![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 7920 to 7944 of 8406. Go back in thread:
Posted by ramsea on June 12, 2004, at 6:00:23
In reply to RE: thanks, posted by nicko on June 12, 2004, at 4:35:03
You make perfect sense. I have had a similar situation. The thing is, I have had to accept that my condition is not the same as my family member's. If Lexapro caused you to have disordered psychosis it would still be a side effect of the medicine--maybe even more a drug-induced manic response rather than schizophrenic.
Your doctors are right of course--most people display schizophrenia before age 30. But there is a thing called psuedo-schizophrnia, or something like that. This describes a person who displayed a kinship with their close partner or family member who suffered a severe, possibly delusional and/or hallucinatory disorder, which led the non-schizophrenic person to act/think in some likeness to their schizophrenic partner. But it is easy to see that it's an anxiety reaction rather than being schizophrenia. The non-schizophrenic person is much more "in touch" in every way. They aren't faking, it's just due to closeness and maybe over-empathy, maybe even guilt. Or some other factors. But it isn't due to actual psychosis.
Have you ever considered working specifically on this belief system that you've acquired from your carework with a person suffering from a severe thought disorder (i.e. severe and chronic schizophrenia)??
I mean this in the nicest way, not trying to be critical, as I am the last person on earth to feel critical of mental health problems. I've been truly helped by cognitive behvioral type therapy, also dialectical therapy. It's very specific to your own thinking patterns and how those patterns are not helping you live as fully and well. DBT is supposedly for so-called "personality disorders", but can help anyone with a health or adjustment problem. It gives practical tools for sorting out one's disturbing and unhelpful thoughts.
I really recommend it. Even a life coach can be a help once you get the medical side of your severe anxiety under control. Maybe you can find ways to put a better barrier up. Not lacking in care and love, but just taking care of your own separate, individual identity.
If you started doing the thinking exercises, along with the medicine if it proves helpful, you might get a new toolbox for working matters through more easily. You've obviously had a lot of stress, and careworkers are documented now as being very suseptible to health problems themselves, including anxiety/depression. You;ve been taking care of someone but it sounds like you deserve and require some TLC yourself. It's just an idea. Wishing you relief.
Posted by nicko on June 12, 2004, at 9:20:14
In reply to RE: thanks, posted by nicko on June 12, 2004, at 4:35:03
Ok me again, i have the most serve migraine you can imagine at the moment, i can hardly type this i still feel out of it, But after just 1 and 1/4 tablet ive decided enough is enough, i know most people will say stick with it, it'll get better etc but i can't do it anymore, its not for me and if its this hard to get on it, god only knows how you can get off it in 6 months time.
I mean to be honest i only have mild depression and mild anxiety, i had more great days and less bad ones, i think dr's are too quick to use meds some times, the fact that i really didn't want meds hasn't helped and that fact that it has increased my anxiety, I'm getting scared easy by noises etc something ive never had, plus is making me feel mentally ill rather then better, scared to sleep cause of the panic attack it gave me, its not worth it to me, atleast before i could sleep without problems,
I feel i need some help no doubt, but i think most of my issues need to be spoken about rather then covered up, i might even give some natural therapy a go, if after a few weeks i feel worse, i will have to seriously consider the drugs, but i feel i need to give it a go first.
thanks again everyone, you have been great!lastly, im assuming after only 1 and 1/4 tablets i wont suffer any withdrawal systems right?
Posted by mystic on June 12, 2004, at 9:35:41
In reply to RE: thanks, posted by nicko on June 12, 2004, at 9:20:14
Nicko..you need to do what is best for you...We are here for you if you need us...Let us know how you are doing??..come over to social Redirected Lexaproers that is a non med post...Take care and you should be fine there shouldnt be any s/e for going off the med after only 2 days...Take care..Mystic
Posted by Mrs. C on June 12, 2004, at 22:24:56
In reply to RE: thanks, posted by nicko on June 12, 2004, at 4:35:03
Whoa!! First you must chill out! Lex can make you feel a little bit nervous, dizzy, sleepy, spacey and many other things. Keep telling yourself that you are just feeling side effects from the med. Secondly, just worrying about becoming schizophrenic is a good sign that you are not.
Give yourself a little break from worrying. What you are feeling is a normal reaction to the meds and it will pass soon. Probably in a few weeks or less. Hope this helps. MRs. C
Posted by Mrs. C on June 12, 2004, at 22:49:29
In reply to Re: Lexapro Wearing off after a year?, posted by MoTucker on June 10, 2004, at 9:16:19
Hey Mo, sorry that I haven't been able to write back sooner. Sometimes talking to openly and honestly to others about how you are feeling can really be helpful. It has been eye opening for me to realize how many people there are out there who experience the things that we do. I always thought that I was crazy and that I just had trouble dealing with things. I know differently now and I am so thankful that I spoke to my doc about it. Lex has made such a huge difference in how I handle things, especially stress. I hope it does the same for you. Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs. C on June 12, 2004, at 23:06:46
In reply to Re: New Lex user, posted by nicko on June 11, 2004, at 11:36:20
Hi Nicko, I am not sure if you are still reading the posts. I read that you have already decided to quit the lexapro. It's been a few days since I have read the posts. If you are still here, I'm glad. Maybe reading about how well everyone is doing will help you. I remember very well dreading having to take my next dose of lex. I was just starting to feel "normal" again when it was already time to take my next one. But I hung in there because of the people here on this site. All the support you need is right here from wonderful human beings who have been there. I hope that you feel better no matter what you decide. Best of luck. Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs. C on June 12, 2004, at 23:07:58
In reply to RE::: Tweek » mystic, posted by Tweek on June 11, 2004, at 10:58:07
Tweek, been there, done that. Mornings can be brutal. You will start to feel better in about a week. Hang in there cause it's worth it. Mrs. C
Posted by nicko on June 13, 2004, at 0:49:05
In reply to Re: New Lex user, posted by Mrs. C on June 12, 2004, at 23:06:46
Thank you Mrs, C and everyone else,
Yes i still read some of the posts and I'm really glad and thankful for everyone's help, it has meant alot to me.
But yes i had decided to get off the drugs, i wont be taking them anymore, i decided enough was enough and i am now on the road to facing my demons.Firstly after 30 years i finally came out and told my parents i was gay, WOW big one.lol, see one of the reasons my anxiety started was because i got sick a while back, and i thought i had a dreaded disease, HIV or similar, let me tell you that week of wait nearly killed and because no one knew about me being gay! i couldn't share my fears or concerns with anyone, all my results came back negative thank god but i was then told it isn't conclusive for 13 weeks and that i would need to be retested, so for 12 long weeks i worried, panicked, cried and put on a brave face infront of everyone, cause no one knew, but i started thinking negatively, im gonna die, i felt ashamed of myself and guilty. Well i got my results back again and all were negative again YAY but for some reason i couldn't let it go, what if its wrong, what if they made a mistake etc. I guess because thinking i was going to be positive for 13 weeks.
So i had a deep and meaningful with my mum, i thought it was about time, i even told her about the months of worry and fear i felt!, she basically cried, more at the fact that i went through all that alone, she wasn't upset i was gay, she even made a joke and said GOOD i didn't want any more grandchildren.LOL Its weird to think after all these years of worrying, omg what if my parents find out, what if i see someone i know while im out with my parents etc, what if they hate me, what if it sickens then.So i have finally after all these years accepted i am what i am, i use to hate myself, i use to cry and say i don't want to be gay, but the truth is no one choses this, its just the way you are born or something, ive always known.
I just cant explain the weight off my shoulders, It feels good.
I know i have a long way to go, but i will get there, I might try some natural stuff and see how it goes, maybe St johns wort, But i feel most of the pain and suffering had a reason, it has been a tough year and i want to stop living this lie and see what happens, if after a few weeks or months i don't start to feel better, I'll go back to the dr for meds.I'm so glad i found you guys, you have helped me more then you know, giving you all a cyber HUG, would it be ok if i stay in touch?
> Hi Nicko, I am not sure if you are still reading the posts. I read that you have already decided to quit the lexapro. It's been a few days since I have read the posts. If you are still here, I'm glad. Maybe reading about how well everyone is doing will help you. I remember very well dreading having to take my next dose of lex. I was just starting to feel "normal" again when it was already time to take my next one. But I hung in there because of the people here on this site. All the support you need is right here from wonderful human beings who have been there. I hope that you feel better no matter what you decide. Best of luck. Mrs. C
Posted by mystic on June 13, 2004, at 14:05:37
In reply to Re: New Lex user, posted by nicko on June 13, 2004, at 0:49:05
Wow Nicko..that is fantastic...you have found the courage to be yourself and I commend you for that...As far as the meds go you should do what you want to do..I want you to come over to social..which is the Redirected Lexaproers as you are not on meds..Dr Bob will redirect you for talk other than or along with meds...Congratulations on you new found freedom..something and I pray for everyday freedome to be myself again with out anxiety/depression..take care Mystic
Posted by MoTucker on June 13, 2004, at 17:11:50
In reply to Re: New Lex user, posted by nicko on June 13, 2004, at 0:49:05
Nicko - No wonder you felt like you were schitzophrenic (sorry for the spelling)! You were trying to be two people! I have a good friend that knew all along he was gay and didn't want to come out. He said it was like he was two people for a very long time, gay Joe and Straight Joe - in one body... You'll be happy to know that soon after he came out, he was doing very well. The need to hide things from people and be secretive all ended. It causes me anxiety just thinking about having to go through what you did. It seems very normal to me that your body and mind would have reacted the way that it has.
Enjoy your new freedom to be yourself! It must feel so wonderful to know that your mother loves you for who you are and not have to hide anymore! I am so happy for you! Even if you don't feel instantly better, don't be discouraged. Give yourself time. It sounds like you are on the right road. Cyber HUG right back at you.
M.T.
> Thank you Mrs, C and everyone else,
> Yes i still read some of the posts and I'm really glad and thankful for everyone's help, it has meant alot to me.
> But yes i had decided to get off the drugs, i wont be taking them anymore, i decided enough was enough and i am now on the road to facing my demons.
>
> Firstly after 30 years i finally came out and told my parents i was gay, WOW big one.lol, see one of the reasons my anxiety started was because i got sick a while back, and i thought i had a dreaded disease, HIV or similar, let me tell you that week of wait nearly killed and because no one knew about me being gay! i couldn't share my fears or concerns with anyone, all my results came back negative thank god but i was then told it isn't conclusive for 13 weeks and that i would need to be retested, so for 12 long weeks i worried, panicked, cried and put on a brave face infront of everyone, cause no one knew, but i started thinking negatively, im gonna die, i felt ashamed of myself and guilty. Well i got my results back again and all were negative again YAY but for some reason i couldn't let it go, what if its wrong, what if they made a mistake etc. I guess because thinking i was going to be positive for 13 weeks.
> So i had a deep and meaningful with my mum, i thought it was about time, i even told her about the months of worry and fear i felt!, she basically cried, more at the fact that i went through all that alone, she wasn't upset i was gay, she even made a joke and said GOOD i didn't want any more grandchildren.LOL Its weird to think after all these years of worrying, omg what if my parents find out, what if i see someone i know while im out with my parents etc, what if they hate me, what if it sickens then.
>
> So i have finally after all these years accepted i am what i am, i use to hate myself, i use to cry and say i don't want to be gay, but the truth is no one choses this, its just the way you are born or something, ive always known.
> I just cant explain the weight off my shoulders, It feels good.
> I know i have a long way to go, but i will get there, I might try some natural stuff and see how it goes, maybe St johns wort, But i feel most of the pain and suffering had a reason, it has been a tough year and i want to stop living this lie and see what happens, if after a few weeks or months i don't start to feel better, I'll go back to the dr for meds.
>
> I'm so glad i found you guys, you have helped me more then you know, giving you all a cyber HUG, would it be ok if i stay in touch?
>
>
>
> > Hi Nicko, I am not sure if you are still reading the posts. I read that you have already decided to quit the lexapro. It's been a few days since I have read the posts. If you are still here, I'm glad. Maybe reading about how well everyone is doing will help you. I remember very well dreading having to take my next dose of lex. I was just starting to feel "normal" again when it was already time to take my next one. But I hung in there because of the people here on this site. All the support you need is right here from wonderful human beings who have been there. I hope that you feel better no matter what you decide. Best of luck. Mrs. C
>
>
Posted by MoTucker on June 13, 2004, at 17:19:05
In reply to Re: Lexapro Wearing off after a year?, posted by Mrs. C on June 12, 2004, at 22:49:29
Hey no worries Mrs. C.
I know what you mean about realizing how many people feel what we do. I sort of wonder what that says about our society? Or if it's the "human condition?" My mother was telling me today that she is thankful we have meds today to help me deal with my problems. In the "old days" I may have ended up a bum on the streets... self-medicating with alcohol and goodness knows that else. Anxiety and Depression run thick in my family - as does the associated alcoholism and suicide.
I've been pretty up and down the last few days. It's like being one of those mylar balloons that is low on helium. You kind of bounce on the bottom... skid a bit... slowly lift up a few inches... maybe float up a few feet... and then you skid across the floor some more.
I see my doctor tomorrow to discuss my meds. Will keep everyone posted. In the meantime I've gotten my "The Language of Letting Go" book back out. That's one fantastic book. Really plants the right seeds, you know? A close friend of mine who also suffers from anxiety inscribed it for me. It's a very special book.
Cheers everyone!
M.T.> Hey Mo, sorry that I haven't been able to write back sooner. Sometimes talking to openly and honestly to others about how you are feeling can really be helpful. It has been eye opening for me to realize how many people there are out there who experience the things that we do. I always thought that I was crazy and that I just had trouble dealing with things. I know differently now and I am so thankful that I spoke to my doc about it. Lex has made such a huge difference in how I handle things, especially stress. I hope it does the same for you. Mrs. C
Posted by Leira on June 13, 2004, at 17:35:34
In reply to Re: Questions about weight gain » Esmarelda, posted by galkeepinon on September 10, 2003, at 14:14:13
Hi! I'm new to this list as I am new to antidep. drugs, so bare with me!
I just started using Lex about 2 months ago and recentely upped my dosage to 15. Although my Doc suggested this and even thinks I should maybe do 20, I'm experiencing some side effects that are driving me nuts (ha ha). I can't stop yawning and I could sleep forever, which is very unusual for me as I'm usually an insomniac. I took a 4 hour nap after work the other day!! I also have noticed some weight gain, about 5 lbs in the past weeks since I went up to 15, and I don't usually gain weight like that. I'm thinking I should go back to 10, as I wasn't doing too bad on that and I hate being tired all the time!! Any suggestions???
Thanks!
Posted by Mrs. C on June 13, 2004, at 21:24:47
In reply to Re: New Lex user, posted by nicko on June 13, 2004, at 0:49:05
Hey Nicko,
Glad to hear from you. Sounds like you have your mind made up about meds. That's okay and of course you are still welcome on this board. Alot of us actually talk on the social board because Dr. Bob gets upset since this board is to discuss medication. Many of us have become quite close since coming here and we really have a great group. Please feel free to join us over on the social board. I will look for you there. Congratulations on finally "coming out". I have no experience to share with you there unless you count coming out about my mental illness. I guess that it can be considered a similar thing. I always wanted everyone to believe that I was so "together". That's the front I have always used. Inside I have been a mess. That is until I found my new friends here and realized that I have nothing to be ashamed of. It's great to know that you can still be loved for who you are! I'm sure you are feeling that too. What an exceptional mom you have! Homosexuality has never really bothered me at all either. If my two daughters grow up and realize that they are gay I can't imagine loving them any less. Of course I know that some people are not as accepting and I am sure that you have encountered some discrimation because of being who you are. I hope that you can find the happiness you are looking for and that you will still join us here from time to time. Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs. C on June 13, 2004, at 21:29:13
In reply to Re: Lexapro Wearing off after a year?, posted by MoTucker on June 13, 2004, at 17:19:05
Hey Mo, good luck at the doc tomorrow. Check in with how you are doing and what was discussed. Yes, we are very nosey and if you don't check in we will worry beyond belief! Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs. C on June 13, 2004, at 21:32:58
In reply to Re: Questions about weight gain, posted by Leira on June 13, 2004, at 17:35:34
Hey Leira, welcome to the board! I have not experienced any weight gain on lex nor have I ever been sleepy because of lex. Sorry that I can't help you there but I'm sure someone else will come forward with some suggestions. I have been on Lex for 9 months now. Started at 10 and have been at 20 for about 2 months. My worst side effects were nervousness and facial twitches. They have since gone away and it's been pretty smooth sailing. Good luck to you, Mrs. C
Posted by sexylexy on June 13, 2004, at 23:52:45
In reply to Re: Questions about weight gain, posted by Mrs. C on June 13, 2004, at 21:32:58
Hey Girl,
Man when I first started taking lexapro (10mg)the only thing I like about it was weight loss. I mean I went from a size 4 to a size 2 in a heartbeat. I never wanted to eat and actually dreaded eating. My weight eventually evened out and I still was not seeing a lot of improvement from Lex. My Pdoc said that none of the doctors seem that impressed with 10mg, so she upped me to 15mg then to 20mg, well I did not feel like I was eating a lot but my jeans got tigher and tigher. My size 4 clothes were even getting snug... I got on the scale, I was 133 which of course is not wear near "fat" but still with lex I was 118 and my "normal" weight that I am happy at is between anything under 125. I am now back down to 10mg and at 128, thinking I will cut down to 5mg pretty soon as I would like to be off by september.
Now let me say something about moving up to 15 or 20 mg. I moved to 15 and in about two weeks felt so much better, like night and day (I got depression from a birth control pill, then got so anxious that I would become depressed, it was like a week long panic attack...I finally started on Zoloft, which was the most awful experience ever, then moved on to lexapro which was a lot easier for me to handle). I then moved up to 20mg, and it did not do that much but made me irritated and aggitated and the weight came on. Sorry to be so long winded but I just wanted to give you some advice.. I know when I was knew (Ive been on the board for the entire 5 1/2 months I have been on lex) I wanted as much help and advice I could get!!!
Good luck..feel free to join the "Yo Yos" as we call ourself over in Psychobabble, we are a great group of ladies who love to help each other out!!
Lexy
Posted by mystic on June 14, 2004, at 7:24:45
In reply to Re: Questions about weight gain ..Leira, posted by sexylexy on June 13, 2004, at 23:52:45
Hey Lexy ...how ya doing??...Do you do any kind of excersise I know that I'm worried as I climb the lader of the lex that I'm going to gain the weight as well...I do work out at least 4-5 days a week..I do arobics 3 days and lift weights 2 days..Is it in fact inevidible as we go higher with the lex that we are going to gain the weight..I have just upped my dosage to 17.5 and very worried about this...Also worried that my memory is just shot..I cant remember anything like what I did yesterday...Is this something that will go away?..anyone else had this problem?...thanks everyone...Take care...Your friend...Mystic
Posted by MoTucker on June 14, 2004, at 7:41:13
In reply to RE:: Lexy, posted by mystic on June 14, 2004, at 7:24:45
When my anxiety came on last year I lost about 10 pounds because I couldn't make myself eat. When I started taking Paxil I slowly put the 10 pounds back on, and then 10 more. It was a 20 pound weight gain in a very short period of time. The 10 mg of Lexapro didn't change things at all... I stayed about 10 pounds over my ideal weight.
Considering the problems my family has with weight, I consider 10 pounds over ideal to be pretty good. So I haven't fought too hard to loose it. I do exersize, though. I don't know what your preferences are, Mystic, but Kickboxing did make me feel great. I didn't loose weight, persay, but I lost size. Lots of good muscle tone. And the type of activity really complimented the meds. Very vigorous... self-defense type action. Made me feel very capable and self-assured.
It seems likely my dose is going to go up - and from the sounds of it - so will my weight.
I've been on Lex for at least 12 months now. Anyone out there been on it longer? How long has the drug been out? Do people plateau at a certain dose, or do you have to keep climbing?
Mo-T
> Hey Lexy ...how ya doing??...Do you do any kind of excersise I know that I'm worried as I climb the lader of the lex that I'm going to gain the weight as well...I do work out at least 4-5 days a week..I do arobics 3 days and lift weights 2 days..Is it in fact inevidible as we go higher with the lex that we are going to gain the weight..I have just upped my dosage to 17.5 and very worried about this...Also worried that my memory is just shot..I cant remember anything like what I did yesterday...Is this something that will go away?..anyone else had this problem?...thanks everyone...Take care...Your friend...Mystic
Posted by MoTucker on June 14, 2004, at 7:45:42
In reply to Re: Questions about weight gain, posted by Leira on June 13, 2004, at 17:35:34
Hey Leira,
I can relate to the sleepiness. It does go away. Sometimes you have to fight the urge to nap and make yourself do something so it will pass. Just walk around the block or pick up the kitchen - you won't feel like doing it. But you'll feel better when you don't have the guilt of sleeping away the evening. When I go down for a nap - TROUBLE. I can lie there all day.
M.T.
> Hi! I'm new to this list as I am new to antidep. drugs, so bare with me!
> I just started using Lex about 2 months ago and recentely upped my dosage to 15. Although my Doc suggested this and even thinks I should maybe do 20, I'm experiencing some side effects that are driving me nuts (ha ha). I can't stop yawning and I could sleep forever, which is very unusual for me as I'm usually an insomniac. I took a 4 hour nap after work the other day!! I also have noticed some weight gain, about 5 lbs in the past weeks since I went up to 15, and I don't usually gain weight like that. I'm thinking I should go back to 10, as I wasn't doing too bad on that and I hate being tired all the time!! Any suggestions???
> Thanks!
>
>
Posted by LynneDa on June 14, 2004, at 9:51:43
In reply to Re: New Lex user, posted by nicko on June 13, 2004, at 0:49:05
Hi Nicko -
I'm just catching up on all the weekend's postings. Lots went on! Congratulations to you on coming out! I have several gay friends and most of their parents were more understanding than they could have imagined. I'm glad yours fell in that category.You have been under a lot of stress! Maybe the time is not right for you to try meds if they make you too anxious. The natural stuff can be helpful too. Look on the alternative babble part of the site for guidance in that area. It took me a year of trying meds, trying natural alternatives then deciding I was ready to try meds again. I'm pretty happy now, but it took some time. You'll get there :-).
Keep in touch and let us know your progress!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Thank you Mrs, C and everyone else,
> Yes i still read some of the posts and I'm really glad and thankful for everyone's help, it has meant alot to me.
> But yes i had decided to get off the drugs, i wont be taking them anymore, i decided enough was enough and i am now on the road to facing my demons.
>
> Firstly after 30 years i finally came out and told my parents i was gay, WOW big one.lol, see one of the reasons my anxiety started was because i got sick a while back, and i thought i had a dreaded disease, HIV or similar, let me tell you that week of wait nearly killed and because no one knew about me being gay! i couldn't share my fears or concerns with anyone, all my results came back negative thank god but i was then told it isn't conclusive for 13 weeks and that i would need to be retested, so for 12 long weeks i worried, panicked, cried and put on a brave face infront of everyone, cause no one knew, but i started thinking negatively, im gonna die, i felt ashamed of myself and guilty. Well i got my results back again and all were negative again YAY but for some reason i couldn't let it go, what if its wrong, what if they made a mistake etc. I guess because thinking i was going to be positive for 13 weeks.
> So i had a deep and meaningful with my mum, i thought it was about time, i even told her about the months of worry and fear i felt!, she basically cried, more at the fact that i went through all that alone, she wasn't upset i was gay, she even made a joke and said GOOD i didn't want any more grandchildren.LOL Its weird to think after all these years of worrying, omg what if my parents find out, what if i see someone i know while im out with my parents etc, what if they hate me, what if it sickens then.
>
> So i have finally after all these years accepted i am what i am, i use to hate myself, i use to cry and say i don't want to be gay, but the truth is no one choses this, its just the way you are born or something, ive always known.
> I just cant explain the weight off my shoulders, It feels good.
> I know i have a long way to go, but i will get there, I might try some natural stuff and see how it goes, maybe St johns wort, But i feel most of the pain and suffering had a reason, it has been a tough year and i want to stop living this lie and see what happens, if after a few weeks or months i don't start to feel better, I'll go back to the dr for meds.
>
> I'm so glad i found you guys, you have helped me more then you know, giving you all a cyber HUG, would it be ok if i stay in touch?
>
>
>
Posted by LynneDa on June 14, 2004, at 10:17:30
In reply to Re: Questions about weight gain, posted by Leira on June 13, 2004, at 17:35:34
Hi Leira ~
I did notice an increase in fatigue and weight gain when I increased from 10mg to 20mg. I've been on 20mg for 5 1/2 months and have now scaled back to 10mg, using 20mg only during my "bad" days of the month, associated with my period. The weight gain has stopped thank goodness, but I haven't been able to lose.I finally made an appt. with my doctor for this Friday to discuss alternatives. I thought I was tired due to insomnia. Well, the insomnia is gone, I'm sleeping well and I'm even more tired during the day than before - which means I have barely any energy for exercise. I'm not normally a gainer either, so this weight gain is an unwelcome surprise. I'll let you know if he finds a good solution for me!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Hi! I'm new to this list as I am new to antidep. drugs, so bare with me!
> I just started using Lex about 2 months ago and recentely upped my dosage to 15. Although my Doc suggested this and even thinks I should maybe do 20, I'm experiencing some side effects that are driving me nuts (ha ha). I can't stop yawning and I could sleep forever, which is very unusual for me as I'm usually an insomniac. I took a 4 hour nap after work the other day!! I also have noticed some weight gain, about 5 lbs in the past weeks since I went up to 15, and I don't usually gain weight like that. I'm thinking I should go back to 10, as I wasn't doing too bad on that and I hate being tired all the time!! Any suggestions???
> Thanks!
>
>
Posted by LynneDa on June 14, 2004, at 10:27:42
In reply to Re: Lexapro Wearing off after a year?, posted by Mrs. C on June 13, 2004, at 21:29:13
Ditto what Mrs. C. said!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Hey Mo, good luck at the doc tomorrow. Check in with how you are doing and what was discussed. Yes, we are very nosey and if you don't check in we will worry beyond belief! Mrs. C
Posted by LynneDa on June 14, 2004, at 10:38:03
In reply to RE:: Lexy, posted by mystic on June 14, 2004, at 7:24:45
Hi Mystic - I'm with you on the weight gain and memory issues. I would think with as much as you work out, you'd be able to maintain your current weight. Also, there are people like Mrs. C. who increased and haven't gained weight! My therapist says it's a 1/3 split: 1/3 gain, 1/3 stay the same and 1/3 lose (because they feel better so they don't eat junk and can work out). So, you may be in the other 2/3, not in the gain group! It's amazing how well 20 worked for me Mystic. Even now that I go back and forth between 10 and 20. I started feeling down & anxious Saturday evening, and realized it was 10 days out from my period - one of my "bad" times of the month hormonally I guess! So I took 20mg that night & yesterday, as my doctor instructed me. I felt better within a few hours and today I am fine. I'm over the hump for this month, so will go back to 10mg tonight.
The memory thing I don't know what to do about. I couldn't for the life of me remember the word bandana the other day. There's stuff like that and then bigger things that I blank out about. I'm not sure if it's getting better since I've gone back to the 10mg for most of the month.
Good luck and I truly hope you start feeling better soon. I think the increase will help you, I know it did for me!
~ Lynne
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Posted by sexylexy on June 14, 2004, at 11:45:42
In reply to RE:: Lexy, posted by mystic on June 14, 2004, at 7:24:45
Hey Mystic,
I used to excercise a lot, run, do the elipitcal, spin classes ect. I do admit that since the end of grad school I have not done all I could do, I think part of my problem is that once I stopped excercising I also stopped eating well. I do think that lexapro had a part in weight gain but I have been able to loose weight too...
As for memory, I know for a while, mine was shot to hell, I had no memory recall...I could not remember someones name to save my life. I am not really sure when it got better but it did ...Hope I was of some help...my parents moved out of state today so I am totally out of it.
Love ya
Lexy
Posted by Dr. Bob on June 14, 2004, at 17:58:09
In reply to Re: Lexapro Wearing off after a year?, posted by MoTucker on June 13, 2004, at 17:19:05
> In the meantime I've gotten my "The Language of Letting Go" book back out. That's one fantastic book...
I'd just like to plug the double double quotes feature at this site:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#amazon
The first time anyone refers to a book without using this option, I post this to try to make sure he or she at least knows about it. It's just an option, though, and doesn't *have* to be used. If people *choose* not to use it, I'd be interested why not, but I'd like that redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20020918/msgs/7717.html
Thanks!
Bob
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