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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by male34 on February 3, 2003, at 11:12:47
In reply to Re: same side effects all ssri's » lcg4, posted by JaneB on February 3, 2003, at 8:32:19
LEX-when stop sleepiness?,on lexapro 5 days dont want to move get outta bed ZZZZZzzzzz!
Posted by mikal on February 3, 2003, at 11:24:57
In reply to Re: lexapro need help,users » male34, posted by nhg on February 3, 2003, at 11:08:15
NHG- It took me 2 weeks to really feel the benefits of Lexapro. It sounds like you've had some very traumatic events in your life recently, for that I'll send you some positive thoughts.
I'm on 10mg of Lexapro, and like I said it took around 2 weeks to really kick in. The first couple of days(5) were really topsy-turvy. I had trouble sleeping, and was extremely tired at the same time. I woke abruptly and had trouble falling back asleep. I have found that over time my body has adjusted and I feel ALMOST no side affects and the benefits are incredible. But that is only my case. I concider myself lucky. I didn't suffer to horribly from Depression, but Anxiety and Panic had really taken hold in my life. This has really helped release me from the thinking that has perpetuated an awful cycle.
Much of what we go through is chemical, however, it is a combination of un-healthy thinking. We get caught in loops of traumatic/debilitating thinking and we cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel. It's like looking at a rock, but we are holding it right up to our eye, and it looks like a massive boulder - we can't see anything but the problem. We need to hold our arm out and see the rock at arms length and realize that it's not as bad as we are making it. Then if truly successful we can set the rock on the ground and it becomes merely a pebble and we can walk right past it with out noticing it anymore. But getting to that point takes a myriad of actions. Some of us need a drug for balance, some need a cocktail of drugs, whatever works. But we should also not underestimate the power of ourselves to see change and to accept change. The part I am struggling with the most with Lexapro is the realization that my Panic is gone, my anxiety is subsided, and now what? When you deal with a problem long enough it becomes incorporated into your dail survival mechanism, many of us do not like to admit it, but relief from this burden is often frightning in it's self. We need to see this as an opportunity, an opportunity to live better, and yes differently.
I'm a firm believer that drugs are a necessary part (for some) of getting back on track. But we have do some work too. We have to live differently and embrace change. Only then can we really seperate ourselves from our disease.
Posted by mikal on February 3, 2003, at 11:47:19
In reply to Re: same side effects all ssri's » mikal, posted by lcg4 on February 3, 2003, at 11:08:45
> well maybe because of my son's age,13. They affect him differently than an adult because he went from an A student to a C student on Paxil 10 mg. he was on 25mg and he was way overmedicated. He couldn't even keep his head up. I hesitate changing him to Lexapro because even though it is 10mg, I've been told it is equivalent to 40mg of Celexa and I don't know what to do. I don't want him all doped up again but the panic attacks and anxiety is bad without taking anything.
lcg4 -Your're completely right on the Adult vs. Teen reactions. I don't know enough to talk on that subject at all. But I'll tell you that 10mg of Lexapro doesn't "dope" me up at all; it gives me a level playing field with the rest of the world. I've been following the boards around here and Lexapro has really helped many people with Anxiety/Panic. I think you should do as much research on Lexapro and talk to Doctor about it. I'm 29, I'm currently working full time as a manager of a restaurant, and I'm studing to take the GRE, my ability to think clear and retain knowledge has never been better. My confidence has shot up due to the whole round about affect.
I feel for you and your son, it has to be difficult. I hope you find the answer you're looking for. Don't get discouraged, any and all eforts are worth it.
Posted by male34 on February 3, 2003, at 13:17:41
In reply to Re: same side effects all ssri's » mikal, posted by lcg4 on February 3, 2003, at 11:08:45
> well maybe because of my son's age,13. They affect him differently than an adult because he went from an A student to a C student on Paxil 10 mg. he was on 25mg and he was way overmedicated. He couldn't even keep his head up. I hesitate changing him to Lexapro because even though it is 10mg, I've been told it is equivalent to 40mg of Celexa and I don't know what to do. I don't want him all doped up again but the panic attacks and anxiety is bad without taking anything.
>im 34 male had anxiety since 4th grade, so its best you nip it in the bud now than latet like myself ,get the rough ride over with now ,god blees and show your son your love and support now it will be alright hes normal jsut needs to correct the sreatonin surge . send him my best.stay occupied with your son till adjustment.
Posted by male34 on February 3, 2003, at 13:29:05
In reply to Re: lexapro need help,users » male34, posted by nhg on February 3, 2003, at 11:08:15
> > im on lexapro only 3 days now wow im so tired anxiuos and crummy feeeling,i did paxil a year ago gained 35 pounds come off it ,it was hell coming off, but now my mother died and my anxiety is bad, im also agoraphobic . im on lexapro for anxiety mainly but i sure dont like these first days any help ,is this normal im on 10 mgs and some small doses of xanax to calm me, but believe me im calm ill i want to do is sleep along with be very anxiuos and jiterry /please help
>
> How are you feeling now? I've been on Lexapro for three days. It has helped the depression (which couldn't have gotten any worse) but isn't doing anthing for the anxiety. I have been taking xanax for a few weeks (ever since I was assaulted). I need it sometimes at night, but always in the morning. During the past weeks, I toss and turn in my sleep and wake up repeatedly in extreme panic attacks. I take some xanax and try to go back to sleep. But for some reason, mornings are the worse. I can hardly live with it.
> So you are a few days ahead of me with the Lexapro and I'm just wondering if you've had any progress.
>info you will get panic attacks at during night and morning due to your body being low on blood sugar level try some juice 1st thing in morningand as for waking up in anxiety it is common try the xanax but carefull xanax can be addictive if you realy over doit,but iwas told take xanax during begining days of an SSRI's they pump you up with fear etc.. then the body gets use to it and you level out your experiencing early stages of medicine causing anxiety its like the flu shot it is flu virius in you so body can fight ti ,just hang in there trust me and it will work soon, stay busy and stay in a happy enviroment for a while no scary movies or news etc.. keep you body in a happy mode and when it all is over you be glad you stuck it out ask you DR about xanex info theres different MG's to take so be carefull God Bless Ill pray for you ,it will get better every day stay strong!your friend ,me
Posted by male34 on February 3, 2003, at 13:35:59
In reply to Re: lexapro need help,users » nhg, posted by mikal on February 3, 2003, at 11:24:57
> NHG- It took me 2 weeks to really feel the benefits of Lexapro. It sounds like you've had some very traumatic events in your life recently, for that I'll send you some positive thoughts.
>
> I'm on 10mg of Lexapro, and like I said it took around 2 weeks to really kick in. The first couple of days(5) were really topsy-turvy. I had trouble sleeping, and was extremely tired at the same time. I woke abruptly and had trouble falling back asleep. I have found that over time my body has adjusted and I feel ALMOST no side affects and the benefits are incredible. But that is only my case. I concider myself lucky. I didn't suffer to horribly from Depression, but Anxiety and Panic had really taken hold in my life. This has really helped release me from the thinking that has perpetuated an awful cycle.
>
> Much of what we go through is chemical, however, it is a combination of un-healthy thinking. We get caught in loops of traumatic/debilitating thinking and we cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel. It's like looking at a rock, but we are holding it right up to our eye, and it looks like a massive boulder - we can't see anything but the problem. We need to hold our arm out and see the rock at arms length and realize that it's not as bad as we are making it. Then if truly successful we can set the rock on the ground and it becomes merely a pebble and we can walk right past it with out noticing it anymore. But getting to that point takes a myriad of actions. Some of us need a drug for balance, some need a cocktail of drugs, whatever works. But we should also not underestimate the power of ourselves to see change and to accept change. The part I am struggling with the most with Lexapro is the realization that my Panic is gone, my anxiety is subsided, and now what? When you deal with a problem long enough it becomes incorporated into your dail survival mechanism, many of us do not like to admit it, but relief from this burden is often frightning in it's self. We need to see this as an opportunity, an opportunity to live better, and yes differently.
>
> I'm a firm believer that drugs are a necessary part (for some) of getting back on track. But we have do some work too. We have to live differently and embrace change. Only then can we really seperate ourselves from our disease.
>thanks well put,and i was on paxil and when it got better iwas abit scared of being better it may sound strange but my job of fearing fear was gone, i will take your advice to the max,thanks and i wont quit lex ,now im trusting you,thanks
Posted by male34 on February 3, 2003, at 13:46:22
In reply to Re: lexapro need help,users » jodie, posted by Charlotte Groce on February 2, 2003, at 18:59:57
> > > im on lexapro only 3 days now wow im so tired anxiuos and crummy feeeling,i did paxil a year ago gained 35 pounds come off it ,it was hell coming off, but now my mother died and my anxiety is bad, im also agoraphobic . im on lexapro for anxiety mainly but i sure dont like these first days any help ,is this normal im on 10 mgs and some small doses of xanax to calm me, but believe me im calm ill i want to do is sleep along with be very anxiuos and jiterry /please help
> >
> >
> >
> > ***********************************************************
> >
> > Hello,
> >
> > I have been on lexapro for a little while now. I was on celexa a while back too, which is basically the same thing. Just thought I would let you know what you are experiencing isn't uncommon. I had the same jittery, spacey feeling, had anxiety too. when I first started it. That feeling lasted about a week or so, it gets better over time. You haven't been on it that long, so make sure to give it a chance. It has worked wonders for me!! Some people says it makes them too emotionally numb, but honestly, I would rather feel that way than depressed, or having anxiety. I don't mind that side effect, usually.
> >
> > Sorry to hear about your mother. What a difficult time you must be going through.
> >
> > The xanax can really help too, especially with the anxiety you are feeling from the lexapro. A lot of people find it helpful to go on a benzo when they first start certain AD's. Have you thought of trying something a little longer acting like Klonopin (clonazepam) instead? I prefer that over xanax!! But thats just my personal opinion!!! Hope this helped a little.
> >
> > Hang in there!!!
> >
> > Jodie
> >
> >
> I was on Paxil for two years for OCD and anxiety attacks. I gained 30 pounds and I stopped experiencing organzisms. In November my Psychiatrist switched me to Lexpro. The withdrawal symptoms were almost unbearable: numbness, spacey, dizzy, and nightmares. I finally adjusted to the lexapro and life without paxil. Within in 4 days without paxil my sexual desire and ability to climax returned. However, my articulation, concentration, motivation, cognitive superiority, and energy have not returned. The lexpro and paxil both inhibit my thinking and reasoning skills.
>
> I decided on my on this past week (Wednesday, 1/29/03) to stop taking the lexpro. The withdrawal symptoms are brain numbness, dizziness, inability to remember names or events, and weakness. Does anyone know how long this will last? Will my detailed intellect and memory return to the way it was prior to paxil and lexapro?
>
> I am holding on by a thread. I just want my mind back.
>
> Good luck to everyone else.
>
> Charlotte
>
> ****************
person coming off lexapro and or paxil i did come off paxil it was a long sloww process i cut a smidgin little piece of the pill every day for along time but it worked i was not side effected at all, note i did it quick prior and it was hell , and yes youll go back to normal and normal may be back to suffering its your choice i have to go back on now due to my moms death made me bad,good luck to all
Posted by male34 on February 3, 2003, at 14:06:49
In reply to Re: Lexapro sex drive, weight gain, dreams, posted by LA on January 29, 2003, at 20:33:14
> > My two cents (more or less) worth:
> >
> > SEX DRIVE: It returns :-) I suspect it left me in the first place because my brain was getting stimuli from other sources again, besides just sex (no more anhedonia -- is that how you spell that?) and my brain was trying to pay attention to all different kinds of recently re-discovered stimuli. "Sexual" stimuli are now only one kind of stimuli of many different sources, so no longer getting all my brain's attention. Eventually, biology overrruled, and my sex drive returned. Orgasmic difficulties, I suspect, resulted from difference in the way I process norephinephrine while on the SSRI, oxytocin, DMT, etc. I'm not a biochemist, just someone looking for answers, so who knows if I'm on the right track, or full of it? :-)
> >
> > WEIGHT GAIN?: I've lost weight, I suspect for many reasons. I'm sleeping better, so I'm not so tired -- so I don't have to eat for energy so I can keep moving when exhausted. Don't have to eat to provide some, any, stimuli to my (no longer) anhedonic brain, since I'm getting other stimuli now. My metabolism has increased, since my brain -- the "orchestrator" of everything else -- is once again communicating with the rest of my body in a way the rest of me can understand and obey. My healing time is reduced 80% or more, my thinking is faster, sleep is sounder, nerves are not fried and raw, migraines are gone, humor has returned, desire to pursue hobbies, exercise, etc. have returned.
> >
> > DREAMS: Mine got more vivid, definitely. I think it's the same reason as above -- my brain was flat missing something that it needed to communicate with the rest of me. Dream deprivation is, to your mind, like sleep deprivation is to the body. When you're deprived of it, and you get a chance to make up for it, your body will take a LOT of it to try to compensate for what it's missed.
> >
> > All three of these seem to point to a similar factor -- that my neurotransmitters were drastically underfunctional in at least one area, and various parts of me were starving for what they were missing (many more physical areas I haven't listed here -- those who have read any of my other posts will have seen some of them.) My response to these three areas seems to me to follow a similar pattern that is specific to how my particular chemistry disorder manifested. It will affect other people differently, though!! I think that, if we had enough information and could see clearly enough, we would see that while it affects each of us a little differently (or a lot), it affects any one person *similarly* in many areas. Those who get sleepless on Lexapro, also tend to get more agitated, and the diarhhea/bowel disturbances, and the headaches, right? Or am I wrong? For some like these, it seems to be an OVER-stimulating effect -- for others a LEVEL-ing effect (can handle stress better, don't go to pieces, not afraid of confrontation, blood pressure normalizes, etc.) -- but I needed an UP-effect, but not in the "stimulant" sense, just in the sense of giving my body a kick in the pants in all the areas it was laying down on me. That could explain why so many of us respond to it so differently.
> >
> > I just hope it lasts because I haven't felt this good in many years. Having never taken SSRI's before Lexapro, I don't know what to expect -- many have experienced "poop-out" and I pray every night that I will become well enough to make it on my own, without the SSRI, before this can happen to me. Giving up myself, after having re-captured myself, would be worse than having never found myself again, I think.
> >
> > Anyway, I hope that makes sense. Think I put in two bits worth instead of two cents worth, sorry. =-D
>
> So glad that you are feeling good.
> Please tell me how long you have been on Lexapro and at what dose? I know it's different for everyone but .........
> LA
>
> ****************
you sound good ive been wondering when does this tired feeling o away im on it 5mgs for 4 days about,so tired and anxiuos
Posted by mikal on February 3, 2003, at 15:05:30
In reply to Re: Lexapro sex drive, weight gain, dreams, posted by male34 on February 3, 2003, at 14:06:49
> > > My two cents (more or less) worth:
> > >
> > > SEX DRIVE: It returns :-) I suspect it left me in the first place because my brain was getting stimuli from other sources again, besides just sex (no more anhedonia -- is that how you spell that?) and my brain was trying to pay attention to all different kinds of recently re-discovered stimuli. "Sexual" stimuli are now only one kind of stimuli of many different sources, so no longer getting all my brain's attention. Eventually, biology overrruled, and my sex drive returned. Orgasmic difficulties, I suspect, resulted from difference in the way I process norephinephrine while on the SSRI, oxytocin, DMT, etc. I'm not a biochemist, just someone looking for answers, so who knows if I'm on the right track, or full of it? :-)
> > >
> > > WEIGHT GAIN?: I've lost weight, I suspect for many reasons. I'm sleeping better, so I'm not so tired -- so I don't have to eat for energy so I can keep moving when exhausted. Don't have to eat to provide some, any, stimuli to my (no longer) anhedonic brain, since I'm getting other stimuli now. My metabolism has increased, since my brain -- the "orchestrator" of everything else -- is once again communicating with the rest of my body in a way the rest of me can understand and obey. My healing time is reduced 80% or more, my thinking is faster, sleep is sounder, nerves are not fried and raw, migraines are gone, humor has returned, desire to pursue hobbies, exercise, etc. have returned.
> > >
> > > DREAMS: Mine got more vivid, definitely. I think it's the same reason as above -- my brain was flat missing something that it needed to communicate with the rest of me. Dream deprivation is, to your mind, like sleep deprivation is to the body. When you're deprived of it, and you get a chance to make up for it, your body will take a LOT of it to try to compensate for what it's missed.
> > >
> > > All three of these seem to point to a similar factor -- that my neurotransmitters were drastically underfunctional in at least one area, and various parts of me were starving for what they were missing (many more physical areas I haven't listed here -- those who have read any of my other posts will have seen some of them.) My response to these three areas seems to me to follow a similar pattern that is specific to how my particular chemistry disorder manifested. It will affect other people differently, though!! I think that, if we had enough information and could see clearly enough, we would see that while it affects each of us a little differently (or a lot), it affects any one person *similarly* in many areas. Those who get sleepless on Lexapro, also tend to get more agitated, and the diarhhea/bowel disturbances, and the headaches, right? Or am I wrong? For some like these, it seems to be an OVER-stimulating effect -- for others a LEVEL-ing effect (can handle stress better, don't go to pieces, not afraid of confrontation, blood pressure normalizes, etc.) -- but I needed an UP-effect, but not in the "stimulant" sense, just in the sense of giving my body a kick in the pants in all the areas it was laying down on me. That could explain why so many of us respond to it so differently.
> > >
> > > I just hope it lasts because I haven't felt this good in many years. Having never taken SSRI's before Lexapro, I don't know what to expect -- many have experienced "poop-out" and I pray every night that I will become well enough to make it on my own, without the SSRI, before this can happen to me. Giving up myself, after having re-captured myself, would be worse than having never found myself again, I think.
> > >
> > > Anyway, I hope that makes sense. Think I put in two bits worth instead of two cents worth, sorry. =-D
> >
> > So glad that you are feeling good.
> > Please tell me how long you have been on Lexapro and at what dose? I know it's different for everyone but .........
> > LA
> >
> > ****************
> you sound good ive been wondering when does this tired feeling o away im on it 5mgs for 4 days about,so tired and anxiuos
>
>
***********************LA - I have been experiencing the same effects from Lexapro as you. I feel as though my brain has been reconnected with my body. I'm able to function and have increased daily activities to not just work/sleep. I have hobbies, I work out, I quit some very bad habits... this I believe is a side effect to being plugged in vs. disconnected. Any amount of discomfort I had in the begining of taking Lex is gone. I'm not sure I was ever connected before today. I hear many poeple fear being "doped" up. I'll tell you I'm anything but "doped" up. I was dopey before, my disconnection left so many holes in my life, I often was in a waking dream... unsure of what was really happening.
Posted by male34 on February 3, 2003, at 15:44:35
In reply to Re: Lexapro sex drive, weight gain, dreams, posted by mikal on February 3, 2003, at 15:05:30
> > > > My two cents (more or less) worth:
> > > >
> > > > SEX DRIVE: It returns :-) I suspect it left me in the first place because my brain was getting stimuli from other sources again, besides just sex (no more anhedonia -- is that how you spell that?) and my brain was trying to pay attention to all different kinds of recently re-discovered stimuli. "Sexual" stimuli are now only one kind of stimuli of many different sources, so no longer getting all my brain's attention. Eventually, biology overrruled, and my sex drive returned. Orgasmic difficulties, I suspect, resulted from difference in the way I process norephinephrine while on the SSRI, oxytocin, DMT, etc. I'm not a biochemist, just someone looking for answers, so who knows if I'm on the right track, or full of it? :-)
> > > >
> > > > WEIGHT GAIN?: I've lost weight, I suspect for many reasons. I'm sleeping better, so I'm not so tired -- so I don't have to eat for energy so I can keep moving when exhausted. Don't have to eat to provide some, any, stimuli to my (no longer) anhedonic brain, since I'm getting other stimuli now. My metabolism has increased, since my brain -- the "orchestrator" of everything else -- is once again communicating with the rest of my body in a way the rest of me can understand and obey. My healing time is reduced 80% or more, my thinking is faster, sleep is sounder, nerves are not fried and raw, migraines are gone, humor has returned, desire to pursue hobbies, exercise, etc. have returned.
> > > >
> > > > DREAMS: Mine got more vivid, definitely. I think it's the same reason as above -- my brain was flat missing something that it needed to communicate with the rest of me. Dream deprivation is, to your mind, like sleep deprivation is to the body. When you're deprived of it, and you get a chance to make up for it, your body will take a LOT of it to try to compensate for what it's missed.
> > > >
> > > > All three of these seem to point to a similar factor -- that my neurotransmitters were drastically underfunctional in at least one area, and various parts of me were starving for what they were missing (many more physical areas I haven't listed here -- those who have read any of my other posts will have seen some of them.) My response to these three areas seems to me to follow a similar pattern that is specific to how my particular chemistry disorder manifested. It will affect other people differently, though!! I think that, if we had enough information and could see clearly enough, we would see that while it affects each of us a little differently (or a lot), it affects any one person *similarly* in many areas. Those who get sleepless on Lexapro, also tend to get more agitated, and the diarhhea/bowel disturbances, and the headaches, right? Or am I wrong? For some like these, it seems to be an OVER-stimulating effect -- for others a LEVEL-ing effect (can handle stress better, don't go to pieces, not afraid of confrontation, blood pressure normalizes, etc.) -- but I needed an UP-effect, but not in the "stimulant" sense, just in the sense of giving my body a kick in the pants in all the areas it was laying down on me. That could explain why so many of us respond to it so differently.
> > > >
> > > > I just hope it lasts because I haven't felt this good in many years. Having never taken SSRI's before Lexapro, I don't know what to expect -- many have experienced "poop-out" and I pray every night that I will become well enough to make it on my own, without the SSRI, before this can happen to me. Giving up myself, after having re-captured myself, would be worse than having never found myself again, I think.
> > > >
> > > > Anyway, I hope that makes sense. Think I put in two bits worth instead of two cents worth, sorry. =-D
> > >
> > > So glad that you are feeling good.
> > > Please tell me how long you have been on Lexapro and at what dose? I know it's different for everyone but .........
> > > LA
> > >
> > > ****************
> > you sound good ive been wondering when does this tired feeling o away im on it 5mgs for 4 days about,so tired and anxiuos
> >
> >
> ***********************
>
> LA - I have been experiencing the same effects from Lexapro as you. I feel as though my brain has been reconnected with my body. I'm able to function and have increased daily activities to not just work/sleep. I have hobbies, I work out, I quit some very bad habits... this I believe is a side effect to being plugged in vs. disconnected. Any amount of discomfort I had in the begining of taking Lex is gone. I'm not sure I was ever connected before today. I hear many poeple fear being "doped" up. I'll tell you I'm anything but "doped" up. I was dopey before, my disconnection left so many holes in my life, I often was in a waking dream... unsure of what was really happening.
> **********************************if you didnt get my last note so you say no weight gain?
and you have been on it for how long?
when did the starting sideffects wear off about?
and did you start on 5mgs or 10 mgs?what time did you take it i take right befiore bed and i CANT get up outta bed ,do you know what im talking about?
thanks please write back
Posted by male34 on February 3, 2003, at 16:44:55
In reply to Re: coping with panic attacks » mlj 123, posted by mikal on January 31, 2003, at 23:32:56
mlj 123??? i read you like LEX ,how long on it how much and im anxiety panic attack person it works for you and your ok ?
Posted by Dysfunk on February 3, 2003, at 16:47:11
In reply to Re: Lump in throat, sweating- YES!, posted by donia on January 31, 2003, at 18:25:40
Rachel: I feel like the food is at the base of my neck. It doesn't happen til a few hours after I take the medicine. I find it hard to eat or drink. It makes me feel like I am nervous, choked up, even though I am not. I have taken lots of TUMS. I am swallowing lots of air, I can even hear it move in my neck. Thanks for the suggestion of deoderant. Never heard of it, but I will look around. Dysfunk
Posted by mills on February 3, 2003, at 17:06:34
In reply to Re: Lexapro sex drive, weight gain, dreams, posted by bozeman on January 27, 2003, at 23:09:39
hey male, how many mg's do you take?
> My two cents (more or less) worth:
>
> SEX DRIVE: It returns :-) I suspect it left me in the first place because my brain was getting stimuli from other sources again, besides just sex (no more anhedonia -- is that how you spell that?) and my brain was trying to pay attention to all different kinds of recently re-discovered stimuli. "Sexual" stimuli are now only one kind of stimuli of many different sources, so no longer getting all my brain's attention. Eventually, biology overrruled, and my sex drive returned. Orgasmic difficulties, I suspect, resulted from difference in the way I process norephinephrine while on the SSRI, oxytocin, DMT, etc. I'm not a biochemist, just someone looking for answers, so who knows if I'm on the right track, or full of it? :-)
>
> WEIGHT GAIN?: I've lost weight, I suspect for many reasons. I'm sleeping better, so I'm not so tired -- so I don't have to eat for energy so I can keep moving when exhausted. Don't have to eat to provide some, any, stimuli to my (no longer) anhedonic brain, since I'm getting other stimuli now. My metabolism has increased, since my brain -- the "orchestrator" of everything else -- is once again communicating with the rest of my body in a way the rest of me can understand and obey. My healing time is reduced 80% or more, my thinking is faster, sleep is sounder, nerves are not fried and raw, migraines are gone, humor has returned, desire to pursue hobbies, exercise, etc. have returned.
>
> DREAMS: Mine got more vivid, definitely. I think it's the same reason as above -- my brain was flat missing something that it needed to communicate with the rest of me. Dream deprivation is, to your mind, like sleep deprivation is to the body. When you're deprived of it, and you get a chance to make up for it, your body will take a LOT of it to try to compensate for what it's missed.
>
> All three of these seem to point to a similar factor -- that my neurotransmitters were drastically underfunctional in at least one area, and various parts of me were starving for what they were missing (many more physical areas I haven't listed here -- those who have read any of my other posts will have seen some of them.) My response to these three areas seems to me to follow a similar pattern that is specific to how my particular chemistry disorder manifested. It will affect other people differently, though!! I think that, if we had enough information and could see clearly enough, we would see that while it affects each of us a little differently (or a lot), it affects any one person *similarly* in many areas. Those who get sleepless on Lexapro, also tend to get more agitated, and the diarhhea/bowel disturbances, and the headaches, right? Or am I wrong? For some like these, it seems to be an OVER-stimulating effect -- for others a LEVEL-ing effect (can handle stress better, don't go to pieces, not afraid of confrontation, blood pressure normalizes, etc.) -- but I needed an UP-effect, but not in the "stimulant" sense, just in the sense of giving my body a kick in the pants in all the areas it was laying down on me. That could explain why so many of us respond to it so differently.
>
> I just hope it lasts because I haven't felt this good in many years. Having never taken SSRI's before Lexapro, I don't know what to expect -- many have experienced "poop-out" and I pray every night that I will become well enough to make it on my own, without the SSRI, before this can happen to me. Giving up myself, after having re-captured myself, would be worse than having never found myself again, I think.
>
> Anyway, I hope that makes sense. Think I put in two bits worth instead of two cents worth, sorry. =-D
Posted by male34 on February 3, 2003, at 20:01:15
In reply to Question for male34, posted by mills on February 3, 2003, at 17:06:34
im on lex 5 days now took 10mg first made me not feel well so now im on 5mgs and im just TIRED and cant get outa bed in a.m. and im not like that i got 3 kids runnin around i gotta wake up,but i also gotta up my mg's now to 10 soon i hope this sleepy side effect goes away and i get normal
Posted by bozeman on February 3, 2003, at 21:54:54
In reply to Re: Changing time of Lex -- EGR » bozeman, posted by EGR on January 31, 2003, at 20:15:16
> BOZEMAN!!
>
> GREAT to hear from you! I've been out of town and just got back. I'm am doing excellently taking the Lexapro at night. I'm not groggy in the morning and I have no trouble staying awake at night.
>
> My doc gave me 100 mgs of Wellbutrin to take in the morning to see if it helps with the sse, but since I've been gone, I haven't had a chance to "test" it.
>
> How are things going with you?
>
> EGR
>
You sound terrific, glad to hear it. Will be interested to see how the Wellbutrin works for you on the sse. Let us know, OK?I think I have just come out of my first true "happened-while-on-Lexapro" funk. Wasn't depressed, really, just my batteries were run down, sortof. Ruminating about it on the way home from work today, I think I figured out why, so now I'm not so worried (to tell the truth, I was really scared at first that I was on one of the dreaded "downward spirals" !!!!)
I have felt so much better, my thoughts have been so much clearer since starting Lexapro, that I think I've tried to cram the entire last fifteen years of my life I've missed, into the last fifteen weeks! I've picked back up a bunch of activities I had to give up due to exhaustion (my journey through depression started with an auto accident fifteen years ago, head and back injury, chronic pain, chronic fatigue, etc..) I am handling things a lot better since going on the Lexapro, I'm just trying to handle too much too fast, I think. We've just kicked into the really busy season at work, too, so I'm working a lot of extra hours -- salaried, no extra $$ :-(
and I think it just caught up with me this weekend. Nothing I set out to do, happened, (every time I sat down I fell asleep!) but at least I didn't crash.Now that I think about it, I think that's all it was -- I was actually just tired from running so hard for the last month. I have noticed that while on Lexapro that if I close my eyes, I can go to sleep, which is not normal for me (I slept about four hours a night for over twenty years, didn't know I was sleep deprived because I literally couldn't sleep any longer than that.) But now I need seven to eight hours of sleep, and can nap if I choose to. It will take some getting used to but the rest of my life is so much better, it's worth the trade-off.
I am so glad the evening Lex. dose is working well for you! (if this purring kitty in my lap doesn't get down, I may go to sleep right here . . . zzzzzz , , , )
Be well, my friend --bozeman
Posted by bozeman on February 3, 2003, at 22:00:03
In reply to Re: same side effects all ssri's » lcg4, posted by JaneB on February 3, 2003, at 8:32:19
> ssri's help my concentration and memory.
> JaneBI have had the same experience as JaneB -- my "brain fog" and exhaustion lifted once the Lexapro kicked in (but it took *several* weeks for full effect.)
Hope you find something that relieves your symptoms *and* restores your clarity.
bozeman
Posted by bozeman on February 3, 2003, at 22:28:49
In reply to Re: lexapro need help,users » nhg, posted by mikal on February 3, 2003, at 11:24:57
> > NHG- It took me 2 weeks to really feel the benefits of Lexapro. It sounds like you've had some very traumatic events in your life recently, for that I'll send you some positive thoughts.
> >Like Mikal, I felt better in some areas immediately but it took several weeks before I felt full benefit. (6 to 8 weeks at least)
> >
> I'm on 10mg of Lexapro, and like I said it took around 2 weeks to really kick in. The first couple of days(5) were really topsy-turvy. I had trouble sleeping, and was extremely tired at the same time. I woke abruptly and had trouble falling back asleep. I have found that over time my body has adjusted and I feel ALMOST no side affects and the benefits are incredible. But that is only my case. I concider myself lucky. I didn't suffer to horribly from Depression, but Anxiety and Panic had really taken hold in my life. This has really helped release me from the thinking that has perpetuated an awful cycle.
> >I had exact same experience (fell asleep easily, woke too early, too easily and couldn't go back to sleep, was both more rested and very-sleepy-could-lay-down-and-nap-right-here at the same time)
I was a lot more depressed than I knew until it lifted due to the Lexapro, and didn't think I had anxiety at all (but luckily my doctor knew better and gently persuaded me to try the medication :-)
Still-Lingering side effects: calm and alert but soooo relaxed (can still go to sleep any time any where, have to just NOT CLOSE MY EYES!! <chuckle>)
Sex drive has returned but not as much "wild creature of the serengheti" as before (but that's probably a good thing, keeps me sane :-) Delayed orgasm kind of a bummer, but it's getting better.> >
> Much of what we go through is chemical, however, it is a combination of un-healthy thinking. We get caught in loops of traumatic/debilitating thinking and we cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel. It's like looking at a rock, but we are holding it right up to our eye, and it looks like a massive boulder - we can't see anything but the problem. We need to hold our arm out and see the rock at arms length and realize that it's not as bad as we are making it. Then if truly successful we can set the rock on the ground and it becomes merely a pebble and we can walk right past it with out noticing it anymore. But getting to that point takes a myriad of actions. Some of us need a drug for balance, some need a cocktail of drugs, whatever works. But we should also not underestimate the power of ourselves to see change and to accept change. The part I am struggling with the most with Lexapro is the realization that my Panic is gone, my anxiety is subsided, and now what? When you deal with a problem long enough it becomes incorporated into your dail survival mechanism, many of us do not like to admit it, but relief from this burden is often frightning in it's self. We need to see this as an opportunity, an opportunity to live better, and yes differently.
> >Absolutely. I've spent most of my adult life in the shadow of the "disease" I denied I had. Now I'm having to "remember" how to be, who I really am without it, and it's a struggle to remember at times who I was, and how to react to things without blowing them out of proportion, or freaking out about things that used to make me "freak out".
> >
> I'm a firm believer that drugs are a necessary part (for some) of getting back on track. But we have do some work too. We have to live differently and embrace change. Only then can we really seperate ourselves from our disease.
> >I tried therapy, analysis, hypnosis, prayer, meditation, you name it. The plain truth is, none of it was enough without the medication. Everyone will (sad but true, as Mikal so poignantly noted) have to find their own unique path through this maze of neurotransmitter hell, but at least there are others of us to offer encouragement and support. Keep trying to find what works for you, and best of luck in your search.
Be well --
bozeman
Posted by bozeman on February 3, 2003, at 23:02:45
In reply to Re: Lexapro sex drive, weight gain, dreams, posted by male34 on February 3, 2003, at 15:44:35
Hi, all --
I've seen several questions about this post (originally mine), will try to answer all I saw:
Dosage: Started on 5 mg for 8 days, then up to 10 mg, taken at bedtime. Works best for me taken 2 to 3 hours before bedtime, don't ask me why, but it does.
Sleepiness: ALL I wanted to do was sleep for the first few days. But I started taking it during the week (risque of me, I know) so I had to work, not just sleep. I found if I just kept moving I was fine -- I get sleepy, get up from my desk, go for a short walk, for a drink of water, anything, and I'm fine in five minutes. Just DON'T close your eyes or you'll be out like a light, has been my experience! Also, I had to start taking it *earlier* in the evening, not right before bed. You might try that if it's possible for you.
Duration: It's been about four months. I STILL get sleepy if I stop moving and close my eyes, or if I try to live on 4 hours sleep, which used to be all I could stay asleep for, before I started the Lexapro. But I have thyroid and adrenal exhaustion, and am on medication for both, so it's probably actually normal in my case that I still get sleepy. I don't have any trouble fighting off the sleepiness, but I do have to fight it (get up, get a drink, etc.)
Weight gain: None, have actually slowly LOST weight on it. BUT I'm probably an unusual case, thyroid and adrenal problems had caused me to gain weight, and the Lexapro has apparently acted as the kick-start that all the other systems needed to start working again. Have actually had to cut my adrenal med dosage back since taking Lexapro. (was getting shaky, adrenals had actually started working again, doc says)
Hope this helps. Best of luck to you -- I know Lexapro is not the med for everyone, but it sure gave me my life back.
-- bozeman
________________________> > > > > My two cents (more or less) worth:
> > > > >
> > > > > SEX DRIVE: It returns :-) I suspect it left me in the first place because my brain was getting stimuli from other sources again, besides just sex (no more anhedonia -- is that how you spell that?) and my brain was trying to pay attention to all different kinds of recently re-discovered stimuli. "Sexual" stimuli are now only one kind of stimuli of many different sources, so no longer getting all my brain's attention. Eventually, biology overrruled, and my sex drive returned. Orgasmic difficulties, I suspect, resulted from difference in the way I process norephinephrine while on the SSRI, oxytocin, DMT, etc. I'm not a biochemist, just someone looking for answers, so who knows if I'm on the right track, or full of it? :-)
> > > > >
> > > > > WEIGHT GAIN?: I've lost weight, I suspect for many reasons. I'm sleeping better, so I'm not so tired -- so I don't have to eat for energy so I can keep moving when exhausted. Don't have to eat to provide some, any, stimuli to my (no longer) anhedonic brain, since I'm getting other stimuli now. My metabolism has increased, since my brain -- the "orchestrator" of everything else -- is once again communicating with the rest of my body in a way the rest of me can understand and obey. My healing time is reduced 80% or more, my thinking is faster, sleep is sounder, nerves are not fried and raw, migraines are gone, humor has returned, desire to pursue hobbies, exercise, etc. have returned.
> > > > >
> > > > > DREAMS: Mine got more vivid, definitely. I think it's the same reason as above -- my brain was flat missing something that it needed to communicate with the rest of me. Dream deprivation is, to your mind, like sleep deprivation is to the body. When you're deprived of it, and you get a chance to make up for it, your body will take a LOT of it to try to compensate for what it's missed.
> > > > >
> > > > > All three of these seem to point to a similar factor -- that my neurotransmitters were drastically underfunctional in at least one area, and various parts of me were starving for what they were missing (many more physical areas I haven't listed here -- those who have read any of my other posts will have seen some of them.) My response to these three areas seems to me to follow a similar pattern that is specific to how my particular chemistry disorder manifested. It will affect other people differently, though!! I think that, if we had enough information and could see clearly enough, we would see that while it affects each of us a little differently (or a lot), it affects any one person *similarly* in many areas. Those who get sleepless on Lexapro, also tend to get more agitated, and the diarhhea/bowel disturbances, and the headaches, right? Or am I wrong? For some like these, it seems to be an OVER-stimulating effect -- for others a LEVEL-ing effect (can handle stress better, don't go to pieces, not afraid of confrontation, blood pressure normalizes, etc.) -- but I needed an UP-effect, but not in the "stimulant" sense, just in the sense of giving my body a kick in the pants in all the areas it was laying down on me. That could explain why so many of us respond to it so differently.
> > > > >
> > > > > I just hope it lasts because I haven't felt this good in many years. Having never taken SSRI's before Lexapro, I don't know what to expect -- many have experienced "poop-out" and I pray every night that I will become well enough to make it on my own, without the SSRI, before this can happen to me. Giving up myself, after having re-captured myself, would be worse than having never found myself again, I think.
> > > > >
> > > > > Anyway, I hope that makes sense. Think I put in two bits worth instead of two cents worth, sorry. =-D
> > > >
> > > > So glad that you are feeling good.
> > > > Please tell me how long you have been on Lexapro and at what dose? I know it's different for everyone but .........
> > > > LA
> > > >
> > > > ****************
> > > you sound good ive been wondering when does this tired feeling o away im on it 5mgs for 4 days about,so tired and anxiuos
> > >
> > >
> > ***********************
> >
> > LA - I have been experiencing the same effects from Lexapro as you. I feel as though my brain has been reconnected with my body. I'm able to function and have increased daily activities to not just work/sleep. I have hobbies, I work out, I quit some very bad habits... this I believe is a side effect to being plugged in vs. disconnected. Any amount of discomfort I had in the begining of taking Lex is gone. I'm not sure I was ever connected before today. I hear many poeple fear being "doped" up. I'll tell you I'm anything but "doped" up. I was dopey before, my disconnection left so many holes in my life, I often was in a waking dream... unsure of what was really happening.
> > **********************************if you didnt get my last note so you say no weight gain?
> and you have been on it for how long?
> when did the starting sideffects wear off about?
> and did you start on 5mgs or 10 mgs?what time did you take it i take right befiore bed and i CANT get up outta bed ,do you know what im talking about?
> thanks please write back
>
Posted by Bipolarsux on February 4, 2003, at 5:13:05
In reply to same side effects all ssri's, posted by lcg4 on February 3, 2003, at 8:19:15
I have had the same experience as you on SSRIs: concentration and memory shot to pieces. Plus they often set my mania off.
For me, high-powered benzos like Klonopin are better in anti-anxiety/panic/mania area but also destroy my memory - plus they don't seem to help with depression, if you happen to be suffering from that as well.
In short, with over 10 years' experience as a drug guinea pig, I have not found a medication that works well on my symptoms without significant cognitive/memory problems. No doubt a large part of the reason for this is that I have to take large amounts to keep my symptoms under control. (It makes the idea of ECT that my pdoc is suggesting much easier to accept.)
Sorry I couldn't offer practical alternatives - but you are not alone. If I ever come across an anxiolytic that doesn't screw your memory I'll let you know.
Bipolarsux (big time)
Posted by lcg4 on February 4, 2003, at 8:11:37
In reply to Re: same side effects all ssri's » lcg4, posted by Bipolarsux on February 4, 2003, at 5:13:05
Thanks so much for the info. My 13 year old son is the one on the medication. He has anxiety, panic attacks, and agoraphobia. The medication has helped all that but he is stuggling in school now. He was an honors student before all this happened. Lowering the dosage really helped. He is now on 10mg of Paxil. We are going to drop it to 5mg and see if it is better without the anxiety coming back. We are going to try Lexapro over the summer because I'm afraid to mess with it now while he is still in school. Everyone reacts differently to medication. I guess we just have to experiment. I hate to have him be a guinea pig to try to find the right one for him, but I guess we have no choice. Thanks, Linda
Posted by nhg on February 4, 2003, at 10:13:35
In reply to Re: Lexapro sex drive, weight gain, dreams, posted by mikal on February 3, 2003, at 15:05:30
I just hope it lasts because I haven't felt this good in many years. Having never taken SSRI's before Lexapro, I don't know what to expect -- many have experienced "poop-out" and I pray every night that I will become well enough to make it on my own, without the SSRI, before this can happen to me. Giving up myself, after having re-captured myself, would be worse than having never found myself again, I think.
> > > >
> > > > Anyway, I hope that makes sense. Think I put in two bits worth instead of two cents worth, sorry. =-D
> > >
> > > So glad that you are feeling good.
> > > Please tell me how long you have been on Lexapro and at what dose? I know it's different for everyone but .........
> > > LA
> > >
> > > ****************
> > you sound good ive been wondering when does this tired feeling o away im on it 5mgs for 4 days about,so tired and anxiuos
> >
> >
> ***********************
>
> LA - I have been experiencing the same effects from Lexapro as you. I feel as though my brain has been reconnected with my body. I'm able to function and have increased daily activities to not just work/sleep. I have hobbies, I work out, I quit some very bad habits... this I believe is a side effect to being plugged in vs. disconnected. Any amount of discomfort I had in the begining of taking Lex is gone. I'm not sure I was ever connected before today. I hear many poeple fear being "doped" up. I'll tell you I'm anything but "doped" up. I was dopey before, my disconnection left so many holes in my life, I often was in a waking dream... unsure of what was really happening.
>
I took antideppressants for years. I often felt like I wasn't sure who I really was on the drugs and I felt emotional numbness. I decided (with my doctor) to stop taking them. It actually went really well. I was so happy to be able to live without them. Drug free! But a recent experience just set me off. I have had so much anxiety. At first I tried to just drive through it and take xanax as needed. But I grew severely depressed and admitted to myself that I'd have to get back on. So I started Lexapro. I'm feeling better but still tons of anxiety.
I'm hoping I only need this for temporary assistance until my life feels more secure again. And I feel like I'll be able to stop taking it again one day, because I was able to do it before. And maybe some time in the future, I'll need it again.
I think sometimes we are predisposed to these conditions and it just takes an event to set it off. And likewise, if someone else experienced what happened to me, maybe they would be more recovered by now.
Posted by male34 on February 4, 2003, at 12:41:56
In reply to Re: Lexapro - LA, male34, mikal, posted by bozeman on February 3, 2003, at 23:02:45
Im male 34
thanks for writing helpful info glad to hear your doing well i hope and pray to be there soon im on Lex 5 days now (5mgs at 7pm just alittle bit better,going to see a specialist dr. today just to confirm this is for me,im G.A.Disorder anxiety,agoraphobia ,and i cant be this way any more im a dad now and my wife doesnt deserve me being trapped ,i want to be the best husband and dad,i hope this works,thanks bozeman.
Posted by sussus on February 4, 2003, at 14:09:18
In reply to Re: Lexapro has been very good for me, posted by skycladgrrl on January 24, 2003, at 1:20:16
Hi there everyone - This is my first time ever participating in an online chat and it is motivated by my relief at finding this amazing group of people.
After years - and I mean years of struggle in talk therapy, I finally hit the wall with depression and anxiety and decided to try AD's.
I have been taking Lexapro for three weeks and am honestly not sure yet how I feel. I know it takes time and I am trying to be patient, but it is hard not to have expectations.
At this point, I have stopped crying every day and the overwhelming sense of doom and fear that I lived with has eased somewhat. I am slightly nauseous, but that is tolerable.
The one thing that really scaares me is my complete lack of motivation. I have felt this way before when depressed, but was not really experiencing it in the episode that preceded my getting on meds. I do feel better - as I said before - but all I want to do every day is lay on the couch, watch TV and lay around. I don't feel that I can't do things; I literally have noooooo motivation and that scares me.
The main reason I decided to post was in response to positive people who have written of their experiences on AD's. Can anyone offer insight/experiences/advice on the subject of anti-motivatioanl syndrome? Is this a side effect? Does it tend to dissapate? My dosage is 10mg. Lexapro taken around 3 PM - works best with my sleep habits.
Thanks again and I feel good to be doing at least this one thing today.....
Sussus
Posted by Donia on February 4, 2003, at 14:45:39
In reply to Re: Lexapro has been very good for me, posted by sussus on February 4, 2003, at 14:09:18
From my experience on ADs, they dont seem to kick in for me for at least a month. I seem to have side effects for this period of time also which get better in month two and so does my mood. I am on week three of lexapro and was spacey and lazy the first week or so. I am doing a bit better as time goes on. The second week I felt better every other day and now a couple of days at a time. I am still having bad days or nights here and there. It seems once it kicks in good the side effects seem to go away. Give it time. So far lexapro has had way less side effects for me than zoloft.
Posted by MaryZee on February 4, 2003, at 14:52:53
In reply to Re: Lexapro has been very good for me, posted by sussus on February 4, 2003, at 14:09:18
> Hi there everyone - This is my first time ever participating in an online chat and it is motivated by my relief at finding this amazing group of people.
>
> After years - and I mean years of struggle in talk therapy, I finally hit the wall with depression and anxiety and decided to try AD's.
>
> I have been taking Lexapro for three weeks and am honestly not sure yet how I feel. I know it takes time and I am trying to be patient, but it is hard not to have expectations.
>
> At this point, I have stopped crying every day and the overwhelming sense of doom and fear that I lived with has eased somewhat. I am slightly nauseous, but that is tolerable.
>
> The one thing that really scaares me is my complete lack of motivation. I have felt this way before when depressed, but was not really experiencing it in the episode that preceded my getting on meds. I do feel better - as I said before - but all I want to do every day is lay on the couch, watch TV and lay around. I don't feel that I can't do things; I literally have noooooo motivation and that scares me.
>
> The main reason I decided to post was in response to positive people who have written of their experiences on AD's. Can anyone offer insight/experiences/advice on the subject of anti-motivatioanl syndrome? Is this a side effect? Does it tend to dissapate? My dosage is 10mg. Lexapro taken around 3 PM - works best with my sleep habits.
>
> Thanks again and I feel good to be doing at least this one thing today.....
>
> Sussus
>
> Boy do I know what you mean!! Been on Lexapro for little less than two weeks. I cannot motivate myself to do anything! Am tired, feel detached, and just plain lazy. Know there are things I should be doing but don't care! Sure hope this is a side effect and goes away. I'm not as stressed (obviously) and not as depressed -but don't feel "right". Know what I mean? Am tempted to stop taking the lex.
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