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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by LynneDa on November 12, 2003, at 8:56:18
In reply to Re: Research, Research, Research!!, posted by COOP on November 11, 2003, at 17:02:21
Hi Joel -
What is the herb supposed to do?
~Lynne
Posted by LynneDa on November 12, 2003, at 9:02:24
In reply to Re: lexapro side effects, posted by Mark T on November 12, 2003, at 8:55:43
Mark - YES, YES & YES!
I have only been on it a few weeks. I'm a 40-year old female, kids, husband, nice job etc. Mild depression, anxiety, loss of confidence, negative obsessive thought patterns, etc. Got worse over the past few years, probably peri-menopause related. Anyway, after the first week of nausea, sleepy/foggy feelings, etc., I feel so much better. I've had several moments, hours and even days where I feel like my old self - stronger emotionally, confident, able to make decisions and not so sad or angry.Hang in there and see where it takes you! It will be worth it. This website is very helpful and supportive, glad you found it!
~ Lynne
Posted by Gator on November 12, 2003, at 9:39:05
In reply to Re: lexapro side effects, posted by LynneDa on November 12, 2003, at 9:02:24
The first 2 weeks were the hardest for me with the side effects making me wonder if it was going to be worth it in the end. I am on week 6 now and I am starting to feel better than I have in a long time. Hang in there through the SE's, it is definely worth it in the long run. This board is a great place to get inspiration and support-everybody that posts are very helpful and they care.
Good Luck!!Let us know how you are doing.
Gator
Posted by ginger C on November 12, 2003, at 11:08:10
In reply to Re: lexapro side effects, posted by Mark T on November 12, 2003, at 8:55:43
Mark I have been on Lexapro for a year now and it has turned out to be one of the best medications I've been on. I still feel a little nausea occasionally but I never felt sluggish with it or if I did I contributed it to the depression rather than the medication. It sure has helped my depression I am on 20 mg and feel better than I've ever felt before. Hang in there there is hope.
Posted by COOP on November 12, 2003, at 11:16:27
In reply to Re: Research, Research, Research!!, posted by LynneDa on November 12, 2003, at 8:56:18
Rhodiola rosea is a popular plant in traditional medical systems in Eastern Europe and Asia with a reputation for stimulating the nervous system, decreasing depression, enhancing work performance, eliminating fatigue, and preventing high altitude sickness. Rhodiola rosea has been categorized as an adaptogen by Russian researchers due to its observed ability to increase resistance to a variety of chemical, biological, and physical stressors. Its claimed benefits include antidepressant, anticancer, cardioprotective, and central nervous system enhancement. Research also indicates great utility in asthenic conditions (decline in work performance, sleep difficulties, poor appetite, irritability, hypertension, headaches, and fatigue) developing subsequent to intense physical or intellectual strain.
Joel
Posted by MissB on November 12, 2003, at 11:32:26
In reply to Re: lexapro side effects, posted by Mark T on November 12, 2003, at 8:55:43
Mark, like alot of people have said you have to hang in there. I'm on week two and am feeling the SEs subside. I was on Celexa (same family as Lex) for two years and had no SEs so Lex is really taking some getting used to. From what everyone says it gets better so my fingers are crossed. What I wanted to tell you too is that ADs will give you a good mental base. I don't think it was responsible for giving me my confidence and such back, but I felt much more in control to make decisions for myself. There is no "muck" getting in the way, no fear, no worries and such. Stick in there, because the clear mind is worth it. ADs aren't a cure all, but it gives you the tools so you can get were you need/want to be. The last bit of advise to to tell you to keep the lines of communication with your Dr. open. Good luck Mark and I'm happy for you that you took a difficult, but proactive step in getting your life back.
> > Thanks all of you for your info.
>
> Have a question for all you great people. Looked over some posts and wanted to ask this. I'm a 38 yr old male, 2 kids, happily married. After having several anxiety, doom, despair ridden days, my professional put me on Lexapro. This is day two at 10 mgs per. My stream of consciousness is... foggy I guess. I have felt like I was going to throw up many times, but haven't yet. My question is this: If I tough out the SE's is there a high percentage chance that I'm going to have a personality with higher confidence, self esteem, less fagility? My docs are saying that Lexapro will attack all of these problems and slowly get me back to my old, confident normal self. I know nothing is guaranteed, but is everyone who has been on this med. more than a month seeing positive results? I need to know since reassurance is at a premium right now. Thanks in advance for any help. Mark
>
>
Posted by COOP on November 12, 2003, at 11:41:01
In reply to Re: lexapro side effects, posted by Mark T on November 12, 2003, at 8:55:43
After 4 wks most of my SE went away and I am feeling much better. This sight with med information may be helpful
http://www.buildingbetterhealth.com/viewmonograph?ndc11=00456201001I don't think that your personality will change but your pain,anxiety and doom thinking days will be less. I am still having some days with a foggy
head and milder anxiety that I am able to blow off.
The best of luck to you.
Joel
Posted by sapphira on November 12, 2003, at 12:07:44
In reply to Re: lexapro side effects » Mark T, posted by COOP on November 12, 2003, at 11:41:01
hi mark, i'm just starting week two. i couldn't take a half a pill the first week (very bad nausea/diarrhea) and only took 1/4. i noticed a difference in my mood (positive) though within a few days. i no longer feel sad or think sad thoughts. i started taking a half pill today. i'm going to hang in as i know from reading this board that things only improve with time. i see my dr. again on the 15th of dec. hopefully i'll be up to the full dose by then.
sapphira
Posted by gumby22 on November 12, 2003, at 13:16:57
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I just want to say hello to everyone. I have had anxiety and panic attacks for years, and always used Valium or clonazepam. They always shortened my day because of tiredness. I asked my doctor for an anti-depressant because I was told that ADs help anxiety also. I started Lexapro - 1 week at 2.5 mg, 1 week at 5 mg, and this week at 7.5 mg (I am afraid of new medications). After the first sluggish week, I am now feeling a little more generally relaxed but not tired anymore. Is this stuff habit-forming like the tranquilizers?
Posted by LynneDa on November 12, 2003, at 13:50:34
In reply to New Guy, posted by gumby22 on November 12, 2003, at 13:16:57
Hi "New Guy" and welcome! I was told that it is not addictive. But, there are many very educated folks posting on this site who can tell you more. Glad it's going well for you!
~ Lynne
Posted by sapphira on November 12, 2003, at 13:53:45
In reply to Re: New Guy, posted by LynneDa on November 12, 2003, at 13:50:34
hi new guy and welcome!! i'm new to lexapro and to this forum too. everyone has been very nice and supportive. i've been told that lex is not addictive, though it's tough to withdraw from as you get the same s/es that you had when you started.
sapphira
Posted by mother on November 12, 2003, at 14:10:03
In reply to Up to 20mg Lex - Feel terrible, posted by sfmom on November 8, 2003, at 10:16:11
I started taking lexapro on Nov. 3--so on 8th day now---I am very sleepy much of the time--will this diminish with continuted use?? stay the same?? get worse???
Thanks for the info.
Posted by LynneDa on November 12, 2003, at 14:13:15
In reply to new user---very sleepy, posted by mother on November 12, 2003, at 14:10:03
Hi! I'm on week 3. The sleepiness dimished for me after about 10 days - it's still there a slight bit, not bad. At first, I was ready to go to bed at 8:30pm! It's different for everyone, of course, but that's my experience. Hang in there, from all the postings I've read, it gets better for the majority of people taking it!!
~ Lynne
Posted by hadit4now on November 12, 2003, at 14:15:49
In reply to Re: New Guy, posted by sapphira on November 12, 2003, at 13:53:45
Has anyone switched from Paxil to Lexapro? I find that Lexapro is less tiring, however paxil may be more effective. Is it just me ;-)
Posted by hadit4now on November 12, 2003, at 14:19:50
In reply to new user---very sleepy, posted by mother on November 12, 2003, at 14:10:03
Ive been on lexapro for about a month now, and after 10 days or so it gets much better. The first ten days it really felt like i was knocked off my feet, but hang in there.
Posted by gumby22 on November 12, 2003, at 14:49:51
In reply to new user---very sleepy, posted by mother on November 12, 2003, at 14:10:03
> I started taking lexapro on Nov. 3--so on 8th day now---I am very sleepy much of the time--will this diminish with continuted use?? stay the same?? get worse???
>
> Thanks for the info.
For me (and, I see, for some other people in this forum) the sleepiness and heaviness went away between 1 week and 2 weeks. I was so afraid of any unknown side effects that I occassionaly would pop a clonazepam. This may have contributed to the sluggish feeling.
Posted by gumby22 on November 12, 2003, at 15:28:32
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
Has anyone taken Vicks Nyquil while on Lexapro? Is it OK to do it?
Posted by sapphira on November 12, 2003, at 16:12:59
In reply to Re: new user---very sleepy, posted by hadit4now on November 12, 2003, at 14:19:50
hi, i'm into my second week. i started at 2.5 mgs and today increased to 5 mg. i've noticed that while i do not feel sad or weepy, i really feel no emotions at all!! i just can't cry even when i try to think of something that would normally make the tears come. does this last or will i regain some balance with regard to emotions? also my i'm VERY forgetful and my head feels like i've been on a bender, just kind of big. i guess i just feel 'out of it'. does this improve too? anyone else go through this or am i losing it? i've also experienced a bit of insomnia. thanks all for your answers.
sapphira
Posted by Erin1679 on November 12, 2003, at 19:43:56
In reply to Lexapro and Nyquil, posted by gumby22 on November 12, 2003, at 15:28:32
Hi everyone. I'm new here, been reading for a while, but just figured out how to post.
I've been taking Lexapro for a little over a month. I havent really seen much of a difference, but I dont know if I even need the med in the first place.
I've always had negative thoughts, anxiety, stress, etc and a doctor I just met (he is my fiance's doc) prescribed me on it. I guess I'll wait a little longer.
By the way, I've taken NyQuil a few times while on it, didnt do anything much to me. ;)
Posted by PHV on November 12, 2003, at 21:31:11
In reply to Lexapro and Nyquil, posted by gumby22 on November 12, 2003, at 15:28:32
> Has anyone taken Vicks Nyquil while on Lexapro? Is it OK to do it?
I specifically asked my doc if it was okay to take Nyquil and/or Benadryl with Lexapro due to sinus issues I also have. She said both were fine. I also take Ambien to sleep because anxiety has been a S/E for me from the Lex and Benadryl and Nyquil are okay.
I also asked why I should be careful drinking alcohol - I'm a social drinker - holiday parties coming up - I know I'll be in many more social situations. She told me it's not as though it harms you in any way - it's just that alcohol is a depressant - and Lexapro is an anti-depressant. Therefore, while drinking alcohol, it may counteract the effects of Lexapro.
I have been on Lex for nearly five months now. Minor S/E's continue some days. I guess it's similar to life before Lex during depression . . . some days were better than others. I think that's just life.
Best of luck to all.
Patty
Posted by gumby22 on November 12, 2003, at 22:21:02
In reply to Re: Lexapro and Nyquil, posted by Erin1679 on November 12, 2003, at 19:43:56
> Hi everyone. I'm new here, been reading for a while, but just figured out how to post.
> I've been taking Lexapro for a little over a month. I havent really seen much of a difference, but I dont know if I even need the med in the first place.
> I've always had negative thoughts, anxiety, stress, etc and a doctor I just met (he is my fiance's doc) prescribed me on it. I guess I'll wait a little longer.
> By the way, I've taken NyQuil a few times while on it, didnt do anything much to me. ;)Erin, I still don't know how to post, only how to answer a posting. I don't know how my original posting got up there ... It usually disappears into space. How do you do it?
Posted by BLKVETTES on November 12, 2003, at 22:29:45
In reply to a few questions........., posted by sapphira on November 12, 2003, at 16:12:59
> hi, i'm into my second week. i started at 2.5 mgs and today increased to 5 mg. i've noticed that while i do not feel sad or weepy, i really feel no emotions at all!! i just can't cry even when i try to think of something that would normally make the tears come. does this last or will i regain some balance with regard to emotions? also my i'm VERY forgetful and my head feels like i've been on a bender, just kind of big. i guess i just feel 'out of it'. does this improve too? anyone else go through this or am i losing it? i've also experienced a bit of insomnia. thanks all for your answers.
>
> sapphiraI began taking lexapro for panic and depression. I had bad crying jags before lex. These stopped almost instantly. But for over a month I was caught between happy and sad. I was numb and felt nothing. The forgetting thing I would watch old tv shows and see if I could remember the casts real names. Chances are you are going through a phase where chemicals are changing in your brain. At about 6 weeks if everything works right you should feel so much better. Your not losing it or going crazy.
WAYNE
Posted by On_My_Way on November 13, 2003, at 9:06:29
In reply to Re: a few questions........., posted by BLKVETTES on November 12, 2003, at 22:29:45
> > hi, i'm into my second week. i started at 2.5 mgs and today increased to 5 mg. i've noticed that while i do not feel sad or weepy, i really feel no emotions at all!! i just can't cry even when i try to think of something that would normally make the tears come. does this last or will i regain some balance with regard to emotions? also my i'm VERY forgetful and my head feels like i've been on a bender, just kind of big. i guess i just feel 'out of it'. does this improve too? anyone else go through this or am i losing it? i've also experienced a bit of insomnia. thanks all for your answers.
> >
> > sapphira
>
> I began taking lexapro for panic and depression. I had bad crying jags before lex. These stopped almost instantly. But for over a month I was caught between happy and sad. I was numb and felt nothing. The forgetting thing I would watch old tv shows and see if I could remember the casts real names. Chances are you are going through a phase where chemicals are changing in your brain. At about 6 weeks if everything works right you should feel so much better. Your not losing it or going crazy.
> WAYNEEverything takes time, relax. I've been on lexpro for a couple of months and have no side effects at all, none. I've tried Celexa, no prob w/that, Zoloft, gained a ton of weight so I'm glad to be stable.
Posted by jane47 on November 13, 2003, at 12:14:43
In reply to Re: lexapro side effects, posted by Mark T on November 12, 2003, at 8:55:43
Hang in there Mark. I am just starting my 3rd week of 10mg lexapro. The side effects are just about gone. My anxiety has decreased considerably. My husband and kids get a sense of me being more centered and calm. The only side effect that I found to be horrible was hyperactivity. I know from these posts that most people had the opposite effect. Good luck to you and keep in touch.
jane
Posted by jane47 on November 13, 2003, at 12:19:15
In reply to Re: a few questions........., posted by On_My_Way on November 13, 2003, at 9:06:29
I am on 3rd week of lex (10mgs). My tears have just returned. I was able to cry at a sad tv show this past weekend.I was glad. I had wanted to FEEL better not numb. Hang in there. It does get better.
Jane
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