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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by BLKVETTES on January 12, 2004, at 1:16:33
In reply to Re: Average Lexapro dosage, posted by KathrynLex on January 11, 2004, at 22:19:16
> I read a post earlier in the week where some people reported taking 40 mg of Lex. Somebody with a very high tolerance for meds posted saying they take 100 mg.
>
> I'm glad to hear you're having success on the higher dose. My pdoc suggested that I try 20 mg and I'm a little hesitant.
>
> K.Holy cow a 100mg. of lexapro. Gosh I hope they have insurance or lots of money. Ive always found it odd that pdocs will say 4 to 8 weeks for full benefits. Then raise the dose before that time comes. Even lexapros own site suggests 4 to 6 weeks.
Posted by BLKVETTES on January 12, 2004, at 1:23:58
In reply to Re: Average Lexapro dosage, posted by BLKVETTES on January 12, 2004, at 1:16:33
Posted by jake97tx on January 12, 2004, at 4:12:45
In reply to Re: Average Lexapro dosage, posted by dk on January 11, 2004, at 21:31:11
hi - i stumbled over this board, because i had the excact same question as you. 10mg didn't work for me as well, but i was hesistant to double the dose, as i am hesistant towards all kinds of medication. but then i learned that to double the dose doesn't mean that the effects double as well - in fact it works like a hyperbola. i am now taking 20mg a day and feel much better -- i would say my mood increased from 60% to 80% or sometimes even 100%. i was wondering if anybody takes more than 20mg a day?
Hi,
Yes some take as much as 100 mg, but it's rare. 10-30 mg are the normal ranges. Higher doses usually required for OCD.
Posted by Mrs C. on January 12, 2004, at 7:47:20
In reply to Re: Loosing my mind on Lex? - HELP , posted by sexylexy on January 10, 2004, at 21:09:38
It works. Don't give up yet. 18 days is NOT enough time. You are going through the hardest stage of getting used to the Lex. Make sure that you are drinking alot of water and keeping active. Don't let the lex trick you into thinking that you have to lay around all day. Get up and get busy. Also, when are you taking your med? Right before I go to bed works best for me.I used to feel a little jittery and tired in the am but by afternoon I was usually over it. I never had trouble sleeping doing it that way but sometimes I would wake up a little earlier than I wanted to but that has stopped happening. I know that you will feel better soon, within a week or to probably. Keep in touch. Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs C. on January 12, 2004, at 7:49:45
In reply to Re: Loosing my mind on Lex? - HELP , posted by KathrynLex on January 10, 2004, at 23:16:59
> Hi Lexy,
>
> I'm right there with you. (On day 22 of Lex.) It IS discouraging...but the important thing right now is to wait it out so we can get better! Don't give up yet, at least hang on until 6 weeks have gone by. Mrs. C assures me that we're on the downhill side of things and everything should start to get better soon. There are a lot of people hanging on with you, you're not alone. There are also a lot of people who have been through exactly what we're going through right now, and they're feeling GREAT today. And we'll feel the same way very soon. Hang in there!!
>
> K.Right on girl! Mrs. C
Posted by dreaminoftx on January 12, 2004, at 9:10:25
In reply to Re: Loosing my mind on Lex? - HELP , posted by Mrs C. on January 12, 2004, at 7:49:45
Your messages have helped me so very much to understand that I can get through the side effects with time. The medication has helped me feel so very much better! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by LynneDa on January 12, 2004, at 9:12:47
In reply to Rediscovering my mind on Lex!, posted by Vandy on January 11, 2004, at 1:18:39
Posted by nicky847 on January 12, 2004, at 9:16:20
In reply to Loosing my mind on Lex? - HELP, posted by KathrynLex on January 10, 2004, at 17:15:58
Kathryn-
What you described sounds like a panic attack to me...it is a common symptom of a panic attack to feel like you are about to lose your mind...this is due to arterial constriction which is one of the bodies' fight or flight mechanisms...the body reduces blood flow to the brain and increases blood flow to the limbs so you can fight or run away...
> It's day 22 on 10 mg of Lex. I was out running errands when...I don't know how to describe it...things didn't look familiar. I've lived in this city my entire life, but I didn't quite recognize it this afternoon. It took me a VERY long time to count out the right amount of money for the cashier at the store, I finally had to ask someone next to me if I'd counted it out right. It was a little bit like those feelings of unreality I sometimes get during a panic attack. Has this happened to anyone else, or can you offer some advice? I'm terrified and it feels like I'm loosing my mind.
>
> K.
>
>
Posted by hanging on on January 12, 2004, at 11:15:45
In reply to Re: Loosing my mind on Lex? - HELP , posted by Mrs C. on January 12, 2004, at 7:49:45
just started on 10mg of lex. on day 6. its going a little rough. I think I have had long term depression, but it has been brought to the surface due to recent job insecurity. Was on effexor for about a year in 2001... didn't work well.
Trouble focusing. No end in sight. Will this actually get better? Will I actually feel better? Even if my life situation doesn't improve? thanks for some support.
Posted by ednababish on January 12, 2004, at 13:02:25
In reply to Re: Loosing my mind on Lex? - HELP , posted by hanging on on January 12, 2004, at 11:15:45
> just started on 10mg of lex. on day 6. its going a little rough. I think I have had long term depression, but it has been brought to the surface due to recent job insecurity. Was on effexor for about a year in 2001... didn't work well.
>
> Trouble focusing. No end in sight. Will this actually get better? Will I actually feel better? Even if my life situation doesn't improve? thanks for some support.
You will feel better; you will not feel as hopeless as you did, and you will be able to do more creative problem solving than you were able to prior to the meds. And the little things will be just that--little things. Hang in there and good luck!
Posted by KathrynLex on January 12, 2004, at 13:45:46
In reply to Re: Loosing my mind on Lex? - HELP , posted by hanging on on January 12, 2004, at 11:15:45
The first few weeks are difficult. I found the second week to be the hardest, but the side effects (trouble focusing etc...) start to go away around week 3. There are lots of success stories on this board, which are encouraging to go through and read.
You WILL feel better eventually. The nice thing about the right anti-depressant is that it makes difficult life situations easier to deal with, which makes it easier to improve the things you don't like about your life. Keep us posted on your progress with Lex, I hope it works for you!
K.
Posted by Esmarelda on January 12, 2004, at 14:42:38
In reply to Re: lexapro side effect -- Dosage ? -- 5mg ?, posted by John2222 on January 10, 2004, at 16:18:11
I just split it in half.
Posted by KathrynLex on January 12, 2004, at 17:10:37
In reply to Re: Losing my mind on Lex? - HELP » KathrynLex, posted by Journeyman on January 11, 2004, at 22:55:33
Richard,
Thank you for the wonderful post. Your encouragement lifted my spirits quite a bit.
I enjoyed the NY Times article you recommended. It's interesting how much more sympathetic Ms. Gartrell was towards her patients after experiencing unpleasant side effects on bupropion. Going through something yourself often times does a wonderful job of breeding empathy.
I'm doing much better today, and hope that it was nothing more than a "blip." Again, thank you for the uplifiting post.
K.
>
> Hope today was more settled for you. The last thing you need when you're taking medication that deals with anxiety/depression is something else to be anxious about. The symptoms you described would certainly be unsettling and a bit frightening.
>
> Here are a couple of thoughts: since medication affects people differently, boards such as this can be wonderfully helpful and reassuring; especially when others can relate experiences that are similar to our own, or can inspire us to hold out because things may very well change for the better. It may be that it was a blip, an uncomfortable and worrisome blip, but a blip nonetheless, and that like others, the side effects will diminish and then disappear. I certainly hope that's the case.
>
> On the other hand, it may be that your body is not capable of handling Lexapro. Researchers at Stanford have identified a genetic marker that explains why some people can't tolerate certain medications. (see ref. below)
>
> There was a very interesting article in last week's New York Sunday Times magazine about a p/doc who became depressed and then had a very difficult time when taking the medication she had prescribed so often for her own patients. She discontined use of it after four weeks because of the side effects, and the side effects were nothing of the sort you mention. The article is well worth reading. If you don't have it at home, you can probably get it at your local library and photocopy it. It's the Jan. 4, 2004 New York Times Magazine. The articles is on p. 58 and is entitled A Doctor's Toxic Shock. It's written by Nanette Gartrell. If you can't get your hands on a copy locally, you can download it from their website for $2.50. (www.nytimes.com)
>
> In any case, I urge you to discuss the symptoms with your p/doc immediately.
>
> We all want you to be safe, as well as happy.
>
> Peace and comfort to you K.
>
> Richard
Posted by sexylexy on January 12, 2004, at 21:17:50
In reply to Re: Losing my mind on Lex? - HELP, posted by KathrynLex on January 12, 2004, at 17:10:37
Hi Everyone...
Well I am back out of my comfort zone and back to grad school. Today is day 21 for me on 10mg of Lex and I think most of the side effects are gone except the foggy feeling but it is a little better than it has been so hopefully soon I will start to see some of the more anti depressant effects. I am at the point where the crying spells and hypersensitivity are much, much less. However, I still don't feel like me, I really have not been laughing, joking, smiling and sassy as I once was. I am hoping it is just a matter of time...
Anyway, my question is for those of you who have had a relationship and are on Lex. I have been dating my boyfriend for about a year now. He knew me before I hormone imbalance which has lead me to this only depression I have ever experienced. He stood by me though the worst (and it was pretty bad). Though from my point of few, (we know how depression tricks the mind) I thought he hated me, would be better off without me ect. However, know that I am starting to climb out of the darkness, I am wondering if I can expect my relationship to improve as I get to feeling better. Or what you all experiences with relationships and lex have been. Of course if there were problems before depression, I know that LExapro would not "fix" those, however we were pretty damn happy, his feelings have not changed and he has been a wonderful support for me. I am just wondering if my thinking negitiavley about every little thing will disapate as I become less depressed. Ok sorry this is so long but I would love to hear ya'lls experiences.
Thanks so much for all the other support and advice. I pray for each of you everynight, Good luck and God bless.
Lexy
Posted by hanging on on January 12, 2004, at 21:25:57
In reply to Re: Loosing my mind on Lex? - HELP , posted by KathrynLex on January 12, 2004, at 13:45:46
Thanks for all for the support. I am having real bad upset stomach. No appetite. Should I be concerned with my weight loss? Will my appetite continue and stomach settle?
I didn't expect such a tough time with this drug. Effexor didn't have anything although it didn't seem to work either.
Taking a lot of aprin for headaches. Drinking liquids. I think I need some help sleeping. Any advice on sleeping pills with lexapro?
Please continue your support. I really need it right now to help put one foot in front of the other.
Posted by Forbidden on January 12, 2004, at 21:41:26
In reply to Re: Loosing my mind on Lex? - HELP , posted by hanging on on January 12, 2004, at 21:25:57
I also had some upset stomach, it has pretty much gone away for me now. I am on day 24 @ 10mg per day. I never really lost my apetite, but I'm sure that will pass for you as well. Headaches have also been a problem for me, they are random on when they occur and where it hurts. These seem to be getting better as well though.
Hang in there, this drug is definitely working for me after only a short time. My wife notices marked improvement about my anxiety and obsessing about my health.
> Thanks for all for the support. I am having real bad upset stomach. No appetite. Should I be concerned with my weight loss? Will my appetite continue and stomach settle?
>
> I didn't expect such a tough time with this drug. Effexor didn't have anything although it didn't seem to work either.
>
> Taking a lot of aprin for headaches. Drinking liquids. I think I need some help sleeping. Any advice on sleeping pills with lexapro?
>
> Please continue your support. I really need it right now to help put one foot in front of the other.
>
>
Posted by Forbidden on January 12, 2004, at 21:41:48
In reply to Re: Loosing my mind on Lex? - HELP , posted by hanging on on January 12, 2004, at 21:25:57
I also had some upset stomach, it has pretty much gone away for me now. I am on day 24 @ 10mg per day. I never really lost my apetite, but I'm sure that will pass for you as well. Headaches have also been a problem for me, they are random on when they occur and where it hurts. These seem to be getting better as well though.
Hang in there, this drug is definitely working for me after only a short time. My wife notices marked improvement about my anxiety and obsessing about my health.
> Thanks for all for the support. I am having real bad upset stomach. No appetite. Should I be concerned with my weight loss? Will my appetite continue and stomach settle?
>
> I didn't expect such a tough time with this drug. Effexor didn't have anything although it didn't seem to work either.
>
> Taking a lot of aprin for headaches. Drinking liquids. I think I need some help sleeping. Any advice on sleeping pills with lexapro?
>
> Please continue your support. I really need it right now to help put one foot in front of the other.
>
>
Posted by Gaza on January 13, 2004, at 8:08:40
In reply to Day 21 and a ?, posted by sexylexy on January 12, 2004, at 21:17:50
You'll get back to normal. The thing that would concern me though is the orgasm thing. I'm on week 9, and they still don't come that easy. I'm also taking 300 mg Wellbutrin, which seems to help the orgasm SE. Hopefully someone who has been on Lex longer than I will answer whether the orgasms ever get back to normal.
> Hi Everyone...
> Well I am back out of my comfort zone and back to grad school. Today is day 21 for me on 10mg of Lex and I think most of the side effects are gone except the foggy feeling but it is a little better than it has been so hopefully soon I will start to see some of the more anti depressant effects. I am at the point where the crying spells and hypersensitivity are much, much less. However, I still don't feel like me, I really have not been laughing, joking, smiling and sassy as I once was. I am hoping it is just a matter of time...
> Anyway, my question is for those of you who have had a relationship and are on Lex. I have been dating my boyfriend for about a year now. He knew me before I hormone imbalance which has lead me to this only depression I have ever experienced. He stood by me though the worst (and it was pretty bad). Though from my point of few, (we know how depression tricks the mind) I thought he hated me, would be better off without me ect. However, know that I am starting to climb out of the darkness, I am wondering if I can expect my relationship to improve as I get to feeling better. Or what you all experiences with relationships and lex have been. Of course if there were problems before depression, I know that LExapro would not "fix" those, however we were pretty damn happy, his feelings have not changed and he has been a wonderful support for me. I am just wondering if my thinking negitiavley about every little thing will disapate as I become less depressed. Ok sorry this is so long but I would love to hear ya'lls experiences.
> Thanks so much for all the other support and advice. I pray for each of you everynight, Good luck and God bless.
> Lexy
Posted by Mariposa on January 13, 2004, at 8:26:32
In reply to Re: Day 21 and a ? » sexylexy, posted by Gaza on January 13, 2004, at 8:08:40
In Feb. I'll have been on Lexapro one year. Currently at 20mg, and I'm starting to get that *feeling* that Lex isn't quite working. Had 3 days off and just sat on the couch not feeling quite right. I know I should probably increase my dosage again.
My question is....will this continue, will I need an increase again in 4-5 months? I would appreciate any comments from long term users on how much you are taking, and how long has that dosage worked, how long did it take between raising your dose?
Any comments would be appreciated!~~~8|8
Posted by hanging on on January 13, 2004, at 9:10:27
In reply to Re: Loosing my mind on Lex? - HELP , posted by KathrynLex on January 12, 2004, at 13:45:46
ok... I feel somewhat better today, but wow my stomach is messed up... feel like a drank the water in another country. I really feel like I need some support. I have so much going on right now that I don't know how I can have time to adapt to this new med while I have to work and live. Losing some fairly good weight. Probably 6lbs in the last 2 weeks. Feeling scattered. Day 7 of lex. Thanks to you all... I do hope someday I will be able to help others here and tell them it all worked out.
Posted by LynneDa on January 13, 2004, at 9:48:37
In reply to Re: Day 21 and a ? » sexylexy, posted by Gaza on January 13, 2004, at 8:08:40
Oh Lexy, I am so with you honey!! My husband & I have known each other for 3 years and my hormonal stuff started not long after we met. I was so negative, cried a lot for no reason, was hyper-sensitive to everything and had lots of (irrational) anger. Many, many times I would tell him we needed to break up because dealing with my behaviors was not fair to him. We have issues, to be sure, but after being on Lex for 3 months (started at 10 mg, went up to 20 after 10 weeks), things are SO much better between us . . . and that is really because of a change in MY perceptions and his reactions to a happier me.
I'm not 100% the way I want to be, but I am much less negative, not so sad, definitely don't blow up as much and I'm not sensitive to everything he says and does. I still have a ways to go, but the things that are left are actually ME and things I need to work on - not hormonally induced negativities.
Hang in there & take care of yourself, you will start seeing changes soon, I am sure!
~ Lynne
Posted by LynneDa on January 13, 2004, at 9:54:04
In reply to Re: Loosing my mind on Lex? - HELP , posted by hanging on on January 12, 2004, at 21:25:57
Hanging on -
The upset stomach is common at first. I had all sorts of gastrointestinal surprises the first couple of weeks! Then, when I went from 10 to 20 mg. they re-visited a bit. From all who've posted here, it takes a few weeks for your body to adjust.Please hang in there, the results for me and many others have been worth it: feeling kind of normal again, without lots of sadness or anger, and the ability to be a part of the world again :-).
~ Lynne
Posted by KathrynLex on January 13, 2004, at 11:05:36
In reply to Day 21 and a ?, posted by sexylexy on January 12, 2004, at 21:17:50
Hi Lexy,
I'm so glad to hear that you're feeling better. Even though you're outside your comfort zone again, I think it's a huge accomplishment that you're willing to step outside of it.
It's good that the hypersensitivity and crying are going away. (I've experienced the same thing.) I think that your negative thinking will ease up as you become less depressed, and that will help your relationship. You'll stop worrying about whether or not he's better off without you. Instead, you'll find that you have the energy to spend time with him and do things together that you enjoy.
I've found that I'm starting to have the energy to do small things to help maintain my relationship and it's made a big difference. For the past several months I'd been withdrawing and not spending any time with my boyfriend, but lately I want to go out and do things with him. It's made both of us a lot happier in our relationship.
I hope you start seeing improvements in your relationship soon. My guess is that you will. I'm rooting for you!
K.
Posted by KathrynLex on January 13, 2004, at 11:12:20
In reply to Re: Loosing my mind on Lex? - HELP , posted by hanging on on January 12, 2004, at 21:25:57
Hi Hanging On,
I lost several pounds the first few weeks I took Lex. I'm on day 25 of 10 mg of Lex and my appetite has slowly started coming back. Don't be too concerned with your upset stomach unless it's causing you pain for an extended period of time. If it does, you might want to check with your doc.
How long did you say you've been on Lex? For me, the first two weeks were very difficult (made easier with the support of the wonderful people on this board!) and I noticed a significant improvement in side effects/mood by week 3. Hang on for a few weeks to give your body time to adjust. Even though it's difficult, it is worth it!
K.
Posted by John2222 on January 13, 2004, at 11:25:40
In reply to Re: Loosing my mind on Lex? - HELP » hanging on, posted by LynneDa on January 13, 2004, at 9:54:04
Is Lexapro (and other SSRI's) a cause of sleep problems? I'm only taking 5mg of Lexapro and yet like clockwork, I go to sleep easily at 10pm, then wake up 4 hours later. I read or watch tv for an hour, then get sleepy again, and sleep for another 4 hours. Net effect is 8 hours/night.
I think I read somewhere that SSRI's affect REM sleep patterns (not sure what that is exactly).
Anyone else having the 4 hour cycle?
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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