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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Nemo2 on February 13, 2004, at 23:41:41
In reply to Re: LONG lexapro support and a ? » sexylexy, posted by kellieann7 on February 11, 2004, at 22:28:47
Hi Kelliann,
I thank you for your story. It helped me confirm what I've been suspecting and finally believing over the short 5 weeks I've been on Lex, my first ever AD. I've been living with a level of anxiety most of my life that has made many things a struggle. The last 5 years have seen that anxiety increase and the last 2 years have seen me lose my "happy" self into a state of genuine clinical Depression. Lex has broken that chain where NOTHING else could. I'm seeing a new perspective on so many things now. I'm hopeful and confident where only a few weeks ago I was fearful and convinced I might be better off dead. I've had stomach troubles for 20 years and it has gotten terribly bad in that last 2 years. Severe and chronic gastritis. I'm seeing improvement with that, too. There is much more to say, but let me conclude by telling you I appreciate your thoughts and they've made me even more calm and happy about my future. I'm me again, as I've heard so often from other Lex users on this site. Nemo2
Posted by Zena on February 14, 2004, at 9:33:55
In reply to Re: Lexapro and Wellbutrin SR » EGR, posted by EZ on February 12, 2004, at 22:36:28
> 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.Hi EGR,
When do you take you lexapro? I am currently on 10mg. & my Dr. told me to take it in the morning. I also take 15mg remeron at bedtime. This is my second week on lex but so far this combo seems to be working. Also taking klonopin when needed.
Zena
Posted by vandy on February 14, 2004, at 10:32:14
In reply to Re: LONG lexapro support and a ? » sexylexy, posted by kellieann7 on February 11, 2004, at 22:28:47
You ARE sexy! There's something incredibly exciting about honest sharing of feelings!
> 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 Journeyman on February 14, 2004, at 22:34:39
In reply to Re: A Therapist on Lexapro, posted by mrs c on February 13, 2004, at 21:40:54
Dear All,
As we know, depression can sometimes hinder us from seeing the bigger picture. It's easy to forget that the struggle, the weight, the darkness of the moment is not something we've always felt and always will feel.
With that in mind, I hold out hope to you. I've been on Lexapro for eleven weeks. As of my therapy session on Tuesday, my therapist declared me 'no longer depressed.' She's right. I feel so much better, it's very encouraging. I'm planning to stay on Lex for about a year. I've also been exercising a lot lately, expanding and cultivating my circle of friends, and eating much better. Have reversed months of weight gain (29 pounds) and lost 8 pounds in the last three weeks.
Take good care of yourself. It's not always easy when you're depressed, but it makes an enormous difference in how you feel. Don't wait until you feel better to do it, it's how you're going to feel better. The benefits are so worth it.
Courage, and peace, to all.
Journeyman
Posted by mrs c on February 16, 2004, at 14:38:14
In reply to Hope in the Works, posted by Journeyman on February 14, 2004, at 22:34:39
Richard, So glad to hear that you are doing better. What a difference eleven weeks can make. You have been such a great supportive voice to me throughout my daily struggles and I hope you continue to visit this board!
To everyone,
I feel that my struggle is not yet over. Recently some of those old creepy feelings that things aren't right are coming back into my days. I can't really pin-point what is wrong, I just feel uneasy and worried. I may be at the point where I need to up my dosage a little bit. I have been at 10mg for 4 months now. Just these past few weeks the bad thoughts have been trying to come back more and more. This is so hard for me to admit but I know that I am safe with all of you. I'm so afraid that I will come to the point where I was in the beginning which was constantly dreading the day because of my fear of serious illness. Every little syptom I would have I would run to my medical book or the internet and obsess constantly about what illness I could have. Sleep was my only escape from my thoughts. Irrational, yes, totally, but so real to me when it takes over! I see my doc March 3rd and will wait until then to see if this passes or if I may need more help. I also plan to consult a therapist like so many of you do. I really believe that I need the extra help with my coping skills to try and change my way of dealing with these thoughts. Any advice that any of you can give will be so greatly appreciated. You all have been so comforting to me over these past months and I continue to rely on you. Bye for now. Mrs. C
Posted by LynneDa on February 16, 2004, at 14:53:32
In reply to Re: Hope in the Works, posted by mrs c on February 16, 2004, at 14:38:14
Hi Mrs. C. -
I'm at about 4 months too and I had a huge backsliding event last Friday night, precipitated by a couple of days of my old obsessive bad feelings creeping in. So . . . you are not alone!When those creepy feelings come back, are you able to set them aside after a shorter time than before and move on with your day? If so, then you are getting better! It's an uphill climb to change thought patterns, whether thru medication or therapy, and I assume we'll all have some backsliding from time to time. I would highly recommend therapy. I am about ready to get back into it myself and I'm sort of dreading it, but I know I am strong enough now to deal with some of my uglies!
Good luck and try not to get discouraged!!!!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Richard, So glad to hear that you are doing better. What a difference eleven weeks can make. You have been such a great supportive voice to me throughout my daily struggles and I hope you continue to visit this board!
>
> To everyone,
> I feel that my struggle is not yet over. Recently some of those old creepy feelings that things aren't right are coming back into my days. I can't really pin-point what is wrong, I just feel uneasy and worried. I may be at the point where I need to up my dosage a little bit. I have been at 10mg for 4 months now. Just these past few weeks the bad thoughts have been trying to come back more and more. This is so hard for me to admit but I know that I am safe with all of you. I'm so afraid that I will come to the point where I was in the beginning which was constantly dreading the day because of my fear of serious illness. Every little syptom I would have I would run to my medical book or the internet and obsess constantly about what illness I could have. Sleep was my only escape from my thoughts. Irrational, yes, totally, but so real to me when it takes over! I see my doc March 3rd and will wait until then to see if this passes or if I may need more help. I also plan to consult a therapist like so many of you do. I really believe that I need the extra help with my coping skills to try and change my way of dealing with these thoughts. Any advice that any of you can give will be so greatly appreciated. You all have been so comforting to me over these past months and I continue to rely on you. Bye for now. Mrs. C
Posted by shequinn on February 16, 2004, at 15:03:24
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
My husband has TMJ, which is made worse when he grinds his teeth at night. Unfortunately, the Lexapro has made him grind his teeth far more, and his jaw won't stop popping. It's pretty painful! Does anyone have any experience with this, or suggestions on how to make it stop?
Posted by TexasChic on February 16, 2004, at 16:30:29
In reply to Lexapro and tooth-grinding, posted by shequinn on February 16, 2004, at 15:03:24
> My husband has TMJ, which is made worse when he grinds his teeth at night. Unfortunately, the Lexapro has made him grind his teeth far more, and his jaw won't stop popping. It's pretty painful! Does anyone have any experience with this, or suggestions on how to make it stop?
I grind my teeth at night also. For a long time I took Soma which is a mild muscle relaxer (unsure of the dosage) and it helped alot for quite a while. But I eventually built up a tolerance, and now I'm in the same boat with the night as well as day grinding.
As for my TMJ, I ended up having jaw surgery and braces to align my bite, and TMJ surgery to attach the discs where they can't come out of place again (this causes the popping), and it worked wonders! I still grind my teeth and it still causes pain, but no where near as intense. But the main thing is no more popping (which hurt too) or having my jaw lock up! I had hoped that fixing my bite would help with the grinding (a misaligned bite can cause you to grind your teeth) but apparently I do it out of stress. From what I've read up on the subject, there's not much to do about it if its stress induced except relaxation techniques before bed, exercise (to burn off excess energy), and muscle relaxers.
Also, Lexapro caused some anxiety for me for several weeks when I first started taking it, so if your husband hasn't been on it long, those symptoms should dissipate and at least maybe it won't be aggravating the situation as much.
Hope this helps. Good luck!
Posted by KathrynLex on February 16, 2004, at 17:11:25
In reply to Hope in the Works, posted by Journeyman on February 14, 2004, at 22:34:39
Hi Richard,
Your advice on this board has been quite an inspiration. I've been on Lexapro for about 8 weeks now and like you I find myself exercising more (just ran 1 1/2 miles this afternoon - I'm planning on doing a 5K in a few months) and eating well.
I'm very pleased to hear that your therapist has diagnosed you as a happy, healthy person. It's wonderful that Lexapro has helped you along this rough patch in your life. There will be more trials along the way...but you're stronger now because of having let go of your depression. This will serve very well when you face future difficulties.
Best of luck with the rest of your journey.
K.
Posted by sexylexy on February 16, 2004, at 17:13:20
In reply to Re: Lexapro and tooth-grinding, posted by TexasChic on February 16, 2004, at 16:30:29
Hey Ya'll
I have been on 10 mg of lexapro for what is about day 2 of week 8. I am really doing a lot better, glad to be alive but not really excited about living, still lacking confidence and my when I get sad, I am still getting pretty sad.
On the up side, I do feel much better than I did when I first started, not yelling irrationally, not getting hyper-sensitive to every little thing. I am also now able to much more enjoy my relationship with my boyfriend.
I am just ready to be genuinely happy and feel content and confident. I am wondering if I should wait it out, my plan was 10 weeks before upping but at this rate I am getting impaitent.
So my advice I need is 1. will the 10mg continue to help me improve, 2. Should I increase to 15 or 20. I really do not want to increase, but I want to feel normal again. I also wonder if I should get back into therapy. I had a therapist, who I thought was not very capable. PLEASE give me advice!
Happy Valentines to all
Lexy
Posted by sexylexy on February 16, 2004, at 17:17:46
In reply to Re: LONG lexapro support and a ?, posted by mrs c on February 13, 2004, at 21:46:15
Mrs C.
Just wanted to write a word of support. I hope all is getting better for you. Do you think this is one of those PMS things. I remember about this time last months you were having the same feelings and then they "passed". Hopefully this is one of those things but if not maybe you should up to dose.
How has your diet been. Have you been drinking more alcohol lately? Eating worse, not excercising. These things can contribute as well as weather, is it cold and gray where you are? All these can make you icky. Good luck know you are in my prayers.
Lexy
Posted by LynneDa on February 16, 2004, at 17:18:16
In reply to Hope in the Works, posted by Journeyman on February 14, 2004, at 22:34:39
What a nice Valentine, to hear of your positive outlook and ability to be declared "cured"! It's really inspiring to know that Lex has worked for you and has aided you in making so many positive changes in your life!
I am at a scary point because I am feeling the depression and anxiety lifting, but still have my other problems to deal with. It's like peeling back the layers of an onion. The outer hard layer is almost gone (the hormonally induced stuff), but now I have the inner layers to peel back - the behavioral, decision-making, confrontational side . . . the work I've been putting off for the past year or so! I guess it's step by step and day by day. I can't hope to fix everything in one fell swoop.
What a journey this is! Thanks for all you're support and even though you're feeling better, I hope you'll still check in on us :-)
~ Lynne
Posted by sexylexy on February 16, 2004, at 17:20:19
In reply to Mrs C, posted by sexylexy on February 16, 2004, at 17:17:46
K~
How are you? I am wondering how 15mg is treating you. I am thinking of giving it another week then moving up that way. Let me know what you think and the differences. Thanks a ton, Happy Valentines,
Lexy
Posted by sexylexy on February 16, 2004, at 17:24:07
In reply to Mrs C, posted by sexylexy on February 16, 2004, at 17:17:46
Edna~
Hi, you have been such a great help to me on this site. I am hoping you will tell me how many mg. you are on. I believe you are on 15 but I am not sure. I am on 10 and its been two days into week 8. I am feeling OK and have really seen some improvements but am still not feeling truly happy or really excited to be alive (like I was back this summer before taking the damn bc pill). I am wondering if I should wait it out on 10mg or move it on up to 15. Thanks for any advice.
Lexy
Posted by LynneDa on February 16, 2004, at 17:26:00
In reply to possible increase, need advice, posted by sexylexy on February 16, 2004, at 17:13:20
Hi Lexy -
I think the therapist idea is a good one. He/she can help you figure out if you need to up your dosage. It was very hard for me to figure it out on my own and would have been nice to have an objective party who knows my situation giving me their advice about it.When I upped from 10 to 20, it wasn't bad at all, so don't be afraid of it from that perspective. But, I don't feel "normal" yet. I am much better however. I think it takes longer for some to get happy again. Sometimes it takes acceptance of the "dark side" that depression exposes you to. There were a lot of things that have sort of blown my rose-colored glasses off my face in the past few years and those are the things I think I need to deal with in therapy before I'll feel much better.
I've given in today and called my doctor for sleeping pills. I haven't slept a decent night since I started Lex last October. As much as I hate taking a second drug, nothing else has worked!
Start doing a search for a good therapist. I think it will help you in many ways!!
~ Lynne
Posted by sexylexy on February 16, 2004, at 17:50:49
In reply to Re: possible increase, need advice, posted by LynneDa on February 16, 2004, at 17:26:00
LynneDa,
Hi. I wanted to thank your for your support. I wanted to also say how correct I think you are about having the rose colored glasses blown off your face.
Until I took the birth control pill, I thought I was immune to depression. I had been though 4 big "life changing events" which could have easily brought on depression but did not, just made me stronger.
Before this depression/anxiety got me, I was really getting to the point where I was truly confident in myself and becoming happy for the way I was.
God works in mysterious ways and has brought this to me for a reason. I am trying learn from it and trying to keep a smile but sometimes its not so easy.
I believe I will find a therapist to deal with my new vison though non rose colored glasses.
Thanks for the insight, your in my prayers
Lexy
Posted by BobYuma on February 16, 2004, at 18:55:30
In reply to Re: possible increase, need advice, posted by LynneDa on February 16, 2004, at 17:26:00
> > > I've given in today and called my doctor for sleeping pills. I haven't slept a decent night since I started Lex last October. As much as I hate taking a second drug, nothing else has worked .....
> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >Hi, Lynne.
Not to sound like a "know-it-all" - but - I believe you're very wise in opting to finally taking something to help you sleep. Lack of sleep leads to stress, and we all know that stress is a precursor to the big, bad "D" word ... Depression.
I'll bet that a few nights of "good sleep" is going to make you feel a lot better, and if you haven't had a decent night's sleep since October, you might even be surprised at just how much difference it makes.
Anyway, I hope it helps -- a lot.By the way, Lynne, I just want to say how much your messages mean to all of us who read the board.
Take care, BobYuma
Posted by ednababish on February 16, 2004, at 19:09:01
In reply to edna babish, posted by sexylexy on February 16, 2004, at 17:24:07
Lexy,
I am at fifteen, although my doctor alluded to the idea that I should take twenty--although she said that she wasn't going to insist because there was clearly visible improvement. I told her that I wanted to wait until the end of February begining of March to decide. I don't think it works as fast as they say it will--as I've said before, I took 30mgs of Celexa my first go around with ADs and the panic reaction finally went away after six months on Celexa (three at twenty, three weeks at forty, and two and half months at thirty). I believe that it can take up to four months to reach maximum effectiveness; however, I also believe that if you think you need more, you generally do. Good luck and God bless--I'm really pulling for you!
Edna
Posted by ednababish on February 16, 2004, at 19:20:41
In reply to Re: Hope in the Works » Journeyman, posted by LynneDa on February 16, 2004, at 17:18:16
The layers of an onion is a great metaphor for how lexapro works on depression--a hard outer layer peeled back, making the work of peeling each layer off more easily. I think it would be good to remember this when we all feel a little discouraged. Thank you Lynne!
Edna Babish
Posted by tmhwrite on February 16, 2004, at 20:19:57
In reply to A Good Metaphor » LynneDa, posted by ednababish on February 16, 2004, at 19:20:41
My prior message didn't show up! I was just commenting that I'm still very sick to my stomach, but the doctor thinks it's related to stress not the Lexapro. He's also ordered hospital tests (upper GI, stomach sonogram) but added Clonazepam to the mix to help with the stress because he's really convinced that's what it is. Anyone had any experience with Clonazepam they would be willing to share?
Also, I want to say that I appreciate all the above comments. Makes me feel like I'm not so alone in this struggle and that there is hope. Thank-you!
Posted by funnybunny on February 16, 2004, at 21:42:42
In reply to Re: Has anyone here switched from Effexor to Lexapro? » SFgirl, posted by simus on February 6, 2004, at 1:06:27
hi im new to the board. it seems like a lot of you have had good results with lexapro. i was on 75mg daily of effexor it seemed to work at first but after a year and half it didnt. so my doc gave me samples of lexapro i asked him if i needed to wean off the effexor first he said no not with that low of a dose. so yesterday i took my first pill of lex i felt great! today i dont feel so good. i have been having brain shocks off and on and felt tired and kinda sick like the flu. i was just wondering if anyone out there has switched and felt like this and if it will get better. thanks and god bless you all
Posted by sexylexy on February 16, 2004, at 22:05:34
In reply to Has anyone here switched from Effexor to Lexapro?, posted by funnybunny on February 16, 2004, at 21:42:42
Hi ~
I have never taken Effexor but the "brain shocks" sound like what others have gone though with effexor, you should never just stop one of these drugs no matter what the doc. say.
As to the flu, it could be either be the "lexapro flu" which should go away within a few days or again withdrawls.
You should tapper off the effexor and gradually start the lexapro then when you are off the efx then go up to your dose of lex.
Good luck and God bless
Lexy
Posted by Simus on February 16, 2004, at 22:16:51
In reply to Has anyone here switched from Effexor to Lexapro?, posted by funnybunny on February 16, 2004, at 21:42:42
> hi im new to the board. it seems like a lot of you have had good results with lexapro. i was on 75mg daily of effexor it seemed to work at first but after a year and half it didnt. so my doc gave me samples of lexapro i asked him if i needed to wean off the effexor first he said no not with that low of a dose. so yesterday i took my first pill of lex i felt great! today i dont feel so good. i have been having brain shocks off and on and felt tired and kinda sick like the flu. i was just wondering if anyone out there has switched and felt like this and if it will get better. thanks and god bless you all
My doctor also said that I would have no problem going off Effexor - that is easy to say for someone who has never done it. Your symptoms definitely sound like Effexor withdrawal - not Lexapro side effects. You should try 37.5mg Effexor for at least a couple of weeks along with the Lexapro. Don't give up on Lexapro yet. Good luck!
Posted by vandy on February 16, 2004, at 22:30:13
In reply to possible increase, need advice, posted by sexylexy on February 16, 2004, at 17:13:20
Congratulations on your progress. It's early yet. More is coming and probably on 10 mg. If you're asking about resuming therapy my guess is you know the answer already. I'd buy a new rent-a-friend, however. Why go see someone who doesn't know you as well as we do. Find someone who cares and has a little empathy.
Getting better is going to continue and the more you do to help it the faster you'll be the real you!
> Hey Ya'll
> I have been on 10 mg of lexapro for what is about day 2 of week 8. I am really doing a lot better, glad to be alive but not really excited about living, still lacking confidence and my when I get sad, I am still getting pretty sad.
> On the up side, I do feel much better than I did when I first started, not yelling irrationally, not getting hyper-sensitive to every little thing. I am also now able to much more enjoy my relationship with my boyfriend.
> I am just ready to be genuinely happy and feel content and confident. I am wondering if I should wait it out, my plan was 10 weeks before upping but at this rate I am getting impaitent.
> So my advice I need is 1. will the 10mg continue to help me improve, 2. Should I increase to 15 or 20. I really do not want to increase, but I want to feel normal again. I also wonder if I should get back into therapy. I had a therapist, who I thought was not very capable. PLEASE give me advice!
> Happy Valentines to all
> Lexy
Posted by kellieann7 on February 17, 2004, at 0:57:07
In reply to Re: LONG lexapro support and a ?, posted by mrs c on February 13, 2004, at 21:46:15
Thanks for the lovely welcome and support! Finding this board has already been great for me, it helps to know that I am not alone!
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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