Shown: posts 1 to 15 of 15. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by 2gethappy on June 7, 2004, at 13:26:52
I'm new to this group and would love to chat with others struggling with anxiety and depression issues.
Background on me...I'm 29 and have struggled with anxiety on and off as long as I can remember. I can remember staying up all night over a math quiz in third grade! I can remember making myself literally sick with worry in grade school. But, still, I had a pretty normal and happy childhood, even with the anxiety. But, my Senior year of high school, I began suffering panic attacks. I pretty much had an anxiety meltdown and was having constant panic attacks! I went on a tricylic anti-d and xanax for a year, then after one year of great success, I weaned off them. I've only had an occasional panic attack since then, over 10 years ago (thank goodness!). But, I still suffer with GAD and most recently it has brought on some mild depression. I have two beautiful small children, a great home, a great life and the fact that I was still ridden with worry was starting to bring me down.
So...I asked my GP for help. He put me on Lexapro 11 days ago. First 9 days I did 5 mg, had tons of side effect first 8 days, but day 9 was awesome, didn't feel like I was on anything, so Last two mornings, days 10 and 11 I've taken 10 mg...so far so good. Only some mild occasional nausea and sometimes a mild late afternoon headache. I feel really good! It is amazing! Anxiety is easing and really no depression at all! I know it may be too early to tell though.
I'm so paranoid I'm going to gain weight after reading here, though. So, I'm trying to eat less (which is easier now that I'm not so anxious).
Anyway, I'd love to hear from other Lex users!
K
Posted by MGOLDW on June 7, 2004, at 14:27:32
In reply to New Lexapro User, posted by 2gethappy on June 7, 2004, at 13:26:52
Hi! Starting Lexapro is a rough ride. The first 2-3 weeks can be hell. Once the Lex "Kicks in", you should be feeling very well and your anxiety should be under control.
Let us know how you feel
Good luck
Posted by h on June 7, 2004, at 15:16:38
In reply to New Lexapro User, posted by 2gethappy on June 7, 2004, at 13:26:52
Hi. I am in the middle of starting Lexapro too. Mild anxiety and depression my whole life that ratchetted up due to the fact that I've had breast cancer 3x starting when I was 32. Still I have a very nice family and I like my job. Anyway, I was dreading some scans and saw my GP. He put me on Lexapro. At first I just took the 10 mg and thought I was being poisoned. He said cut the pills in half. It was amazing! I'd tried other antidepressants, but either got no effect or got so nauseous from side effects that I couldn't contine.
This time I literally realized when I was racing ahead of myself, getting all wound up. And I stopped!
I felt so great those first few weeks on 2.5 mg. (He said cut the pills in half. I thought I'd play it extra safe and cut them in quarters!) Now I'm up to 3/4's.
Here's my question. I don't feel serene any more. I don't get the Sunday blues or the Monday jitters, but I just feel kind of "there." I'm scared this means that when I go up to the full dose it will just poop out after a few weeks. Has anybody had anything like this? Please advise.
This board is a great resource.
warmly
h
Posted by bride2be on June 7, 2004, at 19:23:20
In reply to New Lexapro User, posted by 2gethappy on June 7, 2004, at 13:26:52
i have been on lex for four months. i started on 10 for the first week and then uped to 20. the first 2 weeks were hard, but this site helped me out alot. i have been great ever since, my adivce is to stick with it b/c the outcome in fabulous. good luck
Posted by Mariposa on June 7, 2004, at 23:15:46
In reply to New Lexapro User, posted by 2gethappy on June 7, 2004, at 13:26:52
>
> I'm so paranoid I'm going to gain weight after reading here, though. So, I'm trying to eat less (which is easier now that I'm not so anxious).
>
>
> KI lost 10lbs. and managed to keep it off for a year. Lately problems have caused me to eat for comfort and I gained most of it back.....but it was my fault not the Lex.
Overall for me, the weight gain has NOT manifested itself. we are all different and you may be one of those who does not gain. Think positive!!!
Best of Luck!~~~8|8
Posted by Mariposa on June 7, 2004, at 23:24:59
In reply to I'm new too! And I have a few questions, posted by h on June 7, 2004, at 15:16:38
>> Here's my question. I don't feel serene any more. I don't get the Sunday blues or the Monday jitters, but I just feel kind of "there." I'm scared this means that when I go up to the full dose it will just poop out after a few weeks. Has anybody had anything like this? Please advise.
>
>> hRemember we all respond to these meds in different ways.... YMMV! Maybe this will help.
I started at 5mg, had very rough first 2 weeks. Went to 10mg week 5 after experiencing increased depression and anxiety attacks. Went to 20mg month 5 after feeling a return of depression/anxiety and worsened PMS. Went to 30mg month 14 when the same happened again.
good luck!~~~8|8
Posted by 2gethappy on June 8, 2004, at 12:10:41
In reply to Re: New Lexapro User, posted by MGOLDW on June 7, 2004, at 14:27:32
Thanks for your reply. Actually, the first week for me was terrible (VERY jittery, MORE anxious, weird brain zaps waking me at night first few nights, nausea, etc.) But, once I got through that first week, it seemed all the really bad stuff just suddenly stopped. I'm now on day 12 and three days ago I went up to 10 mg, with no new side effects. I'd say the only things I'm feeling s/e wise are: sometimes slight metallic taste in mouth, sometimes nausea and slight headache late afternoon...neither are very bad though.
I'm feeling really good...anxiety is wayyy down...is it possible the Lex is already helping me so soon??? Or am I imagining this???
> Hi! Starting Lexapro is a rough ride. The first 2-3 weeks can be hell. Once the Lex "Kicks in", you should be feeling very well and your anxiety should be under control.
> Let us know how you feel
> Good luck
Posted by 2gethappy on June 8, 2004, at 12:14:02
In reply to I'm new too! And I have a few questions, posted by h on June 7, 2004, at 15:16:38
Hi, I would talk to your doctor and tell him how you are feeling right now. You aren't on much...so maybe you need an increase. It's fine that you had to work up to your dose. But, you still are on a really small dose, so maybe you need another adjustment?
> Hi. I am in the middle of starting Lexapro too. Mild anxiety and depression my whole life that ratchetted up due to the fact that I've had breast cancer 3x starting when I was 32. Still I have a very nice family and I like my job. Anyway, I was dreading some scans and saw my GP. He put me on Lexapro. At first I just took the 10 mg and thought I was being poisoned. He said cut the pills in half. It was amazing! I'd tried other antidepressants, but either got no effect or got so nauseous from side effects that I couldn't contine.
>
> This time I literally realized when I was racing ahead of myself, getting all wound up. And I stopped!
>
> I felt so great those first few weeks on 2.5 mg. (He said cut the pills in half. I thought I'd play it extra safe and cut them in quarters!) Now I'm up to 3/4's.
>
> Here's my question. I don't feel serene any more. I don't get the Sunday blues or the Monday jitters, but I just feel kind of "there." I'm scared this means that when I go up to the full dose it will just poop out after a few weeks. Has anybody had anything like this? Please advise.
>
> This board is a great resource.
>
> warmly
> h
Posted by 2gethappy on June 8, 2004, at 12:15:53
In reply to Re: New Lexapro User, posted by bride2be on June 7, 2004, at 19:23:20
It is so great to read positive feedback...yay!!! Any weight gain with it for you? So far, I feel like it has decreased my appetite (I think because I used to eat for comfort against anxiety!)
> i have been on lex for four months. i started on 10 for the first week and then uped to 20. the first 2 weeks were hard, but this site helped me out alot. i have been great ever since, my adivce is to stick with it b/c the outcome in fabulous. good luck
Posted by 2gethappy on June 8, 2004, at 12:17:46
In reply to Re: New Lexapro User » 2gethappy, posted by Mariposa on June 7, 2004, at 23:15:46
Thanks for your positive message! I will think ++++ :)
> >
> > I'm so paranoid I'm going to gain weight after reading here, though. So, I'm trying to eat less (which is easier now that I'm not so anxious).
> >
> >
> > K
>
> I lost 10lbs. and managed to keep it off for a year. Lately problems have caused me to eat for comfort and I gained most of it back.....but it was my fault not the Lex.
>
> Overall for me, the weight gain has NOT manifested itself. we are all different and you may be one of those who does not gain. Think positive!!!
>
> Best of Luck!~~~8|8
Posted by Mariposa on June 8, 2004, at 13:29:15
In reply to Re: New Lexapro User, posted by 2gethappy on June 8, 2004, at 12:10:41
>> I'm feeling really good...anxiety is wayyy down...is it possible the Lex is already helping me so soon??? Or am I imagining this???
>
It is possible, some posts I have read indicate that some do get *benefits* quickly.~~~8|8
Posted by beatrix34 on June 8, 2004, at 21:00:38
In reply to Re: New Lexapro User, posted by Mariposa on June 8, 2004, at 13:29:15
I am new to Lex too. I weaned down from 75mg of Effexor and switched to 10mg of lex. I have experienced little in the way of side effects on the lexapro. I have PMS right now so it could be that I'm short with my husband because of that, or it could be that I just have the occassional panic attack from sarting the new meds. I am, however, still exercising and motivated which is good. I am hoping that the anxiety decreases soon but it's not unbearable.
Posted by Scott in Vermont on June 11, 2004, at 11:24:39
In reply to New Lexapro User, posted by 2gethappy on June 7, 2004, at 13:26:52
I'm not too far ahead of you, I started Lexapro on March 30th (or 29th, I forget now).
I started with 10mg daily (morning dose) and the first week or so was intense. I felt worse than I had in months. Depression and anxiety (especially anxiety) put me down for days. But when it started to work, it really started to work. I felt great, got back on track, and drove on with the task of living my life as well as I can.
Two weeks ago I crashed, and then aweek later I crashed again.. After talking with my pdoc, he upped me to 20mg daily (morning dose) and we're keeping track of how I am doing for two weeks.
Right now I'm cycling faster than Lance Armstrong. It's annoying, but at least I am functional and I know this is temporary. If nothing else, it's better than the crashes I have been through.
As far as weight gain, I have actually lost weight. I flux between 165 and 175, but no matter what I eat it doesn't "stick", which is just fine, but is really weird because even though I excercise and stay pretty active, I've always been someone who has to pay attention to what I eat and how I excercise. I don't know if it is the Lexapro or something else, but I can say I haven't gained a noticeable pound.
If you're having any issues with headaches, I took some advice from Babble and tried acetaminophen. It worked well for me. If you have problems with diarrhea, try an acidophilus suppliment. It worked REALLY well for me.
I "like" Lexapro (meaninf I like it as much as a rational person can like a medication they wish they didn't need in the first place) because I've been playing "musical meds" since 2001 when everything started. Lexapro is the best thing that has happened for me yet, and I'm going to stick with it unless it completely washes out and I have no choice but to start over.
I wish you the best and I really hope this is the right med for you. If it gets hard, try to tough it out and make it to the other side. It's not the easiest option, and I know Lexapro isn't "right" for everyone, but I also know that after trying essentiall everything else, this worked for me (as much as it does). :)
-Scott
Posted by 2gethappy on June 13, 2004, at 15:18:13
In reply to Re: New Lexapro User, posted by Scott in Vermont on June 11, 2004, at 11:24:39
Thanks for your reply and encouragement, Scott! If I can ask, what do you mean by 'cycling'? I'm feeling pretty good. No headaches in the past few days! I am getting some anxiety in the evenings, feeling keyed up, but I am taking a xanax to sleep.
K
> I'm not too far ahead of you, I started Lexapro on March 30th (or 29th, I forget now).
>
> I started with 10mg daily (morning dose) and the first week or so was intense. I felt worse than I had in months. Depression and anxiety (especially anxiety) put me down for days. But when it started to work, it really started to work. I felt great, got back on track, and drove on with the task of living my life as well as I can.
>
> Two weeks ago I crashed, and then aweek later I crashed again.. After talking with my pdoc, he upped me to 20mg daily (morning dose) and we're keeping track of how I am doing for two weeks.
>
> Right now I'm cycling faster than Lance Armstrong. It's annoying, but at least I am functional and I know this is temporary. If nothing else, it's better than the crashes I have been through.
>
> As far as weight gain, I have actually lost weight. I flux between 165 and 175, but no matter what I eat it doesn't "stick", which is just fine, but is really weird because even though I excercise and stay pretty active, I've always been someone who has to pay attention to what I eat and how I excercise. I don't know if it is the Lexapro or something else, but I can say I haven't gained a noticeable pound.
>
> If you're having any issues with headaches, I took some advice from Babble and tried acetaminophen. It worked well for me. If you have problems with diarrhea, try an acidophilus suppliment. It worked REALLY well for me.
>
> I "like" Lexapro (meaninf I like it as much as a rational person can like a medication they wish they didn't need in the first place) because I've been playing "musical meds" since 2001 when everything started. Lexapro is the best thing that has happened for me yet, and I'm going to stick with it unless it completely washes out and I have no choice but to start over.
>
> I wish you the best and I really hope this is the right med for you. If it gets hard, try to tough it out and make it to the other side. It's not the easiest option, and I know Lexapro isn't "right" for everyone, but I also know that after trying essentiall everything else, this worked for me (as much as it does). :)
>
> -Scott
Posted by Scott in Vermont on June 14, 2004, at 12:50:17
In reply to Re: New Lexapro User - ScottinVT, posted by 2gethappy on June 13, 2004, at 15:18:13
"Cycling" as in my moods are changing rapidly with no apparent stimuli or reason. I'm (per my pdoc) Bipolar II, and while I'm finally admitting to an increase of stress in my life (that I can thank my T for pointing out) I wonder if the stress isn't because I'm freaking out, or if I am freaking out because of the stress... it's a vicious downward spiral of the worst kind either way.
I'm hanging on and I'm doing what I'm told to do and I have another pdoc appt next week, if I'm not leveling out by then I'll be trying a mood stablizer... not something I'm looking forward to. I'm hoping the Lexapro gets back on track with the new dose.
-Scott
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