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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by ednababish on January 12, 2004, at 13:02:25
In reply to Re: Loosing my mind on Lex? - HELP , posted by hanging on on January 12, 2004, at 11:15:45
> just started on 10mg of lex. on day 6. its going a little rough. I think I have had long term depression, but it has been brought to the surface due to recent job insecurity. Was on effexor for about a year in 2001... didn't work well.
>
> Trouble focusing. No end in sight. Will this actually get better? Will I actually feel better? Even if my life situation doesn't improve? thanks for some support.
You will feel better; you will not feel as hopeless as you did, and you will be able to do more creative problem solving than you were able to prior to the meds. And the little things will be just that--little things. Hang in there and good luck!
Posted by KathrynLex on January 12, 2004, at 13:45:46
In reply to Re: Loosing my mind on Lex? - HELP , posted by hanging on on January 12, 2004, at 11:15:45
The first few weeks are difficult. I found the second week to be the hardest, but the side effects (trouble focusing etc...) start to go away around week 3. There are lots of success stories on this board, which are encouraging to go through and read.
You WILL feel better eventually. The nice thing about the right anti-depressant is that it makes difficult life situations easier to deal with, which makes it easier to improve the things you don't like about your life. Keep us posted on your progress with Lex, I hope it works for you!
K.
Posted by Esmarelda on January 12, 2004, at 14:42:38
In reply to Re: lexapro side effect -- Dosage ? -- 5mg ?, posted by John2222 on January 10, 2004, at 16:18:11
I just split it in half.
Posted by KathrynLex on January 12, 2004, at 17:10:37
In reply to Re: Losing my mind on Lex? - HELP » KathrynLex, posted by Journeyman on January 11, 2004, at 22:55:33
Richard,
Thank you for the wonderful post. Your encouragement lifted my spirits quite a bit.
I enjoyed the NY Times article you recommended. It's interesting how much more sympathetic Ms. Gartrell was towards her patients after experiencing unpleasant side effects on bupropion. Going through something yourself often times does a wonderful job of breeding empathy.
I'm doing much better today, and hope that it was nothing more than a "blip." Again, thank you for the uplifiting post.
K.
>
> Hope today was more settled for you. The last thing you need when you're taking medication that deals with anxiety/depression is something else to be anxious about. The symptoms you described would certainly be unsettling and a bit frightening.
>
> Here are a couple of thoughts: since medication affects people differently, boards such as this can be wonderfully helpful and reassuring; especially when others can relate experiences that are similar to our own, or can inspire us to hold out because things may very well change for the better. It may be that it was a blip, an uncomfortable and worrisome blip, but a blip nonetheless, and that like others, the side effects will diminish and then disappear. I certainly hope that's the case.
>
> On the other hand, it may be that your body is not capable of handling Lexapro. Researchers at Stanford have identified a genetic marker that explains why some people can't tolerate certain medications. (see ref. below)
>
> There was a very interesting article in last week's New York Sunday Times magazine about a p/doc who became depressed and then had a very difficult time when taking the medication she had prescribed so often for her own patients. She discontined use of it after four weeks because of the side effects, and the side effects were nothing of the sort you mention. The article is well worth reading. If you don't have it at home, you can probably get it at your local library and photocopy it. It's the Jan. 4, 2004 New York Times Magazine. The articles is on p. 58 and is entitled A Doctor's Toxic Shock. It's written by Nanette Gartrell. If you can't get your hands on a copy locally, you can download it from their website for $2.50. (www.nytimes.com)
>
> In any case, I urge you to discuss the symptoms with your p/doc immediately.
>
> We all want you to be safe, as well as happy.
>
> Peace and comfort to you K.
>
> Richard
Posted by sexylexy on January 12, 2004, at 21:17:50
In reply to Re: Losing my mind on Lex? - HELP, posted by KathrynLex on January 12, 2004, at 17:10:37
Hi Everyone...
Well I am back out of my comfort zone and back to grad school. Today is day 21 for me on 10mg of Lex and I think most of the side effects are gone except the foggy feeling but it is a little better than it has been so hopefully soon I will start to see some of the more anti depressant effects. I am at the point where the crying spells and hypersensitivity are much, much less. However, I still don't feel like me, I really have not been laughing, joking, smiling and sassy as I once was. I am hoping it is just a matter of time...
Anyway, my question is for those of you who have had a relationship and are on Lex. I have been dating my boyfriend for about a year now. He knew me before I hormone imbalance which has lead me to this only depression I have ever experienced. He stood by me though the worst (and it was pretty bad). Though from my point of few, (we know how depression tricks the mind) I thought he hated me, would be better off without me ect. However, know that I am starting to climb out of the darkness, I am wondering if I can expect my relationship to improve as I get to feeling better. Or what you all experiences with relationships and lex have been. Of course if there were problems before depression, I know that LExapro would not "fix" those, however we were pretty damn happy, his feelings have not changed and he has been a wonderful support for me. I am just wondering if my thinking negitiavley about every little thing will disapate as I become less depressed. Ok sorry this is so long but I would love to hear ya'lls experiences.
Thanks so much for all the other support and advice. I pray for each of you everynight, Good luck and God bless.
Lexy
Posted by hanging on on January 12, 2004, at 21:25:57
In reply to Re: Loosing my mind on Lex? - HELP , posted by KathrynLex on January 12, 2004, at 13:45:46
Thanks for all for the support. I am having real bad upset stomach. No appetite. Should I be concerned with my weight loss? Will my appetite continue and stomach settle?
I didn't expect such a tough time with this drug. Effexor didn't have anything although it didn't seem to work either.
Taking a lot of aprin for headaches. Drinking liquids. I think I need some help sleeping. Any advice on sleeping pills with lexapro?
Please continue your support. I really need it right now to help put one foot in front of the other.
Posted by Forbidden on January 12, 2004, at 21:41:26
In reply to Re: Loosing my mind on Lex? - HELP , posted by hanging on on January 12, 2004, at 21:25:57
I also had some upset stomach, it has pretty much gone away for me now. I am on day 24 @ 10mg per day. I never really lost my apetite, but I'm sure that will pass for you as well. Headaches have also been a problem for me, they are random on when they occur and where it hurts. These seem to be getting better as well though.
Hang in there, this drug is definitely working for me after only a short time. My wife notices marked improvement about my anxiety and obsessing about my health.
> Thanks for all for the support. I am having real bad upset stomach. No appetite. Should I be concerned with my weight loss? Will my appetite continue and stomach settle?
>
> I didn't expect such a tough time with this drug. Effexor didn't have anything although it didn't seem to work either.
>
> Taking a lot of aprin for headaches. Drinking liquids. I think I need some help sleeping. Any advice on sleeping pills with lexapro?
>
> Please continue your support. I really need it right now to help put one foot in front of the other.
>
>
Posted by Forbidden on January 12, 2004, at 21:41:48
In reply to Re: Loosing my mind on Lex? - HELP , posted by hanging on on January 12, 2004, at 21:25:57
I also had some upset stomach, it has pretty much gone away for me now. I am on day 24 @ 10mg per day. I never really lost my apetite, but I'm sure that will pass for you as well. Headaches have also been a problem for me, they are random on when they occur and where it hurts. These seem to be getting better as well though.
Hang in there, this drug is definitely working for me after only a short time. My wife notices marked improvement about my anxiety and obsessing about my health.
> Thanks for all for the support. I am having real bad upset stomach. No appetite. Should I be concerned with my weight loss? Will my appetite continue and stomach settle?
>
> I didn't expect such a tough time with this drug. Effexor didn't have anything although it didn't seem to work either.
>
> Taking a lot of aprin for headaches. Drinking liquids. I think I need some help sleeping. Any advice on sleeping pills with lexapro?
>
> Please continue your support. I really need it right now to help put one foot in front of the other.
>
>
Posted by Gaza on January 13, 2004, at 8:08:40
In reply to Day 21 and a ?, posted by sexylexy on January 12, 2004, at 21:17:50
You'll get back to normal. The thing that would concern me though is the orgasm thing. I'm on week 9, and they still don't come that easy. I'm also taking 300 mg Wellbutrin, which seems to help the orgasm SE. Hopefully someone who has been on Lex longer than I will answer whether the orgasms ever get back to normal.
> Hi Everyone...
> Well I am back out of my comfort zone and back to grad school. Today is day 21 for me on 10mg of Lex and I think most of the side effects are gone except the foggy feeling but it is a little better than it has been so hopefully soon I will start to see some of the more anti depressant effects. I am at the point where the crying spells and hypersensitivity are much, much less. However, I still don't feel like me, I really have not been laughing, joking, smiling and sassy as I once was. I am hoping it is just a matter of time...
> Anyway, my question is for those of you who have had a relationship and are on Lex. I have been dating my boyfriend for about a year now. He knew me before I hormone imbalance which has lead me to this only depression I have ever experienced. He stood by me though the worst (and it was pretty bad). Though from my point of few, (we know how depression tricks the mind) I thought he hated me, would be better off without me ect. However, know that I am starting to climb out of the darkness, I am wondering if I can expect my relationship to improve as I get to feeling better. Or what you all experiences with relationships and lex have been. Of course if there were problems before depression, I know that LExapro would not "fix" those, however we were pretty damn happy, his feelings have not changed and he has been a wonderful support for me. I am just wondering if my thinking negitiavley about every little thing will disapate as I become less depressed. Ok sorry this is so long but I would love to hear ya'lls experiences.
> Thanks so much for all the other support and advice. I pray for each of you everynight, Good luck and God bless.
> Lexy
Posted by Mariposa on January 13, 2004, at 8:26:32
In reply to Re: Day 21 and a ? » sexylexy, posted by Gaza on January 13, 2004, at 8:08:40
In Feb. I'll have been on Lexapro one year. Currently at 20mg, and I'm starting to get that *feeling* that Lex isn't quite working. Had 3 days off and just sat on the couch not feeling quite right. I know I should probably increase my dosage again.
My question is....will this continue, will I need an increase again in 4-5 months? I would appreciate any comments from long term users on how much you are taking, and how long has that dosage worked, how long did it take between raising your dose?
Any comments would be appreciated!~~~8|8
Posted by hanging on on January 13, 2004, at 9:10:27
In reply to Re: Loosing my mind on Lex? - HELP , posted by KathrynLex on January 12, 2004, at 13:45:46
ok... I feel somewhat better today, but wow my stomach is messed up... feel like a drank the water in another country. I really feel like I need some support. I have so much going on right now that I don't know how I can have time to adapt to this new med while I have to work and live. Losing some fairly good weight. Probably 6lbs in the last 2 weeks. Feeling scattered. Day 7 of lex. Thanks to you all... I do hope someday I will be able to help others here and tell them it all worked out.
Posted by LynneDa on January 13, 2004, at 9:48:37
In reply to Re: Day 21 and a ? » sexylexy, posted by Gaza on January 13, 2004, at 8:08:40
Oh Lexy, I am so with you honey!! My husband & I have known each other for 3 years and my hormonal stuff started not long after we met. I was so negative, cried a lot for no reason, was hyper-sensitive to everything and had lots of (irrational) anger. Many, many times I would tell him we needed to break up because dealing with my behaviors was not fair to him. We have issues, to be sure, but after being on Lex for 3 months (started at 10 mg, went up to 20 after 10 weeks), things are SO much better between us . . . and that is really because of a change in MY perceptions and his reactions to a happier me.
I'm not 100% the way I want to be, but I am much less negative, not so sad, definitely don't blow up as much and I'm not sensitive to everything he says and does. I still have a ways to go, but the things that are left are actually ME and things I need to work on - not hormonally induced negativities.
Hang in there & take care of yourself, you will start seeing changes soon, I am sure!
~ Lynne
Posted by LynneDa on January 13, 2004, at 9:54:04
In reply to Re: Loosing my mind on Lex? - HELP , posted by hanging on on January 12, 2004, at 21:25:57
Hanging on -
The upset stomach is common at first. I had all sorts of gastrointestinal surprises the first couple of weeks! Then, when I went from 10 to 20 mg. they re-visited a bit. From all who've posted here, it takes a few weeks for your body to adjust.Please hang in there, the results for me and many others have been worth it: feeling kind of normal again, without lots of sadness or anger, and the ability to be a part of the world again :-).
~ Lynne
Posted by KathrynLex on January 13, 2004, at 11:05:36
In reply to Day 21 and a ?, posted by sexylexy on January 12, 2004, at 21:17:50
Hi Lexy,
I'm so glad to hear that you're feeling better. Even though you're outside your comfort zone again, I think it's a huge accomplishment that you're willing to step outside of it.
It's good that the hypersensitivity and crying are going away. (I've experienced the same thing.) I think that your negative thinking will ease up as you become less depressed, and that will help your relationship. You'll stop worrying about whether or not he's better off without you. Instead, you'll find that you have the energy to spend time with him and do things together that you enjoy.
I've found that I'm starting to have the energy to do small things to help maintain my relationship and it's made a big difference. For the past several months I'd been withdrawing and not spending any time with my boyfriend, but lately I want to go out and do things with him. It's made both of us a lot happier in our relationship.
I hope you start seeing improvements in your relationship soon. My guess is that you will. I'm rooting for you!
K.
Posted by KathrynLex on January 13, 2004, at 11:12:20
In reply to Re: Loosing my mind on Lex? - HELP , posted by hanging on on January 12, 2004, at 21:25:57
Hi Hanging On,
I lost several pounds the first few weeks I took Lex. I'm on day 25 of 10 mg of Lex and my appetite has slowly started coming back. Don't be too concerned with your upset stomach unless it's causing you pain for an extended period of time. If it does, you might want to check with your doc.
How long did you say you've been on Lex? For me, the first two weeks were very difficult (made easier with the support of the wonderful people on this board!) and I noticed a significant improvement in side effects/mood by week 3. Hang on for a few weeks to give your body time to adjust. Even though it's difficult, it is worth it!
K.
Posted by John2222 on January 13, 2004, at 11:25:40
In reply to Re: Loosing my mind on Lex? - HELP » hanging on, posted by LynneDa on January 13, 2004, at 9:54:04
Is Lexapro (and other SSRI's) a cause of sleep problems? I'm only taking 5mg of Lexapro and yet like clockwork, I go to sleep easily at 10pm, then wake up 4 hours later. I read or watch tv for an hour, then get sleepy again, and sleep for another 4 hours. Net effect is 8 hours/night.
I think I read somewhere that SSRI's affect REM sleep patterns (not sure what that is exactly).
Anyone else having the 4 hour cycle?
Posted by Gaza on January 13, 2004, at 11:39:53
In reply to Re: Lexapro SLEEP problems ??, posted by John2222 on January 13, 2004, at 11:25:40
They're missing.
For people who have been on lex for a long time, do they ever come back to normal, or come back to 50%, or come back 70% but they're different, or...?
I'm on 20mg, with 300 mg wellbutrin.
Posted by LynneDa on January 13, 2004, at 11:45:59
In reply to Orgasms on the side of milk cartons, posted by Gaza on January 13, 2004, at 11:39:53
3 months on Lex and they're rare or take a long time. I'm female and prior to this they were absolutely not a problem! I miss them too.
~ Lynne
Posted by sexylexy on January 13, 2004, at 12:41:39
In reply to Re: Orgasms on the side of milk cartons, posted by LynneDa on January 13, 2004, at 11:45:59
Hi Guys,
Thanks for the relationship support. I want so much to get better so that my boyfriend and I can continue what we had. Ya'lls stories of rediscovering that such a hope to me! As I look back I realize that things are getting better. I just don't feel that light, happy warm feeling I used to have. Its like my depression took away my ability to feel satisfied and content. Anyone else experienced this? I am praying to get there!
As for orgasms on the side of the milk carton, I too feel that it takes me longer to get there. I am thankful that the desire to get there and be physical with my boyfriend is still well in tact. Is everyone elses desire stayed the same as you have progressed. I think of few things worse than not wanting to kiss or hold my boyfriend (besides being terribly depressed of course!)
Thinking of you all!
Lexy
Posted by LynneDa on January 13, 2004, at 12:54:10
In reply to Re: Orgasms on the side of milk cartons, posted by sexylexy on January 13, 2004, at 12:41:39
Lexy - Yes! Desire is still there, thank goodness! I agree about the feeling less satisfied and content, but that will change as time goes on. I am definitely much happier and have warm feelings more frequently than I used to (I'm at 3 months). I'm still a little cautious to accept this new state of well-being - I keep expecting it to go away. But as every week goes by, I feel more comfortable with it. You will get there, just hang in there and look for the small improvements in your behaviors each week!
~ Lynne
Posted by Gaza on January 13, 2004, at 13:06:57
In reply to Re: Orgasms on the side of milk cartons, posted by LynneDa on January 13, 2004, at 12:54:10
But wait Lynne! You didn't answer the question of whether / how much the orgasm capability / experience comes back, if it does.
> Lexy - Yes! Desire is still there, thank goodness! I agree about the feeling less satisfied and content, but that will change as time goes on. I am definitely much happier and have warm feelings more frequently than I used to (I'm at 3 months). I'm still a little cautious to accept this new state of well-being - I keep expecting it to go away. But as every week goes by, I feel more comfortable with it. You will get there, just hang in there and look for the small improvements in your behaviors each week!
> ~ Lynne
Posted by LynneDa on January 13, 2004, at 13:15:16
In reply to Re: Orgasms on the side of milk cartons, posted by Gaza on January 13, 2004, at 13:06:57
Sorry, it was actually in a previous post :-). I am still having trouble in that area - takes a looong time unfortunately. They are not as intense. This is not the norm for me at all! But, they are there now and sometimes they last longer than they used to, which is something new.
In the long run though, it's less important to me because I'm happier in other areas of my life. It bothers my husband more than me cuz it makes him feel somehow inadequate! I've heard Wellbutrin helps them come back, but I'm not ready to add another drug to the mix quite yet!
My counselor gave me all sorts of advice to help with this issue since she's on an SSRI too. I've never had to work at sex though, so it was kind of weird!
Good luck, be patient. . . everyone reacts differently in this area!
~ Lynne
Posted by Gaza on January 13, 2004, at 13:50:18
In reply to Re: Orgasms on the side of milk cartons, posted by LynneDa on January 13, 2004, at 13:15:16
When I added Wellbutrin to the Lex, the orgasm's came back, but not nearly as often. Erections are NO PROB! However, when I do orgasm, they're longer & more intense - almost worth the wait.
I don't know if it's because that Lex SE was wearing off, or it was from adding the Wellbutrin. You've been on Lex long enough that I think you would know a difference if you added Wellbutrin. Maybe you should try it? Let us know?> Sorry, it was actually in a previous post :-). I am still having trouble in that area - takes a looong time unfortunately. They are not as intense. This is not the norm for me at all! But, they are there now and sometimes they last longer than they used to, which is something new.
>
> In the long run though, it's less important to me because I'm happier in other areas of my life. It bothers my husband more than me cuz it makes him feel somehow inadequate! I've heard Wellbutrin helps them come back, but I'm not ready to add another drug to the mix quite yet!
>
> My counselor gave me all sorts of advice to help with this issue since she's on an SSRI too. I've never had to work at sex though, so it was kind of weird!
>
> Good luck, be patient. . . everyone reacts differently in this area!
> ~ Lynne
>
Posted by Alain on January 13, 2004, at 14:09:55
In reply to Re: I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro » Bill435, posted by Mariposa on November 27, 2003, at 15:16:25
Hi everyone, Just started lexapro 4 days ago. Started with 5mgs. I take it at night. Gives me real bad headaches. Wake up feeling spacey and full of anxiety. Is anxiety a side effect of Lexapro? Does it go away? I was on Lexapro before and within 5 weeks I was feeling pretty good. I don't remember it making me anxious. Would appreciate any advice...
Posted by hanging on on January 13, 2004, at 14:22:07
In reply to Re: I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro, posted by Alain on January 13, 2004, at 14:09:55
> Hi everyone, Just started lexapro 4 days ago. Started with 5mgs. I take it at night. Gives me real bad headaches. Wake up feeling spacey and full of anxiety. Is anxiety a side effect of Lexapro? Does it go away? I was on Lexapro before and within 5 weeks I was feeling pretty good. I don't remember it making me anxious. Would appreciate any advice...
Hi, well I'm not the voice of experience on day 7 of lex, but I had bad headaches at the start. Took ibuprofen (2-200mg) and that helped alot. Not having them much at all anymore. Did have the morning anxiety real bad too. Don't know if it was due to the lex because I have had that before on and off effexor.
On day 7 and feeling a little better except for extreme gastro problems that I think are going a little away (with some immodium-ad). I guess the only thing to do is treat the symptoms until we get over the hump... and support each other. :-)
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