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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by LynneDa on January 19, 2004, at 9:57:08
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful » Mariposa, posted by funygirl on January 17, 2004, at 7:08:01
Hi Carol - Welcome! Everyone's experiences are a little different. I can certainly understand why you wouldn't want to add more anxiety to your day!!
It seems with all meds, you have to get through the unsettling breaking in period and sometimes that means anxious feelings, hyperness, etc. I really believe in this med, though. It doesn't make me feel numb. It allows me to function and be productive at work. I'm not horrible to my husband for no reason any more. I don't hate myself as much. Those were my goals and Lex has allowed me to achieve them pretty well. I've had to deal with the s/e's, but they're not as bad as my past behaviors.
I went from 10 to 20 recently and my "side effect" anxiety is less than it was at 10 mg, it was more tolerable at 20 mg than at 10 mg. I guess what I'm trying to say is that increasing your dose isn't always a bad thing.
Keep in close touch with your p-doc. Keep your end goals in mind. Good luck to you, whatever you decide!!
~ Lynne
Posted by LynneDa on January 19, 2004, at 10:12:25
In reply to Re: Fine wine and Lexapro, posted by melley on January 18, 2004, at 7:28:34
Lexy - I have a glass of wine maybe once a month and I'm on 20mg. I don't drive cuz I get very drowsy. I did some reading on this the other day. The main thing to remember is that you are taking an anti-depressant and alcohol is a depressant so they cancel each other out. I think there is some danger to your liver - with metabolism - if you do this a lot. I wouldn't think the occasional drink would do it. Everything in moderation! It does relax me if I'm feeling anxious. Have a good time . . . sounds like you need something fun to look forward to :-)
~ Lynne> > Hey Ya'll
> > Just a question... I have not really drank latley. In about a month, my boyfriend and I have a Law School formal and I would love to enjoy a few glasses of wine, not get like swinging from the chandaler drunk but a little tipsy. I am on 10mg of lexapro no other drugs. I read that post about the girl dying from too much alcohol but I did not really understand what she was talking about with the numbers and such. Can you all give me your personal experience with drinking on lexapro?
> > Thanks ya'll Have a great weekend,
> > lexy
>
>
Posted by LynneDa on January 19, 2004, at 10:23:44
In reply to Re: Mornings are so hard on lexapro, posted by hanging on on January 19, 2004, at 8:21:23
Hanging on - I really feel for you! That waking up part can be devastating! I used to wish I could wake up in the shower already cuz after my shower I always felt better!
Troubles come in layers. The Lex hopefully will relieve some of your anxiety and depression. Those are a bunch of layers you won't have to deal with anymore, once it kicks in for you. That will leave you with a few more layers that you will have the energy to deal with more easily.
So, I try not to look at all my problems in one big chunk. At the beginning, I tried to keep my expectations realistic. Let's see if the Lex can help me get out of bed, then it was to be a bit more productive at work, then it was to reduce my hateful feelings toward myself, etc. After a few months on Lex, I don't feel like I have so many problems to work on. It's just like a weight has been taken off my shoulders and I'm generally able to deal better with life. I haven't really started working on the issues I can address in therapy, but they sure as heck don't seem to be so overwhelming and I don't feel as fragile.
Have faith that your outlook will change. Hang in there and look for the small changes you will see in yourself each day!!!
~ Lynne
Posted by Mrs C. on January 19, 2004, at 10:24:03
In reply to Re: Mornings are so hard on lexapro, posted by hanging on on January 19, 2004, at 8:21:23
Don't give in to those feelings. Yes, you will feel better. Now that your side effects are getting better it is only a matter of time before you start to feel emotionally strong again. There seemed to be a little amount of time for me between feeling less side effects and actually feeling like the med was working. Maybe about 1-2 weeks. What you're feeling in the mornings is common and will change soon. Keep the faith! Mrs. C
Posted by Mariposa on January 19, 2004, at 12:33:44
In reply to Re: Mornings are so hard on lexapro, posted by Mrs C. on January 19, 2004, at 10:24:03
> Don't give in to those feelings. Yes, you will feel better. Now that your side effects are getting better it is only a matter of time before you start to feel emotionally strong again. There seemed to be a little amount of time for me between feeling less side effects and actually feeling like the med was working. Maybe about 1-2 weeks. What you're feeling in the mornings is common and will change soon. Keep the faith! Mrs. C
I agree...Try not to listen to your brain and just get the body MOVING and you will be surprised at how quickly those feelings will evaporate. Now when my alarm goes off I just get up, it has become SO much easier. I used to open my eyes and immediately think about calling in, but not anymore. Hang in there and this will get better!~~~8|8
Posted by hanging on on January 19, 2004, at 12:36:12
In reply to Re: Mornings are so hard on lexapro, posted by Mariposa on January 19, 2004, at 12:33:44
I will try. I do have a habit of waking up and laying in bed for quite a while trying to fight it with no luck. I just want to go back to sleep and feel better but I can't stop the racing thoughts.
Posted by sexylexy on January 19, 2004, at 13:00:56
In reply to Re: Mornings are so hard on lexapro » hanging on, posted by LynneDa on January 19, 2004, at 10:23:44
Hi ~
I remember when I first started on Lexapro, each morning I would wake up with this feeling of dread that I had to face another day and fight to live.
I am at about 28 days on Lex and most of my side effects are going away. I am actually starting to feel better to. That sense of dread to face another day is no longer there. I long for the day when I wake up ready to face whatever the world has to offer.
My racing negitiave thoughts are also going away. I am not "better" yet but I feel like eventually I will get there. Good luck to you. You can do it, we are all here for you and each other.
God Bless,
Lexy
Posted by Mariposa on January 19, 2004, at 13:03:29
In reply to Re: Mornings are so hard on lexapro, posted by hanging on on January 19, 2004, at 12:36:12
> I will try. I do have a habit of waking up and laying in bed for quite a while trying to fight it with no luck. I just want to go back to sleep and feel better but I can't stop the racing thoughts.
Yes, those stupid racing thoughts that lead nowhere and go in circles and make you crazy!!! I know!! Sometimes this works for me, I have tried to train myself to fling off the covers before I turn off the alarm. It seems that if I can do that the rest just comes. I also try not to fully *wake up* befor I get out of bed, I don't give that stupid brain a chance to start w/me until I am physically sitting up or out of bed entirely. It has become much easier now, I would dread the mornings, speccially if something was going on at work.
Hang in there!~~~8|8
Posted by Esmarelda on January 19, 2004, at 13:11:16
In reply to Re: Mornings are so hard on lexapro, posted by hanging on on January 19, 2004, at 12:36:12
I agree. Mornings are hard on Lexapro. My therapist said she is not sure if it is the medication or just some remnants of the depression lingering. Usually if I can go back to sleep for an hour or two or lay there for a little while and talk myself out of staying in bed, I do okay when I get up. I added Wellbutrin to the Lex a little over a week ago and it seems to have helped some. (I was also starting to feel some depression creeping back.) I'll keep you posted.
Posted by nicky847 on January 19, 2004, at 14:42:15
In reply to Re: Mornings are so hard on lexapro, posted by hanging on on January 19, 2004, at 12:36:12
Keep in mind that the symptoms you are describing are also classic symptoms of depression...it is common for people to perhaps have their depression get a little worse at first when starting lexapro..if lexapro is the med for you then as your depression subsides the mornings will get better...
> I will try. I do have a habit of waking up and laying in bed for quite a while trying to fight it with no luck. I just want to go back to sleep and feel better but I can't stop the racing thoughts.
Posted by ednababish on January 19, 2004, at 14:59:25
In reply to Re: Mornings are so hard on lexapro, posted by Mariposa on January 19, 2004, at 12:33:44
Is it just getting up that's hard? I get up, but then I feel awful for a while until the medicine seems to kick in--irritable, angry, sad, frustrated. Also, I'm at 15mgs right now, and I feel worse, although I do feel a lot clearer headed, more able to be sexually responsive, and more able to prioritize and concentrate on 25 mgs PaxilCR. Any insights here?
Posted by Gaza on January 19, 2004, at 15:16:21
In reply to Re: Mornings are so hard on lexapro, posted by hanging on on January 19, 2004, at 8:21:23
hanging on, you are sure having a hard time. I sure do sympathize with you. The mornings were the absolute worst for me too. 9 out of 10 work days, I would wake up wanting to call in sick! It almost felt like being unemployed and dead broke would be better than that feeling practically every morning.
What worked for me was to chant a mantra every morning. As soon as I would open my eyes and the wave of sharp depression would overcome me, I would chant in my mind, "Jesus help me! Jesus help me! Jesus help me! Jesus help me!" over & over & over, as I'm getting dressed and ready for work. I would do that until I got to a point where I could keep going on my own.
Man it's rough. I wish I could be there to help you along, because that is an incredibly aweful feeling.> The moment I open my eyes I feel a big wave of anxiety come over me. I can't stop churning over everything in my life that I worry about.
>
> I'm really hoping this med will just help me make it through life, even if it doesn't go great. Am I asking too much of it?
>
> Please someone let me know if this is going to do what I need it to... not having a good day.
Posted by paradise_angel_8 on January 19, 2004, at 20:38:20
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I just started taking Lex 3 days ago. I feel 'weird'. I have this neverending feeling of nausea, like, morning sickness. I was glad to read postings that claimed this is a normal side affect because I was not informed of this by my doctor.
I feel no different as far as anxity goes. Had a hard time sleeping last night, but that's not real unusual for me either, though, like I said, I do feel something....
I'll keep you all posted.
Paradise_Angel_8
Posted by KathrynLex on January 19, 2004, at 21:30:37
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? » Dr. Bob, posted by paradise_angel_8 on January 19, 2004, at 20:38:20
I'm on day 31 of 10 mg lex. I've got my fingers crossed hoping that I don't encounter the "week 5 blues." For those of you who have experienced it, did it go away by week 6?
K.
Posted by KathrynLex on January 19, 2004, at 21:36:16
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? » Dr. Bob, posted by paradise_angel_8 on January 19, 2004, at 20:38:20
Hello Paradise Angel,
Nausea and insomnia are both very common side effects on this drug, but rest assured they will go away. The first few days on lex can be a little disorienting, but your body will adjust to the medication in a couple of weeks. I'm glad to hear that you're feeling some positive benefits already, that's great! I hope you continue to see improvements.
K.
Posted by Geralyn on January 19, 2004, at 22:08:57
In reply to Re: Mornings are so hard on lexapro, posted by Gaza on January 19, 2004, at 15:16:21
Wow. I could have written that. I thought it was just me. I've been on Lexapro for about 7 weeks. I do feel more stable - less weepy and not as irritable. Not as good as I felt on Effexor, but couldn't take the side effects. Mornings suck. It's nearly 11am before I feel normal. Can anyone in this thread tell me the dose they are on? I'm on 10mg, and wondering if I should go up to 20.
Posted by micro on January 20, 2004, at 0:20:42
In reply to Re: Mornings are so hard on lexapro, posted by hanging on on January 19, 2004, at 8:21:23
> Well, I feel that I have gotten over the early side effects, but I am still waiting to feel better.
>
> Especially first thing in the morning. The moment I open my eyes I feel a big wave of anxiety come over me. I can't stop churning over everything in my life that I worry about.
>
> I'm really hoping this med will just help me make it through life, even if it doesn't go great. Am I asking too much of it?
>
> Please someone let me know if this is going to do what I need it to... not having a good day.Hello, I am sorry that you not feeling well. Being anxious for relief whether it be from injuries, health issues, or just plain stress is normal. If you can't wait for relief, your doc can provide some immediate help with the institution of several choice meds for a short term adjunct to blunt your anxiety until the medication has time to take a full effect. Talk to your doc about it . A good Pdoc or any other type of doc is one who listens and responds with passion.There is no greater calling than health care. Wishing you the luck and don't watch the clock. Regards, Micro
Posted by cocohoneynut on January 20, 2004, at 7:03:19
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful, posted by Gator on January 15, 2004, at 13:05:47
Posted by cocohoneynut on January 20, 2004, at 7:12:07
In reply to Lexapro and weight, posted by newuser2 on March 19, 2003, at 9:51:21
I was on Pax originally for perimenopause but the weight gain was terrible. I informed my doc and she switched me over to Lex. I took the med for 1 week and decided against it because I was (again) fearful of the weight gain. I began treatment with herbs along with fish oil and flax seed oil. I had no side effects coming off of Pax (2months) and Lex (1week). However, now the horrible feelings of loneliness, sadness, and "barking" at my husband has come back. The reason I stopped taking Lex was because I felt like a zombie in the morning up until 11am. I'd like to know what time (a.m. or p.m.)every one here takes their med, what they take it for, how long they've been taking Lex and the milligrams. Has anyone experienced any weight gain? I'm trying to get a feel for this med and any information regarding me questions would be greatly appreciated...Thanks again!!
Posted by Mariposa on January 20, 2004, at 8:42:10
In reply to Starting all over again..., posted by cocohoneynut on January 20, 2004, at 7:12:07
> I was on Pax originally for perimenopause but the weight gain was terrible. I informed my doc and she switched me over to Lex. I took the med for 1 week and decided against it because I was (again) fearful of the weight gain. I began treatment with herbs along with fish oil and flax seed oil. I had no side effects coming off of Pax (2months) and Lex (1week). However, now the horrible feelings of loneliness, sadness, and "barking" at my husband has come back. The reason I stopped taking Lex was because I felt like a zombie in the morning up until 11am. I'd like to know what time (a.m. or p.m.)every one here takes their med, what they take it for, how long they've been taking Lex and the milligrams. Has anyone experienced any weight gain? I'm trying to get a feel for this med and any information regarding me questions would be greatly appreciated...Thanks again!!
I am currently at 20mg Lexapro, will be 1 year in Feb. Take dose in the mornings. I lost 10lbs. My dx - PMDD and depression. Had bad se's in the beginning and didn't feel Lex was working until week 9.Have had good results.
Good luck to you!~~~8|8
Posted by LynneDa on January 20, 2004, at 9:08:28
In reply to Re: Mornings are so hard on lexapro, posted by Geralyn on January 19, 2004, at 22:08:57
Hi Geralyn:
I started at 10mg. My dx is PMDD & mild depression/anxiety. I felt great after about 2 weeks. Then, at about 8 weeks, the anxiety, sadness & irritability started to come back - not bad, but enough that it worried me. I let it go 2 more weeks, then called my p-doc. He told me to go ahead and up to 20mg. That's been almost 4 weeks ago.I went thru a few of the s/e's again, not bad, tho. The only thing left is the "tired but wired" syndrome in the middle of the night! But that's starting to diminish. I feel better and am glad I upped it. Good luck to you!
~ Lynne
________________________> Wow. I could have written that. I thought it was just me. I've been on Lexapro for about 7 weeks. I do feel more stable - less weepy and not as irritable. Not as good as I felt on Effexor, but couldn't take the side effects. Mornings suck. It's nearly 11am before I feel normal. Can anyone in this thread tell me the dose they are on? I'm on 10mg, and wondering if I should go up to 20.
Posted by Billy P on January 20, 2004, at 9:26:04
In reply to Re: Lexapro Withdrawal Dizziness » arrianna, posted by micheke on July 27, 2003, at 21:01:32
It's nice to know I'm not alone dealing with the issues of lexapro or no lexapro.
I started with Celexa about 18 mos ago and due to side effects switched to Lexapro-- my hopes of less side effects were smashed because lex seemed very similar to celexa. The main problem for me was sexual side effects which you'll never understand until you have them. Also with lexapro I feel more spaced out at work and at home. Simple chores seem to take me longer than they used to unmedicated. I guess I've been on lexapro for almost a year. Everytime I have tried to quit my depression/ moodiness seem to return which is terrible for my relationship with my wife (and our son). My doctor has me on as much as 20mg/day which is quite a bit compared to what I'm seeing from most people on this thread.
My current status is that I've quit cold turkey for 7 days now. I know you're supposed to taper off which I've done in the past, but we are trying to have another baby right now and the pharmacist told me that Lex could cause a low sperm count or other problems in our quest to conceive. So here I am suffering all day at work from dizziness and nausea (like constant motion sickness). However my sex drive and personal motivation are much better. I'm still not sure if I will decide to go back on once we conceive.. It will all depend on how badly my depression will be if it returns. Just needed to vent; thanks for reading. Any advice or comments would be helpful.
-Billy
Posted by LynneDa on January 20, 2004, at 9:33:59
In reply to Re: Lexapro Withdrawal Dizziness » micheke, posted by Billy P on January 20, 2004, at 9:26:04
Hi Billy - It sounds like you made a good choice due to wanting to expand your family. I never thought about it affecting males, just about females quitting so as not to hurt the baby's development. Thanks for opening my eyes to that :-).
You may want to look at some alternative/herbal/vitamin remedies for depression in the meantime. Omega-3, 5htp, etc. There is an alternative section to this board and many other good websites, books and natural food stores you could turn to.
Good luck!!!!
~ Lynne
Posted by sexylexy on January 20, 2004, at 9:35:48
In reply to Re: Mornings are so hard on lexapro, posted by LynneDa on January 20, 2004, at 9:08:28
Hey Ya'll
I have an odd question. I have been fighting this spaciness stuff since I have been on about 4 1/2 weeks. Its odd because it seems to not be around until I go somewhere with non natural light (ie a mall, target, grocery store) has anyone else noticed this and does it go away eventually. It like when I go to these places the spacey feeling comes back. HELP?
Lexy
Posted by Billy P on January 20, 2004, at 9:45:22
In reply to Re: Lexapro update - sexual side effects, posted by tm on August 2, 2003, at 9:19:18
I'm with whoever it was that wrote he would buy up all the stock on any new SSRI that would not cause sexual disfunction. I would probably try to get a free sample as soon as possible to test it out for myself.
My problems are the same as most men (that admit it); I can go forever, but I have trouble with orgasm, and when it comes it is not the "old me". It makes for a tremendous workout! I've done the viagra thing, but I hate dealing with my problem using another pill. In general I think all anti-d's do one thing-- reduce my masculinity. It's good for the mood swings, but not the other thing guys like (you know). My most recent endeavor is to get off lexapro (20mg/day) cold turkey. Damn! My wife and I are trying to conceive and I think the meds could be a problem. It's been a week and my sexual drive is already back... but so are the withdrawal symptoms.
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