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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by ayuda on January 18, 2003, at 10:03:50
In reply to Re: Lexapro has been very good for me, posted by oldhand on January 17, 2003, at 23:52:24
I kept thinking I should ask you how things were going with your parents. It's great that they are going well, and that the Lexapro is working. It's funny, my mom would rather that I be at home than 1000 miles away, but I would not want to put these meds to that test yet! I'm glad to hear it's working out for you.
> Well here's another person who has had good, maybe great results on Lexapro. I've used about everything there is and had about given up. Been on the Lex for four months now and have felt really good. I have had neck tension, insomnia and some jaw clenching but they seem to be abating slowly but surely. How's this for proof? I just moved in with my parents who are in their mid-eighties, I am 53 and things are going just fine even though my mother made it clear to me I was "invading her territory" before the move. If I had to deal with the folks and depression I'm afraid I couldn't do it. Things just roll off my back and my patience is tried sometimes but not broken. I don't remember when I have felt this well and able to carry a positive attitude for an extended period. So let's hear it for the Lexapro, I'm so glad it has helped us!! Best to all
Posted by JaneB on January 18, 2003, at 10:48:55
In reply to Re: Lexapro has been very good for me, posted by oldhand on January 17, 2003, at 23:52:24
> Well here's another person who has had good, maybe great results on Lexapro. I've used about everything there is and had about given up. Been on the Lex for four months now and have felt really good. I have had neck tension, insomnia and some jaw clenching but they seem to be abating slowly but surely. How's this for proof? I just moved in with my parents who are in their mid-eighties, I am 53 and things are going just fine even though my mother made it clear to me I was "invading her territory" before the move. If I had to deal with the folks and depression I'm afraid I couldn't do it. Things just roll off my back and my patience is tried sometimes but not broken. I don't remember when I have felt this well and able to carry a positive attitude for an extended period. So let's hear it for the Lexapro, I'm so glad it has helped us!! Best to all
Best to you too. I have had very similar side effects and positive reactions to Lexapro. Could you please tell me your dosage and what you have used (if anything) for the insomnia and neck tension, etc. It is great to feel good and have energy but difficult to accomplish what I want with such a stiff neck!
Thanks,
JaneB
Posted by leslieg on January 18, 2003, at 11:01:40
In reply to New to Lexapro, posted by Anomar on January 7, 2003, at 17:03:09
My PMS was getting quite bothersome ... then I started taking more calcium, as I'd heard it helped. It did! I like those calcium chews. My GYN suggesting taking it before bed as I take my multivitamins at dinner, so I keep a supply in the bathroom and chew one while I'm washing my face (I do my teeth last). It really made quite a difference, and there are studies that show it works. Try it! [My PMS "went away" before I started Lexapro, so I can't say if Lex helps with PMS or not...]
> I am taking Lexapro to help with PMS. I have read so many postings and I am wondering if this is a drastic measure from my pdoc - to be taking Lexapro for PMS. However, I get so impatient during those 8 days and I am sure my husband would like something to change. I was given 10 mg and told to cut it in half, so I am going to take my first 5 mg tonight. With the winds so bad out here in California, I am hoping that this will help me sleep. I will let you know how it goes. Oh, I was given Zoloft to start with and that stuff made me feel like I was drunk. Then it made me very tense and I was clenched my jaw. Okay, enough babbling. I will let you know how it goes.
Posted by Dysfunk on January 18, 2003, at 12:50:03
In reply to Lexapro has been very good for me, posted by Worry-wort on January 17, 2003, at 10:33:51
I am switching to Lexapro and staying on a low dose of Prozac. Your posting gave me hope. Thanks grrl.
Posted by leslieg on January 18, 2003, at 13:32:39
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by StephGob on January 15, 2003, at 15:26:33
I don't have ADD but do have Narcolepsy and need stims throughout the day. I take 200 mg Provigil in the am and 200 in the early afternoon. I started the Provigil before I started the Lexapro ... it took a few weeks of both together to figure out when to take how much. I now take the Lex (10 mg) at night. Provigil by itself made me quite bitchy (to be blunt), but adding the Lexapro took that away (mostly).
I also take ambien (5mg) as needed at bedtime to help get to sleep, as that is when my anxiety hits big-time.
So far, this combo is much better than I had ever hoped for.
Leslie G.
> I recently switched from Celexa to Lexapro, and my results haven't been that great. I was on Celexa for a year (thought I should have been on something for years prior to that...my fault).
>
> My anxiety was a bit of a problem sometimes (stress is a different story), but I didn't have many depressive episodes during this year. Since I've been on Lexapro (about 2 weeks or so), I've had some major episodes of anxiety and depression. After just two weeks, I feel like I'm almost back to where I was before I was even on medication.
>
> My biggest issue is usually anxiety. As long as my depression is subdued, I can focus on attempting (successfully or not) to lessen my anxiety. Right now, I can't seem to control either.
>
> One worry that my doctor had was that he didn't want to try much of anything new with me because I also have ADD and am on medication for that. However, even when I don't take that med (a stimulant), I get anxious. Anyone got any help for me?
Posted by EGR on January 18, 2003, at 19:52:10
In reply to Re: Changing time of Lex » EGR, posted by bozeman on January 17, 2003, at 20:48:24
> You wild kamikaze woman! Are you sure you're not picking up my bad habits? <LOL> Glad it worked.
I guess maybe I am picking up your bad habits ;-), but that's okay! I've been taking the 20 in the early evening and so far I haven't been too sleepy during the day. The biggest difference I've noticed between the 10 and the 20 is that I need to get 8 hours of sleep... I used to get about 5 or 6. I'm going to stay on 20 for a couple of months and then see about dropping back down to 10. My doc also gave me 100 mgs of Wellbutrin to help with the sse. She said to just quit taking them if I run into some of the problems I had at 300mgs of it. One of my friends said I'd be in such a good mood they wouldn't be able to be around me :-)
I'll keep you posted!
EGR
Posted by EGR on January 18, 2003, at 19:57:26
In reply to Re: Lexapro has been very good for me, posted by JaneB on January 18, 2003, at 10:48:55
Jane... I like the way things just roll off my back too. It's fun to see my new reactions to things that used to drive me bonkers. I'm glad you're feeling better.
EGR
Posted by CindyLou on January 19, 2003, at 15:09:13
In reply to Stims and Lexapro » StephGob, posted by leslieg on January 18, 2003, at 13:32:39
Hello all!
I am currently taking 10 mg. Lexapro at night. I am doing qutie well on it, but I have a terrible time with mid-day exhaustion -- around Noon or so I am so tired I have to sleep (I nap when my 3-year-old naps). I have been trying Adderall to help with the fatigue, but it doesn't do a thing for me during that time frame. It helps me focus and feel more alert AFTER 3 p.m., but never before. (I can take it at 11 a.m. and still sleep from 1 to 3 p.m.!)
Could this be because the Lexapro is "wearing off" around Noon? I started taking it at night because it made me tired, but I'm wondering if perhaps it is giving me a lift now that I've adjusted. I need to take Klonapin at night to get to sleep, because I am always more alert and awake after about 8 p.m. or so. (of course, this could also have to do with the fact that my daugter is down for the night and I finally have time for myself.)
Thanks so much for any input you can give me!
-cindy
****************An aside for those of you who might remember me ...
I haven't posted in quite awhile -- moved to another state and was too overwhelmed to do much of anything.
I don't recognize many names, so I'm not sure anyone here remembers when I was a frequent poster, but I thought I'd let you know how much better I've been doing. When I was posting, I was having a terrible time with med-sensitivity after having my daughter 3 years ago -- I couldn't tolerate anything, and believe me, I tried EVERYTHING!!!!!!! ADs, APs, stims, benzos, mood stabilizers, etc. etc.
Now I am on Lexapro and I am tolerating it! I can't believe it. I'm taking 10 mg. at night, and I'm doing much better. I can even tolerate 5 mg. of Adderall without "crashing out" on it.
I'm not sure if this good news is a result of the Lexapro, or of my body finally getting back to some kind of chemical/hormonal "normalcy" after the pregnancy. Anyway, just wanted to pass on the good news. Thanks for all the support you gave me over the years!
cindy
Posted by CindyLou on January 19, 2003, at 15:15:55
In reply to Lexapro dosing/timing, and some good news..., posted by CindyLou on January 19, 2003, at 15:09:13
Hi again,
Just realized I'm only taking 5 mg. of Lexapro -- I take half a tablet (for the first month I only took 1/4 of a tablet). Don't know if that makes a difference or not, but thought I'd make that correction.cindy
Posted by syringachalet on January 19, 2003, at 16:07:21
In reply to Lexapro dosing/timing, and some good news..., posted by CindyLou on January 19, 2003, at 15:09:13
Anyone with a 3 year old should take a nap with them...Your Lexapro seems to be doing as well as can be expected.
Sounds like you have lots of things going on in your life and taking your meds when it fits your lifestyle is what medication managment is all about.
Take Care and give that little one an extra hug...
syringachalet
Posted by Sadsack on January 19, 2003, at 17:16:16
In reply to Re: Here! Here!!, posted by Mock5 on January 16, 2003, at 19:15:54
How long have you been on the Lex? I had horrible neck and shoulder pain for about two months which caused very ugly headaches (not real migraines but bad enough to feel nauseous and light sensitive) When that wore off so did the headaches. I rarely get them now.
> About the whole car thing... my thoughts of driving into the concrete wall/barrier were more along the lines of stress-relief rather than suicide... in fact, i never even thought about an outcome where i would be hurt. Just a thought that nothing minor would work... it would have to be major. I wasn't necessarily mad or sad at the time. Just anxious about the prospect of a new job and new relationship. "Normal" things that would cause just about anyone to feel stressed... but I just couldn't rationally deal with it. I totally shut down. Then I started Lexapro and have evened out... now if I could just get rid of the migraines that the Lexapro seems to be triggering I would be happy.
>
> I have had migraines since I was 16, but they have become more frequent since Lexapro... but that is another post for another "babble"!!!
Posted by Sadsack on January 19, 2003, at 17:24:31
In reply to Re: Car crashing » Mock5, posted by EGR on January 16, 2003, at 23:52:04
And speaking of psychological scarring, trust me you were right! My siblings and I are textbook examples of what happens to children at each stage of development when their mother dies. That would be the real reason I didn't go thru with the whole "car thing". I know how it feels to be on the other end. (and we didn't even know mom committed suicide until we were adults) Good Call EGR
amen and amen for good drugs!> Nah... not me. I wanted to die... I wanted the pain to stop, but until the thoughts started popping in, I didn't realize it... First I just really wanted to harm myself... then I tried alienating my best friends... the only time I held it together was when I was around my husband and kids... I just didn't want my kids growing up knowing their mother killed herself... I thought that would be psychologically damaging to them... LOL!!! like losing their mom wouldn't! Thank God for interventions and drugs!!
>
> EGR
Posted by Sadsack on January 19, 2003, at 17:44:14
In reply to Re: effexor xr and lexapro anyone?, posted by mills on January 17, 2003, at 10:41:52
Mills,
I have to say ayuda has some valid points. Many of us have self medicated with alcohol when we should have been on AD's or our AD's were not optimal. It doesn't make us feel less depressed, just numbed the pain temporarily. I know that when I am on an effective AD the desire for alcohol diminishes radically. I think your experience is probably more atypical (not invalid by any means but perhaps not the norm). As far as physiogical fact, ayuda is on target.
There's room for both of your perspectives here. That's what the forum is all about.
Take Care,> Please relax. You misunderstand. What was wrong was a few things you said, not what you may have intended to say. Look at what you said earlier and what I said. You made the statement that alcohol "counteracts any AD." That is simply not necessarily true, and therefore is not a fact.
> I know what alcohol is, and that it may be classed as a "depressant." It's the broad generalization about its effects that is wrong.
>
> Also, you didn't say anything in your first post suggesting addiction to alcohol. You didn't say anything about NEED. You said "want," and so you just need to be more careful in holding yourself as counseling people on "facts" here who may have no idea what the "facts" are and think you know what you are talking about.
>
> And finally, you made this statement:
>
> "drinking even once a day will stop the action of the AD. In fact, I've found that when someone wants to drink, that probably means their AD isn't working."
>
> Those are simply ridiculous unfounded statements and I don't want anyone here misled by ignorance.
>
> peace
>
> > NO, it is a fact that alcohol is a depressant. That is what it is, period. Just because you don't personally feel "depressed" after drinking does not mean it is not a depressant. It is a chemical fact that it IS a depressant, and NOT just an emotional depressant. It depresses bodily functions, which is why it causes lessened inhibitions, blood vessel constrictions, etc., as part of the physical depression of a person's system. Just because you don't personally feel "depressed" after drinking does not mean that it doesn't do that, even not to you.
> >
> > And when I talk about the need to drink alcohol, I mean people who NEED to drink alcohol. And if you NEED to drink alcohol, that is a good indication that you have a problem, and ADs are designed to help take care of such problems. If you NEED to drink alcohol while taking an AD, chances are you are suffering from depression and your AD isn't working. I am sticking to the facts about alcohol and ADs here, not personal experience, which isn't factual.
> >
> > > Wrong! sorry, but that is just not my experience and so you can't make a generalization about alcohol that applies to everyone--especially a statement about "wanting" alcohol meaning your AD isn't working. Moderate alcohol use does not depress me in the least.
> > >
> > > peace
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > > I switched from 225 mg of Effexor XR to Lexapro within the last 2 months. I was having similar problems to what you are having, except that I rarely drink alcohol, but I was also lethargic and having a hard time. If your doc has put you on Lexapro, I don't know why they don't just wean you off the Effexor, the two together are overkill, and unnecessary if the Effexor XR isn't working. It took me 6 weeks to taper off the Effexor, but I am doing MUCH better on 20mg of Lexapro now.
> > > >
> > > > Also, I agree with EGR -- alcohol is a depressant, and it counteracts any AD. Having a glass of wine with a meal every once in a while, or a couple of beers once a month won't really hurt, but drinking even once a day will stop the action of the AD. In fact, I've found that when someone wants to drink, that probably means their AD isn't working.
> > > >
> > > > You didn't say if you were having any side effects from the Effexor XR (I had seriously unbearable nausea and developed an ulcer while on it and gained 40 pounds), but even if you aren't, you should ask your doctor why you are taking both meds.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > > HI
> > > > >
> > > > > Anyone taking Effexor xr and Lexapro?
> > > > >
> > > > > I have been on Effexor xr for 4 months currently at 225. Doesn't seem to be working.I can hardly get out of bed. Wondering if alcohol may have something to do with it. My PD has just prescribed 10 mg of Lexapro along with the Effexor.
> > > > >
> > > > > Does anyone have expeerience with Effexor xr and Lexapro?
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by CindyLou on January 19, 2003, at 18:26:47
In reply to Re: Lexapro dosing/timing, and some good news..., posted by syringachalet on January 19, 2003, at 16:07:21
Thanks for the encouragement! She does wear me out :-)
> Anyone with a 3 year old should take a nap with them...Your Lexapro seems to be doing as well as can be expected.
>
> Sounds like you have lots of things going on in your life and taking your meds when it fits your lifestyle is what medication managment is all about.
>
> Take Care and give that little one an extra hug...
>
> syringachalet
Posted by CindyLou on January 19, 2003, at 18:34:07
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro » Anomar, posted by leslieg on January 18, 2003, at 11:01:40
Hi,
I have a few questions about calcium and PMS ...1. How many mg. are you supposed to take?
2. What form of calcium is best (e.g., calcium citrate, calcium carbonate, etc.)
3. Do you take it all month long, or just during PMS?
Thanks!
cindy
> My PMS was getting quite bothersome ... then I started taking more calcium, as I'd heard it helped. It did! I like those calcium chews. My GYN suggesting taking it before bed as I take my multivitamins at dinner, so I keep a supply in the bathroom and chew one while I'm washing my face (I do my teeth last). It really made quite a difference, and there are studies that show it works. Try it! [My PMS "went away" before I started Lexapro, so I can't say if Lex helps with PMS or not...]
>
>
> > I am taking Lexapro to help with PMS. I have read so many postings and I am wondering if this is a drastic measure from my pdoc - to be taking Lexapro for PMS. However, I get so impatient during those 8 days and I am sure my husband would like something to change. I was given 10 mg and told to cut it in half, so I am going to take my first 5 mg tonight. With the winds so bad out here in California, I am hoping that this will help me sleep. I will let you know how it goes. Oh, I was given Zoloft to start with and that stuff made me feel like I was drunk. Then it made me very tense and I was clenched my jaw. Okay, enough babbling. I will let you know how it goes.
>
>
Posted by syringachalet on January 19, 2003, at 19:10:07
In reply to PMS and calcium » leslieg, posted by CindyLou on January 19, 2003, at 18:34:07
Hi Cindy,
The USDA states that all women in child-bearing years should take 1000-1300mg of calcium daily.
Calcium is best taken from naturally occuring sources and there are dozens of non-dairy sources for those with lactose-tolerance issues.
You should know also that calcium has enhanced absorption in the presence of ascorbic acid(Vitamin C) and Vitamin D.The website listed below will have more info that you might want but it is a great place to start.
http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/Bulletins/
glossary.html
I use this site a lot...hope this helps.....
syringachalet
Posted by EGR on January 19, 2003, at 19:23:17
In reply to Re: effexor xr and lexapro anyone? » mills, posted by Sadsack on January 19, 2003, at 17:44:14
Hey Sadsack!
Great point! Now that you've mentioned it, you're absolutely right. When I was most depressed, I kept wanting to have wine in the evening... any evening. Previously I was just a "big occasion" drinker. Now that I've been on meds, I haven't had any desire for any alcohol.
Wow! The revelations one receives from these postings!
EGR
> I know that when I am on an effective AD the desire for alcohol diminishes radically.
Posted by leslieg on January 19, 2003, at 20:12:15
In reply to PMS and calcium » leslieg, posted by CindyLou on January 19, 2003, at 18:34:07
I saw a difference at 500 mg more per day (I take one 500 mg suppliment; my diet is moderate in calcium). I take the Viactive Calcium Chews. I don't know what kind of calcium it is, but it does contain something to help your body absorb the calcium. I do take it all month long. I think I read that it takes two cycles to make a difference?? I read so much I can't remember the details now. Sorry.
> Hi,
> I have a few questions about calcium and PMS ...
>
> 1. How many mg. are you supposed to take?
>
> 2. What form of calcium is best (e.g., calcium citrate, calcium carbonate, etc.)
>
> 3. Do you take it all month long, or just during PMS?
>
> Thanks!
> cindy
>
>
> > My PMS was getting quite bothersome ... then I started taking more calcium, as I'd heard it helped. It did! I like those calcium chews. My GYN suggesting taking it before bed as I take my multivitamins at dinner, so I keep a supply in the bathroom and chew one while I'm washing my face (I do my teeth last). It really made quite a difference, and there are studies that show it works. Try it! [My PMS "went away" before I started Lexapro, so I can't say if Lex helps with PMS or not...]
> >
> >
> > > I am taking Lexapro to help with PMS. I have read so many postings and I am wondering if this is a drastic measure from my pdoc - to be taking Lexapro for PMS. However, I get so impatient during those 8 days and I am sure my husband would like something to change. I was given 10 mg and told to cut it in half, so I am going to take my first 5 mg tonight. With the winds so bad out here in California, I am hoping that this will help me sleep. I will let you know how it goes. Oh, I was given Zoloft to start with and that stuff made me feel like I was drunk. Then it made me very tense and I was clenched my jaw. Okay, enough babbling. I will let you know how it goes.
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by vero on January 19, 2003, at 20:27:40
In reply to Re: Lexapro dosing/timing, and some good news... » syringachalet, posted by CindyLou on January 19, 2003, at 18:26:47
Been on paxil for years- good on depression, anxiety and IBS, but not sex- anyone know how lexapro compares in mitigating IBS?
Posted by oldhand on January 19, 2003, at 21:51:20
In reply to Re: Lexapro has been very good for me, posted by JaneB on January 18, 2003, at 10:48:55
JaneB: I have been taking 100mg of Trazodone for the insomnia and nothing for the neck stiffness. I do not have a doctor yet in my new "digs" so have just tolerated it. It is not so bad as to really interfere with my day. I am taking 10 mg of Lexapro in the morning.
Posted by oldhand on January 19, 2003, at 21:54:55
In reply to Re: Lexapro has been very good for me » oldhand, posted by ayuda on January 18, 2003, at 10:03:50
Thanks for the encouraging words Ayuda. You seem always to be there with the kind thought.
Posted by oldhand on January 19, 2003, at 22:08:00
In reply to Re: effexor xr and lexapro anyone? » mills, posted by Sadsack on January 19, 2003, at 17:44:14
I have to agree with Sadsack and Ayuda on the alcohol issue. I drank alcohol with every AD I ever took and they all pooped out pretty quickly and I did not do well on them.. I knew in my heart I was self-medicating and defeating the purpose of the AD. With Lexapro I don't really even want alcohol. I feel like I could drink if I wanted to but have little desire and this is the best I have felt in years. My suggestion would be to try it without the alcohol for awhile if you can. I never thought I could but here I am! Best regards and health to us all!
Posted by Jack Smith on January 20, 2003, at 19:24:39
In reply to Re: effexor xr and lexapro anyone? » Sadsack, posted by oldhand on January 19, 2003, at 22:08:00
Anyone try lexapro after celexa "pooped out"
Posted by Kathii on January 20, 2003, at 20:15:43
In reply to lexapro -IBS, posted by vero on January 19, 2003, at 20:27:40
> Been on paxil for years- good on depression, anxiety and IBS, but not sex- anyone know how lexapro compares in mitigating IBS?
>Hi Vero,
I just started on Lexapro a week ago (had to start with 1/4 tablet, am now up to 1/2). I have also just started Zelnorm, which is a new med for IBS. I've also been on Wellbutrin for years. I'm too new to these meds to give an opinion yet, but I'd like to keep in touch with you and hear from others with depression and IBS.
Kathii
Posted by Phil on January 20, 2003, at 20:47:45
In reply to lexapro -IBS, posted by vero on January 19, 2003, at 20:27:40
Lexapro may be as good but check with your doc.
If you're looking for a hoppin sex life or just want to experience orgasms occasionally, Lexapro has become less forgiving than Paxil for me.
I'm doing okay on it otherwise but I will probably switch to something else..if I can find something I haven't taken.
Lexapro makes your unit perform like a sneeze.
(That sentence should be in a medical journal)
You know when you have to sneeze, you have imminent pre-sneeze sensations, you go for the wind-up and..hey, where'd my sneeze go? I want that sneeze. That's the way Lexapro works for me
and sex. Delayed ejaculation is right. Delayed until you quit the drug.
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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