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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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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
Posted by ednababish on January 29, 2004, at 8:27:09
In reply to WILL I GET FAT?, posted by sexylexy on January 28, 2004, at 11:42:01
Lexy--I have lost weight both with lexapro and celexa--about five lbs. I did not gain with paxil, although I did experience a slowdown in the loss of my baby weight. I work out like a fiend and watch what I eat, which helps. I have noticed with lexapro I have had cravings and I have gotten unbearably hungry when mealtime aproaches, but as in all other cases if you don't give in to those cravings and you keep eating sensibly you shouldn't be picking up weight. Good luck and go to the Gap--they always have lots of size twos :>)
Posted by LynneDa on January 29, 2004, at 9:51:23
In reply to Re: Brand New Lexapro User, posted by Linda P. on January 28, 2004, at 17:15:05
Hmmmm . . .that is very curious! I would think between a neuro, a psychi and a generalist they could come up with some reason for your reactions! It's good, in a way, that you had the same reaction before you were on the Lex, so you don't need to worry about discontinuing that. I loved the Protonix. My mother-in-law swears by it, too. Have you spoken to an endocrinologist - aren't they hormonally-related docs? I'd keep researching and pushing on this one! What you describe almost sounds like the physical reactions to an anxiety attack.
I wish you good luck. Acid reflux is not fun and has such long-term consequences. There has to be something you can take to counter-balance the effects you're having. I hope you find it!! I am so happy to hear about your good luck on Lex. Isn't it nice to know you can feel good again?
~ LynneTo 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 LynneDa on January 29, 2004, at 10:18:42
In reply to Re: dosages? -- Lynne, posted by BobYuma on January 28, 2004, at 19:51:10
Bob - Thank you for all your thoughts & stats! It is all very interesting. Has life become harder in this day and age or have our expectations just risen over the last half-century or so, only to be dashed by the normal realities of life? Without manual labor to wear us out every day, do we have too much time to ponder our insides? Or are there too many artifical chemicals in our bodies screwing up our brains? Lots of possibilities! :-)
I know I've been "given" depression and my current hardships for a reason. Usually in my life I've been lucky enough to be able to determine the lesson of a situation and see the joy in overcoming adversity to embrace the lesson. Now, I'm struggling a bit with the why's and wherefore's. I know part of my lesson right now is patience - that I can't control or hurry the process for whatever reason.
I am convinced that those of us souls who choose life on Earth are the brave ones! I am sure it is much easier to just hang around in the Spirit world (ha, ha!). Being on medication has allowed me to figure myself out a little better. Don't know that I have all the answers yet, but I feel equipped to confront myself now - something I haven't been able to do over the past few years. I do really trust that everything happens for a reason and that is a comfort.
Thanks again for your thoughts, I appreciate your feedback! Peace in the form of self-awareness is a gift I wish for everyone!
~ Lynne
Posted by LynneDa on January 29, 2004, at 10:24:27
In reply to Re: dosages? -- Lynne, posted by KathrynLex on January 28, 2004, at 21:02:06
Kathryn - Thank you! You always have just the right thing to say and I truly appreciate that!!
You did hit on something. I need to embrace the person I've become and I haven't done that yet. I'm still thinking I'll get the old me back, which is impossible of course. It's advice I've given to others - accept who you've become - yet can't seem to adopt it completely myself. And you're right, the Lex does make it easier. I'm glad I finally started taking it!
Thank you, thank you and wishing you Peace today!
~ Lynne
Posted by LynneDa on January 29, 2004, at 10:42:39
In reply to Re: dosages?, posted by Mrs C. on January 28, 2004, at 22:03:37
Mrs. C. - Thank you for your response; I'm glad you got deep and shared your philosophy. It is important information to me! I am receiving the most beautiful messages from you all on this topic and I really treasure them!
I agree with you on the 35 year old mark. That is about when I started "feeling uncomfortable" with myself. I didn't realize what a creature of habit I had become. I always thought I was flexible and adaptable . . . surprise! I think I just got tired of doing for everyone and forgot to look out for my own needs and so was at a deficit - I had nothing left in my emotional bank account when things got tough. I guess I'm now in the process of finding balance - not feeling guilty for not carrying the rest of the world on my shoulders!
Thanks so much for all your wise, witty and caring posts!!!
Peace,
~ Lynne
Posted by Gator on January 29, 2004, at 10:49:44
In reply to Re: dosages? -- Lynne » KathrynLex, posted by LynneDa on January 29, 2004, at 10:24:27
Hi,
It seems that you have been doing a lot of thinking lately. With everything that happened in my life over the holidays I had a lot of thinking to do also. As I said in a previous post I am seeing my old self more and more. But it is a different version of her. I am more mature and responsable than she was. I have done some wild and crazy and fun things in the last couple weeks that I wouldn't have had the guts to do before. I am really starting to enjoy life, my kids and my husband. I owe alot to Lexapro for giving me the courage to "rediscover" how fun of a person I can be!!!
I hope for everyone on this board the inner peace and happiness that I have finally found again.
((hugs to all!!))
Gator
Posted by LynneDa on January 29, 2004, at 10:54:50
In reply to Re: dosages? » Mrs C., posted by Jayslace on January 28, 2004, at 22:20:41
Ruthie - I marvel daily at your wonderful attitude. Thank you so much for sharing it! You really are an inspiration!!
Peace,
~ Lynne
Posted by KathrynLex on January 29, 2004, at 11:01:03
In reply to Re: dosages? -- Lynne » KathrynLex, posted by LynneDa on January 29, 2004, at 10:24:27
Hi,
I went to see my pdoc this morning who increased my lex dose from 10 mg to 20 mg. I'll be taking 15 mg over the next two weeks. My pdoc thinks a lot of my rougher days were caused by mild panic attacks that can be prevented by raising my dose and by taking lorazepam on an as needed basis.
I'm scared about increasing. For those of you who have increased, what kind of side effects did you experience? Were they as bad as when you first started taking lex? Did it make you feel more "out of it" or more alert? Any feedback is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
K.
Posted by LynneDa on January 29, 2004, at 11:15:33
In reply to Increasing Lex Tonight, posted by KathrynLex on January 29, 2004, at 11:01:03
Hi Kathryn -
I went from 10 to 20 mg 5 weeks ago tomorrow. I did have a bit of nausea, "tired but wired" syndrome during the night and sleepiness/fog during the day. Right at 4 weeks, something literally popped and I started feeling better - sleeping a bit better and my day time sleepiness is dimishing more each day this week.So, the s/e's weren't as bad AT ALL :-). This is my "bad" week of the month - which is why I upped in the first place, the 10 mg wasn't taking care of my symptoms during this time. I would say my symptoms are 90% better during this week! But, it did take the 4 - 5 weeks, like it did the first time, to make a measurable difference.
Good luck, hope for the best and let us know!!
~ Lynne
Hi,
>
> I went to see my pdoc this morning who increased my lex dose from 10 mg to 20 mg. I'll be taking 15 mg over the next two weeks. My pdoc thinks a lot of my rougher days were caused by mild panic attacks that can be prevented by raising my dose and by taking lorazepam on an as needed basis.
>
> I'm scared about increasing. For those of you who have increased, what kind of side effects did you experience? Were they as bad as when you first started taking lex? Did it make you feel more "out of it" or more alert? Any feedback is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
>
> K.
>
Posted by Linda P. on January 29, 2004, at 11:15:54
In reply to Re: Brand New Lexapro User » Linda P., posted by LynneDa on January 29, 2004, at 9:51:23
> Hmmmm . . .that is very curious! I would think between a neuro, a psychi and a generalist they could come up with some reason for your reactions! It's good, in a way, that you had the same reaction before you were on the Lex, so you don't need to worry about discontinuing that. I loved the Protonix. My mother-in-law swears by it, too. Have you spoken to an endocrinologist - aren't they hormonally-related docs? I'd keep researching and pushing on this one! What you describe almost sounds like the physical reactions to an anxiety attack.
>
> I wish you good luck. Acid reflux is not fun and has such long-term consequences. There has to be something you can take to counter-balance the effects you're having. I hope you find it!! I am so happy to hear about your good luck on Lex. Isn't it nice to know you can feel good again?
> ~ Lynne
>
>
>
>
>
> 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.Lynne - Thank you so much for your encouragement. And I AM going to keep pushing on this one. Yes, nausea definitely brings on a full-blown anxiety attack for me. And I can't help feeling that it has something to do with the acid-inhibitor, (which DOES work like a dream!)Right now, I've got my pharmacist working on it to see if there is anything in the Protonix formula which could be provoking these episodes. It's the ONLY thing, I think, that can explain why I was three years on Paxil (with no acid-inhibitor), with NO anxiety attacks at all - and a year on the Lexapro with no problems - until I added the acid-inhibitor to the regimen. My psychiatrist wants to add another medication, and is aggravated with me for not saying 'yes.'(He thinks I'm suffereing mood swings, but I KNOW I'm not. I feel great, nothing's bothering me, sleeping well, exercising regularly, and am on top of the world - reasonably so.) I am reluctant to add another medication regimen until I get some answers! Your suggestion of an endocrinologist is excellent - and once I exhaust the pharmacological route, may pursue that angle. Thank you for your input - you are the ONLY person who has responded thus far, and your comments have been a source of comfort.
Linda P.
> >
>
>
Posted by vandy on January 29, 2004, at 11:15:56
In reply to To LynneDa » LynneDa, posted by Gator on January 29, 2004, at 10:49:44
Well, I for one really like your new self.
> Hi,
>
> It seems that you have been doing a lot of thinking lately. With everything that happened in my life over the holidays I had a lot of thinking to do also. As I said in a previous post I am seeing my old self more and more. But it is a different version of her. I am more mature and responsable than she was. I have done some wild and crazy and fun things in the last couple weeks that I wouldn't have had the guts to do before. I am really starting to enjoy life, my kids and my husband. I owe alot to Lexapro for giving me the courage to "rediscover" how fun of a person I can be!!!
>
> I hope for everyone on this board the inner peace and happiness that I have finally found again.
>
> ((hugs to all!!))
>
> Gator
Posted by Gator on January 29, 2004, at 11:44:58
In reply to Re: To LynneDa, posted by vandy on January 29, 2004, at 11:15:56
Vandy,
Thanks, your sooooo sweet!!!
Gator
Posted by KathrynLex on January 29, 2004, at 15:18:30
In reply to Re: Increasing Lex Tonight » KathrynLex, posted by LynneDa on January 29, 2004, at 11:15:33
Hi Lynne,
This is really good to hear. When you increased, did you go right to 20 mg or were you taking 15 mg for 2 weeks before going to 20 mg?
Dale
Posted by kellieann7 on January 29, 2004, at 15:22:00
In reply to Increasing Lex Tonight, posted by KathrynLex on January 29, 2004, at 11:01:03
Kathryn,
My doc increased my dose from 10 to 20 after two weeks. The only side effect I noticed an increase in was being more tired (normally around 11 am). When I came home for lunch, I would have this overwhelming urge to lie down for a 10 minute nap. Of course, I would then sleep for 2 hours. My body didn't feel tired, but it was like a compulsive thought (I thought I HAD to sleep). So, I stopped going home for lunch, and staying busy made me not think about napping.
Posted by LynneDa on January 29, 2004, at 15:37:03
In reply to Re: Increasing Lex Tonight » LynneDa, posted by KathrynLex on January 29, 2004, at 15:18:30
Hi - I went right to 20 because my initial s/e's were not that severe. I also did it over Christmas Break so the first week I stayed in my jammies all day (being so tired, etc.), and my 3 kids all thought that was pretty cool because then they could too!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Hi Lynne,
>
> This is really good to hear. When you increased, did you go right to 20 mg or were you taking 15 mg for 2 weeks before going to 20 mg?
>
> Dale
Posted by sexylexy on January 29, 2004, at 16:08:39
In reply to Re: Increasing Lex Tonight » KathrynLex, posted by LynneDa on January 29, 2004, at 15:37:03
Hi Ya'll
Today is day 40 on 10mg of lex. I really am not wanting to up my dose from 10 ever and was kinda hoping that I would be able to stay on 10mg till I got back home to my friend and family be on 5mg for a few months and then eventually taper off. I have gotten some good feed back from a few of you on and have decided to wait 9 weeks before I make any decisions. Are any of you doing well on anxiety and depression on 10 mg?
Thanks so much!
Lexy
Posted by sexylexy on January 29, 2004, at 16:10:41
In reply to What about 10mg????, posted by sexylexy on January 29, 2004, at 16:08:39
Hey K!
Good luck tonight. Let me know how it goes! I have decided to stick around at 10 for a little while longer to see how it goes. I hope 20mg gives you all you hope for and that the girl you miss comes back in full swing! Let me know.
Lexy
Posted by LynneDa on January 29, 2004, at 16:33:21
In reply to What about 10mg????, posted by sexylexy on January 29, 2004, at 16:08:39
Lexy - The 10 mg did fine for me under normal circumstances. It's just that 10 days before my period when I am a crazy-woman that it didn't work as well so I wanted to up to 20mg. I asked if I could just take more 2 weeks of the month and of course my doctor said you wouldn't want to put your body through that :-). I bet you'll be able to work out your plan as you've described! Good luck!
~ Lynne
Posted by sexylexy on January 29, 2004, at 16:35:50
In reply to Kathrynlex, posted by sexylexy on January 29, 2004, at 16:10:41
Hey Ya'll
Please answer this for me. Did you all gain weight on Lexapro. I have worked hard to keep a small size. I can handle gaining like 8-10 lbs but I cannot handle gaining a ton of weight, I think it would make me more depressed than ever. If I am just going to be more hungrey but thats ok but if its going to make me gain weight whatever I do please tell me so I can start trying to figure something else!!! Thanks
Posted by LynneDa on January 29, 2004, at 16:38:47
In reply to Increasing Lex Tonight, posted by KathrynLex on January 29, 2004, at 11:01:03
Kathryn - Going to 20 mg did reduce my anxiety and depression during my "bad week" of the month. I feel certain it will get rid of your last bit of panic attacks too. Good luck, I know you'll keep us posted :-)
~ Lynne
Posted by KathrynLex on January 29, 2004, at 17:07:11
In reply to What about 10mg????, posted by sexylexy on January 29, 2004, at 16:08:39
Hi Lexy,
I'm a little disappointed at having to increase my dose to 20 mg, but my pdoc explained that everyone needs a different level of medication because we all respond to the meds so differently. I asked him if it's true that lexapro is most effective at lower doses and he said it really depends on the person. Keep this in mind if you get to the end of week 9 and still aren't feeling well. (But I'm hoping you'll start getting better VERY soon.)
I also talked to my pdoc about how long I would have to be on lex. Like you I would prefer to taper off of it at some point in the future. He said that the longer I stay on it, the less likely it is that the depression/anxiety will come back. I was told that with each recurrance of depression, your chances of becomming depressed again in the future are greatly increased. That's why it's better to stay on the meds for at least a year, to ensure that the depression/anxiety won't return. (Although, that does sound a little like a sales pitch for anti-depressants doesn't it?)
I think there are a lot of people on the board who have had success at 10 mg...sometimes lower. Maybe you're body has just been adjusting slowly. (Whew! Sorry for the long winded post.)Again, I really hope you start feeling better in the next few days.
K.
Posted by Linda P. on January 29, 2004, at 17:07:37
In reply to Please answer !! please please, posted by sexylexy on January 29, 2004, at 16:35:50
Hey Kathrynlex - No. Have been on Lexapro a year, and have lost 14 of the God-knows-how-many pounds I'd gained in three years on Paxil. Have a diminished craving for carbos, have much more energy, and I really feel like my old (changed) self. So relax, and enjoy. It's better than having squirrels playing tag in your head - right?
Linda P. (*:*)
Posted by Laree on January 29, 2004, at 17:18:16
In reply to WILL I GET FAT?, posted by sexylexy on January 28, 2004, at 11:42:01
I have a history of eating disorders. I have been on Lexapro a few diff. times & am currently on it. Saw no (visible, at least) weight gain related to the lex that i know of. My friend is on it with no weight gain, and a friend's little sister was on it and she was skinny, no weight gain. If u were on paxil or elavil etc., then gaining weight might be more of a concern, but lex is supposed to be more weight-neutral than many anti-depressants.
> Hey Ya'll
> I just read a post that said someone had gained 25 lbs from lexapro. One thing I like about myself is that I am small and work to stay that way. I could deal with 5 lbs but like 20 is out of the question. Have you all gained weight and if so does it come off with diet and excercise?????
> Loving my size 2
> Lexy
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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