![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 25. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by maddy4 on October 10, 2005, at 9:21:01
im on day 11 of 2.5 mg of lexapro - i have NEVER been this panicky before - have to take a xanax daily and had trouble going to the grocery!!! yesterday - so it is MAKING ME NUTS (have NEVER had issues w. going to grocery, etc).
today had a MASSIVE panic attack this morning - i have noticed this - my last 3 panic attacks - all happen when i am on my morning walk exercising. the first two i was strolling (briskly for exercise) my child to school and had them once i got to the school - today i was race walking, saw someone i knew and thought i was hyperventilating - it just came over me and was one of the worst - i usually dont truly think i am going to hyperventilate and pass out.
should i keep giving the lex a chance?...is 2.5 mg not enough? im lost - why take something that is making me worse panic-wise than i have ever been in my entire life?
and IF this is a start up SE - why on EARTH would a start up SE be like this? WHO can go thru this to get to the good part??? i feel INSANE
Posted by Glydin on October 10, 2005, at 10:46:05
In reply to lexapro and panic HELP AGAIN, posted by maddy4 on October 10, 2005, at 9:21:01
if you are having as an intense a reaction as you are having on such low a dose.
It's been great for me and I am grateful for it but it may not be a good choice for you. Call your doc and report your findings. I would have hoped this was a good answer for you, but maybe it's not.
There are plenty of choices. One person's "poison" is another's "paradise".
I'm so sorry this is turning out this way and I hope you can get conrol of your anxiety and panic problem.
Posted by maddy4 on October 10, 2005, at 11:17:14
In reply to Maybe it's time to stop it » maddy4, posted by Glydin on October 10, 2005, at 10:46:05
i dont know what to do - since my OB gave it to me i'd rather find a doctor that really knows abt SSRIs - have been trying to find someone today. maybe i should stop. maybe i should up my dose. maybe im not giving it enough time.
in your opinion, would the start up SEs be fading now and i'd have noticably less anxiety - or is 11 days not enough?
Posted by Glydin on October 10, 2005, at 11:53:19
In reply to glydin, posted by maddy4 on October 10, 2005, at 11:17:14
Hi maddy4,
> i dont know what to do - since my OB gave it to me i'd rather find a doctor that really knows abt SSRIs - have been trying to find someone today. maybe i should stop. maybe i should up my dose. maybe im not giving it enough time.
~~~ I do think you need some guidence from a doc. Maybe your family doc could be of help? It's not the best option but that might be a better way to go. I wish I did have the answer as to what you should do. I only know my reactions to startup were a combo of the actions of the med itself and MY mind's reaction. I know it was difficult for me to think objectively with anxiety and panic so at the forefront.
>
> in your opinion, would the start up SEs be fading now and i'd have noticably less anxiety - or is 11 days not enough?~~~ I'm really not sure. It did take about 2 weeks for me to begin to notice the easing of the startup stuff and when I upped my dose, it was about 2 weeks to adjust to the new dose. Using Klonopin was really helpful during this time and I was able to decrease the K dose when the Lex kicked in.
Have you thought about therapy - either while trying to find a good med for you or alone without going the med route? I do think it can be helpful.
Thinking of you,
Glydin
Posted by Phillipa on October 10, 2005, at 19:31:06
In reply to maddy4, posted by Glydin on October 10, 2005, at 11:53:19
Maddy, since I stopped the lexapro I no longer have the twitching. Still depressed and anxious on luvox but much less stimulating. I agree with Glyndin a pdoc is in order. OBGYN's just don't study these meds. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by maddy4 on October 10, 2005, at 20:19:24
In reply to Re: maddy4, posted by Phillipa on October 10, 2005, at 19:31:06
i have an appt tomorrow - will keep you posted. felt horrible today - stomach in knots. i hate this.
Posted by Glydin on October 10, 2005, at 20:30:33
In reply to update, posted by maddy4 on October 10, 2005, at 20:19:24
Wonderful!!
Please let us know how it goes.
I know this is really tough.
Posted by Phillipa on October 10, 2005, at 21:20:54
In reply to Re: update » maddy4, posted by Glydin on October 10, 2005, at 20:30:33
Maddy, fantastic, and keep us posted. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by maddy4 on October 10, 2005, at 21:48:48
In reply to Re: update, posted by Phillipa on October 10, 2005, at 21:20:54
thanks! will check in - am feeling unsure abt all of this - hate getting into the pdoc and pharm. co. world $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ but gotta do it. would prob help if i went in more positive. hope i am not agoraphobic by tom. ;)
Posted by catachrest on October 11, 2005, at 9:33:10
In reply to Re: update, posted by maddy4 on October 10, 2005, at 21:48:48
If it's any consolation, I too had a lot of panic attacks, much increased when I began Cipralex (Lexapro in the US). At first it was unbearable, especially bad at work, but after awhile it did level off and start to help. Now I haven't had a real panic attack in awhile, though I still do have some depression and some other irksome side effects. Not as bad as Effexor so far though - my mind isn't so fuzzy and I don't get as much of the 'electric shock' thing going on.
Your panic attacks sound more severe than mine though, so I hope you can get some good advice from your doctor. Just thought I'd say, 'I feel your pain'. :)
Susan
Posted by maddy4 on October 11, 2005, at 19:21:16
In reply to Re: update, posted by catachrest on October 11, 2005, at 9:33:10
he said 2.5 mg of lex is not a theraputic dose - told me to go up to 5mg and stick w. it a bit. also gave me klonopin and xanax as needed. we shall see. im going to try i guess. feel better that i talked to him rather than an OB. he was nice. i expect i will be feeling weird going up to 5mg. at least maybe not so panicky though! i hope.
Posted by Glydin on October 11, 2005, at 20:16:40
In reply to so went to pdoc, posted by maddy4 on October 11, 2005, at 19:21:16
I know this is really, really hard and I'm sorry it's that way.I am supportive of you and wishing you well whether you stick with the Lex or not. I am serious when I tell you it's been so good to me and it was rough at first, but it's been worth it for me.
I'm glad you made the doc visit.
Do you have followup appointments set up?
Posted by Emily Elizabeth on October 11, 2005, at 20:33:07
In reply to so went to pdoc, posted by maddy4 on October 11, 2005, at 19:21:16
Good for you for going to the pdoc. I always encourage people to see a pdoc over a regular doc for these things. They are much more likely to know what they are doing with these meds.
You are so lucky to have gotten in w/ the pdoc so soon. Around here it can be weeks--if you even can find someone who is taking new patients!
Hang in there and keep us posted!
Best,
EE
Posted by maddy4 on October 11, 2005, at 20:41:13
In reply to Re: so went to pdoc » maddy4, posted by Glydin on October 11, 2005, at 20:16:40
>
> I know this is really, really hard and I'm sorry it's that way.
>
> I am supportive of you and wishing you well whether you stick with the Lex or not. I am serious when I tell you it's been so good to me and it was rough at first, but it's been worth it for me.
>
> I'm glad you made the doc visit.
>
> Do you have followup appointments set up?thanks!! - am setting up a follow up tomorrow. took my 5 mg tonight - am ready for tomorrows wild ride! :0 not sure i'l take everything the exact way he said - id be a zombie on klonopin 2xd and xanax 3xd -but as needed - so might adjust that part - but will stick out 5mg of lex
Posted by maddy4 on October 11, 2005, at 20:42:39
In reply to Re: so went to pdoc » maddy4, posted by Emily Elizabeth on October 11, 2005, at 20:33:07
> Good for you for going to the pdoc. I always encourage people to see a pdoc over a regular doc for these things. They are much more likely to know what they are doing with these meds.
>
> You are so lucky to have gotten in w/ the pdoc so soon. Around here it can be weeks--if you even can find someone who is taking new patients!
>
> Hang in there and keep us posted!
>
> Best,
> EEi responded to this once but it didnt go through!
i am lucky - have a family full of doc.s so getting a work in is easy for me. ;)
Posted by Phillipa on October 11, 2005, at 20:51:33
In reply to Re: so went to pdoc, posted by maddy4 on October 11, 2005, at 20:42:39
Maddy you're lucky to have doctors in the family. That way they can make sure you have a good one. Good luck with your new regime. Only thing I don't like is now it's three meds instead of two. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by maddy4 on October 11, 2005, at 22:04:11
In reply to Re: so went to pdoc » maddy4, posted by Phillipa on October 11, 2005, at 20:51:33
> Maddy you're lucky to have doctors in the family. That way they can make sure you have a good one. Good luck with your new regime. Only thing I don't like is now it's three meds instead of two. Fondly, Phillipa
re: 3 meds instead of two - at this point - im thinking whatever- three meds and no panic vs. two meds and panic....3 meds wins! ;)but i'll have to wait and see. certainly will not be taking the xan as recommended - - i just reread it - its 4 x a day as needed! i only take it ONCE a day now (in past 12 days on lex)
...so doubt i'll be taking all that....esp w/ klonopin added.
guess i have just officially committed myself to the world of brain altering drugs - for real. dont know if this is a good or bad thing. am relieved and sad abt it all at same time.
Posted by Glydin on October 11, 2005, at 22:27:07
In reply to Re: so went to pdoc, posted by maddy4 on October 11, 2005, at 22:04:11
> guess i have just officially committed myself to the world of brain altering drugs - for real. dont know if this is a good or bad thing. am relieved and sad abt it all at same time.
>
I think that's a normal reaction. It's something most of us have struggled with once we get passed the denial and the "maybe it will just go away".... after that, we are left with the reality of the entire situation. It's not an easy peace to make but it is possible to be okay with it.A very wise person once told me something that has always stayed with me and I try to remember the thought in those words when I start feeling "funny" about needing some "chemical intervention" to be okay. The words are: We have a finite number of days on this earth. We have a choice as to how we spend those days. We can try and seek the best life possible and live with some measure of contentment that we did the best we could or we can give into the negative aspects of our lives and just survive day to day.
For me, doing all I could included giving into things I didn't like to improve the quality of my life. For me, this meant making peace that meds would be a part of the plan. I'm probably a lifer, but it's alright with me.
Okay, I have stepped off my soapbox (smile).
Good luck to you. Please keep checking in.
Posted by Glydin on October 12, 2005, at 9:12:36
In reply to Re: so went to pdoc » maddy4, posted by Glydin on October 11, 2005, at 22:27:07
A question: Are you sleeping okay? I found that's a biggie to getting well.
Hope today goes alright for you.
Posted by maddy4 on October 12, 2005, at 10:01:39
In reply to Re: so went to pdoc » maddy4, posted by Glydin on October 11, 2005, at 22:27:07
>
> > guess i have just officially committed myself to the world of brain altering drugs - for real. dont know if this is a good or bad thing. am relieved and sad abt it all at same time.
> >
>
>
> I think that's a normal reaction. It's something most of us have struggled with once we get passed the denial and the "maybe it will just go away".... after that, we are left with the reality of the entire situation. It's not an easy peace to make but it is possible to be okay with it.
>
> A very wise person once told me something that has always stayed with me and I try to remember the thought in those words when I start feeling "funny" about needing some "chemical intervention" to be okay. The words are: We have a finite number of days on this earth. We have a choice as to how we spend those days. We can try and seek the best life possible and live with some measure of contentment that we did the best we could or we can give into the negative aspects of our lives and just survive day to day.
>
> For me, doing all I could included giving into things I didn't like to improve the quality of my life. For me, this meant making peace that meds would be a part of the plan. I'm probably a lifer, but it's alright with me.
>
> Okay, I have stepped off my soapbox (smile).
>
> Good luck to you. Please keep checking in.
>thank you! your friends words were great and eloquent - thanks so much for sharing them and continuing to share your experience w. me.
Posted by maddy4 on October 12, 2005, at 10:05:39
In reply to How's today, maddy4 ?, posted by Glydin on October 12, 2005, at 9:12:36
today is so far so good - feel a little weird on the 5mg - not like i did the first time i tried it - i think it is good that i've had the 2.5 in my system and im easing in. eyes slightly dilated. i was panicky this morning and took a klonopin and a xanax an hour later (was that allowed ? - i forgot what he said) and the panic is def. better right now. but still there down deep in some way - ya know?
i normally sleep OK but last night no - up from 4am on. partly due to lex - partly due to heinously sore throat.
Posted by Glydin on October 12, 2005, at 10:57:11
In reply to Re: How's today, maddy4 ?, posted by maddy4 on October 12, 2005, at 10:05:39
> today is so far so good - feel a little weird on the 5mg - not like i did the first time i tried it - i think it is good that i've had the 2.5 in my system and im easing in. eyes slightly dilated. i was panicky this morning and took a klonopin and a xanax an hour later (was that allowed ? - i forgot what he said) and the panic is def. better right now. but still there down deep in some way - ya know?
~~~ Yep, it takes a while.
>
> i normally sleep OK but last night no - up from 4am on. partly due to lex - partly due to heinously sore throat.~~~ Sorry about the sore throat. They are very annoying. Change of seasons where I am is to blame for my sinus reactions of late.
I have a good feeling about you. I really do. I think it's gonna work out well for you. I've been known to be wrong, but I won't admit that too often (smile). Keep the faith and hope, okay?
Posted by Glydin on October 15, 2005, at 7:45:45
In reply to Re: How's today, » maddy4, posted by Glydin on October 12, 2005, at 10:57:11
How are you doing?
I was thinking of you.
Posted by 4wd on October 16, 2005, at 22:45:37
In reply to maddy4, posted by Glydin on October 15, 2005, at 7:45:45
> How are you doing?
>
> I was thinking of you.Me too. Are you still trying with the Lex?
Marsha
Posted by maddy4 on October 18, 2005, at 15:29:40
In reply to maddy4, posted by Glydin on October 15, 2005, at 7:45:45
hey - so today marks my 9th day on 5mg of lex. still a lot of panic but the klonopin and xanax are helping. i usually wake up having a 'heart attack' and have to take a klonopin at 6am which makes me feel like a druggie - but i know it is for a reason so i am not beating myself up abt that. i am however beating myself up for still not being able to take dd to parents day out. its not a big deal if she doesnt go but she likes it....if you remember that is where i had my two mother of all panic attacks (taking her there - which led me to make the call to get on a med) so, not feeling the love from DH on this front....who wants her to go. am going to try to take her thurday but the thought makes me ill. i still just WISH i could GIVE myself time to 'heal' or adjust w.out responsibility of facing that. its irrational but the fear of an attack is so real. and we all know what that feels like. and that sucks. trying to be positive. walking more each day - abt 2-3 miles 5x a week - so no weight gain. do crave wine though. hope wine is ok to drink b.c at night i drink it. i am only taking one klonopin in the am and one xanax - although he said to take klonopin 3x a day to get it in my system. maybe i should take at least 2 - but i dont like taking anything at night - i sleep fine and would rather have wine than klonopin. now im rambling.
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.