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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by jlynne on March 18, 2004, at 1:52:25
In reply to Re: LEXapro, anxiety, and ibuprofen, posted by robot on March 17, 2004, at 23:09:48
> What Ive been experiencing at night is pretty great. I tend to wake up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom, and lying there on my bed I feel a great body buzz like im floating. I havent felt that in a long time. Part of me cant stand thinking about all the things Ive missed out on in the past 5 years.
Robot, I know what you mean about what you have missed out on . . . depressing, isn't it? (a little inside humor - sorry:) Seriously, life can be lopsided sometimes - I have many regrets.
That is great that you are having some pleasant sensations. I used to dread going to bed at night because of the struggle to get to sleep. Since I started the Lex/Lorazepam I have not only been able to get to sleep easily, but I have been having dreams, too (and they have been pleasant dreams!)
Let's hear it for pleasant sensations!!
I don't know this for sure, but it seems to me that if your meds are working better for you at night, logic would say continue on that course. I believe the meds will build up in your system the same, no matter what time of day you take them?? Just a thought:) ...jlynne
P.S. did I ask you what time zone you are in? I am in Pacific time. I am trying to keep the time differences straight in my mind (probably part of my side dish of OCD)
Posted by jlynne on March 18, 2004, at 2:02:00
In reply to jlynne, posted by Simus on March 18, 2004, at 1:36:07
> I don't want to discourage you or anyone else from taking Lexapro just because I need a change. That wired feeling does go away. Good luck to you and God bless.
>Sorry, I didn't mean to infer that you had discouraged me - I don't feel that way at all. I have been in this game a very long time, and I know that we all react to meds in our own way. I value the experiences you share (you're the only one I know who wears an e-thong!)
Thank you for the hope regarding the wired feeling, though - - I needed to hear that:^)
I hope you have a peaceful night. ...jlynne
Posted by Mrs. C on March 18, 2004, at 7:58:46
In reply to Re: LEXapro, anxiety, and ibuprofen, posted by robot on March 15, 2004, at 23:18:28
Robot, I have actually been on Lex about 5 months now. I just began taking a higher dose (15) this past week with very good results. I feel for you and know what you are going through right now. I think that you are right in your theory about the adjustment to serotonin in your body. It takes some time but it will pass and you will feel better than ever! Keep the faith! Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs. C on March 18, 2004, at 8:39:41
In reply to Wellbutrin, posted by Simus on March 17, 2004, at 22:37:27
Good luck Simus and we are here for you. Mrs. C
Posted by ednababish on March 18, 2004, at 8:52:48
In reply to Re: Not a good day!!! » ednababish, posted by LynneDa on March 9, 2004, at 10:09:26
Dear Folks,
I am having some problems and wondering about raising my dosage from 15 to 20. Who else has done this? When I took Celexa I went from 20 to 40 and had scary fainting spells. Has anyone else had a problem with this? I haven't been laughing as much, I've been having trouble concentrating and being motivated, I have been very tired and irritable and anxious to the point of verging on a panic attack, and my husband and I have had some pretty nasty fights recently. I have also been, excuse my candor, constipated--a dead give away for me that I am depressed, believe it or not. Who has increased to 20 from 15? Who has done so from 10 with great success? What symptoms did you have when you did so? I left a message with my pdoc about this, so I expect she will call me back either around 12:30 or 5:00. I would still like to hear from you all as well.Lexy--Glad to hear you're feeling better and that you had a good trip.
God Bless,
Edna Babish
Posted by peace123 on March 18, 2004, at 9:11:29
In reply to muddled thinking, posted by kateincali on March 14, 2004, at 13:31:03
peace to all,
today is my 8th day on lexapro, i was prescribed 10 mg, but the last 2 days ( days 6 and 7 ) I had to reduce to 5mg in order to work.. but that turned into a bad seen at work.. had a stres/anxiety attack which involved having my husband come to pick me up.. and a trip to the doc's for a note to excuse me for th enext 2 weeks..so i can get use to the meds.. so today I am back on 10 mg..
My question is, will things improve by day 14 ?
Will the foggy head go away ?I had not slept in 6 days so the doc prescribed ambian, which i used last night and finally got some sleep.
I just want to feel like i have some control of my emotions, and I can react in a normal way to things at work .
How long does lexapro normally take to work ?
Posted by want info on March 18, 2004, at 9:28:22
In reply to Increased dose, posted by ednababish on March 18, 2004, at 8:52:48
hi edna...i increased from 10 to 15 last week and have seen some improvement. my head seems to have cleared a bit. i saw my pdoc this morning and she said to stick with that and go to 20 if things get worse. EM
Posted by LynneDa on March 18, 2004, at 9:55:20
In reply to Wellbutrin, posted by Simus on March 17, 2004, at 22:37:27
Good luck, good luck, good luck! I have 2 friends who take Wellbutrin only for anxiety & depression and they do really well on it. They don't seem to feel as flat or numb or floaty as I sometimes feel on the Lex. They don't have insomnia or inorgasmia either & I think their energy is better. They're in the midst of menopause, too, so I figure they've got more to fight than just average everyday depression like I have :-). I hope you have the same results!
I understand the guinea pig thing (no need to say sorry!), I hear a lot of that on this site. I guess it's part of the deal?!? I started taking gingko biloba, omega 3 & extra B and it seems to have helped. Just a thought. Keep me posted and take good care!!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Today my doctor told me to stop Lexapro completely. He gave me samples of Wellbutrin to start on tomorrow. He wants to see how I respond to Wellbutrin alone. Then, he said it was possible that he may add in the Lexapro again, depending what the results are with the Wellbutrin. I am starting to feel like a guinea pig...a very depressed, numb, vegetative guinea pig. (Sorry.) I will keep you posted as to how it goes.
Posted by Simus on March 18, 2004, at 10:02:29
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin, posted by Mrs. C on March 18, 2004, at 8:39:41
Well, I took my last Lexapro last night and my first Wellbutrin this morning. I was concerned about the initial SEs of Wellbutrin, but right now I am feeling really good (not a typical occurance lately). But then, it is way to soon to know what will happen. Who knows? This may just be what I need.
God bless.
Posted by Simus on March 18, 2004, at 10:47:24
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin, posted by Mrs. C on March 18, 2004, at 8:39:41
So far so good. Last night I took my last dose of Lexapro, and this morning I started the Wellbutrin. I was concerned about the initial SEs, but really I feel more alive now than I have in a long while. I know it is way too early to tell, but this just may be the answer for me.
God bless.
Posted by Simus on March 18, 2004, at 10:49:44
In reply to Increased dose, posted by ednababish on March 18, 2004, at 8:52:48
I think you will have similar symptoms that you experineced in increasing to 15mg, but just not nearly as severe. Good luck.
Posted by Simus on March 18, 2004, at 10:57:05
In reply to Does it get better, posted by peace123 on March 18, 2004, at 9:11:29
>I had not slept in 6 days so the doc prescribed ambian, which i used last night and finally got some sleep.
Is this your family doctor or a psychiatrist? I would think that a pdoc would try something in the Xanax family before trying Ambien.
I don't want to be a wet blanket, but hoping for great results in 14 days on any AD is being very optimistic. The results are gradual, and can take up to 6-10 weeks for full effect. And don't be surprised if you have a setback or two along the way. You have to be patient. Good luck!
Posted by LynneDa on March 18, 2004, at 11:03:13
In reply to Increased dose, posted by ednababish on March 18, 2004, at 8:52:48
Hi EB -
I was on 10mg for 10 weeks, then went to 20mg. I have been there now for 11 weeks. I felt too much depression, anxiety, irritability, etc. the week or so before my period. Going to 20mg lessened that considerably. My s/e's were not bad, maybe a week or so, but very very mild. I am much happier in general, maybe 1 or 2 irrational outbursts per month now!Two caveats for my story - I still suffer from insomnia so it is hard to tell if the Lex is working to its fullest since I'm so tired (leading to grumpiness, irritability, less ability to function at work, all kinds of things!). The second is that I really need to get back into therapy to deal with some of my unresolved anger & low self-esteem issues (that seemed to have come with the anger & depression - never felt bad about myself before).
So, having said all that, I would recommend upping :-). It was an easy transition and I know it helped me! Good luck to you whichever you decide. We'll be here for you!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Posted by LynneDa on March 18, 2004, at 11:11:51
In reply to Does it get better, posted by peace123 on March 18, 2004, at 9:11:29
Hi! Welcome and the answer is a hearty YES . . . it does get better after a couple of weeks!! Once your brain chemicals adjust, you will have more control over your emotions and reactions, etc. I'm sorry you had to go through that at work - yuk! But, it's not your fault and the Lex has done wondrous things for many of us here on this site. Are you taking anything for the initial anxiety? It is not uncommon during this start-up period to have some increased anxiety. That passes too.
Give yourself the time you need to adjust. Keep thinking positive that you will overcome the s/e's, cuz you will! Sleep is key too - gives you the down time your body needs to do its work. Glad you got the Ambien.
Please be kind to yourself these 2 weeks - don't have great expectations for getting lots done, etc. Your body is fighting internally to become balanced - it may not look like it from the outside, but you're working hard :-). If you invest the time now to take it easy and let the Lex do it's thing, you will reap benefits for the future!
Hang in there and let us know how you're doing, okay?
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>peace to all,
>
> today is my 8th day on lexapro, i was prescribed 10 mg, but the last 2 days ( days 6 and 7 ) I had to reduce to 5mg in order to work.. but that turned into a bad seen at work.. had a stres/anxiety attack which involved having my husband come to pick me up.. and a trip to the doc's for a note to excuse me for th enext 2 weeks..so i can get use to the meds.. so today I am back on 10 mg..
>
> My question is, will things improve by day 14 ?
> Will the foggy head go away ?
>
> I had not slept in 6 days so the doc prescribed ambian, which i used last night and finally got some sleep.
>
> I just want to feel like i have some control of my emotions, and I can react in a normal way to things at work .
>
> How long does lexapro normally take to work ?
>
>
Posted by KathrynLex on March 18, 2004, at 12:06:01
In reply to I'm back!!!, posted by sexylexy on March 17, 2004, at 23:17:20
Hey Lexy,
Welcome back. I'm glad you had a fun time in Las Vegas and it's good to hear that the 15 mgs is working out for you.
So, after talking to your pdoc what have you decided about Wellbutrin? I've been thinking about adding it to my daily Lexapro dose and will discuss it with my pdoc when I meet with him on the 26th.
K.
Posted by LynneDa on March 18, 2004, at 12:12:19
In reply to Re: I'm back!!! » sexylexy, posted by KathrynLex on March 18, 2004, at 12:06:01
Hey ladies - I am close to asking about Wellbutrin as well. Let me know what your docs say, ok? I'm nervous to ask for more drugs for some reason, but my energy is not where it should be and, barring anemia or some other disorder, it just doesn't feel right.
Glad to have you both back! Kathryn, didn't you go somewhere too? Lexy - did you gamble or just see shows? I guess you managed to stay away from those little chapels?!?!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Hey Lexy,
>
> Welcome back. I'm glad you had a fun time in Las Vegas and it's good to hear that the 15 mgs is working out for you.
>
> So, after talking to your pdoc what have you decided about Wellbutrin? I've been thinking about adding it to my daily Lexapro dose and will discuss it with my pdoc when I meet with him on the 26th.
>
> K.
Posted by KathrynLex on March 18, 2004, at 12:13:06
In reply to Does it get better, posted by peace123 on March 18, 2004, at 9:11:29
Hi Peace,
In my experience the side effects begin to go away around the start of week 3. A lot of people, myself included, had a difficult time adjusting to Lexapro. The muddled thinking and insomnia do get better. By the end of week 5 I was sleeping well again. The more time that goes by, the more you will feel like you have control over your emotions. Rest assured it DOES get better.
K.
Posted by KathrynLex on March 18, 2004, at 12:15:33
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin » Mrs. C, posted by Simus on March 18, 2004, at 10:47:24
Hi Simus,
I really hope the Wellbutrin works well for you. It can be frustrating trying to find the right med but hang in there, it sounds like you're making a lot of progress.
K.
Posted by KathrynLex on March 18, 2004, at 12:23:54
In reply to Increased dose, posted by ednababish on March 18, 2004, at 8:52:48
Hi EB,
Increasing can really make a difference. While I only went from 10 mgs to 15 mgs, I have seen very positive changes in my attitude.
You might want to consider a benzo, they can help with those borderline panic attack moments. I've found Xanax and Klonopin to be terrific in that capacity.
Also, if you ever feel like trying a different medication, Prozac was amazing in helping to control my wild mood swings and gave me an extra bit of energy. It didn't make me feel as lethargic as Lexapro does.
But, I'm willing to bet that you'll do well with an increase.
K.
Posted by Mrs. C on March 18, 2004, at 15:03:22
In reply to Does it get better, posted by peace123 on March 18, 2004, at 9:11:29
It absolutely gets better! My side effects were anxiety and the jitters. For a few days I was also very tired. They all subsided after about 2-3 weeks and by the sixth week I was feeling more like myself again. By week nine I was feeling incredible. No more anxiety, depression, obsessive thoughts, etc. You will be different I'm sure but that's my story. This board was a lifesaver for me those first few months and will be for you too if you start coming often. We all are going through similar things and can support eachother through the difficult moments. Glad you're here. Mrs.C
Posted by want info on March 18, 2004, at 15:05:47
In reply to Re: I'm back!!! » KathrynLex, posted by LynneDa on March 18, 2004, at 12:12:19
why are people who seem to be doing well wanting to ask about adding wellbutrin? that makes me nervous...isn't just lex enough for anyone? EM
Posted by Mrs. C on March 18, 2004, at 15:06:45
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin » Mrs. C, posted by Simus on March 18, 2004, at 10:47:24
Simus, my fingers are crossed for you dear. Lexapro just may not have been the med for you. I hope that you continue to post here with us and keep us updated. Congrats on feeling better today and taking steps to improve your life. Mrs. C
Posted by LynneDa on March 18, 2004, at 15:28:57
In reply to wellbutrin??, posted by want info on March 18, 2004, at 15:05:47
Emily - You raise a very valid question . . . please don't let it worry you. Lex is wonderful!
Here is my opinion: We are human and on top of that we are (North)American - we always want bigger, better, faster, more! It's our culture, isn't it? Most of us were brought up believing pharmaceuticals & modern medicine can cure anything, right?
So, we're doing *pretty* well on Lex, but wouldn't it be just that much better if we weren't *quite* as tired or could get rid of that *last* little bit of anxiety we feel around that time of the month? For me, I'd like my insomnia & inorgasmia to go away altogether and I've heard Wellbutrin may help.
That's how I see it. Others may have different views, but I bet I'm not far off! Thanks for pointing this out to us all :-)
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>why are people who seem to be doing well wanting to ask about adding wellbutrin? that makes me nervous...isn't just lex enough for anyone? EM
Posted by KathrynLex on March 18, 2004, at 15:44:04
In reply to wellbutrin??, posted by want info on March 18, 2004, at 15:05:47
Hi EM,
I think the answer to your question vaires from person to person. In my case I've always had difficulty paying attention and focusing on tasks at work. Before finding a solution to that issue a more immediate problem of mine was anxiety and depression. Now that the Lexapro has relieved my symptoms of anxiety and depression, I can work on finding something to help my short attention span and inability to focus. Many people have had success with Wellbutrin so I've begun looking into it.
As far as my depression and anxiety are concerned Lexapro has been enough to help me get past it. So, my interest in Wellbutrin isn't related to concerns about Lex not working.
K.
Posted by Simus on March 18, 2004, at 16:12:56
In reply to wellbutrin??, posted by want info on March 18, 2004, at 15:05:47
> why are people who seem to be doing well wanting to ask about adding wellbutrin? that makes me nervous...isn't just lex enough for anyone? EM
I think the people that are considering asking for Wellbutrin are those not completely satisfied with the result of their SSRI. "Doing well" is a relative term. When I was, say, 90-95% of my old self, I was somewhat satisfied, and probably wouldn't have made a medicine change. But if I considered myself 80% or less than my old self, even though I was functional and considered myself "doing well" compared to a previous vegetative state, it would be worth it to me to seek additional help.
I will try to explain the medications to the best of my understanding - which you have to understand is limited. Lexapro is a SSRI. It targets the brain chemical serotonin. Wellbutrin is in a different class of antidepressants. It targets two completely different brain chemicals, dopamine and norepinephrine. That is why some people need either a SSRI (Lexapro), some need Wellbutrin, and some need a combination of the two. It depends on what brain chemical deficit is responsible for their depression. Sorry for the layman's answer. There are others on the site who are far better at explaining drugs than I am.
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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