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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 34. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Annette2 on November 21, 2003, at 14:12:56
I was precribed it yesterday. Taking first dose today (5 milligrams). Doc said to take 5 mil for a week and work up to 10 if deemed necessary. I admit to some trepidation, having read through all Lexapro threads on this site. I don't want brain damage, sexual problems, weight gain, or many of the other things I've read about. I've had depression for many years, and this is the first time I've sought treatment for it. I'm feeling very frightened of taking medication for it.
Posted by KimberlyDi on November 21, 2003, at 15:09:20
In reply to Taking Lexapro the first time, posted by Annette2 on November 21, 2003, at 14:12:56
Don't be frightened of the bad publicity here. I've heard very positive things about Lexapro. It doesn't matter which anti-depressant you are prescribed, someone will complain about it.
:)
Good Luck!
KDi in TX> I was precribed it yesterday. Taking first dose today (5 milligrams). Doc said to take 5 mil for a week and work up to 10 if deemed necessary. I admit to some trepidation, having read through all Lexapro threads on this site. I don't want brain damage, sexual problems, weight gain, or many of the other things I've read about. I've had depression for many years, and this is the first time I've sought treatment for it. I'm feeling very frightened of taking medication for it.
Posted by Annette2 on November 21, 2003, at 15:48:03
In reply to Re: Taking Lexapro the first time » Annette2, posted by KimberlyDi on November 21, 2003, at 15:09:20
> Don't be frightened of the bad publicity here. I've heard very positive things about Lexapro. It doesn't matter which anti-depressant you are prescribed, someone will complain about it.
>
> :)
>
> Good Luck!
> KDi in TX
> Thanks for the encouragement. It wasn't just the Lexapro threads which scared me--it was also a long treatise on this site I read which stated that ALL antidepressants are dangerous and cause permanent brain damage....I can't remember where I found it here, but it gave examples of how many crimes have been commited by people on Prozac and other drugs....how mental patients exhibit motor dysfunction (repetive movements, tremors) which are used as proof by docs that mental illness exists...but those movements are CAUSED by the meds themselves. The funny thing is, my doc specifically warned me yesterday NOT to surf the net and read things about Lexapro...that admonition was the motivation I needed to do just THAT: read all the scary posts...
> > I was precribed it yesterday. Taking first dose today (5 milligrams). Doc said to take 5 mil for a week and work up to 10 if deemed necessary. I admit to some trepidation, having read through all Lexapro threads on this site. I don't want brain damage, sexual problems, weight gain, or many of the other things I've read about. I've had depression for many years, and this is the first time I've sought treatment for it. I'm feeling very frightened of taking medication for it.
>
>
Posted by linkadge on November 21, 2003, at 15:48:49
In reply to Re: Taking Lexapro the first time » Annette2, posted by KimberlyDi on November 21, 2003, at 15:09:20
Please note, the reports of brain dammage are completely unfounded. All of the scientific research points to the idea the antidepressants cause brain growth and regeneration.
Sexual dysfunction can be minimized, and when you get better from your depression, you will get the perspective that you are looking for. You are looking at the 'side effects' through the eyes of depression. In most cases, they are very tolerable.
Linkadge
Posted by Annette2 on November 21, 2003, at 15:55:44
In reply to Re: Taking Lexapro the first time, posted by linkadge on November 21, 2003, at 15:48:49
> Please note, the reports of brain dammage are completely unfounded. All of the scientific research points to the idea the antidepressants cause brain growth and regeneration.
>
> Sexual dysfunction can be minimized, and when you get better from your depression, you will get the perspective that you are looking for. You are looking at the 'side effects' through the eyes of depression. In most cases, they are very tolerable.
>
>
> Linkadge
>
> Thanks. I hope you're right. I am still in the thick of depression, and am probably likely to only view the negatives in any situation, including those of taking meds. Regarding sexual dysfunction, I've read a lot about male difficulties, but have read nothing specific to female dysfunction.
Posted by 34 male on November 21, 2003, at 17:15:28
In reply to Taking Lexapro the first time, posted by Annette2 on November 21, 2003, at 14:12:56
been on lex 1 year, works great! listen tough starting out youll get ear rings,stiff neck,very very sleepy lazy, it all will pass, and get better, as for sex no side effects, but hang in there lex works very good!,i happen to take alittle klonpin with it cause im sensitive to meds
Posted by 34 male on November 21, 2003, at 17:20:00
In reply to Re: Taking Lexapro the first time, posted by Annette2 on November 21, 2003, at 15:55:44
oh as for brain damage thats aFALSE statement, silly nonsense,no such thing,if anything it will correct the brain just the oposit,hang in there on day at a time ,ill pray for ya my friend, hang in there there light at the end of the tunnel and youll be happy and start a great new life soon!im a dad of 3 husband business owner ,and im back on track!
Posted by Kristen_03 on November 21, 2003, at 18:17:34
In reply to Taking Lexapro the first time, posted by Annette2 on November 21, 2003, at 14:12:56
Hi..I can understand totally how you feel and where you are coming from.I was prescribed Lexapro a month or so ago and just finally built up the courage 3 days ago to start on it..I was sooo afraid of it (still am)Im on day 3 of 5 mgs.I also have a lot of anxiety along with my depression which seems to make taking the Lexapro even more frightening to me...Just wanted to let you know that you are not alone with your feelings or fears...I Hope It works well for you and good luck...
Kristen L
Posted by Annette2 on November 21, 2003, at 18:26:11
In reply to read me, posted by 34 male on November 21, 2003, at 17:15:28
> been on lex 1 year, works great! listen tough starting out youll get ear rings,stiff neck,very very sleepy lazy, it all will pass, and get better, as for sex no side effects, but hang in there lex works very good!,i happen to take alittle klonpin with it cause im sensitive to meds
Hey, thanks...I can handle the prospect of a stiff neck or ear ringing, but the very idea of feeling sleepy-lazy is NOT Kosher. I've got the typical modern life----very demanding, 4 kids, lots going on....if anything, I need SPEED! How long did you feel sleepy/lazy?
Posted by Annette2 on November 21, 2003, at 18:29:20
In reply to Re: Taking Lexapro the first time, posted by 34 male on November 21, 2003, at 17:20:00
> oh as for brain damage thats aFALSE statement, silly nonsense,no such thing,if anything it will correct the brain just the oposit,hang in there on day at a time ,ill pray for ya my friend, hang in there there light at the end of the tunnel and youll be happy and start a great new life soon!im a dad of 3 husband business owner ,and im back on track! Thank you very much--I accept all offers of prayers on my behalf gratefully. I suppose I shouldn't get too obsessive about the workings of the meds (LOL--have only taken one half of one pill so far)....as if I am trying to watch the grass grow......perhaps my concern with meds has caused me to miss the point: the meds just might make me feel better and see things through a brighter lens...
Posted by Annette2 on November 21, 2003, at 18:33:21
In reply to Re: Taking Lexapro the first time » Annette2, posted by Kristen_03 on November 21, 2003, at 18:17:34
> Hi..I can understand totally how you feel and where you are coming from.I was prescribed Lexapro a month or so ago and just finally built up the courage 3 days ago to start on it..I was sooo afraid of it (still am)Im on day 3 of 5 mgs.I also have a lot of anxiety along with my depression which seems to make taking the Lexapro even more frightening to me...Just wanted to let you know that you are not alone with your feelings or fears...I Hope It works well for you and good luck...
> Kristen L Hi Kristen, Thanks...good luck with the Lex...maybe we can both trade stories over the next months about how this drug is affecting us, for better or worse. Re: your mentioning anxiety.....strange thing is, I too suffer from it in the form of periodic panic attacks during which my breath is short, heart rate increased, and throat tight as though there is a rock stuck there....what's strange is that I completely forgot to mention to the doctor that I go through this....I was focused entirely on describing the symptoms of depression I suffer. Does Lexapro increase anxiety?
Posted by Annette2 on November 21, 2003, at 18:38:25
In reply to Re: Taking Lexapro the first time, posted by 34 male on November 21, 2003, at 17:20:00
A close friend of mine discouraged me today from getting too fearful of taking meds. He took Celexa for 18 months....said he suffered no side effects, felt better, and was able to stop taking it cold turkey with no problems. He encourages me to view this med-taking as a positive....as something which will bring about only good changes. I guess I'm just a pessimist at heart, considering how I've allowed myself to get freaked out at the prospect of side effects.
Posted by Kristen_03 on November 21, 2003, at 19:04:21
In reply to Re: Taking Lexapro the first time, posted by Annette2 on November 21, 2003, at 18:33:21
Hi again Annette
I am not sure about the Lexapro causing anxeity or panic attacks,They both may just be a sypmtom kinda ridding piggy back on the depression...I have a lot of anxiety just about taking the Lexapro..or really any meds.I read a bunch of stuff in here (both good & bad) but of course I jupmed on the ban-wagon just focussing on the bad feedback..its part of the depression I guess.I am planning on talking to my dr about maybe adding Klonapin to the Lexapro to help with the anxiety that I am feeling...Be sure and mention to you Dr that you also suffer from anxiety attacks as well as the depression....Am looking forward to hearing back from you...take care & good luck :)
Kristen
Posted by Annette2 on November 21, 2003, at 19:08:26
In reply to Re: Taking Lexapro the first time » Annette2, posted by Kristen_03 on November 21, 2003, at 19:04:21
Hi Kristen, I will definitely remember to mention the panic attacks to the doc. I hope we both will experience only positive things from the Lex. Tomorrow is day #2 for me, and day #4 for you...don't know how long it will be before each of us notices something GOOD from it. I hope we are both feeling better soon.
Posted by Kristen_03 on November 21, 2003, at 19:18:43
In reply to Re: Taking Lexapro the first time, posted by Annette2 on November 21, 2003, at 19:08:26
Hi ...I found this on another message board that Im a member of...I hope they will help you in some way :)
Kristen10 Commandments to Remember During a Panic Attack
The following article was originally published at: www.open-mind.org1) It does not matter if you feel frightened, bewildered, unreal, unsteady. These feelings are nothing more than an exaggeration of the normal bodily reactions to stress.
2) Just because you have these sensations doesn’t mean you are very sick. These feelings are just unpleasant frightening, not dangerous. Nothing worse will happen to you.
3) Let your feelings come. They’ve been in charge of you. You’ve been pumping them up making them more acute. Stop pumping. Don’t run away from panic. When you feel the panic mount, take a deep breath as you breathe out, let go. Keep trying. Stay there almost as if you were floating in space. Don’t fight the feeling of panic. Accept it. You can do it.
4) Try to make yourself as comfortable as possible without escaping. If you’re on a street, lean against a post or stone wall. If you’re in the check-out line of the department store, find a quiet corner. If you’re in a shop, tell the salesperson you don’t feel well need to sit for a while. Do not jump into your car go home in fear.
5) Stop adding to your panic with frightening thoughts about what is happening where it might lead. Don’t indulge in self-pity think, “Why can’t I be like all the other normal people? Why do I have to go through all this?” Just accept what is happening to you. If you do this, what you fear most will not happen.
6) Think about what is really happening to your body at that moment. Do not think, “Something terrible is going to happen. I must get out.” Repeat to yourself, “I will not fall, faint, die or lose control.”
7) Now wait give the fear time to pass. Do not run away. Others have found the strength. You will too. Notice that as you stop adding the frightening thoughts to your panic, the fear starts to fade away by itself.
8) This is your opportunity to practice. Think of it that way. Even if you feel isolated in space, one of these days you will not feel that way. Sometime soon you will be able to go through the panic say “I did it.” Once you say this, you will have gone a long way toward conquering fear. Think about the progress you have already made. You are in control of the situation!
9) Try to distract yourself from what is going on inside you. Look at your surroundings. See the other people on the street, in the bus. They are with you, not against you.
10) When the panic subsides, let your body go loose, take a deep breath go on with your day. Remember, each time you cope with a panic, you reduce your fear.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.
Posted by 34 male on November 22, 2003, at 7:52:44
In reply to Re: read me, posted by Annette2 on November 21, 2003, at 18:26:11
here is how to beat the lex-laziness, just get up stay moving the second you give in it will get you lazy if you feel sleepy get up get some water move around etc.. , its a week or two till you get used to it
Posted by 34 male on November 22, 2003, at 7:58:51
In reply to Re: Taking Lexapro the first time, posted by Annette2 on November 21, 2003, at 18:29:20
im all anxiety ,lex worked but man oh man, when i mixed it with klonpin(clonazpam?) instant sucess,NO MORE PANIC!
Posted by Kristen_03 on November 22, 2003, at 15:20:58
In reply to read me, posted by 34 male on November 21, 2003, at 17:15:28
Hi...I was just wondering how long on Lexapro till you start to feel better? This is my 4th day on 5 mgs..will bump it up to 10 mgs tonight.Feel sorta spaced out...Last night had a panic attack...I Got too focused on the spaced out feeling..Took a klonopin this am and feel much better, but still the dull spacey feeling..Will all of this pass?
Ps..Glad the Lex is working good for you :)
Kristen
Posted by 34 male on November 22, 2003, at 15:51:49
In reply to Re: read me » 34 male, posted by Kristen_03 on November 22, 2003, at 15:20:58
im sorry to say lex took a while for me but its the least side effect one out there, here my story i was lazy sleepy spacey,groggy, but i asked my wife she said she could not tell, the ringing in th ears the stiif neck but worst was the sleepy spacey feeling ,ive been on 10 mgs a day almost a year with .05 mgs 2xs day of klonpin i felt so much better on klonpin its best for anxiety i was a panic wreck starting lex<i must add in i was crushed my mom had just died it was so low in my life ,i was scared of everything now im fine trust me my friend get through the rough road of starting and youll be great,my anxiety is gone my agoraphobia is gone ,other then last years depression due to my great moms passing no depression at all,those were all and only side effects but i would sugest you feel your bodies reaction to lex work up slow but dont stop cold and dont get to slow going you want it to get into the system and work and get over the starting stage good luck and prayers your friend !
Posted by Mariposa on November 22, 2003, at 18:25:13
In reply to Re: read me » 34 male, posted by Kristen_03 on November 22, 2003, at 15:20:58
> Hi...I was just wondering how long on Lexapro till you start to feel better? This is my 4th day on 5 mgs..will bump it up to 10 mgs tonight.Feel sorta spaced out...Last night had a panic attack...I Got too focused on the spaced out feeling..Took a klonopin this am and feel much better, but still the dull spacey feeling..Will all of this pass?
> Ps..Glad the Lex is working good for you :)
> KristenThe literature says 6 - 8 weeks. For me it was 9. As far as the laziness, it's *in your head* - so to speak...just like male34 said, just get up and start moving and it will evaporate. But I may be jumping ahead...you are still in 1st week. I didn't feel *lazy* until after 4th week.
I started @5mg, spent all of week 2 in bed, very sick - like flu kind of, wk 3 a little better, wk 4 was TERRIBLE - anxiety attacks and DEEP depression. Doc upped me to 10mg 5th wk. Did ok until month 5, went to 20mg, still @20mg and doing well.
Hope this helps!~~~8|8
Posted by Kristen_03 on November 23, 2003, at 15:30:11
In reply to Re: read me » Kristen_03, posted by Mariposa on November 22, 2003, at 18:25:13
Hi and thank you for your reply.I havent had any problems with Lazyness (cant afford to,I have a big family) just have been experiencing the dull spaced out feeling.Thanks again for your input :)
KristenPs...how long have you been on 20 mgs?
Posted by Mariposa on November 23, 2003, at 21:25:22
In reply to Re: read me » Mariposa, posted by Kristen_03 on November 23, 2003, at 15:30:11
>
> Ps...how long have you been on 20 mgs?Since September~~~8|8
Posted by Annette2 on November 24, 2003, at 9:52:37
In reply to Re: read me, posted by 34 male on November 22, 2003, at 15:51:49
This is day #4 on 5mgs of Lex...boy am I sleeping a lot! I'm usually a night owl, prowling the house. But Saturday night I crashed on the couch at 9pm and slept until 6am Sunday. That's unheard of for me! I crashed on the couch again last night. I can't even make it to the bed. That seems to be the most notable side effect. As for how I'm feeling otherwise, I guess alright. I'm not stressed out, and don't feel bogged down by depression. But truly it's going to take some time for me to feel anything too positive, given the fact I'm having a hard time staying awake.
Posted by Kristen_03 on November 24, 2003, at 10:29:49
In reply to Re: read me, posted by Annette2 on November 24, 2003, at 9:52:37
Good Morning
Im glad to hear that you are not having bad side effects from the Lexapro...Hang in there.
Today is day 6 of Lex for me, and thats pretty much the side effect that Im having.Feel really sleepy,but am trying to stay busy to fight off the sleep.My youngest is 5 and he keeps me too busy to sleep :) I did up the doesage to 10 mgs on sat night.Please keep me posted on how you are doing.Maybe we can help each other hang in there through any rough spots..Hopefully we wont have any (except for wanting to sleep)If thats the worst side effect that happens,I will count myself lucky..I read a lot of things about the Lexapro ,which really had me frightend...Good luck and God bless..Kristen
Posted by Annette2 on November 24, 2003, at 10:55:53
In reply to Re: read me » Annette2, posted by Kristen_03 on November 24, 2003, at 10:29:49
Hey Kristen, I may be right behind you in switching to 10mgs. My doc said to take 5mgs for a week, then switch up to 10 if need be. Gosh, I wonder if I'll lapse into a coma on 10mgs! Keep me posted on how you're doing with the upped dosage. I've got 4 kids, a houseful of pets, and lots going on, so I too SHOULD keep moving and fight off the drowsiness. But I've noticed in the last few days that there is the inevitable trip to the couch to read or watch a little tv. Next thing I know, I'm out like a light.
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