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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by ramsea on November 28, 2005, at 4:19:55
In reply to Checking in After a Long Time, posted by Journeyman on November 27, 2005, at 20:37:10
Thank you for your post. I too miss the lively feeling of this board. It has been a real support for me for many years--I forget when I first stumbled upon this site but immediately felt there was intelligent discussion, genuine and useful sharing of information, experience and---best of all---hope.
Dr Bob worked hard to make the place safe to be and respectful. I was amazed to discover that he was a real person with a real concern for his site members.
Mental health clients/patients often are on the receiving end of a lot of stigma and isolation. Being respected, and expected to be respectful of others, was an honor.
I will miss this place if it is really disappearing. I know change happens. But there's no other place on the net that I know of, and I have looked, that is quite so discerning and caring in real, practical ways.
Journeyman, I also wish you well. It's fantastic that you have experienced such healing and an important message for the still suffering to hear--that people can--and usually do-- recover from mental health crisis. I hope lots of the people still involved with board find a way to keep a community of help, hope and healing thriving. Best/ramsea
Posted by ed_uk on November 28, 2005, at 12:45:33
In reply to Re: Checking in After a Long Time, posted by ramsea on November 28, 2005, at 4:19:55
I don't understand. Why do you think this place is disappearing? Many people post on this site every day!
Ed
Posted by Iansf on November 29, 2005, at 23:45:54
In reply to Re: Checking in After a Long Time, posted by ed_uk on November 28, 2005, at 12:45:33
> I don't understand. Why do you think this place is disappearing? Many people post on this site every day!
>
> EdAnd many others of us post a few to several times a month. Perhaps it's specific people you miss?
But whether it's disappearing or not, it would be helpful for people like yourself who have had success with treatment to post at regular intervals so others can see that improvement is possible. When only people who are struggling post, it can get very discouraging. Success stories can help keep people going.
Posted by ramsea on November 30, 2005, at 2:59:30
In reply to Re: Checking in After a Long Time, posted by Iansf on November 29, 2005, at 23:45:54
I received the impression that some psybabs were upset that dr.bob is thinking of moving on and are concerned about the future of the site. There have been some threads on this. If incorrect, I'd be happy.ramsea
Posted by ed_uk on November 30, 2005, at 14:53:04
In reply to Re: Checking in After a Long Time, posted by ramsea on November 30, 2005, at 2:59:30
Hi
>some psybabs were upset that dr.bob is thinking of moving on and are concerned about the future of the site. There have been some threads on this
Can you provide a link to the threads?
Ed
Posted by Esmarelda on November 30, 2005, at 18:19:16
In reply to Re: Checking in After a Long Time, posted by ed_uk on November 30, 2005, at 14:53:04
Hi all! I too came to this board around June of 2003 and it was very helpful to me and helped me to keep my sanity. I stopped Lexapro in July of this year due to other health issues, hypothyroid and hemochromatosis, that I thought it was effecting. However, I recently started back on an antidepressant, Cymbalta, which has worked great. It took a while on Lexapro, but ultimately the wait was worth it as I dealt with my Granmother's death. I was under the impression that the site had basically disappeared, meaning that no one ever posted to it anymore.
Posted by lil' jimi on December 1, 2005, at 9:36:39
In reply to Re: Checking in After a Long Time, posted by Esmarelda on November 30, 2005, at 18:19:16
hi esmeralda ...
>> > I was under the impression that the site had basically disappeared, meaning that no one ever posted to it anymore.
>> >glad to hear you are doing okay.
keep up the good work.i too came here some 2 and a half years ago ... maybe it was like April of '03 ... if i went back to that part of the thread i would know for sure ...
for our confused ones, allow me to explain that by "here" we speak specificaly of this lexapro thread in particular.
... this is a special thread because it begins several months before lexapro was introduced to the U.S. ... and every poster became a personal case study in first time lexapro use ... this is the original lexapro thread.it is a long thread. ... but for anyone who wants to know about lexapro it is worth reading the whole thing ... as i have recommended many times here ... because that is what i did ... for a couple of weeks while i was going through the adaptation phase of my lexapro treatment ... and if you did read the whole long thing, you would meet many people who came here looking for help, advise, support and understanding ... and you would read about people who became friends here ...
i believe that reading the whole thread can not only answer many questions about lexpro, but offers a tapestry of human narratives written in first person accounts ... the sheer drama and humor of it goes beyond anything hollywood offers as diversion ...
i was one of those people ... along with oldhand and mariposa and blkvettes and esmeralda ... i should scan the thread and act like i can remember everybody ... i cannot say lexapro has done much to improve my memory ... ha!
it has been ... 2 years and 10 months, more or less, that i have been taking 10 milligrams of lexapro everyday ...
so, Yes, dear new friends/visitors: the rest of babble carries on just fine and people still post "here" at the pBabble med board everyday ...
but now the lex thread had fallen into disuse ... although some of us still come back ... to try to check on old friends ... and sometimes we are dismayed that this once thriving community has moved on and things seem like a ghost of what we experienced ...
i was once here everyday ...
sometime about a year ago people stopped posting here pretty much.
i needed this place when it was here for me.
i am grateful it was here then.
i don't need it so much now.
but i miss the camaraderie ....and i miss you esmeralda.
great to hear your voice.as blkvettes taught me to sign off:
TAKE CARE !!~ jim
p.s. http://www.videocodezone.com/videos/g/goo_goo_dolls/better_days.html
(tip o' the sombrero to Chickleta ... gracias)
Posted by Esmarelda on December 2, 2005, at 16:54:51
In reply to Re: Checking in After a Long Time, posted by lil' jimi on December 1, 2005, at 9:36:39
Hey lil' jimmy! Good to hear from you too. I also read this board everyday. It saved my sanity. Lexapro helped when I needed it. Although, it does have it's side effects. I have a whole host of other medical problems now and haven't been able to work in 6 months. Hypothyroidism and Hemochromatosis. That's why I had to go back on an AD. Cymbalta seemed to help within a matter of days and I do not seem tohave th same side effects as with Lex. The Wellbutrin - Lexapro mix worked best for me! It is probably good for those of us who dont' need the board to help those that might. Maybe it's because Lexapro has been in use for a while now and there may not be as many questions?? Who knows! I am on a great thyroid board on yahoo for that problem. It reminds me of how this used to be. Such helpful, understanding people who really want to try to help others get better! See ya soon, I hope!
Posted by ramsea on December 3, 2005, at 0:43:18
In reply to Re: Checking in After a Long Time, posted by ed_uk on November 30, 2005, at 14:53:04
Sorry Ed I feel ill with flu and can't go retrack my many readings. just say now that I read that sort of thing here and there, and was sad and haven't checked in as much. Suggestion--ask dr.bob in the Admin site if he knows why some psybabs spoke up like this. he is the horse's mouth, so to speak. best, ramsea
Posted by Journeyman on December 20, 2005, at 18:55:56
In reply to Re: Checking in After a Long Time, posted by Esmarelda on December 2, 2005, at 16:54:51
LilJimi and Esmerelda, it was really good to see that you're still checking in. I'm pleased to hear that things are going reasonably well with both of you.
You've both done a good job of giving some history to this particular thread, devoted specifically to Lexapro. Here's a bit more that will fill in the background to my previously posted comments.
When I first logged onto this site, I read through thousands of messages. Lexapro was a new medication (or at least a newly modified version of an older one) and I was very interested in learning whatever I could about it. It wasn't easy for me to start taking Anti-Depression medication because I'd always felt I should be able to overcome any problems through eating well, exercising, talking things out, etc. To add to it, my (soon to be ex) wife was not supportive of it and viewed it as some sort of failure on my part. Seeing that other people were also concerned, worried, anxious, relieved, pleased, etc. showed me that I wasn't alone.
At the time, there were often dozens of postings in a single day. People would check in once or twice or even several times a day and encourage each other, follow-up from previous conversations, ask how things were going, etc. It was generally a very accepting community and we all benefited by being a part of it.
Because we got to know each other pretty well, the postings sometimes went more along social lines rather than just discussions about the Lexapro, per se. Consequently, any time people wanted to make 'social' comments, they were to go to another thread. While that was an important function, it ultimately led to the (near) demise of this thread.
New people came, with different contributions and ideas, and the general tone of the site changed. Some people formed a new group on another website and inevitable change came.
When I logged on last month to see what was going on with this site, I was surprised and saddened to see that an entire month had gone by with no posts, and that prior to that there were only a few over quite a long period.
If you're visiting for the first time, I encourage you to post and to keep coming back. There is much to be gained from sharing questions and exeriences.
Perhaps the spirit of the past can be rekindled. After all, seeing the changes in my own life, I khow that the seeming impossible can happen.
Strength and joy to all,
Journeyman
Posted by BLKVETTES on December 21, 2005, at 17:34:03
In reply to Checking in Again After Less Time, posted by Journeyman on December 20, 2005, at 18:55:56
GOOD JOB JOURNEYMAN!!!!!!
Posted by BLKVETTES on December 21, 2005, at 17:37:17
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro?, posted by BLKVETTES on October 21, 2005, at 6:23:03
TO DA LEXAPRO BOARD.....EVERYONE TAKE CARE!!!
WAYNE
Posted by Journeyman on December 21, 2005, at 19:13:03
In reply to MERRY CHRISTMAS, posted by BLKVETTES on December 21, 2005, at 17:37:17
Wayne,
It's good to see that you're still here. If nothing else, it means you're still doing what you need to do.
I hope that you're well.
Journeyman
Posted by Esmarelda on January 13, 2006, at 15:30:18
In reply to A Familiar Voice, posted by Journeyman on December 21, 2005, at 19:13:03
I agree with Journeyman - there was much to learn here, medically, emotionally, and just other's experiences. It is a very alone feeling when you are depressed. I guess the old adage is true - Misery does love company. Or, at least likes to know they are not alone. Lexapro worked for me. I am on something different now after a bried respite from the Lexapro. However, I have a lot more physicial going on now which I did not have at all in 2003 and 2004 when I was heavy posting and reading. Take care you guys and good hearing from you. I will check in from time to time!!!
Posted by genatay on February 12, 2006, at 17:34:37
In reply to Re: A Familiar Voice, posted by Esmarelda on January 13, 2006, at 15:30:18
Hi, My first day.. How's everyone?
I'm weening myself off lexapro of 4 years and now trying to find an all natural substitute..I'm tired of being a guinee pig for my doctors and pharmaceutical companies. I religiously take my MSM and Apple Cidar Vinegar,and proud to say my cholesterol and blood pressure are good..
Hope to find something soon ..
TY
Posted by Dr. Bob on February 14, 2006, at 23:11:01
In reply to Re: NEW VOICE, posted by genatay on February 12, 2006, at 17:34:37
> I'm weening myself off lexapro of 4 years and now trying to find an all natural substitute..
Welcome! And sorry if it's confusing here, but I'd like to redirect follow-ups regarding all natural substitutes to Psycho-Babble Alternative. Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20060130/msgs/609640.html
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by Kenny bb on April 3, 2006, at 11:15:19
In reply to Re: Lexapro sex drive, weight gain, dreams » bozeman, posted by proud mary on January 28, 2003, at 11:51:20
I'm 25and started Lexapro last week... My sex drive has increased but cannot acheive a full orgasm.. Been thinking of dis-continuing this med. Through a DR. of course. Is this normal and are there alternitives as far as medication
Posted by ramsea on April 3, 2006, at 11:22:27
In reply to Re: Lexapro sex drive, weight gain, dreams, posted by Kenny bb on April 3, 2006, at 11:15:19
It's pretty common as a SE. There are things that help some people--take a look at the section on the subject in a book by a Washington D.C. psychiatrist called The Anti-depressant Survival Guide. Sorry--forget his name and don't own it, checked it from library. One thing he mentioned was Gingko Biloba, a herbal remedy, worth asking your doctor. Also some people find it helps to "plan ahead" and take the med later than usual so it isn't fullblast in the system. good luck, ramsea
Posted by Esmarelda on April 6, 2006, at 17:30:20
In reply to Re: Lexapro sex drive, weight gain, dreams, posted by Kenny bb on April 3, 2006, at 11:15:19
I am not a man, but it seems that I recall from posts several years ago that after you are on Lexapro for some time, this situation improves. I don't know about weight gain. I lost weight on it initially because it made me nauseas and I don't recall any strange dreams. You might want to look back at posts from around 2003. Fran
Posted by trucker on April 6, 2006, at 18:13:16
In reply to Re: Lexapro sex drive, weight gain, dreams, posted by Esmarelda on April 6, 2006, at 17:30:20
the lower the dose the better the drive,
trucker
Posted by ginad37 on April 21, 2006, at 13:49:15
In reply to A Familiar Voice, posted by Journeyman on December 21, 2005, at 19:13:03
Im very new to this i just started therapy recently after suffering from aniety and depression for a long pieriod of time and although i have beeen prescribed anti anxiety drugs in the past this the first try at anti depression medication at this point im only on week one my doctor said i should start feeling the efffects within 2 weeks . My question is to other users how effective have they found it to be in treating their symptoms? Side effects? i was told they were very mild almost minimal. I am hoping this drug works for me. Like i said i have no experience with anti depression drugs. Any thoughts or opinions, advice etc.would be welcome. Thanks, Gina
Posted by miggy on May 3, 2006, at 8:10:39
In reply to how lexapro has helped and effected other users » Journeyman, posted by ginad37 on April 21, 2006, at 13:49:15
ginad37
Just started as well, a little nausia. Interested in how ppl are doing with it. Hoping to get over anxiety, depression, and return to work.thanks and be well
miggy
Posted by nikkij2626 on May 6, 2006, at 9:04:17
In reply to Re: lexapro -IBS » vero, posted by Phil on January 20, 2003, at 20:47:45
I took lexapro about 2 years ago and it worked wonders. the only 2 problems i had was gaining 10 pounds and loss of sex drive. which in my book was worth it to feel great again. but i stopped taking it, because i thought i was ok. and now i started to take it again. I take it for stress and bad anxiety. So good luck.
Posted by MercyMe on June 9, 2006, at 17:01:38
In reply to Re: how exapro has helped and effected other users » ginad37, posted by miggy on May 3, 2006, at 8:10:39
Taking Lexapro is like someone pushed the NORMAL button for me! I was on Wellbutrin, a small dose of Lithium and Topamax and still was riddled with anxiety and crying all the time, as well as a sense of hopelessness. Two weeks on Lexapro and it all stopped. I have gained 10 pounds though. I'm sure that's directly related to my increase in appetite, and I suppose that's a side effect of the drug. But I'd rather be fat and happy than the way I was before. I have developed myoclonis which is that jerking of the body one often gets when falling asleep, although mine is more pronounced. It could be exacerbated from another medical problem I have that has to do with my central nervous system. I was taking my higher dose of Lexapro at night and my doc just had me reverse it. We'll see if it helps. I say it's a wonder drug. I remember taking Celexa years ago and went back to Prozac because it didn't work very well for me. ~~ MercyMe
Posted by razzles on July 4, 2006, at 7:56:58
In reply to Checking in Again After Less Time, posted by Journeyman on December 20, 2005, at 18:55:56
Hi, I stopped Lexapro thinking I was fine and hating the 25 pound gain. Well, must be completely out of my system now and GAD is back.
Muscle jerks all night long, thought I was dying, every noise woke me and made me jump.
Guess I am going to take meds no matter how great I think I am. My mom had this and now I inherited it. Hate pills. Hate the weight, not good for my heart problem. Double time at the gym now I figure and cross my fingers that works.
Just venting from a night of mental torment. Thanks for any comments or suggestions.
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]
Script revised: February 4, 2008
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