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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by want info on April 1, 2004, at 9:20:39
In reply to Re: Day # 10... advice please????, posted by bride2be on March 31, 2004, at 17:11:25
hey bride. this was my experience. im 26 years old. i have been on meds for anxiety (no depression - that can be key in what med you take)since i was 18. i was on paxil for 8 years. i started feeling more anxious and my regular doc said to go up to 30. i had massive anxiety when i did that and went to a psychopharmacologist (i see a social worker for therapy but she cant prescribe medicine). she said id been on paxil for so long and shed like to start me on another med. my bro had had success on celexa and she thought id have success on lexapro, which is similar. i was on 10 mg for 5-6 weeks and realized i was still extremely anxious, even when i combined it with a little xanax. i increased to 15 but my doc thought the increase from 10-15 was negligible and that i should really go to 20. i fought that for awhile until i had a panic attack last week and decided to try it. it may be taking me longer to adjust to the lex than it might take someone else bc my brain was trained to paxil. i'm now in my 8th week total...first week of 20...and feel pretty good. hope this helps...EM
Posted by lisa swede on April 1, 2004, at 9:28:45
In reply to Re: Day # 10... advice please????, posted by ednababish on April 1, 2004, at 8:45:34
has anyone tried stopping lexapro and suffered from severe dizziness? i have been taking it for 6 months and am trying to stop it. i have had dizziness for about 2 weeks. what should i do?
Posted by nicky847 on April 1, 2004, at 11:00:07
In reply to stopping lexapro, posted by lisa swede on April 1, 2004, at 9:28:45
i weaned off of celexa last summer and did ok..no real withdrawal symptoms..if i were you i would discuss with my doctor a tapering schedule..stopping cold turkey often leads to withdrawal symptoms and is not the best way to go about getting off the med..
> has anyone tried stopping lexapro and suffered from severe dizziness? i have been taking it for 6 months and am trying to stop it. i have had dizziness for about 2 weeks. what should i do?
Posted by bride2be on April 1, 2004, at 14:21:40
In reply to Re: Day # 10... advice please???? » bride2be, posted by want info on April 1, 2004, at 9:20:39
i really appriciate everyones advice. i think i am going to call and see if i can up it to 20. i feel really anxious and not better at all at day 11. you guys are wonderful for taking the time to help me out. i will fill you in as soon as possible. thanks! ---bride2be
Posted by bride2be on April 1, 2004, at 14:42:11
In reply to Re: Day # 10... advice please????, posted by bride2be on April 1, 2004, at 14:21:40
well, i just got off the phone with my doc, she said to go ahead and up to 20 starting tomm. i am really excited about it. i hope side effects are not bad, wish me luck. i am going out of town for 2 days, but i will keep you guys posted on sunday when i get back. thanks for the support!
Posted by jlynne on April 1, 2004, at 15:01:37
In reply to up to 20!!!!!!!, posted by bride2be on April 1, 2004, at 14:42:11
Good luck, Bride!! I look forward to hearing how it goes:~)
((((Bride))))
...jlynne
Posted by KathrynLex on April 1, 2004, at 15:29:41
In reply to stopping lexapro, posted by lisa swede on April 1, 2004, at 9:28:45
Hi Lisa,
I think the only thing you can do is wait for it to pass. Did you stop taking it all at once? My pdoc told me that if you do that it can cause some withdrawl symptoms including dizziness. You could try taking a very small dose of Lexapro to see if it helps clear your head a little bit. Tapering off is the best way to stop taking Lexapro. Best of luck!
K.
Posted by KathrynLex on April 1, 2004, at 15:30:45
In reply to up to 20!!!!!!!, posted by bride2be on April 1, 2004, at 14:42:11
Hi Bride,
Have a wonderful vacation and good luck with the 20 mg increase. I hope it works out for you!
K.
Posted by bride2be on April 1, 2004, at 15:36:56
In reply to Re: up to 20!!!!!!! » bride2be, posted by jlynne on April 1, 2004, at 15:01:37
i will keep you guys posted! i hope everyone has a good weekend! i am noticing that you guys sound like you are doing pretty good these days. maybe soon i can feel that way too. love yall!
Posted by bride2be on April 1, 2004, at 15:38:42
In reply to Re: stopping lexapro, posted by KathrynLex on April 1, 2004, at 15:29:41
lisa, i also heard not to stop cold turkey b/c it can cause major side effects. maybe you should cut back slowly untill your body gets use to not having so much of it. just a thought.
Posted by sexylexy on April 1, 2004, at 15:57:28
In reply to Re: up to 20!!!!!!!, posted by bride2be on April 1, 2004, at 15:36:56
Hey Guys,
I am not doing so well today. I have had a great past month but things have not been going so well for the past few days. I have been getting really sad and cried last night. I have had a lump in my throat all day. I keep thinking oh no, what if it is coming back. I know that these are automatic thoughts that are brought on from feeling depressed but right now it is making me not be able to focus on the positives. Anyone felt like this and gotten better, any advice or support is VERY welcome.
God Bless,
Lexy
Posted by KathrynLex on April 1, 2004, at 16:37:35
In reply to oh no, posted by sexylexy on April 1, 2004, at 15:57:28
Hi Lexy,
It's entirely possible that you've just hit a rough couple of days. Unfortunately Lexapro can't eliminate bad days - it would be nice if it could do that though.
Maybe the increased stress of finishing grad school has started getting to you. I know that anytime I'm under stress at work my mood fluctuates more than it usually does.
Or, it could be your period. Is it due anytime soon?
I've noticed that since I added Wellbutrin to my Lexapro, my mood has been more stable. I'm taking it in the hopes that it will improve my concentration, but it's also an antidepressant. You might want to look in to it if you don't start feeling better in the next week or so.
Some positive things to think about: You've come a VERY long way since starting Lex. A lot of your posts have been quite upbeat, and isn't the old Lexy like that? You're getting much closer to where you want to be. You've fought really hard to get this far, and it's that same strength that will help you beat your depression.
Please let us know when you start feeling better. I'm worried about you and only want to see you do well.
K.
Posted by orlando on April 1, 2004, at 16:45:48
In reply to stopping lexapro, posted by lisa swede on April 1, 2004, at 9:28:45
Lisa, I tried to stop taking Lex and like you, suffered severe dizziness. I tried to stick it out for at least 2 weeks and then started taking it again, because of the withdrawal side effects (and strong advise from my doctor). The next time I decide to quit, it will not be cold turkey. I'll taper the dose (am currently taking 20). I have heard that adding a small amount of Lex (5mg) will help with the dizziness, but I would consult your doctor on this. Good Luck...I know how awful you are feeling.
> has anyone tried stopping lexapro and suffered from severe dizziness? i have been taking it for 6 months and am trying to stop it. i have had dizziness for about 2 weeks. what should i do?
Posted by Mrs. C on April 1, 2004, at 18:28:48
In reply to oh no, posted by sexylexy on April 1, 2004, at 15:57:28
Lexy, I have had those kinds of days too. It's normal to have setbacks from time to time. Remember, you've only been on 20 for a short time now. You also have a very hectic schoolwork schedule right now. Go a little easy on yourself and keep in mind that you have improved since upping your dose and chances are you will continue to do so. I don't think any of us should expect to feel great every day. Life just isn't like that. Although it is difficult, try to focus on the positive things in your life right now like almost being finished with school, moving back home, being with your boyfriend and family soon and let's not forget that Tiffany diamond! I am pulling for you and have absolutely no doubt that you will be back to where you were in a few days! Keep the faith sweetie, Mrs. C
Posted by kellieann7 on April 1, 2004, at 18:48:24
In reply to Re: up to 20!!!!!!!, posted by bride2be on April 1, 2004, at 15:36:56
Bride,
I know 20 has been working well for me. I hope it works well for you also! Good luck!
Posted by kellieann7 on April 1, 2004, at 18:53:54
In reply to Re: oh no, posted by Mrs. C on April 1, 2004, at 18:28:48
Lexy,
Hang in there!!! One of the things I appreciate about Lex is my ability to still have some emotions and feel like a human. I notice that my anxiety goes CRAZY when I am about to start my period, and I have never had any problems with anxiety before. I know it's scary to have some of the same feelings you were having before. The key is that when you wake up tomorrow or the next day, things look up and you feel better. It sounds like you have a ton of stuff on your plate right now, and sometimes your body has to scream louder than the meds to remind you to take care of yourself. ((LEXY))
Posted by biker guy on April 2, 2004, at 1:26:37
In reply to New on Lexapro, posted by kateincali on March 11, 2004, at 19:07:10
I am going through the same thing. It seem to be getting worse rather than better. How are you doing now? Did you stick with it? I'm not sure I'm going to make it. It seems crazy that it gets worse before it gets better.
Sigh. When will this stop??
John
Hello all,
> I just began graduate school this past fall and low and behold began having panic attacks when speaking in my lectures or reading essays during class. I have been on Lexapro for 4 days and am having terrible insomnia. I am awakening at 4 a.m. every morning, am feeling highly anxious, sick to my stomach, and fuzzy headed. I have never taken any kind of medication and am wondering is this fairly normal? How long do these side effects usually last? Anyone have any words of wisdom? Thanks for reading.
Posted by want info on April 2, 2004, at 9:12:26
In reply to Re: New on Lexapro, posted by biker guy on April 2, 2004, at 1:26:37
believe me john it DOES get better. i have been on lex 2 months and am still having anxiety but it is noticeably better. i was on 10mg for 5 to 6 weeks, 15 for 2, and now 20 for one. stick with it! em
Posted by dzinegirl on April 2, 2004, at 9:21:06
In reply to Re: New on Lexapro » biker guy, posted by want info on April 2, 2004, at 9:12:26
> believe me john it DOES get better. i have been on lex 2 months and am still having anxiety but it is noticeably better. i was on 10mg for 5 to 6 weeks, 15 for 2, and now 20 for one. stick with it! em
Hi John,
Im on my 6 week of Lexapro at 10mg. The beginining was hard. I had insomnia for 3 days straight then would sleep til 3am and be up. I was shaky and fuzzy headed also. I switched to taking it in morning at 6:30am and it really helped. The insomnia got better and now I sleep great. Try going for a walk in the afternoon it really helps and I also take B-complex vitamin 50mg with 500 mg of vitamin C and a multivitamin. good luck and hang in there you are not alone!dzinegirl
Posted by sexylexy on April 2, 2004, at 11:22:42
In reply to Re: oh no, posted by kellieann7 on April 1, 2004, at 18:53:54
Everyone,
Thanks so much for all your support. Ya'll are the greatest. I am still not feeling that good but not quite as bad as yesterday. I am feeling a little sad and irratiable. I am on the end of my period so maybe my hormones are balancing out because I feel a little roller coasterish. Anyway, I am also completley stressed out (22 days left!) with school so I am just praying that I even out some. Ya'll have been so wonderful to me and it is so great to be able to celebrate our ups and be consoled with our downs. Thanks so much!!! God Bless you all!
Lexy
Posted by KathrynLex on April 2, 2004, at 12:59:56
In reply to Re: New on Lexapro, posted by biker guy on April 2, 2004, at 1:26:37
Hi John,
I had the same experience for the first 3 weeks I was on Lexapro. These are all very common side effects and they DO go away. If it becomes too uncomfortable for you, ask your psychiatrist about getting some Xanax or Klonopin. Either of those meds will help you relax and get some sleep.
K.
Posted by linnie on April 2, 2004, at 13:22:47
In reply to Alcohol versus lexapro - Break through, posted by DC on June 3, 2003, at 16:14:04
anyone had this problem?
Posted by green hornet on April 2, 2004, at 13:28:05
In reply to Re: New on Lexapro, posted by KathrynLex on April 2, 2004, at 12:59:56
Hey folks,
Once again I am in real need of advice here. I have been on 10mgm of Lexapro for one week -- beginning yesterday I have been so tired that it is all I can do to even move! Also, the anxiety came back and worse than ever!! I feel like I want to tear my hair out, It's so nutsy...I have battled depression for over 20 years, but NEVER anxiety like this. The periodic episodes of the anxiety was one reason the doc started the Lexepro and until yesterday everything was fine. Maybe upping the dose? Man I will do almost ANYTHING to get rid of the anxiety and sleepiness!! Any input appreciated. Oh, It is not my menstrual cycle, I stopped that over ten years ago. And forget recommending a benzo -- doc's around here equate that with poison, so one might as well forget that possibility. Thanks y'all -- Hornet
Posted by kellieann7 on April 2, 2004, at 14:53:43
In reply to Joint Pain with Lexapro, posted by linnie on April 2, 2004, at 13:22:47
Linnie,
Yep, in my wrist/thumb. It turned out to be tendonitis. I had at first written the pain off as a Lex s/e. I am kicking myself for that now as I had my 2nd cortizone shot Wed. The hand doc said they would do one more shot, then try "releasing the pressure on the tendon." Sounds easy... NOPE, means cutting my hand up. YUCK! AND I have to wear a stupid splint 24/7. Sucks sucks sucks.
Posted by kellieann7 on April 2, 2004, at 15:00:42
In reply to Re: New on Lexapro, posted by KathrynLex on April 2, 2004, at 12:59:56
Last night, I tried reading the boards and everything started swimming in front of my eyes. I started having slight migraine pains around 7:00 last night, and it got worse throughout the night. I went to bed at 10 (early for me) and got up at 7:00. This is a lot of sleep for me. I woke up with the migraine again, and felt disoriented, nauseated, and uncomfortable driving. I went into work for 1 1/2 hours and then came back home. I immediately got into the bed and slept for another 4 hours. I'm not hungry and just feel out of it. I did notice the appearance of my "chin zit," a monthly friend that comes to irritate me a few days before I start, so I am preparing for a bad period this month. I feel like a CRAB. I want to go to the grocery store, but I don't want to put my jeans back on. This bites. I cut out all the caffeine in my diet (including the diet pills yesterday), so I wonder if this is also part of the problem.
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