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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by KathrynLex on February 24, 2004, at 11:03:25
In reply to 1st week on Lex, posted by marfaith on February 24, 2004, at 10:03:35
Hi Mary,
I take lexapro for anxiety and depression. It worked much faster on my depression that it did on my anxiety. I started at 10 mg and had to increase to 15 mg after about six weeks because I was still having mild panic attacks.
If your anxiety is severe enought that it's causing you great discomfort on a daily basis I would suggest talking to your psychiatrist about taking a benzo on an as needed basis. I recommend this to a lot of people because they can really work wonders for intense anxiety or panic attacks. Ones to try: Xanax, Klonopin and Lorazepam.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the first 2 weeks or so, Lexapro can actually increase your anxiety. I'm not sure why or how it does that but a lot of people have reported an increase in anxiety during the first couple of weeks that they take Lexapro.
Having been where you're at, I can assure you that it does get better. It gets much better. Hang in there and you'll start to feel a gradual reduction in your anxiety until one day you wake up and realize it's gone.
K.
Posted by KathrynLex on February 24, 2004, at 11:06:10
In reply to Re: lex and confidence, posted by mrs c on February 23, 2004, at 19:18:36
Hi Mrs. C,
I'm glad my post helped. I really hope that you start to feel better soon. Let me know if you decide to increase.
K.
Posted by TexCuz on February 24, 2004, at 11:56:34
In reply to Re: Feeling Flat on Lexapro » linnie, posted by TexCuz on February 23, 2004, at 11:56:02
After 3 yrs on various SSRI's for anxiety & depression, my doctor has rediagnosed me as mild bipolar and says the SSRI's were making it worse.
I am on day 7 of 200mg x 2 of Carbatrol. However, the withdrawal symptoms from SSRI's and
"start-up" symptoms of Carbatrol are almost identical so I am all screwed up. Sweating, anxiety, insomnia, dizziness, headaches, instability, crying jags, etc. I also take Klonopin and Neurontin, so I'm on a whole handful of anti-seizure medications. Anyone else in the same rocky boat? Is it worth waiting it out?
Posted by marfaith on February 24, 2004, at 12:52:20
In reply to Re: 1st week on Lex, posted by KathrynLex on February 24, 2004, at 11:03:25
> Hi Mary,
>
> I take lexapro for anxiety and depression. It worked much faster on my depression that it did on my anxiety. I started at 10 mg and had to increase to 15 mg after about six weeks because I was still having mild panic attacks.
>
> If your anxiety is severe enought that it's causing you great discomfort on a daily basis I would suggest talking to your psychiatrist about taking a benzo on an as needed basis. I recommend this to a lot of people because they can really work wonders for intense anxiety or panic attacks. Ones to try: Xanax, Klonopin and Lorazepam.
>
> Another thing to keep in mind is that the first 2 weeks or so, Lexapro can actually increase your anxiety. I'm not sure why or how it does that but a lot of people have reported an increase in anxiety during the first couple of weeks that they take Lexapro.
>
> Having been where you're at, I can assure you that it does get better. It gets much better. Hang in there and you'll start to feel a gradual reduction in your anxiety until one day you wake up and realize it's gone.
>
> K.Hi K
I do have Xanax. I have taken that for quite some time. Not on a continuing basis, but as needed. I take it to help me sleep or else I will be wide awake at 2:00 am and won't be able to fall back asleep for a couple of hours. The kind of panic attacks I get are when I first start to fall asleep. It's like I have to force myself to wake up or else I am going to die. I don't get them all the time. I hate those! I have noticed that I have been feeling a little jittery this week. My problem is that I can't enjoy anything good that is going on in my life because I am afraid something bad is going to happen. As if my worrying will prevent it from happening. Does that make any sense? That's what I mean when I say that I have this feeling of dread hanging over me. Thanks for responding. Mary
Posted by Cathrina on February 24, 2004, at 16:50:32
In reply to Re: lex and a female question, posted by mrs c on February 22, 2004, at 21:07:16
Have been on lexapro for almost 4 months now... a little fatigue now and then but no major side effects... so I thought. Lexapro has saved my marriage. We're once again very connected with very little bickering or resentment towards each other. Thus, this renewed connection in each other has sparked alot more interest in our love life. But, I now have a very difficult time reaching orgasm. Before lexapro I was mulit-orgasmic even while we were having major problems. Now it's a rarity that I even reach orgasm. Has anyone else experienced this?
Posted by LynneDa on February 24, 2004, at 16:57:20
In reply to new to the board... sexual problems??, posted by Cathrina on February 24, 2004, at 16:50:32
Hi Cathrina -
I have also been on Lex for about 4 months, I upped once from 10 mg to 20 mg during that time. I too cannot orgasm easily at all and I used to be an easy & quick "orgasmer" (at the age of 40 even). It takes too long and I usually decide to give up. I'm not sure what to do either. It bothers my husband as much, if not more, than it bothers me.Some say Wellbutrin fixes that problem. Others say taking your Lex right afterward, at night, helps because it starts to wear off. This has not worked for me. I'm about ready to ask my doctor about Wellbutrin, but I hate taking another med!
I guess I'm not much help, but I can certainly empathize with you!!!!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Have been on lexapro for almost 4 months now... a little fatigue now and then but no major side effects... so I thought. Lexapro has saved my marriage. We're once again very connected with very little bickering or resentment towards each other. Thus, this renewed connection in each other has sparked alot more interest in our love life. But, I now have a very difficult time reaching orgasm. Before lexapro I was mulit-orgasmic even while we were having major problems. Now it's a rarity that I even reach orgasm. Has anyone else experienced this?
Posted by LynneDa on February 24, 2004, at 17:02:03
In reply to new to the board... sexual problems??, posted by Cathrina on February 24, 2004, at 16:50:32
Cathrina - Forgot to focus on the positive for you ... Three Cheers and congratulations that your marriage is stronger due to Lex taking care of some of your other issues :-). I'm very glad to hear that and can say it has made a big difference in my marriage as well - I'm much easier to live with. Thank goodness for that positive outcome!!
~ Lynne
Posted by KathrynLex on February 24, 2004, at 17:17:55
In reply to Re: 1st week on Lex, posted by marfaith on February 24, 2004, at 12:52:20
Hi Mary,
I know exactly what you mean about going to bed terrified. That was me until 4 weeks in to Lexapro. Interestingly, my psychiatrist told me that it is very common for panic attacks to occur at night and many people who suffer from anxiety/panic feel that worrying prevents bad things from happening to them. The Lexapro really helps with that. I'm so grateful for this medication. I haven't been worrying at all for the last several weeks, at least not the way I used to. It's such a huge relief. Give it some time and don't rule out increasing if you don't feel better by week 9. I'm wishing you the very best, I've been where you're at and it can be terrible. But you won't be stuck there for much longer.
K.
Posted by tmhwrite on February 24, 2004, at 17:32:24
In reply to 1st week on Lex, posted by marfaith on February 24, 2004, at 10:03:35
Hi Mary,
I had anxiety to begin with, but then my anxiety increased ten fold the first week on Lexapro. I thought I was either having a heart attack or going insane. My doc prescribed Clonazepam in addition to the Lex and that cleared it up completely. Made me a little sleepy at first, but it was a miracle drug to me as bad as I was feeling. Might be something to consider if your anxiety is preventing you from functioning.
Best of luck and hang in there.
Theresa
Posted by tmhwrite on February 24, 2004, at 17:52:20
In reply to new to the board... sexual problems??, posted by Cathrina on February 24, 2004, at 16:50:32
Well, it's kind of strange because the first time I was on Lex (last spring -- why I ever quite I don't know) but I didn't have the sexual side effect that time. This time, though, can't achieve the big O. I don't know whether it's due to the Clonazepam or the Lex, but it's very frustrating because I used to have a very strong libido. I'm in a new relationship (no sex yet) and I'm a little worried about it. Are you on any other meds besides Lex?
Theresa
> Have been on lexapro for almost 4 months now... a little fatigue now and then but no major side effects... so I thought. Lexapro has saved my marriage. We're once again very connected with very little bickering or resentment towards each other. Thus, this renewed connection in each other has sparked alot more interest in our love life. But, I now have a very difficult time reaching orgasm. Before lexapro I was mulit-orgasmic even while we were having major problems. Now it's a rarity that I even reach orgasm. Has anyone else experienced this?
Posted by tmhwrite on February 24, 2004, at 18:09:32
In reply to lex and confidence, posted by sexylexy on February 22, 2004, at 18:05:45
I know what you're saying. My confidence level has also decreased. It's like being traumatized and it taking awhile to get over that traumatic feeling. I'm a real estate agent (in addition to looking for another tech writing job after being laid off almost a year ago) and it's so hard for me to even make plans to really pursue the business because I'm afraid I'm not going to be able to perform -- that I'm going to go back down into that dark hole again and then disappoint my clients or not do a good job. Making complex plans is hard. Having been in this place before, though, I know that it will get better and I know that I will get back on top of my game again. And this time, I won't get cocky and think I can make it on my own without the medication. Give it some more time, Lexy and you will wake up one morning and feel that same sense of confidence and well-being. From your posts I've read, I can already tell that you are a very unique, special, caring person who deserves all the best life has to offer. When that day comes we both feel sincere joy we can celebrate together.
Theresa
> Hey Ya'll
> Just wanted to write and say hello. I went out of town to for the weekend to visit my friends. It was a nice weekend, I was pretty happy but am just not back to "me" again.
> However, from what I have heard it takes about 6 months to really feel "back". For me its really a lack of confidence. I used to be really secure, happy and confident. Now I just kinda feel like there is a shadow lurking around waiting to pounce and make me depressed. I am just ready to get some inner light and confidence back. Any one feel the same, anyone have any ideas? I would love to hear. Hope everyone else had a great weekend.
> Lexy
Posted by mystic on February 24, 2004, at 18:16:24
In reply to Re: lex and confidence » sexylexy, posted by tmhwrite on February 24, 2004, at 18:09:32
Hey....Been on Lexapro for almost 3 weeks now...Feel a little better...anxiety is still not that great but better...My appetite seems to be coming back which makes me very nervous about the weight gain...When I was on Paxil for 7 years I gained over 45lbs and have worked hard to take it off...Has anyone had any significant weight gain on Lexapro I'm on 10mgs...Thank you
Posted by tmhwrite on February 24, 2004, at 18:26:16
In reply to weight gain, posted by mystic on February 24, 2004, at 18:16:24
I had a slight weight gain when I was on it before, but I can't really say whether or not it was due to the medication or change in eating habits. I actually gained a lot more weight over the summer when I got off it (depression) and I've lost a few pounds in the past few weeks I've been back on it. Just try to do some kin of physical activity every day, even if it's just 20 minutes walking or on a treadmill or something. Best of luck to you.
Theresa
Posted by tmhwrite on February 24, 2004, at 18:28:51
In reply to Re: weight gain » mystic, posted by tmhwrite on February 24, 2004, at 18:26:16
"Acceptance is not a state of passivity or inaction. I am not saying you can’t change the world, right wrongs, or replace evil with good. Acceptance is, in fact, the first step to successful action. If you don’t fully accept a situation precisely the way it is, you will have difficulty changing it. Moreover, if you don’t fully accept the situation, you will never really know if the situation should be changed."
*Peter McWilliams {American Author}
Posted by sexylexy on February 24, 2004, at 19:20:19
In reply to Re: lex and confidence » sexylexy, posted by tmhwrite on February 24, 2004, at 18:09:32
Thanks so much for your post. It made me feel so good. I think we will have a huge party the day we beat this hell called depression!!!
Lexy
Posted by mrs c on February 24, 2004, at 21:02:28
In reply to Re: Day 4, posted by mystic on February 23, 2004, at 19:40:05
Hey Mystic, glad to be able to help. I found this board to be a lifesaver during my first weeks on lex. I still come everyday for reassurance and support. You will feel less and less anxious as the days go on. Just hang in there and look to the future. Mrs. C
Posted by mrs c on February 24, 2004, at 21:07:09
In reply to Re: Day 4 -- Bubbasmom, posted by BobYuma on February 24, 2004, at 7:44:08
Michelle, I am still very thirsty on Lexapro after over 4 months. It's a good thing for me though because I never used to drink enough water and now I drink all day (and pee). I also take my lex at bedtime so I dont notice the sleepiness. In the beginning though I was tired all day and also wired at the same time. A very strange feeling and hard to explain unless you've felt it. Keep looking forward. Mrs. C
Posted by mrs c on February 24, 2004, at 21:08:39
In reply to Re: Mariposa » Journeyman, posted by Mariposa on February 24, 2004, at 9:59:07
Mariposa, good to hear from you again. Sorry to hear that you are not feeling your best. I hope it gets better soon. Mrs. C
Posted by mrs c on February 24, 2004, at 21:15:04
In reply to Re: 1st week on Lex, posted by marfaith on February 24, 2004, at 12:52:20
I know exactly what you mean by worrying about something bad happening. That's totally me! I have improved much since beginning lex 4 months ago. Although recently I have had some of those feelings again and may increase my dosage soon. You have much to look forward to and those feelings of dread will subside. Take it from someone who has had them for 10 years without medication until now. My life has completely changed for the better! You will be shocked at how much better you will feel. Keep looking forward. Mrs. C
Posted by marfaith on February 25, 2004, at 8:22:54
In reply to Marfaith, posted by mrs c on February 24, 2004, at 21:15:04
> I know exactly what you mean by worrying about something bad happening. That's totally me! I have improved much since beginning lex 4 months ago. Although recently I have had some of those feelings again and may increase my dosage soon. You have much to look forward to and those feelings of dread will subside. Take it from someone who has had them for 10 years without medication until now. My life has completely changed for the better! You will be shocked at how much better you will feel. Keep looking forward. Mrs. C
Thanks Mrs. C, I hope that I will feel better like you have. I have a lot of things happening in the near future and it would be great if I can enjoy them completely. Mary
Posted by marfaith on February 25, 2004, at 8:26:34
In reply to Re: 1st week on Lex » marfaith, posted by tmhwrite on February 24, 2004, at 17:32:24
> Hi Mary,
>
> I had anxiety to begin with, but then my anxiety increased ten fold the first week on Lexapro. I thought I was either having a heart attack or going insane. My doc prescribed Clonazepam in addition to the Lex and that cleared it up completely. Made me a little sleepy at first, but it was a miracle drug to me as bad as I was feeling. Might be something to consider if your anxiety is preventing you from functioning.
>
> Best of luck and hang in there.
> TheresaThanks Theresa. I do have Xanax, which helps a lot. Mary
Posted by marfaith on February 25, 2004, at 8:35:03
In reply to Re: 1st week on Lex, posted by KathrynLex on February 24, 2004, at 17:17:55
> Hi Mary,
>
> I know exactly what you mean about going to bed terrified. That was me until 4 weeks in to Lexapro. Interestingly, my psychiatrist told me that it is very common for panic attacks to occur at night and many people who suffer from anxiety/panic feel that worrying prevents bad things from happening to them. The Lexapro really helps with that. I'm so grateful for this medication. I haven't been worrying at all for the last several weeks, at least not the way I used to. It's such a huge relief. Give it some time and don't rule out increasing if you don't feel better by week 9. I'm wishing you the very best, I've been where you're at and it can be terrible. But you won't be stuck there for much longer.
>
> K.Thanks K,
I can't imagine right now what it will be like to not worry constantly. Or automatically assume the worst about something. If it wasn't for my husband, I wouldn't attempt anything for fear that something will go wrong. Things have been going on in my life that I should really be feeling good about, even excited and I want to enjoy them. I'm hanging in there. Mary
>
>
Posted by tmhwrite on February 25, 2004, at 8:38:33
In reply to Re: 1st week on Lex, posted by marfaith on February 25, 2004, at 8:26:34
If the Zanax works for you -- great! I tried Zanax but it made me so sleepy I couldn't function. I mean I took a half a pill and slept for 17 hours straight. I know it affects different people different ways. The Clonazepam seems to have less side effects for me. Helps me sleep and reduces the anxiety without the extreme need to sleep for hours and hours on end. Just remember that you're on your way to health and you always have an outlet here.
Have a great day. //Theresa
Posted by LynneDa on February 25, 2004, at 8:58:59
In reply to Lynne, posted by Journeyman on February 20, 2004, at 22:31:56
Journeyman -
Thank you so much for your encouraging and, almost more importantly, understanding reply. The quotes are wonderful, I am a quote person. This message was a keeper!When I met my new husband a few years ago, the thing that sealed the deal was the way in which he is able to love me pretty unconditionally and allows me to be myself - which sort of freaked me out, literally. To have that freedom and not know who to be because no one is requiring you to be anything? Whoa! It was a case of "be careful what you ask for" because I did get it, for the most part. I'm still struggling with how to relax and just be myself without second guessing or acting a role. It is getting easier, but what a ridiculous thing to have to unlearn :-).
My sincere thanks and appreciation for all your compassion and clarity! I wish you continued peace and the ability to be your true self!
~ Lynne>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Lynne,
>
> I understand very well what you mean about the perfectionist/pleasing streak. My whole life, until very, very recently, I have labored to find my identity. Unfortunately, I looked for it in other people; that's to say, if they liked me or approved, then I was okay, and if they didn't, then there was something wrong with me and I had to adjust/change.
>
> What an awful way to live. And how ironic that the more I tried to be something that other people wanted, the less I was myself. I was disappearing.
>
> My new definition of being perfect is someone who fully accepts that they're not. And when they don't, they let that be okay too.
>
> Came across a couple of good quotes today related to this and the last e-mail:
>
> Once we accept our limits, we go beyond them. -- Brendan Francis
>
> Life has no other discipline to impose, if we would but realize it, than to accept life unquestioningly. Everything we shut our eyes to, everything we run away from, everything we deny, denigrate or despise, serves to defeat us in the end. What seems nasty, painful, evil, can become a source of beauty, joy and strength, if faced with an open mind. Every moment is a golden one for him [or her] who has the vision to recognize it as such. -- Henry Miller
>
> Accept everything about yourself - I mean everything, You are you and that is the beginning and the end - no apologies, no regrets. -- Clark Moustakas
>
> Happiness can exist only in acceptance. -- Denis De Rougamont
>
>
> May self-contentment be yours, as your embrace your scars, bruises, and foibles - as well as your beauty that's so evident here on the board.
>
> Journeyman
Posted by Thankful on February 25, 2004, at 13:20:21
In reply to Re: Feeling Flat on Lexapro, posted by linnie on February 23, 2004, at 10:13:41
Had many, almost daily very severe headaches (morning) on Lexapro. Also was NEVER hungry. I just ate because it was time. Just read that Imitrex and Lexapro are not supposed to be taken together. Too late for me on that one. Took Lexapro for eight months. No more of this junk for me.
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