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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by blkvettes on March 9, 2003, at 14:19:37
In reply to Re: No moreGOOD NEWS! Lex IS NOTworking, posted by littlemac on March 9, 2003, at 14:03:16
How long have you been on meds.
Posted by littlemac on March 9, 2003, at 14:21:19
In reply to Re: No moreGOOD NEWS! Lex IS NOTworking, posted by littlemac on March 9, 2003, at 14:03:16
> > > You mentioned aches and pains, and I was wondering if this is a side affect of these medications. I have been taking Paxil, and was just recently switched to Zoloft (taking them simultaneously during the 'switch'). I ask this because I too suffer from terrible aches...I wake up in the morning and can barely move, my ankles and calves hurt so bad. My entire body aches all day long. My arms hurt so bad I can barely life anything. I also suffer from extreme fatigue and sweating, and I have to go to work everyday. I'd really like to know if these aches are side affects of the medications, and if there are any other meds that might not be so extreme. I am so uncomfortable all day long.
> >
> > Hi there they can be side effects, but they can also be from anxiety. I had calf muscles hurting before I even went on meds. I got all kinds of aches and pains. You didnt say what you were diagnosed with and did you have any of these pains before you took medications. I to took paxil and then zoloft for about 24 days. To many side effects!!!!! I quit cold turkey and that was a mistake. If for some reason zoloft does not work and you stop do it slowly. You could get bad withdrawl symptoms. Drop another post or email me at [email protected]
>
> I guess I'm not really sure what I was diagnosed with. Went to doc feeling very stressed...lots of worry, and sadness. Just too much going on...too much responsibility, no help (as in no significant other, single parent with 3 kids, full time job) and was prescribed Paxil. Had extreme fatigue and sweating so was just switched to Zoloft. Last time I was in to doc, depression was mentioned. This would not be surprisingas I have so much going on, and used to cry a lot. I have never experienced any of these aches before starting the meds, nor have I had such terrible sweating, nor ever been so tired throughout the day. I have also gained a LOT of weight!!
>Something else worth mentioning, when I forget or take the med late, I can feel the anxiety inside...that terrible anxious feeling rising up. After hearing about so many terrible affects of stopping meds, I'm afraid to not do something.
Posted by blkvettes on March 9, 2003, at 14:24:13
In reply to Re: No moreGOOD NEWS! Lex IS NOTworking » littlemac, posted by littlemac on March 9, 2003, at 14:21:19
> > > > You mentioned aches and pains, and I was wondering if this is a side affect of these medications. I have been taking Paxil, and was just recently switched to Zoloft (taking them simultaneously during the 'switch'). I ask this because I too suffer from terrible aches...I wake up in the morning and can barely move, my ankles and calves hurt so bad. My entire body aches all day long. My arms hurt so bad I can barely life anything. I also suffer from extreme fatigue and sweating, and I have to go to work everyday. I'd really like to know if these aches are side affects of the medications, and if there are any other meds that might not be so extreme. I am so uncomfortable all day long.
> > >
> > > Hi there they can be side effects, but they can also be from anxiety. I had calf muscles hurting before I even went on meds. I got all kinds of aches and pains. You didnt say what you were diagnosed with and did you have any of these pains before you took medications. I to took paxil and then zoloft for about 24 days. To many side effects!!!!! I quit cold turkey and that was a mistake. If for some reason zoloft does not work and you stop do it slowly. You could get bad withdrawl symptoms. Drop another post or email me at [email protected]
> >
> > I guess I'm not really sure what I was diagnosed with. Went to doc feeling very stressed...lots of worry, and sadness. Just too much going on...too much responsibility, no help (as in no significant other, single parent with 3 kids, full time job) and was prescribed Paxil. Had extreme fatigue and sweating so was just switched to Zoloft. Last time I was in to doc, depression was mentioned. This would not be surprisingas I have so much going on, and used to cry a lot. I have never experienced any of these aches before starting the meds, nor have I had such terrible sweating, nor ever been so tired throughout the day. I have also gained a LOT of weight!!
> >
>
> Something else worth mentioning, when I forget or take the med late, I can feel the anxiety inside...that terrible anxious feeling rising up. After hearing about so many terrible affects of stopping meds, I'm afraid to not do something.
>
>
Here is a web site for symptoms http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/alpraz_ad.htm
Posted by littlemac on March 9, 2003, at 14:24:45
In reply to Re: No moreGOOD NEWS! Lex IS NOTworking, posted by blkvettes on March 9, 2003, at 14:19:37
> How long have you been on meds.
About 4 months
Posted by blkvettes on March 9, 2003, at 14:29:19
In reply to Re: No moreGOOD NEWS! Lex IS NOTworking » blkvettes, posted by littlemac on March 9, 2003, at 14:24:45
> > How long have you been on meds.
>
> About 4 monthsHave you talked to your doctor about the aches and pains and what does he say
Posted by littlemac on March 9, 2003, at 14:34:17
In reply to Re: No moreGOOD NEWS! Lex IS NOTworking, posted by blkvettes on March 9, 2003, at 14:29:19
> > > How long have you been on meds.
> >
> > About 4 months
>
> Have you talked to your doctor about the aches and pains and what does he say
yes I did. At the same time I mentioned the extreme fatigue and sweating. The aches were not addressed (which is a big deal to me)...she just changed med to Zoloft. She is also pregnant, was due in 2 days, and didn't seem to want to deal with patients.
Posted by blkvettes on March 9, 2003, at 14:38:45
In reply to Re: No moreGOOD NEWS! Lex IS NOTworking, posted by littlemac on March 9, 2003, at 14:34:17
> > > > How long have you been on meds.
> > >
> > > About 4 months
> >
> > Have you talked to your doctor about the aches and pains and what does he say
>
>
> yes I did. At the same time I mentioned the extreme fatigue and sweating. The aches were not addressed (which is a big deal to me)...she just changed med to Zoloft. She is also pregnant, was due in 2 days, and didn't seem to want to deal with patients.I would get on the phone and talk to an on call doctor now to have your issues resolved. I have only been taking my med almost a month and what I experience should go away but I am not sure.
Posted by littlemac on March 9, 2003, at 14:48:12
In reply to Re: No moreGOOD NEWS! Lex IS NOTworking, posted by blkvettes on March 9, 2003, at 14:38:45
> > > > > How long have you been on meds.
> > > >
> > > > About 4 months
> > >
> > > Have you talked to your doctor about the aches and pains and what does he say
> >
> >
> > yes I did. At the same time I mentioned the extreme fatigue and sweating. The aches were not addressed (which is a big deal to me)...she just changed med to Zoloft. She is also pregnant, was due in 2 days, and didn't seem to want to deal with patients.
>
> I would get on the phone and talk to an on call doctor now to have your issues resolved. I have only been taking my med almost a month and what I experience should go away but I am not sure.You know...along with the 'achy all over' feeling, I also have the fever type chills going on. It feels like I have the flu...but its been going on for about 3 weeks!! This cannot be normal - can it? I know that my doc is probably gone on medical leave now, so will have to talk to someone else, and probably start over. :( That thought gets me uptight...oh well...have to deal with it. This time into doc, I will only mention the bad aches so it can be addressed directly.
Posted by blkvettes on March 9, 2003, at 14:53:33
In reply to Re: No moreGOOD NEWS! Lex IS NOTworking - , posted by littlemac on March 9, 2003, at 14:48:12
> > > > > > How long have you been on meds.
> > > > >
> > > > > About 4 months
> > > >
> > > > Have you talked to your doctor about the aches and pains and what does he say
> > >
> > >
> > > yes I did. At the same time I mentioned the extreme fatigue and sweating. The aches were not addressed (which is a big deal to me)...she just changed med to Zoloft. She is also pregnant, was due in 2 days, and didn't seem to want to deal with patients.
> >
> > I would get on the phone and talk to an on call doctor now to have your issues resolved. I have only been taking my med almost a month and what I experience should go away but I am not sure.
>
> You know...along with the 'achy all over' feeling, I also have the fever type chills going on. It feels like I have the flu...but its been going on for about 3 weeks!! This cannot be normal - can it? I know that my doc is probably gone on medical leave now, so will have to talk to someone else, and probably start over. :( That thought gets me uptight...oh well...have to deal with it. This time into doc, I will only mention the bad aches so it can be addressed directly.I was on paxil and zoloft, if you get off zoloft do it slowly please!!!!!!!
Posted by littlemac on March 9, 2003, at 14:57:49
In reply to Re: No moreGOOD NEWS! Lex IS NOTworking - , posted by blkvettes on March 9, 2003, at 14:53:33
> > > > > > > How long have you been on meds.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > About 4 months
> > > > >
> > > > > Have you talked to your doctor about the aches and pains and what does he say
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > yes I did. At the same time I mentioned the extreme fatigue and sweating. The aches were not addressed (which is a big deal to me)...she just changed med to Zoloft. She is also pregnant, was due in 2 days, and didn't seem to want to deal with patients.
> > >
> > > I would get on the phone and talk to an on call doctor now to have your issues resolved. I have only been taking my med almost a month and what I experience should go away but I am not sure.
> >
> > You know...along with the 'achy all over' feeling, I also have the fever type chills going on. It feels like I have the flu...but its been going on for about 3 weeks!! This cannot be normal - can it? I know that my doc is probably gone on medical leave now, so will have to talk to someone else, and probably start over. :( That thought gets me uptight...oh well...have to deal with it. This time into doc, I will only mention the bad aches so it can be addressed directly.
>
> I was on paxil and zoloft, if you get off zoloft do it slowly please!!!!!!!Thanks for the advice. I have heard terrible things about getting off of paxil, but not zoloft. I appreciate it.
Posted by Dysfunk on March 9, 2003, at 18:08:45
In reply to IS IT POSSIBLE WERE TAKING TO MUCH, posted by blkvettes on March 9, 2003, at 10:09:52
If you felt good at a lower dose and are not feeling good now, it is obvious you surpassed the effective dosage. I would ask your doctor if you can drop back a bit. Sometimes doctors try to reach the recommended dosage, but some people are more sensitive to the drug and need less. Good Luck.
Posted by Dysfunk on March 9, 2003, at 18:17:33
In reply to Re: No moreGOOD NEWS! Lex IS NOTworking » Dysfunk, posted by handmemymidol on March 9, 2003, at 10:11:11
Thanks for your response----person with the funniest name on this board :^)
I can tell when I am on meds, shit doesn't bother me and I like it that way. I am feeling very sensitive (in a bad way) now with less patience (which is good at times with incompetents at work). I walk around feeling angry when people bump into me on the street and are rude and don't apologize. Granted I live in NYC and it is crowded, but I seem super sensitive to rudeness. People's comments, altho meant to be digging but still joking sarcasm, hurt.
I am in therapy, and for the longest time these feelings were not an issue.It tells me the medicine isn't working. I am still waiting to hear what my doctor says....if he ever calls me back. Thanks.
Posted by Dysfunk on March 9, 2003, at 18:24:15
In reply to Re: No moreGOOD NEWS! Lex IS NOTworking, posted by Donia on March 8, 2003, at 23:27:50
Donia: So you say you felt better and now feel bad again? Did your doctor suggest trying to increase your dosage? It sounds like you are settling in and adjusting to the medicine. I would think he would want to go up before he dropped down. Hmmmmm.
I have reached a point where Prozac stopped working. I am wondering if possibly Lexapro reached it's effectiveness and then stopped?
Posted by oldhand on March 9, 2003, at 18:38:18
In reply to IS IT POSSIBLE WERE TAKING TO MUCH, posted by blkvettes on March 9, 2003, at 10:09:52
> This is really bugging me on how to take and when to take it. I was starting to feel results at 5mg. My shrink tells me oh!!! you have to get to 10mg. So I go 7.5 and then 10. Getting more tired and just feeling like a zombie. But not the same good zombie feeling I had when I smoked pot in the 70,s. Sometimes I wish I had not quit doing drugs 20 years ago. Are we taking to much lex and could it be just stronger than thought. I see where people have started at 10 and then went to 5 and are doing great. I just dont know!!!!! I have to be able to sleep and be able to walk during the day like I am not drugged!!!!!! People with good results from LEX please post and give details. I need some hope!!!!!!!!
Wayne.
I have been on 10mg of Lexapro for more than three months now. I feel so much better than I have in years, trying one after another antidepressant. At first with the Lex I had awful insomnia and jaw clenching and tight neck muscles. Now the insomnia is gone (doc gave me Trazodone to take at night). I no longer have the jaw clenching and I sleep well at night. Others here have slept too much in the early stages. I feel so much better if I get some exercize during the day and I am not one who has a routine. Seems to keep my jaw and neck muscles relaxed, but too much and my neck muscles seem to sieze up, forcing me to sit and lower my head and wait for it to pass. This has only happened twice, once when I was taking a strenuous walk through snow. As of now I have only minor side effects like the above and an occasional hot flush and sweat. I probably sleep more than I should but that is due to boredom, I need to get out and about.
Please take some encouragement from us here on this board. I, personally feel very good on this med. I hope you will give it some more time but if it is not for you there are many other meds out there. I hope you and your wife are in counseling as well and you are in touch with your prescribing doctor. It cannot hurt :=} I am going to return to counseling now, after about a year break. I know I need to regain some confidence to go out in the work-world again. Tho I do not have trouble leaving the house, it is really MUCH easier to stay home, if you know what I mean? I wish you peace and patience and wellness.
Posted by Donia on March 9, 2003, at 21:18:29
In reply to Re: No moreGOOD NEWS! Lex IS NOTworking » Donia, posted by Dysfunk on March 9, 2003, at 18:24:15
I have not yet talked with the doc. I am going to take my original 10mg dosage and add a quarter of another one to increase it a little to see if it helps. I did this yesterday and today and feel ok, but probably too soon to tell. I just know with zoloft, I did not have these ups and downs. I will wait it out a bit and talk with my doc if I think increasing the dose helps. Also, you can get off the zoloft pretty easy by weaning off. I am not sure who mentioned the zoloft, but I could not quit cold turkey, I had those brain zaps too when I did it that way.
Donia
Posted by Brian1977 on March 9, 2003, at 21:37:57
In reply to Re: No moreGOOD NEWS! Lex IS NOTworking, posted by Donia on March 9, 2003, at 21:18:29
this is my second day of Lex. I feel ok i feel somewhat tired today-- i didn't sleep well last night. i take Lex. at 4 pm in hope after reading all the posts that i can function during the day.
Tomorrow will be my first day to try to work on Lex. I hope this works. I am scared to death. I just want to be myself again. I am not seeing a counselor at this time.
My doctor started me out on 10mg -- i know it only been 2 days but so far i dont feel any bad effects, other than being somehwta sleepy--but not sleepy enough to fall asleep.
Posted by Sadsack on March 9, 2003, at 23:26:56
In reply to Re: frustrated newcomer, posted by maize1211 on March 8, 2003, at 19:30:56
Well, you may want to give 10 a bit longer before passing judgement. Most of the side effects go away in 2-8 weeks depending on your own personal make-up. It sounds like you are really struggling with the whole idea of antidepressants as well as how you feel. I felt that way. After they worked for me, I found myself in so much better shape that I don't think twice now when I need them. (I have a pretty normal life but a HUGE family hx of depression so it's a chemical thing). Anti depressants aren't for everyone and some doc's prescribe them like candy but if you quit them too soon you may never know if you really needed them or not. Does that make sense? With everything I've read on this site, I don't think 5mg will do much of anything. Good luck and I hope this all works out for you.
Sadsack
> > I am new to lexapro and to any form of anti-depressants. I started with 10 mg for one week and then increased to 20 mg. I have mild depression and was extremely skeptical about taking medication for it. I am usually active, energetic, and rarely nap. When I switched to 20mg I was extremely lethargic, wanted to sleep all day and could not wait to go to bed. I then experienced headaches and an inability to be productive at work. I decreased my dose to 10 mg for the past several days and have not been as tired and headaches have decreased. I did have an extremely vivid dream last night. I now switched to 5mg because I am uncomfortable with how I feel.
> >
> > Has anyone had positive experiences with lexapro ?
> > Has anyone found 5mg to be effective in treating depression or dose the dosage need to be higher ?
> >
> > Thanks
>
> I have been on Lexapro 10 mg for approx. 2 weeks. I am new to antidepressants. The first week on Lexapro I wasnt able to fall asleep until many hours after my normal bedtime. I also had a lot of energy and didnt need an afternoon nap (I would nap as often as I could before Lexapro- just part of my depression I guess) nor felt the desire to try and sleep late. The second week I seemed to have gotten used to the lexapro because now I can fall asleep at my normal bedtime. I still feel like I have a lot of energy and am starting to feel better about everything day by day. I actually laughed today without feeling like sighing- if you know what I mean. I havent had any negative side effects except slight insomnia the first week. I wish you luck on the Lexapro.
>
Posted by Sadsack on March 9, 2003, at 23:31:41
In reply to Re: newcomer, posted by Brian1977 on March 8, 2003, at 21:52:01
Give it a few weeks. The worst of the side effects take some time to work thru and then seem to get better. Hope this is the drug for you, I know how frustrating it is to not be yourself! Good Luck,
Sadsack> Today is the first day that i have taken Lex. I am very new to Antidepressants and have already been placed on 2 different ones that i had alot of problems with. After reading several of the messages i felt it would be best that i take Lex in the afternoon--I took it at 5:00pm--its now 9:45 and i am beginning to relax and feel sleepy.
>
> I ususally have difficulty resting. I feel very calm and relaxed. In the evenings I usually can't concentrate, its usually difficult for me to work on the computer in the evenings or anything. I feel good tonite. I could actually go to sleep right now.
>
> I am so ready to get my life back. I am 25 and used to be very active. I want that back--i really dont have much energy and the slightest things or problems will send me over board. i want to be in control again. Hopefully Lexapro will give me that
Posted by Sadsack on March 9, 2003, at 23:40:43
In reply to No moreGOOD NEWS! Lex IS NOTworking, posted by Dysfunk on March 8, 2003, at 22:35:35
I'm so sorry. I know how it is to have your hopes up and then dashed and then wonder how much longer til you feel better. HANG IN THERE! How long til your doc comes back to town? Maybe you need 30 of Lex or some adjustment with your other meds. I'll be thinking of you.
Sadsack
Posted by NOTINSANEJUSTPPMD on March 10, 2003, at 2:11:03
In reply to Re: No moreGOOD NEWS! Lex IS NOTworking, posted by blkvettes on March 9, 2003, at 8:33:13
Hello Everyone out there having troubles starting their meds or finding that perfect match. I am on Wellbutrin SR 150 mg twice a day, I since added the Lexapro in Nov. I have had some ups and downs with it I now take 30 mg and I find if I take it late afternoon I can go to bed on time. I have heard lots of scary stories about meds but its has to be your write combo of drugs maybe you need you zoloft and a bit of something maybe its lexapro or something else. Dont give up on your self. Its hard for all of us. We all need this help trying to se what works and what doesn't I have been switched alot and finally am feeling that I am piecing my life back together. We all need to take our baby steps, slowly let the meds run their course. So far so good on mine now. DONT GIVE UP you will find your correct meds lex just may not be the best for you.GOD BLESS US ALL THAT SOMEDAY WE WONT HAVE TO TAKE ANYTHING. Love all of you Keep your chins up
Posted by NOTINSANEJUSTPPMD on March 10, 2003, at 2:20:33
In reply to IS IT POSSIBLE WERE TAKING TO MUCH, posted by blkvettes on March 9, 2003, at 10:09:52
Hey blkvettes!
I started on 5 mg of lex pro in middle of Nov. By the end of the month I was up to 10 mg then by the middle of Dec I moved to 20 mg stayed fine on that untill last week so I am now taking 30 mg in the late afternoon with my second dosage of my 250 mg Wellbutrin SR. And it has really help me I guess I must not be getting the problems as bad as I have heard on the board. I LOVE MY LEXAPRO I believe it is helping me to become that person I knew along time ago and she is stronger and tougher so were going to keep fighting to make our lives better. Just get looking for the correct combos They are all over the place just ask What doesn;t work for you doesnt mean it wont for someone else. We just need to look at your meds and see if they are really right or not I hope this makes since I am really tired Love you all take care and have a great night
Posted by blkvettes on March 10, 2003, at 10:00:27
In reply to Re: IS IT POSSIBLE WERE TAKING TO MUCH » blkvettes, posted by oldhand on March 9, 2003, at 18:38:18
First of all thanks for the posts which give me hope. I took the lex early afternoon yesterday and got tired at the right time. I did wake up early in the morning and could not go back to sleep. So I do a few things and lay back down. Everyone leaves for the day and I feel alone. My wife tells me relax and she will clean up when she gets home. This is the second day in a row that this wobbly, loss of balance has come back to haunt me. So I force myself to clean around the house and do some things that have been neglected for the last 5 months. I go about 2 hours and break down and just cry and cry. I call my wife at work and just talk while I am crying. I was better last week and now off to a bad start. Kept switching the times on the lex. I think I have found it now. Just cant think positive, I breathe deep and tell myself everything will be ok. I believe I will sleep through the night with time. I just want to function, so that I can be alone and drive to the store and pick my daughter up from school. I have come along way, but the journey only seems half over. I will keep trying!!!!!! GOD BLESS ALL!!!
Posted by EGR on March 10, 2003, at 10:20:24
In reply to SO DEPRESSED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by blkvettes on March 10, 2003, at 10:00:27
Blkvettes,
When did your doc last increase your meds? I don't remember how long you've been on Lex, but it takes some awhile. You can also ask for something for a quick pick me up.
Make yourself a "Happy thoughts" file and put in it things that make you smile... or used to. Put in pictures of your daughter, your wife, poems you like, positive reinforcing things. Also put in notes on all the things that are RIGHT with you and your life. When you feel like you need to sit and cry, look at the folder.
Try not to call your wife at work. Even the most understanding, most loving spouses need to "escape" us and if we bother them at work it wreaks havoc on their concentration.
Remember that your a child of God and He doesn't make junk.
Jesus loves you and so do I!
EGR
Posted by jarr25 on March 10, 2003, at 10:56:45
In reply to SO DEPRESSED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by blkvettes on March 10, 2003, at 10:00:27
> First of all thanks for the posts which give me hope. I took the lex early afternoon yesterday and got tired at the right time. I did wake up early in the morning and could not go back to sleep. So I do a few things and lay back down. Everyone leaves for the day and I feel alone. My wife tells me relax and she will clean up when she gets home. This is the second day in a row that this wobbly, loss of balance has come back to haunt me. So I force myself to clean around the house and do some things that have been neglected for the last 5 months. I go about 2 hours and break down and just cry and cry. I call my wife at work and just talk while I am crying. I was better last week and now off to a bad start. Kept switching the times on the lex. I think I have found it now. Just cant think positive, I breathe deep and tell myself everything will be ok. I believe I will sleep through the night with time. I just want to function, so that I can be alone and drive to the store and pick my daughter up from school. I have come along way, but the journey only seems half over. I will keep trying!!!!!! GOD BLESS ALL!!!
I hope the meds work soon for you. It's going well for me. At first I had to force myself to exercise, which helps with the release of endorphines and helps a lot with feeling good. But now, it's becoming automatic for me to exercise.
Good luck!:) Sending lots of positive healing Energy your way.:):):)
Posted by Dysfunk on March 10, 2003, at 13:56:42
In reply to Re: No moreGOOD NEWS! Lex IS NOTworking » Dysfunk, posted by Sadsack on March 9, 2003, at 23:40:43
Sadsack:
Thanks for your support. I am currently awaiting a call from my doctor any minute now. He did renew my script. I have to see if I am going up or down on it. I am so discouraged cause I have no real reason to be depressed and to cry, and I feel that way. It is like my body has a difficiency. I hate it. :^(
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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