![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 8091 to 8115 of 8406. Go back in thread:
Posted by captain on July 9, 2004, at 10:58:55
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness, posted by JenStar on July 7, 2004, at 0:43:46
Hey Ladies! Sorry I have been out of the loop - was traveling for work! Jen - thanks SO much for your post! You have no idea (or maybe you do!) how much it helps to know that other people go thru what I have been going through!
The lex has definitely helped me stop examining everything. I have been on it for 5 weeks and there is a big difference. I actually had a check up for the lex this morning and while i was there i had a urine test done as I have had a bladder infection. It looks like i have a lot of protein in my urine and I have to come back after taking some antibiotics to see if it is still there. Anyone had this? Of course it freaks me out a bit (not as bad cause of lex - i would normally be eating xanax like crazy by now) because she said it could be kidney leakage or strep of the kidney! UGH!
I went ahead and told her about my right foot and the lack of feeling and odd sensations. I work out a lot so i am having a lower back MRI next week to see if it is a disc/pinched nerve situation. Of course the hypochondriac in me has always wanted an MRI - hahah - so i almost feel like begging for a full body one while i am in there! :)
I am sure they are both something small, and i thank God for the lex because this would TOTALLY freak me out under normal circumstances. I won't even allow myself to research it (ALS,MS, LUPUS) all of the things I always wonder if I have. I know myself well enough to know that if I look it up, other symptoms will pop up!
It could just be anxiety related - who knows!
Anyway - I love having hypochondriac friends as no one understands this really. I can laugh at myself, but deep down i worry to myself too.
I will keep you posted! I hope everyone is having a healthy day!
Captain
Posted by Mrs. C on July 9, 2004, at 16:00:10
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness - Mrs. C/Jen Star, posted by captain on July 9, 2004, at 10:58:55
Captain, I am having a stressful day today. My heart has been doing PVC's all day. They are extra heartbeats. I have been having many of them lately. Some days none, but some days I get them bad. Today has been bad, they were coming 3 and 4 in a row. They have stopped now but I am freaked out and disgusted with myself for researching on the web about them. Of course I have already done that many many times in the past and probably know everything there is to know about PVC's but I still do it. Drives me crazy (no pun intended).
Have you ever had them. If so, have you ever had 4 in a row? I wish there was a site with a doctor that would talk to us when we get these worries. Just to calm us down. Mrs. C
Posted by Zena on July 9, 2004, at 17:46:19
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness - Mrs. C/Jen Star, posted by captain on July 9, 2004, at 10:58:55
Hi Captin,
I have had a lot of bladder infections since starting on lex & remeron. I try to drink a lot of cranberry juice (yuk) & my Dr. told me to drink lots of water. Another yuk as I don't like it. I have to go Mon. to see if the infection has cleared up. So your not alone.
Zena
Posted by Deesent on July 9, 2004, at 18:23:11
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness - Mrs. C/Jen Star, posted by Mrs. C on July 9, 2004, at 16:00:10
Mrs. C,
Sorry you are having such a rough day. I have had PVC's real bad in the past. Underwent 24 hr. holter monitor testing twice (of course on these days I didn't have them), sonagram for MVP (negative) and finally a 30 day holter monitor where they determined they were just PVC's. I know they are not dangerous but they still are scary, especially when you have a lot of them in one day. My doc put me on a very low dose of Inderal (10 mg.) to take twice a day. I usually get away with only taking it once a day, but on occasion have had to take it twice. It has helped regulate my heartbeat and no side effects. I do not have the PVC's as often now, and my heartrate has slowed, though not dangerously low. Hope you feel better!
Dee
Posted by Mrs. C on July 9, 2004, at 20:16:04
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness - Mrs. C/Jen Star, posted by Deesent on July 9, 2004, at 18:23:11
Thanks Dee, I have also had all of those tests done but the PVC's never have happened during them. Figures. But the heart is healthy anyway. I appreciate you getting back to me cause I am really freaking out here. I think I will mention them to my doc when I go next month. Let her know that they have been happening alot more than they used to. Mrs. C
Posted by captain on July 10, 2004, at 8:17:03
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness - Mrs. C/Jen Star, posted by Mrs. C on July 9, 2004, at 20:16:04
Mrs C., I have had those just a few times, but I have never mentioned them to the doctor as I figured they are just heart palpitations (maybe that is PCV's?) FOr some reason that isn't something that really freaks me out. Maybe because I am only 28 and work out and eat well. I worry more about MS, brain anuerisms, Lupus, ALS, cancer- stuff like that. I am sorry that you had a bad day - I know what that is like for sure. I have banned myself from looking things up online. It NEVER helps - my anxiety goes through the roof. I finally made a pact with myself to stop.
I hope today and the weekend are better for you!
Take care,
Captain
Posted by mystic on July 10, 2004, at 9:39:31
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness - Mrs. C/Jen Star, posted by captain on July 10, 2004, at 8:17:03
Great Idea Captain...But we all know hard a thing that will be...I always do the same thing I have any ache and pain it goes right for the computer and look up all kinds of stuff...and then obsess obsess obsess..Hopefully the meds will help with that...for me it is worse around my period because death just consumes me and that is all I think about...death of myself death of my husband on and on...Please try to think positive and it helps to try to rationalize these thoughts even if it doesnt work it is a good thing to try and you will get used to it...have a great weekend..Your friend..Mystic
Posted by mystic on July 11, 2004, at 15:37:20
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful » jjana, posted by worrywort on May 13, 2003, at 12:43:06
Hey everyone...has anyone had any good luck on wellbutrin by itself???...thanks..mystic
Posted by calico cat on July 12, 2004, at 7:48:45
In reply to RE::: hey everyone, posted by mystic on July 11, 2004, at 15:37:20
Hey. I switched from effexor to wellbutrin by itself, and I did not feel any differently than I felt before any meds. That's why I am in the process of switching to lexapro.
I have done some research on wellbutrin though. It supposedly helps you lose weight and has no sexual side effects. It is an older drug so there is a generic form.
I was very excited to try the wellbutrin, but it did not do anything for me. But, like all these drugs, you don't know until you try it yourself. Good luck - I hope it works for you, Calico Cat
Posted by Gio on July 12, 2004, at 19:43:53
In reply to Re: wellbutrin to lexapro, posted by calico cat on July 12, 2004, at 7:48:45
Hi everybody,
My anti-depressants combo was changed from a Paroxetine (Paxil in the US) + Pirlindole (Implementor in Europe, cannot find the commercial equivalent in the US) 3 days ago, replacing the Paroxetine with Escitalopram (Cipralex in Europe, Lexapro in the USA).
I never noticed any interaction with Paxil. However, since I started Lexapro, I feel that some mentioned Lexapro side effects (dizziness, vertigo, agitation) appear only or increase after I have taken Implementor.
I'm taking 10mg Lexapro + 50mg Implementor at breakfast + 50mg Implementor at lunch and the side effects do increase a lot after this last one, getting to desperate points at between 5 and 10 pm...
Also, maybe Dr.Bob can clear this out, the info coming with Implementor states it is a tricyclic AD but Pirlindole is described as bearing MAOI properties (???) and MAOI do interfere with SSRIs (but not with Paxil?)....http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=4010387&dopt=Citation
Thank you,
Gio
Posted by JenStar on July 12, 2004, at 22:45:45
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness - Mrs. C/Jen Star, posted by Mrs. C on July 9, 2004, at 16:00:10
hey guys,
Mrs. C, sorry you were having a bad day! Hope it's getting better. I didn't know the extra beats were called PVC's (I guess I'll have to do some research on the web - smile.) I too have had the extra beats sometimes come 3 or 4 times in a row. Once I thought I was going to have to call 911 because the rhythm seemed so 'messed up' but then it stopped & didn't come back (at least for a few months.) Normally I don't worry too much but there ARE periods when they come a lot, and I still haven't fully figured out why.I too had a holter test & a heart sonogram & a stress test, and it all came back negative. Like you guys, of COURSE my heart didn't do the skip beat thing when I had the holter on. The Cardiologist seemed to think I was stupid and dorky and naive and retarded and didn't take me seriously at all. On the one hand that was sort of good ("Wow..there must be nothing wrong with me then") but it also made me stress too, because I've read that many docs discount heart disease in younger women and miss some key signs. I will have to try not to worry.
Mrs. C, I would talk to your doc if you're worried about it. Don't let them make you feel bad for asking! It's YOUR heart, and your body, and you deserve to know what's going on. Most likely it's nothing but if you're worried, ask. Remember that you're the customer and the doc is providing a service to you for a fee. If you want some peace of mind, that's OK to get it!
Write back & let us know how you're doing.
take care!
JenStar
> Captain, I am having a stressful day today. My heart has been doing PVC's all day. They are extra heartbeats. I have been having many of them lately. Some days none, but some days I get them bad. Today has been bad, they were coming 3 and 4 in a row. They have stopped now but I am freaked out and disgusted with myself for researching on the web about them. Of course I have already done that many many times in the past and probably know everything there is to know about PVC's but I still do it. Drives me crazy (no pun intended).
> Have you ever had them. If so, have you ever had 4 in a row? I wish there was a site with a doctor that would talk to us when we get these worries. Just to calm us down. Mrs. C
Posted by JenStar on July 12, 2004, at 22:51:37
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness - Mrs. C/Jen Star, posted by captain on July 9, 2004, at 10:58:55
hey all,
it does help me to find that others go thru the same thing. I'm glad to help and I get lots of help from you guys, too! :)I hope the MRI goes well - keep us updated on what you find out.
About the infection - sorry you have that. I got a yeast infection after starting Lex, and before that I'd never had one in my life. It could be coincidence...I don't know. I hope you heal up quickly!
take care - talk to you soon.
JenStar> Hey Ladies! Sorry I have been out of the loop - was traveling for work! Jen - thanks SO much for your post! You have no idea (or maybe you do!) how much it helps to know that other people go thru what I have been going through!
>
> The lex has definitely helped me stop examining everything. I have been on it for 5 weeks and there is a big difference. I actually had a check up for the lex this morning and while i was there i had a urine test done as I have had a bladder infection. It looks like i have a lot of protein in my urine and I have to come back after taking some antibiotics to see if it is still there. Anyone had this? Of course it freaks me out a bit (not as bad cause of lex - i would normally be eating xanax like crazy by now) because she said it could be kidney leakage or strep of the kidney! UGH!
>
> I went ahead and told her about my right foot and the lack of feeling and odd sensations. I work out a lot so i am having a lower back MRI next week to see if it is a disc/pinched nerve situation. Of course the hypochondriac in me has always wanted an MRI - hahah - so i almost feel like begging for a full body one while i am in there! :)
>
> I am sure they are both something small, and i thank God for the lex because this would TOTALLY freak me out under normal circumstances. I won't even allow myself to research it (ALS,MS, LUPUS) all of the things I always wonder if I have. I know myself well enough to know that if I look it up, other symptoms will pop up!
>
> It could just be anxiety related - who knows!
>
> Anyway - I love having hypochondriac friends as no one understands this really. I can laugh at myself, but deep down i worry to myself too.
>
> I will keep you posted! I hope everyone is having a healthy day!
> Captain
Posted by JenStar on July 12, 2004, at 22:57:04
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro?, posted by Harlock on July 7, 2004, at 10:27:33
Harlock,
sorry you're going thru such a rough time. I'm thinking of you & hoping that things get better.This will prob. sound lame, but do you have any hobbies that could help distract you? When I was anxious & stressed out I couldn't focus on anything. As I started taking the Lex I felt more interested in life again and started getting back 'into' things.
For instance...do you play pickup basketball games at the park? Can you take a class (any class!) in the evenings at the community center, just to try something new? Is there some group you could join to meet new people for support?
It might sound like the more boring and non-helpful thing in the world, but I did it and it helped ME. Taking some classes got me 'out into the world' and I felt better when I did it.
Anyway, good luck. See your doc...ask for some help (esp. if drinking is the only thing that helps you right now) -- there must be a better way! You can find it!
Take care.
JenStar
> When I tried Lexapro, it put me to sleep, along with other symptoms I didn't like. Effexor was another bad one for me....especially when I tried to get off of it.
>
> I'm in need of a new cocktail now as my severe depression is destroying my life.
> Basically, to be blunt, if I didn't have a wife and two kids, I wouldn't be here anymore. I can't stand "living" like this.
>
> I'm curently on:
>
> 450mg Wellbutrin XL
> 6/50mg Symbyax
> 20mg Adderall
>
> Now, I have two good days, then 1 really bad day, then two good days, then 2 bad days, and so on. I go up and down like a yo-yo. Actually the "good" days aren't really good, they just have minimal depression, but it's always there, looming around like a storm cloud (that follows me everywhere).
>
> Sleeping and dreaming is the only escape for me, and sometimes going out drinking. The dep. is worst when I'm alone... then, all I want to be is alone.
>
> Just had a 4th of July cookout and *everyone* knew there was somehting wrong with me. Figures.. the day before I was OK, then when there's an event, and I have my bad day. Bleah.
>
> Anyway, my road rage and hypo-manic episodes are almost gone. I used to be super irritable, have massive anger/rage issues, but these have all subsided...I'm thinking the Symbax did this. Problem is, I don't care about anything anymore.
>
> But, I'd switch those symptoms with my depression any day. I might have got mad to frequentlty, but I was also productive and home and work, and was able to enjoy life.
>
> Enough rambling.. ;)
>
>
> > Hi Everybody,
> > I am another new use of Lexapro. I am VERY med phobic. After trying several AD's (Paxil, Effexor, Zoloft, Elavil, etc.....)I finally was able to take Serzone for the last 3 1/2 years. Now all of a sudden they are discontinuing it and I have had to go through the complications of wd from that med very slowly over the past two months. My pdoc has given me Lex. I took 2.5 mg. about 4:00 p.m. yesterday, was o.k. but couldn't sleep and at 2 a.m. came down with horrid stomach cramps and I won't get graphic about the rest. Anyway finally fell asleep about 3:00 a.m. and slept until 7:00 a.m. (with the help of Xanax). I took another 2.5 mgs. today at 1:00 p.m. So far, so good. I have terrible anxiety and was almost to the point of not wanting to leave the house. My question is, how do you get through the side effects while having to work. I work a 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday shift, and was wondering how am I going to feel when I go back on Tuesday? Will I be able to handle it?
> >
>
>
Posted by Mrs. C on July 13, 2004, at 21:40:15
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness - Mrs. C/Jen Star, posted by JenStar on July 12, 2004, at 22:45:45
Hey Jenstar, thanks for your post. It really helps me to know that I am not alone in this. I just got back from a weekend away with my Mom and Sister. No kids, no husband, no housework, no stress, no PVCs!! Makes me wonder! Mrs C.
Posted by JenStar on July 14, 2004, at 23:15:24
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness - Mrs. C/Jen Star, posted by Mrs. C on July 13, 2004, at 21:40:15
Mrs. C,
glad you had a nice get-away! Hopefully the PVC's will take a little break now for a while.How's everything else going? How are you feeling in general these days?
I'm doing OK on my 5 mg/day of Lexapro. I'm probably ready to start tapering down to 2.5 mg/day, although I'm nervous about this. my hubby says that I'm crankier than usual and although it may be PMS coupled with a new puppy and the hideous Arizona weather....it could be the flagging doses of Lex. I guess I'll have to see how it goes...
talk to you soon!
JenStar> Hey Jenstar, thanks for your post. It really helps me to know that I am not alone in this. I just got back from a weekend away with my Mom and Sister. No kids, no husband, no housework, no stress, no PVCs!! Makes me wonder! Mrs C.
Posted by captain on July 15, 2004, at 9:30:35
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness - Mrs. C/Jen Star, posted by JenStar on July 14, 2004, at 23:15:24
Hey guys - okay, so basically my hypochondria is in full swing. Here's the story. I had to go get an MRI this morning on my lower back for some odd sensations and numbness in my right foot. They think it could be a nerve/disc thing as I lift weights and do strenuous things with my back. So anyway, I am in there this morning and in the waiting room. They called the lady behind me to get checked in and were asking why she was there and she said she had a brain tumor in 02 that was removed but that her symptoms are BACK! They asked her what they are and she said DIZZINESS! (by the way, i take 10mg lex/day for anxiety - have no depression issues or anything and this is the first time i have ever taken anything besides xanax. been on lex about 6 weeks- 28 year old female)
Now - many of you have responded to the post i posted originally about DIZZINESS. I have had vertigo apparently twice - but as a hypochondriac - you think that that isn't what you have. I had lingering dizziness post vertigo and it did not subside until several weeks on lex. I tried to attribute it to anxiety.
I am now convinced that my lower back MRI will be normal and I will then believe that the problem with my extremities and dizziness (and sometimes vision) is certainly a brain tumor. I hate living this way! Do you guys have any advice? SHould i just demand an MRI of the head when I see my doc next?
Oh yes, by the way, I have thought that I have had a brain tumor before and had a cat scan 6 years ago because I freaked out on the doc at a doc in the box and that was the first time i was given xanax. haha - of course i didn't.
Oh and if you have never had an MRI...i hope you don't have to. That whole 20 minutes of being stuffed into a small machine with horrible sounds is enough to induce an anxiety attack on a dead person!
Posted by Mrs. C on July 15, 2004, at 10:56:12
In reply to Mrs. C/Jen Star And Other Hypochondraics- HELP!, posted by captain on July 15, 2004, at 9:30:35
Okay Captain, first of all being a hypochondriac myself I know that whatever I tell you will not stop you from worrying. A brain tumor is much more than experiencing vertigo. Most of the population has had vertigo at one point or another. Most people with vertigo do not have brain tumors. Are you still having vertigo? Brain tumor symptoms do not come and go. I think that you are okay. But I know that you are going to worry anyway. The only thing that can probably stop your worrying is to ask this lady more of her symptoms or to have your brain scanned again. Either way, it's a pain. Been there, done that. Increase your lex and take some xanax, talk to your doc about how nervous you are and be honest about it. Good luck, Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs. C on July 15, 2004, at 10:58:28
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness - Mrs. C/Jen Star, posted by JenStar on July 14, 2004, at 23:15:24
Hey Jenstar, good to hear from you. I am feeling pretty good. I think my period had alot to do with the anxiety that I was feeling last week. Refresh my memory and tell me why you are going off Lexapro. Talk to you soon, Mrs. C
Posted by JenStar on July 15, 2004, at 11:04:08
In reply to Mrs. C/Jen Star And Other Hypochondraics- HELP!, posted by captain on July 15, 2004, at 9:30:35
Hey Captain,
YOU DON'T HAVE A BRAIN TUMOR. I promise! You may be asking how I can know that, but from one fellow hypoc. to another -- you don't. Trust me!I'm sorry that your MRI was stressful. Mine were too! (I had 2 MRI's when I thought I had MS/ALS/etc and I had to take Xanax to get through them w/o freaking out.)
You know, after 6 wks on Lex you're probably JUST starting to stabilize on the drug. I know it seems like you've been taking it forever now, but it takes a long time, sometimes even 8-10 weeks, even 12, to reach a "steady state" and fall into a comfort level with the drug. It's very likely that the dizziness & other issues with slowly fade as you continue to take the Lex.
That being said, here's another example of how a person can magnify symptoms when they think they have them. (It's my story again...sadly, I have many of these...)
When I was SURE that I had MS, I kept watching for vision problems b/c I knew it was supposed to be one of the 1st signs, and "all" I had were the muscle twitches & periodic numbness.
I would sit on the couch and check my vision about 12 times a day: "From this angle, I should JUST be able to read the clock on the stove. Can I see it? Does it say 7:43? Or is it 7:48? Oh my God, yesterday I was better able to distinguish between a 3 and an 8. I am losing my vision. Is it better with the right eye? How about the left? Oh, darn, I can't remember which is worse anyway. But I'm SURE I could see better yest. Wait, now I can't see it at all. Is that a shadow over there or is it a blind spot in my eye caused by MS? Oh my God"...and so on...and so on.
I would do this literally every time I was on the couch, and naturally I became CONVINCED that my vision was failing. It became a negative feedback loop that got worse and worse until I had to remember that I actually could still see things pretty well. At the rate I was going, I was about to make myself blind by "wishful" thinking!
Also - the worst thing about my MRI was the other people. As I was waiting to go in, they were wheeling a guy out in a wheelchair. His family was there to greet him, and the doc actually came out and held up some Xrays/MRI printouts and said "This is serious, they're waiting for you over at Desert Sam, I gave a call ahead, you should go there now" or something like that. I panicked. It's one thing to THINK you have diseases...and then to SEE someone who has something awful just magnifies those scary thoughts. I couldn't believe that others in the waiting room could sit there calmly reading magazines (reading!?) and didn't seem as morbidly interested in this wheelchair guy as I was. How could they just SIT there??
The point I'm trying to make, after a LONG story -- the mind is a very powerful strange thing. It can manufacture and worsen sypmtoms based on fear and anxiety. This has happened to me and many others I know. It doesn't mean that every symptom you EVER have will be exaggerated, I just think some of your current ones are.
Sometimes muscles & discs & nerves can get irritated and inflamed just from overuse...from bad shoes...from overpronation of the feet...from poor posture...from PMS...from humidity and over-workouts with bad posture. Sometimes things just come and go on their own without any horrible underlying cause.
Think simplicity. It's been said that the simplist explanation is often the right one, and the simplest explanation here is NOT a brain tumor or other disease. Those are actually rather rare. You're going to be OK!
You're going to be OK. Keep us updated on the MRI. I am thinking positive thoughts for you and hope that you're feeling better & less stressed soon!
Take Care.
jenStar> Hey guys - okay, so basically my hypochondria is in full swing. Here's the story. I had to go get an MRI this morning on my lower back for some odd sensations and numbness in my right foot. They think it could be a nerve/disc thing as I lift weights and do strenuous things with my back. So anyway, I am in there this morning and in the waiting room. They called the lady behind me to get checked in and were asking why she was there and she said she had a brain tumor in 02 that was removed but that her symptoms are BACK! They asked her what they are and she said DIZZINESS! (by the way, i take 10mg lex/day for anxiety - have no depression issues or anything and this is the first time i have ever taken anything besides xanax. been on lex about 6 weeks- 28 year old female)
>
> Now - many of you have responded to the post i posted originally about DIZZINESS. I have had vertigo apparently twice - but as a hypochondriac - you think that that isn't what you have. I had lingering dizziness post vertigo and it did not subside until several weeks on lex. I tried to attribute it to anxiety.
>
> I am now convinced that my lower back MRI will be normal and I will then believe that the problem with my extremities and dizziness (and sometimes vision) is certainly a brain tumor. I hate living this way! Do you guys have any advice? SHould i just demand an MRI of the head when I see my doc next?
>
> Oh yes, by the way, I have thought that I have had a brain tumor before and had a cat scan 6 years ago because I freaked out on the doc at a doc in the box and that was the first time i was given xanax. haha - of course i didn't.
>
> Oh and if you have never had an MRI...i hope you don't have to. That whole 20 minutes of being stuffed into a small machine with horrible sounds is enough to induce an anxiety attack on a dead person!
>
Posted by JenStar on July 15, 2004, at 11:10:14
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness - Mrs. C/Jen Star, posted by Mrs. C on July 15, 2004, at 10:58:28
hey Mrs. C,
I'm glad you're feeling good! Good for you! I'm trying to get off Lex because I have an underlying fear of taking drugs long-term. Also, I would like to get pregnant in the near future & would like to be off all medication when I do that. I've been tapering down for a few wks now and I feel more anxious & a bit more stressed, so I'll have to make a decision about whether to continue tapering or just stay on the Lex for a while. My husband thinks I should stay on it for a while. Any thoughts or recommendations??JenStar
> Hey Jenstar, good to hear from you. I am feeling pretty good. I think my period had alot to do with the anxiety that I was feeling last week. Refresh my memory and tell me why you are going off Lexapro. Talk to you soon, Mrs. C
Posted by captain on July 15, 2004, at 13:25:14
In reply to Re: Mrs. C/Jen Star And Other Hypochondraics- HELP!, posted by JenStar on July 15, 2004, at 11:04:08
You guys are the best! JenStar - thank you SO much for that post. It really makes me feel so much better. I have done the same thing with the vision - MS is one of my worries too. I cover up one eye with my hand to see if I can see anything and I swear to myself that it is getting worse! One of my friends from college was diagnosed a few years ago after numbness down one side and complete double vision, and she literally saw two of everything. I try to tell myself that.
I think the lex is really kicking in and working well for me, i just think that seeing this woman this morning and knowing what dizziness problems i was having - it really put me over the edge. On top of that, I have been under a great deal of stress. I have two very close girlfriends and ironically, one lost her mom suddenly in April and the other found out this week that her mom may not live through August (next month!). It has caused a great deal of anxiety for me as we hypochondriacs obviously have a fear of death and it is currently surrounding me. I love my friends dearly and don't know how to help them, and I am even more terrified of having to lose my own parents (who are only 54 and 57! - the same age as my friends mothers). I am even going to spend the night with my parents tonight.
I actually called a counselor today. I haven't been in years since I was in marraige counseling and I think it will be helpful to speak to someone about dealing with this anxiety of my friends and the death everywhere.
Thank you so much for your posts. I know you took the time to write a lot and those stories certainly make me feel sane agagin. My cousin had a brain tumor a few years ago and is fine now and her symptoms were severe - but i can certainly create a set of my own! :)
Thanks again you guys.
Captain
Posted by captain on July 15, 2004, at 13:27:18
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness - Mrs. C/Jen Star, posted by JenStar on July 15, 2004, at 11:10:14
Mrs C., I saw you posted something about being on your period. I am having mine right now and this is the first one i have really had since the lex has really been in my system. I have been SO incredible emotional - flipping out and crying to my boyfriend and having more anxiety than normal. Is there a link between periods and lex? My doc has never mentioned anything to me!
This would explain a lot if so!
Captain
Posted by Mrs. C on July 15, 2004, at 15:04:32
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness - Mrs. C/Jen Star, posted by captain on July 15, 2004, at 13:27:18
Captain, there is absolutely a connection. Almost every girl on the board has some sort of increased anxiety around their periods. It has happened to me almost every month since starting Lexapro. It happens like a week before my period is due and it makes me more stressed and I worry about my many "illnesses" alot more during that week. It's almost like the lex poops out that week. Strange but good to know for you new users. Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs. C on July 15, 2004, at 15:07:44
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness - Mrs. C/Jen Star, posted by JenStar on July 15, 2004, at 11:10:14
Jenstar, I remember now! Sorry. My memory has really taken a plunge since starting Lexapro. I don't have any thoughts either way, just do what your doctor says and what feels right for you. I just know that while I was pregnant it was the most relaxed time of my life. Something with the hormones I think. I had no anxiety or worries about my many "illnesses". I just concentrated on having a healthy baby. I wasn't on lex at that time but I should have been. Pregnancy was a peaceful break from my anxiety. Good luck. Mrs. C
Posted by JenStar on July 15, 2004, at 15:39:59
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness - Mrs. C/Jen Star, posted by captain on July 15, 2004, at 13:27:18
hey guys,
poor Captain - you ARE having rough issues right now. I'm sorry about your friends' moms...that is sad. I too am afraid of death & like to be insulated from it. I don't have any good advice about that, b/c I like to "ostrich" and pretend it doesn't exist.I guess -- just take joy in the fact that you are young and strong and healthy (even despite your worries, you're still walking & talking & living life!) Going to a funeral or talking to your friends won't change that.
About PMS - Lexapro helped me; I used to have really terrible emotional roller-coaster symptoms and now it's smoothed out some. I still get vicious cramps, though. The longer I took Lex the better it helped with my PMS, although like Mrs. C -- I still get more emotional & sad & worried around my period.
I read that some people are actually taking SSRI's (Lex or others) JUST because it helps with the horrible PMS issues!
I know what it's like to listen to a friend describe a disease nd then then you have it. I have a friend with MS, too, and even now I'm sure that my symptoms are similar to hers. I try to not obsess about it b/c I had all those tests, but it's easy to get sucked into the "I have this too" fear. Of course, keep in mind that doctors and meds these days are awesome. MS is NOT a death sentence; many people live huge, long rich lives with it. So too with brain tumors -- surgery is excellent and people get cured. You don't have those, but even if you did -- it's not a death sentence! :) Remember this: They operate routinely on people in their 70's and 80's - even tricky stuff like triple bypass & stuff!! And those people live and do well! Medicine is so advanced.
anyway, I hope things are going well.
talk to you soon!
JenStar
> Mrs C., I saw you posted something about being on your period. I am having mine right now and this is the first one i have really had since the lex has really been in my system. I have been SO incredible emotional - flipping out and crying to my boyfriend and having more anxiety than normal. Is there a link between periods and lex? My doc has never mentioned anything to me!
>
> This would explain a lot if so!
> Captain
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