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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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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
Posted by Sarah T. on September 28, 2005, at 23:49:02
In reply to Re: I really love Lexapro » Sarah T., posted by Glydin on September 26, 2005, at 21:10:09
Hi Glydin,
Thanks so much for your reply. Since you did not list Celexa as one of the previous ssri's you've tried, I guess you never took that, right?
I took Wellbutrin for a long time, but in looking back, I don't know how I stayed on it for so long. At the time, I thought it was the least of the evils, but it wasn't. I went through YEARS of insomnia and anxiety on that medicine. I tried combining it with so many other meds to deal with the insomnia, but most of the time, the combinations made the insomnia even worse.
You mentioned that you take Klonopin. That's such a good drug! I like the fact that it is longer-acting than so many other benzodiazapines and, therefore, causes fewer rebound symptoms.
I also have arthritis, but not osteo-arthritis. I thought that high EPA fish oil was having a slightly beneficial effect until the past week or so, when I experienced the most severe joint pains I've ever had. Perhaps it's hormonal. I don't know. Some of my joints were visibly swollen, and they felt as if they were burning. Do you take Advil rather than Aspirin because it helps more at relieving pain or for another reason? Do you know what dose Advil you take?
Thank you.
Sarah
Posted by Phillipa on September 29, 2005, at 0:14:57
In reply to Re: I really love Lexapro » Glydin, posted by Sarah T. on September 28, 2005, at 23:49:02
Sarah, that sounds like rheumatoid arthritis and you need to see a doc for that. They have new medicines out to treat it. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by Glydin on September 29, 2005, at 9:00:53
In reply to Re: I really love Lexapro » Glydin, posted by Sarah T. on September 28, 2005, at 23:49:02
>Hi Glydin,
~~~ Hi there Sarah!!
>Thanks so much for your reply.~~~ You are very welcome.
>Since you did not list Celexa as one of the previous ssri's you've tried, I guess you never took that, right?~~~ Strangely enough, I never have taken Celexa and I don’t really know why. When I did my other SSRI trials I stopped at the ones I listed and after a time tried WB and Cymbalta. When the “demons” hit the first of this year, my doc and I did have a long discussion. He had seen good results in anxiety proned with Lex in his practice. We did discuss other drug classes. I decided to give a SSRI one more chance and Lex looked on paper to be a good choice. It’s turned out well so far.
>I took Wellbutrin for a long time, but in looking back, I don't know how I stayed on it for so long. At the time, I thought it was the least of the evils, but it wasn't. I went through YEARS of insomnia and anxiety on that medicine. I tried combining it with so many other meds to deal with the insomnia, but most of the time, the combinations made the insomnia even worse.
~~~ WB works well for some. I liked the energy but due to the anxiety it produced in me, I was unable to focus that energy very well.
>You mentioned that you take Klonopin. That's such a good drug! I like the fact that it is longer-acting than so many other benzodiazapines and, therefore, causes fewer rebound symptoms.~~~ Klonopin is an old friend. At this point, I know it well and have avoided the pitfalls. It’s been good to me.
>I also have arthritis, but not osteo-arthritis. I thought that high EPA fish oil was having a slightly beneficial effect until the past week or so, when I experienced the most severe joint pains I've ever had. Perhaps it's hormonal. I don't know. Some of my joints were visibly swollen, and they felt as if they were burning. Do you take Advil rather than Aspirin because it helps more at relieving pain or for another reason? Do you know what dose Advil you take?~~~ I have tried various pain and anti-inflammatory options to include Celebrex and Vioxx. The Cox-2’s didn’t seem to help that much. I experimented with various OTC’s – Aspirin, Tylenol (not an anti inflam), Aleve, Orudis…. I found Advil (even over Motrin) seems to work the best for me. I generally do 800mgs per day divided and when it’s REALLY bad I go up to 1,800 mgs per day divided in 3 doses. I do add Prilosec if I do the higher dose for any length of time.
I have some joint swelling and spurring, generally I have pain from muscles and connective tissue compensation. The area effected for me is cervical and thoracic spine and a pesky right elbow.
What type of arthritis do you struggle with?
Good to talk with you,
Glydin
Posted by Glydin on September 29, 2005, at 9:02:57
In reply to Re: I really love Lexapro, posted by grammy on September 28, 2005, at 23:39:27
We are all so different in what works and what doesn't and thankfully, we have choices. I'm glad Cymbalta is working out for you.
Posted by grammy on September 30, 2005, at 1:40:24
In reply to Re: I really love Lexapro » grammy, posted by Glydin on September 29, 2005, at 9:02:57
Glydin, you are right. I am glad Lexapro is working for you. I could tell right away it was not working for me. I guess they just take stabs in the dark since they don't really know what is going on in our brains.
Posted by Phillipa on September 30, 2005, at 18:16:33
In reply to Re: I really love Lexapro, posted by grammy on September 30, 2005, at 1:40:24
Grammy what dose did you start with? Today is the second day of 5mg for me. And truly no change at all. No side effects either. Do you think it's true that after a while your brain just doesn't respond to any of them? Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by maddy4 on September 30, 2005, at 20:37:28
In reply to Re: I really love Lexapro » grammy, posted by Phillipa on September 30, 2005, at 18:16:33
i've decided to try again - after a panic attack today - decided my all natural vitamins werent working!! ;)
took 2.5 mg today (1/4 of the 10 mg) we shall see.
Posted by Glydin on September 30, 2005, at 21:51:20
In reply to Re: I really love Lexapro, posted by maddy4 on September 30, 2005, at 20:37:28
I'm sorry about your panic attack.
I am open for any questions or concerns you might have.
I hope it works really well for you.
Keep the hope, okay?
Posted by Phillipa on September 30, 2005, at 22:12:54
In reply to Re: I really love Lexapro » maddy4, posted by Glydin on September 30, 2005, at 21:51:20
I've been on lexapro 5mg for two days. And absolutely nothing no side effects don't feel any different at all. I also take l5mg of valium to sleep. The doctor said stay on 5mg for three weeks. And he wouldn't give up on it until 20mg. Any adice? Thanks, Fondly, Phillipa
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