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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by LynneDa on June 9, 2004, at 13:33:00
In reply to Re: Lexapro Wearing off after a year?, posted by MoTucker on June 9, 2004, at 13:08:59
Oh MT. . . you are making yourself crazy, aren't you! :-)
I wish I had started taking Lex when I was planning my wedding (2nd marriage in July 2002 as a 39-year-old, 3 kids between us, fiance in grad school full time due to a job lay off so not around much, sold my condo, moved and planned a big wedding in 6 months, etc.!).
Here's the deal on kids - you get a lot more back from them than you do a puppy and you have 9 months to prepare for the responsibility :-). You'll do fine!
Don't let your negative talk start rolling, take your Klonopin and get rid of it. Now is not the time to try to change, correct, amend, etc, your personality. Just maintain while you plan your wedding . . . and work on yourself later!! Kind of cynical advice I guess, but pretty realistic.
The negative self-talk is the biggest thing I have to work on in therapy. It is so hard, I know, it's like it has a life of its own! You'll get to it eventually. At least you recognize the things you need to work on. Many people aren't even that far along! I just know that I have to stop thinking after 11pm or I'm in trouble!
Take care!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Thanks for your support, Lynne. I can't tell you how much it means to hear someone relate - especially to the negative-talk. I wish I could control it.
>
> The physical responses I have are directly related to the panic attack. Usually within 5 minutes of the episode's start I have it happen. It depends upon the severity of the attack, however. The gagging only happens when it's particularly bad.
>
> Maybe I will look into Wellbutrin or an increased dose of the Lexapro. I was hoping to some day get some counseling to deal with my root issues and maybe get off the medicine - but it's not looking good for me. I might be a tough case.
>
> We did get a new puppy - which I think has oddly exagerrated my stress at work and stress about trying to get my wedding planned. He is a lot of work - and is so NEEDY. It's scary to have someone need you. Last night's anxiety started with "we are nuts to have gotten this dog" and ended with "if I can't handle a dog how will I handle children and if I don't want to have children maybe that means I'm cold or maybe it means that I haven't found the right man because why wouldn't I want to have children with the one I love..."
>
> And on and on it went.
>
> Thanks again for your support. I'm very glad to have found this message board.
>
> M.T.
Posted by Mrs. C on June 9, 2004, at 19:51:50
In reply to RE:: Tweek, posted by Tweek on June 9, 2004, at 11:10:36
Tweek, hang in there dear. It passes. You will be surprised at how good you will feel if you can stick it out. I know it's hard. Been there! I take my lex right before I go to bed. I have never had any trouble sleeping but my worst jitters are always in the morning. They subside by mid morning and by afternoon I am myself again. I don't feel it at all anymore unless I am really upset about something or my period is coming. Will be thinking about you! Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs. C on June 9, 2004, at 19:55:08
In reply to Lexapro Wearing off after a year?, posted by MoTucker on June 9, 2004, at 11:36:12
Hi M.T., I am thinking it may be time for an increase. Most of us here are taking 20mgs. I also experienced the "poop out" you are describing about five months into 10mgs. I increased to 20 and feel pretty good. No side effects to mention. My sex drive has always been kind of crappy so I can't really say I have noticed any difference there. It isn't better or worse. Sorry I can't help you there. Hope you feel better soon. You have come to the right place for supportive friends. Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs. C on June 9, 2004, at 20:00:16
In reply to Re: Lexapro Wearing off after a year?, posted by MoTucker on June 9, 2004, at 13:08:59
I can so relate to you!! I was the same way when I was in my twenties! How old are you? Unfortunately I didn't see a problem with how I reacted to things so never got help until last year! You can overcome those feelings with lex to help you and you can learn to deal with stress better. Alot of it comes with age and experience. Sounds corney but so true! Good luck. Mrs. C
Posted by Dr. Bob on June 9, 2004, at 20:51:34
In reply to RE:: Tweek, posted by Tweek on June 9, 2004, at 11:10:36
> I should have asked when I was at my gp, but I must have had a brainf[*]rt.
Sorry to be such a prude, but please don't use language that could offend others.
If you have any questions or comments about this or about posting policies in general, or are interested in alternative ways of expressing yourself, please see the FAQ:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil
or redirect a follow-up to Psycho-Babble Administration.
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by MoTucker on June 10, 2004, at 9:16:12
In reply to Re: Lexapro Wearing off after a year?, posted by Mrs. C on June 9, 2004, at 19:55:08
I will have to ask my doctor about the 20 mg dose. Has anyone had to keep stepping up? Or do people tend to plateau out on 20 mg?
M.T.
Posted by MoTucker on June 10, 2004, at 9:16:19
In reply to Re: Lexapro Wearing off after a year?, posted by Mrs. C on June 9, 2004, at 20:00:16
Mrs C,
I'm 26. So you're dead-on. I got progressively more and more wound up from the age of 18 to 24. Then it all blew up and the anxiety started. I've been on the meds, like I said, for just over a year. But I'm still learning to deal with stress.
Writing about this and reading all of the support has made me feel so much better. No anxiety last night. I had a great talk with my fiance. The dog slept through the night - it was as if there was someone "up there" rewarding me for trying to get better.
M.T.
> I can so relate to you!! I was the same way when I was in my twenties! How old are you? Unfortunately I didn't see a problem with how I reacted to things so never got help until last year! You can overcome those feelings with lex to help you and you can learn to deal with stress better. Alot of it comes with age and experience. Sounds corney but so true! Good luck. Mrs. C
Posted by LynneDa on June 10, 2004, at 10:03:14
In reply to Re: Lexapro Wearing off after a year?, posted by MoTucker on June 10, 2004, at 9:16:19
Yea MT!!! So glad to hear you had a good night's sleep and puppy did too! Sleep can make such a difference when dealing with anxiety!!! And of course so does talking it out and writing about it. Have a good day!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Mrs C,
>
> I'm 26. So you're dead-on. I got progressively more and more wound up from the age of 18 to 24. Then it all blew up and the anxiety started. I've been on the meds, like I said, for just over a year. But I'm still learning to deal with stress.
>
> Writing about this and reading all of the support has made me feel so much better. No anxiety last night. I had a great talk with my fiance. The dog slept through the night - it was as if there was someone "up there" rewarding me for trying to get better.
>
> M.T.
>
>
> > I can so relate to you!! I was the same way when I was in my twenties! How old are you? Unfortunately I didn't see a problem with how I reacted to things so never got help until last year! You can overcome those feelings with lex to help you and you can learn to deal with stress better. Alot of it comes with age and experience. Sounds corney but so true! Good luck. Mrs. C
>
>
Posted by Mariposa on June 10, 2004, at 10:50:21
In reply to Re: Lexapro Wearing off after a year?, posted by MoTucker on June 10, 2004, at 9:16:12
> I will have to ask my doctor about the 20 mg dose. Has anyone had to keep stepping up? Or do people tend to plateau out on 20 mg?
>
> M.T.MT - Started at 5mg, 10mg wk 5, 20mg mo 5, 30mg 1 yr. ~~~8|8
Posted by Tweek on June 10, 2004, at 11:59:14
In reply to RE: please be civil » Tweek, posted by Dr. Bob on June 9, 2004, at 20:51:34
Sorry about that! I'll be more careful next time!
Posted by joslynn on June 10, 2004, at 14:35:25
In reply to Lexapro Wearing off after a year?, posted by MoTucker on June 9, 2004, at 11:36:12
I am on Lex, and barely ever think about sex as I used to, but I don't care much about that because I am single.
It is definitely less of a desire since going on ADs. It just doesn't enter my mind much anymore.
Posted by MoTucker on June 10, 2004, at 14:56:28
In reply to Re: Lexapro Wearing off after a year?, posted by joslynn on June 10, 2004, at 14:35:25
I hear you. It's like I could take it or leave it. If single I'd be more than fine.
I guess Lex has *less* sexual side-effects... but definitely not *none*. I wonder if its certain medicines that are more likely to cause the effects, or if it is certain people who are more prone experience sexual side-effects regardless of the medicine.
In my relationship the Lex makes it so I don't miss the sex, but I miss the intimacy still. I just don't feel connected to him in exactly the same way when we haven't had sex in weeks. So I have to force myself to get into it so I can have that closeness... I don't like it... but I don't see a way around it, either.
M.T.
> I am on Lex, and barely ever think about sex as I used to, but I don't care much about that because I am single.
>
> It is definitely less of a desire since going on ADs. It just doesn't enter my mind much anymore.
Posted by LynneDa on June 10, 2004, at 15:01:54
In reply to Re: Lexapro Wearing off after a year?, posted by MoTucker on June 10, 2004, at 14:56:28
M.T. & others -
I know this is getting a bit personal, but for me I just need a lot more foreplay. That helped and also created more intimacy (which of course we like almost as much as the actual act!). It was hard to talk about it at first and to get him to be okay with it . . . but it eventually worked!
Good luck!~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I hear you. It's like I could take it or leave it. If single I'd be more than fine.
>
> I guess Lex has *less* sexual side-effects... but definitely not *none*. I wonder if its certain medicines that are more likely to cause the effects, or if it is certain people who are more prone experience sexual side-effects regardless of the medicine.
>
> In my relationship the Lex makes it so I don't miss the sex, but I miss the intimacy still. I just don't feel connected to him in exactly the same way when we haven't had sex in weeks. So I have to force myself to get into it so I can have that closeness... I don't like it... but I don't see a way around it, either.
>
> M.T.
>
>
Posted by mystic on June 11, 2004, at 8:57:42
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful » jjana, posted by worrywort on May 13, 2003, at 12:43:06
Tweek..how goes the battle...are you on 5mgs is that working ok for you..just checking in..Mystic
Posted by nicko on June 11, 2004, at 9:32:23
In reply to Re: New Lex user, posted by Mrs. C on June 5, 2004, at 18:55:43
Hi all im a new lex user,
i have been little down for a few months now and went to the dr and was told i have mild anxiety and mild depression, i took my first LEX tablet this afternoon 10mg and i have to say it took alot, i didn't want too, i almost had to force it down. sighWithin an hour or so of taking it, i felt funny, tired but unable to sleep, and alittle spaced out and TENSE, i had only slept a couple of hours the night before so i know that didn't help, so i tried to lay down and i feel asleep for about 40 minutes and when i woke i was in a major panic, i jumped out of bed and turned the light and felt horrible and took me almost 2 hours to calm down, the whole time ive felt my heart pumping ,racing, im sure you know the sensation im talking about, i felt like i was going mad!
Its now night time here and im too scared to go to sleep, im not tired yet anyway, but i don't want to feel that again, i don't think I'll take it anymore if its going to make me like this, can you guys offer any help or something :(
Posted by LynneDa on June 11, 2004, at 9:46:31
In reply to Re: New Lex user, posted by nicko on June 11, 2004, at 9:32:23
Hi Nicko and welcome!
What you are feeling is pretty normal!! It may take a couple of weeks for your brain and body to sort everything out. You're experiencing the "tired but wired" syndrome and the weird panic attacks that are only your brain trying to adjust.One suggestion is to take something to help you sleep at night - an antihistamine or Tylenol PM, melatonin, stuff like that. A good night's sleep definitely helps! If the anxiety/panic attacks are too rough, see if your doctor will prescribe something mild just to get you through the initial side effects. If you don't want to take another med, there are herbal remedies that might help you relax right now. You can find those on the babble alternative site. I used to use this lavender/vanilla spray I found at Bath & Body and it relaxed me a bit. I also used to smell this essential oil with roses in it called "Joy" and that also helped me focus and relax. Get a massage, take a warm bath, exercise - whatever you have to do that can help you calm down and focus on anything but those anxious feelings! Do you have someone in your home who knows what you are going through? Talk to them about it too.
I know you feel like quitting . . . we all did! But if you can get through this week and next, I promise you will start feeling better! If your symptoms are too severe, maybe cut down to 5mg for a few weeks then go up to 10mg. Talk to your doctor and see what ideas he/she has for you.
By the way, where are you that it is night? (It's 9:30 in the morning where I am!).
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Hi all im a new lex user,
> i have been little down for a few months now and went to the dr and was told i have mild anxiety and mild depression, i took my first LEX tablet this afternoon 10mg and i have to say it took alot, i didn't want too, i almost had to force it down. sigh
>
> Within an hour or so of taking it, i felt funny, tired but unable to sleep, and alittle spaced out and TENSE, i had only slept a couple of hours the night before so i know that didn't help, so i tried to lay down and i feel asleep for about 40 minutes and when i woke i was in a major panic, i jumped out of bed and turned the light and felt horrible and took me almost 2 hours to calm down, the whole time ive felt my heart pumping ,racing, im sure you know the sensation im talking about, i felt like i was going mad!
>
> Its now night time here and im too scared to go to sleep, im not tired yet anyway, but i don't want to feel that again, i don't think I'll take it anymore if its going to make me like this, can you guys offer any help or something :(
Posted by nicko on June 11, 2004, at 9:53:01
In reply to Re: New Lex user » nicko, posted by LynneDa on June 11, 2004, at 9:46:31
Ty for the welome lynne, im feeling pretty crap right now, depressed and anxious, it nearly 1am here, in Aussie land, the dr gave me some mild sedatives as i was told its sometimes hard to sleep for the first few days, but im freaked to take them too
> Hi Nicko and welcome!
> What you are feeling is pretty normal!! It may take a couple of weeks for your brain and body to sort everything out. You're experiencing the "tired but wired" syndrome and the weird panic attacks that are only your brain trying to adjust.
>
> One suggestion is to take something to help you sleep at night - an antihistamine or Tylenol PM, melatonin, stuff like that. A good night's sleep definitely helps! If the anxiety/panic attacks are too rough, see if your doctor will prescribe something mild just to get you through the initial side effects. If you don't want to take another med, there are herbal remedies that might help you relax right now. You can find those on the babble alternative site. I used to use this lavender/vanilla spray I found at Bath & Body and it relaxed me a bit. I also used to smell this essential oil with roses in it called "Joy" and that also helped me focus and relax. Get a massage, take a warm bath, exercise - whatever you have to do that can help you calm down and focus on anything but those anxious feelings! Do you have someone in your home who knows what you are going through? Talk to them about it too.
>
> I know you feel like quitting . . . we all did! But if you can get through this week and next, I promise you will start feeling better! If your symptoms are too severe, maybe cut down to 5mg for a few weeks then go up to 10mg. Talk to your doctor and see what ideas he/she has for you.
>
> By the way, where are you that it is night? (It's 9:30 in the morning where I am!).
> ~ Lynne
> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>
>
>
> Hi all im a new lex user,
> > i have been little down for a few months now and went to the dr and was told i have mild anxiety and mild depression, i took my first LEX tablet this afternoon 10mg and i have to say it took alot, i didn't want too, i almost had to force it down. sigh
> >
> > Within an hour or so of taking it, i felt funny, tired but unable to sleep, and alittle spaced out and TENSE, i had only slept a couple of hours the night before so i know that didn't help, so i tried to lay down and i feel asleep for about 40 minutes and when i woke i was in a major panic, i jumped out of bed and turned the light and felt horrible and took me almost 2 hours to calm down, the whole time ive felt my heart pumping ,racing, im sure you know the sensation im talking about, i felt like i was going mad!
> >
> > Its now night time here and im too scared to go to sleep, im not tired yet anyway, but i don't want to feel that again, i don't think I'll take it anymore if its going to make me like this, can you guys offer any help or something :(
>
>
Posted by mystic on June 11, 2004, at 9:58:40
In reply to Re: New Lex user, posted by nicko on June 11, 2004, at 9:53:01
Nicko..You have come to the right place...everyone in here is here to help you and that is what you will get help..support..acceptance..knowledge.and so much more...
I have been on lex for about 15 weeks and at first you do get anxious and feel like you are jumping out of your skin..I'm very very med phobic so took me about 2 months to take that first pill so you are doing good...You can also take Xanax or something like that even though I'm med phobic I did take that for the first couple of weeks to counter act the anxiousness..My dr wanted me to take it longer as to not suffer but too stubborn...
Just keep posting and know that there is always somewhere there for you..take care and hope today is a better day for you!!!!!!!!!!!!....mystic
Posted by LynneDa on June 11, 2004, at 10:06:22
In reply to Re: New Lex user, posted by nicko on June 11, 2004, at 9:53:01
I understand. I can promise you sleep is the best remedy right now. If you are fearful of taking meds, you probably are not the type to get addicted to them! I took Ambien for 7 days then got off of them cuz I liked them too much! But, they did break my insomnia cycle. Maybe just cut the sedative in half? You have to do something for yourself so you can get through this. You can do it!!! It'll be okay. Just try it one night. If it doesn't work, then go on to something else!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Ty for the welome lynne, im feeling pretty crap right now, depressed and anxious, it nearly 1am here, in Aussie land, the dr gave me some mild sedatives as i was told its sometimes hard to sleep for the first few days, but im freaked to take them too
Posted by nicko on June 11, 2004, at 10:13:08
In reply to Re: New Lex user » nicko, posted by LynneDa on June 11, 2004, at 10:06:22
Thanks Lynne and mystic, it means alot to me right now! It just sucks that i was basically ok before i started this and now everything is so much worse, i don't get that, it doesnt make sense to me.
i think will take a sedative cause im sick of thinking, ive had enough for one day
> I understand. I can promise you sleep is the best remedy right now. If you are fearful of taking meds, you probably are not the type to get addicted to them! I took Ambien for 7 days then got off of them cuz I liked them too much! But, they did break my insomnia cycle. Maybe just cut the sedative in half? You have to do something for yourself so you can get through this. You can do it!!! It'll be okay. Just try it one night. If it doesn't work, then go on to something else!
> ~ Lynne
> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>
>
> Ty for the welome lynne, im feeling pretty crap right now, depressed and anxious, it nearly 1am here, in Aussie land, the dr gave me some mild sedatives as i was told its sometimes hard to sleep for the first few days, but im freaked to take them too
>
>
Posted by h on June 11, 2004, at 10:14:40
In reply to Re: New Lex user, posted by nicko on June 11, 2004, at 9:32:23
> Hi all im a new lex user,
> i have been little down for a few months now and went to the dr and was told i have mild anxiety and mild depression, i took my first LEX tablet this afternoon 10mg and i have to say it took alot, i didn't want too, i almost had to force it down. sigh
>
> Within an hour or so of taking it, i felt funny, tired but unable to sleep, and alittle spaced out and TENSE, i had only slept a couple of hours the night before so i know that didn't help, so i tried to lay down and i feel asleep for about 40 minutes and when i woke i was in a major panic, i jumped out of bed and turned the light and felt horrible and took me almost 2 hours to calm down, the whole time ive felt my heart pumping ,racing, im sure you know the sensation im talking about, i felt like i was going mad!
>
> Its now night time here and im too scared to go to sleep, im not tired yet anyway, but i don't want to feel that again, i don't think I'll take it anymore if its going to make me like this, can you guys offer any help or something :(
Hey there! I'm new too. I felt like I was getting poisoned when I started a few weeks ago on my first 10 mg dose. I called my dr and said I can't take this stuff, it's making me sleepy and nauseous and sick. He suggested I cut the pills in half. I did better than that: I cut them in quarters and took just those (2.5 mg) for the first week. Then up to a half. Then 3/4. Now I'm at a whole and it does make a difference. I would talk to your dr about trying that. After all, if the point is to stay on the med, it's better to ramp up slowly. Best to you! h
Posted by LynneDa on June 11, 2004, at 10:16:50
In reply to Re: New Lex user, posted by nicko on June 11, 2004, at 10:13:08
Good luck Nicko, let us know how you're doing tomorrow!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Thanks Lynne and mystic, it means alot to me right now! It just sucks that i was basically ok before i started this and now everything is so much worse, i don't get that, it doesnt make sense to me.
> i think will take a sedative cause im sick of thinking, ive had enough for one day
>
>
Posted by nicko on June 11, 2004, at 10:33:14
In reply to Re: New Lex user, posted by h on June 11, 2004, at 10:14:40
How did that go? did you feel much better doing it that way? oh yeah im still awake lol, did it make a huge difference? i cant see or speak to my dr till tuesday, i need to try something or i will just go off them.
>
> Hey there! I'm new too. I felt like I was getting poisoned when I started a few weeks ago on my first 10 mg dose. I called my dr and said I can't take this stuff, it's making me sleepy and nauseous and sick. He suggested I cut the pills in half. I did better than that: I cut them in quarters and took just those (2.5 mg) for the first week. Then up to a half. Then 3/4. Now I'm at a whole and it does make a difference. I would talk to your dr about trying that. After all, if the point is to stay on the med, it's better to ramp up slowly. Best to you! h
>
>
Posted by Tweek on June 11, 2004, at 10:48:22
In reply to Re: New Lex user, posted by nicko on June 11, 2004, at 9:32:23
I know exactly how you feel! I started at 10 mg and went through the exact same thing. Cut it in half, then decided to stop taking it until I saw my gp this past Monday. I'm started taking it again, and am at 5 mg now, day 3. Still having trouble with it, but it's much easier to deal with than the 10 mg! The morning anxiety is enough to make me want to quit taking it, especially since I'm still having trouble accepting the medication, but I'm gonna try to stay on at least a couple more weeks! I have a bottle of clonazepam (klonopin), have been trying to avoid taking it, even though I should probably take it for a little while. But if I can get through this, then anyone can! :)
> Hi all im a new lex user,
> i have been little down for a few months now and went to the dr and was told i have mild anxiety and mild depression, i took my first LEX tablet this afternoon 10mg and i have to say it took alot, i didn't want too, i almost had to force it down. sigh
>
> Within an hour or so of taking it, i felt funny, tired but unable to sleep, and alittle spaced out and TENSE, i had only slept a couple of hours the night before so i know that didn't help, so i tried to lay down and i feel asleep for about 40 minutes and when i woke i was in a major panic, i jumped out of bed and turned the light and felt horrible and took me almost 2 hours to calm down, the whole time ive felt my heart pumping ,racing, im sure you know the sensation im talking about, i felt like i was going mad!
>
> Its now night time here and im too scared to go to sleep, im not tired yet anyway, but i don't want to feel that again, i don't think I'll take it anymore if its going to make me like this, can you guys offer any help or something :(
Posted by Tweek on June 11, 2004, at 10:58:07
In reply to RE::: Tweek, posted by mystic on June 11, 2004, at 8:57:42
The 5 mg is easier w/ side effects than when I started the 10 mg, but still having bad morning anxiety. It's really almost unbearable, but I'm not comfortable taking a sedative in the morning before I drive to work. I wake up about 2 hours before my alarm goes off all panicky, worrying about everything, and if and when I drift back off to sleep, it's not restful at all. I hope this stops soon...
> Tweek..how goes the battle...are you on 5mgs is that working ok for you..just checking in..Mystic
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