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Posted by sfmom on October 24, 2003, at 12:25:34
In reply to Re: Lexapro for Anxiety?, posted by nemo kitty on October 21, 2003, at 22:01:12
> > This is a general message for everyone here.
> > Is Lexapro helping anyone with an anxiety disorder? Or is it mostly secondary anxiety with depression?
> > I suffer from severe GAD, and have yet to find anything to work. On top of that, Lexapro is not available in Canada to date.
> > Thanks for any info
> > Jill
>
>
> Hi Jill,
> Yes yea & yes! I suffered severely from anxiety mainly. I paced my house and walked circles hoping my house would miraculously clean itself up. I sat down and watched Opera for the first time in about 2 years, the whole show! I could never have done that before. I stay at home with my 2 & 3 year old and had a very hard time relaxing ever. I felt like I always had to be doing soemthing (even if it was pacing) I have been n Lexapro for about 4 weeks now & I feel so much calmer (without feeling drugged) I was sleepy the first week, but filled with energy now, just good energy!
> Hoep this helps*Hi all,
I'm on my second day of Lexapro and Klonopin for depression, severe GAD and panic disorder. I'd been self-medicating with Xanax and wine for the last couple weeks until my health plan could get me in to see a dr. I'm also out on disability right now and sending my 2 year old daughter to daycare full time because I'm afraid to be home alone with her. Not afraid that I'll hurt her in any way, but that I either won't be able to protect her or will have a panic attack and pass out. So, I'm really, really hoping that the Lexapro does the job because I can only stay off work for a month and can't function at all right now. Any advice would be appriciated. Side effects so far have been pretty severe nausea and I couldn't fall asleep because I was jittery (even on the Klonopin) and my legs kept jerking. Is this normal??? --lj
Posted by Esmarelda on October 24, 2003, at 12:30:41
In reply to Re: Lexapro for Anxiety? » nemo kitty, posted by sfmom on October 24, 2003, at 12:25:34
The Lexapro cannot work to its full effectiveness if you continue to drink alcohol. I found that out the hard way.
Posted by sfmom on October 24, 2003, at 12:36:23
In reply to Re: Lexapro for Anxiety?, posted by Esmarelda on October 24, 2003, at 12:30:41
> The Lexapro cannot work to its full effectiveness if you continue to drink alcohol. I found that out the hard way.
I know. I've stopped, but I needed something to calm my nerves during the six weeks (!) it took Kaiser to get me into see a psych. But did it work for the anxitey and panic attacks???
Posted by Esmarelda on October 24, 2003, at 12:42:43
In reply to Re: Lexapro for Anxiety?, posted by sfmom on October 24, 2003, at 12:36:23
I took it mainly for depression, but with the depression, I would have overwhelmng panic/anxiety attacks where I could hardly get up to even let my dogs outside. The Lex helped the anxiety before it did the actual depression . Give it a couple weeks.
Go back and read some of Mariposa's posts -- I think she had pretty bad anxiety with it if I recall.
Posted by sfmom on October 24, 2003, at 12:49:15
In reply to Re: Lexapro for Anxiety?, posted by sfmom on October 24, 2003, at 12:36:23
> > The Lexapro cannot work to its full effectiveness if you continue to drink alcohol. I found that out the hard way.
>
> I know. I've stopped, but I needed something to calm my nerves during the six weeks (!) it took Kaiser to get me into see a psych. But did it work for the anxitey and panic attacks???By the way, they started me on 10mg of Lexapro and I'm supposed to move up to 20 in two weeks. Is that a lot? I've read of people starting off on a much lower dosage.
Posted by nemo kitty on October 24, 2003, at 12:52:16
In reply to Re: Lexapro for Anxiety?, posted by sfmom on October 24, 2003, at 12:36:23
> > The Lexapro cannot work to its full effectiveness if you continue to drink alcohol. I found that out the hard way.
>
> I know. I've stopped, but I needed something to calm my nerves during the six weeks (!) it took Kaiser to get me into see a psych. But did it work for the anxitey and panic attacks???The lexapro works really well for anxiety!! I have found that is working great for my anxiety. I think you will really like it if you stick to it. No alcohol though *
Posted by Esmarelda on October 24, 2003, at 12:56:08
In reply to Re: Lexapro for Anxiety?, posted by sfmom on October 24, 2003, at 12:49:15
I started on 10 mg and moved up to 15 mg after about 2-3 months and have been on 15 for about 2 months and feel really good. I would stay as low of dosage as works and move up either 2.5 or 5 mg if you need to. Ask your doctor about that.
Posted by KarenRB53 on October 24, 2003, at 13:44:48
In reply to Lexapro approved » Ritch, posted by pharmrep on August 15, 2002, at 13:19:25
Does anyone know when Lexapro will be available in Canada? Karen
Posted by dmwilmoth on October 24, 2003, at 13:57:28
In reply to Re: Lexapro for Anxiety? » sfmom, posted by Esmarelda on October 24, 2003, at 12:56:08
My doctor told me if I took the Lexapro in the morning, and if I wanted to have a couple of drinks in the evening it would be okay. I've done this and have had no problem. I don't drink all the time, but I went to a wedding a few weeks ago and had some drinks and I didn't have any side effects of it or anything.
Has someone experience bad reactions to the medicine with alcohol?
Posted by galkeepinon on October 24, 2003, at 14:18:47
In reply to Re: Lexapro approved, posted by KarenRB53 on October 24, 2003, at 13:44:48
Hi Karen, from what I've read, Lexapro has been approved in the US, Mexico, the UK, Sweden, Switzerland, France, Denmark, Lithuania, Belgium, Ireland, Iceland, Luxembourg, Norway, and Austria.
What we're waiting for is the regulatory approval for Lexapro in a number of other countries.Take care.
> Does anyone know when Lexapro will be available in Canada? Karen
Posted by LynneDa on October 24, 2003, at 14:20:31
In reply to Re: Lexapro for Anxiety? » sfmom, posted by Esmarelda on October 24, 2003, at 12:56:08
> I started on 10 mg and moved up to 15 mg after about 2-3 months and have been on 15 for about 2 months and feel really good. I would stay as low of dosage as works and move up either 2.5 or 5 mg if you need to. Ask your doctor about that.
I started on 10 mg just 4 days ago and feel better already. I don't have that tight feeling in my chest anymore from anxiety, don't feel overly paranoid like I did, I haven't cried once all week (!). I can make decisions and am feeling like I did a few years back. I'm sleepy, a little light-headed, a little jaw clenching and jitters - not bad though - and the nausea is almost gone, tho I'm not really hungry yet. I don't feel numb and foggy like I did on other meds I've tried. Could it really be working this fast?
~ Lynne
Posted by galkeepinon on October 24, 2003, at 14:35:00
In reply to RE: Sleep w/Lexapro, posted by Scribbler on October 24, 2003, at 7:49:15
Where can you buy this Badger Sleep Balm????
I spray Lavender across my bed before I go to sleep and the scent is beautiful. Ahhhhhhhh
Helps me...
I would, however, love to try this Badger stuff:-)
Where can I buy it?> I have to say a word for Badger Sleep Balm -- it's a natural sleep remedy: you place a bit of it in your nostrils or below your nostrils or rub some on your temples, and it wafts you off to sleep. No kidding. My daughter gave me a little tin of it because she knew I had trouble getting to sleep and it works! I've recommended it to friends who swear by it. Smells good, isn't habit-forming, doesn't leave you groggy -- and sweeps you off to pleasant dreams. I've tried lots of different remedies and now use this every night. Anyone else tried this?
Posted by Scribbler on October 24, 2003, at 14:40:32
In reply to RE: Sleep w/Lexapro » Scribbler, posted by galkeepinon on October 24, 2003, at 14:36:09
Badger Balm is made in New Hampshire and they have a website <www.badgerbalm.com> but I've found it in health food stores and catalogs. It has lavendar, rosemary, bergamot, ginger, balsam fir and other good stuff. Give it a try and let me know if it works for you!
Posted by galkeepinon on October 24, 2003, at 14:43:20
In reply to Re: Lexapro for Anxiety?, posted by LynneDa on October 24, 2003, at 14:20:31
Hi Lynne, I started Lexapro 10mg, and yes!!! It works fast, that's why my doc gave it to me. I had uncontrollable crying, and was very anxious after withdrawing off Effexor.
Hooray for you:-)
Sounds like Lexapro may do wonders for you. It has helped a lot of folks here.
Good luck, I hope it keeps up for you:-)> I started on 10 mg just 4 days ago and feel better already. I don't have that tight feeling in my chest anymore from anxiety, don't feel overly paranoid like I did, I haven't cried once all week (!). I can make decisions and am feeling like I did a few years back. I'm sleepy, a little light-headed, a little jaw clenching and jitters - not bad though - and the nausea is almost gone, tho I'm not really hungry yet. I don't feel numb and foggy like I did on other meds I've tried. Could it really be working this fast?
> ~ Lynne
>
Posted by LynneDa on October 24, 2003, at 14:47:49
In reply to Re: Lexapro for Anxiety? » LynneDa, posted by galkeepinon on October 24, 2003, at 14:43:20
> Thanks for your response and encouragement!
Hi Lynne, I started Lexapro 10mg, and yes!!! It works fast, that's why my doc gave it to me. I had uncontrollable crying, and was very anxious after withdrawing off Effexor.
> Hooray for you:-)
> Sounds like Lexapro may do wonders for you. It has helped a lot of folks here.
> Good luck, I hope it keeps up for you:-)
>
> > I started on 10 mg just 4 days ago and feel better already. I don't have that tight feeling in my chest anymore from anxiety, don't feel overly paranoid like I did, I haven't cried once all week (!). I can make decisions and am feeling like I did a few years back. I'm sleepy, a little light-headed, a little jaw clenching and jitters - not bad though - and the nausea is almost gone, tho I'm not really hungry yet. I don't feel numb and foggy like I did on other meds I've tried. Could it really be working this fast?
> > ~ Lynne
> >
>
>
Posted by galkeepinon on October 24, 2003, at 14:48:05
In reply to RE: Sleep w/Badger Balm, posted by Scribbler on October 24, 2003, at 14:40:32
Cool! Thanks, I'll check out the site and get me some. Sounds cool:-)
I'll let ya know. It probably take a few to get it int he mail, but once I do, I'll try it, sounds interesting:-)...
Thanks again.> Badger Balm is made in New Hampshire and they have a website <www.badgerbalm.com> but I've found it in health food stores and catalogs. It has lavendar, rosemary, bergamot, ginger, balsam fir and other good stuff. Give it a try and let me know if it works for you!
Posted by COOP on October 24, 2003, at 14:57:18
In reply to What is anxiety?, posted by dmwilmoth on October 22, 2003, at 15:54:58
I started the meds 10 days ago. After being treated for cancer for over a year I started getting chest pains, thinking that I was having a heart attack. I was tested and found to be ok
But I am still afread of every pain and it got out of hand where I am afread to go to far from home or my doctors. I was on paxil that did not help, these meds seem to help with many side effects. Did anyone else have these trouble chest pains.
Thanks
Posted by Brutyr on October 24, 2003, at 15:02:14
In reply to anyone get these side effects, posted by tkaylee on October 23, 2003, at 16:06:39
Hi there. I have been taking Lexapro for 7 weeks now and will soon be going into my 8th week of this medication. I really never noticed alot of side effects til just over the last week. I seem to be tired alot, have headaches, muscle aches (such as my chest, neck, shoulders and back) and sometimes along with the aches I have the sensation of light-headness or almost a sort of fainting sensation. Is this normal? And if so how much longer can I look forward to these side effects? Thanks for any help with my questions!
Posted by Esmarelda on October 24, 2003, at 15:31:27
In reply to Re: Lexapro and alcohol, posted by dmwilmoth on October 24, 2003, at 13:57:28
No side effects, just doesn't allow medicine to work properly.
Posted by Esmarelda on October 24, 2003, at 15:35:44
In reply to Re: What is anxiety?, posted by COOP on October 24, 2003, at 14:57:18
I have had heart palpitations, flutters and tachycardia from anxiety. I have had knots in my stomach and various other described kinds of weird feelings, but no absolute chest pain that I could solely attribute to anxiety.
Posted by dmwilmoth on October 24, 2003, at 15:35:51
In reply to Re: What is anxiety?, posted by COOP on October 24, 2003, at 14:57:18
My dad had a stroke in March, and the very next day I started getting soreness or achy in my chest, right under my breast bone. It would NOT go away!! I thought I was having a heart attack or something. I went to a cardiologist and did stress-test, etc and found everything to be fine. But with my anxious personality, I worried about it constantly. That was one reason I went on Lexapro -- my fear of having all sorts of diseases. I was convinced I had a number of things, including Lou Gehrig's, cancer, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, etc.
Now that I've been on the Lexapro for the past 4 months, the chest pains have pretty much disappeared. I have noticed that I sleep a lot harder now (I don't wake up ONCE during the night and sometimes don't even hear the alarm).
> I started the meds 10 days ago. After being treated for cancer for over a year I started getting chest pains, thinking that I was having a heart attack. I was tested and found to be ok
> But I am still afread of every pain and it got out of hand where I am afread to go to far from home or my doctors. I was on paxil that did not help, these meds seem to help with many side effects. Did anyone else have these trouble chest pains.
> Thanks
Posted by LynneDa on October 24, 2003, at 15:36:05
In reply to Re: Lexapro and alcohol » dmwilmoth, posted by Esmarelda on October 24, 2003, at 15:31:27
> Keep in mind, alcohol is a depressant and acts on your brain's chemistry and body's metabolism in a way that can counteract what the medication is trying to do for you!
No side effects, just doesn't allow medicine to work properly.
Posted by dmwilmoth on October 24, 2003, at 16:03:22
In reply to Are these common side effects, posted by Brutyr on October 24, 2003, at 15:02:14
This is weird...the light-headedness, fainting sensation you have -- those were my symptoms that I had for almost a year that prompted me to get help. Since taking the Lexapro, I haven't had those feelings. I still feel anxious at times, but the main thing that bothered me was feeling like I was moving all the time even when I was standing still.
> I seem to be tired alot, have headaches, muscle aches (such as my chest, neck, shoulders and back) and sometimes along with the aches I have the sensation of light-headness or almost a sort of fainting sensation.
Posted by tm on October 24, 2003, at 16:08:26
In reply to Re: What is anxiety?, posted by COOP on October 24, 2003, at 14:57:18
My anxiety started with chest pains that I had been fighting for a few days. Finally I went to the emergency room and had a stress test and all is well. I had been fighting chest pains for 13 years and found that a dose of 1000mg of Ibuprophen would make it go away, it didn't work this time. Anyway I went in on a Saturday came home on Sunday and by Tuesday I was scared I was going to die. I finished the week at work and tried to work with my regular doctor. By Monday I was not able to go to work and had to be forced out of bed on Tuesday and I went to work. I was in a daze for a long time had nausea for 3 months. During this time I found my PDOC and got some Paxil that did not work. I am currently on 25mg of Lex, .75mg of Xanax 4x a day and just got on remeron. I finally feel normal again. The fright of dieing was gone after a few days when this whole mess started. I was fighting anxiety and slight depression after the fright went away. The remeron finally took care of the slight depression. This whole process started the first of March of this year. I know I've rambled but I hope it helps someway. If I can help in anyway just ask.
Take Care Tim
Posted by galkeepinon on October 24, 2003, at 16:24:58
In reply to Re: Lexapro for Anxiety? » nemo kitty, posted by sfmom on October 24, 2003, at 12:25:34
Hi there, when I first started Lexapro, I had the jitters and couldn't fall asleep either. My doc gave me an Rx for Cogentin, it helped, but more importantnly it DID pass.
To this day, my legs still 'jerk' as I'm falling asleep sometimes. This reflex also has something to do with a concept of the period of right when a person is falling into sleep. It may not be normal, but I experienced the same thing. I would talk to your prescribing MD too, if it helps ease your mind.
Hang in there and the best of luck to you on the Lexparo:-)
Hi all,
> I'm on my second day of Lexapro and Klonopin for depression, severe GAD and panic disorder. I'd been self-medicating with Xanax and wine for the last couple weeks until my health plan could get me in to see a dr. I'm also out on disability right now and sending my 2 year old daughter to daycare full time because I'm afraid to be home alone with her. Not afraid that I'll hurt her in any way, but that I either won't be able to protect her or will have a panic attack and pass out. So, I'm really, really hoping that the Lexapro does the job because I can only stay off work for a month and can't function at all right now. Any advice would be appriciated. Side effects so far have been pretty severe nausea and I couldn't fall asleep because I was jittery (even on the Klonopin) and my legs kept jerking. Is this normal??? --lj
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