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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by BobYuma on January 18, 2004, at 8:18:15
In reply to I'm just learning to do this..., posted by Missy K on January 18, 2004, at 7:16:39
> Apparently I started a whole new thread, when I just wanted to continue on this one. Still getting the hang of this. I've started week 2 on Lexapro, and I'm going a bit crazy. The nausea is getting better and I haven't cried since last week, but I wake up everyday about 3AM shaking and spend the next 3 hours trying not to let the anxiety attack develop fully. I know I'm whining, and I need to be patient, I've just never taken anything like this before. I'm looking forward to the day I get a full night's sleep... Thank you so much for letting me know I'm not alone...
-----------------------------------Hi. Actually I think you're still in the same thread. Anyway, it looks like you are.
Have you asked your doctor about something for the anxiety attacks and something to help you sleep? Anxiety is a form of stress, and sleep is imperative in fighting stress. Please tell your doctor about your problem. It doesn't hurt to ask for help in getting through the side effects of Lexapro for a couple of months.
Take care, BobYuma
Posted by Mariposa on January 18, 2004, at 11:16:02
In reply to Re: I'm just learning to do this..., posted by melley on January 18, 2004, at 7:25:14
> When I first started lexapro I took a sleep aid til it kicked in and I was able to sleep the whole night through on my own. I took half of a 10mg tablet of ambien. If you don't have access to that you could take a benadryl. But I'm sure your dr would be fine with prescribing ambien for you.
>
> > Apparently I started a whole new thread, when I just wanted to continue on this one. Still getting the hang of this. I've started week 2 on Lexapro, and I'm going a bit crazy. The nausea is getting better and I haven't cried since last week, but I wake up everyday about 3AM shaking and spend the next 3 hours trying not to let the anxiety attack develop fully. I know I'm whining, and I need to be patient, I've just never taken anything like this before. I'm looking forward to the day I get a full night's sleep...
> > Thank you so much for letting me know I'm not alone...
>
>I too had some trouble sleeping at first, and I took TylenolPM.
Now I have been on Lex almost 1 year and I sleep soundly through the nights. I used to be a terrible insomniac before I started Lexapro, a major reason for my depression dx.
Hopefully it will get better soon.~~~8|8
Posted by KathrynLex on January 18, 2004, at 12:56:43
In reply to I'm just learning to do this..., posted by Missy K on January 18, 2004, at 7:16:39
Hi Missy,
My second week on lex was by far and away the most difficult for me to get through. But it has been worth it to stick with lex, because I'm feeling much better. (I've been taking it for almost 5 weeks now.)
I had terrible insomnia until about the end of week 4, but the last several nights I've gotten a full nights rest and it's been wonderful. Do see your doctor about a sleeping med if you continue to wake up feeling anxious.
All of the horrible things you're experiencing now will go away in the next few weeks. Unfortunatley all you can do is wait it out, but I can assure you that you'll feel better soon.
K.
Posted by steve3211 on January 18, 2004, at 12:58:39
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful » Mariposa, posted by funygirl on January 17, 2004, at 7:08:01
> Hi. I'm Carol and I just went through a complete detoxing from all of the drugs my doctor had me on. I have been free of all drugs for two months. Today my new doctor put me on Lex. I am using 5mg per day. You all just scared the hell out of me! I DO NOT want to be more anxious than I already am. I have generalized anxiety disorder along with some depression. I'm afraid to go to the 10mg dose next week. I think, after reading from this board, that I will speak to my new doctor about staying with the 5mg for a while instead of going right to the 10's. Any comments? I sure would like to hear from more people on this and the se's. Thanks, C.
Carol,I would recommend staying on 5mg for a while if you are sensitive to medications. My side effects have been pretty tough on Lexapro, anxiety being one of them. Since anxiety is part of my dx this has not been real fun. The s/e's decreased after two - three weeks, but when I tried to go up to 7.5mgs they all came back again. I am going to stay at 5mg until my sleep improves. Best-Steve
Posted by Jayslace on January 18, 2004, at 13:29:14
In reply to I'm just learning to do this..., posted by Missy K on January 18, 2004, at 7:16:39
I can say that I was on Paxil, effexor and now Lexapro. My dosage went up from 10mg to 20mg. I started the 20mg on Jan 1st. I was so sleepy ,it was awful, but now I am having weird dreams. Many of them in fact. Not nightmares like when on Effexor. And I am gritting my teeth. Not at night that I know of , but actually during the day. It's not really a gritting it's just moving my my teeth back and forth on top of each other. I don't feel nervous, or anxious though. But my dreams are very wild and different. And one after another. Think this could be perhaps because I am now sleeping better than I was? And this by the way is without taking my Ambien now.
Love all the support I get from this board!
You all are wonderful!
Ruthie
Posted by Mrs C. on January 18, 2004, at 15:45:29
In reply to Re: Anxious after 25 days? - Lexy, posted by BobYuma on January 16, 2004, at 19:15:09
Hey Guys,
I have a question for you. Has anyone experienced a return of side effects once in awhile. Today and yesterday I have felt that old "wired" feeling that I had in the beginning. I have been on Lex now for three months and this is unexpected. Has anyone else had this happen? I'm worried about it so if anyone could reply I would be so grateful. Thanks. Mrs. C
Posted by Missy K on January 18, 2004, at 16:15:59
In reply to Re: I'm just learning to do this..., posted by BobYuma on January 18, 2004, at 8:18:15
Thank you, my friends, for responding. Actually, I did tell my doctor about the anxiety. He didn't mention that it might be a side effect (this was before I came on this board), but he prescribed Xanax for me. I'm a little leery of taking it, though, I have kids, so I'm trying to tough it through the side effects until they subside. They are getting a little easier to take each day, and coming here is definitely helping. But it's there, if I need it. We'll see what happens. At least the nausea's gone...
Posted by JohnFromCalifornia on January 18, 2004, at 19:54:55
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful - Carol, posted by BobYuma on January 17, 2004, at 8:08:03
>>Tried cutting back to 5 mgs a few days ago (to cut down on the SE's, headaches and hyperness), but discovered yesterday that Lex was apparently helping me with the extreme stress I have on my job more than I thought it was.
What's really happening, Bob, is that you are now habituated to Lexapro and reducing intake or (unadvisedly) cutting it off completely will result in highly unpleasant withdrawal symptoms: insomina, anxiety, "flu-like" symptoms of body pain and fatigue, etc.
I made the mistake of starting Lexapro for short-term depression and have had a much harder time dealing with the cure than the disease.
Remerol always kicked out my (relatively minor) depressions in the past, and it has helped me kick Lexapro after only five weeks on the stuff -- and two weeks of debilitating withdrawal. Good luck to you.
Posted by hanging on on January 19, 2004, at 8:21:23
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful -BobYuma, posted by JohnFromCalifornia on January 18, 2004, at 19:54:55
Well, I feel that I have gotten over the early side effects, but I am still waiting to feel better.
Especially first thing in the morning. The moment I open my eyes I feel a big wave of anxiety come over me. I can't stop churning over everything in my life that I worry about.
I'm really hoping this med will just help me make it through life, even if it doesn't go great. Am I asking too much of it?
Please someone let me know if this is going to do what I need it to... not having a good day.
Posted by LynneDa on January 19, 2004, at 9:41:59
In reply to Anxious after 25 days?, posted by sexylexy on January 16, 2004, at 19:01:06
Hi Lexy -
It is a little unsettling to have the racing thoughts and anxious feelings! Are you seeing a therapist? That might help too.It was really 4 - 6 weeks before I can say those feelings seemed to abate. I was on 10 mg. After 8 - 10 weeks, the anxiety started returning, so my doctor recommended I up to 20 mg. I would wait a bit longer to up. I did so on 12/26 . . . so I am on day 25 of the new dosage, close to where you are. I still have some anxiety and racing thoughts and the "tired but wired" syndrome - but much less often than when I started at 10 mg.
So, bottom line is, what you're experiencing seems a part of the routine most people go through. Hang in there and try to stay busy and active. That seems to help me a lot! Getting enough sleep to feel rested seems to alleviate some of the symptoms as well. I take Melatonin to help in that area.
Good luck to you . . . you'll get through this part, just give it a couple more weeks!
~ Lynne
Posted by LynneDa on January 19, 2004, at 9:57:08
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful » Mariposa, posted by funygirl on January 17, 2004, at 7:08:01
Hi Carol - Welcome! Everyone's experiences are a little different. I can certainly understand why you wouldn't want to add more anxiety to your day!!
It seems with all meds, you have to get through the unsettling breaking in period and sometimes that means anxious feelings, hyperness, etc. I really believe in this med, though. It doesn't make me feel numb. It allows me to function and be productive at work. I'm not horrible to my husband for no reason any more. I don't hate myself as much. Those were my goals and Lex has allowed me to achieve them pretty well. I've had to deal with the s/e's, but they're not as bad as my past behaviors.
I went from 10 to 20 recently and my "side effect" anxiety is less than it was at 10 mg, it was more tolerable at 20 mg than at 10 mg. I guess what I'm trying to say is that increasing your dose isn't always a bad thing.
Keep in close touch with your p-doc. Keep your end goals in mind. Good luck to you, whatever you decide!!
~ Lynne
Posted by LynneDa on January 19, 2004, at 10:12:25
In reply to Re: Fine wine and Lexapro, posted by melley on January 18, 2004, at 7:28:34
Lexy - I have a glass of wine maybe once a month and I'm on 20mg. I don't drive cuz I get very drowsy. I did some reading on this the other day. The main thing to remember is that you are taking an anti-depressant and alcohol is a depressant so they cancel each other out. I think there is some danger to your liver - with metabolism - if you do this a lot. I wouldn't think the occasional drink would do it. Everything in moderation! It does relax me if I'm feeling anxious. Have a good time . . . sounds like you need something fun to look forward to :-)
~ Lynne> > Hey Ya'll
> > Just a question... I have not really drank latley. In about a month, my boyfriend and I have a Law School formal and I would love to enjoy a few glasses of wine, not get like swinging from the chandaler drunk but a little tipsy. I am on 10mg of lexapro no other drugs. I read that post about the girl dying from too much alcohol but I did not really understand what she was talking about with the numbers and such. Can you all give me your personal experience with drinking on lexapro?
> > Thanks ya'll Have a great weekend,
> > lexy
>
>
Posted by LynneDa on January 19, 2004, at 10:23:44
In reply to Re: Mornings are so hard on lexapro, posted by hanging on on January 19, 2004, at 8:21:23
Hanging on - I really feel for you! That waking up part can be devastating! I used to wish I could wake up in the shower already cuz after my shower I always felt better!
Troubles come in layers. The Lex hopefully will relieve some of your anxiety and depression. Those are a bunch of layers you won't have to deal with anymore, once it kicks in for you. That will leave you with a few more layers that you will have the energy to deal with more easily.
So, I try not to look at all my problems in one big chunk. At the beginning, I tried to keep my expectations realistic. Let's see if the Lex can help me get out of bed, then it was to be a bit more productive at work, then it was to reduce my hateful feelings toward myself, etc. After a few months on Lex, I don't feel like I have so many problems to work on. It's just like a weight has been taken off my shoulders and I'm generally able to deal better with life. I haven't really started working on the issues I can address in therapy, but they sure as heck don't seem to be so overwhelming and I don't feel as fragile.
Have faith that your outlook will change. Hang in there and look for the small changes you will see in yourself each day!!!
~ Lynne
Posted by Mrs C. on January 19, 2004, at 10:24:03
In reply to Re: Mornings are so hard on lexapro, posted by hanging on on January 19, 2004, at 8:21:23
Don't give in to those feelings. Yes, you will feel better. Now that your side effects are getting better it is only a matter of time before you start to feel emotionally strong again. There seemed to be a little amount of time for me between feeling less side effects and actually feeling like the med was working. Maybe about 1-2 weeks. What you're feeling in the mornings is common and will change soon. Keep the faith! Mrs. C
Posted by Mariposa on January 19, 2004, at 12:33:44
In reply to Re: Mornings are so hard on lexapro, posted by Mrs C. on January 19, 2004, at 10:24:03
> Don't give in to those feelings. Yes, you will feel better. Now that your side effects are getting better it is only a matter of time before you start to feel emotionally strong again. There seemed to be a little amount of time for me between feeling less side effects and actually feeling like the med was working. Maybe about 1-2 weeks. What you're feeling in the mornings is common and will change soon. Keep the faith! Mrs. C
I agree...Try not to listen to your brain and just get the body MOVING and you will be surprised at how quickly those feelings will evaporate. Now when my alarm goes off I just get up, it has become SO much easier. I used to open my eyes and immediately think about calling in, but not anymore. Hang in there and this will get better!~~~8|8
Posted by hanging on on January 19, 2004, at 12:36:12
In reply to Re: Mornings are so hard on lexapro, posted by Mariposa on January 19, 2004, at 12:33:44
I will try. I do have a habit of waking up and laying in bed for quite a while trying to fight it with no luck. I just want to go back to sleep and feel better but I can't stop the racing thoughts.
Posted by sexylexy on January 19, 2004, at 13:00:56
In reply to Re: Mornings are so hard on lexapro » hanging on, posted by LynneDa on January 19, 2004, at 10:23:44
Hi ~
I remember when I first started on Lexapro, each morning I would wake up with this feeling of dread that I had to face another day and fight to live.
I am at about 28 days on Lex and most of my side effects are going away. I am actually starting to feel better to. That sense of dread to face another day is no longer there. I long for the day when I wake up ready to face whatever the world has to offer.
My racing negitiave thoughts are also going away. I am not "better" yet but I feel like eventually I will get there. Good luck to you. You can do it, we are all here for you and each other.
God Bless,
Lexy
Posted by Mariposa on January 19, 2004, at 13:03:29
In reply to Re: Mornings are so hard on lexapro, posted by hanging on on January 19, 2004, at 12:36:12
> I will try. I do have a habit of waking up and laying in bed for quite a while trying to fight it with no luck. I just want to go back to sleep and feel better but I can't stop the racing thoughts.
Yes, those stupid racing thoughts that lead nowhere and go in circles and make you crazy!!! I know!! Sometimes this works for me, I have tried to train myself to fling off the covers before I turn off the alarm. It seems that if I can do that the rest just comes. I also try not to fully *wake up* befor I get out of bed, I don't give that stupid brain a chance to start w/me until I am physically sitting up or out of bed entirely. It has become much easier now, I would dread the mornings, speccially if something was going on at work.
Hang in there!~~~8|8
Posted by Esmarelda on January 19, 2004, at 13:11:16
In reply to Re: Mornings are so hard on lexapro, posted by hanging on on January 19, 2004, at 12:36:12
I agree. Mornings are hard on Lexapro. My therapist said she is not sure if it is the medication or just some remnants of the depression lingering. Usually if I can go back to sleep for an hour or two or lay there for a little while and talk myself out of staying in bed, I do okay when I get up. I added Wellbutrin to the Lex a little over a week ago and it seems to have helped some. (I was also starting to feel some depression creeping back.) I'll keep you posted.
Posted by nicky847 on January 19, 2004, at 14:42:15
In reply to Re: Mornings are so hard on lexapro, posted by hanging on on January 19, 2004, at 12:36:12
Keep in mind that the symptoms you are describing are also classic symptoms of depression...it is common for people to perhaps have their depression get a little worse at first when starting lexapro..if lexapro is the med for you then as your depression subsides the mornings will get better...
> I will try. I do have a habit of waking up and laying in bed for quite a while trying to fight it with no luck. I just want to go back to sleep and feel better but I can't stop the racing thoughts.
Posted by ednababish on January 19, 2004, at 14:59:25
In reply to Re: Mornings are so hard on lexapro, posted by Mariposa on January 19, 2004, at 12:33:44
Is it just getting up that's hard? I get up, but then I feel awful for a while until the medicine seems to kick in--irritable, angry, sad, frustrated. Also, I'm at 15mgs right now, and I feel worse, although I do feel a lot clearer headed, more able to be sexually responsive, and more able to prioritize and concentrate on 25 mgs PaxilCR. Any insights here?
Posted by Gaza on January 19, 2004, at 15:16:21
In reply to Re: Mornings are so hard on lexapro, posted by hanging on on January 19, 2004, at 8:21:23
hanging on, you are sure having a hard time. I sure do sympathize with you. The mornings were the absolute worst for me too. 9 out of 10 work days, I would wake up wanting to call in sick! It almost felt like being unemployed and dead broke would be better than that feeling practically every morning.
What worked for me was to chant a mantra every morning. As soon as I would open my eyes and the wave of sharp depression would overcome me, I would chant in my mind, "Jesus help me! Jesus help me! Jesus help me! Jesus help me!" over & over & over, as I'm getting dressed and ready for work. I would do that until I got to a point where I could keep going on my own.
Man it's rough. I wish I could be there to help you along, because that is an incredibly aweful feeling.> The moment I open my eyes I feel a big wave of anxiety come over me. I can't stop churning over everything in my life that I worry about.
>
> I'm really hoping this med will just help me make it through life, even if it doesn't go great. Am I asking too much of it?
>
> Please someone let me know if this is going to do what I need it to... not having a good day.
Posted by paradise_angel_8 on January 19, 2004, at 20:38:20
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I just started taking Lex 3 days ago. I feel 'weird'. I have this neverending feeling of nausea, like, morning sickness. I was glad to read postings that claimed this is a normal side affect because I was not informed of this by my doctor.
I feel no different as far as anxity goes. Had a hard time sleeping last night, but that's not real unusual for me either, though, like I said, I do feel something....
I'll keep you all posted.
Paradise_Angel_8
Posted by KathrynLex on January 19, 2004, at 21:30:37
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? » Dr. Bob, posted by paradise_angel_8 on January 19, 2004, at 20:38:20
I'm on day 31 of 10 mg lex. I've got my fingers crossed hoping that I don't encounter the "week 5 blues." For those of you who have experienced it, did it go away by week 6?
K.
Posted by KathrynLex on January 19, 2004, at 21:36:16
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? » Dr. Bob, posted by paradise_angel_8 on January 19, 2004, at 20:38:20
Hello Paradise Angel,
Nausea and insomnia are both very common side effects on this drug, but rest assured they will go away. The first few days on lex can be a little disorienting, but your body will adjust to the medication in a couple of weeks. I'm glad to hear that you're feeling some positive benefits already, that's great! I hope you continue to see improvements.
K.
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