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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by NLD on February 23, 2003, at 23:11:44
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I switched from Celexa to Lexapro in January. Since that time, I have definitely noticed an increase in energy (I just don't seem to be as tired as I was on Celexa). The downfall, however, is that I'm awake much later than I was before (by hours), which is not a good thing for me. I take that to mean my insomnia is magnified by the Lexapro. (I had experienced horribled insomnia for nearly 7 years prior to Celexa -- i.e., not able to fall asleep until anywhere from 2:00 to 5:00 a.m. every night). Additionally, in the last month, I have acquired quite a horrible rash on my entire mid to upper torso (breasts, stomach, etc.), which appears to be getting worse. My night sweats (I'm in peri-menopause) have increased dramatically -- to where I'm waking up every night from them. Granted, I've been experiencing the night sweats since last Summer, but now they are nightly. The sweats might be the reason for my rash, I'm not sure. Due to my hubby's new job, we had to switch from the Sutter Medical system to Kaiser in January. Kaiser does not cover Lexapro. In fact, they don't typically cover Celexa either, but my doctor had the restriction waived because I've been taking Celexa for nearly two years, with good results. For that reason, I think I'm switching back to Celexa. I'm happy to fight some tiredness if I can get back to a "regular" bedtime again. Are any other women experiencing any of the above symptoms on Lexapro? Thanks in advance for any input received! To God be the Glory!
Posted by nails on February 24, 2003, at 13:38:27
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by NLD on February 23, 2003, at 23:11:44
After 2 weeks on Lex, I found all I did was sleep and sweat. I slept for 3 days straight and, although experienced sweating on Prozac, it was much worse on the Lex. So, I have gone off all meds for now.
Posted by Sadsack on February 24, 2003, at 15:19:53
In reply to Re: Hey EGR, how's the Wellbutrin mix going? » Sadsack, posted by EGR on February 22, 2003, at 17:12:47
> Hey EGR,
>I'll feel better when you tell me your BP is normal.
>I'm purging everything that I don't have a use for this very minute. I know I should save some of it, but I feel like I'm drowning in "stuff". I find myself really agitated when my husband wants to keep some of it. My mother in law does a garage sale in the summer and will sell all of it for me so I at least have a viable outlet :) I think I just want to "start over". I'd like to move away, get a new house, something! Guess that smacks of escapism. I started the Lex in November and am up to 20mg. I AM better, I get household tasks done. I am not a huge fan of cleaning and my girls are getting to the age where they help some but I have to follow them around to get it done right. I cook, daily, but if I had my "drothers" I'd rather not. I used to bake for relaxation but I was recently told I had low blood sugar. So now I can't eat the goodies I make (bummer!). I am working 30 hours a week in a job I like and it helps me claim a little bit of myself but it's stressful too. I really need to work for the budget to remain intact.
As far as getting out of bed. I am better at it, but I can honestly say, I can't ever remember a day in my entire life when I wanted to get out of bed.My husband is a nice guy but never really bought into the whole "two become one" principle in marriage. He is a sweet, kind thoughtful man who interacts great on a superficial level but doesn't seem capable of going deeper. So it get's a bit lonely trying to work through this when I get the impression he would prefer to not hear about my struggles. It frustrates him to feel helpless knowing he can't fix it. I just don't have any desire to make it an issue either-seems like too much work.
I guess I should say that overall I am truly better, just not "there". I am a woman of deep faith and that helps tremendously. I also have an incredible (albeit somewhat twisted) sense of humor and that helps too.
I'd just like to be myself again!
>
>
>Thanks for caring
> > Sadsack
>
> >
> >
Posted by Sadsack on February 24, 2003, at 15:28:26
In reply to Re: Hey EGR, how's the Wellbutrin mix going? » Sadsack, posted by bozeman on February 22, 2003, at 14:37:38
Hey bozeman,
You, EGR, and ayuda seem like rocks and I appreciate your input. It's good to know you all struggle with the same things. It sound like you have your hands full these days so thanks for taking the time to reply.
If you get a chance, check out my note to EGR and let me know what you think. I'll understand if it is "one more thing" and you don't get to it!
Take Care,
Sadsack>
Wow. I am so relieved to hear someone else has the "purge the whole house" reaction to stress. I want to simplify, simplify, simplify to the point of throwing away things I really do need, when life gets overwhelming. (even when I'm not in the grips of a depression, like now)
>
> bozeman
Posted by handmemymidol on February 24, 2003, at 15:45:04
In reply to Re: Hey EGR, how's the Wellbutrin mix going? » EGR, posted by Sadsack on February 24, 2003, at 15:19:53
Hi Sadsack!
I understand completely about your husband. It is a very sad/strange phenomenon, that I have noticed more and more in others posts as well.
I was married for 15 years, 10 when I was diagnosed with panic disorder and agoraphobia. It was a very hard time for us all. I remember once standing outside my daughter's school cafeteria and watch her choir performance through the window. It was raining and cold but I couldn't bear to go inside with all those people. This of course, hurt my daughter and aggravated my husband and I felt like I was just a big old pain in the ass. We finally divorced two years ago because he said he was tired of having a "broken" wife. It really sucks when people can't understand what we are going through and I lack the words to try to make them understand.
What I find strange/sad about all this and the main point/question of my post is this; along with drug therapy, I also saw a counselor weekly for 2 years. As I got better, things seemed to get worse at home. I don't know if it is because as I was getting better I could see the bullshit for what it really was, or if he couldn't stand me getting better because he needed me to be sick for some reason. Whatever the case, I strongly recommend anyone who goes thru what we are, to seek family counseling as well. I don't know that it would have saved my relationship, but I do know that it is hard to do this alone. I wish you all good luck and much support as you travel down your paths.
Posted by handmemymidol on February 24, 2003, at 16:14:13
In reply to Re: Hey EGR, how's the Wellbutrin mix going? » Sadsack, posted by handmemymidol on February 24, 2003, at 15:45:04
First let me say that I know everyone is different and I don't know why each of you are on the meds to begin with, but I thought perhaps I could share my experience with you and maybe you could take something from it.
I was had my first panic attack while I was in college. I thought I was going to die, that I had some sort of brain tumor or something. I was in school full time, worked full time, had a husband and three kids. Doc says take these pills and when you graduate and have less stress, they will likely go away. Well duh, I graduated but the stress nor the panic went away. If you're alive, you have stress. Just different kinds, then it was career instead studies. Needless to say, I went on a downward spiral. I eventually developed agoraphobia due to having the attacks whenever I left the house. After several medication changes and a couple years of counseling, things leveled out. The panic was controlled by the meds and I went back to work and regained most of my life sans the husband. (Sometimes I wonder if living with him is what caused them in the first place lol)
Anyway, my counselor told me that I would likely be on the meds the rest of my life, that due to my serotonin levels being wacko, going off the meds would probably make the panic come back. I wasn't too happy to hear this, I didn't want to take the meds forever.
A year ago, after my divorce and move to another state and a new life (one without my pdoc or counselor) I weaned myself off the serzone. And things were fine. I understand completely everyone's desire to find out what it feels like to be "real" and not on the meds. In all honesty things were really good. I maintained. Every now and then I would have a little twinge of the panic, if I was out of my element or in a restaurant. Restaurants have always been really hard for some reason. But in the past few months, those twinges began happening more and more. Enough to scare and worry me. Nothing full blown, but enough. I went and saw the family practicioner and he put me on Lexapro. I am not thrilled to be feeling drugged again, but I wanted to do something before it got out of control like before. I never want to go there again.
Just please know yourselves and know your signs. And don't ever feel like going back to the meds is a failure. We all need a boast every now and then. Good luck to you all!
Posted by NOTINSANEJUSTPPMD on February 24, 2003, at 17:19:40
In reply to For all those going off medication, posted by handmemymidol on February 24, 2003, at 16:14:13
I am so glad your wrote, I am not at a point in my recovery that I feel I could go off any meds and my counselor does not think so either. I actually think I am going in to have my lexapro uped because I am getting alittle blue again. I suffer from Major Depression that having two children and a couple of miscarriages really enhanced it. I am sorry to hear your husband would not stand by you through this. If it was not for a friend of mines mom telling me to go to mental health for a proper diagnoses and that my husband needed to go too I think we would be already divorced. I agree YOU NEED TO GO TO FAMILY COUNSELING so that all your family or at least your husband or better half can undertsand that it is not you it is a real illness. We still struggle every day but it also made us a stronger unit getting diagnosed with him there. If you are just going to a family practinure(Cant Spell) I urge anyone to go to their local Mental Health Department to get diagnosed and to get through proper channels. I went to a FP for 6 1/2 years before I finally got the right help! Keep your chin up hopefully life is going to look a lot better to us all soon. Love Ya NOTINSANEJUSTPPMD
Posted by Edgefield on February 25, 2003, at 20:08:59
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I'm new to this site, but I've gained a lot of information by reading previous posts. I've been on Lexapro 2 months and 1 day, although it has made a positive difference with my anxiety and depression, I still am not 100% after 2 months. I still have a touch of the blues and what I call the woosies (A dizzy, unreal, feeling). I'm now taking 5mg of Lexapro. I was taking 10, then 15, finally 20. I experienced an increased in the woosie feeling, constant diarrhea, and increased depression after increasing my dosage. I maintained 20 mg for about three weeks, before I decreased to 10, then 5mg. I've only met one other person on Lexapro who said that it took her 3 1/2 to 4 months before she felt simply "MARVELOUS". Are there any others out there, or should I be considering switching to something else?
Faith
Posted by Edgefield on February 25, 2003, at 20:22:02
In reply to Re: 4 weeks and one day on lexapro, posted by Hope Elisabeth on February 18, 2003, at 16:23:49
Hope Elisabeth have you noticed an improvement with your mood yet on Lexapro? I've been on Lex. for two months and I've notice improvement with my anxiety and depression, but I'm still not 100%. I would say that I'm half way there. Like yourself I was thinking that I should be back to my old cheerful self after two weeks. That wasn't the case. I'm trying to switch doctors now, and I'm praying that this new doctor will provide me with the correct med. or just more information. Maybe it will take me 3 months to feel the full benefit of Lexapro. I hope that you have seem some improvement since posting.
Edgefield
Posted by Sadsack on February 25, 2003, at 21:19:51
In reply to Re: Hey EGR, how's the Wellbutrin mix going? » Sadsack, posted by handmemymidol on February 24, 2003, at 15:45:04
Thanks! I've been married 15 years now, maybe the big 15 is bad luck!!!
I appreciate your words of wisdom. Unfortunately we have diddly squat for health insurance and I can't afford to pay for counseling. I truly believe I could benefit from it though. My husband a good guy, just has intimacy issues I think. Maybe I am just excusing him, or expecting too much, who knows? In any case. I'll likely keep pluggin' along and hope I even out eventually. I am thinking positive happy thoughts (she said hopefully)
Thanks again,
Sadsack
> Hi Sadsack!
>
> I understand completely about your husband. It is a very sad/strange phenomenon, that I have noticed more and more in others posts as well.
> I was married for 15 years, 10 when I was diagnosed with panic disorder and agoraphobia. It was a very hard time for us all. I remember once standing outside my daughter's school cafeteria and watch her choir performance through the window. It was raining and cold but I couldn't bear to go inside with all those people. This of course, hurt my daughter and aggravated my husband and I felt like I was just a big old pain in the ass. We finally divorced two years ago because he said he was tired of having a "broken" wife. It really sucks when people can't understand what we are going through and I lack the words to try to make them understand.
> What I find strange/sad about all this and the main point/question of my post is this; along with drug therapy, I also saw a counselor weekly for 2 years. As I got better, things seemed to get worse at home. I don't know if it is because as I was getting better I could see the bullshit for what it really was, or if he couldn't stand me getting better because he needed me to be sick for some reason. Whatever the case, I strongly recommend anyone who goes thru what we are, to seek family counseling as well. I don't know that it would have saved my relationship, but I do know that it is hard to do this alone. I wish you all good luck and much support as you travel down your paths.
>
Posted by NOTINSANEJUSTPPMD on February 25, 2003, at 22:34:33
In reply to Re: 4 weeks and one day on lexapro, posted by Edgefield on February 25, 2003, at 20:22:02
I have been on Lexapro 20 mgonce a day and 150 mg of Wellbutrin twice a day. I felt great up till a few weeks ago and I sort of have the blues again. So I am going to talk to doctor about uping the Lexapro again. So far though I have seen some great improvements in my well being. I have just had alot of crap the past few weeks. Lately see my post of my 2 year old getting into my wellbutrin last night!! Keep your chin up and always always look for the postive in everything. We will all see that light at the end of this dreadfull illness we have some day! God Bless
Posted by NOTINSANEJUSTPPMD on February 25, 2003, at 22:42:23
In reply to Re: Hey EGR, how's the Wellbutrin mix going? » handmemymidol, posted by Sadsack on February 25, 2003, at 21:19:51
Now don't think that!! :) If your husband might not understand everything take him with you to your doctors appointments even counseling. There are all sorts of non profit places whom offer great counselors and if you have a local Mental Health Department they could help too. I got diagnosed at ours but because we had insurance they could not help us out for free. But it really helped my husband understand the illness more after he went with me to the Mental Health Department and was properly diagnosed and he has since come along on two couseling appointments and and several Doctors too. It does not help him really in how to help fix us (You know men always just want to fix everything) ;) But it will really help him to understand really just what your going through! Keep you chin up and think happy positive thoughts! We are all going to kick this crap! :) One way another, together we can try and help each other to be strong! God Bless
Posted by handmemymidol on February 26, 2003, at 12:00:12
In reply to Re: Hey EGR, how's the Wellbutrin mix going? » handmemymidol, posted by Sadsack on February 25, 2003, at 21:19:51
Dearest Sadsack (That is so funny, reminds me of Beetle Bailey sarge lol)
I am sorry to hear of your ins predictament. I didn't have any either. Since the divorce, I have filed bankruptcy and let the house be foreclosed. I am now pursuing the DH in court for child support. But I digress.
Depending on which state you are in, there are lots of places that offer free or low cost counseling. Check with your county health dept and ask about mental health. Look in your yellow pages and call any non-profit agency listings. Also check with any local universities. They sometimes have grad students working on their doctorates and are supervised by pdocs. At the very least, ask around about support groups. Anything that will provide you with a network and support is good!
I spent 2 years seeing a shrink monthly for meds and a cognitive behavior counselor weekly to learn coping skills. I paid 5 bucks a month. That was in North Carolina. I truly believe the only reason I was able to go a year without meds is because of the things Janie taught me to foresee and get through a panic attack on my own. I wouldn't trade that time for anything in the world!
BTW, did any of you see the John Walsh show today? It was about panic disorder.
Good luck to you and I hope this helps :)
Posted by handmemymidol on February 26, 2003, at 12:07:51
In reply to Re: Hey EGR, how's the Wellbutrin mix going? » handmemymidol, posted by Sadsack on February 25, 2003, at 21:19:51
I have been thinking alot about Wellbutrin lately. I don't know very much about it. My uncle takes it and describes it as his happy pill. lol
What is it used for? What are its side effects? Don't some people take it to quit smoking? It seems that alot of you take to counter act side effects from other meds. And to get a sex life back. That is what I am interested in ;o
I am curious as I have never taken any combos before, it has always been one drug or another at a time. I am currently on 10 mg Lexapro since they have taken serzone off the market.
Any input would be much appreciated.
Thanks!
Posted by NOTINSANEJUSTPPMD on February 26, 2003, at 13:26:28
In reply to ? for all you Wellbutrin takers, posted by handmemymidol on February 26, 2003, at 12:07:51
Hi!! I am currently taking 150 mg of Wellbutrin twice a day and have been since last Feb. I started taking it will 10 mg of Lexapro in Nov. And really have not notice much of any side effect except before the Lexapro poo libdo. Now I am at 30 Mg of lexapro with my wellbutrin and my libdo is coming back full force and my life is improving everyday.(Except when my two year old go into my Wellbutrin the other night we spent 24 hours in hospital to make sure he was fine and so far so good see my post on Wellbutrin and two year olds) But I think this is a great combo before Iwas on Zyprexa and it sucked. SO I would talk to your doc ya never know it may or may not be the right combo but never know till you try right!!! :) Good Luck
Posted by EGR on February 26, 2003, at 17:17:19
In reply to Re: Hey EGR, how's the Wellbutrin mix going? » handmemymidol, posted by Sadsack on February 25, 2003, at 21:19:51
Hi Sadsack!
I've been married 18.5 years (to my high school sweetheart to boot!) He has a hard time with this depression stuff too, but he realizes that I'm much better with the right meds than without... at least for now. (I'm hoping this in just a temporary chemical thing...) The first time I went through a depression was in college and he couldn't understand why I needed to go see a therapist and not just talk to him. He finally learned to deal with it, but I have also started talking to him more. This time, I became suicidal and kept that from him somehow... When I was switching meds, he could tell when one wasn't working well for me. He's pretty disappointed about the o's, but I told him (honestly) that the intimacy we share makes the lack of o's okay... and it really does. Knowing he loves me and sticks by me even without understanding what it's like is worth everything.
I guess that's about it... keep the communication open on your end and just pray that he understands... (I have a great faith life too!)
Take care and keep in touch...
EGR
Posted by EGR on February 26, 2003, at 17:27:29
In reply to Two months and still not 100% yet..., posted by Edgefield on February 25, 2003, at 20:08:59
Faith,
I LOVE the way I feel on 20 mgs of Lexapro. I have mild night sweats SOME nights... I'm losing some weight I gained... I DO clench my teeth at night, etc., and have very few o's... BUT all is worth that, in my opinion, to have the concentration and confidence I have. Good luck. I hope you feel beter soon!
EGR
Are there any others out there, or should I be considering switching to something else?
> Faith
Posted by Edgefield on February 26, 2003, at 17:38:03
In reply to Re: Two months and still not 100% yet..., posted by EGR on February 26, 2003, at 17:27:29
> Faith,
>
> I LOVE the way I feel on 20 mgs of Lexapro. I have mild night sweats SOME nights... I'm losing some weight I gained... I DO clench my teeth at night, etc., and have very few o's... BUT all is worth that, in my opinion, to have the concentration and confidence I have. Good luck. I hope you feel beter soon!
>> EGR
>
>
> Are there any others out there, or should I be considering switching to something else?
> > Faith
>
> EGR, it's good to hear that you are doing well on 20mg of Lexapro. I'm in the process of finding another doctor who can help me with my medication. After two months I think that I should be well. I do know that everyone is different. I don't know if I need to switch to something else, or if the doctor needs to add something along with the Lexapro. I wish everyone dealing with disorder health.
God Bless
Faith
Posted by EGR on February 26, 2003, at 23:01:36
In reply to Re: Two months and still not 100% yet..., posted by Edgefield on February 26, 2003, at 17:38:03
Faith, My first med was Paxil and I felt FANTASTIC on that one almost right away. The "O" problem was worse, and my doc (mistakenly?) thought that other meds wouldn't have that s/e. I was also constipated a lot, but she didn't think that was related (I do though.). Good luck on your search for a doc and the right meds. As someone wise told me "The good news is: there are a lot of meds out there and they'll find the right one for you. The bad news is: there are a lot of meds to try."
EGR
> > EGR, it's good to hear that you are doing well on 20mg of Lexapro. I'm in the process of finding another doctor who can help me with my medication. After two months I think that I should be well. I do know that everyone is different. I don't know if I need to switch to something else, or if the doctor needs to add something along with the Lexapro. I wish everyone dealing with disorder health.
> God Bless
> Faith
>
>
Posted by Hope Elisabeth on February 27, 2003, at 11:37:37
In reply to Re: 4 weeks and one day on lexapro, posted by Edgefield on February 25, 2003, at 20:22:02
> Hope Elisabeth have you noticed an improvement with your mood yet on Lexapro? I've been on Lex. for two months and I've notice improvement with my anxiety and depression, but I'm still not 100%. I would say that I'm half way there. Like yourself I was thinking that I should be back to my old cheerful self after two weeks. That wasn't the case. I'm trying to switch doctors now, and I'm praying that this new doctor will provide me with the correct med. or just more information. Maybe it will take me 3 months to feel the full benefit of Lexapro. I hope that you have seem some improvement since posting.
> EdgefieldHi Edgefield! It is so crazy but this week I have FINALLY started to feel better. It has been
almost 5 weeks now. I just finally woke up on the right side of the bad on Monday, thought I was just having a good day, but it has been that way ALL WEEK now! I am so excited. I feel happy again, have more energy. I also started seeing a new therapist so that may have helped too. I know you hear it all the time on these posts, but just try to hang in there as everyine is so different in their reactions to meds. Hope this gives you some "hope" ;)
Posted by Treasure Joy on February 27, 2003, at 20:12:33
In reply to Re: 4 weeks and one day on lexapro, posted by Hope Elisabeth on February 27, 2003, at 11:37:37
> > I feel better than I've felt in four years. But I also just had a chronically infected gallbladder removed. Also, because of dizziness and jerking in my sleep I've decreased the dosage. I've also noticed decreased sexual sensitivity which is very distubing to me. It has been 3 weeks since I started diminishing the dosage and I'm starting to feel the depression return--I hate that. My doctor told me I would have less side effects than any other med I been on like Depakote and lithium and klonapin. I was really happy about being myself again--happy about life, starting to set goals, getting up and staying up active every day, looking forward to getting back to work and going to school. I was taking only 10mg daily. Perhaps 5mg will be better. I wish there were something that wouldn't effect me sexually. I'm female.
Posted by EGR on February 27, 2003, at 22:24:55
In reply to Re: 4 months on lexapro, posted by Treasure Joy on February 27, 2003, at 20:12:33
Don't worry about the sexual side effects right now. Concentrate on getting better and worry about sex later... What good are orgasms if you're dead?
EGR
> > > I feel better than I've felt in four years. But I also just had a chronically infected gallbladder removed. Also, because of dizziness and jerking in my sleep I've decreased the dosage. I've also noticed decreased sexual sensitivity which is very distubing to me. It has been 3 weeks since I started diminishing the dosage and I'm starting to feel the depression return--I hate that. My doctor told me I would have less side effects than any other med I been on like Depakote and lithium and klonapin. I was really happy about being myself again--happy about life, starting to set goals, getting up and staying up active every day, looking forward to getting back to work and going to school. I was taking only 10mg daily. Perhaps 5mg will be better. I wish there were something that wouldn't effect me sexually. I'm female.
Posted by Dysfunk on February 28, 2003, at 9:50:19
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by NLD on February 23, 2003, at 23:11:44
As some of you may have read, I was getting quite discouraged. 1 month on Lex and nothing- I was feeling more anxious and depressed. It has almost been a week since I increased my dosage 10 mg. I have to admit, it is working! Suddenly I feel more bubbly, talkative, social....my old self. My sex drive seems to be gone, but I know with work I can get it back, and I do experience orgasms.
Just thought I would share that with all of you. I know I got pretty negative and cynical. That has changed!
YAY!!! :^)
Posted by ROO on February 28, 2003, at 12:59:14
In reply to GOOD NEWS! I think the Lex is working!!!!, posted by Dysfunk on February 28, 2003, at 9:50:19
What dose are you taking now?
Posted by caribbean on February 28, 2003, at 13:21:32
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I have been on Lex 10g for 4 days and just cut it in half today. Makes me feel shakey and tired at the same time, also very foggy. Will this all go away as my body adjusts. Any comments will help.
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