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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Linda P. on January 28, 2004, at 17:15:05
In reply to Re: Brand New Lexapro User » Linda P., posted by LynneDa on January 28, 2004, at 13:31:07
To Lynne - My "adverse reaction" is what threw me into anxiety/depression originally 4 yrs. and two months ago. (When I was on only Prilosec prescription medication. No anti-depressants at that point.)It's a very sudden-onset sensation of burning in my abdomen, followed by nausea, shakiness, palpitations, weakness and an icy-cold feeling from about the middle of the back of my skull all the way down my back. My flesh remains warm, but the cold feeling is there - and two doctors have told me this is a hormonal reaction - to what, they didn't say. (I have nothing left to produce female hormones with.) (*:*) Since I'm a total "puke-phobic," I keep doctor-prescribed Compazine 5 mg. on hand, and I don't leave it to chance! The Compazine never fails to calm me down and take away the nausea. I used to have this experience when on Prilosec only, so I stopped the Prilosec and went to Tums, Rolaids, etc. However, the acid reflux has continued and gotten much worse over the course of the past four years. I started taking the Prilosec OTC back at the beginning of Nov., as the pharmacist said it is now in a time-release formula and might be "kinder" to me. I had two or three nausea/anxiety episodes in Nov. and Dec., so quit the Prilosec again. My primary care physician urged me to try this new Protonix, which was like a miracle - and his words were, "If you have a reaction to this stuff, you'll be written up in medical journals." We laughed. Well...I had another episode last night - very brief in duration, but nonetheless scary. My psychiatrist says there is NO way that one medication could have an effect on the other - but, please forgive me if I'm a little cynical about that. It seems more than coincidental that the only time I experience these episodes is when I'm on an acid inhibitor.
So that's my long story. I'm still curious about the balance of all these medications, which, by the way, I take 12 hrs. apart. Protonix at 9 a.m., Lexapro 10 mgs. at 9 p.m. I am a huge fan of Lexapro. It's been wonnnnderful for me! I feel ALIVE, physically, mentally and spiritually - have my sense of humor and joie de vivre back. It's the acid-reflux thing, I think, that's screwing things up!
Linda P.
Posted by kellieann7 on January 28, 2004, at 18:20:37
In reply to Re: Need info - pleeeaaassseee » kellieann7, posted by Jayslace on January 28, 2004, at 17:15:03
I am also having problems sleeping. I take it at night, but don't fall asleep right away. But, if I take it in the morning, I am exhausted all day! I find I'm not waking up as often once I do fall asleep, but I'm up later than normal. AND, this jaw clenching stuff is KILLING ME!
Posted by BobYuma on January 28, 2004, at 19:51:10
In reply to Re: dosages? » sexylexy, posted by LynneDa on January 28, 2004, at 16:23:42
Food for thought & I welcome responses:
I wonder if I'll ever be happy like I used to be. I think part of my happiness was naivety and a complete lack of cynicism about the world. After going through some things in the past 2 or 3 years, I think I'm changed forever. Part of my depression stems from mourning my old self and old state of mind and accepting a new reality, a new order to my world. Hey, do you think I just grew up at the ripe old age of 40????? ha!> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >
Very thought provoking, Lynne. And very wise.
Actually a lot of research has been conducted on this subject, and the fact is that depression levels rise after middle adulthood for nearly all participants in the research programs. Of course, we can't overlook the fact that illness breeds depression, and the older we get, the more likely we are to become ill. The other fact we can't overlook is similar to what you talked about in your message, and that is that the longer we live, the more pain, suffering, and sadness we see and experience.
But then there're other statistics to look at when you're talking about depression. For example, in the late 90's the suicide (clearly related to depression) rate for people living in rural areas was 54.5% higher than people living in a city. Obviously this had nothing at all to do with age.
But back to the age-related depression: Statistics show that the suicide rates for men are relatively the same from ages 20-64, but increase significantly after the age of 65. The suicide rates for women peak between the ages of 40-54, stay about the same between 55 and 74, but peak again after age 75. The highest suicide rates are among white men over 50, representing 10% of that population. They're responsible for 33% of all suicides.
Ok, all of this is too depressing. (laugh - hey, we gotta laugh don't we?)
If anyone asked me (and I know no one did), I'd say that the most important thing to know about depression is to know why we're depressed. If we know that, then as far as I'm concerned, we have the battle won. Because if we know that, then we have the best weapon we can have to fight our depression, and it's ok if we need medical help in the form of an antidepressant to help get us through the fight. The human body is a delicate, "living machine" -- and of all the things God promised us, the one thing He didn't promise was a perfect body in which to exist while we're attending the School of Earth. And that's what it's all about, even depression, it's about learning in this school called Earth. Because we all came to Earth for the same reason, to learn, and if we experience depression while we're on Earth, then it's because we need a lesson that depression can teach us.
But we can accept depression as something we were meant to experience on Earth while, at the same time, attempting to defeat it. In fact, maybe that's a lesson, learning to defeat depression.Opps, sorry I got carried away (again).
Take care - BobYuma
Posted by twinsmom on January 28, 2004, at 20:48:24
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I am starting lex tomorrow and just wanting to know if anyone has any info for me on what to expect. I was taking prozac to zoloft and now this. I hope it works because the others didn't.
Thanks for anyone taking the time to help me.twinsmom
Posted by Jayslace on January 28, 2004, at 20:53:45
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro?, posted by twinsmom on January 28, 2004, at 20:48:24
Welcome twinsmom! What dose are you starting out on? I started out on 10mg and the only side effects I had was a little drowsiness. That did not last long for me though. My depression became much better within a couple of weeks. That was start for me.
Good luck and welcome aboard!!!!
Ruthie
Posted by KathrynLex on January 28, 2004, at 21:02:06
In reply to Re: dosages? -- Lynne, posted by BobYuma on January 28, 2004, at 19:51:10
Food for thought & I welcome responses:
I wonder if I'll ever be happy like I used to be. I think part of my happiness was naivety and a complete lack of cynicism about the world. After going through some things in the past 2 or 3 years, I think I'm changed forever. Part of my depression stems from mourning my old self and old state of mind and accepting a new reality, a new order to my world. Hey, do you think I just grew up at the ripe old age of 40????? ha!>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Hi Lynne,
I agree with Bob...it's a compelling question. I regret that I don't have a compelling answer for you.
Being cynical is healthy in moderate doses, so long as it doesn't make you bitter. It helps to remember that the world isn't always a bad place. (Lex can assist you in that department.)
Rather than mourn the loss of your naivete, think of yourself as worldly. With the loss of innocence, comes experience. (I'd take experience over innocence any day.)
Enjoy being worldly with a slightly cynical edge. I notice you've got a sharp sense of humor too. That sounds like a good package to me. Embrace who you are. You might find that the you today can be just as happy or even happier than the "you" of yesterday.
Wishing you the very best,
K.
Posted by twinsmom on January 28, 2004, at 21:20:07
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? » twinsmom, posted by Jayslace on January 28, 2004, at 20:53:45
I am starting out at 10mg. Thanks for the info.
Twinsmom
Posted by thib on January 28, 2004, at 21:22:13
In reply to Whoa! Took double dose by accident!, posted by LynneDa on January 28, 2004, at 11:13:45
> 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
Lynne this helps me:
http://www.forgettingthepill.com/organizers.html
Posted by Mrs C. on January 28, 2004, at 21:23:02
In reply to Re: Ladies on lex. please respond! FEELING HORRIBLE, posted by lepus on January 26, 2004, at 13:13:23
Hey Lepus! Hope today finds you feeling better. I have been out of touch these past few days and I have been wondering how you are. Please keep posting. I've really missed alot just by not checking the posts for two days! I really missed all of you. From now on I will try to check everyday. Let me know how you are feeling. I care! Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs C. on January 28, 2004, at 21:32:36
In reply to Re: Kathrynlex » Mrs C., posted by sexylexy on January 28, 2004, at 11:06:42
Hey Lexy! That's how mine started this month too! I had this really weird spotting for a day, then nothing, then spotting, and finally the big one! The cramps were awful this month too. But I'm over it and glad! Hope things "come out okay" for you too! I'm also glad you have chosen to wait before upping your dosage. It may very well be that you do need to up it but I think it's worth waiting to find out. You're on day 40 right? That's about 6 weeks I think. Give it a few more weeks if you can unless things really start to go down hill. Just my opinion. Bye for now. Mrs. C
Posted by lepus on January 28, 2004, at 21:34:25
In reply to Re: Ladies on lex. please respond! FEELING HORRIBLE, posted by Mrs C. on January 28, 2004, at 21:23:02
Wow! Thank you for your concern. You have really touched me.
Right now I feel better and am hesitant to go to sleep because I feel okay now and know that in the morning I probably won't. Aside from that my day was rather rough with a lot of irritability and feeling like I just needed to run or like I was crawling out of my skin. I had a few crying jags. My cramps are so much better as are my suicidal thoughts. My anxiety was better as well. I guess today was a pretty mixed bag.
Being BPII I am not sure if the Lexapro is making me cycle despite being on a mood stabilizer or if these symptoms are all just linked to PMS + the Lexapro. Either way I am thinking I might need to come off of it. I see my case worker tomorrow so I will discuss it with her.
Thanks for your concern.
Posted by Mrs C. on January 28, 2004, at 21:36:31
In reply to Re: It gets better! » Gator, posted by sexylexy on January 28, 2004, at 11:09:54
Lexy, you are NOT ALONE! I am freezing up here in Buffalo! The wind is blowing about 35 miles per hour, it's snowing and with the wind chill it is about zero degrees outside! But I love this part of the country and wouldn't ever leave. Keep your head up girl! Mrs. C
Posted by Jayslace on January 28, 2004, at 21:39:43
In reply to Re: Whoa! Took double dose by accident!, posted by thib on January 28, 2004, at 21:22:13
thib, excellent of you to have put that link up. I use a 7 day twice a day pill box for my meds. I have since all my meds started. At one point I had to use a timer they have also because I had to take them so often, but now I'm down to just twice a day. I also refill the box every Thursday night.
Also, Lynne, how are you doing? I hope you're doing good after taking the double dose. I know it can happen to all of us.
Hugs to you all!
Ruthie
Posted by Mrs C. on January 28, 2004, at 21:40:49
In reply to Whoa! Took double dose by accident!, posted by LynneDa on January 28, 2004, at 11:13:45
Oh my Gosh! Lynne that is so like me! Although I have never actually done it I have really almost done it! I don't think you need to worry that anything bad will happen but you may feel really buzzed! Good luck and please let us know how you are tomorrow. Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs C. on January 28, 2004, at 22:03:37
In reply to Re: dosages?, posted by sexylexy on January 28, 2004, at 17:03:39
Okay, I'm about to get deep. Not until about age 35 do we really know who we are. The person we were when we were younger no longer exists. That is part of growing as a person. The hard part is learning to like the grown up "you" and to be happy with the person you have become. I am totally different now than I was when I was in my 20's. I have experienced hardship so I know what it's like to have to be strong and when to ask for help. I have experienced the death of my father so I know how to appreciate family. I have experienced the birth of my children, so I know what a miracle life is. I have experienced personal illness so I know how to appreciate life! I have experienced anxiety and depression so I now know what "happy" feels like. You can't help but change! Youth is wonderful and naive. Thank God it is. But there comes a time at a certain age when you really start to figure out who you are and it may not be who you thought you were. For some, this can be a difficult experience and for others it comes naturally. But eventually we all get through it. There is nothing wrong with us because we have changed, this is how it is supposed to be! Go with and be glad for it! Age has made us wiser so that we can carry one and advise the younger ones.
Well, there is my take on life! Any other people ready to give theirs?!
Mrs. C
Posted by KathrynLex on January 28, 2004, at 22:05:13
In reply to Re: Ladies on lex. please respond! FEELING HORRIBLE, posted by Mrs C. on January 28, 2004, at 21:23:02
Hi Mrs. C,
We missed you too! It's good to have you back. I hope you're doing well.
K.
Posted by Mrs C. on January 28, 2004, at 22:09:11
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro?, posted by twinsmom on January 28, 2004, at 20:48:24
Hi Twinsmom, The only advice I can give you is to read old posts. Everyone on this board has had different experiences on Lex. You will find someone to relate to, trust me. I can't really tell you what your side effects will be because we are all so different. Just keep coming to this board for support and keep in mind that the side effects are short lived and manageable. Good Luck! Mrs. C
Posted by KathrynLex on January 28, 2004, at 22:13:34
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro?, posted by twinsmom on January 28, 2004, at 20:48:24
Hi Twinsmom,
Lexapro seems to effect everyone so differently. You might not experience any side effects at all on lex. I hope you make a smooth transition.
My first few weeks on lex were a little bumpy, but I hadn't taken meds for several years so it was a major adjustment for my body. Some of the most common side effects include insomnia and loss of appetite.
If you encounter a side effect that concerns you, I guarentee someone else on this board has had it and can walk you through it. Please keep us posted on your progress. I hope all goes well for you as you start lexapro.
K.
Posted by Mrs C. on January 28, 2004, at 22:13:34
In reply to Re: Ladies on lex. please respond! FEELING HORRIBLE, posted by lepus on January 28, 2004, at 21:34:25
You're welcome. I must tell you that I remember feeling that way in the evening too! I dreaded taking that pill because I knew that in the morning I was going to feel awful again. For me it was anxiety. I just felt so jittery and nervous. Not good for someone with OCD! I'm glad you are going to see someone tomorrow. Let us know what happens. Mrs. C
Posted by Jayslace on January 28, 2004, at 22:20:41
In reply to Re: dosages?, posted by Mrs C. on January 28, 2004, at 22:03:37
Amen! Mrs. C!! As of the age of 36 I knew exactly who I was, and what I wanted. I was in the career of my choice I had been in for 14 beautiful yrs. I was single (happily, finally) but dating a wonderful man. I had 2 handsome little boys. I had experienced death of my grandma,when I was 15, and that brought on depression, but I came over that.
But at the age of 37, I developed brain tumors, had surgery, then a pulmonary embolism, died for 5 minutes, came back to life,(praise God) and now am disabled.
I'll be 40 in May. That wonderful man married me. His beautiful girls love me and my handsome boys love him. I know I have so many things to be thankful for. But I do have the depression feelings of what I have lost in the brain tumor and death that I went through.
But with the help of God, family, friends, and Lex , I am going to live and get through all of this.
Thank you Mrs. C. How beautiful you are.
Hugs to everyone!!
Ruthie
Posted by KathrynLex on January 28, 2004, at 22:36:52
In reply to Re: dosages? » Mrs C., posted by Jayslace on January 28, 2004, at 22:20:41
Ruthie,
I have to say, reading your post inspired me. It must have taken a lot of strength to survive through so much. And you have such a positive, hopeful attitude! I admire that.
K.
Posted by Jayslace on January 28, 2004, at 22:44:00
In reply to Re: dosages?, posted by KathrynLex on January 28, 2004, at 22:36:52
K, I have been blessed to have always been positive and optimistic. I get that from my family. Thank you. But it also feels so good to find others like you , yourself, and the others on here, who even though they don't always post good things, just that they are posting asking for help.
In that I am disabled (mentally, because of decreased comprehension and concentration) my goal is to be able to do some volunteering. Just to be able to help in some way, kind of as I did as the nurse I used to be.
Life is so precious, I always knew it was, but I find it out more in more everyday.
Health and friendship to you all,
Ruthie
Posted by simus on January 28, 2004, at 23:21:47
In reply to Re: dosages? » sexylexy, posted by LynneDa on January 28, 2004, at 16:23:42
> Food for thought & I welcome responses:
> I wonder if I'll ever be happy like I used to be. I think part of my happiness was naivety and a complete lack of cynicism about the world. After going through some things in the past 2 or 3 years, I think I'm changed forever. Part of my depression stems from mourning my old self and old state of mind and accepting a new reality, a new order to my world. Hey, do you think I just grew up at the ripe old age of 40????? ha!I have never looked at it like this before. You are very insightful, and I there is a lot of truth in it in my case. Thank you.
Posted by vandy on January 29, 2004, at 7:23:32
In reply to Re: dosages?, posted by Mrs C. on January 28, 2004, at 22:03:37
This is fine stuff. It's as eloquent as it is deep. Best of all it's purest truth. Thank you for saying it.
> Okay, I'm about to get deep. Not until about age 35 do we really know who we are. The person we were when we were younger no longer exists. That is part of growing as a person. The hard part is learning to like the grown up "you" and to be happy with the person you have become. I am totally different now than I was when I was in my 20's. I have experienced hardship so I know what it's like to have to be strong and when to ask for help. I have experienced the death of my father so I know how to appreciate family. I have experienced the birth of my children, so I know what a miracle life is. I have experienced personal illness so I know how to appreciate life! I have experienced anxiety and depression so I now know what "happy" feels like. You can't help but change! Youth is wonderful and naive. Thank God it is. But there comes a time at a certain age when you really start to figure out who you are and it may not be who you thought you were. For some, this can be a difficult experience and for others it comes naturally. But eventually we all get through it. There is nothing wrong with us because we have changed, this is how it is supposed to be! Go with and be glad for it! Age has made us wiser so that we can carry one and advise the younger ones.
>
> Well, there is my take on life! Any other people ready to give theirs?!
>
> Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs C. on January 29, 2004, at 7:37:51
In reply to Re: dosages? » Mrs C., posted by Jayslace on January 28, 2004, at 22:20:41
Thank you Ruthie. I am inspired by your stories of survival everyday! You are doing great and I am proud of you! Keep the faith, Mrs. C
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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