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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by linnie on February 20, 2004, at 11:05:07
In reply to LEXAPRO ONE YEAR UPDATE, posted by BLKVETTES on February 20, 2004, at 4:50:35
>I am relatively new to lex. I am glad you are doing so well.That's encouraging. How long was it before you began to feel better? How much lex are you taking?
You mentioned other boards that sound like they are also helpful. WHat are they?linnie
I have been on lexapro for a little over a year. I dont post as much as I used to but still read the posts time to time. I post on a lot on other boards though. I am still doing very good. Havent had a panic attack in over a year. Depression is completely gone. I only get minor anxiety every now and then. I think its just normal anxiety that anyone would get. But I am just more aware of it because of what I went through. Not bad for a person who a year ago was suicidal, housebound, afraid to be alone, spent 3 months in the ER, didnt drive for 6 months, couldnt eat, had tremors and was shaking so bad people thought I had a muscle disease. Thats just a small bit of what I went through. I dont take xanax during the day anymore. As far as quitting the lexapro???? Seems kind of stupid to quit something that gave me my life back and gives me zero side effects. So I shall take it till I die!!!!!!!!!! <:-)
> WAYNE
Posted by lil' jimi on February 20, 2004, at 12:24:37
In reply to LEXAPRO ONE YEAR UPDATE, posted by BLKVETTES on February 20, 2004, at 4:50:35
hey wayne,
great to hear you're still doing good, man ...
i'm still good here ... and nearly a year too ...take care!!!
~ jimp.s. i'm yellowdogjim at the yahoo dot "calm" ..... (ha!)
..... email me anytime
Posted by LynneDa on February 20, 2004, at 13:32:17
In reply to LEXAPRO ONE YEAR UPDATE, posted by BLKVETTES on February 20, 2004, at 4:50:35
CONGRATS & WOW! It is really amazing how far you've come, when you summarize it like that. It gives me hope that this can work for a long period of time without having to make a change. It sounds like you are really enjoying your life and that's what it's all about, isn't it?!?!
~ Lynne
Posted by marfaith on February 20, 2004, at 13:34:06
In reply to Re: Hope in the Works, posted by mrs c on February 16, 2004, at 14:38:14
> Richard, So glad to hear that you are doing better. What a difference eleven weeks can make. You have been such a great supportive voice to me throughout my daily struggles and I hope you continue to visit this board!
>
> To everyone,
> I feel that my struggle is not yet over. Recently some of those old creepy feelings that things aren't right are coming back into my days. I can't really pin-point what is wrong, I just feel uneasy and worried. I may be at the point where I need to up my dosage a little bit. I have been at 10mg for 4 months now. Just these past few weeks the bad thoughts have been trying to come back more and more. This is so hard for me to admit but I know that I am safe with all of you. I'm so afraid that I will come to the point where I was in the beginning which was constantly dreading the day because of my fear of serious illness. Every little syptom I would have I would run to my medical book or the internet and obsess constantly about what illness I could have. Sleep was my only escape from my thoughts. Irrational, yes, totally, but so real to me when it takes over! I see my doc March 3rd and will wait until then to see if this passes or if I may need more help. I also plan to consult a therapist like so many of you do. I really believe that I need the extra help with my coping skills to try and change my way of dealing with these thoughts. Any advice that any of you can give will be so greatly appreciated. You all have been so comforting to me over these past months and I continue to rely on you. Bye for now. Mrs. CMrs C, I can totally understand what you are saying. When I was reading your post, it was like I was reading about me. It is hell to feel that way and all you do want to do is sleep. I started on Lex this past Tuesday. I am hoping it works as well for me as it has for others I know. I was on Remeron, but the 32 lb weight gain in three months was not good. Good luck to you. Marfaith
Posted by KathrynLex on February 20, 2004, at 13:46:47
In reply to LEXAPRO ONE YEAR UPDATE, posted by BLKVETTES on February 20, 2004, at 4:50:35
Wayne,
Wow, what a fantastic success story! It's very inspiring and I'm very happy that you've found happiness again.
K.
Posted by Gator on February 20, 2004, at 13:54:12
In reply to Re: Feeling Flat on Lexapro, posted by Samm on February 20, 2004, at 10:22:10
Samm,
Headaches are a side effect of Lex. When I first started I got terrible headaches. I took 2 Excedrin Migraine pills the minute I got out of bed in the morning and continued throughout the day. It lasted 2 or 3 weeks and all of a sudden it stopped. Now and then I get a whopper of a headache, but I don't know if it's from Lexapro or just the stress of life. My suggestion to you is find something that helps your headache go away and stick it out. I've been on Lex for almost 5 months now and I am feeling really good. Good Luck, and keep us posted how you are doing.
Gator
Posted by KathrynLex on February 20, 2004, at 13:58:46
In reply to For K » KathrynLex, posted by Journeyman on February 19, 2004, at 21:51:48
Hi Richard,
Thanks for the little note. It brightened my day. You're right about the mind-body connection. It's sad that much of our culture seems to have ignored that there are very strong ties between physical and mental health.
I wish you well.
K.
Posted by mrs c on February 20, 2004, at 14:00:14
In reply to Re: Hope in the Works, posted by marfaith on February 20, 2004, at 13:34:06
Thanks, Marfaith I really appreciate your support. Good luck on your journey. Mrs. C
Posted by KathrynLex on February 20, 2004, at 14:04:44
In reply to Re: Hello, from a novice Lex-er, posted by mrs c on February 20, 2004, at 8:58:49
Hi Mrs. C,
I'm sorry to hear that you aren't doing better. Backsliding can be especially frustrating when you've been feeling well for so long. I know exactly what you mean about feeling fragile. I spent many, many months like that. But, you've survived through worse...so remember that even though you feel fragile, you're quite strong.
Your doc appt is right around the corner. In the meantime take good care of yourself...and you're in my thoughts.
K.
Posted by lil' jimi on February 20, 2004, at 14:40:50
In reply to re: *POOP-OUT* » lil' jimi, posted by Mariposa on January 17, 2004, at 11:50:33
thinking of you, my comrade-in-lex ...
~ jim
Posted by tmhwrite on February 20, 2004, at 14:47:20
In reply to Re: Hope in the Works, posted by mrs c on February 20, 2004, at 14:00:14
I appreciate all the messages on this board. I actually have good news today. I was able to make it to an interview today and felt confident and good, even though I had to hide my shaky hands under the table. I was able to carry on a good conversation with coherent thought processes. The interviewer (a placement agency for tech writers) was impressed with my skills and is looking for a position for me. Just to get out in the real world again felt great. And while I was gone, another recruiter called with some possible positions available. So hopefully I'll be back at work soon! I feel calm for the first time in several months. What a great feeling!
In regards to the headaches, I have experienced that as well, but it does seem to go away after a week or two, so hang in there and try some headache medicine that works for you.
Cheers//Theresa
Posted by LynneDa on February 20, 2004, at 15:01:40
In reply to Sounds like lots of ups and downs, posted by tmhwrite on February 20, 2004, at 14:47:20
Way to go Theresa! Getting through an interview successfully is an accomplishment. It sounds like you're on your way!
~ Lynne
Posted by tmhwrite on February 20, 2004, at 16:54:04
In reply to Re: Sounds like lots of ups and downs » tmhwrite, posted by LynneDa on February 20, 2004, at 15:01:40
I don't know how many of you watch Charlie Rose, but on the first part of his show tonight he's going to have three eminent doctors discussing fear and stress and how it affects the human brain. (The second half is on the Sport Illustrated swimsuit calendar maker, so you may want to turn it off at that point or risk getting even more severely depressed!) Just thought it might be interesting to see what they have to say. It comes on here in Dallas at midnight, so I'll probably have to tape it.
Theresa
Posted by Journeyman on February 20, 2004, at 22:31:56
In reply to For Mrs C, posted by Journeyman on February 19, 2004, at 20:47:27
Lynne,
I understand very well what you mean about the perfectionist/pleasing streak. My whole life, until very, very recently, I have labored to find my identity. Unfortunately, I looked for it in other people; that's to say, if they liked me or approved, then I was okay, and if they didn't, then there was something wrong with me and I had to adjust/change.
What an awful way to live. And how ironic that the more I tried to be something that other people wanted, the less I was myself. I was disappearing.
My new definition of being perfect is someone who fully accepts that they're not. And when they don't, they let that be okay too.
Came across a couple of good quotes today related to this and the last e-mail:
Once we accept our limits, we go beyond them. -- Brendan Francis
Life has no other discipline to impose, if we would but realize it, than to accept life unquestioningly. Everything we shut our eyes to, everything we run away from, everything we deny, denigrate or despise, serves to defeat us in the end. What seems nasty, painful, evil, can become a source of beauty, joy and strength, if faced with an open mind. Every moment is a golden one for him [or her] who has the vision to recognize it as such. -- Henry Miller
Accept everything about yourself - I mean everything, You are you and that is the beginning and the end - no apologies, no regrets. -- Clark Moustakas
Happiness can exist only in acceptance. -- Denis De Rougamont
May self-contentment be yours, as your embrace your scars, bruises, and foibles - as well as your beauty that's so evident here on the board.Journeyman
Posted by Bubbasmom on February 21, 2004, at 0:21:13
In reply to Re: Sounds like lots of ups and downs » tmhwrite, posted by LynneDa on February 20, 2004, at 15:01:40
Hello everyone. I went looking for info on Lexapro and I found all of you. I just wanted to say hello and thank you (already). I have learned a lot just reading your previous posts. You all seem to be very supportive of one another. It was a great surprise to find you. My pdoc put me on lexapro today. I am still feeling like a big failure that can't cope with her own life and had to resort to drug therapy. I had to do something, though, and I am trying to see this as a positive thing - I am still taking steps to try to make things better even though my previous attempts have all failed. This is my first experience with ad's and I am hoping that all of you will accept me as a contributor because I could really use all the additional support that I can get! I just thought I'd post a hello today. It is day one and I have been on Lexapro for about 6 hours now. I wish the results were immediate!
Posted by Hans on February 21, 2004, at 1:13:49
In reply to New to the board and to Lexapro, posted by Bubbasmom on February 21, 2004, at 0:21:13
Hi. My Dr put me on Lexapro because of a depressed episode that started about six weeks prior. I had been doing really good and was pretty upset with myself for having no motivation and sleeping a lot to escape the world. I've been on mood stabilizers for a while now but haven't been taking any anti-depressants for some time. It seemed too much of a coincidence but the day after I started taking (10mg)Lexapro, I started feeling hyperactive and actually really good. I saw my Dr. yesterday after taking the Lexapro for two weeks and had to admit I hadn't had a bad day since I started this med. I don't have any problems going to sleep at night because I just take my seroquil. I do find myself staying up much later, not taking naps during the day anymore, and rambling more than usual. I read on some other message boards from people talking about Lexapro side-effects that this was a horrible med but quite frankly, I haven't experienced any of the negative effects they were talking about except for difficulty ejaculating.
For some odd reason, I almost feel guilty for feeling so good and I'm a little concerned that this feeling will go away sooner or later. This is the first time it appears that a med is making a significant difference in the way I feel. I have to ask myself: "is this real or am I just really crazy?"
Posted by BobYuma on February 22, 2004, at 10:00:06
In reply to Re: New to the board and to Lexapro, posted by Hans on February 21, 2004, at 1:13:49
> Hi. My Dr put me on Lexapro because of a depressed episode that started about six weeks prior. I had been doing really good and was pretty upset with myself for having no motivation and sleeping a lot to escape the world. I've been on mood stabilizers for a while now but haven't been taking any anti-depressants for some time. It seemed too much of a coincidence but the day after I started taking (10mg)Lexapro, I started feeling hyperactive and actually really good. I saw my Dr. yesterday after taking the Lexapro for two weeks and had to admit I hadn't had a bad day since I started this med. I don't have any problems going to sleep at night because I just take my seroquil. I do find myself staying up much later, not taking naps during the day anymore, and rambling more than usual. I read on some other message boards from people talking about Lexapro side-effects that this was a horrible med but quite frankly, I haven't experienced any of the negative effects they were talking about except for difficulty ejaculating.
For some odd reason, I almost feel guilty for feeling so good and I'm a little concerned that this feeling will go away sooner or later. This is the first time it appears that a med is making a significant difference in the way I feel. I have to ask myself: "is this real or am I just really crazy?"
--------------------------------------
Hi, welcome to the board. Don't worry about whether or not you're crazy ... we all are. It's fun. Anyway, just enjoy your time on earth as best you can. I hope you have more good days ahead.
BobYuma
Posted by BobYuma on February 22, 2004, at 10:11:09
In reply to New to the board and to Lexapro, posted by Bubbasmom on February 21, 2004, at 0:21:13
Hello everyone. I went looking for info on Lexapro and I found all of you. I just wanted to say hello and thank you (already). I have learned a lot just reading your previous posts. You all seem to be very supportive of one another. It was a great surprise to find you. My pdoc put me on lexapro today. I am still feeling like a big failure that can't cope with her own life and had to resort to drug therapy. I had to do something, though, and I am trying to see this as a positive thing - I am still taking steps to try to make things better even though my previous attempts have all failed. This is my first experience with ad's and I am hoping that all of you will accept me as a contributor because I could really use all the additional support that I can get! I just thought I'd post a hello today. It is day one and I have been on Lexapro for about 6 hours now. I wish the results were immediate!
---------------------------------------
Hi there, Bubbasmom, and welcome aboard.
First thing, if you don't mind, I'd like to tell you something, and that is; as far as the spirit is concerned, you're doing just fine, have done fine, and from what I've read from you so far, will continue to do fine.
I'll tell you why ... Let's take a look at your intentions. When you were growing up, was it your intention to use an antidepressant to get through even part of your adult life? Of course it wasn't. I'd say that most of us didn't start out with that intention, I know I didn't, and I actually believed it was possible to do so. So, you see, our "Intention" makes us a winner, all of us.Look at it this way, the mere fact that you're taking this medication means that you "want" to do better, you want to feel better so that you can "be" better. That's your intention, and God looks at our intentions - always - He looks at what we wish we could do -- what we want to do -- at what we would do if we were physically and mentally able, and certainly not at what we're unable to do because of some "earthbound" reason that we didn't see coming.
So, guess what ... that means you're a winner, to me, to everyone on this board, and most of all to God. And we don't want to hear the word "failure" from your keyboard again, ok?By the way, as far as the "immediate" results from Lex, it only took until about the third day for me to see an improvement in my depression. I also had some anxiety problems, so the doc gave me Lorazepam to help out in that area.
Take care, and please keep us informed in the days ahead.
BobYuma
Posted by tmhwrite on February 22, 2004, at 11:01:43
In reply to New to the board and to Lexapro, posted by Bubbasmom on February 21, 2004, at 0:21:13
Hey Bubbasmom,
Welcome to the board. I'm new to the board as of last week as well, although I am not new to antidepressants, been off and on them for 10 years. It's certainly a tendancy to look at this as a failure on your part -- I know I've done the same thing. You tell yourself you're strong and competent, everyone looks at you as a strong and competent person, so why can't you beat this on your own. Please remember it's like any other illness. You don't blame yourself when you get the flu, do you? This is an illness that you need medication for. And yes, it IS a positive thing. It means you're taking the first steps toward getting back to a happy, functioning, joyful life. It is not a failure. It's a success. You're brave to take that first step and I applaud you. Let us know how you're do on it. I'm rooting for you!!
Theresa
Posted by sexylexy on February 22, 2004, at 18:05:45
In reply to Re: New to the board and to Lexapro » Bubbasmom, posted by tmhwrite on February 22, 2004, at 11:01:43
Hey Ya'll
Just wanted to write and say hello. I went out of town to for the weekend to visit my friends. It was a nice weekend, I was pretty happy but am just not back to "me" again.
However, from what I have heard it takes about 6 months to really feel "back". For me its really a lack of confidence. I used to be really secure, happy and confident. Now I just kinda feel like there is a shadow lurking around waiting to pounce and make me depressed. I am just ready to get some inner light and confidence back. Any one feel the same, anyone have any ideas? I would love to hear. Hope everyone else had a great weekend.
Lexy
Posted by ednababish on February 22, 2004, at 18:30:17
In reply to lex and confidence, posted by sexylexy on February 22, 2004, at 18:05:45
Lexy-I always had a big shadowy thing lurking behind me, too, only I mistakenly thought it was my unfinished dissertation. I used to say that without it done, it would follow me around lurking in corners and I would never get free of it, that it was like an episode of the X-Files (and not one of the funny ones either). Sometimes as we get older, and especially in a graduate school situation, our confidence wanes. Trust me, I know. I hope your still considering increasing your dosage, and I would suggest that you write out the circumstances of your developling depression.
Thinking of you,
Edna Babish
Posted by ednababish on February 22, 2004, at 18:35:36
In reply to Re: New to the board and to Lexapro » Bubbasmom, posted by tmhwrite on February 22, 2004, at 11:01:43
Hey Bubbasmom,
Just admitting to yourself that something needs to change says how brave you are. I went through three depressive episodes and was smack in the middle of a fourth when I said I'm sick of always feeling this way. I still can't say I have a depressive personality with feeling horrible. I still don't completely believe it. But I do know that I can write, drive a car, love my husband and myself when I take lexapro.
So I applaud you,
Edna Babish
Posted by sexylexy on February 22, 2004, at 18:48:43
In reply to Re: lex and confidence, posted by ednababish on February 22, 2004, at 18:30:17
Uhhhh,
Anyone spotted between periods on lexapro? I know this may be too much info but I do not know who else to ask, I have had brownish/pinkish discharge for a week now, I thought it was the old period coming on but no thus far. Anybody feel me?
Lexy
Posted by mrs c on February 22, 2004, at 21:07:16
In reply to Re: lex and a female question, posted by sexylexy on February 22, 2004, at 18:48:43
Sorry Lexy, I have had this happen many times in my life but not since taking Lex. Mrs. C
Posted by mrs c on February 22, 2004, at 21:21:11
In reply to Re: New to the board and to Lexapro -- Bubbasmom, posted by BobYuma on February 22, 2004, at 10:11:09
Hi Bubbasmom, Welcome to the board! I have been on lexapro for over 4 months now. It took about five weeks to feel improvement and nine weeks to feel happy again. That's just my experience. But coming here every night after putting the kids to bed got me through and still does. I have never taken any kind of medication long term before. At first the only people who knew that I was on an SSRI was my husband, my doc and the people here. I was worried about what others would think. I got up the courage to tell some of my close friends and realized that it's okay to need help. I was someone who tried to be everything to everyone. I gave the impression that I had this perfect life but inside I was a basket case. Constantly insecure, worried, anxious, and kind of miserable to live with. It was very hard for me to admit to friends that I actually wasn't perfect! Once I did I found a new strength and bond with my friends. I still have not had the courage to tell my family and probably never will. They look at mental illness as something that can be controlled. Something I know now, takes alot more than control! I'm learning everyday to overcome my issues. Thanks greatly in part to the wonderful and supportive people that come to this board. I wish you luck in this journey. You will be forever changed by it and you will be glad you took the first step. I promise. Mrs. C.
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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