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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Mrs. C on June 5, 2004, at 18:52:23
In reply to Re: How to lessen Effexor Withdrawal Symptoms!, posted by ramsea on June 3, 2004, at 3:26:42
What is Effexor used for? Is it an SSRI. Does it go by any other name? Just wondering so that I will never use it. Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs. C on June 5, 2004, at 18:55:43
In reply to New Lex user, posted by Tweek on June 3, 2004, at 12:36:24
Hey Tweek, Hang in there. I too felt extreme aggitation with Lexapro the first few weeks. I was very afraid that I had a nervous system problem. Once I found this sight and leared that many others experience this s/e it made it less scarey and more manageable. You have come to the right place for support. Good luck to you. Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs. C on June 5, 2004, at 18:58:07
In reply to Re: New Lex user, posted by Tweek on June 3, 2004, at 16:23:35
Don't stop taking the Lexapro. You will feel so much better in a few weeks if you can just hang in there. It's hard I know but we will support you. Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs. C on June 5, 2004, at 19:03:39
In reply to Re: New Lex user, posted by BTR on June 4, 2004, at 9:58:22
Hi BTR, nice to have you here. I have been on Lex for about nine months now. About two months on 20mgs. I am doing pretty well and working on some of my issues in therapy. What brings you to this site? Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs. C on June 5, 2004, at 19:05:58
In reply to Re: New Lex user, posted by Tweek on June 4, 2004, at 10:48:22
We veteran lex users call that feeling "wired but tired". I know it well and it sucks. I am sorry that you are experiencing that. I also had some pretty weird feelings in my jaw. Almost like my teeth were chattering but they weren't. It passes after about a week and by week two it should be gone. I will be praying for you. Mrs. C
Posted by Tweek on June 6, 2004, at 13:37:32
In reply to Re: New Lex user, posted by Mrs. C on June 5, 2004, at 18:58:07
> Don't stop taking the Lexapro. You will feel so much better in a few weeks if you can just hang in there. It's hard I know but we will support you. Mrs. C
Thank you, I really appreciate it. I guess my biggest problem is, I just feel so guilty for having to take medication to be "normal." I just want to be able to take care of myself without having to have a chemical do it for me. I hope I'm not offending anyone; I just feel ashamed of myself. I was on meds for over a year, and it didn't bother me before, but now that I'm starting a "new" life, it just makes it so hard to deal with. Fortunately, I'm going to see my gp tomorrow, and maybe she can recommend a good therapist who can help me with my millions of issues, and maybe help me accept the meds again.
Posted by aspensm0mmy on June 6, 2004, at 15:53:18
In reply to Re: New Lex user, posted by Tweek on June 6, 2004, at 13:37:32
Hi!!
I have to say that if I had cancer, I would not feel guilty about using any form of treatment to combat the illness. I look at using SSRI's the same way. "Normal" is a point of view. I am normal. In fact, more people go untreated of mental illness/depression in the US than in any other country because we have such hang-ups about taking meds to relieve ourselves of suffering! I hope that I have not offended anyone but I just had to drop my 2 cents!
I have been taking Lex for almost 2 months and I feel great! I love it! I wish that I had started out with Lex and avoided all of the issues that I put myself and my family thru.
Here's to hoping you can come to terms with the meds!!
((Vibes))
Brook
Posted by Mrs. C on June 6, 2004, at 20:47:20
In reply to Re: New Lex user, posted by Tweek on June 6, 2004, at 13:37:32
Hi Tweek, not to worry about offending anyone here. You are just saying what is on your mind and noone will judge you for it. We all understand. Just remember that you have a chemical inbalance. It is just like a physical illness and you would not feel ashamed to take medication for that would you? It is not your fault and you should be proud of yourself for being pro-active in trying to get better. I think a therapist is a good idea. Most of us on this board have one. I just started to see one about 3 months ago and have found it to be very useful in figuring out why I do the things I do. Good luck, Mrs. C
Posted by Anjul on June 7, 2004, at 6:47:52
In reply to Re: New Lex user » Tweek, posted by aspensm0mmy on June 6, 2004, at 15:53:18
Hi, Tweek! I have been on 10 Lex since October and feel so much better!!!! I had those same bad feelings you spoke of, but they were about my uncontrollable anxiety (terror) and depression. I am so glad that I can take a pill and not feel like a psycho!!! I'll take feeling (somewhat) normal ; - )
any way I can. I agree with the poster who said she wished she'd started earlier and spared her self and family. HAng in there! Anjul
Posted by bride2be on June 7, 2004, at 19:07:16
In reply to Re: New Lex user, posted by Tweek on June 6, 2004, at 13:37:32
i have been on lex for about 4 months. it was really bad the first couple of weeks, it will be better. this website was the only thing that made me not want to quit taking it. good luck and it will better before you know it
Posted by Tweek on June 7, 2004, at 19:33:21
In reply to Re: New Lex user, posted by bride2be on June 7, 2004, at 19:07:16
Hmm...not sure if my post got thru... But in case it didn't, here's a recap:
I just got back from the doctor, and I'm giving the Lexapro another shot. 5 mg, and I'm going to stay at that for another 3-4 weeks. I'm also starting therapy next week, and I'm really looking forward to that. Anyway, my doctor made a suggestion that I'm a bit curious about. She suggested switching from Lex to Celexa, as Celexa shouldn't cause the jitteriness and has an easier withdrawal period. Can anyone shed some light on this situation? What is the real difference between the two? And would taking the Lexapro at night maybe lessen the side effects?
Posted by Mrs. C on June 7, 2004, at 21:32:49
In reply to Re: New Lex user, posted by Tweek on June 7, 2004, at 19:33:21
I don't really know the difference between Lex and Celexa. I do know that Lex is related to Celexa but is supposed to have less side effects. Hope you feel better soon and congrats on the therapy. It will help. Mrs. C
Posted by mystic on June 9, 2004, at 7:31:32
In reply to Re: New Lex user, posted by Tweek on June 7, 2004, at 19:33:21
Tweek...how goes the battle??..thinking about you and wondering how you are doing..let us know...Your friend Mystic
Posted by Tweek on June 9, 2004, at 11:10:36
In reply to RE:: Tweek, posted by mystic on June 9, 2004, at 7:31:32
> Tweek...how goes the battle??..thinking about you and wondering how you are doing..let us know...Your friend Mystic
Well, it's been rough, actually. I saw my gp this past Monday, and she has me taking the Lexapro again. I'm taking 5 mg for now, but when I go back in about a month, it'll probably be upped. I was reluctant (and still am!) to take the Lexapro, but I gave in last night and took 5 mg, plus .25 clonazepam. I've pinpointed one of my main sources of depression, and if I'm going to conquer it, I definitely can't do it as a nervous wreck! Unfortunately, I feel like I'm coming out of my skin! I was a wreck when I got up this morning...mornings are usually the worst, but now I can add the Lex effects to it. =/ I actually posted the other day about this, but does taking the Lex at night reduce side effects, maybe? And what is the real difference between Lex and Celexa? I should have asked when I was at my gp, but I must have had a brainfart. *sigh* Trying not to go insane today...
Posted by MoTucker on June 9, 2004, at 11:36:12
In reply to RE:: Tweek, posted by Tweek on June 9, 2004, at 11:10:36
It seems to me that my medication isn't working the way it once did. I've been on Lexapro for nearly a year and suddenly my anxiety attacks are back and I've been forced to use my Klonopin more and more lately. I don't want to do that because of its addictive nature.
Has anyone else had this happen and had to switch meds? I'm on a 10 mg a day dose. Night-time has always been a bad time for me. The noise of the day subsides and it's just me left to my thoughts. I've been having nightly anxiety attacks accompanied by unfortunate bowel movements and near-vomiting. Is it time to switch? Does everyone have these phases?
Also, I was on Paxil for 4 months or so before the Lex and had really bad sexual side effects. I can orgasm now with Lex, but my libido never recovered. Is that a side-effect from Paxil that never went away or is this an effect that some people feel with Lex. I am terrified it will ruin my relationship. My fiance does not press me about it but I can tell it bothers him that I hardly ever want to have sex. Sometimes I can convince myself it is the meds, but then the "crazy voices" in my head start convincing me there's something wrong with the relationship and I have huge anxiety attacks worrying about that. Of course it's not like I get excited watching a steamy love scene like I used to. It's not like I want to pleasure myself like I used to. I just don't care. It's like I'm asexual. I'm so jealous of you folks out there that report no problems. The Lex is way better than Paxil in comparison - but ain't nothin better than my natural sex drive. Which I'm scared is gone forever.
I think I just need to get some counseling. That will have to help. I might have to switch meds, too... but that means I've got to go through withdrawl... during which I can't function. Not ideal for my career. Of course none of this solves the sexual dysfunction...
Thanks for listening. I wish I didn't have to go through any of this.
M.T.
Posted by LynneDa on June 9, 2004, at 11:40:55
In reply to RE:: Tweek, posted by Tweek on June 9, 2004, at 11:10:36
Tweek -
I'm glad you went to your doc. You are so right, in order to conquer your issues, you have to get stable. That may take several months. It took me almost 3 months on Lex before I could even think about going back into therapy and doing the right things for myself!Please hang in there! Try taking the Lex at different times of the day and note your reactions. Do it gradually over the course of this next week. I went from night to morning to evening before I settled on mid-afternoons! This took me a few weeks to figure out what was best. If you have s/e's right after you take it, by all means switch to nights so you can sleep thru the worst of it. If the s/e's start 3 or 4 hours after taking it, take it after dinner so again you'll be sleeping during the worst of it. Or, if you have major anxiety right when you get up, maybe taking it at night will give you enough to get through your mornings. Just write it all out or have your b.f. help you think it thru. I couldn't sort it out myself at first :-).
The only difference I know between Lex & Celexa is that Lex is a more refined Celexa - it has one less isotope or something! In other words, Lex is the next generation after Celexa. Due to that, it's supposed to start working more quickly because there is less to metabolize and it's supposed to have less s/e's. I never took Celexa so don't have any experience with the differences in effect.
Keep us posted! Just keep telling yourself that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and you'll get there, I promise!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
> Well, it's been rough, actually. I saw my gp this past Monday, and she has me taking the Lexapro again. I'm taking 5 mg for now, but when I go back in about a month, it'll probably be upped. I was reluctant (and still am!) to take the Lexapro, but I gave in last night and took 5 mg, plus .25 clonazepam. I've pinpointed one of my main sources of depression, and if I'm going to conquer it, I definitely can't do it as a nervous wreck! Unfortunately, I feel like I'm coming out of my skin! I was a wreck when I got up this morning...mornings are usually the worst, but now I can add the Lex effects to it. =/ I actually posted the other day about this, but does taking the Lex at night reduce side effects, maybe? And what is the real difference between Lex and Celexa? I should have asked when I was at my gp, but I must have had a brainfart. *sigh* Trying not to go insane today...
Posted by LynneDa on June 9, 2004, at 11:47:47
In reply to Lexapro Wearing off after a year?, posted by MoTucker on June 9, 2004, at 11:36:12
Hi MT - Sounds like you need to talk to your doctor about all of it. I've only been on Lex 8 months. My sex drive and ability to orgasm finally returned at about 5 months - but not nearly like it used to be! It's okay, but I know what you mean. I can also totally relate to the negative self-talk about your relationship . . . that's me to a T.
Have you had any changes recently that would bring on more anxiety? Are your physical symptoms caused by the anxiety? Maybe you just need to increase your dose. You will probably get a post from a couple of people who I know have gone thru this and had to increase, then were fine.
If you do have to change meds, there are things you can take to ease the transition - it's not just cold turkey off of one and start full blast on the other :-). Also, I've heard Lex withdrawal is not nearly so bad as Paxil!!!
I've heard Wellbutrin does not cause the sexual dysfunction problems.
Take your Klonopin just to get through this, while you figure out what to do. Trust yourself that you won't let it go far enough for there to be addiction problems. You will find a way. Keep us posted!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Posted by MoTucker on June 9, 2004, at 13:08:59
In reply to Re: Lexapro Wearing off after a year? » MoTucker, posted by LynneDa on June 9, 2004, at 11:47:47
Thanks for your support, Lynne. I can't tell you how much it means to hear someone relate - especially to the negative-talk. I wish I could control it.
The physical responses I have are directly related to the panic attack. Usually within 5 minutes of the episode's start I have it happen. It depends upon the severity of the attack, however. The gagging only happens when it's particularly bad.
Maybe I will look into Wellbutrin or an increased dose of the Lexapro. I was hoping to some day get some counseling to deal with my root issues and maybe get off the medicine - but it's not looking good for me. I might be a tough case.
We did get a new puppy - which I think has oddly exagerrated my stress at work and stress about trying to get my wedding planned. He is a lot of work - and is so NEEDY. It's scary to have someone need you. Last night's anxiety started with "we are nuts to have gotten this dog" and ended with "if I can't handle a dog how will I handle children and if I don't want to have children maybe that means I'm cold or maybe it means that I haven't found the right man because why wouldn't I want to have children with the one I love..."
And on and on it went.
Thanks again for your support. I'm very glad to have found this message board.
M.T.
> Hi MT - Sounds like you need to talk to your doctor about all of it. I've only been on Lex 8 months. My sex drive and ability to orgasm finally returned at about 5 months - but not nearly like it used to be! It's okay, but I know what you mean. I can also totally relate to the negative self-talk about your relationship . . . that's me to a T.
>
> Have you had any changes recently that would bring on more anxiety? Are your physical symptoms caused by the anxiety? Maybe you just need to increase your dose. You will probably get a post from a couple of people who I know have gone thru this and had to increase, then were fine.
>
> If you do have to change meds, there are things you can take to ease the transition - it's not just cold turkey off of one and start full blast on the other :-). Also, I've heard Lex withdrawal is not nearly so bad as Paxil!!!
>
> I've heard Wellbutrin does not cause the sexual dysfunction problems.
>
> Take your Klonopin just to get through this, while you figure out what to do. Trust yourself that you won't let it go far enough for there to be addiction problems. You will find a way. Keep us posted!
> ~ Lynne
> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Posted by LynneDa on June 9, 2004, at 13:33:00
In reply to Re: Lexapro Wearing off after a year?, posted by MoTucker on June 9, 2004, at 13:08:59
Oh MT. . . you are making yourself crazy, aren't you! :-)
I wish I had started taking Lex when I was planning my wedding (2nd marriage in July 2002 as a 39-year-old, 3 kids between us, fiance in grad school full time due to a job lay off so not around much, sold my condo, moved and planned a big wedding in 6 months, etc.!).
Here's the deal on kids - you get a lot more back from them than you do a puppy and you have 9 months to prepare for the responsibility :-). You'll do fine!
Don't let your negative talk start rolling, take your Klonopin and get rid of it. Now is not the time to try to change, correct, amend, etc, your personality. Just maintain while you plan your wedding . . . and work on yourself later!! Kind of cynical advice I guess, but pretty realistic.
The negative self-talk is the biggest thing I have to work on in therapy. It is so hard, I know, it's like it has a life of its own! You'll get to it eventually. At least you recognize the things you need to work on. Many people aren't even that far along! I just know that I have to stop thinking after 11pm or I'm in trouble!
Take care!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Thanks for your support, Lynne. I can't tell you how much it means to hear someone relate - especially to the negative-talk. I wish I could control it.
>
> The physical responses I have are directly related to the panic attack. Usually within 5 minutes of the episode's start I have it happen. It depends upon the severity of the attack, however. The gagging only happens when it's particularly bad.
>
> Maybe I will look into Wellbutrin or an increased dose of the Lexapro. I was hoping to some day get some counseling to deal with my root issues and maybe get off the medicine - but it's not looking good for me. I might be a tough case.
>
> We did get a new puppy - which I think has oddly exagerrated my stress at work and stress about trying to get my wedding planned. He is a lot of work - and is so NEEDY. It's scary to have someone need you. Last night's anxiety started with "we are nuts to have gotten this dog" and ended with "if I can't handle a dog how will I handle children and if I don't want to have children maybe that means I'm cold or maybe it means that I haven't found the right man because why wouldn't I want to have children with the one I love..."
>
> And on and on it went.
>
> Thanks again for your support. I'm very glad to have found this message board.
>
> M.T.
Posted by Mrs. C on June 9, 2004, at 19:51:50
In reply to RE:: Tweek, posted by Tweek on June 9, 2004, at 11:10:36
Tweek, hang in there dear. It passes. You will be surprised at how good you will feel if you can stick it out. I know it's hard. Been there! I take my lex right before I go to bed. I have never had any trouble sleeping but my worst jitters are always in the morning. They subside by mid morning and by afternoon I am myself again. I don't feel it at all anymore unless I am really upset about something or my period is coming. Will be thinking about you! Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs. C on June 9, 2004, at 19:55:08
In reply to Lexapro Wearing off after a year?, posted by MoTucker on June 9, 2004, at 11:36:12
Hi M.T., I am thinking it may be time for an increase. Most of us here are taking 20mgs. I also experienced the "poop out" you are describing about five months into 10mgs. I increased to 20 and feel pretty good. No side effects to mention. My sex drive has always been kind of crappy so I can't really say I have noticed any difference there. It isn't better or worse. Sorry I can't help you there. Hope you feel better soon. You have come to the right place for supportive friends. Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs. C on June 9, 2004, at 20:00:16
In reply to Re: Lexapro Wearing off after a year?, posted by MoTucker on June 9, 2004, at 13:08:59
I can so relate to you!! I was the same way when I was in my twenties! How old are you? Unfortunately I didn't see a problem with how I reacted to things so never got help until last year! You can overcome those feelings with lex to help you and you can learn to deal with stress better. Alot of it comes with age and experience. Sounds corney but so true! Good luck. Mrs. C
Posted by Dr. Bob on June 9, 2004, at 20:51:34
In reply to RE:: Tweek, posted by Tweek on June 9, 2004, at 11:10:36
> I should have asked when I was at my gp, but I must have had a brainf[*]rt.
Sorry to be such a prude, but please don't use language that could offend others.
If you have any questions or comments about this or about posting policies in general, or are interested in alternative ways of expressing yourself, please see the FAQ:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil
or redirect a follow-up to Psycho-Babble Administration.
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by MoTucker on June 10, 2004, at 9:16:12
In reply to Re: Lexapro Wearing off after a year?, posted by Mrs. C on June 9, 2004, at 19:55:08
I will have to ask my doctor about the 20 mg dose. Has anyone had to keep stepping up? Or do people tend to plateau out on 20 mg?
M.T.
Posted by MoTucker on June 10, 2004, at 9:16:19
In reply to Re: Lexapro Wearing off after a year?, posted by Mrs. C on June 9, 2004, at 20:00:16
Mrs C,
I'm 26. So you're dead-on. I got progressively more and more wound up from the age of 18 to 24. Then it all blew up and the anxiety started. I've been on the meds, like I said, for just over a year. But I'm still learning to deal with stress.
Writing about this and reading all of the support has made me feel so much better. No anxiety last night. I had a great talk with my fiance. The dog slept through the night - it was as if there was someone "up there" rewarding me for trying to get better.
M.T.
> I can so relate to you!! I was the same way when I was in my twenties! How old are you? Unfortunately I didn't see a problem with how I reacted to things so never got help until last year! You can overcome those feelings with lex to help you and you can learn to deal with stress better. Alot of it comes with age and experience. Sounds corney but so true! Good luck. Mrs. C
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