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Posted by KathrynLex on April 12, 2004, at 16:48:58
In reply to RE::: Lexy » KathrynLex, posted by LynneDa on April 12, 2004, at 14:20:59
Hi Lynne,
I would recommend trying Wellbutrin to see if it helps with your energy level. I'm currently taking 150 mgs and have noticed a significant difference in how tired I am during the day. The good news is if you don't like the Wellbutrin you can stop taking it at any time because it has no withdrawl symptoms.
I think I've asked you this before, but have you tried Prozac?
K.
Posted by LynneDa on April 12, 2004, at 16:56:05
In reply to RE::: Lexy » LynneDa, posted by KathrynLex on April 12, 2004, at 16:48:58
Hi Kathryn - I tried Sarafem a couple of years ago, which is really "female Prozac" packaged in a pretty pink pill :-). I only took it 5 weeks and could not take the side effects so stopped it. I had pretty much the whole gamut of s/e's - but my main thing was I felt so out of it & blunted.
I didn't know anything about SSRI's back then, hadn't come to this site & my OB/GYN was the prescriber and he really told me nothing. I was too upset to be in an asking mode at the time! If I had, I probably would've reduced my dosage and hung in there! What a journey this is :-).
I see my therapist on Thursday so I'm going to talk to her about adding WB. My internist, who is now my prescriber, wasn't keen on adding it the last time I spoke to him. He gave me Ambien and said I really won't be able to evaluate the Lex til I'm sleeping better at night, which is true. I really don't like the Ambien though, even by cutting it in thirds and only taking about 3mg it's too strong!
Thanks for all your input and support, I really appreciate it!!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>.Hi Lynne,
>
> I would recommend trying Wellbutrin to see if it helps with your energy level. I'm currently taking 150 mgs and have noticed a significant difference in how tired I am during the day. The good news is if you don't like the Wellbutrin you can stop taking it at any time because it has no withdrawl symptoms.
>
> I think I've asked you this before, but have you tried Prozac?
>
> K.
Posted by sexylexy on April 12, 2004, at 16:59:35
In reply to RE::: Lexy » sexylexy, posted by KathrynLex on April 12, 2004, at 14:06:07
Hey K.
I am glad you had a great Easter. Mine was great too. It was so nice to have my mom here. It helped my depression soooooo much because I was not alone to just sit and think all weekend. I leave for home in 10 days and am sooooo excited about it. I am really ready! I do not seem much difference between 15mg and 20mg thus far so I think when I get home I will probably cut down. Who knows though... I don't want to rush it. I do feel like I am gaining weight on the 20mg though and that is not cool. However, it could be the Godiva my boyfriend sent. Anyway, glad to know that things with Wellbutrin are going well, do you plan on upping to 300mg? Let me know how it goes!
Lexy
Posted by LynneDa on April 12, 2004, at 17:06:04
In reply to RE::: Lexy, posted by sexylexy on April 12, 2004, at 16:59:35
Hi Lexy . . . down to 10 days, Wow! Are you graduating or just done for this year? Do you already have a job lined up?
I hate to tell you this cuz I know you are worried about weight gain, but I swear the 20 mg changed my metabolism. Now, I know I am much older (40) and should be expecting these changes . . . but not 10 lbs. in a couple of months (I'm 5'7"). I've never had to diet before in my life. So, you talked about going back to 15mg or adding WB - maybe that will prevent it . . .if it does start happening. I know, I don't feel like I'm being very supportive, but forewarned is forearmed - or something like that!
OR - it could be that you are getting happy, relaxing more and eating a bit more than you used to?
Take care and I'm so happy that you are going home. I hope you'll keep in touch still and let us know where you are on the happiness meter :-)
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Hey K.
> I am glad you had a great Easter. Mine was great too. It was so nice to have my mom here. It helped my depression soooooo much because I was not alone to just sit and think all weekend. I leave for home in 10 days and am sooooo excited about it. I am really ready! I do not seem much difference between 15mg and 20mg thus far so I think when I get home I will probably cut down. Who knows though... I don't want to rush it. I do feel like I am gaining weight on the 20mg though and that is not cool. However, it could be the Godiva my boyfriend sent. Anyway, glad to know that things with Wellbutrin are going well, do you plan on upping to 300mg? Let me know how it goes!
> Lexy
Posted by KathrynLex on April 12, 2004, at 17:18:33
In reply to RE::: Lexy, posted by LynneDa on April 12, 2004, at 16:56:05
Hi Lynne,
Why doesn't your internist like the idea of giving you Wellbutrin? I suppose some people might be hesitant because it can increase anxiety...but I started at a very low dose and didn't have much of a problem with it.
Sometimes it boggles my mind that doctors don't like to prescribe things when it could be potentially beneficial for their patient.
Keep Prozac on your back burner. You can start as low as either 10 mgs or 5 mgs (I forget which) and increase as slowly as you need to. It was a terrific med for me and I found it to be very energizing as well.
Let me know how your appointment with your internist goes.
K.
Posted by sexylexy on April 12, 2004, at 17:25:38
In reply to RE::: Lexy » LynneDa, posted by KathrynLex on April 12, 2004, at 17:18:33
Hey K and LynneDa,
A lot of internist are against giving their pts. Wellbutrin because it tends to have a significant impact on seziures. A lot of Dr. will not Rx it because of this!
Lexy
Posted by KathrynLex on April 12, 2004, at 17:30:27
In reply to RE::: Lexy, posted by sexylexy on April 12, 2004, at 16:59:35
Hi Lexy,
I'm really glad that your mom could be there for you. Having a good support network really does wonders. I wouldn't be at all surprised if you could go down to 15 mgs once you got back home.
My anxiety seems to have been better since I increased my Lexapro to 20 mgs. I haven't noticed any weight gain (knock on wood) but I've been trying to be fairly consistent in my exercise routine.
I'm debating going up to 300 mgs of Wellbutrin. I just hate the idea of going through another adjustment. The side effects aren't too bad, but I feel like a yo-yo because of the increases and med additions I've been going through, and it would be nice to hold still for a little while.
Gosh, just 10 days of school left! That's great. We're all really proud of you Lexy.
K.
Posted by sexylexy on April 12, 2004, at 17:38:04
In reply to RE::: Lexy » sexylexy, posted by LynneDa on April 12, 2004, at 17:06:04
LynneDa,
Thanks for the words! I had a great weekend, the happiest I have been in a long time. My mom came up for the weekend and we went shopping, eating and packed a lot of my apartment. It was SOOOOOO nice not having to be alone for a while. I think that so much of my problem comes from being alone all the time up here. I am excited though because after 10 days I will be a Liscened Masters Social Worker (LMSW) YESSSSS. Then I am moving home. I am feeling really good to because I presented my Masters Thesis to the Dean friday and it got passed so things are a lot more smooth sailing.
I think part of the weight thing is that I just have kinda been concentrating more on getting better and not eating right. When I had this terrible anxiety I lost a ton of weight. Now it seems Im back at my normal weight and gained some from there, yuck. I am going to start eating right and working out so hopefully I will be ok. I am hanging on to my size 2 or 4 really tight!
I hope things are great for you.. I did not know you had a 7 year old????
Lexy
Posted by LynneDa on April 12, 2004, at 17:38:29
In reply to RE::: Lexy » LynneDa, posted by KathrynLex on April 12, 2004, at 17:18:33
Hi - I never asked him why not. I guess I felt like I was "drug seeking" or something since I'm not really miserable, just foggy and tired! I need to ask the question though. Maybe it's as Lexy said, higher risk of seizures? I don't think I'm pre-disposed to them though!
I guess I never thought about totally changing meds to get rid of this last side effect that won't go away. Maybe my "brain fog" is something else altogether, like ADD? I've just accepted all these years that I have a hard time concentrating and I'm only really "on" for a certain portion of the day or with caffeine! It's not overly debilitating, I just know I'm not working up to my potential and it seems to be getting worse over the years. I need to dig into this with my doctor.
I feel like there are so many layers to all of this. Now that I am healthier I can start peeling back more layers!
Hey - are you still planning on moving? It sounds like you will be strong and ready if you are :-)
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Hi Lynne,
>
> Why doesn't your internist like the idea of giving you Wellbutrin? I suppose some people might be hesitant because it can increase anxiety...but I started at a very low dose and didn't have much of a problem with it.
>
> Sometimes it boggles my mind that doctors don't like to prescribe things when it could be potentially beneficial for their patient.
>
> Keep Prozac on your back burner. You can start as low as either 10 mgs or 5 mgs (I forget which) and increase as slowly as you need to. It was a terrific med for me and I found it to be very energizing as well.
>
> Let me know how your appointment with your internist goes.
>
> K.
Posted by sexylexy on April 12, 2004, at 17:47:30
In reply to RE::: wellbutrin, posted by LynneDa on April 12, 2004, at 17:38:29
LynneDa,
You may want to begin seeing a psychiatrist to help you. An internest is a great thing to have but they have limited training and knowledge about drugs used for Mental Health. One of my clients was just put on a anti anxiety drug by her internist which there is a huge controversy over because of liver functioning. So ,aybe a pdoc would be a great help in peeling the layers. Wellbutrin is supposed to be good for adult ADD but of course everyone is different. I had a client on Zoloft who was miserable, I had her ask her Dr. about Wellbutrin and she switched. She was a new person in about 3 weeks. Like we know, its all about finding the right drug or cocktail.I actually do have a job, I think I am going to start in mid july ( I want to take some time off and get some good sunshine!) A psychiatriry group hired me to see all their clients on a weekly basis. They work with children and adolescents so it should be a lot of fun. I can get great experience and work on my liscense so I can have my own practice in two or three years!
Thanks for all ya'lls support, I owe so much to you all!!!
Lexy
Posted by LynneDa on April 12, 2004, at 17:48:25
In reply to RE::: Lexy, posted by sexylexy on April 12, 2004, at 17:38:04
Lexy - I'm SO proud of you for getting your LMSW! As a healthcare recruiter, I know what that entails and what you can do with it. Want to come work for me in NJ (that's where I need LSWs the most right now!)?
Yes, I have a 7, almost 8 year old, girl (Lizzie) who is incredibly adorable, mischievous, precious, precocious and a wonderful human being all around. But, she's got her own set of troubles ahead I think, so I have to get myself on the right footing in order to help her more. I also have 2 step-kids aged almost 9 & almost 12. They are really wonderful, I got very lucky in that department!
Well, it sounds like you will be able to work out and eat right when you get home and that should keep you in your 2s and 4s! I am way too sedentary right now. It'll also be easier to stay active with the warmer weather coming.
Have a good evening! I'm leaving the office and heading to Wal-Mart, my favorite mom-place to shop. If it isn't at Wal-Mart I probably don't need it!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
LynneDa,
> Thanks for the words! I had a great weekend, the happiest I have been in a long time. My mom came up for the weekend and we went shopping, eating and packed a lot of my apartment. It was SOOOOOO nice not having to be alone for a while. I think that so much of my problem comes from being alone all the time up here. I am excited though because after 10 days I will be a Liscened Masters Social Worker (LMSW) YESSSSS. Then I am moving home. I am feeling really good to because I presented my Masters Thesis to the Dean friday and it got passed so things are a lot more smooth sailing.
> I think part of the weight thing is that I just have kinda been concentrating more on getting better and not eating right. When I had this terrible anxiety I lost a ton of weight. Now it seems Im back at my normal weight and gained some from there, yuck. I am going to start eating right and working out so hopefully I will be ok. I am hanging on to my size 2 or 4 really tight!
> I hope things are great for you.. I did not know you had a 7 year old????
> Lexy
Posted by KathrynLex on April 12, 2004, at 17:49:01
In reply to RE::: wellbutrin, posted by LynneDa on April 12, 2004, at 17:38:29
Hi Lynne,
I won't know for sure about the move until mid-May. I'm beginning to feel like my anxiety and depression is a little bit more under control than it used to be, so the move doesn't seem quite as intimidating as it did a little while ago.
I don't think you're "drug seeking." My pdoc had no problem with it when I told him I wanted to try Wellbutrin rather than what he suggested. He says it's his favorite antidepressant. It is one of the older meds and a lot of research has been done on it.
Lexy is right that there is some concern about seizures, but I have never had one before so my pdoc wasn't worried about prescribing it.
Wellbutrin is often times rx'd for ADD symptoms. That is another reason I was curious about it, because I have such a short attention span. (The first week that I was on it my memory was horrible, it was a little inconvenient, but I think it has passed.)
Aside from the tired and foggy feeling, how are you doing? Anything new and exciting?
K.
Posted by LynneDa on April 12, 2004, at 17:56:51
In reply to RE::: wellbutrin » LynneDa, posted by KathrynLex on April 12, 2004, at 17:49:01
Wow, you and Lexy have so much going on right now-- good stuff though!
Thanks for the info. on Wellbutrin and Lexy's suggestion to see a psychiatrist instead of an internist. I've often thought about whether I should do that. I'll get some recommendations from my therapist and give it a try!
You said you have a short attention span - have you always? Has the WB allowed you to focus for longer amounts of time? I find that when I'm anxious, I hop all over my to do list and can't settle on finishing anything!
In general, I am a happy foggy tired person! I'm fairly newly married (just going on 2 years - 2nd marriage) and despite my problems and his (he was laid off 3 years ago, went back to get his MBA full time . . . very stressful! . . . and now hasn't found anything steady or in his field so his ego is deflated. Plus he has ex-wife issues still, unfortunately) we are very happy and still in the newlywed mode, thank goodness. I figure if we can make it through this, we'll be okay for the long haul. We're both 40ish and it is nice to know there is true love out there at any age :-).
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Hi Lynne,
>
> I won't know for sure about the move until mid-May. I'm beginning to feel like my anxiety and depression is a little bit more under control than it used to be, so the move doesn't seem quite as intimidating as it did a little while ago.
>
> I don't think you're "drug seeking." My pdoc had no problem with it when I told him I wanted to try Wellbutrin rather than what he suggested. He says it's his favorite antidepressant. It is one of the older meds and a lot of research has been done on it.
>
> Lexy is right that there is some concern about seizures, but I have never had one before so my pdoc wasn't worried about prescribing it.
>
> Wellbutrin is often times rx'd for ADD symptoms. That is another reason I was curious about it, because I have such a short attention span. (The first week that I was on it my memory was horrible, it was a little inconvenient, but I think it has passed.)
>
> Aside from the tired and foggy feeling, how are you doing? Anything new and exciting?
>
> K.
>
Posted by Magdalena on April 12, 2004, at 18:10:24
In reply to Redirected Lexaproers, posted by jlynne on March 13, 2004, at 1:31:16
hey i have an dentist appoitment on the 11th of May and thats the soonest i can get it. i feel really bad today, these headaches are causing me a lot of discomfort and it seems i need to take more and more advil to get it under control...otherwise i could not function at work...its weird it like radiates to my neck and shoulders..ugh...i have to leave for work now:(
i hope your day is better...damn mondays...
Jlynne you decreased your dose right? hows that working out for you now?
have a good nite everyone
Mag
Posted by KathrynLex on April 12, 2004, at 18:16:06
In reply to RE::: wellbutrin, posted by LynneDa on April 12, 2004, at 17:56:51
Hi Lynne,
I've always had a short attention span. It can create some problems at work...e.g. I don't work on one task for very long and find myself visiting this board more than I should! I've noticed some improvement in my ability to pay attention and am considering an increase to 300 mgs. Maybe I'll give it a try.
It really sounds like you're doing well inspite of all your problems. I really admire that. Your husband will probably be very happy that he went back to school for his MBA, it really increases your earning potential.
How wonderful that the two of you have found true love. Maybe some people do get to be Cinderella. Except in this case Cinderella is on Lexapro and divorced her first prince charming so she could live happily ever after.
K.
Posted by mystic on April 12, 2004, at 18:58:41
In reply to RE::: wellbutrin, posted by KathrynLex on April 12, 2004, at 18:16:06
Hey Everyone...Does anyone really have any good results from upping the dosage to 15mgs and I'm getting nervous hearing all the talk about gaining weight on lex..I heard you didnt and that it was better than the other meds for depression/anxiety..I'm so up and down with my moods sometimes I'm fine then I'm scared to death again I cant stand it..But have to go up but nobody seems to be doing that great on 15 and not wanting to gain the weight on 20mgs...HELP!!!...thanks Mystic
Posted by sexylexy on April 12, 2004, at 19:15:04
In reply to RE::: Increase, posted by mystic on April 12, 2004, at 18:58:41
Hey Mystic,
I had good results on 15mg. My p-doc upped me to 20mg to see if there was a difference. I really saw a big difference from 10mg to 15mg, like a BIG difference. Do not worry Mystic, up your dose, I wish so much I had done it early in my treatment. I promise 3 lbs is worth my happiness!
God Bless,
Lexy
Posted by mystic on April 12, 2004, at 19:29:03
In reply to RE::: Increase, posted by sexylexy on April 12, 2004, at 19:15:04
I luv ya Lexy..thanks for the quick response..I am soooo proud of all you have accomplished..Like I have said before you are going to be an AWSOME THERAPIST...Please promise us we wont lose touch with you when you move back home...You have become such a great source of help and love to hear how you are doing...Of course we have all got to see a pic of that rock when you get it from the boyfriend..hahahha...So again thank you for all your help I couldnt do it without you..and I know that only good things are going to happen to you when you get home...Take care Mystic
Posted by sexylexy on April 12, 2004, at 20:04:27
In reply to RE:: Hey Lexy, posted by mystic on April 12, 2004, at 19:29:03
Mystic,
You are such a jewel. I just think you are so wonderful. Thanks so much for all your support, I really feel like I owe all of you guys for my degree. You all are so wonderful, like a family for me, I will definitely be around for a long time!!!
Love.
Lexy
Posted by mystic on April 12, 2004, at 22:06:02
In reply to Mystic, posted by Magdalena on April 12, 2004, at 18:10:24
Hey Mag...Just tell your dental office that if they have a cancellation to let you know...maybe you can get in sooner...I hope that they can help you..Usually if you get a nightguard then it helps a lot and your headaches should go away..!!!...I'm proud of you for doing so well on your meds and the increase...Hope you are feeling better soon..Your friend Mystic
Posted by Anakin on April 12, 2004, at 22:17:23
In reply to RE:: Mag, posted by mystic on April 12, 2004, at 22:06:02
I just spent damn 5 hours sitting in a chair doing invitations, nothing like putting it off??? My back is killing me!! I hope the lexmeister puts me to sleep:) Glad to see everyone had a pretty good day, and oh size 4...I envy you. Put a 1 in front of that 4 and that is what I wear, a 12 if I am lucky!!
Posted by simus on April 12, 2004, at 22:52:35
In reply to Hi Guys!, posted by KathrynLex on April 12, 2004, at 14:11:00
Posted by simus on April 12, 2004, at 22:59:48
In reply to Re: Tooth grinding? » simus, posted by trucker on April 12, 2004, at 15:29:50
> 150 mg welbutrin and 20 mg of lex...
Are you on anything other than Wellbutrin?Just 150mg Wellbutrin and 1mg Xanax.
Posted by simus on April 12, 2004, at 23:25:13
In reply to RE::: Lexy » KathrynLex, posted by LynneDa on April 12, 2004, at 14:20:59
Wellbutrin cause severe insomnia the first week for me, but like other side effects, it soon eased off.
Posted by KathrynLex on April 12, 2004, at 23:27:10
In reply to RE::: Increase, posted by mystic on April 12, 2004, at 18:58:41
Hi Mystic,
Remember that meds effect everyone differently. Some people gain weight on Lexapro, others loose weight. The increase to 15 mgs did a world of good for me, with no weight gain and only a few inconvenient side effects. I only increased to 20 mgs to help get rid of the last little bit of anxiety I have. But 15 mgs may be just right for you. Some people on this board have had great results on as little as 5 mgs. If you're really concerned about weight gain there are things you can take to counter that, or you can always start exercising a little bit more.
I'm sure you'll be fine. I would suggest trying an increase to see how it works. If you aren't happy you can always lower your dose again. Either way, I support your decision.
K.
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