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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 15 of 15. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Wildman on February 10, 2004, at 8:02:30
Here I am in week 9 of Lexapro. Went through the typical rough spots in the early weeks, had the "wanting to jump out of my skin" experience, etc. Also had many really good weeks of peace, and noticed some very positive changes in myself.
Also had a few mild bouts with insomnia.Lately, though, I am hitting a rough patch. Tired, irritable, angry, defensive, acting out, are what I am noticing. These are some of the things that I got away from with the Lex, but they are coming back in spades. I am concerned that the Lex ain't cutting it anymore.
This morning I was particularly angry at everything, which I have not experienced in months. I can recognize and describe my anger as it is happening, which helps me to explain myself to my wife. (One thing I've learned that even if one is inexplicably feeling any negative emotion, it really helps to "warn" those around oneself of what is going on).
In fact, I was losing it so badly, I took 2mg of Ativan and am feeling the anger slowly subside as I sit here at work typing this.
I go to see my pdoc tonight, and I don't want to be in the habit of popping Ativans when I hit a rough day. They _do_ work, but I don't think the pdoc will allow me to go down that road, so I think I may ask for an increase of Lex (to 20mg/day).
So, here I am faced with a 5-way decision:
1. Stay at 10mg and hope that these feelings are just part of the roller coaster.
2. Move to 20mg and ride out the side effects of the increase (I figure it will be as fun as getting to 10mg/day was, NOT!)
3. Bail on the Lex and find something else.
4. Augment the Lex with _something_.
5. Quit all these stupid meds and just work harder at being "better".
I swear that option #5 has a certain appeal to me right now.
Help!
Posted by Bill LL on February 10, 2004, at 8:15:57
In reply to Am I a candidate for a Lexapro dosage increase?, posted by Wildman on February 10, 2004, at 8:02:30
Since the 10 mg worked for a while, you should definitely increase the dose.
I took 20 mg for the first 14 months. Then went to 30 for a month. Then added Wellbutrin (mostly for ADD type symptoms which I have always had). And with the addition of Wellbutrin, I was able to go back to 20 mg of Lexapro.
Posted by KathrynLex on February 10, 2004, at 11:51:53
In reply to Am I a candidate for a Lexapro dosage increase?, posted by Wildman on February 10, 2004, at 8:02:30
Hi Wildman,
I encourage you not to give up on lex just yet. I've been increasing from 10 mg to 20 mg and the side effects aren't nearly as bad as when I first started lex. That could be because I'm increasing slowly. I've been taking 15 mg of lex for the bast 12 days. In another 2 days I'll increase to 20 mg. I'm tired, but other than that none of my side effects have returned.
A lot of people add wellbutrin to their lex and it seems to work wonders. I would discuss increasing and/or adding something to your drug cocktail. It's wonderful that lex has worked for you in the past, you can probably find a way to get it to work for you again. Please keep us posted. Good luck!
K.
Posted by Wildman on February 10, 2004, at 12:19:00
In reply to Re: Am I a candidate for a Lexapro dosage increase?, posted by Bill LL on February 10, 2004, at 8:15:57
> Since the 10 mg worked for a while, you should definitely increase the dose.
>
> I took 20 mg for the first 14 months. Then went to 30 for a month. Then added Wellbutrin (mostly for ADD type symptoms which I have always had). And with the addition of Wellbutrin, I was able to go back to 20 mg of Lexapro.Thanks for your info. Wellbutrin, eh? What sort of ADD symptoms did you have, if I may ask. I've heard of Wellbutrin used with Lex, but was uncertain which effects were intended to be addressed.
Thanks!
Posted by Bill LL on February 10, 2004, at 16:29:53
In reply to Re: Am I a candidate for a Lexapro dosage increase? » Bill LL, posted by Wildman on February 10, 2004, at 12:19:00
Wellbutrin is added for various reasons to other antidepressants:
1) augment the antidepressant effect of the other antidepressant: for me it does augment the lexapro
2) combat tiredness: it does do this to some extent for me
3) combat sexual side effects of other antidepressant: I have had some success. Results vary among users from nothing to a good effect
4) AD symptoms: Wellbutrin is used for ADD as well as depression (and smoking cessation). I have had a noticeable good effect with concentrating although I'm sure that it is not as effective as the usual AD drugs.
Now for the bad news (just sort of bad). I couldn't take it twice a day because of too much aggitation (jitteriness). This happens with some people on Wellbutrin. But taking it just once a day is ok. I'm sure that it also depends on what other drugs, and at what dose, you are taking.
> > Since the 10 mg worked for a while, you should definitely increase the dose.
> >
> > I took 20 mg for the first 14 months. Then went to 30 for a month. Then added Wellbutrin (mostly for ADD type symptoms which I have always had). And with the addition of Wellbutrin, I was able to go back to 20 mg of Lexapro.
>
> Thanks for your info. Wellbutrin, eh? What sort of ADD symptoms did you have, if I may ask. I've heard of Wellbutrin used with Lex, but was uncertain which effects were intended to be addressed.
>
> Thanks!
Posted by Wildman on February 11, 2004, at 7:03:16
In reply to Re: Am I a candidate for a Lexapro dosage increase?, posted by Bill LL on February 10, 2004, at 16:29:53
Thanks to everyone for their kind suggestions.
I did see the pdoc yesterday and I decided to stay on the Lex, but increase gradually to 20mg/day. I started the 15mg today and will move to 20 in a few days.
He also gave me a script for more Seroquel, which should keep me from getting hypo-manic, as he called it. That stuff does knock me out, but I am able to get up in the middle of the night and deal with our 10mo old daughter who seems to be perpetualy teething. :)
So, we shall see. I am pleased to be making a change (any change) and will report back on my experiences.
Posted by Golf4 on February 13, 2004, at 5:13:54
In reply to Re: Am I a candidate for a Lexapro dosage increase?, posted by Bill LL on February 10, 2004, at 16:29:53
> Wellbutrin is added for various reasons to other antidepressants:
>
> 1) augment the antidepressant effect of the other antidepressant: for me it does augment the lexapro
>
> 2) combat tiredness: it does do this to some extent for me
>
> 3) combat sexual side effects of other antidepressant: I have had some success. Results vary among users from nothing to a good effect
>
> 4) AD symptoms: Wellbutrin is used for ADD as well as depression (and smoking cessation). I have had a noticeable good effect with concentrating although I'm sure that it is not as effective as the usual AD drugs.
>
> Now for the bad news (just sort of bad). I couldn't take it twice a day because of too much aggitation (jitteriness). This happens with some people on Wellbutrin. But taking it just once a day is ok. I'm sure that it also depends on what other drugs, and at what dose, you are taking.
>
>
> > > Since the 10 mg worked for a while, you should definitely increase the dose.
> > >
> > > I took 20 mg for the first 14 months. Then went to 30 for a month. Then added Wellbutrin (mostly for ADD type symptoms which I have always had). And with the addition of Wellbutrin, I was able to go back to 20 mg of Lexapro.
> >
> > Thanks for your info. Wellbutrin, eh? What sort of ADD symptoms did you have, if I may ask. I've heard of Wellbutrin used with Lex, but was uncertain which effects were intended to be addressed.
> >
> > Thanks!
>
>
WHICH TYPE OF wellbutrin ARE YOU TAKING (the so called Ziban which is a slow release type,or the SR,XL)AND AFTER HOW MUCH TIME FROM STARTING THE AUGMENTATION YOU COULD FEEL THAT THE wellbutrin IS EFFECTIVE(mainly as increasing the AD activity)TO LET YOU REDUCE A LITTLE BIT THE lexapro DOSE?
THANKS FOR YOUR KIND REPLY'
Paul
Posted by Nemo2 on February 13, 2004, at 19:28:02
In reply to Am I a candidate for a Lexapro dosage increase?, posted by Wildman on February 10, 2004, at 8:02:30
Wildman, I read your first post after getting home tonight and I'm on week 6 as of today on Lex. I've noticed this week that I'm irritated and a little angry with my wife more noticeably than in the first couple of weeks after the Lex really raised my mood up. This may seem odd to say, but if you believe that Depression is situational and those who are prone to it are pulled down to a large degree by their environment, then maybe my irritation with her is a reaction to the fact that she is not taking on life the way I FEEL LIKE TAKING IT ON NOW THAT I'M CLIMBING OUT OF MY DEPRESSION. Now that I'm not depressed, I feel very confident and much less anxious. I'm impatient with her and her moods and not drawn down by them. On the contrary, I'm irritated noticeably. I don't think that's helpful to her and I want to be helpful. She's struggling with a very bad 20 year old son and a lost job. The thing I'm trying to do is feel good about myself while I help her and see her son for the jerk he truly is.
Sorry if this strays off into relationships, but I'm not surprised that I'm angry. On this pass, though, I'm not as vulnerable to getting so depressed myself over the whole set of circumstances and that gives me a good chance to succeed and help her to succeed. Success equals HAPPINESS in a tough world. Lex is one of my tools to use in that journey and it's very powerful. NEMO2
Posted by antitrust on February 15, 2004, at 17:41:07
In reply to Am I a candidate for a Lexapro dosage increase?, posted by Wildman on February 10, 2004, at 8:02:30
I am presently on 10mg of lexapro-Pdoc said she doesnt expect anything more from it so no increase she did add a drug vistaril 50mg but .......NOT WORKING!!!!
wouldnt it be wonderful NOT to take any meds?
dont TRY IT without doc supervision!!! ;-/
Posted by antitrust on February 15, 2004, at 17:42:48
In reply to Am I a candidate for a Lexapro dosage increase?, posted by Wildman on February 10, 2004, at 8:02:30
number 4
see if your pdoc will ADD another RX
Posted by clight on February 15, 2004, at 22:17:35
In reply to Re: Am I a candidate for a Lexapro dosage increase?, posted by Nemo2 on February 13, 2004, at 19:28:02
I have been on lexapro for 4 months and it has honestly changed my life for the better. I have had periods where I felt the lex was not working as well but I have just ridden it out and have found that things usually get better. I really don't want to take more medication and I think anger, frustration, stress, and sometimes mild depression are all part of being human and having emotions. Don't be too hard on yourself and make sure that you really need the extra med before you increase your dose. I hope that you find the answers you are looking for. Take care!!
CLight
Posted by stay at home mom on February 16, 2004, at 12:58:56
In reply to Re: Am I a candidate for a Lexapro dosage increase?, posted by clight on February 15, 2004, at 22:17:35
What is the average dose for Lex?
I'm having some sexual side effects, my doc said she would put me on Wellbutrin next visit if that happens.
Has that been helpful to others?
Posted by KathrynLex on February 16, 2004, at 17:15:18
In reply to Re: Am I a candidate for a Lexapro dosage increase, posted by stay at home mom on February 16, 2004, at 12:58:56
Hi Stay at Home Mom,
Average dose for Lex: A lot of people will tell you that 10 mg is the average dose, but my pdoc tells me it really depends on the individual. I'm taking 15 mg and that does the trick for me. (There are lots of people on this board who take 20 mg and even 30 mg.)
Lex and Wellbutrin: Almost everyone taking this combo says they have had positive results.
K.
Posted by stay at home mom on February 16, 2004, at 18:37:07
In reply to Re: Am I a candidate for a Lexapro dosage increase, posted by KathrynLex on February 16, 2004, at 17:15:18
> Hi Stay at Home Mom,
>
> Average dose for Lex: A lot of people will tell you that 10 mg is the average dose, but my pdoc tells me it really depends on the individual. I'm taking 15 mg and that does the trick for me. (There are lots of people on this board who take 20 mg and even 30 mg.)
>
> Lex and Wellbutrin: Almost everyone taking this combo says they have had positive results.
>
> K.
Thanks K :) thats nice to hear!
Posted by SummerSanders on February 17, 2004, at 19:09:56
In reply to Re: Am I a candidate for a Lexapro dosage increase? » Wildman, posted by antitrust on February 15, 2004, at 17:41:07
Then you will really be a Wildman! ;) Just teasing. I like that name. Yes, it would be grand to be "normal" and not take these stupid meds...Oh well.
This is the end of the thread.
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