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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by galkeepinon on August 29, 2003, at 1:30:55
In reply to SHAY AND LEXAPRO, posted by BLKVETTES on August 28, 2003, at 20:46:42
Posted by Esmarelda on August 29, 2003, at 12:43:46
In reply to Re: SHAY AND LEXAPRO, posted by BLKVETTES on August 29, 2003, at 1:17:13
Thanks for sharing that with all of us. I think we can all feel or have felt your pain. I was never suicidal, but the pain was the same. I have lived a blessed life as well and have everything a person could ask for, good family, great friends, nice doggies, beautiful home, boat, cars, etc. I don't know what ever started my first depressive episode -- just stress of life, I guess. This last go around was the worst -- lost my grandmother who was my rock, anchor and world! I was luckey to have someone like her, but when she left, I was left with a shaken up world and huge hole in my heart. Then, the boyfriend apparently was not getting enough attention and couldn't handle my depression and he bailed 3weeks later. Then, ... Well, you know the story. I still have a hole in my heart, but the world sure seems to be treating me better since I started on Lex. For anyone who reads this, I truly believe it is a wonder drug. Throughout the years, I had tried others and none made me feel this good or got rid of the occasional depression. I am tired alot in the mornings, but no more depression or anxiety. I'll take the trade or any of the SE's any darn day. BTW - Jim says you're the funny one. I don't know, but you guys both sure are good ones and I appreciate all the posts I have read from you. I read the posts for about a month before I ever posted myself. This has helped as much as my therapist. Take Care, Dude!
Posted by EmilyC on August 29, 2003, at 13:47:54
In reply to Re: Sun sensitivity » Donia, posted by oldhand on July 27, 2003, at 23:53:47
> > Hello, I am a redhead with blue eyes and have not noticed any sensitivity to the sun. I did start the lex in the winter, but have been in the sun alot this summer with baseball games and also a vacation to Florida. I have to wear sunscreen to slowly build up a tan, but now dont burn hardly at all. I do tan better than most redheads but was worried the med may make me more sensitive.
>
>I'm blonde with blue eyes and I burn pretty easily. Usually sunscreen takes care of it but in the last month since I've started Lexapro, I've definitely noticed that I'm more sensitive to the sun. I've gotten burned with SPF 15 on and I've gotten burned on just by being outside for 15 minutes at noon without sunscreen. None of that happened before Lexapro. I asked the doctor about it this morning and he confirmed that sun sensitivity is definitely a side effect. Although I consider it a small price to pay for feeling like a real person again!
Posted by Esmarelda on August 29, 2003, at 13:56:15
In reply to Re: Sun sensitivity, posted by EmilyC on August 29, 2003, at 13:47:54
Just FYI - I have been on Lex since about mid - late June and spend every weekend on the lake and most of the time without any sunscreen and have not noticed any sensitivity. For what it's worth!
Posted by hog80ci on August 29, 2003, at 19:29:44
In reply to 80 c.i. PLUS 20 mg = Good formula ! » hog80ci, posted by lil' jimi on August 29, 2003, at 1:00:35
Thanks Jim. I come home every day and check the threads here. It's helped a lot. Had a good talk today about a couple of character defects I try and deal with...self centeredness and an aversion to delayed gratification. I think seeing the words from other people give me hope, put me in some gratitude, and help me be patient.
I might be seeing signs of benefit already. I have a pretty short fuse. Meds help keep it under control. Today, I was in a situation where I should have blown my stack, but the lid seemed to stay at least part way on. Thanks again for your support and encouragement.
Jim
Posted by theump on August 29, 2003, at 19:43:04
In reply to Re: Sun sensitivity, posted by EmilyC on August 29, 2003, at 13:47:54
I noticed when I was in Chicago of all places that I burned very easily after starting Lex. Infact it stayed burned for over a week, usually I'll turn tan in a day or two. Not this time! And that was the first prolonged sun with Lex. I'll be a lot more careful next time. So I'm with you, it seems worse.
Renee> > > Hello, I am a redhead with blue eyes and have not noticed any sensitivity to the sun. I did start the lex in the winter, but have been in the sun alot this summer with baseball games and also a vacation to Florida. I have to wear sunscreen to slowly build up a tan, but now dont burn hardly at all. I do tan better than most redheads but was worried the med may make me more sensitive.
> >
> >
>
> I'm blonde with blue eyes and I burn pretty easily. Usually sunscreen takes care of it but in the last month since I've started Lexapro, I've definitely noticed that I'm more sensitive to the sun. I've gotten burned with SPF 15 on and I've gotten burned on just by being outside for 15 minutes at noon without sunscreen. None of that happened before Lexapro. I asked the doctor about it this morning and he confirmed that sun sensitivity is definitely a side effect. Although I consider it a small price to pay for feeling like a real person again!
Posted by theump on August 29, 2003, at 19:53:06
In reply to Re: 80 c.i. PLUS 20 mg = Good formula !, posted by hog80ci on August 29, 2003, at 19:29:44
Hello all, but especially lil jimi...
I have been on 15mg from 10 for a week now and today I just plain feel happy. Not sure why...just do. I increased my dose, am trying to eat better and started exercising more and now I just feel good. Is this "the light"?
The last 2 mornings I have even woken up an hour before my alarm, which I NEVER do, I usually oversleep. I don't get out of bed an hour earlier -haha - but I'm actually up. Now I just have to get myself out of bed.
I'm feeling much more motivated and have a long list of things to do this weekend. I really think I'll do them. I even feel like I'd actually say hello to strangers I pass on the street. Which I never do. I even found myself whistling on my way back from another office at work.
I'm feeling like a new person and in another week I'll try the 20 that the doc wanted me to go to if this is just a passing phase, but geez I hope it isn't.
So...to little jimi and all others wondering if you should move up your dose or get off of Lex because it's not making a difference...go for it! If this feeling continues, it'll be awesome.
I'll keep you updated!
The Ump
aka - Renee
Posted by bran on August 29, 2003, at 20:25:36
In reply to Re: New User to any type of med., posted by Esmarelda on August 28, 2003, at 14:55:43
Posted by bran on August 29, 2003, at 20:43:43
In reply to confused (nm), posted by bran on August 29, 2003, at 20:25:36
Hey guys,
i really appreciate all the information. you all have been helping me out. i'm a 20 year old female with dysthymia/anxiety (i suppose). i use to use prozac and effexor back in the day, but discontinued those after i felt they didn't do anything. i've been using lexapro for about 4 months now. the initial side effects were horrible, severe headaches and insomnia. they passed, but now i'm extremely tired all the time and my ability to orgasm/sexual drive is non existent. does anyone relate?
thanks again,
bran
Posted by galkeepinon on August 29, 2003, at 21:57:12
In reply to Re: SHAY AND LEXAPRO, posted by BLKVETTES on August 29, 2003, at 1:17:13
Posted by trucker on August 29, 2003, at 22:14:34
In reply to Re: SHAY AND LEXAPRO, posted by BLKVETTES on August 29, 2003, at 1:17:13
i wish i had something i could say or do to make thinks better, some special magical healing of the tears and fears. i remember feeling this way as well. the only thing that kept me from suiside was my religious beleifs. if you comit suiside you won't go to heaven. and see since my baby boy was born dead i know he is in heaven with my LORD and KING. and if i ever want to see my boy i must tow the mark to reach heaven. i hope that all of us here are one day happy and healthy again. and we can all laugh at our fears and tears.
take it easy,
i always thought it was the evil one trying to take me out. so i'd burn in hell.
trucker
//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////> Hi trucker, my memories are the pain I went through in the last year. I was never depressed until the last year. All the hospital visits, all the tests, all the fear, all the pain. Thoughts of dying and wanting to die are not going away anytime soon!!!!!!!!!!!! This is why some call me the clown man!!!!!!!!!!
>
> The Man With The Clowns Eyes
>
>
> Do you ever wonder about clowns. They look so sad!!!! They look like tears are flowing from their eyes. But they seem happy and act happy. But they look so sad!!! I want to tell you about the man with the clowns eyes. He really has been happy all his life. He really cant complain about the way he was raised. But things went wrong and he does not know why or how. One morning he was sitting on the edge of his bed waiting for his wife and daughter to leave for the day. He was very sad but hid this from his little girl. Well the time came for them to leave and he wished them a good day and kissed his daughter good bye. He then went back to his room and sat on the edge of the bed staring at a tv with no sound. He did this everyday, he did not eat, he could not sleep and the pain in his aching body was unbearable. As he sat there tears began to flow from his eyes. He did this everyday and saw no reason to live. He felt he was a burden to all. He thought of many ways to end his life. Why was the man with the clown eyes so sad. He began to recall his childhood. His parents were divorced when he was very young. But his dad was always there and was a good father. But he missed his father because he was no longer there everyday. He had a great mother who sacrificed to make his life a happy one. So it could not be his childhood. He became a teenager, he had lots of friends, the girls were attracted to him. He was very popular!!!!! So it could not be because of his teenage years. He got married very young and had kids that he loved very much. There was a time when he did drugs that nearly destroyed his family and himself. He sought help and quit the drugs and became his old self again. Years went by and the man with the clowns eyes was really very happy. He had everything a person ever dreams of in life. But one day this all came to an end. He no longer cared how he looked. He quit eating, he could not sleep and was very depressed. He lost interest in all that made him happy. So now the man with the clowns eyes just sits in his room with fear as the tears flow from his eyes and down his cheeks. He went from doctor to doctor and no one could make him feel happy again. All hope was gone, but he looked at the picture of his daughter that was next to the bed. This always made him cry harder and his body shake and tremor. He could not end his life!!!! Even though he no longer wanted to live he could not do this to his family. This was the low point for the man with the clowns eyes. Everyday he sat there and cried never wanting to leave his room. I wonder if the man with the clowns eyes will be ok. Will he always be sad!!!! Will he be happy!!!! Will he live or die!!!! I really cant say!!!! But as I look in the mirror at the man with the clowns eyes. Tears begin to flow from my eyes and down my cheeks. I get the feeling he will be ok. I get the feeling he will be happy again. Well we can only hope that this is true!!!!
> THE END
Posted by BLKVETTES on August 29, 2003, at 22:55:42
In reply to Re: SHAY AND LEXAPRO » BLKVETTES, posted by trucker on August 29, 2003, at 22:14:34
Hi Trucker, hey I think I have confused you somehow. I have recovered and maybe feel better than I have in years in many ways. What I went through makes me look at life and people differently. I eat better and I take better care of myself. That story I wrote was written months ago. Jim asked me to share why people on other boards call me the clown man. Lexapro like someone said I believe Gail if Im wrong Im sorry is a miracle drug. What has happened to me from November 1st of last year till now is truly a miracle. But at the same time when anyone has something really bad in life happen to them those bad memories fade away slowly. When I go from board to board other people are living my story. I feel their pain everyday I read a post. But Im better at putting the info out to help and moving on without getting emotional. Example Im getting emails from a single mother with one child. She suffers from panic and anxiety. She thinks she may be crazy, she thinks she is a bad mother. So I send her lots of info to read and convince her that she is not crazy. She is 4 months into her med in another couple of weeks GOD willing it should start to work. I get emails from teenagers, people in their 20's, 30's 40's 50' and even 60's everyday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am fine, besides Jim thinks Im the funny one!!!!!! TAKE CARE TRUCKER!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU WILL SEE YOUR SON ONE DAY!!!!!!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by lil' jimi on August 30, 2003, at 2:38:17
In reply to Re: 80 c.i. PLUS 20 mg = Good formula !, posted by hog80ci on August 29, 2003, at 19:29:44
i thank _you_, man ... great post!
reads like you're getting a handle on some heavy issues there ! ... that IS great!> Thanks Jim. I come home every day and check the threads here. It's helped a lot. Had a good talk today about a couple of character defects I try and deal with...self centeredness and an aversion to delayed gratification. I think seeing the words from other people give me hope, put me in some gratitude, and help me be patient.
>
> I might be seeing signs of benefit already. I have a pretty short fuse. Meds help keep it under control. Today, I was in a situation where I should have blown my stack, but the lid seemed to stay at least part way on. Thanks again for your support and encouragement.
> Jim >
>you have reminded me of how much i must be benefiting from lex ... ... ... i used to have to struggle against my internal undirected rage, especially in the mornings ... i haven't really felt that at all for a while ... i am a lot cooler now ...
best to you ... keep posting ... hang in there!
~ jim
Posted by lil' jimi on August 30, 2003, at 3:53:02
In reply to Good news...the light seems near, posted by theump on August 29, 2003, at 19:53:06
hi Renee!
that is great news!
wonderful to hear you're feeling better ...
and very encouraging!
i am so hoping this is the beginning of better things to come for you ... and me and all of us ....
.... i'll be trying my (absurd?) titrating up plan ... ... as soon as i get a handle on my technique for making measured 1mg doses ... once heard about liquid lexapro! ... that'd be the tiket! ... too bad it's the labor day weekend ... tuesday i'm shaking down my pharmacist, my gp and my health insurance ...
... ... OR my plan's back to pill smashing and measuring powder into tenths: no fun ... ... the only real fun is to kid about snorting the powder ... (the junk they probably use to make the lex into a pill probably ruin the remains of my allergy plagued sinuses!) .... .... i suppose i could try to dissolve the powder into water and measure that ... ...
... ... unfortunately for my little titrating trail experiment, jim is one lazy scientist ... ... i am definiteely turning this into a hobby !
... ... HA HA !!take care, renee ... _please_ keep me (us) posted! .... .... i'll be waiting to hear how it's going and good luck!
~ jim
Posted by galkeepinon on August 30, 2003, at 4:48:43
In reply to Re: Sun sensitivity, posted by EmilyC on August 29, 2003, at 13:47:54
I'm blonde with green eyes, but I got a BAD burn when I started Topamax this summer. I'm not sure which meds cause sun sensitivity and which don't-I've been a sun bather most of my life but have stepped back lately. So far, with Lexapro-no burn as bad as with Topamax alone.
I'm blonde with blue eyes and I burn pretty easily. Usually sunscreen takes care of it but in the last month since I've started Lexapro, I've definitely noticed that I'm more sensitive to the sun. I've gotten burned with SPF 15 on and I've gotten burned on just by being outside for 15 minutes at noon without sunscreen. None of that happened before Lexapro. I asked the doctor about it this morning and he confirmed that sun sensitivity is definitely a side effect. Although I consider it a small price to pay for feeling like a real person again!
Posted by Cait on August 30, 2003, at 10:06:10
In reply to Teeth Grinding on Lex., posted by Suzy on August 18, 2003, at 18:37:59
Suzy, Just reading your post and I am experiencing the same problem as you. However I didn't associate tooth grinding with Lexapro, just thought I was going mad in my old age! I am glad to hear that someone else has the same problem, though not glad that you have it. I wonder what can be done. I take 10 a day and feel great otherwise, except I drink too much and just don't know why Lexapro has these two side effects on me
Posted by Mariposa on August 30, 2003, at 10:47:38
In reply to Re: Teeth Grinding on Lex., posted by Cait on August 30, 2003, at 10:06:10
>
> Suzy, Just reading your post and I am experiencing the same problem as you. However I didn't associate tooth grinding with Lexapro, just thought I was going mad in my old age! I am glad to hear that someone else has the same problem, though not glad that you have it. I wonder what can be done. I take 10 a day and feel great otherwise, except I drink too much and just don't know why Lexapro has these two side effects on me
>I am into month 6 now @ 20mg, and *clenching* is the only se I still experience. My teeth don't hurt anymore, and it's not as severe as it was in the beginning. If I catch myself, I can stop it, and as I said it's not so bad anymore. With all the *benefits* of Lex, I can live with it!
Drinking too much what?? And are you saying Lex is contributing to the problem?? If you think it's *too much* are you trying to stop??? Is it a social thing or are you *self medicating* ?? My experience has been that I desire alcohol less, Lex has helped take care of some of my reasons for drinking, so I do it less often. Please don't take my questions as being *accusations*, I am curious and concerned, and would be very interested in your answer!
Good luck to you~~~8|8
Posted by lil' jimi on August 30, 2003, at 10:57:50
In reply to confused, posted by bran on August 29, 2003, at 20:43:43
hi bran ~
> Hey guys,
> i really appreciate all the information. you all have been helping me out. i'm a 20 year old female with dysthymia/anxiety (i suppose). i use to use prozac and effexor back in the day, but discontinued those after i felt they didn't do anything. i've been using lexapro for about 4 months now. the initial side effects were horrible, severe headaches and insomnia. they passed, but now i'm extremely tired all the time and my ability to orgasm/sexual drive is non existent. does anyone relate?
> thanks again,
> bran... glad to have you "aboard" ... thanks for your post!
... ... i've been on lex for nearly 6 months and have not had SEs as bad as you have
... i really feel for you with sexual SEs for this long ... do you believe it's lex SEs ? or could it be unrelieved symptoms ? ... ... both ? ... (how would anyone ever know the answer to that "both?", jim?)
... ... i ask because i haven't read of folks having decreased libido ... _once_ the initial SEs fade and therapeutic benefits begin to kick in anyway ...
.... guessing (just guessing!) your SEs sould be fading (faded?) and benefits should be just about to begin ... maybe ... ... but no two folk are the same ....... hey, it's good to hear from you ... posting has helped me ... i believe it can be good for you ... so, post lots! ... ... it is good for us all ...
TAKE CARE !!
~ jimp.s. alcohol is a major depressant ... this means that it works Against lexapro's antidepressant benefits to our neurotransmitters ... ... therefore, drinking less alcohol will increase your lexapro's effectiveness ... ... try to cut back on alcohol as much as possible ... preferably down to zero ... ... i'd speculate that this would help recovery from the sexual SEs
~ j
Posted by Mariposa on August 30, 2003, at 11:11:31
In reply to confused, posted by bran on August 29, 2003, at 20:43:43
> Hey guys,
> i really appreciate all the information. you all have been helping me out. i'm a 20 year old female with dysthymia/anxiety (i suppose). i use to use prozac and effexor back in the day, but discontinued those after i felt they didn't do anything. i've been using lexapro for about 4 months now. the initial side effects were horrible, severe headaches and insomnia. they passed, but now i'm extremely tired all the time and my ability to orgasm/sexual drive is non existent. does anyone relate?
> thanks again,
> branYes, I can relate! I too had horrible se's in the beginning, but all, except mild clenching, are gone now.
Tiredness - we are all different, but I too experienced this feeling. I found, though, that if I ignored it, got up and *started moving* (forced myself!!) and *doing* that this feeling evaporated!! It was like the feeling was all in my head, not in the body, and once the body got moving the head quit whining and got on board too. It's worth a try, have a plan for the day and stick to it. Then if you still feel the lethargy, you should consider discussing w/doc.
Sex - I also had troulble w/this, but it's gradually improved. Don't give up and keep thinking *positive* thoughts, and I'm sorry I don't have any better advice on this area!!
Best of luck to you!~~~8|8
Posted by hog80ci on August 30, 2003, at 12:01:38
In reply to Re: Teeth Grinding on Lex., posted by Cait on August 30, 2003, at 10:06:10
Just to throw in my two cents worth. I grind my teeth on Lex too. Only been on the med for about 10 days and just went up to 20 from 10 this past Thursday. I find myself clenching my jaw all the time. I'm having a mouth guard made to wear at night because my jaw is really sore in the morning. We all just need to hang in there. From what I've read here the end effect will be worth it. Take care all...
Jim
Posted by Suzy on August 30, 2003, at 13:00:29
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
Thanks everyone for input on this subject. I am still having this problem and it does seem to be getting worse. I have been on Lex since August of last year but this seems to be a side effect that just started a few weeks ago. I did reduce my dose back down to 5 with hopes that will hope. I did try chewing gum but it doesn't look very professional and I may not continue. Thanks everyone.
Posted by trucker on August 30, 2003, at 14:25:54
In reply to Re: SHAY AND LEXAPRO, posted by BLKVETTES on August 29, 2003, at 22:55:42
THANKS, ITS BEEN A ROAD, ALONELY ROAD ALL THE WAY THRU. I WAS IN HOS. FOR 3DAYS HAVEING TO RECEIVE BLOOD TRANSFUSIONS. MY HUSBAND GOT THERE THREE DAYS LATER, JUST IN TIME TO BRING ME HOME FROM THE HOSPITAL. HE STAYED 2 1/2 DAYS AND I WAS ALONE FOR A MONTH AT A TIME AFTER HE LEFT WITH NO ONE TO SHOP FOR ME, DRIVE FOR ME, OR HOLD ME WHEN I CRIED. I ALMOST DIED "BUT I DIDN'T" AFTER THAT KIND OF A LOSS OF BLOOD YOU AREN'T SUUPOSED TO DRIVE FOR AT LEAST SIX WEEKS AFTER YOUR BLOOD RETURNS TO NORMAL. WHEN I WENT TO THE HOSPITAL (YOUR RED BLOOD COUNT IS SUPPOSED TO BE AROUND 47) MY WAS 12 AND STILL DROPPING. I ALSO WAS TO BE ON COMPLETE BED REST BUT AS STATED BEFORE NO ONE CARED ENOUGH TO TAKE CARE OF ME OR SEE IF I NEEDED ANYTHING.
LIKE I SAID ITS BEEN ROUGH, REAL ROUGH...
TRUCKER
///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////> Hi Trucker, hey I think I have confused you somehow. I have recovered and maybe feel better than I have in years in many ways. What I went through makes me look at life and people differently. I eat better and I take better care of myself. That story I wrote was written months ago. Jim asked me to share why people on other boards call me the clown man. Lexapro like someone said I believe Gail if Im wrong Im sorry is a miracle drug. What has happened to me from November 1st of last year till now is truly a miracle. But at the same time when anyone has something really bad in life happen to them those bad memories fade away slowly. When I go from board to board other people are living my story. I feel their pain everyday I read a post. But Im better at putting the info out to help and moving on without getting emotional. Example Im getting emails from a single mother with one child. She suffers from panic and anxiety. She thinks she may be crazy, she thinks she is a bad mother. So I send her lots of info to read and convince her that she is not crazy. She is 4 months into her med in another couple of weeks GOD willing it should start to work. I get emails from teenagers, people in their 20's, 30's 40's 50' and even 60's everyday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am fine, besides Jim thinks Im the funny one!!!!!! TAKE CARE TRUCKER!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU WILL SEE YOUR SON ONE DAY!!!!!!!!!
> WAYNE
Posted by Arrianna on August 30, 2003, at 15:02:43
In reply to Good news...the light seems near, posted by theump on August 29, 2003, at 19:53:06
Hi Renee! It was really good to read your post. I've been on 10mg of Lexapro for 2 months, and have been wondering whether or not to play with dose: increase or decrease. Although the lex has been treating me like a best friend, I sometimes find it difficult to get motivated and up in the morning!! So, reading your post has encouraged me to try increasing.
Anyway, happy for you!!! I hope it continues to work for you.
Arrianna
Posted by theump on August 30, 2003, at 15:11:33
In reply to Re: Good news...the light seems near » theump, posted by Arrianna on August 30, 2003, at 15:02:43
Good luck for the move. I hope it works for you too!
Renee
> Hi Renee! It was really good to read your post. I've been on 10mg of Lexapro for 2 months, and have been wondering whether or not to play with dose: increase or decrease. Although the lex has been treating me like a best friend, I sometimes find it difficult to get motivated and up in the morning!! So, reading your post has encouraged me to try increasing.
> Anyway, happy for you!!! I hope it continues to work for you.
> Arrianna
Posted by Spot on August 30, 2003, at 17:07:33
In reply to re: new to Lexapro AND babbling... » hog80ci, posted by Arrianna on August 21, 2003, at 20:43:19
Hello all. I have insomnia, no real depression that I can tell, and I have taken ambien for years. The doctor said no more, and has tried me on paxil, (disaster) and now lexapro. I did not sleep and I feel awful. What to do? Thanks Spot
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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