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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by bluesfan on January 27, 2004, at 12:59:59
In reply to Brand New Lexapro User, posted by KatieT on January 27, 2004, at 12:47:44
Welcome to the board! The great thing about Lexapro for a lot of people is the side effects tend to go away fairly quickly. I found that sleep was a problem for the first week or so, but now I sleep 8 or so hours a night without waking up. I took Xanax for the first 3 days or so to counteract the added anxiety/insomnia and it worked great. I've been taking Lexapro for 41 days now and it has helped. I know I'm not as well as I would like to be yet, but I hope to eventually get there. Hang in there, and keep checking back to this board. The people here help a lot and have great advice!
> > I just went to a pdoc for the first time today and he prescribed Lexapro. The prescription is being filled at the moment, but after reading all these stories, I have to say I am scared to take it. One of my major complaints, besides depression, is an inability to sleep at night. This has been a problem for years. Now I've been reading that Lexapro can cause insomnia...UGGGH! My doctor gave me a prescription for Xanax as well so I'm hoping that will counteract the insomnia. I'll keep reading this post and will let you all know how I am doing. I'm glad I finally got to the doctor for medication because I'm ready to jump out of my skin with anxiety and depression. I am a 39 year old woman and have had diabetes for 29 years so I'm beginning to realize, with the help of psycologist, that a lot of my problems stem from the diabetes. I just want to feel better and have to hang to the belief that happiness is out there for me. I am so thankful for cyber sites such as this one. I, too, am a "Kathryn" but decided to use a nickname since there is another Kathryn on this site.
>
Posted by KathrynLex on January 27, 2004, at 13:14:22
In reply to Brand New Lexapro User, posted by KatieT on January 27, 2004, at 12:47:44
Hi KatieT,
I can understand why you're hesitant to take lexapro, it's a difficult step to take. The side effects can be uncomfortable, but they're tolerable. Keep in mind that some people don't experience any side effects at all, and you might be one of those people.
Xanax is wonderful for insomnia. I don't think you'll have any problems sleeping after you take it.
Lexapro has been wonderful for me in terms of anxiety and depression. There are still a few bumps after 39 days on 10 mg lexapro...but not nearly as many as there were before I took it.
Also, if you're very sensitive to meds or are terribly worried about encountering side effects, you might consider starting at a very low dose. Some people start at 2.5 mg for 2 weeks, then increase to 5 mg for 2 weeks and then increase to 10 mg. Sometimes this can help your body to adjust to the new medication.
I hope lexapro helps with your anxiety and depression. Please keep us posted on how you're doing.
K.
Posted by tiredman on January 27, 2004, at 13:47:15
In reply to How long before upping the dose?, posted by bluesfan on January 26, 2004, at 11:25:57
I would up it to 15mg. and see what happens. I have gone from 2.5->5>7.5->10->15->20->25
over a span of three months. I still don't feel right and will probably move up to 30. That's it for me. Once I hit 30, if I don't get better results my pdoc wants to try somthing else.Good Luck!
Posted by tiredman on January 27, 2004, at 13:51:20
In reply to Re: Ladies on lex. please respond! FEELING HORRIBLE, posted by lepus on January 26, 2004, at 13:13:23
Not a lady, but I can tell you. My wife has been on lex for 3 months. Every time she has her period she gets much worse for a one week length of time. She is in that phase right now.
It does pass, but just be ready when/if it happens again next month.
Good Luck!
Posted by tiredman on January 27, 2004, at 13:59:09
In reply to Re: Hey Lex users, posted by Danab on January 26, 2004, at 19:39:19
I've been gaining weight over the past three months but have also been craving chocolate and eating much more junk while on Lex. Given a choice fat or depressed, I'll take fat.
For sleep, ask your pdoc about Trazadone. It is an old antidepresant but in low doses it is used as a sleep aid. Because it is not addictive it is (supposedly) perscribed more often then sleeping pills.
Good Luck!
Posted by lepus on January 27, 2004, at 14:54:07
In reply to Re: Ladies on lex. please respond! FEELING HORRIBL, posted by tiredman on January 27, 2004, at 13:51:20
> Not a lady, but I can tell you. My wife has been on lex for 3 months. Every time she has her period she gets much worse for a one week length of time. She is in that phase right now.
>
> It does pass, but just be ready when/if it happens again next month.
>
> Good Luck!I thank all for their replies on this topic. I am much worse this time of the month. I had cramps this morning that were terrible. I couldn't even lie down. I had to stand up because that was the only thing alleviating the pain. The cramps are better now but my period is definitely not the same as it usually is and my mood is horrible. I am not sure what to do. Do I call the doctor and get off this med? I couldn't take feeling this way again next month. My depression and anxiety are both much worse. I have no appetite and just really feel horrible.
I am so sick of being a guinea pig. No one warned me of this side effect and it has been a big one for me.
Posted by KathrynLex on January 27, 2004, at 16:35:29
In reply to Re: Ladies on lex. please respond! FEELING HORRIBL, posted by lepus on January 27, 2004, at 14:54:07
Hi Lepus,
You've been on lex for about 3 weeks now, is that right? The worst side effects of lex hit me around weeks 2 and 3. It's possible that the same thing has happened to you, but in addition to dealing with some nasty side effects you also have your period to cope with. It is a lot to have to go through.
My advice would be to wait until your period is over, then see how you feel. If you are still feeling horrible, call your doc and see what he/she recommends.
Your body chemistry is just a little out of whack right now with the new meds on top of your period. My guess is that once your period stops, your mood will even out. Plus, you'll be in to about week 5 on lex. You should get results between weeks 4-6. If you haven't seen them around that time, well like I said, call your doc.
Or give your doc a ring today and see if he/she can add something to your drug cocktail to help you feel better. Side effects can be bad, but they shouldn't be more than you can withstand. If they are, you need to do something about it because you shouldn't have to feel this awful to get better.
I hope you start getting better soon. Please keep us posted on how you are doing.
K.
Posted by BobYuma on January 27, 2004, at 16:49:43
In reply to Had a Rough Night, posted by KathrynLex on January 27, 2004, at 11:21:23
> > Hi, Last night was one of the worst nights I've had since starting lex. Night sweats returned, felt anxious and ready to jump out of my skin, my mind was going 500 different directions, I was slightly disoriented...should this be happening after 39 days on 10 mg lex? I do NOT want to have a night like that again. I'm wondering if anyone else has encountered similar problems after almost 6 weeks on lex? Thanks! K.
> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >
Hi, K.
I too had the same problem when I was around the six week mark on Lex. I'm now into my eigth week, and all is fine. No more night sweats or the "racing mind syndrome" -- which I really hated. All of that lasted nearly a week. Lorazepam helped with the jitteriness and racing mind.
About a week ago I reduced the amount I was taking from 10 mgs to 7 1/2 -- this was after trying 5 mgs which simply didn't do the job. Right now I'm doing well with the 7 1/2 mgs. I just thought that 10 was too much for me, so reduced the amount on my own.
Take care, and hang in there, it'll get better.
BobYuma
Posted by KathrynLex on January 27, 2004, at 17:07:17
In reply to Re: Had a Rough Night - K, posted by BobYuma on January 27, 2004, at 16:49:43
Thanks, Bob. That's good to hear. Was it around week 7 that you noticed an improvement? I've also noticed a sharp decline in my motivation, does that go away too.
K.
Posted by BobYuma on January 27, 2004, at 18:36:20
In reply to Re: Had a Rough Night - K » BobYuma, posted by KathrynLex on January 27, 2004, at 17:07:17
> Thanks, Bob. That's good to hear. Was it around week 7 that you noticed an improvement? I've also noticed a sharp decline in my motivation, does that go away too. K.
> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >
Sorry I didn't get right back to you, K, but was working late.
It probably was around week seven that I noticed the improvement.
As far as the decline in motivation, I think that's just the brain telling us that we don't feel "well" enough, or are too tired to do what we need to be doing. I found that if I go ahead and "make" myself get up and get going, that I'm fine, and the so-called tiredness or lack of motivation just goes away. I don't know what that's all about, but I've noticed that other's have written the same thing on the board before. I know it's strange, but just trust that in a week or less, you're going to be feeling a lot, a LOT, better.
Take care, Bob
Posted by sexylexy on January 27, 2004, at 20:21:35
In reply to Re: Had a Rough Night - K, posted by BobYuma on January 27, 2004, at 18:36:20
Hey Ya'll,
I need a little support. Maybe its the week 5 blues but I am just not feeling to well today. I just got back from a weekend at home and I was pretty happy. Now I am back and feeling really sad, more depressed than I have in a while. I just want to feel normal is that too much to ask? I just want to say "I feel like me and I am happy". At this point I feel like that is never going to happen. I mean I am better than I was and clinically I am no longer depressed but I still have a physical feeling of sadness. I am so frusterated and just want to feel happy and confident again. I am so scared I will never get there. You guys have been there for me before please help me keep going.
Thanks,
Lexy
Posted by vandy on January 27, 2004, at 21:01:36
In reply to YUCKKKKKKKKK, posted by sexylexy on January 27, 2004, at 20:21:35
This will work. But you have to print it and put it somewhere that you will see it. Because it's almost a law that when you need it most you won't look for the directions and you will probably be too down to do it from memory. Well, here goes.
1. Stand up
2. Put your shoulders back.
3. Look at a location on a wall or an object that is taller than you.
4. Grin. Not a smirk. A very wide and broad teeth-displayed grin.I DARE YOU TO THINK A DEPRESSING THOUGHT IN THAT POSTURE!
We can all spot someone who's depressed, can't we? How do they look. Shoulders rounded. Head down. Sad expression. Slumped over.If you want to be depressed just make a point of looking like the description immediately above this sentence.
The reverse works even better but you have to overcome the depressed posture to do it. And you won't feel like it. Be careful. When I read my note and follow instructions it sometimes makes me laugh out loud. I also have friends who have this formula. They have used it on me. It's stellar. Give it a shot. Report back at the results. <grin>
> Hey Ya'll,
> I need a little support. Maybe its the week 5 blues but I am just not feeling to well today. I just got back from a weekend at home and I was pretty happy. Now I am back and feeling really sad, more depressed than I have in a while. I just want to feel normal is that too much to ask? I just want to say "I feel like me and I am happy". At this point I feel like that is never going to happen. I mean I am better than I was and clinically I am no longer depressed but I still have a physical feeling of sadness. I am so frusterated and just want to feel happy and confident again. I am so scared I will never get there. You guys have been there for me before please help me keep going.
> Thanks,
> Lexy
Posted by Jayslace on January 27, 2004, at 21:35:09
In reply to Re: YUCKKKKKKKKK, posted by vandy on January 27, 2004, at 21:01:36
Excellent suggestion, Vandy!!
I have something else that I tell others ( and remind myself).
It's so much nicer to look up at the trees, the sun, the blue sky, and the birds , rather than the dirt, the pavement or just my shoes.
And I hope things go better for you Lexy. I'm still thinking about you.
And everyone else too!
Ruthie
Posted by Mrs C. on January 28, 2004, at 8:52:02
In reply to YUCKKKKKKKKK, posted by sexylexy on January 27, 2004, at 20:21:35
Hey Lexy!
Hope this finds you feeling better than you did. I am sorry that I was not able to get back with you until now. I have been so busy these past few days and have not had time to come on line. Anyway, what you are feeling is normal! The important part is to remember that and also to have faith! I remember feeling the same way. Not really sad just numb. That turned into happiness within a few weeks. You are in a transition period right now and it's so important to carry on and keep in mind that it is temporary. Keep on posting and we will keep on supporting. Many of us have been where you are right now and it does suck but it also passes. I'm sending good thoughts and a hug your way. Mrs. C
Posted by vandy on January 28, 2004, at 8:55:22
In reply to YUCKKKKKKKKK, posted by sexylexy on January 27, 2004, at 20:21:35
How thoughtless of me!
((((((((Lexy)))))))
Never miss a chance to give a hug!
> Hey Ya'll,
> I need a little support. Maybe its the week 5 blues but I am just not feeling to well today. I just got back from a weekend at home and I was pretty happy. Now I am back and feeling really sad, more depressed than I have in a while. I just want to feel normal is that too much to ask? I just want to say "I feel like me and I am happy". At this point I feel like that is never going to happen. I mean I am better than I was and clinically I am no longer depressed but I still have a physical feeling of sadness. I am so frusterated and just want to feel happy and confident again. I am so scared I will never get there. You guys have been there for me before please help me keep going.
> Thanks,
> Lexy
Posted by Mrs C. on January 28, 2004, at 8:56:23
In reply to Brand New Lexapro User, posted by KatieT on January 27, 2004, at 12:47:44
Welcome to the board. You will find the most supportive people in the world here. I have and they have gotten me through some very difficult moments. The unknown is scarey and it helps to hear from others who have had the experience. You will be fine just have faith. Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs C. on January 28, 2004, at 9:04:48
In reply to Re: Kathrynlex, posted by KathrynLex on January 27, 2004, at 11:08:23
Hi K and Lexy,
I haven't been able to come on line at all this week and feel terrible that I was not able to respond to your posts sooner. I feel so bad that you guys are having a tough time. I honestly think that what you are feeling is normal. I remember feeling kind of "numb" for a while before the lex really started working at around 9 weeks. Yes, 9 weeks for me to actually feel happy and normal again. It has been worth the wait. I know that it is difficult to feel how you are feeling but I truly believe that you are in a transitional period right now and should give yourselves more time. Just my opinion from my own experience. I hope that you will continue to come to this board for support. You both have been such a great addition to this board and I really feel connected to both of you. By the way, wasn't it one of you that were late with their period? I was late as well and feeling a little fragile too. The old negative thoughts were trying to creep back in. Happy to say that it has passed since I did get my period. Just a thought! Looking forward to hearing how things are going. Mrs. C
Posted by Gator on January 28, 2004, at 10:29:26
In reply to Re: Kathrynlex, posted by Mrs C. on January 28, 2004, at 9:04:48
Kathrynlex & Lexy,
I agree with Mrs. C that you will feel better soon. I'm on my 16th week and had a week or so that I was sad. Not really depressed but just not happy. Now I feeling MUCH better!! The old me is really showing her face around alot more these days and I am glad to see her.
I know it sounds generic, but just keep looking to tommorrow and every day will get better!!
Hugs to you!
{{{{{{{{{{Kathrynlex}}}}}}}}}}
{{{{{{{{{{Lexy}}}}}}}}}}}}
Gator
Posted by ednababish on January 28, 2004, at 10:34:46
In reply to Re: Hey Lex users, posted by tiredman on January 27, 2004, at 13:59:09
Yes, trazadone works as well, but the first time you use it will be disturbing--at least it was for me!
Posted by ednababish on January 28, 2004, at 10:41:30
In reply to Brand New Lexapro User, posted by KatieT on January 27, 2004, at 12:47:44
Katie,
No matter what, take lexapro because it does work--just not all at once and not fantastic until you get your blood levels established. One day you will realize that you're happy, that you're sleeping, that you're sane and functional. AS for the temporarily not sleeping, you will care less about that because you will start to wake up feeling refreshed although you may not have slept that well--then not sleeping well, too, will go away. Use the xanax sparingly though--it made me really woozy and that freaked me out worse than any anxiety or depression. Good luck.
Edna Babish (laverne and shirley's landlady)
Posted by sexylexy on January 28, 2004, at 11:06:42
In reply to Re: Kathrynlex, posted by Mrs C. on January 28, 2004, at 9:04:48
Mrs C.
You are so wonderful! I just wanted to take an oppertunity to give you a big e-hug (((Mrs.C))). I am sure you are right about this transition period and I am going to hold out for 9 weeks before thinking about a dose change. I have made it this far and the lexapro (not to mention all of your support) have helped very much. I feel like you are my lexapro mom. I actually started spotting today so hopefully my period will come, go and allow me to keep healing. I hope you have a great day.
Lexy
Posted by KathrynLex on January 28, 2004, at 11:08:08
In reply to YUCKKKKKKKKK, posted by sexylexy on January 27, 2004, at 20:21:35
Hi Lexy,
How are you feeling today? I'm sorry I couldn't write sooner.
I felt horrible yesterday and found myself taking a 3 hour bubble bath while reading nothing but back issues of US Weekly and People (quality literature)! Today is better though, my head feels clearer than it has in quite a while.
I really wish I could tell you "Just hang in there until day 40 and I promise you, you'll feel like your old self that morning and forever after." Waiting is one of the most frustrating things on lex.
But I thought of something yesterday...you know the lex is working because it's brought you back to 70% of your old self. Don't think about what you want it to do, think about what it has done. It's brought you this far, and it will bring you the rest of the way!
It's not too much to ask to want to feel like your old self again. Happiness and confidence is not too tall of an order...it will just take some time. You don't have to hang on much longer and remember that we're all in this with you!
K.
Posted by sexylexy on January 28, 2004, at 11:09:54
In reply to It gets better!, posted by Gator on January 28, 2004, at 10:29:26
Thanks Gator!
I am hoping that this is just a transition. I actually went home this past weekend and spent a good weekend with my boyfriend and family. Our relationship was better than it had been in about 2 months and at home I was almost *happy*, now I am back in the north, freezing and alone. Oh well only 3 more months. Thanks for the support and here is a hug back ((((Gator)))).
Lexy
Posted by KathrynLex on January 28, 2004, at 11:11:58
In reply to Re: Kathrynlex, posted by Mrs C. on January 28, 2004, at 9:04:48
Thank you so much to everyone who responded! Your support is invaluable. Some days it's the only thing that helps me to keep my sanity. You guys are all wonderful!!!
K.
Posted by LynneDa on January 28, 2004, at 11:13:45
In reply to Re: YUCKKKKKKKKK, posted by KathrynLex on January 28, 2004, at 11:08:08
Hi all - I took 2 pills today by accident. I haven't been consistent with what time I take my Lex - usually between 9:30 & 11am. I took it earlier and then took another one cuz I forgot. I can't believe I was that spacey. Anyway, that's 40mg. Do I need to be worried? Has anyone done that? I'm at work, so I told my boss just in case there was a weird reaction!!
Thanks all . . .
~ Lynne
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