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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by mrs c on March 1, 2004, at 7:53:03
In reply to Re: Hello Everyone, posted by kellieann7 on February 29, 2004, at 22:41:11
Hi Michelle, Glad to hear that you are feeling better today! You are so right to take each moment as it comes, trying to do it any more than that is a recipe for failure. Each little accomplishment is worth celebrating! Soon you will have whole days and weeks full of smiles and laughter. Talk to ya soon. Mrs. C
Posted by mrs c on March 1, 2004, at 7:58:23
In reply to Re: A Frustrating Setback - Mystic, posted by mystic on February 29, 2004, at 10:12:11
Mystic, You are on my mind as I start my day today and I will be thinking of you. I will return to my computer later tonight and hope that we hear from you! Isn't it wonderful everyone that we can bond with total strangers and worry about them! Life truly is a miracle and to all of you beginners out there it may be hard to see it through the fog of mental illness but you will get there! Just keep the faith and continue to rely on the people that care about you! Good luck in your day today! Mrs. C
Posted by nicky847 on March 1, 2004, at 9:48:36
In reply to A Frustrating Setback, posted by KathrynLex on February 28, 2004, at 14:46:13
Kathryn-
I had a similar experience on Sunday...and what you described is right on...it absolutely SUCKS to have to revisit those feelings...heres what I'm doing..i realize that I have been running myself ragged lately and that is probably what brought on the attack..so its time for me to just reprioritize and take care of myself like i did a couple of months ago when i was beginning on lexapro..and i think that if i do that, and get back to basics..that i will be feeling good again real soon..and i hope you will too..
nick
> It's been almost a month since my last panic attack, but I had one last night. I realize that it is only a minor setback...but it would be nice if panic attacks weren't something I needed to worry about anymore.
>
> It was only a minor attack...cured with .25 mgs of Xanax. Maybe it was brought on by my period...Lex seems to be less effective around my time of the month. But it was horrible to revisit the irrational thinking, pounding heart and feelings of unreality that accompany a panic attack. I'll call my pdoc about it on Monday.
>
> I'm disappointed, but I realize it doesn't mean I'm not getting better.
>
> K.
Posted by LynneDa on March 1, 2004, at 10:20:11
In reply to Mystic, please post today., posted by mrs c on March 1, 2004, at 7:58:23
Hi Mystic - I haven't had time to write much, but did read all the posts from this weekend and am sorry to hear how panicky and down you've been. I know about the feeling tired of it all and just wanting it to be over. Don't give in to those feelings. I've found the more I explore them, the bigger they get. It's hard to turn them off sometimes, isn't it?
Keep on the Lex and you should be feeling better soon - your good moments will begin to outnumber the bad I promise you. Just hold on to the thought of that sweet baby's face. Mrs. C. is right, that child will not care about your issues & the things you perceive as inadequacies. Your presence and the sweetness of a grandmother's touch is all that matters. I know, I am actually closer to my own grandma than my mom, due to distance. I'm 40 and she's 84. I don't know what I would do without her and think she's my personal angel . . . & your grandbaby will too!
Please let us know how you're doing today!!!!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Mystic, You are on my mind as I start my day today and I will be thinking of you. I will return to my computer later tonight and hope that we hear from you! Isn't it wonderful everyone that we can bond with total strangers and worry about them! Life truly is a miracle and to all of you beginners out there it may be hard to see it through the fog of mental illness but you will get there! Just keep the faith and continue to rely on the people that care about you! Good luck in your day today! Mrs. C
Posted by LynneDa on March 1, 2004, at 10:48:46
In reply to Re: A Frustrating Setback, posted by nicky847 on March 1, 2004, at 9:48:36
Ok everybody . . . what the heck was going on this weekend?!?! I too had an anxiety blow-up late Saturday night! It's the weekend before my period starts and I've had a cold all week so feel a little worn out. Also, the meds just don't seem strong enough to overcome my monthly hormonal swing. The obsessive, cloying, overwhelming, negative self-talk feelings abated as the day went by, thank goodness.
Bob was right though, the good thing is that these "attacks" don't last as long, don't go as deep and don't leave as permanent an imprint as they used to. That is progress I believe.
I also agree with Nick about reprioritizing. I went out Sunday and bought a treadmill that was on sale at Sears. I never do impulsive things like that, but felt it was completely necessary for my well-being! I have to get serious about exercise as I know it will help.
I'm encouraged to hear everyone's stories, even when there are setbacks, so thanks everyone for your support, candor and great advice. Here's wishing everyone a week full of more up-beat moments than down!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Kathryn-
> I had a similar experience on Sunday...and what you described is right on...it absolutely SUCKS to have to revisit those feelings...
>
> heres what I'm doing..i realize that I have been running myself ragged lately and that is probably what brought on the attack..so its time for me to just reprioritize and take care of myself like i did a couple of months ago when i was beginning on lexapro..and i think that if i do that, and get back to basics..that i will be feeling good again real soon..and i hope you will too..
>
> nick
> > It's been almost a month since my last panic attack, but I had one last night. I realize that it is only a minor setback...but it would be nice if panic attacks weren't something I needed to worry about anymore.
> >
> > It was only a minor attack...cured with .25 mgs of Xanax. Maybe it was brought on by my period...Lex seems to be less effective around my time of the month. But it was horrible to revisit the irrational thinking, pounding heart and feelings of unreality that accompany a panic attack. I'll call my pdoc about it on Monday.
> >
> > I'm disappointed, but I realize it doesn't mean I'm not getting better.
> >
> > K.
>
>
Posted by nicky847 on March 1, 2004, at 11:09:58
In reply to Re: A Frustrating Setback, posted by LynneDa on March 1, 2004, at 10:48:46
Yeah really what WAS up with last weekend!!?!?...was there a full moon out or something?? maybe its the weather and seasons changing..we had an abnormally warm weekend where i live..kind of breaks you out of your comfort zone..
> Ok everybody . . . what the heck was going on this weekend?!?! I too had an anxiety blow-up late Saturday night! It's the weekend before my period starts and I've had a cold all week so feel a little worn out. Also, the meds just don't seem strong enough to overcome my monthly hormonal swing. The obsessive, cloying, overwhelming, negative self-talk feelings abated as the day went by, thank goodness.
>
> Bob was right though, the good thing is that these "attacks" don't last as long, don't go as deep and don't leave as permanent an imprint as they used to. That is progress I believe.
>
> I also agree with Nick about reprioritizing. I went out Sunday and bought a treadmill that was on sale at Sears. I never do impulsive things like that, but felt it was completely necessary for my well-being! I have to get serious about exercise as I know it will help.
>
> I'm encouraged to hear everyone's stories, even when there are setbacks, so thanks everyone for your support, candor and great advice. Here's wishing everyone a week full of more up-beat moments than down!
> ~ Lynne
> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>
>
> Kathryn-
> > I had a similar experience on Sunday...and what you described is right on...it absolutely SUCKS to have to revisit those feelings...
> >
> > heres what I'm doing..i realize that I have been running myself ragged lately and that is probably what brought on the attack..so its time for me to just reprioritize and take care of myself like i did a couple of months ago when i was beginning on lexapro..and i think that if i do that, and get back to basics..that i will be feeling good again real soon..and i hope you will too..
> >
> > nick
> > > It's been almost a month since my last panic attack, but I had one last night. I realize that it is only a minor setback...but it would be nice if panic attacks weren't something I needed to worry about anymore.
> > >
> > > It was only a minor attack...cured with .25 mgs of Xanax. Maybe it was brought on by my period...Lex seems to be less effective around my time of the month. But it was horrible to revisit the irrational thinking, pounding heart and feelings of unreality that accompany a panic attack. I'll call my pdoc about it on Monday.
> > >
> > > I'm disappointed, but I realize it doesn't mean I'm not getting better.
> > >
> > > K.
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by nicky847 on March 1, 2004, at 11:12:59
In reply to Re: A Frustrating Setback - KathrynLex, posted by BobYuma on February 28, 2004, at 17:47:09
Bob-
i think you are really onto something about extreme fatigue bringing on panic attacks...i am pretty sure that is what brought mine on on sunday..i guess it just goes to show that we all need to remember to take care of ourselves!
> Posted by KathrynLex:
> It's been almost a month since my last panic attack, but I had one last night. I realize that it is only a minor setback...but it would be nice if panic attacks weren't something I needed to worry about anymore. It was only a minor attack...cured with .25 mgs of Xanax ....
> ------------------------------------------------
> Hello, Kathryn.
> Very strange ... I can't remember the last panic attack I had .. until last night. Coincidence? I suppose so. I checked to see if the moon was full, but it wasn't (Laugh).
>
> I've been on Lexapro since Dec. 4. I think that's around 12 weeks. It's probably been at least 8 weeks since my last panic attack. Wow. I've been trying to piece together the details of yesterday to try and figure out what brought it on. The only thing I can come up with is that I was totally exhausted when I finally made it to bed last night, and about 10 minutes after I lay down is when the attack hit. Just as you said, it was a rather minor attack, it's just the fact that I had one that bothers me most.
> Have you ever noticed that you are more anxious or easier to have the panic attacks if you are extremely tired?
> The only other thing is that I lowered my dosage from 10 mg's to 7.5, but it's been several weeks since I did that.
>
> They say that you should try to find something good in everything that happens. So I guess if I absolutely had to find something good about that panic attack, it's the fact that it was more of a nuisance that anything else. This time even the fear of the attack took a back seat to the nuisance. I realized this after it was all over with, does that mean we actually get use to panic attacks? (ya gotta laugh)
>
> I hope the best for you, Kathryn. God Bless.
> BobYuma
Posted by MarkD on March 1, 2004, at 11:35:20
In reply to Re: A Frustrating Setback, posted by nicky847 on March 1, 2004, at 11:09:58
> Yeah really what WAS up with last weekend!!?!?...was there a full moon out or something?? maybe its the weather and seasons changing..we had an abnormally warm weekend where i live..kind of breaks you out of your comfort zone..
> > Ok everybody . . . what the heck was going on this weekend?!?! I too had an anxiety blow-up late Saturday night! It's the weekend before my period starts and I've had a cold all week so feel a little worn out. Also, the meds just don't seem strong enough to overcome my monthly hormonal swing. The obsessive, cloying, overwhelming, negative self-talk feelings abated as the day went by, thank goodness.
> >
> > Bob was right though, the good thing is that these "attacks" don't last as long, don't go as deep and don't leave as permanent an imprint as they used to. That is progress I believe.
> >
> > I also agree with Nick about reprioritizing. I went out Sunday and bought a treadmill that was on sale at Sears. I never do impulsive things like that, but felt it was completely necessary for my well-being! I have to get serious about exercise as I know it will help.
> >
> > I'm encouraged to hear everyone's stories, even when there are setbacks, so thanks everyone for your support, candor and great advice. Here's wishing everyone a week full of more up-beat moments than down!
> > ~ Lynne
> > >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
> >
> >
> > Kathryn-
> > > I had a similar experience on Sunday...and what you described is right on...it absolutely SUCKS to have to revisit those feelings...
> > >
> > > heres what I'm doing..i realize that I have been running myself ragged lately and that is probably what brought on the attack..so its time for me to just reprioritize and take care of myself like i did a couple of months ago when i was beginning on lexapro..and i think that if i do that, and get back to basics..that i will be feeling good again real soon..and i hope you will too..
> > >
> > > nick
> > > > It's been almost a month since my last panic attack, but I had one last night. I realize that it is only a minor setback...but it would be nice if panic attacks weren't something I needed to worry about anymore.
> > > >
> > > > It was only a minor attack...cured with .25 mgs of Xanax. Maybe it was brought on by my period...Lex seems to be less effective around my time of the month. But it was horrible to revisit the irrational thinking, pounding heart and feelings of unreality that accompany a panic attack. I'll call my pdoc about it on Monday.
> > > >
> > > > I'm disappointed, but I realize it doesn't mean I'm not getting better.
> > > >
> > > > K.
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
> =============================================
=============================================REPLY from Mark
Hello I’m not a stranger to Anxiety disorder and panic that’s for sure, its been awhile since I had an attack until a few weeks ago, when my blood pressure was found to be high and to make a long story short I freaked and brought back the old feelings. Doctor trying a few different BP medications on me the last few weeks none really seem to working, and of course every time I take my pressure reading and it has not gone down I feel the anxiety hit me the old “fear feeds fear cycle”. Well the doc wanted me to start Lexapro this past weekend and im just skeptical about taking an anti-depressant, I really don’t feel that im depressed….Can someone give me their experience (S) with Lexapro, my doctor wants to put me on a starting dose of 10mg a day taken at night because im having anxiety symptoms in the PM and finding it difficult to sleep, what else is knew 8)
Thank you all in advance for any input you can offer, especially on lexapro..
===============================================================
Posted by tmhwrite on March 1, 2004, at 11:50:34
In reply to Re: A Frustrating Setback, posted by MarkD on March 1, 2004, at 11:35:20
Well Mark,
I've been on Lex twice now, last year and just started again this year (should never have gotten off it the first time). This time I had a very bad experience of not being able to sleep while taking it and waking up every 15 minutes with panicky feelings. They tell me those go away after awhile (4-6 weeks) but I couldn't take it. It was driving me crazy. So, now, in addition to the Lex, I take Clonazepam to deal with the anxiety. The doc says that should be fairly short term, though, until the Lex really has a chance to kick in. I don't know if this is what you wanted to hear, but that's been my experience with it. The first time it worked great, but this second time has been hell. I'm doing pretty good now with the mix of the two drugs, though. I've been on it a couple of weeks now. I'm not sure what advice to give you except to maybe try it and see how your body reacts to it. Maybe if anxiety is your only trouble, not depression, it would be best just to try to the Clonazepam. I don't know. I'm not a doctor. Best of luck to you and keep us posted on what you decide to do and how it goes.
Theresa
Posted by modeljenn on March 1, 2004, at 12:19:18
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
This is my 6th day on Lexapro and I was wondering if anyone else has been so tired. When I tried Wellbutrin I was always up. Does this side effect go away?
Jenn =)
Posted by MarkD on March 1, 2004, at 12:43:17
In reply to Tiredness, posted by modeljenn on March 1, 2004, at 12:19:18
Jenn,i'm starting lexapro 10mg today ill let you know in a few days or so..
Mark
Posted by LynneDa on March 1, 2004, at 13:02:57
In reply to Tiredness, posted by modeljenn on March 1, 2004, at 12:19:18
Hi Jenn - Feeling tired is very normal as your body adjusts! For most people, it goes away after a couple weeks. I'm not sure why it's different than Wellbutrin - works on different chemicals in your brain. Hang in there and take care!
~ Lynne
Posted by MarkD on March 1, 2004, at 13:09:05
In reply to Re: Hey Ya'll Lexaproers, posted by mystic on February 28, 2004, at 16:27:36
Hello Mystic,
Im new to the boards, and have dealt in and out with Anxiety for 18 years and just recently had a setback about a week ago after about 6 good years! . I sympathize with you and the many who have that one good moment then one bad, For all its worth I've found that facing, accepting and floating through the feelings works well for me, the last thing you want to do is fight the feelings this just makes them worse. I got this advice from a book call "Hope and Help for your Nerves" by Dr. Clarie Weekes... look it up at Amazon.com its a great book that i have had for many years... hope this helps in some small way..
God Bless
Mark
Posted by linnie on March 1, 2004, at 13:40:57
In reply to Re: Hey Ya'll Lexaproers, posted by MarkD on March 1, 2004, at 13:09:05
> Hello Mystic,
>
> Im new to the boards, and have dealt in and out with Anxiety for 18 years and just recently had a setback about a week ago after about 6 good years! . I sympathize with you and the many who have that one good moment then one bad, For all its worth I've found that facing, accepting and floating through the feelings works well for me, the last thing you want to do is fight the feelings this just makes them worse. I got this advice from a book call "Hope and Help for your Nerves" by Dr. Clarie Weekes... look it up at Amazon.com its a great book that i have had for many years... hope this helps in some small way..
>
> God Bless
>
> MarkHi Mark,
Were you taking anything for the anxiety?
linnie
Posted by KathrynLex on March 1, 2004, at 13:42:19
In reply to Re: A Frustrating Setback - KathrynLex, posted by BobYuma on February 28, 2004, at 17:47:09
Hi Bob,
I hope the rest of your weekend went well. My pdoc tells me that panic attacks often occur at night, which might explain why ours happened just a few minutes after going to bed. It is quite discouraging to have been panic free for so long only to have an attack. Maybe the good in this situation is the fact that we ARE getting better, the slight panic attack reminds us of how far we have come since starting Lexapro. I'm still very grateful for this medication. Thank you for your kind post, I wish you the very best.
K.
Posted by KathrynLex on March 1, 2004, at 13:48:37
In reply to Re: A Frustrating Setback, posted by mrs c on March 1, 2004, at 7:37:40
Hi Mrs. C,
Thank you for your words of encouragement. Everyone on this board is so wonderful. I'm feeling better now and wanted to comment on your question about Xanax.
I strongly recommend getting something to add to your Lexapro to help get you through your times of increased anxiety. Xanax has been wonderful for me, although a lot of people prefer Klonopin. Another one to try is Lorazepam. In my experience, they are all very relaxing. Xanax has helped the most with my panic attacks. You might consider giving it a try.
K.
Posted by MarkD on March 1, 2004, at 13:53:41
In reply to Re: A Frustrating Setback, posted by KathrynLex on March 1, 2004, at 13:48:37
Yes, I also take Lorazepam from time to time at night, only 1 mg sometimes only take a half of one pill to help me calm down and relax so that i can get into sleep mode....
Posted by KathrynLex on March 1, 2004, at 13:55:57
In reply to Re: A Frustrating Setback, posted by nicky847 on March 1, 2004, at 9:48:36
Hi Nicky,
Thank you. I'm feeling better today...I took the morning off and relaxed a little before coming in to work. Like you said, it's important to reprioritize and get back to the basics. Take good care of yourself this week and please let me know how you're doing.
K.
Posted by MarkD on March 1, 2004, at 13:57:58
In reply to Re: A Frustrating Setback, posted by KathrynLex on March 1, 2004, at 13:48:37
Yes, I also take Lorazepam from time to time at night, only 1 mg sometimes only take a half of one pill to help me calm down and relax so that i can get into sleep mode....
Posted by KathrynLex on March 1, 2004, at 14:01:22
In reply to Re: A Frustrating Setback, posted by LynneDa on March 1, 2004, at 10:48:46
Hi Lynne,
Way to go on your treadmill purchase. I've been running lately and have found that it does wonders for my well being.
It's odd that Lexapro can't seem to keep up with the hormonal changes some of us have during that time of the month. I'm really hoping that was the cause of my panic attack this weekend.
Have a fantastic week and thank you for your positive encouragement.
K.
Posted by KathrynLex on March 1, 2004, at 14:20:18
In reply to Re: A Frustrating Setback, posted by MarkD on March 1, 2004, at 13:57:58
Hi Mark,
How are you liking Lexapro so far? In my experience the first two weeks were an adjustment period where my body took some time getting used to the medication. You might encounter a few uncomfortable side effects, but they're tolerable.
Lexapro is a terrific medication for anxiety and panic disorder. Like you, I was skeptical about taking an anti-depressant for anxiety but I'm glad I gave it a chance. It really helps with negative thinking patterns. For example, I don't worry that minor health problems are going to lead to a terminal illness.
Give it a 6-9 week trial. It's worth it to give it a try, because if it turns out to be the right medication for you it will make your life MUCH easier.
K.
Posted by LynneDa on March 1, 2004, at 14:41:57
In reply to Re: A Frustrating Setback » MarkD, posted by KathrynLex on March 1, 2004, at 14:20:18
Hi Mark -
I can echo what Kathryn wrote. My depression wasn't nearly as bad as my obsessive thought patterns were - or as destructive to my self-esteem and relationships. And the Lex has almost eliminated my need to think, think, think about certain topics.I was never diagnosed with anxiety, but every day on my way home from work, for about a year, my chest would get tight and I couldn't breathe well, I'd want to scream or cry or something and I wanted to drive my car into an embankment. Was that an anxiety attack? I don't really know, but whatever they were, they don't happen anymore and I attribute it to the Lex :-)!
Give it some time and best of luck!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Hi Mark,
>
> How are you liking Lexapro so far? In my experience the first two weeks were an adjustment period where my body took some time getting used to the medication. You might encounter a few uncomfortable side effects, but they're tolerable.
>
> Lexapro is a terrific medication for anxiety and panic disorder. Like you, I was skeptical about taking an anti-depressant for anxiety but I'm glad I gave it a chance. It really helps with negative thinking patterns. For example, I don't worry that minor health problems are going to lead to a terminal illness.
>
> Give it a 6-9 week trial. It's worth it to give it a try, because if it turns out to be the right medication for you it will make your life MUCH easier.
>
> K.
Posted by MarkD on March 1, 2004, at 14:46:09
In reply to Re: A Frustrating Setback » MarkD, posted by KathrynLex on March 1, 2004, at 14:20:18
Hi Kath, thank you so much for the input, yes the only thing that seemed to be a side effect is that it was a little harder to sleep the first night i took a 10mg dose of lex so i stopped, but your right maybe i should take it for awhile and have patience on its effects or side effects for that matter.
And hopefully it will work on my anxiety symptoms although not constant their a pain in the ass and only seem to be at their worse when its time to lay down and sleep..
Thank you again for your reply...God Bless
Mark
Posted by nicky847 on March 1, 2004, at 14:51:27
In reply to Re: A Frustrating Setback » nicky847, posted by KathrynLex on March 1, 2004, at 13:55:57
Kathryn-
I'm glad that you are feeling better..I am doing pretty OK today too..good to be back at work and back in the flow...makes me feel good..im glad that you relaxed a little bit this morning...my girlfriend suffers from migraines..she got one last night after throwing a dinner party..she worked very hard on it and i think the stress and fatigue brought it on..so she took the morning off too..i guess all the stars are aligning to show people like you me that we need to slow down a little..:p...hope you continue to do well i will update you later this week on how im feeling
nick> Hi Nicky,
>
> Thank you. I'm feeling better today...I took the morning off and relaxed a little before coming in to work. Like you said, it's important to reprioritize and get back to the basics. Take good care of yourself this week and please let me know how you're doing.
>
> K.
Posted by dolphinsmile22 on March 1, 2004, at 17:15:32
In reply to Re: A Frustrating Setback, posted by LynneDa on March 1, 2004, at 14:41:57
Last week I was just prescribed Lexapro, after close to 2 years being off Paxil. I am only taking half the pill right now - 5mg. I noticed right away that my orgasms are delayed quite a bit - I'm a female. I am supposed to begin taking the whole pill, but I'm afraid that will make my delayed orgasms worse. Will this improve over time? The only other negative side effects I've noticed, are stomachaches and headaches, but my obsessive thinking has improved almost immediately. I don't have a doctor's appointment for another 2 weeks.
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