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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Anjul on March 5, 2004, at 17:38:21
In reply to RE:..anjul, posted by mystic on March 5, 2004, at 17:02:43
Mystic, I am only on 8.5 mgs of Lex and .125 of Klonapin. I am 85% less anxious even on this dose. Like you I am way sensitive to meds, and don;t like using benzo's much. I think you are smart to go up to 15 instead of 20mgs. a few mg's can make a huge difference. I have had GAD my whole life, and thought it was my karma to master it. I don;t believe that anymore. The lex has helped with that so much!!! Have a peaceful night.
Anjul
Posted by KathrynLex on March 5, 2004, at 17:39:58
In reply to Hello Lex Family, posted by Bubbasmom on March 5, 2004, at 1:42:07
Hi Michelle,
I'm so glad to hear that you're doing better. I LOVE success stories.
K.
Posted by KathrynLex on March 5, 2004, at 17:53:19
In reply to Not a good day!!!, posted by mystic on March 5, 2004, at 10:02:13
Hi Mystic,
I'm sorry you're having such a rough time. Keep in mind that not everyone has a difficult 5th week, it really depends on the individual. Some people actually start seeing good results that week!
I haven't gained any weight on Lexapro and only felt flat for the first two weeks after increasing. The "flat" feeling is a side effect that goes away for most people. I hope you have a good weekend and start having a positive experience with Lex.
K.
Posted by KathrynLex on March 5, 2004, at 17:55:18
In reply to Re: lexapro craziness..., posted by sexylexy on March 5, 2004, at 12:08:50
Hi Lexy,
It was encouraging to read that the Lexapro has helped with your fear of flying. I'm terrified to get on a plane and have a trip coming up. I'm debating whether or not to take a Xanax, or if I should rely on the Lexapro to get me through it. What do you think?
K.
Posted by wantinfo on March 5, 2004, at 17:59:03
In reply to Question for Lexy, posted by KathrynLex on March 5, 2004, at 17:55:18
hi k...i have some experience with this as well...i've found that a clonozepam (same as klonopin), which i used to take, was very helpful for flying. i'd take it about an hour before getting on the plane so it could be at its maximum effect.
im still not doing super well on 10mg after 4 weeks. my pdoc is on vacation until tuesday and i actually felt bad enough (depersonalized etc) to call her covering doc today...that doc said to raise to 20! i freaked at that...not going to double my dose, esp not after only 4 wks, without talking to MY doc.
for now, .25 xanax once or twice a day can stop the craziness for the most part. i do miss my old self!
Posted by sexylexy on March 5, 2004, at 19:18:32
In reply to Question for Lexy, posted by KathrynLex on March 5, 2004, at 17:55:18
Hey K~
I fly a lot and have been though some really bad flights, in fact my first panic attack was on a flight. I tend to try to sit by a window and that helps me a lot (not feeling trapped). Before I had ever thought of taking an anti depressant or anxiety I took a beta blocker which blocks your adrenal glads or something to make you not nervous. My Dad would not let me take them when I started taking lexapro so I have not taken anything but lex. I have been a flying fool lately going home every two weeks, and taking trips with the fam. I flew though bad weather twice last week and was pretty calm, (I embarass myself holding so tight to the arm rest) but this time I was hands free. I attribiute this to lexapro, however, if you are not confident I would rely on the Xanax or at least have one handy. I have had a lot less plane anxiety and much less general worry before (I used to start checking the weather 10 days ahead of my flight several times a day. Sorry this is winded, I am feeling a lot better and hoping to see more improvement from lex, the true test will be when my PMDD comes on! Good luck..Bbttom line, see how you do on just lex, if you need it pop a Xanax!
Good luck... you going on a fun trip or business?
Lexy
Posted by mrs c on March 5, 2004, at 21:01:51
In reply to Re: Mystic and everyone else too!, posted by KathrynLex on March 5, 2004, at 17:28:16
Thanks K! Mrs. C
Posted by mrs c on March 5, 2004, at 21:15:10
In reply to Re: Not a good day!!! » mystic, posted by KathrynLex on March 5, 2004, at 17:53:19
Hi Mystic, Today was not a good day but tomorrow may be! Have HOPE my friend. You are doing many positive things; speaking to your doctor, finding therapy, talking to and helping others on this board, taking your meds everyday even though you are afraid. All of those things tell me that you do have hope. Just a little bit is all it takes to get ya through. Soon you will be feeling better. I have absolutely no doubt about that. Up your dose to 15mg. If you do it, I will. I am thinking that I will start on Monday night. That gives me a few days to convince myself. I know that I have to, but like you I am afraid. So let me know what you plan to do and we can go through whatever happens together. I know what you mean about being alone and feeling more fragile. That is when my thoughts are at their worst. I try to keep busy so I can't think. I also work in an elementary school with special ed kids and they do wonders for me!
I wish I could have you over for coffee and pastries so that you won't be alone. Which reminds me, I have lost 14 pounds since beginning Lexapro. I have been trying to lose 20lbs before our trip to Orlando in April. So weight gain is not a given on this med. You may not experience that at all!
Keep doing what you are doing and things will get better for you. I am proof of that. Mrs. C
Posted by mrs c on March 5, 2004, at 21:19:34
In reply to Re: Question for Lexy, posted by sexylexy on March 5, 2004, at 19:18:32
Hey Lexy, you sound so good! I am so happy for you that you are feeling better.
I plan to increase my lex to 15mgs on Monday. My doc said go to 20 but I think I will start at 15 for a few weeks and see how I feel. I need a few days to prepare myself for it though. I hate the unexpected!
You make many references to your father, is he a doctor? Just curious.
Mrs. C
Posted by mel_light on March 5, 2004, at 21:53:00
In reply to Not a good day!!!, posted by mystic on March 5, 2004, at 10:03:02
Mystic,
I have a lot of the same feeling as you. If you ever need to speak right away, let me know and give me your email address. i'll try and help as much as I can. I know how hard it can be to feel alone with this and stuck. (((hugs)))
Posted by sexylexy on March 5, 2004, at 21:53:40
In reply to Re: Question for Lexy, posted by mrs c on March 5, 2004, at 21:19:34
Mrs. C,
Don't wait to take 15mg. I wish I would have done it weeks ago. I may even go up to 20 in a few weeks. I finally feel like I am on a anti depressant. I am not 100% but feeling pretty good. The side effects are already gone and today was day 3. No worries! DO IT, you will be glad you did! I know I am, I am taking a trip to las vegas with my boyfriend next week and am so excited because I think I will actually be able to enjoy it!!!
My Dad is actually a famous psychologist. You would probably know his name if you know much about psychology. I am not bragging, he is my best friend and I am super proud of him! He is very smart and knows a lot about medication ect..
Have a good one and don't be scared to up your dose!
God Bless,
Lexy
Posted by Journeyman on March 5, 2004, at 22:07:52
In reply to So Much for a Low Stress Day... » mystic, posted by tmhwrite on March 3, 2004, at 19:02:11
Theresa,
When you've had a chance to catch your breath, let us know how your week finished up.
Journeyman
Posted by mystic on March 5, 2004, at 22:10:18
In reply to Re: Not a good day!!!, posted by mrs c on March 5, 2004, at 21:15:10
Thanks Mrs C...good to hear from you..and I think a 15mg sisterhood would be good...I was thinking of giving it the weekend also and trying on monday...Was a little afraid of having to work the rest of the week ...but I can think of every excuse there is..It is kind of like a diet they always start on monday and end on monday evening...I am also very very in tune with my body and meds and illnesses and think I am going to get everything out there...I cant tell you how many tests that I have had done unnecessarily..We sure do sound a lot alike....These postings are a god sent...They say God will not give us more than we can handle...I just relate to everyone in here and that is soooo comforting...I'm here for you just let me know how I can help...Talk to you soon..Try to enjoy your weekend and lets not think tooo much about the impending dosage increase...A friend Mystic
Posted by mystic on March 5, 2004, at 22:12:08
In reply to Theresa, posted by Journeyman on March 5, 2004, at 22:07:52
Theresa....Thinking about you and wondering how the week went and how things turned out and how you are feeling...Have a great weekend...Mystic
Posted by mystic on March 5, 2004, at 22:14:16
In reply to Re: Not a good day!!!, posted by mel_light on March 5, 2004, at 21:53:00
Thank you for your support...same goes here if you want to exchange e-mails...Mystic
Posted by Simus on March 5, 2004, at 22:16:36
In reply to Question for Lexy, posted by KathrynLex on March 5, 2004, at 17:55:18
I take a Xanax (0.5mg) about an hour before I have to fly too. I think sometimes it is because of anxiety about having anxiety. (A wave of anxiety sends me straight for the bathroom, which is not something that you can easily get to when flying).
Posted by Stephanie B. on March 5, 2004, at 22:17:57
In reply to Re: Question for Lexy, posted by sexylexy on March 5, 2004, at 19:18:32
I have a question. Can Lexapro cause your heart to beat faster and your throat to close up? These seem like anxiety symptoms to me. Maybe Lexapro isn't working on my anxiety just my depression. Also, for the ladies, are your periods heavy now? A friend at work stopped taking it because she had heavy periods with major clotting. She said she read it in the side effects. Thanks for any info. I have been on Lex for about 6 months I guess. Thanks! Stephanie
Posted by mystic on March 5, 2004, at 22:18:03
In reply to Re: Question for Lexy » mrs c, posted by sexylexy on March 5, 2004, at 21:53:40
Lexy...Can you help as to what to look for when looking for someone to help me..I want to start something right away but very afraid to start with someone new..Need to know what questions to ask and how to look for someone from my list of providers not knowing what they will specialize in, there are so many initials and things that I dont know what to look for...I just need someone that will deal with the here and now not the past...Thank you in advance for your help...And it is great great great to hear you are doing so well..It is helpful to know when trying to get my strength up to start the 15mgs...Take care and thank you...Mystic
Posted by mrs c on March 5, 2004, at 22:25:04
In reply to Re: Question for Lexy » mrs c, posted by sexylexy on March 5, 2004, at 21:53:40
Thanks Lexy, I appreciate your input and am glad to hear that 15mgs is working for you.
I am in school currently and am taking psychology. I have the hopes of eventually becoming a school counselor. I am only in my first year though so it's a long way off. Right now I am taking "abnormal psych.". Kind of ironic isn't it!? I just thought I'd share that with you since I know that you are in a masters program for counseling. It's pretty cool that your dad is famous and so lucky for you to have him.
Thanks for all of your support and encouragement. Mrs. C
Posted by Simus on March 5, 2004, at 22:26:45
In reply to Re: Not a good day!!!, posted by mrs c on March 5, 2004, at 21:15:10
Woo-hoo! 14 pounds? You deserve it. In fact, we all deserve that and more for what we have to suffer through.
Posted by mrs c on March 5, 2004, at 22:29:10
In reply to Re: Questions about Lexapro, posted by Stephanie B. on March 5, 2004, at 22:17:57
Sounds like you are experiencing anxiety symptoms. I have had similar episodes since beginning lex (and before). They don't last long though. My periods have been very screwed up since starting lex. This last one was very heavy and lasted 13 days! I know alot of others on this board have experienced problems too. Bye for now. Mrs. C
Posted by mrs c on March 5, 2004, at 22:31:23
In reply to Re: Not a good day!!! » mrs c, posted by Simus on March 5, 2004, at 22:26:45
Thanks Simus. I do feel pretty good about my weight loss. We must celebrate whenever we can. Bye for now. Mrs. C
Posted by mystic on March 6, 2004, at 15:37:26
In reply to Re: Not a good day!!!, posted by mrs c on March 5, 2004, at 22:31:23
Hello everyone...Well today isnt such a great day for me..I hope someday I can open up with Hey guys this is a great day!!!!...But it wouldnt be today...I got up this morning and did arobics and felt like I was trying to get through a 50 mile race...I was so weak...After I felt like I had been hit by a mac truck..My whole body aches..Just staying home today as I'm afraid to go out anywhere...My thoughts are wondering and I really am discourged...I realize that this sounds like many of my other posts It feels like many of my other posts...Nothing seems to be changing..I decided not to take my xanax today as it makes me feel tired and sleepy and I'm already there...Nothing seems to make things better..Still strugling with the possible 15mgs instead of the 10mg..but there just does not seem to be a right day or time to do it..Right for me at least...I feel this is not working and I just dont know what to do...Sorry for the rambling must be sick of hearing me complain every day...Hope everyone else had a good day and you are all feeling well..>Thanks for listening...Mystic
Posted by sexylexy on March 6, 2004, at 16:08:23
In reply to Re: Question for Lexy, posted by mrs c on March 5, 2004, at 22:25:04
Hey Mrs. C,
Congrats on going to school and wanting to be a counselor. I really enjoy what I do working with college age students at the counseling center. I hope that you are able to follow though and become a school counselor. Do you plan on getting your masters. It is hard work but worth it!! You are so compassionate and caring I know you will be a wonderful counselor!
About the abnormal psych, my dad told me "everyone has a little bit of each disorder, don't try to diagnose yourself with every disorder in there because of a single experience or feeling". Of course by the end of the year I had diagnosed myself from everything from anxiety to scitzotypical disorder. Hahaha. Talk to you soon.
Lexy
Posted by sexylexy on March 6, 2004, at 16:29:49
In reply to Re: Question for Lexy, posted by mystic on March 5, 2004, at 22:18:03
Hey Mystic and anyone who is interested.
I personally think a therapist who practices cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)are typically the most effective. In fact, CBT does the same thing that medication does to the brain, it just takes a longer time.
CBT believes that problems influence your thoughts which makes those nasty little automatic thoughts pop in your head. These automatic thoughts influence your emotions which is why you feel bad. A CBT therapist teaches you how to recgonize these thoughts, ingnore them and eventually make the go away.
As for a therapist. Unfortunatley, each person is different just like a medication works better for some people than others, but here are some of the most important things.
1. someone who pays attention to your need. Some therapist try to set their own agenda and not attend to you.2. It is also important to be able to have a therapist who you can be comfortable with. Some seem to work against you, you want some who you feel like you are on a team with working for the same thing, not someone working against you.
3. It is also important to find a therapist who looks at you as your own person, not your diagnoses. Sometimes when therapist have been around to long they forget that they are working with people and just use a theraputic method that is taylored for depression not you.
4. A therapist who is aware of your religious views if this is important to you. One of the big things we learn in school is that everyone has biases. You need to find someone who is either not bias towards your sex, race, creed ect, ect, ect or someone who has able to overcome their biases.
Over all just find someone who feels right, who feels comfortable and is willing to fight this battle with you.
God Bless,
Lexy
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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