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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by lil' jimi on March 23, 2003, at 23:43:31
In reply to Re: atypical depression, posted by annlanka on March 23, 2003, at 18:08:00
> > Hi Ann and everyone else, especially the females (sorry guys) when I think about this stuff, crying spells etc, I have to wonder how much of it might just be hormonal changes? Does anyone have any thoughts about this? Maybe it is just me in denial that there is something wrong with my BRAIN, that I would rather think that it is a haywire uterus. lol
> > Any input would be appreciated :)
> >
> Hey lol,
> well, i tried to convince myself forever like 1 year (ok, maybe not forever) that it was hormonal. But after consecutive crying spells and irritability and exhaustion for weeks in a row, i dont rule out the hormonal hypothesis, however, i do believe there is more to it. Maybe thats what those guys over at forest labs are trying to figure out. does anyone know- do guys have crying spells? just curious..
> anne
> >
>
>anne, i have.
and i think 'vette's url encourages your hypothesis.there's got to be a tug of war between the neurotransmitters' levels and hormones' levels to see which is going to dominate which ...
we get to be their battle field.i could stand to cry more. it's been a while.
~ jim
Posted by lil' jimi on March 24, 2003, at 0:12:24
In reply to MAOI's, posted by pumpkin on March 23, 2003, at 19:30:07
> Meanwhile, has, or is anyone having problems with
> headaches on Lex? Let me know. Tomarrow will
> mark my two full weeks. I have a doctors appointment, and I'm sure he will up it alittle.
> Will I feel more side effects, or has the med
> worked in my system long enough? I'm on 5 mg.
> at this time.pumpkin, i've had headaches too, but i Think they have only been when i needed to eat or hadn't drank enough water.
i have been on 5mg for 2 1/2 weeks.
my theory is we get SEs whenever we upset our seratonin levels and make them have to re-stabilize.
the consensus is this can take 4 to 8 weeks.i'd like to hear from the longest-term users:
Has anyone been on lex since it came out 9/2002? How you doing?
Has anyone with more than 8 months of use had any other SEs develop?
Any later-developing SEs at all, anyone?Thanks and Take Care,
~ jim
Posted by sjb on March 24, 2003, at 10:17:09
In reply to Re: atypical depression, posted by handmemymidol on March 23, 2003, at 17:43:36
Definately worse in the winter, before my period and since I've become older. Never used to have any PMS problems other than excessive oil/breakouts on face. I'm sure the hormones are all over the place. I, too, sometimes just can't stop crying and I feel so pathetic and wimpy. It's like a part of me is looking down at me and just saying, "Stop it", but I can't.
However, I'm not sure about the solution - hormone therapy can be dicey.
Posted by ANXIETY ANN on March 24, 2003, at 10:42:52
In reply to Carb cravings, posted by Donia on March 21, 2003, at 20:05:06
> 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.
hi Donia,
Its been a while since I posted on this site. I have been on Lexapro for about 6 months. I am taking Lexapro for Anxiety and panic as well as some depression. Before Lexapro i took effexor for about 1 year. while I was on effexor I went from 125 to 140lbs which made me more depressed because no matter how much I exercised or how little i ate i couldn't lose weight. Now its starting again with Lexapro. I got back down to 123lbs but since Ive been on Lexapro i've gained about 5 lbs in 6 months not only that but I have terrible cravings for sugar (my favorite is mentos; I eat them packs at a time!)I can't take any of the weight loss meds(anything over the counter with caffiene) because it makes my anxiety much worse. I guess what I'm complaning about is this: Its too bad that it seems as though we have to trade being less anxious or depressed for being chubby or fat. It doesn't seem a very good trade off does it?
ANXIETY ANN
Posted by pumpkin on March 24, 2003, at 10:46:58
In reply to Re: atypical depression, posted by sjb on March 24, 2003, at 10:17:09
I've been catching up to the last few posts.
Just went to my doctors, and he switched my Lex
from the night to mornings. Kept my depakote
at the same level, until my appointment next
week.Talking about "stressors"- my mom is in critical
care in the hospital, plus all the other
"circumstances", plus- yes, I believe about
our dear "womanly" hormones too! Bottom line
for me is that I still feel the same before and
after it all! If anything, the circumstances
keep me focused somewhat off my own personal
"drama", and more on the needs of others. The
Lord and I have the "silent" times mostly when
everyone else is asleep! We are quite certain
however, that I am Bi-Polar, and that it is
genetic-although it's "covered" by alcohol in
my ancestors. Maybe one step closer? What a
ride! I just took my Lex., and I'm so tired
again! Gotta work around. Later guys...
Posted by KRM123 on March 24, 2003, at 10:50:33
In reply to Lexapro and tired, posted by BarbaraS on March 23, 2003, at 19:17:35
I've been on Lex for only a week now and am so tired- I sleep all the time and when I'm not sleeping I feel very depressed and unmotivated to do anything! I can't exercise and feel worthless. I don't know how much longer I can live like this. Please help!
Posted by blkvettes on March 24, 2003, at 11:31:19
In reply to Is it, or isen't it..., posted by pumpkin on March 24, 2003, at 10:46:58
Sorry about your mom pumpkin, prayers go out to you and your family. Hang in there and take care!!!
Posted by baracuda on March 24, 2003, at 11:54:45
In reply to Carb cravings, posted by Donia on March 21, 2003, at 20:05:06
i find that my carb cravings have slowly been curbed - sometimes i still crave them, but when i actually eat them the satisfaction isnt the same on lex as it was on prozac. on prozac i would just eat the whole thing - whatever it was that i was eating. on lex - i take a few bites and think 'this isnt really meeting my needs'
but i find that its really really hard to wake up. im sleeping much more and its not the same as depression sleep -- its more like the bed feels soooooo comfortable that i dont want to get out.
today is day 12
Posted by baracuda on March 24, 2003, at 11:57:06
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
so far i have lost weight on lex - but i DO feel bloated. its confusing. i feel really sluggish and puffy.
Posted by baracuda on March 24, 2003, at 13:28:15
In reply to 5 WEEKS HELP PLEASE!!!!!!!!!, posted by blkvettes on March 22, 2003, at 20:38:06
that happened to me on prozac - my doc said that it probably 'wasnt the right med for me' because you should have more good days than bad days? im not sure, and it confuses me too.
i find with lexapro tho so far my days seem to be a bit more steady - not quite great days, and not quite horrific days, but rather, some regular days.
does that make sense?
Posted by baracuda on March 24, 2003, at 13:37:47
In reply to Re: atypical depression, posted by annlanka on March 23, 2003, at 12:30:05
i have been diagnosed with atypical depression since i was a kid.
its just part of my identity now - its no big deal because i dont really know any other way to be. i mean i hope i can get better, but if i dont, it wont be any different than anything else i know.
Posted by annlanka on March 24, 2003, at 14:15:20
In reply to Re: atypical depression, posted by baracuda on March 24, 2003, at 13:37:47
hey baracuda-
sorry you have had to suffer so long. What meds have you been on since you were diagnosed. What are you main symptoms? Has anything worked better than others for your illness?anne
Posted by baracuda on March 24, 2003, at 14:28:30
In reply to Re: atypical depression, posted by annlanka on March 23, 2003, at 18:08:00
i used to blame my depression on being a female - it was just a 3 week long pms session with 1 week of actually messed up - so in essence, it was every day i was suffering from something.
i dont thinnk it matters what it is, if something is wrong its just wrong...
Posted by BarbaraS on March 24, 2003, at 21:35:15
In reply to Re: Barbara are you still tired?, posted by KRM123 on March 24, 2003, at 10:50:33
Hi,
Yes, I'm still tired and feeling pretty lazy. It seems to have gotten a little better over the last couple of weeks, but I am thinking about cutting my 5 mg in half, which may be too little to have any effect. The good part is that the depression and anxiety seems to have lifted and I've had some days where I feel really good. My therapist suggested drinking some tea with caffeine to get a perk, so I might try that as well. Good luck, and keep me posted on how you are doing.
Barbara
Posted by BarbaraS on March 24, 2003, at 21:45:54
In reply to Re: Barbara are you still tired?, posted by BarbaraS on March 24, 2003, at 21:35:15
Hi everyone,
My therapist thought I might want to switch from Lexapro to Wellbutrin because of the consistent side effects that I've had. Has anyone done that, or been on Wellbutrin before? What side effects have you had? I hate having to start a different med again, so I'm trying to hang in there with Lexapro.
Thanks for any help you can offer.
Barbara
Posted by KRM123 on March 24, 2003, at 22:16:19
In reply to Re: Barbara are you still tired?, posted by BarbaraS on March 24, 2003, at 21:35:15
Thanks for getting back to me Barbara. I am still feeling depressed and unmotivated. Today was my 9th day so I think I should give it some more time, but I hate feeling so unmotivated. I used to work out everyday and I can barely get myself out of the house to take a walk. I don't know how much longer I can live like this. I hope things get better.
Good luck to you and hope you feel better. Thanks for keeping me posted =)
Posted by Krissy P on March 24, 2003, at 22:54:38
In reply to Lexapro to Wellbutrin - Please advise, posted by BarbaraS on March 24, 2003, at 21:45:54
Posted by Krissy P on March 24, 2003, at 22:55:50
In reply to Re: Barbara are you still tired?, posted by KRM123 on March 24, 2003, at 22:16:19
Posted by lil' jimi on March 25, 2003, at 0:46:59
In reply to Is it, or isen't it..., posted by pumpkin on March 24, 2003, at 10:46:58
...
> Talking about "stressors"- my mom is in critical
> care in the hospital, plus ...May your mom recover and your suffering lessen.
Praying for you and yours.
~ jim
Posted by leeran on March 25, 2003, at 1:40:23
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
Hi there.
Tomorrow is my first day on Lexapro (and this is my first post on this board).
I thought I was a whiz kid when it came to ADs until I found out (just today) that there's a new AD on the block that I hadn't heard of until I mentioned "Generalized Anxiety Disorder" to my prescription-writing savior, a.k.a. my psychiatrist, this afternoon.
If he had been on time I wouldn't have had time to thumb through the generic waiting room booklet on depression and identify the symptoms that I still grapple with on a daily basis, namely, obsessive "what iffing" with a perpetual dark cloud thrown in for added drama and angst.
So, I did an internet search on Lexapro (in between reading conspiracy websites regarding the war and surfing ebay) and landed here. And I'm so glad that I did!I've found out so much about this medication and the possibilities (both positive and negative) that it will feel like old home week when I pop that first 10 mg. tomorrow morning.
Thanks to everyone who has so openly shared their experiences on this medication as well as other medications.
As for my own Molotov Cocktail, I'm currently on 40 mg. per day of Adderall (late onset A.D.D. - or at least that's what I call it) and 150 mg. of timed release Wellbutrin. The Adderall comes from my psychiatrist (newly acquired in January) and the Wellbutrin comes from my general practitioner who will prescribe just about anything to get me out of the office (he’s a minimal contact HMO kind of guy). Throw in natural hormones from a compounding pharmacy and a recent round of three weeks on Cipro and I'm ready for Anthrax, menopause and my son's homework (not necessarily in that order).
My primary concern with any antidepressant is weight gain and sexual dysfunction and both topics have been thoroughly covered here since last August (yes, I read almost every post). I have winced when I’ve read some posts – and crossed my fingers on others. It looks like Lexapro runs the gamut when it comes to side effects and positive/negative results.
Someone mentioned breast tenderness (I had that with Prozac) and several others mentioned sexual dysfunction on a variety of meds. I experienced it with Paxil and found myself so laid back that I really didn’t care if I ever DID have another orgasm – despite the fact that there was that part of me floating above, wagging a finger saying “buy you SHOULD care!”
Someone else mentioned hormones and feeling like crying all the time. I’m in early peri-menopause and my nickname for myself (prior to going on natural hormones) was “hormoneless in Hermosa” or “consistently crying in California,” however, once I started taking them (almost a year ago) the crying jags ceased almost immediately. I’ve also read that attention deficit disorder, depression and an entire host of other similar pain-in-the-butt things are exacerbated by hormonal fluctuations. Oh yeah, and for you guys with mid-life “man-o-pause” – these hormones have testosterone thrown in so perhaps there’s a male equivalent out there, if you can find a compounding pharmacy and/or doctor to formulate the mixture that suits your circumstances.
Sorry for the long and very stream of consciousness post. I suppose I feel comfortable baring my soul (and medicine chest) because I’m so thrilled to find a message board where everyone seems so open about “The Big D” and conquering the big D. That said, I felt compelled (a little compulsive disorder thrown in) to say thank you and explain my reasons (in dissertation format) for landing here.
Posted by Krissy P on March 25, 2003, at 1:51:36
In reply to Tomorrow = Day 1, Lexapro, posted by leeran on March 25, 2003, at 1:40:23
Hi leeran, and nice to meet you. I "landed" here too about 3 weeks ago, and it has been a
God-send. There are a lot of wonderful, supportive, kind people here and I hope if you have anything on your mind (which it sounds like you do hehehehe) feel free to ask.
Ever sice I found this site I have posted quite a bit (as you may have noticed) and have learned all kinds of stuff, and heard and shared experiences with the others.
We're all here for you, including me:-)
All the best,
Kristen
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------> Hi there.
>
> Tomorrow is my first day on Lexapro (and this is my first post on this board).
>
> I thought I was a whiz kid when it came to ADs until I found out (just today) that there's a new AD on the block that I hadn't heard of until I mentioned "Generalized Anxiety Disorder" to my prescription-writing savior, a.k.a. my psychiatrist, this afternoon.
>
> If he had been on time I wouldn't have had time to thumb through the generic waiting room booklet on depression and identify the symptoms that I still grapple with on a daily basis, namely, obsessive "what iffing" with a perpetual dark cloud thrown in for added drama and angst.
> So, I did an internet search on Lexapro (in between reading conspiracy websites regarding the war and surfing ebay) and landed here. And I'm so glad that I did!
>
> I've found out so much about this medication and the possibilities (both positive and negative) that it will feel like old home week when I pop that first 10 mg. tomorrow morning.
>
> Thanks to everyone who has so openly shared their experiences on this medication as well as other medications.
>
> As for my own Molotov Cocktail, I'm currently on 40 mg. per day of Adderall (late onset A.D.D. - or at least that's what I call it) and 150 mg. of timed release Wellbutrin. The Adderall comes from my psychiatrist (newly acquired in January) and the Wellbutrin comes from my general practitioner who will prescribe just about anything to get me out of the office (he’s a minimal contact HMO kind of guy). Throw in natural hormones from a compounding pharmacy and a recent round of three weeks on Cipro and I'm ready for Anthrax, menopause and my son's homework (not necessarily in that order).
>
> My primary concern with any antidepressant is weight gain and sexual dysfunction and both topics have been thoroughly covered here since last August (yes, I read almost every post). I have winced when I’ve read some posts – and crossed my fingers on others. It looks like Lexapro runs the gamut when it comes to side effects and positive/negative results.
>
> Someone mentioned breast tenderness (I had that with Prozac) and several others mentioned sexual dysfunction on a variety of meds. I experienced it with Paxil and found myself so laid back that I really didn’t care if I ever DID have another orgasm – despite the fact that there was that part of me floating above, wagging a finger saying “buy you SHOULD care!”
>
> Someone else mentioned hormones and feeling like crying all the time. I’m in early peri-menopause and my nickname for myself (prior to going on natural hormones) was “hormoneless in Hermosa” or “consistently crying in California,” however, once I started taking them (almost a year ago) the crying jags ceased almost immediately. I’ve also read that attention deficit disorder, depression and an entire host of other similar pain-in-the-butt things are exacerbated by hormonal fluctuations. Oh yeah, and for you guys with mid-life “man-o-pause” – these hormones have testosterone thrown in so perhaps there’s a male equivalent out there, if you can find a compounding pharmacy and/or doctor to formulate the mixture that suits your circumstances.
>
> Sorry for the long and very stream of consciousness post. I suppose I feel comfortable baring my soul (and medicine chest) because I’m so thrilled to find a message board where everyone seems so open about “The Big D” and conquering the big D. That said, I felt compelled (a little compulsive disorder thrown in) to say thank you and explain my reasons (in dissertation format) for landing here.
>
>
Posted by SLS on March 25, 2003, at 6:25:53
In reply to Tomorrow = Day 1, Lexapro, posted by leeran on March 25, 2003, at 1:40:23
Hi Leeran.
> As for my own Molotov Cocktail, I'm currently on 40 mg. per day of Adderall (late onset A.D.D. - or at least that's what I call it) and 150 mg. of timed release Wellbutrin.
A friend of mine is doing wonderfully taking a combination of Wellbutrin 300mg + Lexapro 20mg. Her case has been pretty difficult to treat. I hope Lexapro works out for you.
- Scott
Posted by annlanka on March 25, 2003, at 8:17:18
In reply to Re: Tomorrow = Day 1, Lexapro, posted by SLS on March 25, 2003, at 6:25:53
hey guys-
I have two questions. First, re the posts about wellbutrin. What is wellbutrin mainly used to treat? is it a more of a stimulating anti-depressant or relaxing anti-depressant? is it an ssri? i dont know anything about it and was curious. Also, tomorrow i am supposed to see a psychoanalysist. I am unfamiliar with this practice besides the freudian techniques and lying on a couch. But is this what psychoanalysis is even like? has anyone gone to a psychoanalysist? if so was it helpful? Did they get you on the right meds?Thanks!
anne
Posted by jawsdogj on March 25, 2003, at 8:39:55
In reply to yes, Wellbutrin users please share (nm), posted by Krissy P on March 24, 2003, at 22:54:38
i have been sick since weaning off zoloft 3 weeks ago,can any one help
Posted by lil' jimi on March 25, 2003, at 8:53:34
In reply to Tomorrow = Day 1, Lexapro, posted by leeran on March 25, 2003, at 1:40:23
...
> Someone else mentioned hormones and feeling like crying all the time. I’m in early peri-menopause and my nickname for myself (prior to going on natural hormones) was “hormoneless in Hermosa” or “consistently crying in California,” however, once I started taking them (almost a year ago) the crying jags ceased almost immediately. I’ve also read that attention deficit disorder, depression and an entire host of other similar pain-in-the-butt things are exacerbated by hormonal fluctuations. Oh yeah, and for you guys with mid-life “man-o-pause” – these hormones have testosterone thrown in so perhaps there’s a male equivalent out there, if you can find a compounding pharmacy and/or doctor to formulate the mixture that suits your circumstances.
...welcome aboard, Leeran. Glad to have you.
Allow me to offer my speculation that our posters to this board constitute a self-selected group which tends to skew our offerings toward the negative (with no disparagment of anyone implied)relative to reactions of the total class of Lexapro users:
this is based on my not all together unreasonable presumption that the lex users with the best reaction/response are most likely to not have the need nor motivation to come and find a message board like this one.
Whereas our good folks suffering from our neuarotransmitter disease(s) will be reaching out (we hope!) and will be finding our group of merry (and not so merry) Lex-ers.
We may add to that the likelyhood that those garnering the most positive benefit from taking lex, who do come and find this board and post, are also less likely / motivated to need to make posts.
None of which is so bad. Our squeaky wheels need the grease, which is as it should be. But our overall impression from reading the total of all the our posts from last summer (i did this also and now wonder if this is an indication of compulsion(?)) might be more discouraging than maybe a scientific sampled survey. Or not.
I still feel this is all to the good:
Those who are suffering the worst teach us the most.
And we all benefit whenever one of us can help another ... it helps me immensely whenever i get to feel that i've been able to provide a little "grease".
As for me today = 21 days, and for the 1st time I'm having a bad day. Not really so bad comparatively, I'm just real grumpy and irratable and I could cry, but it seems odd to me given i've been on lex.For you, I ask, What can you tell us about these "natural hormone" treatments you write of?
peace,
~ jim
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]
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