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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by BobYuma on January 6, 2004, at 12:14:02
In reply to Lexapro + Wellbutrin Time to effect, posted by KenK on January 5, 2004, at 20:23:03
Week Five on Lexapro - Expectations
Hello, everyone.
I wanted to put my two cents in, as they say, about my Lexapro experience thus far.
These messages helped me tremendously when I first started on Lex, and I hope that new users continue to receive benefits from the board.I had read several times that around the fifth week one could possibly experience the feeling of reaching a "plateau" or even feel like we were "backsliding" a bit. I started on my fifth week with Lex last Thursday, and by Sunday I thought that the backsliding had surely started. I was so lethargic [comatose comes closer to describing me] and down that I actually watched three football games in a row, that is, in-between naps. I felt like I couldn't have moved in a fast manner if the house were on fire. Amazingly, yesterday [Monday], I felt like a different person. I seemed to have an access of energy and was constantly on the go unless I made myself stop.
As far as the side effects go, I'm still experiencing the jaw-clinching and quite a bit of what I call "hyper-ness" - because this word best describes my state. I am normally anything but a hyper person, but now, most of the time I seem to always be telling myself to calm down, slow down, and breathe for crying out loud. Yes, I've even caught myself holding my breath when I'm in a hurry to get something done. I'm also still repeating song lyrics, etc., in my head over and over again, as someone else wrote on the board. But even with all of this, I can still say that the side effects are not as bad as the depression was before I started on Lex.
The bottom line - Thank God for Lexapro.
Thanks for all the encouragement that each one of you have written on the board, and Good Luck to everyone.
BobYuma
Posted by nicky847 on January 6, 2004, at 12:56:33
In reply to Lexapro - Expectations, posted by BobYuma on January 6, 2004, at 12:14:02
Bob-
Geez in reading this post I thought for a second that I had wrote it...but I didnt someone else did..its amazing how many people feel the plateau effect right around the fifth week..followed by feeling "hyper"...for me i guess you could break it down like this..Week 1 No real effect + or -
Week 2 Hell Week
Week 3 S/E's subsided, began to feel improvement
Week 4 Felt pretty good, best week thus far
Week 5 Slight backslide, a little depressed
Week 6 Depression much better but feel pretty caffeinated..and not in a good way..Lexapro has done a great job of remedying my depression.. but would love for things to just even out and feel a little closer to "normal"..or normal for me..I'm thinking I've probably gotta wait a couple more weeks before that happens..
> Week Five on Lexapro - Expectations
> Hello, everyone.
> I wanted to put my two cents in, as they say, about my Lexapro experience thus far.
> These messages helped me tremendously when I first started on Lex, and I hope that new users continue to receive benefits from the board.
>
> I had read several times that around the fifth week one could possibly experience the feeling of reaching a "plateau" or even feel like we were "backsliding" a bit. I started on my fifth week with Lex last Thursday, and by Sunday I thought that the backsliding had surely started. I was so lethargic [comatose comes closer to describing me] and down that I actually watched three football games in a row, that is, in-between naps. I felt like I couldn't have moved in a fast manner if the house were on fire. Amazingly, yesterday [Monday], I felt like a different person. I seemed to have an access of energy and was constantly on the go unless I made myself stop.
>
> As far as the side effects go, I'm still experiencing the jaw-clinching and quite a bit of what I call "hyper-ness" - because this word best describes my state. I am normally anything but a hyper person, but now, most of the time I seem to always be telling myself to calm down, slow down, and breathe for crying out loud. Yes, I've even caught myself holding my breath when I'm in a hurry to get something done. I'm also still repeating song lyrics, etc., in my head over and over again, as someone else wrote on the board. But even with all of this, I can still say that the side effects are not as bad as the depression was before I started on Lex.
>
> The bottom line - Thank God for Lexapro.
> Thanks for all the encouragement that each one of you have written on the board, and Good Luck to everyone.
> BobYuma
Posted by KathrynLex on January 6, 2004, at 13:25:19
In reply to Re: Lexapro - Expectations, posted by nicky847 on January 6, 2004, at 12:56:33
Bob,
I had been wondering how you were doing, it's so good to hear a success story! I hope your hyper moods even out in the upcoming weeks. Please let us know when it goes away.
It's also nice to hear that the Lexapro has helped with your depression. Were you taking it for anxiety also, or just depression? I'm on my third week of Lex for anxiety and it seems to be helping.
Thanks again for your informative post.
K
Posted by Anjul on January 6, 2004, at 14:01:04
In reply to Lexapro - Expectations, posted by BobYuma on January 6, 2004, at 12:14:02
Bob, you mentioned something that caught my eye about repeating song lyrics in your head. Thats something I am very familiar with, when its been most extreme I've done it at night (as opposed to sleeping). What is that called or what is it a symptom of? Thanks!
Anjul
Posted by Esmarelda on January 6, 2004, at 14:02:10
In reply to Re: Lexapro and Wellbutrin SR, posted by ginger C on January 6, 2004, at 12:07:26
I have been on both drug by themselves. What is the difference when they are combined? I am still deciding whether to try to add Wellbutrin. I tried it for a couple days and couldn't sleep, but now with just lexapro alone I am feeling some lingering depression from the holidays (I think).
Posted by melley on January 6, 2004, at 14:35:23
In reply to Re: Lexapro and Wellbutrin SR, posted by ginger C on January 6, 2004, at 12:07:26
About 3 weeks ago my dosage was upped to 10 mg, from 5. I was originally on 10 then lowered it at my acupuncturist's suggestion, with my dr's ok, because she said acupuncture can "clean you out" so much that it makes the med more potent in your system. Anyway, I slid back into the vagaries of anxiety/depression but wasn't aware, until I had a "break." Now I have upped it. My question is how do you know if you are really on the right dose? I am still having some of the "deer in the headlights" feeling when presented with tasks to complete (am an editor so my job takes some concentration). I still feel like not doing much. Just not sure.
Posted by KathrynLex on January 6, 2004, at 14:42:09
In reply to Re: Lexapro - Expectations, posted by Anjul on January 6, 2004, at 14:01:04
Anjul-
I have the same problem with repeating song lyrics! It started when I began taking 10 mg of Lex.
K
Posted by LynneDa on January 6, 2004, at 14:58:49
In reply to is it working?, posted by melley on January 6, 2004, at 14:35:23
Melley - Did you just up it to 10 within a few days ago or was it 3 weeks ago? Going back and forth may have confused your brain a bit :-) You may want to ask your acup. about that. Although it makes sense that you shouldn't need as much medication if your energy is flowing freely, but maybe your brain chemistry is not quite as adjustable as your acupuncturist thinks!
To address your question, I think you won't know if you're on the right dosage til you've been on your current dose for a few months, to be honest. Asking those who are close to you if they've seen a change in you sometimes gives you specific criteria by which to answer that question.
I was on 10 mg for 10 weeks, did some back-sliding and upped it to 20 mg 10 days ago, w/ my doctor's consent. My s/e's with the change have dissipated somewhat, but I too still feel that some tasks are just too much for me at work and I am slow to get started and slow to complete - or I just procrastinate by reading & responding to these posts!! I am hoping that will change in a few weeks more at 20 mg. My anxiety has gone and I am not feeling depressed or angry or sad anymore - just tired and not altogether with-it.
Hang in there and hopefully other people will respond to your post. There are many knowledgeable & quite amazing people on this board!
~ Lynne
Posted by Forbidden on January 6, 2004, at 15:01:19
In reply to Re: Lexapro - Expectations, posted by Anjul on January 6, 2004, at 14:01:04
I am on week 3.5 on Lexapro, and have recently begin getting random headaches. Nothing major, and they seem to happen across the board as far as time of day. Has anyone else had this problem?
I am on Lex to help with my constant worry/anxiety about my health, and now of course now I think I have a brain tumor or something!! :)
It seemed to have started helping me though, other than this. I was experiencing constant worry and even was lightheaded a lot, theses symptoms seem to be improving.
Posted by Journeyman on January 6, 2004, at 15:05:12
In reply to here it is . . . » Journeyman, posted by reluctant on January 4, 2004, at 22:40:33
Excellent! A job well-done indeed.
And what a wide range...creating visually something from within; inspiring others; and expressing through words - oh, and let's not forget the unexpected culinary entry.
Would you believe my partner (don't esp. like the term 'wife') and I made that salad for two separate occasions over the holidays (minus the maple syrup)! We also add a few thin kumquat slices to give it a zesty pop.
If you're ever up for a killer trifle recipe, I'd be happy to send that along.
Okay, here comes the response...
I'm good at making people laugh (intentionally);
I help people enjoy language and literature when they hadn't previously been interested in it (that's not to say if they had previously enjoyed it that contact with me undoes their fondness);
I'm a very good father to my 2-year old.
Bonus round: Baked goods are my specialty.
Since I don't want to risk crashing the internet by listing them all, I'll stop there.
And now, some random thoughts/musings:
Do you have some kind of UK connection? (Movies, books, visits, etc.) It seems like there's one there.
It's amazing to see the transformation of your 'board identity' in the last few days. My Buddah, you've really opened up. You'll have to change your name to 'reluctant not to write.'
Have you ever read 'Speak?' by Laurie Halse Anderson? Great YA Fiction story about a girl who experiences trauma (besides the usual teenage thing) and the only thing that helps her make sense of things is a seemingly easy/pointless art project that one of her teachers gives her. Your response made me think of that one.
Here's to No Fear!
Richard
Posted by Esmarelda on January 6, 2004, at 15:10:21
In reply to is it working?, posted by melley on January 6, 2004, at 14:35:23
I don't know, but even after 6 months I still can't concentrate all the time, but at least I can get out of bed.
Posted by LynneDa on January 6, 2004, at 15:11:23
In reply to Lexapro Headaches??, posted by Forbidden on January 6, 2004, at 15:01:19
Yes, random unexplained headaches happened to me as I upped my dose from 10 to 20 mg last week. I have heard of this happening to others here too. Good luck and I'm glad you're seeing some improvement!
~ Lynne
Posted by Journeyman on January 6, 2004, at 15:20:31
In reply to Lexapro - Expectations, posted by BobYuma on January 6, 2004, at 12:14:02
Hi Bob,
Good to hear from you again and to have an update.
The ca. Week 5 experience had a similar effect on me. My pattern seems to be...fine in the morning, exhausted in the afternoon (naps have a nearly Siren-like appeal) and then, whether I nap or not, a nuclear-powered mental energy (with a lightheaded kind of feel) from about 4 to midnight - very much the 'speed'/'caffeinated' effect people have mentioned on the board the past few days.
I'm on 5 mg/day. The med. has had a generally calming effect emotionally, so I'm planning to stay at this amount for the forseeable future.
Interesting about the song lyrics - I often have them going through my head too, but it's been that way my whole life, so I never thought of it as being anything unusual. I suppose there are worse things, unless of course it's Brittany Spears or something.
Keep a song in your heart, (if not in your head).
Richard
Posted by Journeyman on January 6, 2004, at 15:23:28
In reply to Re: Lexapro Headaches??, posted by LynneDa on January 6, 2004, at 15:11:23
Forbidden,
I had two or three headaches when I first started taking Lex, and I don't usually have a headache more than once every two or three years.
It will probably pass with a little time.Good luck,
Richard
Posted by Journeyman on January 6, 2004, at 15:25:41
In reply to Re: Lexapro Headaches??, posted by LynneDa on January 6, 2004, at 15:11:23
Good to see you back. Hope your 'holidays' went well.
Happy New Year.
Richard
Posted by LynneDa on January 6, 2004, at 15:31:47
In reply to LynneDa, posted by Journeyman on January 6, 2004, at 15:25:41
Thank you Richard, good to hear from you as well! Holidays were great, how were yours?
I took off work for 10 days - a first in many years. Enjoyed time with the kids and took many mega-naps as well since I used that time to up my Lex dose from 10 to 20mg. Boy was I tired!! Luckily my kids are old enough to fend for themselves for an hour here and there! Napping is the most wonderful thing in the world, I think :-)
~ Lynne
Posted by Steve3211 on January 6, 2004, at 16:34:52
In reply to steve's eating again! hooray! (nm) » Steve3211, posted by reluctant on January 5, 2004, at 20:08:56
Thanks R -
Certainly seems that side effects are slowly improving with one big however. I have a light rash on my back which is a little itchy. I am hoping this will go away as the Lex feels like it may be starting to work and I don't want to stop at this point. Anyone out there get a temporary rash with this med. It could also be the restoril I am taking to sleep at night as I think I had the rash prior to the Lex.
Thanks all - Steve
Posted by Steve3211 on January 6, 2004, at 16:41:45
In reply to Lexapro - Expectations, posted by BobYuma on January 6, 2004, at 12:14:02
Hey Bob,
Have you noticed though that the songs in your head don't bother you as much or as frequently? They aren't worrying me as much presently. Also entering my third week still on 5 mg and about to go to 7.5 the nausea has gone when I take the med at night but I still dry heave badly in the shower every morning. Ever experience this anyone.
Steve
Posted by Mariposa on January 6, 2004, at 16:44:24
In reply to Re: steve's eating again! hooray!, posted by Steve3211 on January 6, 2004, at 16:34:52
> Thanks R -
> Certainly seems that side effects are slowly improving with one big however. I have a light rash on my back which is a little itchy. I am hoping this will go away as the Lex feels like it may be starting to work and I don't want to stop at this point. Anyone out there get a temporary rash with this med. It could also be the restoril I am taking to sleep at night as I think I had the rash prior to the Lex.
> Thanks all - SteveYes I had the itchy rash on back. Went away on its own after couple of weeks.~~~8|8
Posted by Forbidden on January 6, 2004, at 16:45:48
In reply to Re: Lexapro - Expectations, posted by Steve3211 on January 6, 2004, at 16:41:45
I have definitely had the nausea, but no heaves yet.. I have been on 10mg per day for about 3.5 weeks now.
> Hey Bob,
> Have you noticed though that the songs in your head don't bother you as much or as frequently? They aren't worrying me as much presently. Also entering my third week still on 5 mg and about to go to 7.5 the nausea has gone when I take the med at night but I still dry heave badly in the shower every morning. Ever experience this anyone.
> Steve
Posted by nicky847 on January 6, 2004, at 16:54:27
In reply to Re: Lexapro - Expectations, posted by Forbidden on January 6, 2004, at 16:45:48
I had the morning shower heaves too..started getting them in the 2nd week..they went away by the 4th week..then came back for a couple of days..but havent had it for almost a week now..so hopefully thats the end of that chapter..
> I have definitely had the nausea, but no heaves yet.. I have been on 10mg per day for about 3.5 weeks now.
>
> > Hey Bob,
> > Have you noticed though that the songs in your head don't bother you as much or as frequently? They aren't worrying me as much presently. Also entering my third week still on 5 mg and about to go to 7.5 the nausea has gone when I take the med at night but I still dry heave badly in the shower every morning. Ever experience this anyone.
> > Steve
>
>
Posted by KathrynLex on January 6, 2004, at 17:08:57
In reply to Re: Lexapro - Expectations, posted by Forbidden on January 6, 2004, at 16:45:48
Forbidden,
I have been taking 10 mg of Lex for about as long as you have (18 days). I'm wondering, how are you feeling? Less depressed/anxious? Noticing any change in side effects?
I feel really out of it, muddled thinking. My anxiety is letting up a bit though, and that's nice. I can't sleep through the night yet, but I don't feel quite as depressed. :)
K
Posted by Steve3211 on January 6, 2004, at 17:15:44
In reply to Re: Lexapro - Expectations-Steve , posted by nicky847 on January 6, 2004, at 16:54:27
Thanks guys I find this board to be so helpful. Mariposa you are awesome - Really puts my mind at ease to know that rash should go away.
Nick the heaves are insane (perhaps an inappropriate term) in the morning for about 3 - 4 minutes then I feel actually quite a bit better. I am always most anxious in the morning, beginning of the day so maybe this is a reaction to the anxiety.
Posted by Forbidden on January 6, 2004, at 17:25:26
In reply to Question for Forbidden, posted by KathrynLex on January 6, 2004, at 17:08:57
Hi K,
I actually mistyped when I said how long I have been on Lex, I have been on it exacty 18 days as well! Crazy eh?
Anyway, I am feeling better I can tell - I still have bad days, or hours like today. I am getting these off/on headaches, some nasuea. I still feel some lightheadedness, but that was a big reason I started taking this. I do at times feel a bit out of it, as though it takes a bit longer for me to process information, you know what I mean?
I also have started waking up 2 or 3 times every night, but usually get back to sleep fairly quickly.
I never really felt depressed, but my Dr. told me that I am suffering from a type of depression fueled by anxiety, a type of depression that does not have the typical signs.
Nice speaking with you.....let's keep up the chat.
> Forbidden,
>
> I have been taking 10 mg of Lex for about as long as you have (18 days). I'm wondering, how are you feeling? Less depressed/anxious? Noticing any change in side effects?
>
> I feel really out of it, muddled thinking. My anxiety is letting up a bit though, and that's nice. I can't sleep through the night yet, but I don't feel quite as depressed. :)
>
> K
Posted by BobYuma on January 6, 2004, at 19:03:15
In reply to Re: Lexapro - Expectations, posted by Steve3211 on January 6, 2004, at 16:41:45
> > > Hey Bob,
> Have you noticed though that the songs in your head don't bother you as much or as frequently? They aren't worrying me as much presently. Also entering my third week still on 5 mg and about to go to 7.5 the nausea has gone when I take the med at night but I still dry heave badly in the shower every morning. Ever experience this anyone. Steve > > >Hi, Steve.
I've read other postings about nausea being a side effect with Lexapro, but fortunately that particular one apparently proceeded with a light bounding step and skipped right over me, thank God.
About the song lyrics, I think you're right, maybe they've lessened ... or maybe I'm just getting use to it .. either way, I say yay.
By the way, I started on 10 mg's and am still there, and will probably stay there since it's helping the depression tremendously.Anyone care for a laugh? Don't throw eggs and I'll give you one...
Speaking of football [quiet out there] and the fact that all of us guys have TV-eyes from watching the playoffs and the college bowl games this weekend ... a university psychology professor had just given his students a lecture on manic depression. He pointed to one of their football team's linebackers sitting in his class and asked: "How would you diagnose a patient who walks back and forth screaming at the top of his lungs one minute, then sits in a chair weeping uncontrollably the next?"
The boy answered, "A football coach?"Take care all .. Bob
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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