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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by LynneDa on January 16, 2004, at 9:18:00
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful -- Dana, posted by Missy K on January 16, 2004, at 7:30:58
Hi Missy - Welcome to the club! What you are feeling has been felt by many others. It generally seems to take about 2 weeks for the worst of the side effects (s/e's) to abate. Just take it easy for the first couple of weeks. If anxiety & nausea get too bad, call your doc and see if you can get something to help you through it.
You can do it! So many of us have found an easing of our anxiety and/or depression and some peacefulness from this med. It will allow you to look at the world in a whole new (better!) way, it can improve your personal relationships and just make you more productive in general.
Keep your thoughts on the end goal - it may take 4 weeks or it may take 10 before you truly feel yourself again, but after 2 weeks, I can promise you will see a big difference :-)
Have a good weekend and try to do some relaxing things for yourself over the next week. We're glad to have you here!
~ Lynne
Posted by BobYuma on January 16, 2004, at 9:56:51
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful » Missy K, posted by LynneDa on January 16, 2004, at 9:18:00
Hi, Guys.
Gotta question for anyone who can answer it. By the way, thanks for all the answers and information you've given me in the past, I truly don't know what I would have done without you. Let's face it, the doctors can't honestly answer our questions unless they've "been here" and it seems not many have.My question concerns the amount of Lex we take. My doc started me on 10 mgs six weeks ago. It was prescribed for depression. Since the first week on Lex I haven't experienced any real feelings of depression. At this point, I feel that depression is completely out of my system, so to speak. I have to say that Lexapro was no less than a gift from God in that respect.
Now the only problem I have is the constant "wired" feeling and hyperness that I have. I also still have the headaches almost every day, of course I take something for them, but would rather not have them at all.
My question is: Have any of your ever switched from 10 to 5 mgs and if so, what did you experience? Of course, I don't want the depression to come back, but would love to feel normal again in the other areas mentioned. Actually I've already taken the 5 mgs for two days now, but so far can't tell any difference at all.
I know it's possible that all of the side effects will go away around the two months mark, but frankly, I'm just sick of these SE's (call me Mr. Impatient), and I think it's a possibility that 5 mgs will do the job, and hopefully lessen the intensity of the side effects. And my theory is, why take it if you don't need it. I'm sure I'll find out in time if the 5 mgs are doing the job, but still, I'd like to hear the experiences off anyone has done this before.
Thanks, BobYuma
Posted by Esmarelda on January 16, 2004, at 10:09:31
In reply to Question: Lexapro 5 and 10, posted by BobYuma on January 16, 2004, at 9:56:51
I can't remember which one, but either Wayne or Lil Jimi is on a 7.5 mg dose which they cut back from the original prescribed dosage. Everyone has their different level that works for them. If 5 mg works, go for it! Less is better.
Posted by BobYuma on January 16, 2004, at 10:14:49
In reply to Re: Question: Lexapro 5 and 10 » BobYuma, posted by Esmarelda on January 16, 2004, at 10:09:31
> >I can't remember which one, but either Wayne or Lil Jimi is on a 7.5 mg dose which they cut back from the original prescribed dosage. Everyone has their different level that works for them. If 5 mg works, go for it! Less is better.>>>
Thanks, Esmarelda, that's exactly what I think.
Bob Y
Posted by Gator on January 16, 2004, at 10:21:57
In reply to Gator, posted by Bali on January 15, 2004, at 19:13:10
Thank you Bali and Lynne for the hugs. I will accept all of them. I am feeling really good today. Maybe because I am back among friends that care about me! You guys are awesome!!!
Have a good weekend!Gator
Posted by BLKVETTES on January 16, 2004, at 10:47:18
In reply to Question: Lexapro 5 and 10, posted by BobYuma on January 16, 2004, at 9:56:51
> Hi, Guys.
> Gotta question for anyone who can answer it. By the way, thanks for all the answers and information you've given me in the past, I truly don't know what I would have done without you. Let's face it, the doctors can't honestly answer our questions unless they've "been here" and it seems not many have.
>
> My question concerns the amount of Lex we take. My doc started me on 10 mgs six weeks ago. It was prescribed for depression. Since the first week on Lex I haven't experienced any real feelings of depression. At this point, I feel that depression is completely out of my system, so to speak. I have to say that Lexapro was no less than a gift from God in that respect.
>
> Now the only problem I have is the constant "wired" feeling and hyperness that I have. I also still have the headaches almost every day, of course I take something for them, but would rather not have them at all.
>
> My question is: Have any of your ever switched from 10 to 5 mgs and if so, what did you experience? Of course, I don't want the depression to come back, but would love to feel normal again in the other areas mentioned. Actually I've already taken the 5 mgs for two days now, but so far can't tell any difference at all.
>
> I know it's possible that all of the side effects will go away around the two months mark, but frankly, I'm just sick of these SE's (call me Mr. Impatient), and I think it's a possibility that 5 mgs will do the job, and hopefully lessen the intensity of the side effects. And my theory is, why take it if you don't need it. I'm sure I'll find out in time if the 5 mgs are doing the job, but still, I'd like to hear the experiences off anyone has done this before.
>
> Thanks, BobYumaI did experimenting with my med which of course I dont recommend. I take 7.5mg and have been there for a long time. But anytime I went as high as 10mg I would get anxiety. If I went down to 5 mg I was slightly depressed. I changed doses about 50 times until I came up with 7.5mg A few mgs. either way can make a huge difference in some people according to things I have read. I have read more than once on other boards about people messing with their dose. They have lowered it for different reasons. The main reason was they thought it would stop weight gain. They became depressed and after raising the dose back the depression did not go away.
WAYNE
Posted by Anjul on January 16, 2004, at 11:09:33
In reply to Re: Question: Lexapro 5 and 10, posted by BLKVETTES on January 16, 2004, at 10:47:18
I went from 10 to 5 because I was wired (no sleep, losing weight). I crashed something wicked! I wish I had gone down to 7.5. Now I am on 7.5 but want to go to 10 mg every other day (7.5 on alternate days). HAs anyone thried that? Anjul
Posted by lil' jimi on January 16, 2004, at 11:54:08
In reply to HI LIL JIMI, posted by BLKVETTES on January 16, 2004, at 2:09:30
Posted by Steve3211 on January 16, 2004, at 12:00:51
In reply to Question: Lexapro 5 and 10, posted by BobYuma on January 16, 2004, at 9:56:51
> Hi, Guys.
> Gotta question for anyone who can answer it. By the way, thanks for all the answers and information you've given me in the past, I truly don't know what I would have done without you. Let's face it, the doctors can't honestly answer our questions unless they've "been here" and it seems not many have.
>
> My question concerns the amount of Lex we take. My doc started me on 10 mgs six weeks ago. It was prescribed for depression. Since the first week on Lex I haven't experienced any real feelings of depression. At this point, I feel that depression is completely out of my system, so to speak. I have to say that Lexapro was no less than a gift from God in that respect.
>
> Now the only problem I have is the constant "wired" feeling and hyperness that I have. I also still have the headaches almost every day, of course I take something for them, but would rather not have them at all.
>
> My question is: Have any of your ever switched from 10 to 5 mgs and if so, what did you experience? Of course, I don't want the depression to come back, but would love to feel normal again in the other areas mentioned. Actually I've already taken the 5 mgs for two days now, but so far can't tell any difference at all.
>
> I know it's possible that all of the side effects will go away around the two months mark, but frankly, I'm just sick of these SE's (call me Mr. Impatient), and I think it's a possibility that 5 mgs will do the job, and hopefully lessen the intensity of the side effects. And my theory is, why take it if you don't need it. I'm sure I'll find out in time if the 5 mgs are doing the job, but still, I'd like to hear the experiences off anyone has done this before.
>
> Thanks, BobYuma
Hi Bob,I can tell you this! I have been having an awful time with s/e's since I bumped up from 5mg to 7.5mg 3-4 days ago. Again I am not sleeping and my appetite is suppressed and anxiety is driving me through the ceiling especially in the morning. I am getting pretty sick of this. The first day on 7.5mg was great after that all down hill. Got 5 hrs sleep last night, woke up at 4am and could not get back to sleep. Night before that 3 hrs sleep. This is making me nuts and I really feel like quitting right now. This after 24 days. After not dry heaving in the shower for a week I am right back at it every morning and feel now on top of these have upset stomach, nausea again and dizziness too. Oh and shaky as well. Has anyone else felt these? So pissed off and frustrated about this. Sorry to vent. Thanks Steve
Posted by BobYuma on January 16, 2004, at 12:21:42
In reply to Re: Question: Lexapro 5 and 10, posted by BLKVETTES on January 16, 2004, at 10:47:18
> > I did experimenting with my med which of course I dont recommend. I take 7.5mg and have been there for a long time. But anytime I went as high as 10mg I would get anxiety. If I went down to 5 mg I was slightly depressed. I changed doses about 50 times until I came up with 7.5mg A few mgs. either way can make a huge difference in some people according to things I have read. I have read more than once on other boards about people messing with their dose. They have lowered it for different reasons. The main reason was they thought it would stop weight gain. They became depressed and after raising the dose back the depression did not go away.
WAYNE >>>>>Thanks, Wayne.
You guys are making me think maybe I should go to 7.5 mgs before I crash on 5. Don't want that to happen. Thanks for your input.
BobYuma
Posted by BobYuma on January 16, 2004, at 12:33:54
In reply to Re: Question: Lexapro 5 and 10, posted by Steve3211 on January 16, 2004, at 12:00:51
>>> Hi Bob, I can tell you this! I have been having an awful time with s/e's since I bumped up from 5mg to 7.5mg 3-4 days ago. Again I am not sleeping and my appetite is suppressed and anxiety is driving me through the ceiling especially in the morning. I am getting pretty sick of this. The first day on 7.5mg was great after that all down hill. Got 5 hrs sleep last night, woke up at 4am and could not get back to sleep. Night before that 3 hrs sleep. This is making me nuts and I really feel like quitting right now. This after 24 days. After not dry heaving in the shower for a week I am right back at it every morning and feel now on top of these have upset stomach, nausea again and dizziness too. Oh and shaky as well. Has anyone else felt these? So pissed off and frustrated about this. Sorry to vent. Thanks Steve >>>
Thanks, Steve. It's a dilemma for sure. Good luck, God bless, and thanks for your input.
BobYuma
Posted by KathrynLex on January 16, 2004, at 13:31:36
In reply to For you all and the new gal, posted by sexylexy on January 15, 2004, at 17:27:40
Hi Lexy,
I'm glad to hear that you're feeling better. It's interesting that your depression is the result of taking birth control pills. Do you mind if I ask what kind you were taking and how long you took them for?
I read one of your posts below about not being able to pick out bread at the grocery store. Last weekend when I tried to purchase some clothes, it was impossible for me to count out my money at the check out! After about 4 minutes, I had to ask someone if I had counted out the right amount and all I had to do was come up with two 20's and a 10!
I'm on day 28 now and I have to say things are getting better. The spacey feeling is almost gone. It's not nearly as bad as it was a little while ago...I really hope you start seeing a huge improvement soon. Let us all know how you're doing.
K.
Posted by sexylexy on January 16, 2004, at 13:58:32
In reply to Hi Lexy, posted by KathrynLex on January 16, 2004, at 13:31:36
K~
Thanks for your concern. I was taking Alesse 28 (Im not sure if I spelled that correct?). Since I had never had any symptoms of depression before, I really did not even know what was happening, I thought I was just homesick, then when I went home, things just got worse. Finally I just cold turkey stopped taking everything (bc pill, vitamins ect). Within 24 hours of not taking the pill I felt like a new girl, like me again.
As the pill left my system (We believe the progersterone was the main culprit) I continued to feel better. However 10 days later, by un-luck, I had a friend die suddenly. My body went straight from normal happy,then I started to get sad. My body was so terrified of how it felt to become depressed again that I had overwhelming anxiety. After this I flew home for a long weekend and was able to pull out of the anxiety/depression.
I was again fine for 21 day and again had some un-luck of getting into a huge fight with my boyfriend. After this I crashed with the anxiety which turned into depression b/c I could not pull out of it. I then began Zoloft which made me feel like a drooling zombie. I stayed with that for about 2 weeks and absolutley could not take it.
Now I am on lexapro day 25. I have been feeling pretty sick due to a sinus infection so I am just kind out of it anyway. At this point I think that I am passed the "depression" but almost have like PTSD symptoms very strange. I am just hoping to get better. Thus far today, I have had no spacey feeling and it had been decreasing untill my epidode yesterday at the grocery store.
Can you tell me a little more about how you said you were feeling a little anxious after not feeling that way for some time? I had been pretty mellow on Lex but for the past day or so been having some anxiety, I would love to hear your story.
Thanks!
Lexy
Posted by Missy K on January 16, 2004, at 14:19:27
In reply to Re: Question: Lexapro 5 and 10, posted by Steve3211 on January 16, 2004, at 12:00:51
Hi Steve,
I've only been on this for a week, and my doctor put me on 10, but I'm feeling those exact same s/e's. When I'm not anxious I'm wired, I'm dry heaving all morning, really uncomfortable. I'm going to give it a couple of weeks (assuming I can take it that long) and then I'll ask my doctor about decreasing the dosage. I told him about the anxiety (the worst part) and he gave me another prescription to help me relax. For a woman who has never been on any sort of drug, this is getting insane. And it's especially bad since I have a 1-year old who is extremely sensitive to my sleeping patterns. Anyway, I hope you feel better...
Posted by KathrynLex on January 16, 2004, at 14:21:58
In reply to Re: Hi Lexy, posted by sexylexy on January 16, 2004, at 13:58:32
Lexy,
It's good to know that some birth control pills can "teach" your body to be depressed. It sounds like you were having a very rough time of it with the death of your friend followed by anxiety and then depression. None of those things are very easy to deal with. (A friend of mine died a couple of years ago and it has been one of the most difficult things I've ever faced.)
I'm glad to hear that you're starting to feel happier on Lex. My mood has been considerably better lately.
One odd thing that I've noticed, and it sounds like it might be happening to you too, is I'll feel fine for several days and then I'll have one or two days where I'll feel anxious. I think this will go away over time. My guess is that the days of feeling anxious will become further and further apart, until they disapper. That's my hope anyway.
This message board has been a life saver. It's so nice to know that other people are going through the same things we are! Keep me posted on your progress. It will be nice when we're both back to our "old selves."
K.
Posted by KathrynLex on January 16, 2004, at 14:28:15
In reply to Re: Question: Lexapro 5 and 10, posted by Missy K on January 16, 2004, at 14:19:27
Hi Missy,
The first few weeks on lex are the most difficult, but worth waiting out. Most of the side effects I was experiencing tapered off at the end of the third week. I'm on day 28 of 10 mg lex and feeling pretty good. It was definately worth waiting out those first weeks! Good luck to you.
K.
Posted by Steve3211 on January 16, 2004, at 14:45:38
In reply to Re: Question: Lexapro 5 and 10, posted by Missy K on January 16, 2004, at 14:19:27
Missy,
What dose are you at? I had to start at 2.5 mgs. I found that the s/e's diminished after being on 5mg for the third week. Now at 7.5 I'm having a very tough time with the s/e's again. Insomnia is probably the worst. Hoping they decrease soon or I am going back to 5mg. Hope you feel better. Best-Steve
Posted by Missy K on January 16, 2004, at 18:13:11
In reply to Re: Question: Lexapro 5 and 10, posted by Steve3211 on January 16, 2004, at 14:45:38
My doctor put me on 10. Like I said, I'll give it another week and then I may talk to him about cutting down my dose, if the s/e's don't ease up. We'll see what happens.
Posted by sexylexy on January 16, 2004, at 19:01:06
In reply to Re: Hi Lexy, posted by KathrynLex on January 16, 2004, at 14:21:58
K and everyone!
Have you heard of other who have gotten anxious as well? I was calm for the first few weeks and now those old anxious feelings are trying to creep back. Hopefully, its jsut adjusting to being back at school away from friends, fam ect. Yuck... racing thoughts ect. I hope I am not alone, I know day 25 is to early to up my dose and I was hoping to be able to be at 10mg for my lexapro ride. Please let me know ya'lls thoughts!
Ya'll are on my mind!
Lexy
Posted by BobYuma on January 16, 2004, at 19:15:09
In reply to Anxious after 25 days?, posted by sexylexy on January 16, 2004, at 19:01:06
> K and everyone!
>>> Have you heard of other who have gotten anxious as well? I was calm for the first few weeks and now those old anxious feelings are trying to creep back. Hopefully, its jsut adjusting to being back at school away from friends, fam ect. Yuck... racing thoughts ect. I hope I am not alone, I know day 25 is to early to up my dose and I was hoping to be able to be at 10mg for my lexapro ride. Please let me know ya'lls thoughts! Ya'll are on my mind! Lexy
> > > > >
Hi, Lexy.
With me the anxiousness comes in the form of being over-wired, or hyper, which to me is the same feeling as being anxious.
It's probably a combination of things in your case -- going back to school and being away from friends and family, plus the side effect of Lex.
You're certainly not alone. I've even tried lowering my dose from 5 to 10 mgs, but after today, I'll probably either go back to 10 or maybe try 7 1/2 mgs.You may want to ask your doctor about the anxious feeling, maybe he or she can give you something to help it.
Take care, God Bless, and hang in there. It WILL get better.
BobYuma
Posted by funygirl on January 17, 2004, at 7:08:01
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful » Danab, posted by Mariposa on January 15, 2004, at 11:18:13
Hi. I'm Carol and I just went through a complete detoxing from all of the drugs my doctor had me on. I have been free of all drugs for two months. Today my new doctor put me on Lex. I am using 5mg per day. You all just scared the hell out of me! I DO NOT want to be more anxious than I already am. I have generalized anxiety disorder along with some depression. I'm afraid to go to the 10mg dose next week. I think, after reading from this board, that I will speak to my new doctor about staying with the 5mg for a while instead of going right to the 10's. Any comments? I sure would like to hear from more people on this and the se's. Thanks, C.
Posted by BobYuma on January 17, 2004, at 8:08:03
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful » Mariposa, posted by funygirl on January 17, 2004, at 7:08:01
> Hi. I'm Carol and I just went through a complete detoxing from all of the drugs my doctor had me on. I have been free of all drugs for two months. Today my new doctor put me on Lex. I am using 5mg per day. You all just scared the hell out of me! I DO NOT want to be more anxious than I already am. I have generalized anxiety disorder along with some depression. I'm afraid to go to the 10mg dose next week. I think, after reading from this board, that I will speak to my new doctor about staying with the 5mg for a while instead of going right to the 10's. Any comments? I sure would like to hear from more people on this and the se's. Thanks, C.> > >
Hi, Carol:
If I had it to do all over again, I'd start with 5mgs and stay there for at least one month if I possibly could. From what I've read, the side effects don't seem to be as aggressive for the people who start with 5 mgs.My doc started me on 10 mgs and I'm still there. The SE's were pretty bad and some are still with me. Tried cutting back to 5 mgs a few days ago (to cut down on the SE's, headaches and hyperness), but discovered yesterday that Lex was apparently helping me with the extreme stress I have on my job more than I thought it was. Last night I went back to 10 mgs. I haven't hit the two-month mark yet, but when I do I'm hoping these leftover SE's will be gone. I have to say that Lexapro made the depression I was suffering from go away completely, and this alone was worth any side effect.
Take care and stick in there. Everyone says it gets better, so it must.
BobYuma
Posted by Mariposa on January 17, 2004, at 11:39:02
In reply to Anxious after 25 days?, posted by sexylexy on January 16, 2004, at 19:01:06
> K and everyone!
> Have you heard of other who have gotten anxious as well? I was calm for the first few weeks and now those old anxious feelings are trying to creep back. Hopefully, its jsut adjusting to being back at school away from friends, fam ect. Yuck... racing thoughts ect. I hope I am not alone, I know day 25 is to early to up my dose and I was hoping to be able to be at 10mg for my lexapro ride. Please let me know ya'lls thoughts!
> Ya'll are on my mind!
> LexyMy dx is depression and PMDD, I have never had problems w/anxiety. However, I did experience anxiety attacks during my 4th week on Lex, they were pretty intense and scared me as I had not had them before. Along with that I also experienced increased depression. But encouragement from the great people here kept me going even though I thought this Lex was NOT for me, and I seriously considered quitting.
At 5th week pdoc raised my dose from 5mg to 10mg and that helped. I did not experience a recurrence of the awful se's I had first 2 weeks, and the higher dose was effective until I hit the 4 month mark. I have not had bad anxiety since the episodes around wk 4. Occasionally I feel a little uneasy, but it passes as soon as I quit dwelling on it.
For me, I would say that the anxiety is a se of the Lex, but the benefits I get in other areas (depression, PMDD) have been well worth it.
I would encourage you to hang in there and give it at least 8 weeks befor you decided to continue or quit. If anxiety is too much to bear, you should discuss w/doc, as he may have answers for you.
Best of luck!~~~8|8
Posted by Mariposa on January 17, 2004, at 11:50:33
In reply to re: *POOP-OUT* » Mariposa, posted by lil' jimi on January 15, 2004, at 14:22:50
> hi mariposa,
>
> well, you know me ... ... i am really bummed that you're still suffering this struggle ... ... and i am sorry i haven't been here ... ... still got my adx? ... ... at yahoo, yellowdogjim, right? ... anytime, ok?
>
> i am still on only 10mg of lex ... never did bump up like i thought about...
>
> how-some-ever ... i have been taking a shi*load of supplements lately ... ... and i have every reason to believe they are helping the lexapro help me ... ...
>
> ... are you taking supplements?
>
> like magnesium, selenium, niacinamide, omega-3 fatty acids ... especially ... ... these are the biggies that i have started lately ... along with lots of Bs and C and ginseng like forever ...
> ... i could post my list ...
>
> how-some-ever, my list wouldn't be as good as one we devise for ourselves ... everybody's different ...
>
> things i don't take, but could be good for you (or any lex folk)
> ... st. john's wort. ginkgo b, SAM-e, 5HT, tyrpophan ... ...
>
> ... anyway i got everything i know about this stuff from Larry Hoover's posts ... ... at Alternative and here ... in the archives ... worth hunting for ... ...
>
> (he's not around now, but i won't go there ... i don't want this to get re-directed to Admin)
>
> i have been on lex since March and it is still holding out okay for me ... ...
> ... i mentioned the omega-3 oils to Oldhand too ...
>
> my best to you.
> ~ jim
>Hey...long time - no read!
Glad to hear you are still hanging in there!
Yes, I take all the supplements you mentioned, plus.
I have an appt in Feb. w/pdoc, and will have to discuss dose increase, again. I feel the irritability and depressed thoughts creeping back in, and hope another increase will help.
DON'T be a stranger, I miss your wonderful posts!
Very Best Wishes!!!~~~8|8
Posted by sexylexy on January 17, 2004, at 13:33:59
In reply to Re: Long Term Side Effects of Lex?, posted by BLKVETTES on January 16, 2004, at 2:06:46
Hey Ya'll
Just a question... I have not really drank latley. In about a month, my boyfriend and I have a Law School formal and I would love to enjoy a few glasses of wine, not get like swinging from the chandaler drunk but a little tipsy. I am on 10mg of lexapro no other drugs. I read that post about the girl dying from too much alcohol but I did not really understand what she was talking about with the numbers and such. Can you all give me your personal experience with drinking on lexapro?
Thanks ya'll Have a great weekend,
lexy
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