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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by baracuda on March 21, 2003, at 18:49:47
In reply to Re: Lexapro and weight, posted by Dysfunk on March 21, 2003, at 10:01:41
today i had my first couple of hours of relief with lexapro - this afternoon i just felt like going for a drive (something i have NEVER felt compelled to do!)
anyway. my appetite is finally settling down, i dont clench my jaw as much (sometimes i do it still in my sleep) and the nightmares are slowing down.
so far so good -the first week was really hard but the last couple of days have been SO much easier than the first week.
i finally also have energy to clean my house and keep up with work.
im feeling much better effects in only 9 days of lexapro than in the 7 months on prozac.
Posted by Donia on March 21, 2003, at 20:05:06
In reply to LEX day 9, posted by baracuda on March 21, 2003, at 18:49:47
Hi all, I think the carb craving thing is a side effect. I had that on zoloft, after being on it for about 4 months, I started craving Lucky Charms cereal. My hubby would stop on the way home from work and get me a box. A box would last me about 21/2 days. It was crazy, I would carry the stupid box around in the living room! He told his work buddy about it and he didnt believe him until he walked in our house and there were the lucky charms beside of me. I went from 102lbs to 125lbs in 5 to 6 months on zoloft. I saw a little booklet in the grocery store by the counter about SSRI's and carb craving but didnt pick it up as I was already off the zoloft when I saw it. I also believe I read these meds can affect our sugar levels and it seems I read they may even cause a temporary type of diabetes. I didnt pay much attention to the info because I thought I would never take these meds again. I guess the craving and eating too much sugar might alter our sugar levels. I am hoping the cravings dont hit with lexapro. I have been on a little over two months and so far, so good. I am sleeping too much but am not anxious or as depressed.
Posted by SLM on March 21, 2003, at 20:55:14
In reply to Re: day two on lex...and im so tired. » Nisa, posted by lil' Jimi on March 20, 2003, at 15:44:28
I have been on Lexapro for about 3 months now. At first I was so tired all of the time. I absolutely could not stay awake past 9:00 p.m. I was like a zombe. It was hard to tell if the Lexapro was helping because I was just so tired. I am glad that side effect has gotten MUCH better. I have energy now and I really feel good. I sleep very well at night, no more waking up 2-3 times a night. I still feel really tired when I first wake up but that goes right away. My friends tell me that they have noticed a big change in my moodiness and I feel really good about myself. The only thing that really has me worried is that I've notice I have been gaining weight. I have cut back on what I eat and have been exercising but I feel like I am bloated all of the time.
Has anyone else noticed a change in their weight? Is it temporary?
Posted by lil' jimi on March 22, 2003, at 0:54:25
In reply to Re: day two on lex...and im so tired. » lil' Jimi, posted by SLM on March 21, 2003, at 20:55:14
> I have been on Lexapro for about 3 months now. At first I was so tired all of the time. I absolutely could not stay awake past 9:00 p.m. I was like a zombe. It was hard to tell if the Lexapro was helping because I was just so tired. I am glad that side effect has gotten MUCH better. I have energy now and I really feel good. I sleep very well at night, no more waking up 2-3 times a night. I still feel really tired when I first wake up but that goes right away. My friends tell me that they have noticed a big change in my moodiness and I feel really good about myself. The only thing that really has me worried is that I've notice I have been gaining weight. I have cut back on what I eat and have been exercising but I feel like I am bloated all of the time.
>
> Has anyone else noticed a change in their weight? Is it temporary?S, (may i call you ‘S’ ?)
you got me beat .. by comparison, i’ve been on lex only 2 weeks. … spent a few days with flu-like SEs that left me dragging... 1st week felt like i was going tripping after i’d take my 5 mg. ... still does some ... but I don’t feel tired now ... and sleeping hasn’t been a problem if i wouldn’t stay up past me bedtime…
i haven’t noticed any weight change, but i can tell my appetite’s been affected ... on the one hand food seems more ‘optional’, as if i can let myself go hungry (although if i do i get Real cranky) ... on the other, food tastes better, a lot better .. i could see going with either feeling and weight becoming an issue ... what’s different is how much more aware i am of my appetite; i never noticed food so much before ... hmmmmmm: food tastes better and puts me in a good mood .... that could be an inviting combination ... you have forewarned me ... thanks. ... i haven’t weighed myself, but my clothes fit the same ...
i’ve also noticed that going to pee isn’t the same ... the autonomic ‘point-and-shoot’ now requires a more deliberate approach ... and more frequency ... i’m thirstier, too ...
haven’t meant to be self-involved here, only trying to share for comparison’s sake ... hope i’ve helped ... these postings have helped me ...
may every sentient being suffer less ... may we all endure the current events the best we can ... don’t watch the news
Thanks,
~ jim
Posted by annlanka on March 22, 2003, at 10:46:02
In reply to Re: Lexapro and weight, posted by Okpolosi on March 20, 2003, at 18:20:05
hi -
i was wondering if any of you have been diagnosed with atypical depression. If so, are you taking lexapro for it? I think i may hae atypical depression and was wondering if i should be on an MAOI instaed of an SSRI?
annlanka
Posted by Leo BoStar on March 22, 2003, at 13:37:24
In reply to atypical depression, posted by annlanka on March 22, 2003, at 10:46:02
My personal experience is that medication (including Lexapro) and therapy do not work. When this happens, the patient is described as having "atypical depression." You can't blame the medical professionals for taking this approach. The alternative would be to describe themselves as "useless." Better to let the patient take the heat for being "atypical".
As far as MAOI antidepressants are concerned: even the medical folks advise caution here. They tend to characterise these medications as "very involved." That's face-saving jargon for "dangerous." Here's what this all means: the next time you're in a drugstore, check the warnings about drug interactions on various over-the-counter medications. Often you will find that the product should not be used if you are taking MAOI antidepressants. When there are so many contraindicated non-prescription drugs and other potential interaction problems with foods, such drugs earn the epithet "involved".
This web site has a very well-done grid of MAOI interactions:
http://holisticonline.com/Remedies/Depression/dep_interactions_MAOI.htm
Bottom line: unless you want to be constantly watching what you eat and/or what over-the-counter meds you take, steer clear of the dangerous MAOI drugs.
Another personal vent: be very careful in your dealings with mental health professionals, especially in the area of medications. When it comes to predicting the outcome of drug treatments, they really have no clue. They play the odds. If they're lucky, you win. If not, you lose, big time.
Good luck to you. Good luck to all of us. We need it.
Posted by Krissy P on March 22, 2003, at 15:13:14
In reply to Re: atypical depression, posted by Leo BoStar on March 22, 2003, at 13:37:24
Posted by daizy on March 22, 2003, at 16:19:24
In reply to Re: atypical depression, posted by Leo BoStar on March 22, 2003, at 13:37:24
> My personal experience is that medication (including Lexapro) and therapy do not work. When this happens, the patient is described as having "atypical depression." You can't blame the medical professionals for taking this approach. The alternative would be to describe themselves as "useless." Better to let the patient take the heat for being "atypical".
>
> As far as MAOI antidepressants are concerned: even the medical folks advise caution here. They tend to characterise these medications as "very involved." That's face-saving jargon for "dangerous." Here's what this all means: the next time you're in a drugstore, check the warnings about drug interactions on various over-the-counter medications. Often you will find that the product should not be used if you are taking MAOI antidepressants. When there are so many contraindicated non-prescription drugs and other potential interaction problems with foods, such drugs earn the epithet "involved".
>
> This web site has a very well-done grid of MAOI interactions:
>
> http://holisticonline.com/Remedies/Depression/dep_interactions_MAOI.htm
>
> Bottom line: unless you want to be constantly watching what you eat and/or what over-the-counter meds you take, steer clear of the dangerous MAOI drugs.
>
> Another personal vent: be very careful in your dealings with mental health professionals, especially in the area of medications. When it comes to predicting the outcome of drug treatments, they really have no clue. They play the odds. If they're lucky, you win. If not, you lose, big time.
>
> Good luck to you. Good luck to all of us. We need it.
>
>
>
>MAOI'S arent dangerous drugs if taken properly, as you'll see on this board a lot of people take them and have great results..... If you were faced with unbearable depression, would you not try taking these meds to get better? Isnt that what everyone wants?........ IMHO!
Posted by Krissy P on March 22, 2003, at 16:25:22
In reply to Re: atypical depression » Leo BoStar, posted by daizy on March 22, 2003, at 16:19:24
Posted by dragonfly on March 22, 2003, at 16:29:43
In reply to LEX day 9, posted by baracuda on March 21, 2003, at 18:49:47
Hi every one. It has been a while since I have posted anything. It has now been 3 months since I started taking lexapro. Everything is great so far.I sleep sooo much better and no moodiness. I have good days and bad, like everyone else, nothing extreme one way or another. I have way more energy now. Plus i have lost ten pounds!! My son who is 22 has recently been prescribed lexapro also. We both have problems with clinical deppression, moodiness, unable to sleep ect.He described his 1st week on it and understood exactly what I meant when I said it was like someone changed all the light bulb to a higher watt! and food tasted so good that you could eat half the amount as usual and be satisfied!
Posted by Dysfunk on March 22, 2003, at 17:08:37
In reply to Re: Lexapro and weight » Dysfunk, posted by handmemymidol on March 21, 2003, at 10:27:02
Ha! Very funny name....Yes, the cravings for carbs has gotten less controllable for me since I started the medicine. So far I am holding at a weight increase of 7 lbs. Unfortunately, I have hurt my ankle, which may limit my workouts (depending on the test results). I am afraid without that, I will definitely gain weight. That leads me to depression and here we are again...is the medicine working???
Posted by lil' jimi on March 22, 2003, at 17:10:19
In reply to atypical depression, posted by annlanka on March 22, 2003, at 10:46:02
> hi -
> i was wondering if any of you have been diagnosed with atypical depression. If so, are you taking lexapro for it? I think i may hae atypical depression and was wondering if i should be on an MAOI instaed of an SSRI?
>
> annlankahi ann,
sorry i don't know the answer to your question.
i do have a question for you though:
what makes a depression atypical?
how would i know if i was typical or not ?
Thanks, ~ jim
Posted by Dysfunk on March 22, 2003, at 17:12:22
In reply to Carb cravings, posted by Donia on March 21, 2003, at 20:05:06
That is funny-you with the Lucky Charms. All of a sudden, the top of my frig is filled with granola bars, nutri-grain bars, lo- fat cookies....I crave the carbs. I hope the side-effect lessens.
Posted by Dysfunk on March 22, 2003, at 17:58:20
In reply to Lex working? Not working for me? My update., posted by Dysfunk on March 15, 2003, at 13:52:22
Well, it appears the latest increase of Lexapro is working out. I am not ecstatic, but at least I can feel upbeat and laugh again. Why, though, would I increase the dose, then feel good, then bad again and good again? Doesn't make sense to me.
Let's hope it is working. I am facing some difficult situations now. One of which is finding out today that the cat I adopted in Sept. is gravely ill. I cried all day. I feel so exhausted. I am afraid I will dip into a depression and not be able to come back up now. I will try and keep everyone posted on my progress.
-Dsyfunk
Posted by SLS on March 22, 2003, at 19:28:36
In reply to Re: atypical depression, posted by Leo BoStar on March 22, 2003, at 13:37:24
> My personal experience is that medication (including Lexapro) and therapy do not work. When this happens, the patient is described as having "atypical depression." You can't blame the medical professionals for taking this approach. The alternative would be to describe themselves as "useless." Better to let the patient take the heat for being "atypical".
Hi.I was going to write a long reply to this post, but decided against it. Let me just say one thing: the author of the post is ignorant to the definition of the term "atypical depression".
- Scott
Posted by SLS on March 22, 2003, at 19:36:48
In reply to Re: atypical depression » annlanka, posted by lil' jimi on March 22, 2003, at 17:10:19
> > hi -
> > i was wondering if any of you have been diagnosed with atypical depression. If so, are you taking lexapro for it? I think i may hae atypical depression and was wondering if i should be on an MAOI instaed of an SSRI?
> >
> > annlanka
>
> hi ann,
>
> sorry i don't know the answer to your question.
> i do have a question for you though:
> what makes a depression atypical?
> how would i know if i was typical or not ?
> Thanks, ~ jimHi Jim.
Here is a very simple answer to your question:
http://www.mhc.com/Algorithms/Depression/atypical.htm
- Scott
Posted by lil' jimi on March 22, 2003, at 19:42:35
In reply to Re: atypical depression » lil' jimi, posted by SLS on March 22, 2003, at 19:36:48
Posted by annlanka on March 22, 2003, at 19:54:28
In reply to Re: Lexapro and weight » handmemymidol, posted by Dysfunk on March 22, 2003, at 17:08:37
> Ha! Very funny name....Yes, the cravings for carbs has gotten less controllable for me since I started the medicine. So far I am holding at a weight increase of 7 lbs. Unfortunately, I have hurt my ankle, which may limit my workouts (depending on the test results). I am afraid without that, I will definitely gain weight. That leads me to depression and here we are again...is the medicine working???
I know how you feel. ITs like you are in a vicious cycle of questioning whether or not the medicine works, should you wait it out or swithch... if you switch you may have switched too early for the other one to have started working and are back to square one.
Posted by annlanka on March 22, 2003, at 20:05:29
In reply to Re: atypical depression » lil' jimi, posted by SLS on March 22, 2003, at 19:36:48
> > > hi -
> > > i was wondering if any of you have been diagnosed with atypical depression. If so, are you taking lexapro for it? I think i may hae atypical depression and was wondering if i should be on an MAOI instaed of an SSRI?
> > >
> > > annlanka
> >
> > hi ann,
> >
> > sorry i don't know the answer to your question.
> > i do have a question for you though:
> > what makes a depression atypical?
> > how would i know if i was typical or not ?
> > Thanks, ~ jim
>
> Hi Jim.
>
> Here is a very simple answer to your question:
>
> http://www.mhc.com/Algorithms/Depression/atypical.htm
>
>
> - Scotthey Scott-
Thanks for the post!
anne
Posted by blkvettes on March 22, 2003, at 20:38:06
In reply to Re: atypical depression, posted by annlanka on March 22, 2003, at 20:05:29
Can anyone relate, I am starting to have some good days but they are mixed with bad days. In the last 7 days or so I have 2 good days and then 2 bad days on and on. It is like a light in my head is flickering but wont come on all the way. It is very frustrating!!!!!!! THANKS!!!!
Posted by Donia on March 22, 2003, at 21:07:59
In reply to 5 WEEKS HELP PLEASE!!!!!!!!!, posted by blkvettes on March 22, 2003, at 20:38:06
My first attempt with meds was with zoloft. It took about 3 to 4 months for a constant feeling good. I am now on lexapro, it has been a little over two months and I am less anxious and less depressed but also have the good and bad days. I am waiting a while to see if everything evens out. Also whoever posted about the MAOI's being dangerous. I was afraid of meds. I always wait until I cannot function anymore to take them. I am at the point now where quality of life is becoming more important than the side effects of these meds. If the only thing that will work for some are the MAOI's than its a factor of is the depression worse than the side effects and being careful to watch labels.
Posted by pumpkin on March 22, 2003, at 21:33:17
In reply to 5 WEEKS HELP PLEASE!!!!!!!!!, posted by blkvettes on March 22, 2003, at 20:38:06
Hey guys,
I haven't been on for the last couple of days.
I was "diagnosed" with major depression,
anxiety panic-over 10 years ago. Today- the
"diagnosis" seems to change- possible Bi-Polar!
(Although I get "hyper" only when I'm on anti-
depressants-very depressed when off!) So, what
am I? They don't know! It's what the world
is going with at the time! I've come to this
conclusion- I don't care! I just want to be
stable!My husband is labeled or diagnosed as atypical.
But- he shows "other" signs too! Never had a
problem with panic- now going to sleep, his legs
are "full" of adrenaline, and he's contantly
"shaking" to get this "rushing" out of him!
My one daughter called him "compulsive" today
again. What's up? I don't know! He told me
that he is now having problems with anxiety!
Oh Lord! He's gone through this for over 10
years too! But, his doctor says "atypical"!
What's the difference? Who cares again!My oldest daughter, and half sister are on meds
too. The doctors make a guess? They don't know!
My mom (she's now in the hospital for serious
problems right now) has been depressed for years.
They don't know! My husbands side....Get what I mean? If I sound like I'm coming down
on doctors- I'm not meaning too. I'm blessed that
the Lord provides them, but there are many
"symptoms", many "sicknesses", many "stressors",
etc...It's good for sites like these- you aren't
"alone", and I have found alot of support! I've
just gotten to the point that if a med works- it
works, if not-move on! I'm just talking medically! I just get tired of the "labels"
and "diagnosis" part!Have a great week! I pray for it-despite our
gloomy "circumstances"!
Posted by KrissyP on March 22, 2003, at 22:02:19
In reply to 5 WEEKS HELP PLEASE!!!!!!!!!, posted by blkvettes on March 22, 2003, at 20:38:06
Posted by blkvettes on March 22, 2003, at 22:15:29
In reply to Are you on Lexapro?? (nm) » blkvettes, posted by KrissyP on March 22, 2003, at 22:02:19
Hi there, yes I am on lexapro
Posted by lil' jimi on March 23, 2003, at 0:20:00
In reply to Re: atypical depression » lil' jimi, posted by SLS on March 22, 2003, at 19:36:48
> > > hi -
> > > i was wondering if any of you have been diagnosed with atypical depression. If so, are you taking lexapro for it? I think i may hae atypical depression and was wondering if i should be on an MAOI instaed of an SSRI?
> > >
> > > annlanka
> >
> > hi ann,
> >
> > sorry i don't know the answer to your question.
> > i do have a question for you though:
> > what makes a depression atypical?
> > how would i know if i was typical or not ?
> > Thanks, ~ jim
>
> Hi Jim.
>
> Here is a very simple answer to your question:
>
> http://www.mhc.com/Algorithms/Depression/atypical.htm
>
>
> - ScottThanks again, Scott.
in response to Anne, these web sites read to me like atypical depression would be treated with SSRIs unless they failed, then MAOIs would be indicated, then tricyclics last.... sorta.
i also found this interesting:
http://www.biopsychiatry.com/atypicaldepression.htm
(anyone ever heard of biopsychiarty.com ? "hedonistic imperative" ?)and http://www.psycom.net/depression.central.html was informative.
peace,
~ jim
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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