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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 17 of 17. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Fivefires on February 10, 2007, at 16:56:35
After the usual anti-benzo spiel (Scares me more everytime I hear it.) and the dis'ing of nervous breakdown (another spiel about how the term is not a real word, thing, occurrence) left my appt feeling 'unheard', 'frightened', angry, w/ Lexapro, an SSRI, and some fear of the 'suicidal ideation' I've had in past while on other SSRIs.
Anyway, the 10mg knocked me out like a sleepin' pill ... and is written to be taken in a.m.!!!
I just drug myself here to the pute to post.
I tried reach P but there is no way on weekend.
My pharmacist said 'take in eve'.
5f
L, P, SP: Tks for support!
Posted by Phillipa on February 10, 2007, at 21:48:50
In reply to Benzo spiel - Anti-NB - Lexapro 'knocked me out'!, posted by Fivefires on February 10, 2007, at 16:56:35
I think you're lucky as the med is working as it should making you sleepy first where it amped me up which was not a good thing. Love Phillipa
Posted by Jay on February 11, 2007, at 17:05:48
In reply to Benzo spiel - Anti-NB - Lexapro 'knocked me out'!, posted by Fivefires on February 10, 2007, at 16:56:35
Hi...
You shouldn't have to take any of this kind of crap. You should try to widen your options. I'd suggest possibly going back to your GP (family doc), or seeking another Pdoc until you are comfortable with one that provides you with a comfortable, proper and current treatment regiment.
I had to do the same thing a few times until I got much better treatment from my GP.Best wishes...
Jay
Posted by Fivefires on February 11, 2007, at 19:05:22
In reply to Re: Benzo spiel - Anti-NB - Lexapro 'knocked me out'! » Fivefires, posted by Jay on February 11, 2007, at 17:05:48
I took Lexapro @ bedtime and slept on my arm(?) and it has hurt all day.
But the thing is, 'I never really woke up' .. I mean when I awakened I had that 'cottonhead feeling'.
Took a nap and and didn't really fall asleep .. ya' know how you can be too tired to fall asleep? Ya just lay there spaced-out?
Well, now I've got a headache or it may be an 'aggravation of my c-spine injury', which always presents as a headache. I've had a lot of psych meds cause me headaches. Shall I post about this?
Someone told me once that when I'm on an 'AD', I'm mean. Anyone ever been 'mean' when on an AD as opposed 2 not being on one and being 'nice'? Shall I post about this?
I began my communication w/ the world by calling one daughter and saying 'Did you get your God fix for the week at church this morn?' ... and then proceeded to cause of bit of 'boat rocking' in another's day. I'm a meanie, butt that's not really me, myself, I.
So far not looking good for Lexapro.
It was/is another daugter's b-day and wanted to go see her, but way too 'tired and out of it and headachey'.
Tks J for your support. I really was doing better months back when the only thing I was on besides Valium was 75mg of Lyrica. Butt then holidays brought memories of father and depression (actually grief) created anxiety to rise in me and that's when I approached P about something more than my Val. He began the AD w/ the anti-an*iety properties spiel.
I've asked my PCP if he would just prescribe for my anxiety, but he's already been sitting out on a limb for me for years. He prescribes my oxycodone monthly, plus will call in hydrocodone if needed for breakthrough pain.
Butt this is good news. Altho' it will cost me small co-pays, I have a Medicare Advantage Plan and did make an appt w/ a P.
Butt this is bad news. It will cost me $150 ... because, I can't see both at once. I'll have to await and see if he is also 'anti-be*zo' b4 going w/ him. Should I just call and ask?
(I don't know why I always say him when I refer to a P. I have had a couple good women.)
I threw away the paper/description of Lexapro as I didn't want the POS to get me!
Is there any way that an AD can aggravate a c-spine injury. Shall I post this?
Not too many followups.
Don't more of my butties care abutt me :(+B= ?
Posted by Alone on February 13, 2007, at 0:32:17
In reply to 5f Needs Lots of Butties (teehee) Help :(, posted by Fivefires on February 11, 2007, at 19:05:22
I noticed today, my 13th day on Lexapro 10mg, I was very sleepy and took a nap during the day.
I really feel though thay this med is bringing me out of a severe depression so I am just trying to bear through the initial side effects.
I hope the sleepiness is just that, an INITIAL side effect.
The same thing happened to me way back when I started Prozac. I remember sleeping alot and then that went away and turned into enormous energy.
But it took 3 months for that to happen. Prozac ended up being the "one" that worked for about 8 years.
So I am bearing through and giving the Lexapro a chance. It is giving me the same feeling that the Prozac did as far as coming out of the depression.
If it is the new "one", I hope I get as long of a ride out of it as I did with Prozac.
Posted by munificentexegete on February 14, 2007, at 4:11:14
In reply to Re: Benzo spiel - Anti-NB - Lexapro 'knocked me out'! » Fivefires, posted by Jay on February 11, 2007, at 17:05:48
> Hi...
>
> You shouldn't have to take any of this kind of crap. You should try to widen your options. I'd suggest possibly going back to your GP (family doc), or seeking another Pdoc until you are comfortable with one that provides you with a comfortable, proper and current treatment regiment.
> I had to do the same thing a few times until I got much better treatment from my GP.
>
> Best wishes...
> Jaywhat he said, comfort and confidence in his ability are important factors. just make sure you are being treated for a real disease.
Posted by gardenergirl on February 14, 2007, at 11:56:28
In reply to Re: Benzo spiel - Anti-NB - Lexapro 'knocked me out'!, posted by munificentexegete on February 14, 2007, at 4:11:14
> just make sure you are being treated for a real disease.
Or something causing you enough distress to seek help in alleviating that distress.
Though "disease" covers a lot of territory given its definition: "a condition of the living animal or plant body or of one of its parts that impairs normal functioning and is typically manifested by distinguishing signs and symptoms"
Hope you find relief soon, Fivefires.
namaste
gg
Posted by Fivefires on February 14, 2007, at 16:18:17
In reply to Re: Benzo spiel - Anti-NB - Lexapro 'knocked me out'!, posted by munificentexegete on February 14, 2007, at 4:11:14
>comfort and confidence in his ability are important factors>
>He has an 'I wonder' look on his face when he decides on a treatment approach, so it's definitely 'not comforting' 2me, and he does't appear to have confidence in treatment as much as in the fact that he's who he is. He seems somewhat 'detached' from my feelings or 'not empathetic'. Also, his demeanor fluctuates, as if his mind is somewhere else.
Thanks ... this is good point ... something needed in your P, otherwise I/patient/consumer, feel sort of 'left to my own devices'.
5f
Posted by Fivefires on February 14, 2007, at 17:17:06
In reply to Re: 5f Needs Lots of Butties (teehee) Help :(, posted by Alone on February 13, 2007, at 0:32:17
Tks Alone. I somehow missed reading your post.
It gives me some hope.
And, I think I missed another post too.
So 'fatigued'; my error I'm sure.
Thank you! 5f
and GG ... I'll have to look up 'namaste'; the net has put Webster out of biz! I'm sure it means something quite cool!
Posted by munificentexegete on February 14, 2007, at 17:31:24
In reply to Re: Benzo spiel - Anti-NB - Lexapro 'knocked me out'!, posted by Fivefires on February 14, 2007, at 16:18:17
> >comfort and confidence in his ability are important factors
> He has an 'I wonder' look on his face when he decides on a treatment approach, so it's definitely 'not comforting' 2me, and he does't appear to have confidence in treatment as much as in the fact that he's who he is. He seems somewhat 'detached' from my feelings or 'not empathetic'. Also, his demeanor fluctuates, as if his mind is somewhere else.
> Thanks ... this is good point ... something needed in your P, otherwise I/patient/consumer, feel sort of 'left to my own devices'.
finding a doc you "click" with can be half the battle.
the other quarter is making sure they treat an actually medical problem. IMHO too many doctors treat for medical problems without any proof the problem exists in the patient.
so make sure that your doctor always shows you the evidence of the medical condition they have diagnosed you with, you wouldn't be happy if you were diagnosed with cancer without proof, the same applies to all medical diagnoses.
and the last quarter is him informing you about all the alternative treatments available to you. Remember you do not have to take any medication prescribed, that is your decision not your doctor's.
Posted by Fivefires on February 15, 2007, at 0:05:48
In reply to Re: Benzo spiel - Anti-NB - Lexapro 'knocked me out'!, posted by munificentexegete on February 14, 2007, at 17:31:24
I'm afraid 'not to go along w/ P's decision' because he is the one who can 'make' 'or take away' my SSD, when it comes up for review. I've become 'less well' since I filed in 2000. Doesn't make any sense does it? Maybe it's my self-esteem that's gone ... the pride of having done a day's work. If I could go back and change things, ... no, I couldn't, there were other people involved that needed me. Anyway, anyone on SSD, u understand how a P 'can make' or 'break' you. Not right at all, not fair, one person's opinion that maybe you've only known 6mos., but that's all it takes. I worry about it.
5f
Posted by TheMeanReds on February 16, 2007, at 12:01:01
In reply to 5f Needs Lots of Butties (teehee) Help :(, posted by Fivefires on February 11, 2007, at 19:05:22
five fires,
I was on Lexy for 2 years. I noticed it numbed me to pain. I slept on my arm all the time, that sucks. When I woke up I'd have 4 shots of espresso. And finally after around 4 or 5 hours I'd be 'awake'. I'd nap in the evening, and then have insomnia. On lexy I was also 'mean'. I'd say things without thinking wether it was 'appropriate' or not.
Anyhow, I think the lexy may aggervate your spine because on lexy you may become numb and sit/stand/sleep in positions that would otherwise be painful if you were not on the lexy. Its like drinking too much- you dont feel the effects untill the next day.
I hope that made alittle sense.
Posted by Fivefires on February 16, 2007, at 17:45:38
In reply to Re: 5f Needs Lots of Butties (teehee) Help :(, posted by TheMeanReds on February 16, 2007, at 12:01:01
Yep, TheMeanReads, made sense. Awaiting doc call so can't stay online long.
Yes, 'I've been kind of mean on phone to daughter'.
I haven't reached a point where get even a 2hr stint of 'feeling awake'. Am able to get up and function @ approx a 65% level of functioning, for maybe 1-1/2hrs midday and then maybe 2hrs eve. Otherwise, lie in bed.
I think must fall asleep lying stiffly in bed and don't move myself into a comfortable, guarding position, like I usually do, to protect c-spine.
Don't know if u had this, but I'm having some suicidal ideation also. Did u?
I live alone w/ no one to do things 4me. How did u 'function' on it for 3yrs!?? Did your doc add in something that helped???
My dx is GAD, PTSD, a bit borderline, and I've never really been successfully treated for my emotional/behavioral probs' with an AD.
Benzodiazepines have helped me immensely, but the docs in group I'm in, have suddenly become very anti-benzo, and are all about 'ADs with anxiolytic properties'.
So, hence, on one again.
TksSoMuch4Sharin', 5f
Posted by elanor roosevelt on February 16, 2007, at 20:55:45
In reply to Re: 5f Needs Lots of Butties (teehee) Help :( » TheMeanReds, posted by Fivefires on February 16, 2007, at 17:45:38
Lexapro gives me a sense of future -- for a while.
But it's problematic in a few ways.
1) you do have to monitor what you say (effexor was even worst for me, like truth serum)
2) sleepy afternoons
3) it increased my sensitivity to or perception of painit amazes me that you can take it at night
i don't think i ever slept more than 2 or 3 hours between wakings -- even on ambienthat said, i sometimes got a bit tired an hour or so after taking my morning dose
with almoxt all meds i have to stay busy in the morning or things go haywire
if you are going to stay on the lexapro, why don't you time things so you know when lullaby land will call
perhaps you can plan a walk or run annoying errands -- anything to stay out of bed
Posted by TheMeanReds on February 22, 2007, at 15:33:57
In reply to Re: 5f Needs Lots of Butties (teehee) Help :( » TheMeanReds, posted by Fivefires on February 16, 2007, at 17:45:38
> Yep, TheMeanReads, made sense. Awaiting doc call so can't stay online long.
Sorry I didnt respond sooner, the email follow ups arent working as I thought they would.
> Yes, 'I've been kind of mean on phone to daughter'.
On lexy, and any other ssris, like paxil, I was really mean. My friends would say before a social gathering 'dont be mean'. My sarcasim just wasnt interpreted the way I wanted it to.
Now this may not be helpful advice, but I've been Bipolar all this time (5 years), but wasnt diagnosed till 2 months ago. Explains being obsessive, I cleaned A window...it had to be perfect, I put too much force into it, and my wrist went through it. Now people see my scar, and think I tried to kill myself.---
So while on the ssris I was even worse. Depression worse...everything worse that was supposed to be better. And worst of all, I'm an artist, and I just could not paint, my creativity was gone. diminished. I couldnt even remember most of my vocab. All creativity gone. Do you ever try to remember a movie title and for the life of you cant remember? I would forget my boyfriend's name....haha. (note: sarcasimistic fact, not a joke =)
> I haven't reached a point where get even a 2hr stint of 'feeling awake'. Am able to get up and function @ approx a 65% level of functioning, for maybe 1-1/2hrs midday and then maybe 2hrs eve. Otherwise, lie in bed.I know what that feels like. I couldnt get to my college classes, memorize, or even be interested in any subject. Made it through biology somehow, I think I had an easy 'A' teacher. Have you spoken to your doc about a different med? Like I've mentioned Remeron worked great for awhile, but it made me eat too much. Thats not a side effect for everyone though.
> I think must fall asleep lying stiffly in bed and don't move myself into a comfortable, guarding position, like I usually do, to protect c-spine.
My ex said I slept in the most uncomfortable looking positions. And of course I'd wake up like someone beat me up. He advised me to try to fall asleep on my back, and 'stay'. HaHa...I would move after 5 minutes. It might be worth a try though.
> Don't know if u had this, but I'm having some suicidal ideation also. Did u?
I had alot of apathy. And from time to time thought about offing myself. Reading helped me through the phases. But since I'm bipolar, I'd pull myself out of it, and just be obessed with furniture arranging, and I didnt think of suicide, my mind was at work arranging. everything.
> I live alone w/ no one to do things 4me. How did u 'function' on it for 3yrs!?? Did your doc add in something that helped???
I had boyfriends do things for me. And though I dont like mentioning or recommending it, I liked my bottle of wine/per night. It was my brain entertainment when everything was way boring.
I eventually got a script for klonopin. Since I have anxiety, it didnt get me 'high', it just leveled me out a bit. I cant function w/o it now though. Addictive. It just sustains me in a state of normality now.> My dx is GAD, PTSD, a bit borderline, and I've never really been successfully treated for my emotional/behavioral probs' with an AD.
After my mother died, when I was 19, I had PTSD(not diagnosed offically). Definately 'GAD' even though I dont think it is general, but also bipolar (even though not diagnosed at the time).
> Benzodiazepines have helped me immensely, but the docs in group I'm in, have suddenly become very anti-benzo, and are all about 'ADs with anxiolytic properties'.If you have GAD, I'd think the benzos would help. Ssris are selective, so why apply it to a general diagnosis? It doesnt make sense to me, but I'm not the scientific type. Both are highly addictive, I know that.
This website is great, at least I think so. I discovered it a few years ago.
http://www.biopsychiatry.com/
pretty sarcastic, but in the references it is very scientificy.~TheMeanReds
> So, hence, on one again.> TksSoMuch4Sharin', 5f
Posted by Fivefires on February 23, 2007, at 14:04:09
In reply to Re: 5f Needs Lots of Butties (teehee) Help :( » Fivefires, posted by TheMeanReds on February 22, 2007, at 15:33:57
Okay this is strange. I can see your post while I'm posting! Is that NEW here in babble? I like it!
Second of all, have we met b4 TheMeanReds?
I saw my therapist yesterday and passed by my P in the pkg lot. P said decrease Lexapro to 5mg and I think I feel worse.
I've tried bipolar meds b4, and I am very small and I'd over-eat to where it looked like I was pregnant! It was terrible. I would barely breathe for the pressure on my ribs! I can't recall how I felt emotionally as I felt so ill physically.
Thank you for all the info. I'll check out the web site now.
bestwishes, 5f
Posted by Fivefires on February 23, 2007, at 19:31:29
In reply to lexapro and pain, posted by elanor roosevelt on February 16, 2007, at 20:55:45
Becuz' no errands re: no $, and no walking 'cuz don't like neighborhood. Thank you for the response tho'. I'm very sorry it is belated.
Saw doc and he said cut it down to 5mg.
Now I feel 'no lift in mood at all' and I am in 'the I don't care anymore' mood.
Emails aren't working. K - Sent u one and it came back to me. And cell isn't working.
Keep thinkin' 'bout guy they found dead ... no one missed him for a year.
Keep thinkin' I'd not be missed. No one calls. I'm empty. I'm giving up. The fire in me is starting to go out. I'm sorry.
5f
This is the end of the thread.
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