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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by vandy on September 17, 2003, at 8:26:45
In reply to Re: Lexapro kicking in, posted by leedsman on September 15, 2003, at 18:09:22
I was driving to work one morning and realized a couple of things: 1. I was smiling as I drove along, enjoying the scenery, noticing things I had missed along the way; 2. I was really look8ing forward to the rest of the day.
When the balance shifts the fog lifts. Depression and anxiety truly keep one off balance almost all the time. Lex helps me find the balance and then I can influence my life on a truly level playing field. It's not a panacea. It's like a good signal on the tv: you still have to chose the program and do the fine tuning. But !Boy! Is that picture great!
> How do you know when it really kicks in, when you feel like you did before you felt that way, all side effects gone? Clear thinking returning, no more fogginess like a space cadet, with no more fatigue?
Posted by lil' jimi on September 17, 2003, at 9:32:59
In reply to Bad day already!!!, posted by Mattsit on September 17, 2003, at 7:50:44
hi Mattsit,
sorry to hear it's going so rough for you ...
> Day 6 of Lexapro...And Im very anxious this morning...worrying about losing my job, not losing my job, having to find a new job, how much i hate my current job, how much i dont want to lose my current job....
>
> Get my point? I worry about EVERY possible thing, even if the worries contridict themselves...that does NOT make sense...I hope the Lexapro helps me soon...I realize it may be a few weeks, but Im really hoping.
>
> Am I just lazy, or am I crazy??!?!?!?!?hazy? ... ...
... ... for me it was my 1st, 7 or 8 days which were my worst ... ... another week after that and i was much better .... ....... i have learned a lot about anxiety from our lexapro users who suffer from it ... from reading our posts it seems to me like lexapro is harder to adapt to for them ... ... because, i don't suffer from anxiety, but i found out about it first-hand when my lex SEs gave me panic attacks ... ... this left me with an impression of what this must be like for someone already struggling with anxiety ... ...
.. ... .. my first couple of weeks, especially my first week on lexapro, i was very unmotivated ... ... doing anything was hard .. .. thinking about doing anything was extremely hard ... i felt like resistance and inertia incarnate ... ...
... ... ... so i wouldn't say you are lazy ... ... you just feel lazy ... ... which Can make you feel crazy ... ... especially when those anxieties are being so contradictory ... those irrational anxieties! what's got into them !... but you're more crazed (by lex SEs) than crazy ... ... that's my bet ...hang in there!
posts lately from our more anxious folks remind me of some older posts about something they called "diurnal variation" ... ... which implies a daily mood cycle ... ... ...
... Bela's post and it's follow ups from July explains it better than i could:
see:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030728/msgs/246127.html... and then here lately a few posters have mentioned anxiety attacks in the morning, before they can even get out of bed ... ...
... while other posters offered that their anxiety only abates just as they go to bed at night ... ... the combination looks like a daily cycle, to me ...
... ... what i find striking about this is when we consider that the reason our species has to sleep every night is so we can give our bodies down time in order to catch up on neurotransmitter production ... ... so who'd want to have to face a new day when it's just going to mess up all that good work we spent all night doing? ... .. ... HA!... actually it seems to me you make a rational and valid point ... ....
... work, like maybe, sucks ?
... ... what do they have you doing there ?
... if your job security is an issue, you might be able to document your condition and your medical requirement for medication ... ... our medical condition(s) are not legitimate (legal?) reasons for dismissal ... ...try to take it easy on yourself ...
... and post often ... especially if it can help make you feel better!
~ jim
Posted by Mattsit on September 17, 2003, at 9:55:17
In reply to Mattsit, posted by lil' jimi on September 17, 2003, at 9:32:59
Wow. Are you inside my head observing or what?? I definately get the anxiety upon awakening...My eyes havent opened yet and Im already worried about the day ahead of me most days...Im trying to fight that off, but its tough.As far as feeling lazy..I think thats it..My motivation comes and goes depending on my mood....If Im happy im the hardest worker here...On an anxious day or day Im worrying all day I get nothing done...slack off, and piss people off.
Im hoping for some stability soon. Im an engineer in mechanical construction so the stresses can and are more than I can handle on most days.
Posted by lil' jimi on September 17, 2003, at 9:57:37
In reply to Re: Lexapro kicking in, posted by vandy on September 17, 2003, at 8:26:45
Posted by Arrianna on September 17, 2003, at 10:01:00
In reply to Bad day already!!!, posted by Mattsit on September 17, 2003, at 7:50:44
No, my friend, you are NOT crazy or lazy!! Just sounds like your suffering from anxiety. Don't lose hope-it will work for you!! But, as with anything else, it does just take time.
Before I got laid-off from my last job in early June, I was going through the same emotions you are now dealing with with your job. I hated my job, wanted to quit, was looking for something else; yet, did I really want to quit, and by all means, I did NOT want to get fired.
Luckily, for me, the company was sold. It was a blessing for me that I was laid-off, if you can believe that.
I truly believe that things happen for a reason, so I really believe that one day this will all make sense to you!! Worrying is somehting I'm sure we all deal with time to time. For some of us, including myself, it can be excessive.
Stay positive!! It WILL get better. Just give it some time and until then, take it one day at a time.
Wishing you well,
Arrianna
Posted by Mariposa on September 17, 2003, at 10:02:30
In reply to Re: Lil Jim, posted by Mattsit on September 17, 2003, at 9:55:17
>
> Wow. Are you inside my head observing or what?? I definately get the anxiety upon awakening...My eyes havent opened yet and Im already worried about the day ahead of me most days...Im trying to fight that off, but its tough.
>
> As far as feeling lazy..I think thats it..My motivation comes and goes depending on my mood....If Im happy im the hardest worker here...On an anxious day or day Im worrying all day I get nothing done...slack off, and piss people off.
>
> Im hoping for some stability soon. Im an engineer in mechanical construction so the stresses can and are more than I can handle on most days.You are still *early* into your Lex experience....don't want to upset you but feel I should warn you that things may get a little rough befor they get better. It may take 6-8 weeks befor you feel the *benefits* of Lex. Keep a good attitude, come here often for support and keep us posted on your progress!
Best of luck!~~~8|8
Posted by Arrianna on September 17, 2003, at 10:06:35
In reply to Re: Lexapro kicking in, posted by vandy on September 17, 2003, at 8:26:45
Sounds like the Lexapro has begun to kick in for you!! Yeah. Good for you. Happy that you are smiling and enjoying your surroundings. What a blessing.
For me, the lexapro helped my anxiety instantly. But, it took a couple 3-4 weeks, before I really felt its full benefits. I'm not sure if that's because my SE's were finally begin to settle or not. But, I was finally able to enjoy life, myself, and others again. Felt like a miracle!!
Thanks for following up on your progress, and I wish you continued success and happiness with the Lex!!
Arrianna
Posted by Arrianna on September 17, 2003, at 10:13:49
In reply to Mattsit, posted by lil' jimi on September 17, 2003, at 9:32:59
Posted by Mariposa on September 17, 2003, at 10:33:52
In reply to Re: Very Well Said lil'Jim!! (nm) » lil' jimi, posted by Arrianna on September 17, 2003, at 10:13:49
As always your post was the greatest....how do you do it?? You always make me smile, and even LOL!!!
KEEP UP THE EXCELLENT WORK!!!~~~8|8
Posted by lil' jimi on September 17, 2003, at 11:12:38
In reply to Re: Lil Jim » Mattsit, posted by Mariposa on September 17, 2003, at 10:02:30
hi Mattsit,
Mattsit wrote:
> > Wow. Are you inside my head observing or what?? I definately get the anxiety upon awakening...My eyes havent opened yet and Im already worried about the day ahead of me most days...Im trying to fight that off, but its tough. > >not to be too amused at your expense, but this is a little funny to me because Wayne was kidding Galkeepinon last nught that i had taken over her mind ... (HA!) ... and that he was ...
well, you probably read it ...
still cracks me up though ...
... ... i don't have any psychic powers ... yet ! ... other than the ones lexapro has given me .... HA!> > As far as feeling lazy..I think thats it..My motivation comes and goes depending on my mood....If Im happy im the hardest worker here...On an anxious day or day Im worrying all day I get nothing done...slack off, and piss people off.
> >
> > Im hoping for some stability soon. Im an engineer in mechanical construction so the stresses can and are more than I can handle on most days.
>
> You are still *early* into your Lex experience....don't want to upset you but feel I should warn you that things may get a little rough befor they get better. It may take 6-8 weeks befor you feel the *benefits* of Lex. Keep a good attitude, come here often for support and keep us posted on your progress!
>
> Best of luck!~~~8|8... do try to check out Bela's thread there ... i beleive there were more recent posts on this thread about morning anxiety attacks ...
... sweet Mariposa's cautions are what i was beating around the bush about ...
... i am concerned for you that your initial lex SEs will make your anxiousness worse before it gets better ... ... ie my panic attacks absent any previous anxiety symptoms ...
... i have posted here many times about the how the adjustment to lexapro can generate a stimulant-speedy-buzzy nervous energy (and at the same time it can also cause a lethargic, inert, trance-like spaced out sedation ... just so everything inside's a contradiction (!))
...
... so we are concerned about you
... great job you have there! ... too bad you don't have something easy like cracking bolders with a sledge hammer .... HA! ... best of luck!... if things don't turn around for you soon .. a couple days at most ... well, don't even wait ... call your prescriber now and tell them your side-effects (the morning anxiety) ... you want to do this anyway because the presciber should Want to know ... ... but this call is going to be angling for more than advice and moral support (that's what we do here) ... ... you are going to want treatment for your anxiety to get you through these initial lex SEs ... ... and we are hoping your doctor will offer some benzo supplementation to get you through these SEs and to keep you on that job ...
... so call now:
"hi, Doc ... I'm not doing so well ... lexapro SEs ... Yeah, they're eating my lunch ... anxiety, Big Time ... mornings .... ... Got anything to help get me through this?"and that's your advice from this amateur ...
i might be psychic (Not!) , but i AM Not a doctor ! ... ... your own best judgement is always better than mine and
... your mileage may vary ....Take Care!
~ jim
Posted by lil' jimi on September 17, 2003, at 11:38:33
In reply to Re: Very Well Said lil'Jim!!, posted by Mariposa on September 17, 2003, at 10:33:52
hi Mariposa, hi Arrianna,
i thank you for your kind compliments ... ... y'all are always so sweet ... you and our lex friends make this thread sweet ... thanks ... a bunch!
> As always your post was the greatest....how do you do it?? >
<whispering> i have a secret potion! ... shhhhh! ... it's lex-a-pro! ... ... HA!
> You always make me smile, and even LOL!!!
>
> KEEP UP THE EXCELLENT WORK!!!~~~8|8babe, if i am making you (or any of our threadsters) LAUGH ... ... then i am doing my job!
Wayne may be our Clown Prince here ... (yeah! Wayne!) ...
... but i am our Thread Jester ! .... HA!and i do take that ol' 10 miiligrams of lex still and here in about 28 minutes i'll have my noon dose again ... and yes, Gal, i'm still doing really swell on lex
... just trying to keep this med oriented here, you know ...
... ... ... HA!(But Wayne's the funny One !!)
.... .... How was sleeping with that GARLIC, WAYNE!!!.... HA! HA! HA!
take care and laugh out loud!
~ jim
Posted by BLKVETTES on September 17, 2003, at 13:02:21
In reply to Re: Lil Jim » Mattsit, posted by Mariposa on September 17, 2003, at 10:02:30
> >
> > Wow. Are you inside my head observing or what?? I definately get the anxiety upon awakening...My eyes havent opened yet and Im already worried about the day ahead of me most days...Im trying to fight that off, but its tough.
> >
> > As far as feeling lazy..I think thats it..My motivation comes and goes depending on my mood....If Im happy im the hardest worker here...On an anxious day or day Im worrying all day I get nothing done...slack off, and piss people off.
> >
> > Im hoping for some stability soon. Im an engineer in mechanical construction so the stresses can and are more than I can handle on most days.
>
> You are still *early* into your Lex experience....don't want to upset you but feel I should warn you that things may get a little rough befor they get better. It may take 6-8 weeks befor you feel the *benefits* of Lex. Keep a good attitude, come here often for support and keep us posted on your progress!
>
> Best of luck!~~~8|8Hey, your not being lazy!!!!!!!! Your suffering a mental disorder that can be corrected. None of this is your fault. You must of had to have a lot of motivation to get through school to become an engineer. Just wondering if your boss knows what your going through or is this a secret. TAKE CARE!!!
WAYNE
Posted by leedsman on September 17, 2003, at 13:18:19
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I am not feeling great todat, like I have the flu or something, My eyes were red and watery, I ache in certain muscle areas, a little stomach distress, I do not know if the watery eyes are giving me slight double vision, Is tis part of the Lexapro or do I have to go to the doctor to look for something else?
Posted by lil' jimi on September 17, 2003, at 14:12:47
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by leedsman on September 17, 2003, at 13:18:19
hey leedsman,
sorry to read that you're having a rough day there:
> I am not feeling great todat, like I have the flu or something, My eyes were red and watery, I ache in certain muscle areas, a little stomach distress, I do not know if the watery eyes are giving me slight double vision, Is tis part of the Lexapro or do I have to go to the doctor to look for something else? >
now, just because i'm ornery, i'd like to be able to blame this all on your Paxil withdrawals ... ... but that's a stretch given your off of paxil now, like what 2 months there? ... ...
... but it's possible (likely?) that your system is still trying to adapt to the discontinuation of paxil some ... and if that's a factor, at least we know that that will improve every day ...... ... otherwise, even if i'm not being ornery, i got to tell you that every one of those symptoms have been reported as lex SEs ... most of them i experienced ... ... blurring of vision is not uncommon ... i had it some and mine was not the watery eyes-caused blurriness either ...
... as spooky as it seems, it would appear the visual neurochemistry lets us know when it is making its switch over to the new lex regime ...
... actually, at one point in my SEs my vision got a lot better ... ... one day (day 3 or 4 maybe) i was able to see way better with my crummy old glasses perscription ... ... but i got over it ... ... darn it! ...i (like you ) felt like i had the flu ... ... so i treated myself like i had the flu and took analgesics (i like ibuprofen) and pushed fluids and got as much rest as i could ... for a family man anyway ... ...
... ... you are having some pretty extensive SEs there for as long as you've been on 10 mg ...
... i'd rate you as 7.5 out of ten there ...
... sorry it has to be so bad ...
... we all appreciate your posts here ...
... it's good to hear from you ... keep 'em coming ...and drink a LOT of water and electrolyte drinks and any non-caffienated beverages, fruit juices are good .... and take your vitamins too ...
while we're at it let's cut down on our alcohol as much as possible too ...
do i sound like your grandma? ... ... well, she was right !
lexapro will try to dehydrate you ... don't let it .... drink more good stuff ...
take Care!
~ jim
Posted by leedsman on September 17, 2003, at 14:49:53
In reply to leedsman, posted by lil' jimi on September 17, 2003, at 14:12:47
Thanks, Lil Jimi, I made it to work today, and am taking the advil for the muscle pain and I took a little of Claritin D for the watery eyes. It is more of a cloudy sort of feeling in my vision like some sort of light white mist, with a little bluriness. I will see how it goes the rest of the day. I appreciate your input, and if anyone else out htere, Wayne, Mariposa, Arianna, etc, would like to add anything , I would appreciate it.
Posted by galkeepinon on September 17, 2003, at 16:06:39
In reply to Bad day already!!!, posted by Mattsit on September 17, 2003, at 7:50:44
Hi Mattsit, Of course you're not going crazy. You may be feeling uncomfortable. I'm sorry and hope that the rest of your day was ok.
I have a tendency to be a worrywart too.
Try to remember one day at a time.
Please give the Lexapro a chance~yes! As I'm sure you've read here, many people have had great success on the medication. For any anti-depressant to take effect, it usually takes a good 4-8 weeks~sometimes more, sometimes less.
We're all differentin the way we each react to these medications.
Sending hope your way:-)
> Day 6 of Lexapro...And Im very anxious this morning...worrying about losing my job, not losing my job, having to find a new job, how much i hate my current job, how much i dont want to lose my current job....
>
> Get my point? I worry about EVERY possible thing, even if the worries contridict themselves...that does NOT make sense...I hope the Lexapro helps me soon...I realize it may be a few weeks, but Im really hoping.
>
> Am I just lazy, or am I crazy??!?!?!?!?
Posted by galkeepinon on September 17, 2003, at 16:16:03
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by leedsman on September 17, 2003, at 13:18:19
leedsman~I'm sorry you not feeling great today.
My eyes got red and watery during the first few weeks of starting lexapro. I used OTC Benadryl. I'm not sure if this is a side effect~but I felt like you do too.
I hope you get to a doctor if you feel worse, it could very well be a *bug* or your body just adjusting to the Lexapro.
Hang in there and keep posting, we're here for ya:-)> I am not feeling great todat, like I have the flu or something, My eyes were red and watery, I ache in certain muscle areas, a little stomach distress, I do not know if the watery eyes are giving me slight double vision, Is tis part of the Lexapro or do I have to go to the doctor to look for something else?
Posted by leedsman on September 17, 2003, at 16:16:47
In reply to leedsman, posted by lil' jimi on September 17, 2003, at 14:12:47
Hey, Lil jimi, it;s been 5 weeks of the paxil for now and starting the 5th week of Lexapro at 10mg., I did have one week of 5mg. lexapro a week before that , does that count, because the week before that I was on 5mg. lexapro one day and 12,5 mg, paxil the other day for a week, so it has been cold turkey from paxil for 5 weeks now,
When did your lexapro kick in at what week?
I see my shrink on Monday and I wonder what is going to happen , and see if she wants me to continue Lexapro or go back to Paxil
Posted by galkeepinon on September 17, 2003, at 16:20:54
In reply to Re: leedsman, posted by leedsman on September 17, 2003, at 16:16:47
Hey leedsman, just a little extra input here for you:-)
Lexapro started to kick in for me the 1st week.
Please give the Lex a chance and like lil jim said~drink lots of water!
He's a great help when it comes to this stuff!
I wish you the best at your appt on Monday.> Hey, Lil jimi, it;s been 5 weeks of the paxil for now and starting the 5th week of Lexapro at 10mg., I did have one week of 5mg. lexapro a week before that , does that count, because the week before that I was on 5mg. lexapro one day and 12,5 mg, paxil the other day for a week, so it has been cold turkey from paxil for 5 weeks now,
>
> When did your lexapro kick in at what week?
> I see my shrink on Monday and I wonder what is going to happen , and see if she wants me to continue Lexapro or go back to Paxil
Posted by leedsman on September 17, 2003, at 16:54:42
In reply to Re: leedsman, posted by leedsman on September 17, 2003, at 16:16:47
thanks, galkeepinon, I appreciate the support.
How are you doing, and how long have you been on Lexapro now?
Posted by galkeepinon on September 17, 2003, at 17:07:12
In reply to Re: leedsman, posted by leedsman on September 17, 2003, at 16:54:42
~tyvm for asking how I was doing~that's very nice of you!
I'm hangin in there, one day at a time ;)
Tomorrow will be 7 WEEKS on the Lexapro. So the following week will be a good 2 months:-)
So far, so good:-)
Take care!
*****Hooray for Lexapro!!!!!!!!!!*****> thanks, galkeepinon, I appreciate the support.
> How are you doing, and how long have you been on Lexapro now?
Posted by leedsman on September 17, 2003, at 17:31:07
In reply to Re: leedsman » leedsman, posted by galkeepinon on September 17, 2003, at 17:07:12
This is to everybody, I just read the internet about dry eye syndrome, which in fact can cause dry, burning, red itchy eyes, and later watery and excessive tearing of the eye. I had dry eyes over 6 years ago, which I believe was related to fibromyalgia and went to the eye doctor , who put in temporary plugsin to keep the eyes moist. I believe it did work. They say it can be from prescription drugs or other things. Has anybody felt this kind of dry eye syndrome since they have been on Lexapro, because mine started about 2 weeks ago, about the same time my neck and shoulder pains started. Any input to this?
Posted by lil' jimi on September 17, 2003, at 17:43:10
In reply to Re: leedsman, posted by leedsman on September 17, 2003, at 16:16:47
hi leedsman,
> Hey, Lil jimi, it;s been 5 weeks of the paxil for now and starting the 5th week of Lexapro at 10mg., I did have one week of 5mg. lexapro a week before that , does that count, because the week before that I was on 5mg. lexapro one day and 12,5 mg, paxil the other day for a week, so it has been cold turkey from paxil for 5 weeks now, >
of course, everything counts ... somehow ...
... even my own 'count' gets complicated in this kind of way ...old story here
march 6 i got my prescription for 10mg and i took one 10mg dose ... ... was Stunned by my immediate SEs .... .... and therefore took only 5mg/day for the next month when i went up to 10mg where i am now, 5 more months later ... see? complicated ...
... so my SEs came in two episodes:
intense for my first week in march ...
then again in april, but much less intense and shorter ... only 5 days total ... i definitely had it very easy ... !> When did your lexapro kick in at what week?
> I see my shrink on Monday and I wonder what is going to happen , and see if she wants me to continue Lexapro or go back to Paxil >... my experience of feeling noticeably better was after i had gone up to 10mg ... maybe week 6 ...
... however, in retrospect, it is clear to me now that i was benefiting before that ... perhaps as early as 3 weeks at 5mg ... maybe?good luck with your doctor's appointment ...
take care!
~ jim
Posted by lil' jimi on September 17, 2003, at 21:35:41
In reply to Re: leedsman, posted by leedsman on September 17, 2003, at 17:31:07
hey leed-O,
> This is to everybody, I just read the internet about dry eye syndrome, which in fact can cause dry, burning, red itchy eyes, and later watery and excessive tearing of the eye. I had dry eyes over 6 years ago, which I believe was related to fibromyalgia and went to the eye doctor , who put in temporary plugsin to keep the eyes moist. I believe it did work. They say it can be from prescription drugs or other things. Has anybody felt this kind of dry eye syndrome since they have been on Lexapro, because mine started about 2 weeks ago, about the same time my neck and shoulder pains started. Any input to this? >
i may have had some of that too ... ...
... ... but i was fighting dehydration so intently by drinking so much water that i'd doubt that my eyes could have dried out if they'd wanted to ... ... eye showed them! ..... ..... HA!... i had some minor stiffness and some muscle soreness too ... ... very reminiscent of flu like aches and pains ... ... others have had severe cramps and worse .... .... definitely lex SEs ...
make sure you are drinking enough water ... ... then drink twice that amount ! ... ... dehydration will makes those SEs worse ... ... lex can and will cause dehydration ... ... protect yourself there!
good luck!
~ jim
Posted by galkeepinon on September 17, 2003, at 22:51:23
In reply to Re: Lexapro Side Effects, posted by leedsman on September 16, 2003, at 11:20:37
Describes me exactly~I've had a definate increase in appettite the last few weeks.
> Anybody have no real appetite in the mornings, but can eat better in the afternoon and evening?
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Script revised: February 4, 2008
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