![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 1989 to 2013 of 8406. Go back in thread:
Posted by MaryZee on February 6, 2003, at 14:27:22
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by tanguerey on January 28, 2003, at 12:43:13
> > I took celexa for four months and have been on lexapro for six months since I switched. I find lexapro to work better. Celexa caused severe insomnia for me; however, lexapro does not. The side-effects from lexapro are a little different though: I find that I have a very decreased sex drive with lexapro. I also find that I am a little lazier on lexapro (I think the proper way to define this is 'amotivational syndrome').
> >
> > The important thing to remember is that everyone has different brain chemsitry: a single person's reaction to a drug does not define that drug's effects/side-effects.
>
>
> I'm switching from Effexor to Lexapro. I developed high blood pressure and had to switch. Also, I've had chest pains. Someone posted that they developed an ulcer. I would be interest to know what it felt like. I've been to a cardiologist and the heart seems OK. Pains are centered. Could this be an esophogeal ulcer?
>
> Any input would be appreciated. Chest pains are scary.
>
> Tanguerey
>Hi! I've been on Lexpro for two weeks. The last two days have started having "chest pains". Sort of feels like something "punching" me (not hard) in the chest. Have had all heart tests three months ago and got an o.k. Have mitral valve prolapse and mild heart murmor - but everything else was fine. Also, today for the first time since starting Lexpro I feel very weepy. And the constant sleepiness has not improved. I was on Prozac for ten years and was switched to Lexapro.
No weaning from Prozac - just stopped it and started taking Lexapro. Anyone have any positive comments on Lexapro? Is it worth hanging in there with this medication? Not so sure :( Would appreciate any advice everyone!!!!!
Posted by Chuck2112 on February 6, 2003, at 15:02:05
In reply to No appetite????, posted by greeneyes on February 6, 2003, at 10:09:50
> Today is my 9th day on lexapro(5mg) and I have absolutely NO appetite. I have to remind myself to pick up a snack here and there, but I still just choke that down because I am not hungry. Anyone else go through that? If so, for how long? I move up to 10mg this weekend, and I'm just hoping that the increase doesn't make this worse! Thanks for any input
>
> greeneyes
I have not had that problem. I have been on Lex for 17 days now. It has helped a bit but am still waiting for it to kick up a notch. Hope it happens soon.
Posted by greeneyes on February 6, 2003, at 15:28:22
In reply to Re: No appetite????, posted by Chuck2112 on February 6, 2003, at 15:02:05
> > Today is my 9th day on lexapro(5mg) and I have absolutely NO appetite. I have to remind myself to pick up a snack here and there, but I still just choke that down because I am not hungry. Anyone else go through that? If so, for how long? I move up to 10mg this weekend, and I'm just hoping that the increase doesn't make this worse! Thanks for any input
> >
> > greeneyes
>
>
> I have not had that problem. I have been on Lex for 17 days now. It has helped a bit but am still waiting for it to kick up a notch. Hope it happens soon.
>I'm the same with noticing that it has helped a bit-and I emphasize "bit"- with the anxiety. I'm actually noticing the appetite thing more than the anxiety relief so... we'll see after my increase
Posted by Chuck2112 on February 6, 2003, at 15:40:15
In reply to Re: No appetite???? » Chuck2112, posted by greeneyes on February 6, 2003, at 15:28:22
> > > Today is my 9th day on lexapro(5mg) and I have absolutely NO appetite. I have to remind myself to pick up a snack here and there, but I still just choke that down because I am not hungry. Anyone else go through that? If so, for how long? I move up to 10mg this weekend, and I'm just hoping that the increase doesn't make this worse! Thanks for any input
> > >
> > > greeneyes
> >
> >
> > I have not had that problem. I have been on Lex for 17 days now. It has helped a bit but am still waiting for it to kick up a notch. Hope it happens soon.
> >
>
> I'm the same with noticing that it has helped a bit-and I emphasize "bit"- with the anxiety. I'm actually noticing the appetite thing more than the anxiety relief so... we'll see after my increase
What is going to be the increase?
I am taking 10mg, I have tried taking it at several times throughout the day, so far I think the best time for me has been at around 7pm.
Here is my basic daily run through. Today was the first day I was able to get up easily, but i didnt exactly jump up either. When I get to work I am usually fine. My main problem is that the anxiety keeps me from being able to relax and just be "here". So conversation with others is sparse at best. This is usually better until about 11am or lunch time, than from about lunch through 5pm i seem to hit a slump, and in the evening i seem to be much better. I dont know why, are there peak times for medicines like these? I wouldnt imagine there is except maybe for the first few weeks. Anyhow, I am trying to be impatient.
Posted by Chuck2112 on February 6, 2003, at 15:42:33
In reply to Re: No appetite????-daily run through, posted by Chuck2112 on February 6, 2003, at 15:40:15
i meant to say i am trying to not be impatient
Posted by greeneyes on February 6, 2003, at 17:13:12
In reply to Re: No appetite????-daily run through, posted by Chuck2112 on February 6, 2003, at 15:40:15
> > > > Today is my 9th day on lexapro(5mg) and I have absolutely NO appetite. I have to remind myself to pick up a snack here and there, but I still just choke that down because I am not hungry. Anyone else go through that? If so, for how long? I move up to 10mg this weekend, and I'm just hoping that the increase doesn't make this worse! Thanks for any input
> > > >
> > > > greeneyes
> > >
> > >
> > > I have not had that problem. I have been on Lex for 17 days now. It has helped a bit but am still waiting for it to kick up a notch. Hope it happens soon.
> > >
> >
> > I'm the same with noticing that it has helped a bit-and I emphasize "bit"- with the anxiety. I'm actually noticing the appetite thing more than the anxiety relief so... we'll see after my increase
>
>
> What is going to be the increase?
> I am taking 10mg, I have tried taking it at several times throughout the day, so far I think the best time for me has been at around 7pm.
> Here is my basic daily run through. Today was the first day I was able to get up easily, but i didnt exactly jump up either. When I get to work I am usually fine. My main problem is that the anxiety keeps me from being able to relax and just be "here". So conversation with others is sparse at best. This is usually better until about 11am or lunch time, than from about lunch through 5pm i seem to hit a slump, and in the evening i seem to be much better. I dont know why, are there peak times for medicines like these? I wouldnt imagine there is except maybe for the first few weeks. Anyhow, I am trying to be impatient.
>
I'm going from 5 mg to 10 mg. My doc suggested that I take mine by 9am, which I have been doing. I usually jump right out of the bed, but have been having some trouble in the mornings. I get up, get the kids going, and then take the med. I have "sinking" spell sometime around 11am or so. But, when I pop out of that, I'm ready to go. I feel extremely productive during the afternoon and early evening hours, but I still have so much anxiety that I must take something(ambien) to actually get to sleep. Probably the sleep meds that are keeping me from getting going in the mornings. Guess it's just a trade off until this stuff really gets going...
Posted by Donia on February 6, 2003, at 20:22:34
In reply to Re: No appetite????, posted by Chuck2112 on February 6, 2003, at 15:02:05
Yes, I am not having an appetite either. I have been on lexapro for 3 weeks and still not much of an appetite. I only weigh 115lbs so I dont want this side effect either. I also had this problem when I was on zoloft. It lasted a month or so and then I started gaining weight. All together on zoloft, I went from 102lbs to 125lbs, with my normal weight then being 108lbs. I hope I get some appetite back but dont want to gain again. As long as I stop at around 125 I will be ok. I stopped taking the zoloft so I dont know if my weight would have kept going up or not.
Posted by Leo Bostar on February 6, 2003, at 20:54:55
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
My dose was increased from 10mg to 20mg after I reported no therapeutic effect. When I started each dose, I felt extremely uncomfortable for 2-3 days (anxiety, confusion, headaches). After that, nothing much happened.
Now it's been over a month, and I still don't feel anything at all after adjusting to the new dose.
Does this drug actually do anything? If so, what?
Posted by missinglynxx on February 6, 2003, at 23:49:57
In reply to Now on 20mg, still no therapeutic effect, posted by Leo Bostar on February 6, 2003, at 20:54:55
> My dose was increased from 10mg to 20mg after I reported no therapeutic effect. When I started each dose, I felt extremely uncomfortable for 2-3 days (anxiety, confusion, headaches). After that, nothing much happened.
>
> Now it's been over a month, and I still don't feel anything at all after adjusting to the new dose.
>
> Does this drug actually do anything? If so, what?
>
>
>
Leo , you will do well. BUT remember sometimes it takes 5 weeks to feel the improvement. dont most medications for any illness, take 4 weeks to really Kick In? Hang in there, buddy
Posted by josh85 on February 7, 2003, at 0:23:57
In reply to Re: Now on 20mg, still no therapeutic effect, posted by missinglynxx on February 6, 2003, at 23:49:57
I just glanced at this board....I've been on lexapro for a few months now..
I'm at 10 mg.When I first started the medication I didn't transition very well. I was on suicide watch for 72 hours while I was adjusting to it. After that everything seemed to be returning to normal.
When I was on celexa I had HUGE problems with being tired, on lexapro I feel like I don't have to sleep (it's the exact opposite...)..I'm becoming slightly insomniatic.
I'm being treated for hypo-manic depression so I've noticed that lexapro controls swings much better than celexa (which did nothing for it).
Additionally I had significant weight gain with Celexa and I have noticed that this has stopped with lexapro, though I have a stronger appetite.
All in all I think that lexapro works well with me...but hey every drug reacts differently to everyone
Posted by josh85 on February 7, 2003, at 0:28:26
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by MaryZee on February 6, 2003, at 14:27:22
> > > I took celexa for four months and have been on lexapro for six months since I switched. I find lexapro to work better. Celexa caused severe insomnia for me; however, lexapro does not. The side-effects from lexapro are a little different though: I find that I have a very decreased sex drive with lexapro. I also find that I am a little lazier on lexapro (I think the proper way to define this is 'amotivational syndrome').
> > >
> > > The important thing to remember is that everyone has different brain chemsitry: a single person's reaction to a drug does not define that drug's effects/side-effects.
> >
> >
> > I'm switching from Effexor to Lexapro. I developed high blood pressure and had to switch. Also, I've had chest pains. Someone posted that they developed an ulcer. I would be interest to know what it felt like. I've been to a cardiologist and the heart seems OK. Pains are centered. Could this be an esophogeal ulcer?
> >
> > Any input would be appreciated. Chest pains are scary.
> >
> > Tanguerey
> >
>
My parents have MVP...so I know SOMETHING about it
my mom constantly complains of chestpains..but her heart literally stopps for a few seconds because of her mvpshe's not on any SSRI's but she's taken a lot of medications in her life...are you only on lexapro or could it be from another medication? like from something to counteract high blood pressure?
Posted by Chuck2112 on February 7, 2003, at 9:07:58
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
ok, so if you read my past few messages you'll get the idea of where I am at in battling this thing.
so for today, I want to say I feel a little better than yesterday....able to focus more, less agitated, and a little more like myself...it seems that each day I am on it this past week it keeps bringing me up a notch each day...so that gives me hope....i still have a little further to go so I am keeping my fingers crossed.....still the only side affect I am experiencing is having trouble going to sleep at night...however once asleep i stay asleep but once I wake up, I am up...you know how sometimes you wake before you have to and you go back to sleep for another hour just to enjoy it, well i cant seem to do that anymore, once awake, i stay awake, so i havent taken any of the usual mid-day naps that are so nice on sunday afternoons....but hey, i can do without those to feel better....
so all in all, this medicine seems to slowly be lifting me up....
Posted by hope2003 on February 7, 2003, at 16:12:49
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by teriwynn on January 8, 2003, at 10:50:37
I hope you are still checking the messages on this board,as I am referring to one of yours dated 8th of January:
1-I consider your message a friendly&constructive one,in general and for me,in special ; I am due to start weaning off Effexor(300mg/day) targeting to start Lexapro administration and I am also on Carbamazepine(400mg),being dx as a Bipolar2
2-I would like now to ask you a couple of questions,knowing that though all of us are differently reacting to the different meds,but some of us can find similarities worth to be taken into account and be discussed with our doctors:
a)besides Depakote,have you tried any other M.S.(Lamictal etc.) ?
b)can you imagine taking Effexor(while weaning off slowly)together with Lexapro(trying to minimize the withdrawal problems and assure min.of time not being covered by any AD)
c)are you taking occasionally Klonopin etc.?
d)have you enjoyed ,while still being on Effexor,at least the anti-anxiety effect(Effexor being "strong"for this problem) and are you considering Lexapro powerful in this sens the sane?
e)have you faced any sexual s/e while being on Effexor and not facing them now,as being already on Lexapro?
f)have you ever been on Celexa ? what is now your successful dosage for Lexapro ?
waiting with interest to your(ar anyone capable talking from his own experience) reactionbe well continuously
HOPE2003
=============================================
> I have taken antidepressants for two years now. Most recently, I came off of Effexor and was switched to Lexapro. I was experiencing a lot of queasiness and nausea on Effexor and was experiencing major mood swings, so I just stopped taking the drug without my doctor's guidance. I went from 350 mg to 0 mg cold turkey. BIG MISTAKE. I thought I was going to die. I sunk into a major depression, felt nauseous and sick all the time. My doctor put me back on the Effexor at the same time as prescribing Lexapro. Then I gradually weaned off Effexor. Lesson one: you have to wean off Effexor. Lesson two: don't self medicate or stop taking your prescribed drugs. Lesson three: if a drug isn't working, try another. I've followed this string of messages and I can tell you that there is not ONE miracle drug that works for everyone. For some unexplained reason, certain SSRI's work well for certain people. And even then, an SSRI that works well for one person can suddenly stop working for no reason at all. I was on Zoloft for over a year and it worked well and then suddenly, it just wasn't doing it for me.
>
> As for Lexapro, it's been working great for me. I've been taking it for about three months now. It's working without any major side effects. I did experience some slight nausea in the very beginning, but that could have been coming off of the Effexor too. I am also on Depakote as I am BiPolar, so that could be it too.
>
> I have a couple of final comments for all of you.
>
> Stick with it; there is a solution if you'll give yourself enough time to find it.
>
> Use message boards like this to help you understand that others have been or are in the same situation and gain strength from that, but do not allow others and their stories to dictate your actions: leave that to your doctors.
>
> Understand that people like pharmrep, who I believe was forced to stop using this message board when someone sent a message to the FDA, are gathering information that will help with future solutions. Was he disseminating information about his drug? Yes. But I found his advice to be good -- usually directing us to check with our doctors. And remember that it was Dr. Bob who started this board. Dr Bob uses this board as a means to gather information from us, the patients. In doing so, he has offered advice repeatedly. Without knowing any of us (or our conditions) personally, why isn't he being charged with treating patients improperly. Long and short of it: the internet should be seen only for what it is -- a source of information that can be used by anyone. When we start censoring people like pharmrep, the information is bound to be more biased than it was when it was an open forum.
>
> To those of you suffering with any mental disorders, I wish you luck. Keep trying. It's taken me over two years, but I am living proof that there is a light at the end of the rainbow.
Posted by Kathii on February 7, 2003, at 16:26:26
In reply to Re: No appetite????, posted by Donia on February 6, 2003, at 20:22:34
> Yes, I am not having an appetite either. I have been on lexapro for 3 weeks and still not much of an appetite. I only weigh 115lbs so I dont want this side effect either. I also had this problem when I was on zoloft. It lasted a month or so and then I started gaining weight. All together on zoloft, I went from 102lbs to 125lbs, with my normal weight then being 108lbs. I hope I get some appetite back but dont want to gain again. As long as I stop at around 125 I will be ok. I stopped taking the zoloft so I dont know if my weight would have kept going up or not.
>I have periods when I just don't want to eat, so I have a nutritional supplement drink (like Ensure) to make sure I get the vitamins and calories I need to maintain my weight. I would stay away from the "diet" drinks - you want something that a doctor would actually recommend for meal supplements.
I've been on Lexapro for about 4 weeks (started at 5mg, increased to 10mg) and have actually noticed an increase in my appetite - my stomach starts growling at 11:30! So you may want to try to ride it out and see if the effects change.
Posted by EGR on February 7, 2003, at 20:18:20
In reply to Re: Now on 20mg, still no therapeutic effect, posted by missinglynxx on February 6, 2003, at 23:49:57
Just give it time. It affects some of us quicker than others. They told me to wait 4 weeks to see how it would work. How long has it bee since you doubled your dose?
EGR
Posted by hushpup on February 7, 2003, at 20:23:06
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I have been taking Lexapro for 2 months - my pdoc just increased the dosage from 20mg to 30mg. I was functioning at 20mg -going to work etc but still had disturbing suicidal thoughts and depression some days so she increased the dosage. I'm trying to hang in there but the s/e make me feel like I'm getting the flu and I start to feel really tired about 1 to 2 hours after taking the dosage. On the plus side I feel calmer and am alot less likely to feel irritable and do not argue with my husband over stupid things. i want to get better so much but I don't think I can function on this dosage. I'm going to stick it out for one more week than call my pdpc. Anybody else out there on 30mg? How do you feel? Does it get better?
Posted by EGR on February 7, 2003, at 20:42:45
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by hushpup on February 7, 2003, at 20:23:06
Hey hushpup,
Hang in there. I know of someone who is on 80 mgs. Dosing depends on lots and lots of factors, including the severity and longevity of depression/suicidal thoughts. The side effects lessen with time and (according to others) eventually go away. I had to switch to taking mine at night in order to stay awake during the day... I take it about an hour and a half before bed-time. Some people also add "side-dishes" of other meds to help them out. Mostly, just give it time and remember you're not alone. Besides, I think WE'RE the normal ones! :-)
EGR
> I have been taking Lexapro for 2 months - my pdoc just increased the dosage from 20mg to 30mg. I was functioning at 20mg -going to work etc but still had disturbing suicidal thoughts and depression some days so she increased the dosage. I'm trying to hang in there but the s/e make me feel like I'm getting the flu and I start to feel really tired about 1 to 2 hours after taking the dosage. On the plus side I feel calmer and am alot less likely to feel irritable and do not argue with my husband over stupid things. i want to get better so much but I don't think I can function on this dosage. I'm going to stick it out for one more week than call my pdpc. Anybody else out there on 30mg? How do you feel? Does it get better?
Posted by male34 on February 8, 2003, at 9:30:27
In reply to Re: No appetite???? » Donia, posted by Kathii on February 7, 2003, at 16:26:26
you will get hungry again, good idea to eat ensure drinks protien mixes etc.. but look at the bright side it only gets better and appetite is the least of your worries it could be major gain weight and some disturbing effects ,go with the flow stay busy walk exercise and pray and enjoy the moment dont dwell, good luck im on lex,been on paxil ive been there > > Yes, I am not having an appetite either. I have been on lexapro for 3 weeks and still not much of an appetite. I only weigh 115lbs so I dont want this side effect either. I also had this problem when I was on zoloft. It lasted a month or so and then I started gaining weight. All together on zoloft, I went from 102lbs to 125lbs, with my normal weight then being 108lbs. I hope I get some appetite back but dont want to gain again. As long as I stop at around 125 I will be ok. I stopped taking the zoloft so I dont know if my weight would have kept going up or not.
> >
>
> I have periods when I just don't want to eat, so I have a nutritional supplement drink (like Ensure) to make sure I get the vitamins and calories I need to maintain my weight. I would stay away from the "diet" drinks - you want something that a doctor would actually recommend for meal supplements.
> I've been on Lexapro for about 4 weeks (started at 5mg, increased to 10mg) and have actually noticed an increase in my appetite - my stomach starts growling at 11:30! So you may want to try to ride it out and see if the effects change.
>
Posted by male34 on February 8, 2003, at 9:43:07
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by MaryZee on February 6, 2003, at 14:27:22
> > > I took celexa for four months and have been on lexapro for six months since I switched. I find lexapro to work better. Celexa caused severe insomnia for me; however, lexapro does not. The side-effects from lexapro are a little different though: I find that I have a very decreased sex drive with lexapro. I also find that I am a little lazier on lexapro (I think the proper way to define this is 'amotivational syndrome').
> > >
> > > The important thing to remember is that everyone has different brain chemsitry: a single person's reaction to a drug does not define that drug's effects/side-effects.
> >
> >
> > I'm switching from Effexor to Lexapro. I developed high blood pressure and had to switch. Also, I've had chest pains. Someone posted that they developed an ulcer. I would be interest to know what it felt like. I've been to a cardiologist and the heart seems OK. Pains are centered. Could this be an esophogeal ulcer?
> >
> > Any input would be appreciated. Chest pains are scary.
> >
> > Tanguerey
> >
>
> Hi! I've been on Lexpro for two weeks. The last two days have started having "chest pains". Sort of feels like something "punching" me (not hard) in the chest. Have had all heart tests three months ago and got an o.k. Have mitral valve prolapse and mild heart murmor - but everything else was fine. Also, today for the first time since starting Lexpro I feel very weepy. And the constant sleepiness has not improved. I was on Prozac for ten years and was switched to Lexapro.
> No weaning from Prozac - just stopped it and started taking Lexapro. Anyone have any positive comments on Lexapro? Is it worth hanging in there with this medication? Not so sure :( Would appreciate any advice everyone!!!!!
>
im on lex going into 2 weeks i feel good mr dr specialist sasid he thinks lex is the best of the best hang in there everbody needs to stop thinking dwelling and looking for side effects im sure some are there but keep going on and get UP! dont lay around and you will be amazed your energy will be there for you ,i was forced into physcial hard work i said oh no ill never be able to do it on early lex days well be fore i knew it i was working my but off sweating lifting and thinking straight lets face it the more you sit and worry the worse it gets ,TRUST me put you pants on and get up and get out and get on trust me please try it, stay on lex and put all negative thoughts to postive thoughts , get going good luck i will pray for you all I BELIEVE IN ALL OF YOU ! you must have a very short memory and forget it and go on to something positive!
Posted by Theona on February 8, 2003, at 10:55:37
In reply to Now on 20mg, still no therapeutic effect, posted by Leo Bostar on February 6, 2003, at 20:54:55
> My dose was increased from 10mg to 20mg after I reported no therapeutic effect. When I started each dose, I felt extremely uncomfortable for 2-3 days (anxiety, confusion, headaches). After that, nothing much happened.
>
> Now it's been over a month, and I still don't feel anything at all after adjusting to the new dose.
>
Hi Leo,Maybe you've written here before. I'm new here. I am wondering what your symptoms are - the reason you are on Lexapro? For depression?
> Does this drug actually do anything? If so, what? Have you been on an SSRI before?It can talk a while for them to work, and for your doctor to get the dose right for you. Are you feeling any relief yet at all? Did you take other SSRIs in the past and have them work?
Posted by Theona on February 8, 2003, at 12:01:16
In reply to Re: New lex user-Theona --Anyone!!!!, posted by Chuck2112 on February 6, 2003, at 9:51:14
> I want to say that I dont ever have panic attacks...and do fairly well considering how I feel, I usually joke and have fun at work and go out on weekends, go to parties meet and talk to new people....but I just have trouble being totally at ease while doing it....so when it gets to one on one conversation is when I sometimes choke up or zone out.....i just dont relax....i have actually managed to meet and start seeing a girl in the past 2 months....luckily we can not see each other on a daily basis which gives me time to work through some of this....
>
> any thoughts?????Hi Chuck,
Apologies for appearing not to write. I am not at my computer every day, but also, the two notes I wrote you didn't "take." I sensed something wrong and did save the response I'd written here:
Hi Chuck,
I guess I'm wondering how you were before the divorce. You probably mentioned this in a former note. Sorry if I missed it. Not only is divorce a shock to the system, even a supposedly friendly one, but if you were in a marriage that didn't work, a lot of harm happened along the way that effects confidence. You must know that. And we all develop coping styles to survive an unhappy marriage. Those don't just go away after the divorce. I guess what I'm hearing you say is that you have some healing to do, and perhaps an objective person in the form of a counselor can help you with the uncomfortable corners you might not be noticing.
My son has Aspergers, a type of autism. By adulthood, people with this are almost normal, with a few difficulties in the world of socializing. But we were lucky and got him diagnosed very young, first grade. So he was in a special school for about 3 years before being mainstreamed into public school. At the private school, they explained to me that he would make his way without therapy, but that he would compensate around his problems and that therapy would help him find a more direct route.
I have never forgotten that, and think about it for myself, that I have done a lot that I am proud of, working with my depression and axiety by myself, but I have been doing a lot of compensating without the SSRI, now Lexapro, or therapy. Now I want a more direct route to normal everyday life than the one I was taking with all the compensation measures I was using. I just want to go out and garden or down to do my laundry without having to jump over a 12-foot wall.
I see you noticing behaviors in yourself that you see are different and getting in your way. My definition of needing to seek help, whether medicinal or therapeutic, is when your problems interfere with your everyday functioning, it's time for what I jokingly call a tune-up.
Like you, I've been going about my daily life, being with friends, have a new boyfriend in my life, appear cheerful at work. I was always pretending, so I could be like everyone else. When I told my boss I was being treated for major depression, she was astonished, because I am cheerful at work. I was also spending weekends in bed, not wanting to do anything.
I feel it's important to not wait until you have a crisis to think you need help. I always think about what a problem it can be to be a person straddled between a serious problem and being okay. You think you can handle it yourself, when really, you need some help. Many of us fall between the cracks like that, including myself, and take forever to get the right help.
I think you are on the right track. Work with your doctor 2 or 3 months and get the Lexapro basically up to speed and then get in to see a counselor. They are objective about you, see things you want to avoid, and are a good sounding wall. They don't fix you, you do, with some guidance on that more direct route in life that you want.
I like your desire to feel better. It's a good part of you.
Theona
Posted by Theona on February 8, 2003, at 12:18:56
In reply to Re: New lex user-Theona --Anyone!!!!, posted by Chuck2112 on February 6, 2003, at 9:39:39
>
> >
> > From Theona:
> >
> > I am seeing your note about being self-diagnosed, and I guess I'm concerned about your not having supportive therapy along with the medication, if I am understanding you correctly. The medications can relieve physical symptoms, but it's really hard to be objective about complex behaviors we have developed to cope with the symptoms for so long. Even an amicable divorce is a trauma in life, and traumas can make existing tendencies worse. Getting guidance on the healing process can insure a more steady climb out of the hole. When we are alone, very alone, it is hard to see what we are doing that's odd or different, except what's pronounced.
> >
> > I've done the medication route without therapy in the past, but recovery was not lasting. I thought if the high anxiety and chronic depression were gone, I'd get on with life. But when symptoms returned when I'd go off and on medications, I didn't have a "plan," so to speak. I want to make steady progress. I know I don't see myself objectively. So I am in my 3rd week, working with a cognitive behavioral therapist, an am surprised, already, to learn how little I have been dealing with feelings because I have been "coping" on my own for so long. Additionally, the therapist works closely with a medicating psychiatrist so that my dosage and effectiveness of Lexapro can be evaluated.
> >
> > Before, I have worked with my famiily doctor, who is brilliant, funny, concerned, and just the best. But these drugs for depression, anxiety and conditions like OCD are not his daily bread.
> >
> > I would have diagnosed myself as primarily having high anxiety, too, 4 years ago, but now I know it's OCD. Getting a good, professional diagnosis can mean getting the right help, holistically, and getting better in a lasting way.
> >
> > I hear all of you say, "I want to feel normal." Me too. Now, on Lexapro for a week, I am not having side effects, but I moved to it from being on Celexa for 4 months. On Lexapro, I no longer have 2 hours of nausea a day. It still remains to be seen if the dose is right for the anxiety and obsessing. The compulsions are reducing. I am working more even-paced throughout the day at work. I suspect I will eventually be moved to 20mg of Lexapro.
> >
> > How do they know when you are on too high a dose of an SSRI? What happens?
> >
> > Theona
> >
> >
>
> Theona,
> I really appreciate your post and your wisdom/concern. I do plan to seek some counseling, but right now, I have things in my life that need my attention, and I think that without the meds I either wont address them or wont do it with the attention it needs. I am already starting to find myself getting back to my former self, I just am wondering how much more better I can expect to feel.
>
> I am pretty aware of myself and my feelings, and am pretty sure that as I became a father I forgot about myself, and just need help getting it back. This anxiety and depression runs in my family, so its not just about counseling either.
>
> So my plan is to first get myself to a state where I can deal effectively with things, and slowly see what counseling can do for me.
> So my question is this....
> I have been on the LExapro for 2-1/2 weeks and I am each day feeling a touch better, but feel I need to feel just a little bit better, and than I will feel comfortable just conversing and joking with my coworkers again. So with these drugs, does it generally work like this whereas you slowly start feeling bettter, and how much better....I want a normal flow of thoughts like I am used to.....Hi Chuck,
This is the note I didn't get my respond posted on. I didn't click it right or something.
If you are new to SSRIs, I can't remember, yes it takes a fair amount of time to get them working well. Can be 3 months or so. I am at the 4 months point this time around and have been on Lexapro about 8 days now, so I'm still working to get it right.
Anxiety runs in my family too, but the point is, counseling helps you resolve it so you don't have to give into your genes. I feel that therapy is to help correct all the coping skills we used all our lives to help ourselves when we didn't have something like Lexapro. Even after we are on Lexapro or another SSRI, it's still hard to stop using those coping skills. We kinda need a teacher, you know? A counselor. Kinda like a diet - you lose the weight, but tend to go back to old, comfortable ways of eating and put it back on. Same with how we make our lives work. Years of either depression and/or anxiety can take their toll on self-esteme and all sorts of things. So I hope you do augment your biochemistry work with a little counseling to get a gauge of how you are doing.
I also have found that life never seems to settle down enough to find time for ourselves, helping ourselves. We want quick fixes, but sometimes, helping ourselves can be the foundation of making everything else work. Therapy work is only an hour once every 1 or 2 weeks. And in between, you have all sorts of new things to think about.
I seem to be doing awfully good on the Lexapro here at day 9. I am not nauseated anymore. I can't believe it, after 4 months of it on Celexa, and when I was very nauseated for about 6 hours a day for a couple of days when I first started Lexapro. Now, a week later, I feel fine - so far. And I am having fewer sensations of not wanting to do anything. I was only up to 30mg of the Celexa and as we added more, I got more and more nauseated, so we couldn't get the dose up to help with the depression and anxiety enough. Now at 10mg of Lexapro, I feel pretty good, but suspect we will go on up to 20mg to slow down my obsessional thinking.
Like you, I am feeling better at work. The stimulation there tends to make me feel better, anyway, but I have a reduction in this sensation I have there to getting things done. More and more, I am just working though the day with the most comfort I have known in years.
Today is Saturday, and I feel like showering and going out and having some fun instead of curling up in bed. That's pretty cool. Life is getting a little exciting and I feel a sense of optimism. I feel like I might be able to do some of the things I've missed doing.
Let's hope for both of us, hum?
Theona
Posted by Cherie on February 8, 2003, at 15:04:19
In reply to Re: New lex user-Theona --Anyone!!!!, posted by Theona on February 8, 2003, at 12:18:56
Need advice-just stopped Celexa 20 mg. 6wks ago after being on for 15 months. Did great on it, felt great. Why did I stop? Went for annual dr. visit and had gained 20 lbs in one year! Dr. suggested Lexapro immediately implying it would be answer to low libido and weight gain. I have been VERY intolerant and edgy and unmotivated recently and believe depression is creeping in. Any ideas on the weight gain?
Posted by Charlotte Groce on February 8, 2003, at 16:43:46
In reply to Re: lexapro need help--Charlotte, posted by jodie on February 2, 2003, at 21:38:19
Thank you Jodie for the encouragement.
My doctor told me to continue taking the medication. I decided on my own to stop. I have an appointment to see him this Monday.
Charlotte
Posted by Charlotte Groce on February 8, 2003, at 16:58:38
In reply to Re: lexapro need help,users » Charlotte Groce, posted by lcg4 on February 2, 2003, at 22:32:54
Thank you Linda for sharing your story about your son with me.
It hurts to know we can not have a normal life. Your son, like me I'm sure, cherishes his intellect. Even as I respond to you now I can not find the words in my head to express what I mean. Something that use to be so easy for me is so hard now.
I extend my love and understanding to both of you during this tough time.
Charlotte
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