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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 55. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Glydin on September 25, 2005, at 8:57:24
I just do.
I am so very glad I endured the first few weeks of some strange and disturbing startup effects. Looking back, maybe I had not been willing to endure that until things got bad enough - which they did when I began the Lex. I was also determined to find a good dose for me and it has been well worth it.
Sometimes, it does work out.
Posted by TamaraJ on September 25, 2005, at 14:14:53
In reply to I really love Lexapro, posted by Glydin on September 25, 2005, at 8:57:24
That is really good news! I am glad it is working for you. If you don't mind my asking, what were the strange and disturbing start-up side effects you experienced? Also, are you on it just for anxiety, and has it been helpful in terms of depression as well.
Thanks, Glydin, and congrats on finding the right med for you. It must be a tremendous relief.
> I just do.
>
> I am so very glad I endured the first few weeks of some strange and disturbing startup effects. Looking back, maybe I had not been willing to endure that until things got bad enough - which they did when I began the Lex. I was also determined to find a good dose for me and it has been well worth it.
>
> Sometimes, it does work out.
Posted by Glydin on September 25, 2005, at 18:03:13
In reply to Re: I really love Lexapro » Glydin, posted by TamaraJ on September 25, 2005, at 14:14:53
Hi TamaraJ
> That is really good news! I am glad it is working for you.~~~Thanks so, I'm well pleased.
>If you don't mind my asking, what were the strange and disturbing start-up side effects you experienced? Also, are you on it just for anxiety, and has it been helpful in terms of depression as well.
~~~I don't mind sharing at all. I guess "strange and disturbing" implied I was running the streets naked and babbling (smile) - which wasn't the case. My startup effects I think were fairly typical of alot of folks - upramp in anxiety and panic attacks, GI disturbances, increased night sweats, lack of appetite, slight sleep disturbance, and a feeling of "weirdness" which was probably some periods derealization. These were not pleasant but I trekked through and approiate use of Klonopin was of help.
I'm using it for both anxiety and depression. Anxiety is my primary problem. I treated anxiety for three years with a benzo only. Due to a number of reasons, I experienced a status change and found myself also dealing with an impressive bout of depression. Lexapro brought me back to "living" and my K dosing has decreased, not being necessary daily at this time but on an "as needed" basis. Dosage changes on the Lex require temporary daily use of the K with that need going back to PRN after a few weeks.
I think one of the lessons I learned was how my anxiety effected my view and tolerance of med use. Anxiety made me very hyperviligent and hyperattentive AND med phobic. It's very difficult to be objective about potential good findings you may achieve while in that state.
I know there are alot of horror stories and that's very unfortunate. I just wanted to post there are successes. I would like to see more of that here. I think there’s a bit of a slanted view that's apparent here... that makes me sad.
Thanks for your kind post - at least someone posted to me and I thank you for that.
Best to you,
Glydin
Posted by Phillipa on September 25, 2005, at 18:52:53
In reply to Re: I really love Lexapro » TamaraJ, posted by Glydin on September 25, 2005, at 18:03:13
Glydin, since my doc is thinking of trying lexapro what dose did you start at and how long did you feel the side effects before any improvement? I've been on most of the ad'd including lexapro. But only stayed on it a short while. That's because I'm med phobic since meds killed my mother. And I have no patience for side effects. But it's been 8 years of misery. So thanks in advance for any additional information. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by spriggy on September 25, 2005, at 19:43:27
In reply to Re: I really love Lexapro » Glydin, posted by Phillipa on September 25, 2005, at 18:52:53
Glydin,
I'm glad to hear you have found relief and feel better. I love hearing those kind of stories.
What dosage are you on?
I wonder if I never gave it enough time (almost 2 months). Some people say it takes about 3 months before you really get the benefits.
Anyway, good to hear some success!
Posted by Glydin on September 25, 2005, at 19:58:12
In reply to Re: I really love Lexapro » Glydin, posted by Phillipa on September 25, 2005, at 18:52:53
> Glydin, since my doc is thinking of trying lexapro what dose did you start at and how long did you feel the side effects before any improvement?
Hi Phillipa,It took about 4 - 6 weeks for max effects. It was a gradual process in term of remission of SE's and revealing fof the good effects.
>And I have no patience for side effects. But it's been 8 years of misery.
I understand that. I really do. What I did find that acceptance of the fact I WOULD have SE's and I would do what I could to try to deal with them did make all the difference... plus using Klonopin. I also realized my disorders were a much a part of the mix of intolerance as the meds themselves. My Mother was a victim of suicide while on psych meds. You would think that would have me totally antimed. Instead, it made me determined to find a good treatment for myself and I know I do require treatment and chemicals are a good answer for me.
I began at 10 mgs and moved up to 20 mgs. 20 mgs works well for me.
Glydin
Posted by TamaraJ on September 25, 2005, at 20:05:55
In reply to Re: I really love Lexapro » TamaraJ, posted by Glydin on September 25, 2005, at 18:03:13
> ~~~I don't mind sharing at all. I guess "strange and disturbing" implied I was running the streets naked and babbling (smile) - which wasn't the case. My startup effects I think were fairly typical of alot of folks - upramp in anxiety and panic attacks, GI disturbances, increased night sweats, lack of appetite, slight sleep disturbance, and a feeling of "weirdness" which was probably some periods derealization. These were not pleasant but I trekked through and approiate use of Klonopin was of help.
>
-- I experienced the same thing when I went on Paxil a number of years ago. Almost couldn't stand it, but I stuck it out, and I was glad I did. It worked wonderfully for me, even at a very low maintenance dose, for many years. I kick myself for having stopped it, especially since I was, the last few years, only taking about 10mg. Oh well, live and learn.> I'm using it for both anxiety and depression. Anxiety is my primary problem. I treated anxiety for three years with a benzo only. Due to a number of reasons, I experienced a status change and found myself also dealing with an impressive bout of depression. Lexapro brought me back to "living" and my K dosing has decreased, not being necessary daily at this time but on an "as needed" basis. Dosage changes on the Lex require temporary daily use of the K with that need going back to PRN after a few weeks.
>
-- It's nice not to have to rely on a benzo on a daily basis. When I was on the Paxil, I usually only needed Xanax when I had really bad PMS.> I think one of the lessons I learned was how my anxiety effected my view and tolerance of med use. Anxiety made me very hyperviligent and hyperattentive AND med phobic. It's very difficult to be objective about potential good findings you may achieve while in that state.
>
-- I can be quite med phobic as well, and can understand and appreciate the hyperviligence and hyperattentiveness, especially to side effects. I rarely even take Tylenol. That's the nice thing, I think, about having a benzo to use during the start-up side effects.> I know there are alot of horror stories and that's very unfortunate. I just wanted to post there are successes. I would like to see more of that here. I think there’s a bit of a slanted view that's apparent here... that makes me sad.
>
-- It's nice to hear about the successes. Again, thanks for sharing yours.> Thanks for your kind post - at least someone posted to me and I thank you for that.
>
-- Just wanted you to know that I always enjoy reading your posts.> Best to you,
>
-- And to you as well. Take care.
>
Tamara
Posted by Glydin on September 25, 2005, at 20:07:45
In reply to Re: I really love Lexapro, posted by spriggy on September 25, 2005, at 19:43:27
> Glydin,
>
> I'm glad to hear you have found relief and feel better. I love hearing those kind of stories.Thank you, spriggy. It feels really good.
>
> What dosage are you on?Started out at 10 mgs and moved up to 20 mgs.
>
> I wonder if I never gave it enough time (almost 2 months). Some people say it takes about 3 months before you really get the benefits.For me, 4 -6 weeks was the max benefit time. I have heard of the timefame being longer. My rule of thumb was to up dose at 8 weeks if things didn't seem to be working.
>
> Anyway, good to hear some success!
Thanks againGlydin
Posted by Glydin on September 25, 2005, at 20:45:09
In reply to Re: I really love Lexapro » Glydin, posted by TamaraJ on September 25, 2005, at 20:05:55
> -- Just wanted you to know that I always enjoy reading your posts.
That's a really nice thing for you to write and a really nice thing for me to read. Thank you.
Posted by Bill LL on September 26, 2005, at 16:30:22
In reply to Re: I really love Lexapro, posted by Glydin on September 25, 2005, at 19:58:12
Same with my mom. But that was before many of the current meds were available.
I have been on Lexapro, and before that it's predecessor Celexa, for years. I take 40 mg.
> > Glydin, since my doc is thinking of trying lexapro what dose did you start at and how long did you feel the side effects before any improvement?
>
>
> Hi Phillipa,
>
> It took about 4 - 6 weeks for max effects. It was a gradual process in term of remission of SE's and revealing fof the good effects.
>
> >And I have no patience for side effects. But it's been 8 years of misery.
>
> I understand that. I really do. What I did find that acceptance of the fact I WOULD have SE's and I would do what I could to try to deal with them did make all the difference... plus using Klonopin. I also realized my disorders were a much a part of the mix of intolerance as the meds themselves. My Mother was a victim of suicide while on psych meds. You would think that would have me totally antimed. Instead, it made me determined to find a good treatment for myself and I know I do require treatment and chemicals are a good answer for me.
>
> I began at 10 mgs and moved up to 20 mgs. 20 mgs works well for me.
>
> Glydin
Posted by Glydin on September 26, 2005, at 17:05:36
In reply to Re: I really love Lexapro, posted by Bill LL on September 26, 2005, at 16:30:22
It's a rough legacy to live with but we must endure and learn from such a difficult piece of our lives. It sounds like you are doing well and I'm so very glad for that and pray it continues for you.
Blessings to you.
Posted by Sarah T. on September 26, 2005, at 20:18:33
In reply to I really love Lexapro, posted by Glydin on September 25, 2005, at 8:57:24
Hi Glydin,
It's so good to hear that you're doing well. I haven't done well on ssri's, but I still haven't given up hope. Actually, Celexa was not right for me, but I haven't been able to spend enough time on Lexapro to give it an adequate trial. Although Lexapro is one of the Celexa isomers, I found it to be quite different from Celexa during the brief time I tried it.
I'd like to ask a few questions, and please forgive me if you and I have already discussed this in a previous thread.
How long have you been on Lexapro?
Have you taken other ssri's? If so, how did you do on them?
Prior to this good experience with Lexapro, were there any other drugs, or was there a particular class of drugs that was especially helpful to you?
Are you currently taking any other medications (traditional or alternative) besides Lexapro?
Thanks for your help.
Sarah
Posted by Glydin on September 26, 2005, at 21:10:09
In reply to Re: I really love Lexapro » Glydin, posted by Sarah T. on September 26, 2005, at 20:18:33
> Hi Glydin,
Hi Sarah,
It's good to see you. I'll be glad to answer your questions.
>
> How long have you been on Lexapro?8 months
>
> Have you taken other ssri's? If so, how did you do on them?Yep - Did not do well with the previous. I have been on Prozac, Zoloft, and Paxil. It's difficult for me to make a true good assessment as I do not think I gave adequate trial to them. At the time I thought I did but most were 3-4 weeks AT MOST of duration. Of them, Zoloft was the worst tolerance - that experience was REALLY not good.
>
> Prior to this good experience with Lexapro, were there any other drugs, or was there a particular class of drugs that was especially helpful to you?I have taken Wellbutrin XL and while it was somewhat helpful for energy and mood, I could not take the upramp of extreme anxiety with the NE influence. I did try Cymbalta when it hit the market. Again, the NE influence wasn't a good thing for me. I've not gone into other AD classes nor other classes of head meds other than benzos.
>
> Are you currently taking any other medications (traditional or alternative) besides Lexapro?I tried MANY alternative supplement options. They were a bust and some of them were not good experiences either.
Right now, I use Klonopin as needed which isn't very often. I may do a multivit and calcium when the mood strikes, but I'm a little vit and mineral sensitive - which sounds silly but I do seem to find that as the case. I have osteoarthritis and I use low dose Advil for maintance and if it flares badly I use a higher dose and add Prilosec. Otherwise, nothing else.
>
> Thanks for your help.You are welcome. Best to you.
Glydin
Posted by blueberry on September 28, 2005, at 4:59:59
In reply to I really love Lexapro, posted by Glydin on September 25, 2005, at 8:57:24
I have only been on lexapro for about 1 1/2 weeks, starting at 2mg, now at 6mg, probably aiming for 10mg. No complaints so far, other than the usual ssri start up side effects. I was on prozac for 5 years prior to that, and then it kind of pooped out finally, and raising the dose only brought me extreme agitation. Did lots of research, and on paper lexapro looked like my best option in terms of side effects. efficacy, speed of onset, and anxiety. So far so good, but we'll see.
Can't give a true assessment of it though, because my dose is low, it's only been a short time, I also take 2.5mg zyprexa twice a day, and there is still some prozac in my system fading away.
Posted by maddy4 on September 28, 2005, at 10:41:31
In reply to Re: I really love Lexapro, posted by blueberry on September 28, 2005, at 4:59:59
hello -
i tried lexapro for two days (5mg) (first time on SSRI in 11 years) it made my eyes dilated and i could not function really so i stopped taking it.i took WB XL first time two night ago (my only problem is anxiety/panic - no depression) it made me have total panic the next day so i did not take it last night.
i am also afraid of SE's - esp panic and weight gain- i give up WAY too easy. did your eyes dialte on lex? should i try lex again at lower dose? OR keep on w. WB instead to insure no weight gain? if i keep on w/ WB and use benzos to get through heinous panic will panic go away?
Posted by Glydin on September 28, 2005, at 11:21:25
In reply to Re: I really love Lexapro GLYDIN, posted by maddy4 on September 28, 2005, at 10:41:31
Hi Maddy,
This is kinda long and probably much more info and opinion than you asked for. (Smile) I hope you can bear with me on my long post to you. (another Smile)
I have been following your posts and I know things have been rough for you. It is so confusing and a trial and error situation to hit upon a good treatment choice.
As I've stated before, it's SO difficult for the anxiety proned to stick with a med. It's the nature of anxiety disorders with hyperattentiveness and we may just be more sensitive to the SE's of meds.
I did trial several SSRI's before allowing myself to give Lex a fighting chance. While I do not recall anything with pupil changes, I did have a number of SE's that were distressing. They did pass and were startup things. Once they passed, I have enjoyed the good effects Lex has had for me.
It is entirely possible to just use a benzo. It's not a popular choice for docs, but it is possible. I did JUST Klonopin for 3 years and it was successful. I do advocate close watching by a doc if you choose this route - at least in the beginning - to assure avoiding pitfalls. Benzos are also really helpful during startups on a new med. Most persons who use benzo's for anxiety treatment are very viligent and careful and most use very approiately for the treatment of a very life impacting health problem. While one can develop a medical dependence - which I had, Addiction - TRUE addiction - does not have to be part of the picture for long term users.
I am of the opinion anxiety and panic are treated and not cured. There are select individuals that have a period of anxiety and panic and that's it. But, for most of us, it's something we must contend with probably a lot of our lives from time to time. I'm not saying that to be negative but I found the reality of that was part of acceptance for me and help me to be more proactive to achieve good treatment.
If you think your panic attacks are sporatic, maybe an "as needed" benzo would work for you. The problem with panic is, it comes with so much dread for anticipation of the next. This led to agoraphobia for me. My choice was to try and have 24 hour coverage for control. So, a long half life benzo was a good choice for that. Regular Xanax is short acting and while acting fast, it burns out fast also. CBT can also be an option and may be of help.
I'll be honest with you, I don't think WB is a good choice for most folks with anxiety problems. That being said, we are all different and one simply does not know if it is a good choice until a decent amount of trial time has passed.
I really do wish you this best in getting a good treatment. It's tough, it really is. But a good doc, possibly use good med(s), possibly use of therapy and educating yourself from GOOD resources, can make a huge difference in quality of life.
Good Luck to you,
Glydin
Posted by Glydin on September 28, 2005, at 11:58:11
In reply to To: maddy4, posted by Glydin on September 28, 2005, at 11:21:25
Believe it or not, I had some else to add.
Have you had a good physical exam with some basic screening bloodwork? A number of other disorders can cause panic. I think ruling out another physical problem is important.
Posted by maddy4 on September 28, 2005, at 16:01:33
In reply to Re: To: maddy4 - To Add, posted by Glydin on September 28, 2005, at 11:58:11
> Believe it or not, I had some else to add.
>
> Have you had a good physical exam with some basic screening bloodwork? A number of other disorders can cause panic. I think ruling out another physical problem is important.Hey - thanks for your lengthy post! :) i need all of the info i can get. yes my OB just did some blood work at my request - checked thyroid and b12 - both were fine.
how long have you been on lexapro? any weight gain? is panic your only thing? maybe i should try it again at a lower dose - say 2.5 mgs and skip the WB XL. i dont know. i really dont want to gain weight. has lexapro changed your eating habits? when did it kick in and really start to help your panic? TIA!!! ;)
Posted by Glydin on September 28, 2005, at 17:37:55
In reply to Re: To: maddy4 - To Add GLYDIN, posted by maddy4 on September 28, 2005, at 16:01:33
> Hey - thanks for your lengthy post! :) i need all of the info i can get. yes my OB just did some blood work at my request - checked thyroid and b12 - both were fine.~~~ That's good.
>
> how long have you been on lexapro?~~~ 8 months
any weight gain?~~~ Nope
is panic your only thing?
~~~ GAD and panic with agoraphobia was my diagnosis for quite a while. The first of this year, I had a status change and I, indeed, was depressed. At that time, my anxiety was well controlled with using Klonopin. I do feel Lex has helped better control anxiety and Klonopin dosing is very low and not needed daily.
maybe i should try it again at a lower dose - say 2.5 mgs and skip the WB XL. i dont know.~~~ I think a discussion with your doc would be good. If you are comfortable with your GYN - I take it that's your prescribing person right now -I would hope they would work with you. If not, maybe getting a pdoc referral wouldn't be a bad idea. While we need to be informed and advocate for ourselves, trying to figure out the right way to go with meds can be very lonely and discouraging if you are trying to figure all this out on your own.
> i really dont want to gain weight.
~~~ I know that's been something concerning to you. Has weight or an eating disorder been a problem for you in the past? Did someone convince you that weight gain would be an issue in you took head meds? I hope it doesn't offend you I would ask that...... That's not my intention.
has lexapro changed your eating habits?~~~ Not really. Decreased my appetite at first and now it's normal for how I've always been.
when did it kick in and really start to help your panic?~~~ At 2 weeks I began to feel a "lifting" and the SE anxiety was controlled. By 4 - 6 weeks I had max effects and all the startup untoward effects had abated.
Posted by Phillipa on September 28, 2005, at 18:07:45
In reply to Re: To: maddy4, posted by Glydin on September 28, 2005, at 17:37:55
This Thread is very important to me as I'll be starting lexapro 5mg tomorrow morning. I can still take my valium at night. But what are the start-up side effects? Hopefully we'll be moving in a few weeks and I have to be able to funtion quite well and be able to drive a car about 6hrs. I have the same problem with being afraid of meds and quitting much too quickly. So everything you can add would help sooooo much! Thanks Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by maddy4 on September 28, 2005, at 19:19:23
In reply to Re: To: maddy4, posted by Glydin on September 28, 2005, at 17:37:55
> ~~~ I think a discussion with your doc would be good. If you are comfortable with your GYN - I take it that's your prescribing person right now -I would hope they would work with you. If not, maybe getting a pdoc referral wouldn't be a bad idea. While we need to be informed and advocate for ourselves, trying to figure out the right way to go with meds can be very lonely and discouraging if you are trying to figure all this out on your own.
***I tired calling an old pdoc (went to him 11ish years ago) to get his take on this - but he was out of office today. im still trying to decide whether to REALLY give the meds a try or go w/ an au natural approach - just received my 260$$ worth of vitamins today - including magnesium glysinate, SAMe, etc.
>
> > i really dont want to gain weight.
>
> ~~~ I know that's been something concerning to you. Has weight or an eating disorder been a problem for you in the past? Did someone convince you that weight gain would be an issue in you took head meds? I hope it doesn't offend you I would ask that...... That's not my intention.*** no offense at all - i am def. obsessed w/ weight - if that qualifies as an ED??? then so be it - i eat normal and what i want - i am thin despite having 3 kids in 4 years - good metabolism - want it and NEED it to stay that way- i just feel like crap when i feel fat and cant wear cute clothes - sounds trivial but it changes everything in life for me to have to go the sweat pant route instead of the jeans and cute shirt route - it make me insane and more irritable.
> when did it kick in and really start to help your panic?
>
> ~~~ At 2 weeks I began to feel a "lifting" and the SE anxiety was controlled. By 4 - 6 weeks I had max effects and all the startup untoward effects had abated.**** so abt two weeks before panic subsided??
thanks again for your very informative posts! cant wait to hear more from you so i can make my decisions!
Posted by Glydin on September 28, 2005, at 19:22:16
In reply to Re: To: maddy4 » Glydin, posted by Phillipa on September 28, 2005, at 18:07:45
> This Thread is very important to me as I'll be starting lexapro 5mg tomorrow morning. I can still take my valium at night.
~~~ As far as I know that's completely fine. If you are concerned - run it by your doc would be my suggestion
> But what are the start-up side effects?~~~ I posted mine above and here's a copy:
{ My startup effects I think were fairly typical of alot of folks - upramp in anxiety and panic attacks, GI disturbances, increased night sweats, lack of appetite, slight sleep disturbance, and a feeling of "weirdness" which was probably some periods derealization. }
Also, at startup, I KNEW I would be really influenced by ANYTHING negative so I limited my time reading and posting here and other boards like this. I also limited doing a lot of research on Lex. I had a good basic understanding of the "working" of the med. Pouring over lists of SE's and failure stories would not be good for me. I knew I was at a point of vulnerability and it would not take much to have me give up at the first blush of experiencing stuff I didn’t like.
> Hopefully we'll be moving in a few weeks and I have to be able to funtion quite well and be able to drive a car about 6hrs. I have the same problem with being afraid of meds and quitting much too quickly.~~~ It’s not easy. In fact, it can be quite difficult. I think the attitude that I WOULD experience startup effects helped me. I decided the startup stuff was part of the process. It was the part of my brain being helped ( and it really NEEDED help) and that time was a transition I had to go though.
> So everything you can add would help sooooo much!~~~I don’t know how helpful my posts are but if they are in the least to anyone, I will feel good about that. I think it’s important for folks having success with their meds to encourage others. One doesn’t read a lot about successes here.
Best,
Glydin
Posted by Glydin on September 28, 2005, at 19:28:44
In reply to Re: To: maddy4 : GLYDIN, posted by maddy4 on September 28, 2005, at 19:19:23
> i just feel like crap when i feel fat and cant wear cute clothes - sounds trivial but it changes everything in life for me to have to go the sweat pant route instead of the jeans and cute shirt route - it make me insane and more irritable.
~~~ I understand that. My self image effects my overall functioning too. As long as you're staying nutritionally sound and doing well there -I say good for you and keep doing what you're doing.
Posted by Sarah T. on September 28, 2005, at 23:17:47
In reply to Re: I really love Lexapro GLYDIN, posted by maddy4 on September 28, 2005, at 10:41:31
Hi maddy,
I don't have much experience with Lexapro, but I did take Celexa for a long time, and I've tried it a few times since. I've noticed that each time I started Celexa, my pupils were very dilated for a few days, but that went away. This has happened with other medications, too. Oddly enough, the pupil dilation was worse for me on ssri's than on stimulants!
As I said, that side effect did go away.
Posted by grammy on September 28, 2005, at 23:39:27
In reply to Re: I really love Lexapro, posted by blueberry on September 28, 2005, at 4:59:59
I took Prozac for 15 years and it pooped out but I was having an extremely rough time. The p-doc didn't want to up my dosage to 40 mg. because he was afraid it might cause agitation or mania. He put me on Cymblta and it is working great. I tried Lexapro and it did nothing for me. Carole
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