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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Glydin on September 28, 2005, at 11:21:25
In reply to Re: I really love Lexapro GLYDIN, posted by maddy4 on September 28, 2005, at 10:41:31
Hi Maddy,
This is kinda long and probably much more info and opinion than you asked for. (Smile) I hope you can bear with me on my long post to you. (another Smile)
I have been following your posts and I know things have been rough for you. It is so confusing and a trial and error situation to hit upon a good treatment choice.
As I've stated before, it's SO difficult for the anxiety proned to stick with a med. It's the nature of anxiety disorders with hyperattentiveness and we may just be more sensitive to the SE's of meds.
I did trial several SSRI's before allowing myself to give Lex a fighting chance. While I do not recall anything with pupil changes, I did have a number of SE's that were distressing. They did pass and were startup things. Once they passed, I have enjoyed the good effects Lex has had for me.
It is entirely possible to just use a benzo. It's not a popular choice for docs, but it is possible. I did JUST Klonopin for 3 years and it was successful. I do advocate close watching by a doc if you choose this route - at least in the beginning - to assure avoiding pitfalls. Benzos are also really helpful during startups on a new med. Most persons who use benzo's for anxiety treatment are very viligent and careful and most use very approiately for the treatment of a very life impacting health problem. While one can develop a medical dependence - which I had, Addiction - TRUE addiction - does not have to be part of the picture for long term users.
I am of the opinion anxiety and panic are treated and not cured. There are select individuals that have a period of anxiety and panic and that's it. But, for most of us, it's something we must contend with probably a lot of our lives from time to time. I'm not saying that to be negative but I found the reality of that was part of acceptance for me and help me to be more proactive to achieve good treatment.
If you think your panic attacks are sporatic, maybe an "as needed" benzo would work for you. The problem with panic is, it comes with so much dread for anticipation of the next. This led to agoraphobia for me. My choice was to try and have 24 hour coverage for control. So, a long half life benzo was a good choice for that. Regular Xanax is short acting and while acting fast, it burns out fast also. CBT can also be an option and may be of help.
I'll be honest with you, I don't think WB is a good choice for most folks with anxiety problems. That being said, we are all different and one simply does not know if it is a good choice until a decent amount of trial time has passed.
I really do wish you this best in getting a good treatment. It's tough, it really is. But a good doc, possibly use good med(s), possibly use of therapy and educating yourself from GOOD resources, can make a huge difference in quality of life.
Good Luck to you,
Glydin
Posted by Glydin on September 28, 2005, at 11:58:11
In reply to To: maddy4, posted by Glydin on September 28, 2005, at 11:21:25
Believe it or not, I had some else to add.
Have you had a good physical exam with some basic screening bloodwork? A number of other disorders can cause panic. I think ruling out another physical problem is important.
Posted by maddy4 on September 28, 2005, at 16:01:33
In reply to Re: To: maddy4 - To Add, posted by Glydin on September 28, 2005, at 11:58:11
> Believe it or not, I had some else to add.
>
> Have you had a good physical exam with some basic screening bloodwork? A number of other disorders can cause panic. I think ruling out another physical problem is important.Hey - thanks for your lengthy post! :) i need all of the info i can get. yes my OB just did some blood work at my request - checked thyroid and b12 - both were fine.
how long have you been on lexapro? any weight gain? is panic your only thing? maybe i should try it again at a lower dose - say 2.5 mgs and skip the WB XL. i dont know. i really dont want to gain weight. has lexapro changed your eating habits? when did it kick in and really start to help your panic? TIA!!! ;)
Posted by Glydin on September 28, 2005, at 17:37:55
In reply to Re: To: maddy4 - To Add GLYDIN, posted by maddy4 on September 28, 2005, at 16:01:33
> Hey - thanks for your lengthy post! :) i need all of the info i can get. yes my OB just did some blood work at my request - checked thyroid and b12 - both were fine.~~~ That's good.
>
> how long have you been on lexapro?~~~ 8 months
any weight gain?~~~ Nope
is panic your only thing?
~~~ GAD and panic with agoraphobia was my diagnosis for quite a while. The first of this year, I had a status change and I, indeed, was depressed. At that time, my anxiety was well controlled with using Klonopin. I do feel Lex has helped better control anxiety and Klonopin dosing is very low and not needed daily.
maybe i should try it again at a lower dose - say 2.5 mgs and skip the WB XL. i dont know.~~~ I think a discussion with your doc would be good. If you are comfortable with your GYN - I take it that's your prescribing person right now -I would hope they would work with you. If not, maybe getting a pdoc referral wouldn't be a bad idea. While we need to be informed and advocate for ourselves, trying to figure out the right way to go with meds can be very lonely and discouraging if you are trying to figure all this out on your own.
> i really dont want to gain weight.
~~~ I know that's been something concerning to you. Has weight or an eating disorder been a problem for you in the past? Did someone convince you that weight gain would be an issue in you took head meds? I hope it doesn't offend you I would ask that...... That's not my intention.
has lexapro changed your eating habits?~~~ Not really. Decreased my appetite at first and now it's normal for how I've always been.
when did it kick in and really start to help your panic?~~~ At 2 weeks I began to feel a "lifting" and the SE anxiety was controlled. By 4 - 6 weeks I had max effects and all the startup untoward effects had abated.
Posted by Phillipa on September 28, 2005, at 18:07:45
In reply to Re: To: maddy4, posted by Glydin on September 28, 2005, at 17:37:55
This Thread is very important to me as I'll be starting lexapro 5mg tomorrow morning. I can still take my valium at night. But what are the start-up side effects? Hopefully we'll be moving in a few weeks and I have to be able to funtion quite well and be able to drive a car about 6hrs. I have the same problem with being afraid of meds and quitting much too quickly. So everything you can add would help sooooo much! Thanks Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by maddy4 on September 28, 2005, at 19:19:23
In reply to Re: To: maddy4, posted by Glydin on September 28, 2005, at 17:37:55
> ~~~ I think a discussion with your doc would be good. If you are comfortable with your GYN - I take it that's your prescribing person right now -I would hope they would work with you. If not, maybe getting a pdoc referral wouldn't be a bad idea. While we need to be informed and advocate for ourselves, trying to figure out the right way to go with meds can be very lonely and discouraging if you are trying to figure all this out on your own.
***I tired calling an old pdoc (went to him 11ish years ago) to get his take on this - but he was out of office today. im still trying to decide whether to REALLY give the meds a try or go w/ an au natural approach - just received my 260$$ worth of vitamins today - including magnesium glysinate, SAMe, etc.
>
> > i really dont want to gain weight.
>
> ~~~ I know that's been something concerning to you. Has weight or an eating disorder been a problem for you in the past? Did someone convince you that weight gain would be an issue in you took head meds? I hope it doesn't offend you I would ask that...... That's not my intention.*** no offense at all - i am def. obsessed w/ weight - if that qualifies as an ED??? then so be it - i eat normal and what i want - i am thin despite having 3 kids in 4 years - good metabolism - want it and NEED it to stay that way- i just feel like crap when i feel fat and cant wear cute clothes - sounds trivial but it changes everything in life for me to have to go the sweat pant route instead of the jeans and cute shirt route - it make me insane and more irritable.
> when did it kick in and really start to help your panic?
>
> ~~~ At 2 weeks I began to feel a "lifting" and the SE anxiety was controlled. By 4 - 6 weeks I had max effects and all the startup untoward effects had abated.**** so abt two weeks before panic subsided??
thanks again for your very informative posts! cant wait to hear more from you so i can make my decisions!
Posted by Glydin on September 28, 2005, at 19:22:16
In reply to Re: To: maddy4 » Glydin, posted by Phillipa on September 28, 2005, at 18:07:45
> This Thread is very important to me as I'll be starting lexapro 5mg tomorrow morning. I can still take my valium at night.
~~~ As far as I know that's completely fine. If you are concerned - run it by your doc would be my suggestion
> But what are the start-up side effects?~~~ I posted mine above and here's a copy:
{ My startup effects I think were fairly typical of alot of folks - upramp in anxiety and panic attacks, GI disturbances, increased night sweats, lack of appetite, slight sleep disturbance, and a feeling of "weirdness" which was probably some periods derealization. }
Also, at startup, I KNEW I would be really influenced by ANYTHING negative so I limited my time reading and posting here and other boards like this. I also limited doing a lot of research on Lex. I had a good basic understanding of the "working" of the med. Pouring over lists of SE's and failure stories would not be good for me. I knew I was at a point of vulnerability and it would not take much to have me give up at the first blush of experiencing stuff I didn’t like.
> Hopefully we'll be moving in a few weeks and I have to be able to funtion quite well and be able to drive a car about 6hrs. I have the same problem with being afraid of meds and quitting much too quickly.~~~ It’s not easy. In fact, it can be quite difficult. I think the attitude that I WOULD experience startup effects helped me. I decided the startup stuff was part of the process. It was the part of my brain being helped ( and it really NEEDED help) and that time was a transition I had to go though.
> So everything you can add would help sooooo much!~~~I don’t know how helpful my posts are but if they are in the least to anyone, I will feel good about that. I think it’s important for folks having success with their meds to encourage others. One doesn’t read a lot about successes here.
Best,
Glydin
Posted by Glydin on September 28, 2005, at 19:28:44
In reply to Re: To: maddy4 : GLYDIN, posted by maddy4 on September 28, 2005, at 19:19:23
> i just feel like crap when i feel fat and cant wear cute clothes - sounds trivial but it changes everything in life for me to have to go the sweat pant route instead of the jeans and cute shirt route - it make me insane and more irritable.
~~~ I understand that. My self image effects my overall functioning too. As long as you're staying nutritionally sound and doing well there -I say good for you and keep doing what you're doing.
Posted by Sarah T. on September 28, 2005, at 23:17:47
In reply to Re: I really love Lexapro GLYDIN, posted by maddy4 on September 28, 2005, at 10:41:31
Hi maddy,
I don't have much experience with Lexapro, but I did take Celexa for a long time, and I've tried it a few times since. I've noticed that each time I started Celexa, my pupils were very dilated for a few days, but that went away. This has happened with other medications, too. Oddly enough, the pupil dilation was worse for me on ssri's than on stimulants!
As I said, that side effect did go away.
Posted by grammy on September 28, 2005, at 23:39:27
In reply to Re: I really love Lexapro, posted by blueberry on September 28, 2005, at 4:59:59
I took Prozac for 15 years and it pooped out but I was having an extremely rough time. The p-doc didn't want to up my dosage to 40 mg. because he was afraid it might cause agitation or mania. He put me on Cymblta and it is working great. I tried Lexapro and it did nothing for me. Carole
Posted by Sarah T. on September 28, 2005, at 23:49:02
In reply to Re: I really love Lexapro » Sarah T., posted by Glydin on September 26, 2005, at 21:10:09
Hi Glydin,
Thanks so much for your reply. Since you did not list Celexa as one of the previous ssri's you've tried, I guess you never took that, right?
I took Wellbutrin for a long time, but in looking back, I don't know how I stayed on it for so long. At the time, I thought it was the least of the evils, but it wasn't. I went through YEARS of insomnia and anxiety on that medicine. I tried combining it with so many other meds to deal with the insomnia, but most of the time, the combinations made the insomnia even worse.
You mentioned that you take Klonopin. That's such a good drug! I like the fact that it is longer-acting than so many other benzodiazapines and, therefore, causes fewer rebound symptoms.
I also have arthritis, but not osteo-arthritis. I thought that high EPA fish oil was having a slightly beneficial effect until the past week or so, when I experienced the most severe joint pains I've ever had. Perhaps it's hormonal. I don't know. Some of my joints were visibly swollen, and they felt as if they were burning. Do you take Advil rather than Aspirin because it helps more at relieving pain or for another reason? Do you know what dose Advil you take?
Thank you.
Sarah
Posted by Phillipa on September 29, 2005, at 0:14:57
In reply to Re: I really love Lexapro » Glydin, posted by Sarah T. on September 28, 2005, at 23:49:02
Sarah, that sounds like rheumatoid arthritis and you need to see a doc for that. They have new medicines out to treat it. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by Glydin on September 29, 2005, at 9:00:53
In reply to Re: I really love Lexapro » Glydin, posted by Sarah T. on September 28, 2005, at 23:49:02
>Hi Glydin,
~~~ Hi there Sarah!!
>Thanks so much for your reply.~~~ You are very welcome.
>Since you did not list Celexa as one of the previous ssri's you've tried, I guess you never took that, right?~~~ Strangely enough, I never have taken Celexa and I don’t really know why. When I did my other SSRI trials I stopped at the ones I listed and after a time tried WB and Cymbalta. When the “demons” hit the first of this year, my doc and I did have a long discussion. He had seen good results in anxiety proned with Lex in his practice. We did discuss other drug classes. I decided to give a SSRI one more chance and Lex looked on paper to be a good choice. It’s turned out well so far.
>I took Wellbutrin for a long time, but in looking back, I don't know how I stayed on it for so long. At the time, I thought it was the least of the evils, but it wasn't. I went through YEARS of insomnia and anxiety on that medicine. I tried combining it with so many other meds to deal with the insomnia, but most of the time, the combinations made the insomnia even worse.
~~~ WB works well for some. I liked the energy but due to the anxiety it produced in me, I was unable to focus that energy very well.
>You mentioned that you take Klonopin. That's such a good drug! I like the fact that it is longer-acting than so many other benzodiazapines and, therefore, causes fewer rebound symptoms.~~~ Klonopin is an old friend. At this point, I know it well and have avoided the pitfalls. It’s been good to me.
>I also have arthritis, but not osteo-arthritis. I thought that high EPA fish oil was having a slightly beneficial effect until the past week or so, when I experienced the most severe joint pains I've ever had. Perhaps it's hormonal. I don't know. Some of my joints were visibly swollen, and they felt as if they were burning. Do you take Advil rather than Aspirin because it helps more at relieving pain or for another reason? Do you know what dose Advil you take?~~~ I have tried various pain and anti-inflammatory options to include Celebrex and Vioxx. The Cox-2’s didn’t seem to help that much. I experimented with various OTC’s – Aspirin, Tylenol (not an anti inflam), Aleve, Orudis…. I found Advil (even over Motrin) seems to work the best for me. I generally do 800mgs per day divided and when it’s REALLY bad I go up to 1,800 mgs per day divided in 3 doses. I do add Prilosec if I do the higher dose for any length of time.
I have some joint swelling and spurring, generally I have pain from muscles and connective tissue compensation. The area effected for me is cervical and thoracic spine and a pesky right elbow.
What type of arthritis do you struggle with?
Good to talk with you,
Glydin
Posted by Glydin on September 29, 2005, at 9:02:57
In reply to Re: I really love Lexapro, posted by grammy on September 28, 2005, at 23:39:27
We are all so different in what works and what doesn't and thankfully, we have choices. I'm glad Cymbalta is working out for you.
Posted by grammy on September 30, 2005, at 1:40:24
In reply to Re: I really love Lexapro » grammy, posted by Glydin on September 29, 2005, at 9:02:57
Glydin, you are right. I am glad Lexapro is working for you. I could tell right away it was not working for me. I guess they just take stabs in the dark since they don't really know what is going on in our brains.
Posted by Phillipa on September 30, 2005, at 18:16:33
In reply to Re: I really love Lexapro, posted by grammy on September 30, 2005, at 1:40:24
Grammy what dose did you start with? Today is the second day of 5mg for me. And truly no change at all. No side effects either. Do you think it's true that after a while your brain just doesn't respond to any of them? Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by maddy4 on September 30, 2005, at 20:37:28
In reply to Re: I really love Lexapro » grammy, posted by Phillipa on September 30, 2005, at 18:16:33
i've decided to try again - after a panic attack today - decided my all natural vitamins werent working!! ;)
took 2.5 mg today (1/4 of the 10 mg) we shall see.
Posted by Glydin on September 30, 2005, at 21:51:20
In reply to Re: I really love Lexapro, posted by maddy4 on September 30, 2005, at 20:37:28
I'm sorry about your panic attack.
I am open for any questions or concerns you might have.
I hope it works really well for you.
Keep the hope, okay?
Posted by Phillipa on September 30, 2005, at 22:12:54
In reply to Re: I really love Lexapro » maddy4, posted by Glydin on September 30, 2005, at 21:51:20
I've been on lexapro 5mg for two days. And absolutely nothing no side effects don't feel any different at all. I also take l5mg of valium to sleep. The doctor said stay on 5mg for three weeks. And he wouldn't give up on it until 20mg. Any adice? Thanks, Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by Glydin on September 30, 2005, at 22:41:03
In reply to Re: I really love Lexapro, posted by Phillipa on September 30, 2005, at 22:12:54
Disclaimer: These are merely my opinions ---
Try to keep your mind open to the possibilty this could be the one time it turns out differently than any previous trials.
Try and put the past in the past and look at this as a possible new beginning.
Try to keep in mind startup effects are not uncommon and for some of us they do pass.
Keep busy and try NOT to focus on "I just took a new med" .
Try to keep in mind overnight changes don't occur usually and this process may take some time. More than likely, you didn't get sick overnight so wellness is probably not going to happen overnight.
Treat yourself well - try to eat well, get some sunlight, get some exercise, and get enough rest.
Drink lots of water.
Stay away from stimulants.
Stay away from negative influences and deep research.
Try to take your focus away from the negative.
Use your doc for your advice. If you need to call them - call them.
Posted by Sarah T. on October 1, 2005, at 0:11:11
In reply to Re: I really love Lexapro » Phillipa, posted by Glydin on September 30, 2005, at 22:41:03
Glydin,
Hi. Why did you say to stay away from deep research? Do you mean research on the drug?
Also, I forgot. . . Do you take the Lexapro at night or in the morning? When I tried it at night, I couldn't sleep, and when I took it during the day, I felt too spaced out.
S.
Posted by Emily Elizabeth on October 1, 2005, at 0:29:34
In reply to Re: I really love Lexapro » Glydin, posted by Sarah T. on October 1, 2005, at 0:11:11
Take it in the AM. Most people find it stimulating.
Best,
EE
Posted by Emily Elizabeth on October 1, 2005, at 0:34:04
In reply to Re: I really love Lexapro, posted by Phillipa on September 30, 2005, at 22:12:54
Are you very sensitive to drugs? 5mg for 3 weeks sounds so slow. Of course, I'm the opposite extreme. I need a lot of a drug to feel an effect. I can't be certain, but I think I may have even started at 20mg. I take 40mg now, which is a lot, I know (esp. since I take lots of other meds which likely enhance its effect).
Would your pdoc be okay w/ you going up faster since you aren't having s/e's?
Good luck w/ the lex.
Best,
EE
Posted by Phillipa on October 1, 2005, at 0:44:13
In reply to Re: I really love Lexapro » Sarah T., posted by Emily Elizabeth on October 1, 2005, at 0:29:34
E was thinking of that as I've become med resistant in the past. I think a higher doseage would keep me from being discouraged. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by lynn970 on October 1, 2005, at 7:34:56
In reply to Re: I really love Lexapro » Emily Elizabeth, posted by Phillipa on October 1, 2005, at 0:44:13
I am on 10mg of Lexapro. Praise God! no side effects. I still have some anxiety/depression. Maybe I need more.
I am gonna find a pdoc soon.
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