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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by BobYuma on February 10, 2004, at 14:06:53
In reply to Lexapro dosage, posted by shequinn on February 10, 2004, at 10:16:34
> My husband is on Lexapro, and is having what may be dosage issues. At 5mg, he's still depressed - at 10, he can't stop laughing (sometimes at inappropriate moments). He'd like to take 7.5mg, but we can't figure out how to split a pill into quarters reliably. (Our doctor told us that he could just take a Lexapro once a day whenever he felt moody, and take it just once or twice a week if he felt like it, and that there was no such thing as a withdrawal issue, so we don't really feel we can consult him on this one - he seems to have some serious information problems.) Any ideas?
----------------------------------
Hi, shequinn:
Keep in mind that unless a doctor has taken a particular antidepressant themselves, they have no idea how to take it other than what the pharmaceutical companies tell them.
I was in the same boat as your husband. 10 mgs was too much for me, and 5 simply wasn't enough. I got myself a very sharp knife, and cut the pills in half, then I cut one of the halves in the middle. It can easily be done, the secret is to use a knife that is nice and sharp.
Good luck to both you and your husband.
BobYuma
Posted by KathrynLex on February 10, 2004, at 14:13:27
In reply to Re: Lexapro dosage -- shequinn, posted by BobYuma on February 10, 2004, at 14:06:53
Hi,
In two days I'm supposed to bump my lex dose up to 20 mg. For about 2 weeks I've been taking 15 mg and it has made me SO tired, I can hardly keep my eyes open. I know it's different for everyone, but will increasing my dose again make me more sleepy? Thanks!
K.
Posted by LynneDa on February 10, 2004, at 14:35:10
In reply to Another question about increasing, posted by KathrynLex on February 10, 2004, at 14:13:27
Hi Kathryn - I increased to 20 mg from 10 mg about 6 weeks ago and I am much sleepier - but no other major s/e's! My doctor told me to take it at night & see if that helps. I've gradually changed my time later and later each day over the past week. I took it at 9pm last night and only felt sleepy til about 11am this morning. I'm going to back it up to 7pm. That seemed to work best a couple days ago. I was tired enough at night, but not too groggy through the morning.
I have to go out of town tomorrow and present at meetings starting at 6am EST (5am mine) and go til 5pm, then drive 2 hours to my next meeting site. I am very nervous about how alert I will be! But, being only at 6 weeks on the new dose, I'm hoping there's still a chance this s/e will go away eventually.
I'm very glad to hear your panic attacks are diminishing, but I understand the flat feeling - I'm used to being very emotional so it seems even more a departure from my normal comfort zone within my personality. That has gone away almost completely at this point and, as someone else reported, I actually cried the other day - not in a bad PMS-y way, but real tears for real reasons - I hadn't done that since I've been on Lex!
Good luck!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Hi,
>
> In two days I'm supposed to bump my lex dose up to 20 mg. For about 2 weeks I've been taking 15 mg and it has made me SO tired, I can hardly keep my eyes open. I know it's different for everyone, but will increasing my dose again make me more sleepy? Thanks!
>
> K.
Posted by ednababish on February 10, 2004, at 15:27:32
In reply to Re: Recovery and Release » ednababish, posted by sexylexy on February 9, 2004, at 11:16:11
Lexy-- I will apoplogize for the lemgth here and just say that we English types tend to be long-winded. I am at 15 mgs for about seven weeks now; I take 10 in the morning and 5 at night. I was depressed for many years, maybe all of them! I'm thirty eight and I don't remember ever feeling "normal." I have always been extremely sensitive, easily hurt, high strung, given to over-reacting and not very resiliant after disappointments. My first major depressive episode at fifteen that was situational--my brother and his wife moved in with us and the situation was volatile, my grades were slipping, I had broken up with my first boyfriend and my "best friend" went after him and slept with him the same night. My second was at 23--a similar shake-up plus a high progesterone BCP. Graduate school and its stresses and disappointments reinforced a low-grade tendency toward moderate depression. Additionally, I had panic attacks from the last year of my stay at graduate school off and on for three years. This reached a head a year after my husband and I married and in the months after we had just bought a house. We fought every day, I was unable to work on my dissertation, and I realized I felt like s*** every day. Nothing made me happy--I couldn't even think of a single thing that would make me happy. I have never been a a good sleeper, but I was unable to use the bathroom even, and I decided I needed to see a doctor (my internist). She put me on 20mgs of Celexa; we upped it to 40 four months later, then dropped it to thirty after my blood pressure bottomed out and I almost fainting in front of the college class I was teaching. I took this for about a year, finished my dissertation, went to Greece to celebrate and make a baby, dropped my dose to twenty and then to ten when I found out I was pregnant before discontinuing it completely.
I was okay pregnant--I laughed a lot toward the end and after I had the baby, but after about eight weeks I began having panic attacks again, to the point where I could barely drive. I could not sleep, and I became afraid to stay alone with the baby. My internist prescribed 20mgs of Celexa--which left me more anxious than without it, exacerbated the anxiety, and finally started to work, although I was still having a great deal of trouble driving--and which she insisted I keep taking. One of her associates switched me to PaxilCR for anxiety, which made me forgetful and dull but not necessarily any happier; plus it killed my sex drive to the point where I could not get aroused even, no matter how hard I tried. HE sent me to a pdoc when I complained who informed me that I was more depressed than I was letting on to myself who switched me lexapro and referred me to one of her therapists. Now, after eight months, I'm finally feeling better. How ofetn I find myself laughing is always my gauge for feeling better.
On a more personal level, I believe you told someone you are a graduate student and studying to be a councellor. Is this correct? Graduate school is horrible on the psyche--there are no two ways about it, it is just debilitatingly demoralizing from start to finish until you can escape through finishing and moving on. Perhaps there is a reason, too, why this has happened to you: perhaps God wanted you to know exactly where your depressed patients are coming from. When I'm not depressed I try to see a greater reason for some of the negative things that have and do happen--for example, I took so long tp finish my dissertation because I really needed to know that this is what I wanted to do with my life. I'm not trying to be flippant about your situation--because I've been there myself--and I feel for you. Good luck and I hope this information helps.
Edna Babish
Posted by LynneDa on February 10, 2004, at 16:11:38
In reply to Re: Recovery and Release, posted by ednababish on February 10, 2004, at 15:27:32
EB - I know your post was intended for Lexy, but I enjoyed reading it. All of our stories have such similarities and there is some odd comfort to that! I thought the same thing for Lexy - maybe this is happening to her so she'll be a more compassionate and understanding therapist. (Not that you wouldn't be already Lexy, I can tell you have a very kind & understanding heart!)
My husband just graduated with his MBA (at the age of 41) - he went full time. It was a rough program at a hard, private university. It was very demoralizing and debilitating to his psyche. He still hasn't fully recovered and although he knows he nose-dived into depression, he is resolute that he can get out of it himself!
Thanks again for your story and glad to hear the Lex has done the trick for you :-)
~ Lynne
Posted by Bill LL on February 10, 2004, at 16:13:20
In reply to Lexapro dosage, posted by shequinn on February 10, 2004, at 10:16:34
For me, the easiest way to cut a pill is with a disposable razor knife. The kind you would use for wallpaper cutting. Works well for me. I have not had much luck with commercial pill cutters.
I put the pill on a hard smooth surface such as the back of a hard plastic plate. I then first cut the pill in half. Then in quarters.
Posted by Bill LL on February 10, 2004, at 16:16:30
In reply to Another question about increasing, posted by KathrynLex on February 10, 2004, at 14:13:27
Based on my experience, I think that at first it will make you more energetic. But then after a while, it could make you tired again.
Wellbutrin helps me with that problem. I can only take one 100 mg pill per day or else I get too jittery.
Posted by LynneDa on February 10, 2004, at 16:22:28
In reply to Re: Another question about increasing, posted by Bill LL on February 10, 2004, at 16:16:30
Bill - did you have any other side effects when starting Wellbutrin or did you start it together with the Lex? I'm worried about having s/e's again if I go that route. Thanks!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Based on my experience, I think that at first it will make you more energetic. But then after a while, it could make you tired again.
>
> Wellbutrin helps me with that problem. I can only take one 100 mg pill per day or else I get too jittery.
Posted by bill-bob on February 10, 2004, at 19:57:29
In reply to Another question about increasing, posted by KathrynLex on February 10, 2004, at 14:13:27
K-
I don't know if this is relevant but I've noticed that while I've been on Lexapro I'm much more sensitive to any sleep deprivation. If I don't get enough sleep these days I am less able to concentrate and more sleepy, especially during boring meetings at work.
So I try to get a good nights sleep these days (not always successful), and when I do I notice that I'm not sleepy during the day and overall I feel pretty good.
Hope this helps.
B-B
Posted by sexylexy on February 11, 2004, at 11:53:52
In reply to Re: Another question about increasing, posted by bill-bob on February 10, 2004, at 19:57:29
Hey Ya'll
Again I come to you for support. I have recieved such wonderful support in the past and truly believe it has helpped me to feel much better.
As I said last week I believe the lexapro is begining to kick in. I am in and out of lexapro purgatory but derfinitley feeling much stronger and glad I have stuck it out.
However, for the last few days, I have felt a little spacey , not like when I was first on lexapro and living in a fog, but more unfocused and uncaring. I have found myself not as dedicated to listening to my clients and my thinkng about solutions to their problems not as sharp. Putting off paper work because I just don't feel like doing it. I guess a good way of putting it is that I am feeling mentally less sharp and lazy.
Have you all experienced this kinda lacadaisacial feelings and do they go away, does the sharpness return, I am I still in my lexapro purgatory and beinging to come out into the sunshine again? I would love some experiences por favor!
Thanks and God Bless,
Lexy
Posted by sexylexy on February 11, 2004, at 11:59:31
In reply to Re: Another question about increasing, posted by bill-bob on February 10, 2004, at 19:57:29
Hey Ya'll
I did want to say how intersting it is that you all picked up on me being a thereapist on lexapro and how my experience of depression/anxiety has helpped.
Although the feelings and thoughts I had while deeply anxious which was feeding into depression were horrible, I would not wish them on my worst enemny. I do feel it has allowed me to understand my clients 100% better. I am able to talk to them about what psycologically and physically is going on with them and understand excatly what they are talking about.
I am very open and honest about my own depression/anxiety as well as taking a medication to combat this. I believe that the relationship with my clients has vastly improved now that I can really understand where they are coming from.
I do believe that God has chosen this profession for me and maybe gave me this experience to be both a better person and therapist. Anyway thats just my two cents!
Good day!
Lexy
Posted by lsk on February 11, 2004, at 12:11:48
In reply to Re: Another question about increasing » KathrynLex, posted by LynneDa on February 10, 2004, at 14:35:10
> Hi, I had the same tiredness with lex but liked that I didn't feel like I was pmsing all the tines and snapping off at people. I aked the doc to up my mg because I had felt so good the first couple of weeks then went to the tired feeling. He added Wellbutrin instead and that has really helped alot. Only been on lex for 6 weeks and
1 1/2 of that with the Wellbutrin. I hope I can continue with the combo with out any trouble...I feel like 1000 pounds has been lifted off my shoulders!!
Hi Kathryn - I increased to 20 mg from 10 mg about 6 weeks ago and I am much sleepier - but no other major s/e's! My doctor told me to take it at night & see if that helps. I've gradually changed my time later and later each day over the past week. I took it at 9pm last night and only felt sleepy til about 11am this morning. I'm going to back it up to 7pm. That seemed to work best a couple days ago. I was tired enough at night, but not too groggy through the morning.
>
> I have to go out of town tomorrow and present at meetings starting at 6am EST (5am mine) and go til 5pm, then drive 2 hours to my next meeting site. I am very nervous about how alert I will be! But, being only at 6 weeks on the new dose, I'm hoping there's still a chance this s/e will go away eventually.
>
> I'm very glad to hear your panic attacks are diminishing, but I understand the flat feeling - I'm used to being very emotional so it seems even more a departure from my normal comfort zone within my personality. That has gone away almost completely at this point and, as someone else reported, I actually cried the other day - not in a bad PMS-y way, but real tears for real reasons - I hadn't done that since I've been on Lex!
>
> Good luck!
> ~ Lynne
> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>
>
>
> Hi,
> >
> > In two days I'm supposed to bump my lex dose up to 20 mg. For about 2 weeks I've been taking 15 mg and it has made me SO tired, I can hardly keep my eyes open. I know it's different for everyone, but will increasing my dose again make me more sleepy? Thanks!
> >
> > K.
>
>
Posted by kellieann7 on February 11, 2004, at 14:23:50
In reply to lexapro support and a ?, posted by sexylexy on February 11, 2004, at 11:53:52
Lexy,
For me, I know that I have good days and bad days on Lex. I have decided I can control how Lex affects me, or, at least, I can control how I respond to how Lex affects me. There were so many days in the beginning when I would beg myself, "Just take a 10 minute nap, you'll feel so much better." I would sleep for hours! My body wasn't tired. I decided this was the medication. My solution was to stop coming home for lunch. This site has helped me tremendously because reading about the s/e, etc reminds me that I am putting a chemical(??) in my body.
Maybe this is the wrong way to look at it, because this makes me dependant on the medication, but I do look at my depression as an chemical imbalance that gets worse depending on triggers, like my allergies. I know that if I lay in the grass or play with cats I will be miserable tomorrow if I don't take my Allegra. Well, Lexapro is my Allegra for my depression. I am allergic to PMS, money problems, work stress, and most of all, wanting to get pregnant. Some people can play outside all day and don't get itchy eyes, etc., but I can't. So, I prevent it by taking the meds.On topic, sometimes I do get the "brain fog" and I literally shake my head to clear it. I don't know if it works, and it looks silly at work, but it helps me.
Posted by Bill LL on February 11, 2004, at 14:32:38
In reply to Re: Another question about increasing » Bill LL, posted by LynneDa on February 10, 2004, at 16:22:28
Lynn- I had been on lex for over a year when I started Wellbutrin 2 months a go. The jitteriness was the only side effect that I had (I shouldn't say "only" because it feels pretty bad). But when I cut down to one pill, I was fine. It didn't interfere with my sleep.
On the plus side, it reduced my depression and allowed me to lower the lex from 30 mg to 20 mg. It also helps me to concentrate.
> Lynn - did you have any other side effects when starting Wellbutrin or did you start it together with the Lex? I'm worried about having s/e's again if I go that route. Thanks!
> ~ Lynne
> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>
>
> Based on my experience, I think that at first it will make you more energetic. But then after a while, it could make you tired again.
> >
> > Wellbutrin helps me with that problem. I can only take one 100 mg pill per day or else I get too jittery.
>
>
Posted by sexylexy on February 11, 2004, at 15:22:04
In reply to Re: lexapro support and a ? » sexylexy, posted by kellieann7 on February 11, 2004, at 14:23:50
kelliann,
how long have you been on lex and what mg?
thanks
lexy
Posted by KathrynLex on February 11, 2004, at 18:38:13
In reply to Re: lexapro support and a ? » kellieann7, posted by sexylexy on February 11, 2004, at 15:22:04
Hi,
I spoke with my pdoc this afternoon. He said it would be fine if I wanted to stay at 15 mg instead of increasing to 20 mg. I feel pretty comfortable at this dose...I'm a little tired and a little out of it, other than that things seem to be okay. Has anyone had success with taking 15 mg?
K.
Posted by ednababish on February 11, 2004, at 18:57:44
In reply to Staying at 15 mg, posted by KathrynLex on February 11, 2004, at 18:38:13
K--my p-doctor said the same thing, but I'm not any more tired or any more out of it than usual. I have fibromyalgia and am going through a fog phase right now, and I'm actually have less trouble coping and staying on top of things than I had been without lexapro. I am at nine weeks right now, and I am feeling better than ever. Personally, I think it takes a lot longer than the docyors say it will for you to reach maximum benefits. Good luck!
Edna Babish
Posted by kellieann7 on February 11, 2004, at 22:28:47
In reply to Re: lexapro support and a ? » kellieann7, posted by sexylexy on February 11, 2004, at 15:22:04
Lexy,
I started on 10 mgs the 1st of December, and increased to 20 mgs two weeks later. This is my first time on A/Ds, so I don't know if this is a normal progression or not. DH started taking Paxil last May, and was on 25 mgs for about 6 months for anxiety/IBS. His doc reduced him to 12.5, and he should be going off by May, I believe. His symptoms are stress-induced, and were related to our pets. I don't want my doc to take me off Lexapro now, I like feeling happy!If this doesn't bore you, I'd like to share a little of my story. If it does, please ignore the rest of this post :-)
I have a family history of depression through both parents, although neither have received treatment for it. I struggled through puberty, although my "moodiness" was attributed to my parents divorce, as well as hormones. I was generally bubbly and happy in high school, but was also very melodramatic about boys, etc. Also, I had an extremely nervous stomach, and every morning on the way to school my freshman year, I threw up. YUCK!
Anyway, as I got older, I found I had to fake my perkiness more often. My high school friends went away to college and I stayed at the local CC. I met DH my first year, and five years later we married. I have felt myself slipping away little by little since I was 17. I started college, moved away from home, graduated, started my first "real job", moved again, got married, and bought my first house. Two weeks before I got married I lost one grandmother, and six months later, I lost the other. Some emotional/stressful situation has come up every year since high school. Last year nothing happened. My husband and I decided to start trying for a baby. Six months later, I was taking pregnancy tests a week before my period, and if I happened to be late (my cycles are unpredictable), I could convince myself that I was pregnant. Every time I started, it felt as though I lost the pregnancy. I couldn't stand to sit at my desk at work, and made excuses to skip out. The laundry and dishes began stacking up, and I started to freak out about social situations. One of our pets died, and 10 days later, we knew we had to put the other one down. I went into my nurse practitioner to ask for meds, because I was crying constantly. I honestly had no idea that I had been sinking into this depression for years. I had no thoughts of suicide, I just wanted to sleep. Now with Lex, I remember how it felt to enjoy my life, not just go through the motions daily. I think I am feeling everything more honestly, more legitimately, now. I still mourn my grandmothers, my pets. I still get mad when my husband leaves his shoes in the middle of the room. I feel sexier than I have in a LONG time! Everything I do feels REAL again.
Posted by EZ on February 12, 2004, at 22:36:28
In reply to Re: Lexapro and Wellbutrin SR » Leo Bostar, posted by EGR on February 10, 2003, at 21:19:25
My problem is this...
I was taking 20 mgs. of lexapro daily because 10 didn't work well enough. However, my sex drive and function was even worse on 20. My p.doc gave me 150 mg. wellbutrin to take with it. still the libido, rigidity or erections and ability to ejaculate in less than 3 hours (smirk) did not improve. The doc lowered my lex. dose down to 10 along w/ the 150 wellbutrin but now my heart races at night, I feel more anxious (not a good thing as I went on lex to begin with because of anxiety/panic) and can't sleep.
What should I do? Should I ask for Remeron to take w/ the lex? Is this even appropriate? Or, should I go off lex completely and try a totally different route? I'm confused.
Posted by Mariposa on February 13, 2004, at 11:04:00
In reply to Re: Lexapro and Wellbutrin SR » EGR, posted by EZ on February 12, 2004, at 22:36:28
Have been on Lex 1 year and recently have noticed a DISTURBING side effect. My thyroid seems to be swollen, I was looking in the mirror and thought my neck look rather strange, like I have a BIG adams apple. I don't feel bad, and the only other effect seems to be an increase in sleep apnea. Anyone have any suggestions or comments?? I am due to re-visit pdoc soon and will deffinitely bring this up, but in the mean time, would like to hear from anyone w/input. ~~~8|8
Posted by KathrynLex on February 13, 2004, at 15:54:31
In reply to Re: Lexapro and Thyroid Problems, posted by Mariposa on February 13, 2004, at 11:04:00
Hi Mariposa,
I'm sorry to hear about the swelling. How long has it been that way? Could it be possible that you had an allergic reaction to something that caused your thyroid to swell? Keep an eye on it...if it gets bigger call your doc. My guess is that it will go away in a few days.
K.
Posted by tmhwrite on February 13, 2004, at 18:07:37
In reply to Re: Lexapro and Thyroid Problems, posted by KathrynLex on February 13, 2004, at 15:54:31
I tried to get back on Zoloft recently but had a very bad reaction, severe nausea, shakiness, overall sick feeling to the point I couldn't get out of bed, so the doc switched me to Lexapro. Has anyone had that same reaction on Lexapro? I'm supposed to take my first dose tonight, but I'm a little scared of having the same reaction. Thanks!
Posted by mrs c on February 13, 2004, at 21:40:54
In reply to A Therapist on Lexapro, posted by sexylexy on February 11, 2004, at 11:59:31
You sound like a wonderful and compassionate therapist Lexy. Your clients are lucky to have you and so are we. I just began my college career at age 38 and I am very interested in counseling. I think that I would like school counseling or substance abuse counseling. We'll see, whatever I decide it's a long way off. Bye for now. Mrs. C
Posted by mrs c on February 13, 2004, at 21:46:15
In reply to Re: LONG lexapro support and a ? » sexylexy, posted by kellieann7 on February 11, 2004, at 22:28:47
Kelliann, Thanks so much for sharing your story with us! You will find that this board is a great forum for getting your feelings validated. One or more of us has probably felt the way you do at one time or another. Mrs. C
Posted by nottoosoupy on February 13, 2004, at 23:09:55
In reply to Re: Lexapro and Thyroid Problems, posted by Mariposa on February 13, 2004, at 11:04:00
I highly suggest you see your general doc about this. It could be a goiter. I know that sounds awful but they are not always and usually are fixable. For sure, go get it checked out, the thyroid is SO important to our bodies.
> Have been on Lex 1 year and recently have noticed a DISTURBING side effect. My thyroid seems to be swollen, I was looking in the mirror and thought my neck look rather strange, like I have a BIG adams apple. I don't feel bad, and the only other effect seems to be an increase in sleep apnea. Anyone have any suggestions or comments?? I am due to re-visit pdoc soon and will deffinitely bring this up, but in the mean time, would like to hear from anyone w/input. ~~~8|8
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