyone has similar symptoms, achyness, jaw clenching, please let me know. Thanks for being here... 2B
>
> Hi!
> I have two of your symptons I clench my teeth which just makes my jaw sore and my appetite is off. I am about at week 4 and started to feel better yesterday. I am also more short tempered at home. Hang In There!! Tim
Posted by Kathii on June 3, 2003, at 10:14:58
In reply to Re: Lexapro Update, posted by 2beornot2benuts on June 3, 2003, at 9:23:18
> Hi guys+gals, Today is my birthday, I'm 37! Woo-ooh! and this is by far one of the roughest time in my life! (mentally,emotionally,relationshipy,and for some wierd reason, physically). Today is also day 15 of lexapro, and day 3 of my monthly (thing for girls). I sure hope no one is offended by my mention of the monthly thing, after all, I do want to be as civil as possible! I have no appetite, even for chocolate, my favorite! I clench my jaws, which by the middle of the day, ends up giving me a wicked tension headache. I wake up very achy especially, my legs. I'm a MESS! The deppression hasn't lifted a bit! I don't care if I shower, or go out of the house. And this is Spring! Time to get out and enjoy the weather, and I just rather stay in and take a nap (when my 2yr. old daughter does). If anyone has similar symptoms, achyness, jaw clenching, please let me know. Thanks for being here... 2B
Happy Birthday 2B!
Don't give up on Lex, the symptoms you are experiencing are the same that many of us have had. For the lack of appetite, try drinking Ensure (a nutritional supplement drink) to keep up with your caloric intake and vitamins. For the neck pain and teeth clenching I use a generic ointment of Flexall (like Bengay) - a pain relieving cream. You can put it where the jaw hinges, near your ears - just keep it away from your eyes and your daughter! A soak in a hot tub works well, too. I also had the "wanna be a slug" phase. I changed the time I take the Lex to dinnertime and that helped. Also, I did things around the house during commercials - wipe down the kitchen, go through the mail, swish the toilet, etc. A good website to check out is www.flylady.net.
Good luck!
Kathii
Posted by Ninki on June 3, 2003, at 10:25:17
In reply to Re: Lexapro Update » 2beornot2benuts, posted by tm on June 3, 2003, at 9:44:42
> > Hi guys+gals, Today is my birthday, I'm 37! Woo-ooh! and this is by far one of the roughest time in my life! (mentally,emotionally,relationshipy,and for some wierd reason, physically). Today is also day 15 of lexapro, and day 3 of my monthly (thing for girls). I sure hope no one is offended by my mention of the monthly thing, after all, I do want to be as civil as possible! I have no appetite, even for chocolate, my favorite! I clench my jaws, which by the middle of the day, ends up giving me a wicked tension headache. I wake up very achy especially, my legs. I'm a MESS! The deppression hasn't lifted a bit! I don't care if I shower, or go out of the house. And this is Spring! Time to get out and enjoy the weather, and I just rather stay in and take a nap (when my 2yr. old daughter does). If anyone has similar symptoms, achyness, jaw clenching, please let me know. Thanks for being here... 2B
Happy birthday! Read my posting of yesterday, joint swelling. I am in week 3 and having the tiredness and aches and pains. Reduced from 20 to 10 starting today. I'll keep you posted on the aches and pains and clenching (I wear a night guard for this)
Posted by blkvettes on June 3, 2003, at 10:47:58
In reply to Re: Lexapro Update » 2beornot2benuts, posted by Kathii on June 3, 2003, at 10:14:58
> > Hi guys+gals, Today is my birthday, I'm 37! Woo-ooh! and this is by far one of the roughest time in my life! (mentally,emotionally,relationshipy,and for some wierd reason, physically). Today is also day 15 of lexapro, and day 3 of my monthly (thing for girls). I sure hope no one is offended by my mention of the monthly thing, after all, I do want to be as civil as possible! I have no appetite, even for chocolate, my favorite! I clench my jaws, which by the middle of the day, ends up giving me a wicked tension headache. I wake up very achy especially, my legs. I'm a MESS! The deppression hasn't lifted a bit! I don't care if I shower, or go out of the house. And this is Spring! Time to get out and enjoy the weather, and I just rather stay in and take a nap (when my 2yr. old daughter does). If anyone has similar symptoms, achyness, jaw clenching, please let me know. Thanks for being here... 2B
>
> Happy Birthday 2B!
> Don't give up on Lex, the symptoms you are experiencing are the same that many of us have had. For the lack of appetite, try drinking Ensure (a nutritional supplement drink) to keep up with your caloric intake and vitamins. For the neck pain and teeth clenching I use a generic ointment of Flexall (like Bengay) - a pain relieving cream. You can put it where the jaw hinges, near your ears - just keep it away from your eyes and your daughter! A soak in a hot tub works well, too. I also had the "wanna be a slug" phase. I changed the time I take the Lex to dinnertime and that helped. Also, I did things around the house during commercials - wipe down the kitchen, go through the mail, swish the toilet, etc. A good website to check out is www.flylady.net.
> Good luck!
> Kathii
Hi 2b, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!! There is good advice from the above post. I like the commercial idea, did not realize that I did this also. If you can do a little and move around thats good. Dont let the house work overwhelm you. You can catch up when you feel better. This past christmas was the worst one ever for me. I smiled and did not want to ruin it for family members. I mean its my favorite time of the year. When the day was done I just went in my room and cried for hours. I hope you get to feeling better soon. TAKE CARE!!!
WAYNE
Posted by blkvettes on June 3, 2003, at 11:08:03
In reply to Lexapro side effects-joint swelling..., posted by Ninki on June 2, 2003, at 19:47:14
> Having swelling and numbness in extremeties...I started Lexapro 3 weeks ago. Changing from Paxil CR. Reduced Paxil for 2 weeks with 10mg of Lexapro then third week went to just 20 mg of Lexapro. Some of the things I have experienced have been mentioned by many of you. The naseua, fatigue and headaches. But I also have had swelling in my hands and feet, face, etc. I call it swelling because it's not constant. Trouble getting usual rings on, feet swelling in shoes, numb fingertips. I also have joint pain and stiffness in my back and worst of all, I wake at night with my arm asleep but when I shake it or rub it to increase the blood flow it doesn't help. I noticed last night that as I was lying in bed watching tv on my left side, my right arm still fell asleep. I had no pressure on that side. I am wondering if anyone else has experienced similar symptoms.
Hi there, I can relate to some of what your saying. I had problems with the numbness thing myself. Arms and legs would go numb very easily. But I could not say for sure if it was caused by my panic or lexapro. I also had joint pain!!! Your swelling concerns me!!!! It may be caused by the combination of withdrawl from paxil and the side effects of lexapro. Either way you should see a doctor and have a physical just to make sure you are ok. Im not going to tell to hang in there on the lex and everything will go away but hope it does. Go see a doctor PLEASE!!!! GOD BLESS!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by kinsey on June 3, 2003, at 13:55:01
In reply to Re: oops!! » kinsey, posted by lil' jimi on June 2, 2003, at 21:55:57
> hi kinsey,
>
> >> Had posted a message yesterday and didn't think it went through, so i rewrote and when i came on the message board i saw it had gone through and people actually answered!! i am on 10mg - one tablet a day of lexapro, i guess it is too soon for any results (one week), but i keep hoping. thanks again for all your input, it really helps.
>
> welcome to our lexapro party! .... man , my 1st week was sure rough ... i had an unholy host of SEs come at me with anxiety attacks like i never knew existed, because i'd never'd had one before....... now it is all good .... really good.
>
> i use the e-mail notification pBabble offers when we post .... i get e-mail to tell me when posts are made to the thread ...
>
> listen, sometimes it helps just to post something here when you are going through this ..... so post anytime .... one of the reasons this is here.
>
> (some folks Have seen benefits in as little as a week ..... we don't talk about them very much ... they make some of us jealous .... (LIKE ME!!) (HA! Just Kidding!!))
>
> i really hope you do get relief soon .... HANG IN THERE!!!
>
> Take Care!!
> ~ jim
>thanks jim!
I'm still trying to get use to using a message board, it's very confusing! will take your tip on using the notification. also interested in hearing you had bad anxiety attacks the first week, because i am too!! however, i'm committed to sticking with it. thank you for your kind words. kinsey
Posted by lil' jimi on June 3, 2003, at 14:04:09
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
hi to all of our lexapro users,
i found this post from Sara interesting ... thought i should bring it to our thread's attention:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030530/msgs/230878.html
forewarned is forearmed
and everybody
TAKE CARE !!!!!!
~ jim
Posted by DC on June 3, 2003, at 14:17:52
In reply to you ain't so bad yourself, Wayne !!!! (god bless!) » blkvettes, posted by lil' jimi on June 1, 2003, at 4:48:11
> i'm never going to be able to post "TAKE CARE!!!!" without thinking of you and hoping you're doing well .... and i like that ...
>
> tim was asking if you took xanax ... i forgot, what are you taking now? and when?
>
> isn't mariposa doing great! she knocks me out.
>
> i may use a subject line to put a shout out to bill l. for an update .... i believe he is the longest time lex user .... since 9/02, i believe ..... i have seen that he's been posting on other threads.
>
> did your past posts include that you used to drink but now you don't ? .... and that since you've been on meds you have quit ? .... did you say the meds lessen your desire / need / inclination to drink ? ....
>
> i admire the support you give to our fellow posters and lex users .... you do good work, man.
>
> TAKE CARE !!!!
> ~ jim
>I am curious about the drinking thing also. I was never really a heavy drinker, just when out in social situations (my liquid courage LOL). But, since starting meds it seems as if I don't even like the taste of alcohol as much these days. I still sort of force a few Corona's down if I am forced to attend something socially that is out of my normal VERY SMALL (LOL) group of those I know.
Posted by lil' jimi on June 3, 2003, at 14:34:49
In reply to Re: oops!!, posted by kinsey on June 3, 2003, at 13:55:01
hi again kinsey,
ah, yes, the panic attacks .....
> > hi kinsey,
> >
> > >> Had posted a message yesterday and didn't think it went through, so i rewrote and when i came on the message board i saw it had gone through and people actually answered!! i am on 10mg - one tablet a day of lexapro, i guess it is too soon for any results (one week), but i keep hoping. thanks again for all your input, it really helps.
> >
> > welcome to our lexapro party! .... man , my 1st week was sure rough ... i had an unholy host of SEs come at me with anxiety attacks like i never knew existed, because i'd never'd had one before....... now it is all good .... really good.
> >
> > i use the e-mail notification pBabble offers when we post .... i get e-mail to tell me when posts are made to the thread ...
> >
> > listen, sometimes it helps just to post something here when you are going through this ..... so post anytime .... one of the reasons this is here.
> >
> > (some folks Have seen benefits in as little as a week ..... we don't talk about them very much ... they make some of us jealous .... (LIKE ME!!) (HA! Just Kidding!!))
> >
> > i really hope you do get relief soon .... HANG IN THERE!!!
> >
> > Take Care!!
> > ~ jim
> >
>
> thanks jim!
>
> I'm still trying to get use to using a message board, it's very confusing! will take your tip on using the notification. also interested in hearing you had bad anxiety attacks the first week, because i am too!! however, i'm committed to sticking with it. thank you for your kind words. kinsey
>glad you're trying to acclimate to pBabble's message board technology .... like most things, it's easy once you get the hang of it.
lexapro would seem to me to aggravate anxiety problems at first with its initial sort of speedy kind of side-effect .... i had never had a panic attack and i am being treated for depression .... i must have had 3 or 4 attacks during that first week ....
i may have already mentioned that i started with 10mg on march 6th .... and Immediately went to 5mg (because of the SEs) on march 7th ... and stayed at 5mg until april 9th ... i've been on 10mg since april 9th.
nothing like going from depressed to totally terrified though (!).... it was worse for not knowing what a panic attack was ..... but Very quickly i found this site and read all of the lex thread posts .... by the time i was finished (it took me a week!) most of the SEs had faded to nothing And i knew a heck of a lot about ADs, SSRIs, SEs, dx, sx, tx, SNRIs, pdocs, APs, OCD, GAD, SAD, ...... and civility!
i have not had any anxiety nor panic since that week early in march.
it never really hurts to tell your doctor about the SEs you're experiencing and see if they offer any support .... they Should Want to know! .... in some cases a benzo is offered as a supplement to lex for anxiety.
then there is meditation ....
TAKE CARE !!!!!
~ jim
Posted by lil' jimi on June 3, 2003, at 15:01:26
In reply to Re: you ain't so bad yourself, Wayne !!!! (god bless!), posted by DC on June 3, 2003, at 14:17:52
hi DC!
you wrote:
>> I am curious about the drinking thing also. I was never really a heavy drinker, just when out in social situations (my liquid courage LOL). But, since starting meds it seems as if I don't even like the taste of alcohol as much these days. I still sort of force a few Corona's down if I am forced to attend something socially that is out of my normal VERY SMALL (LOL) group of those I know.
... you know, Someone, not blkvettes, but somebody, a long time ago, posted about this and i got confused and thought it was Wayne (blkvettes) .... i only remember that they felt one of the effects of Lexapro for them was their desire/interest/need for alcohol had decreased and they gave up drinking as a result ....because alcohol is a major depressant, i understand that we, as anti-depressant users are advised to curtail our alcohol consumption ..... anyway.
so your Lexapro should work better, the less you drink.
TAKE CARE!!!
~ jim
Posted by DC on June 3, 2003, at 16:03:20
In reply to Re: Lexapro Update, posted by blkvettes on June 3, 2003, at 10:47:58
> Hi 2b, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!! There is good advice from the above post. I like the commercial idea, did not realize that I did this also. If you can do a little and move around thats good. Dont let the house work overwhelm you. You can catch up when you feel better. This past christmas was the worst one ever for me. I smiled and did not want to ruin it for family members. I mean its my favorite time of the year. When the day was done I just went in my room and cried for hours. I hope you get to feeling better soon. TAKE CARE!!!
> WAYNE
>
>Quite honestly, if it wasn't for the fact that you pretty much HAVE TO have holidays for the kids I probably would have skipped them all together. The past two X-Mas's it took EVERYTHING I had to even think about putting up a tree. I felt really quilty this past one because I just had a table top tree. With everything going on I just couldn't handle anything else. I felt soooo bad, but having my landlady go psycho on me, hearing she was arrested for allegedly stealing 80k from the ederly woman she cared for (no trial yet), her letting the house I rented go into foreclosure, and not to mention saying yes to my company about relocating. I had trouble rearranging my furniture because it was "change" LOL. That's when I figured I better do something or I would go insane. I do believe that I have a very high tolerance for things because a lot of what I hear about results I just don't seem to occur with me and I'd be on higher dosages. Unless, I am just fighting with myself too much.
Posted by DC on June 3, 2003, at 16:14:04
In reply to alcohol versus lexapro » DC, posted by lil' jimi on June 3, 2003, at 15:01:26
> ... you know, Someone, not blkvettes, but somebody, a long time ago, posted about this and i got confused and thought it was Wayne (blkvettes) .... i only remember that they felt one of the effects of Lexapro for them was their desire/interest/need for alcohol had decreased and they gave up drinking as a result ....
>
> because alcohol is a major depressant, i understand that we, as anti-depressant users are advised to curtail our alcohol consumption ..... anyway.
>
> so your Lexapro should work better, the less you drink.
>
> TAKE CARE!!!
> ~ jim
>
At the moment I am weaning off of the Lex and increasing Zorloft at the same time. I am starting to think I should just keep taking both. This past weekend I actually went to see a movie alone. Figured that would be a good place to start since it doesn't require social interaction. Not to mention it is dark in there and nobody can see how nervous I look. Most of the time I am ok getting into the car with every intention to do something and just could never bring myself to actually stop and get out of the car. I would just turn around and go back home. Granted I did drive around the parking lot for quite awhile before parking, but I pretty much forced myself and I know a year ago I wouldn't have done this without my "liquid courage" LOL. So, hopefully this is a beginning. Interacting with others is still quite hard. Heck, just making a phone call about anything, I will go over the conversation in my head over and over and over and over again before I pick up the phone. Just too worried I will sound like an idiot or forget why I called due to nerves.
Posted by blkvettes on June 3, 2003, at 18:14:44
In reply to Re: Lexapro Update » blkvettes, posted by DC on June 3, 2003, at 16:03:20
> > Hi 2b, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!! There is good advice from the above post. I like the commercial idea, did not realize that I did this also. If you can do a little and move around thats good. Dont let the house work overwhelm you. You can catch up when you feel better. This past christmas was the worst one ever for me. I smiled and did not want to ruin it for family members. I mean its my favorite time of the year. When the day was done I just went in my room and cried for hours. I hope you get to feeling better soon. TAKE CARE!!!
> > WAYNE
> >
> >
>
> Quite honestly, if it wasn't for the fact that you pretty much HAVE TO have holidays for the kids I probably would have skipped them all together. The past two X-Mas's it took EVERYTHING I had to even think about putting up a tree. I felt really quilty this past one because I just had a table top tree. With everything going on I just couldn't handle anything else. I felt soooo bad, but having my landlady go psycho on me, hearing she was arrested for allegedly stealing 80k from the ederly woman she cared for (no trial yet), her letting the house I rented go into foreclosure, and not to mention saying yes to my company about relocating. I had trouble rearranging my furniture because it was "change" LOL. That's when I figured I better do something or I would go insane. I do believe that I have a very high tolerance for things because a lot of what I hear about results I just don't seem to occur with me and I'd be on higher dosages. Unless, I am just fighting with myself too much.Hi DC, going to the movie by yourself is a big deal. Im dealing with things like that one by one. I used have that social avoidance!!! But more before I got this illness. Now I just prefer to be by myself at least for now. When I do get around people I just say what I think and really dont care what the reaction is. Its really kind of fun!!! People ask how ya doing and I say a little depressed but not suicidal today. I really love the expressions on their faces. Yes, the holidays have been tough and I hope to enjoy them a little more this year. I believe you will reach that point also with the right med and dose. I hope the zoloft works or the zoloft and lexapro. You never know!!!! TAKE CARE!!!!
WAYNE
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