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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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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.
Posted by Glydin on October 1, 2005, at 9:40:31
In reply to Re: I really love Lexapro » Glydin, posted by Sarah T. on October 1, 2005, at 0:11:11
~~~ Hi Ms. Sarah,
> Hi. Why did you say to stay away from deep research? Do you mean research on the drug?~~~ Yes. That may just be a factor for me but hyperviligence and catastrophic thinking hallmark part of my mood disorder. When I'm at a vulnerable place - unwell and unsure, I'm easily swayed to the negative. Here's a copy of what I wrote in an above post:
[ 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. ]
> 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.
~~~ I've tried both. I find it a bit activating and like using taking it in the AM.Best,
Glydin
Posted by maddy4 on October 1, 2005, at 11:35:40
In reply to Re: I really love Lexapro » maddy4, posted by Glydin on September 30, 2005, at 21:51:20
> 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?Hi again! So today woke up after taking the 2.5 mg of lex last night and had HEINOUS anxiety - much more than usual and usually on saturdays i have ZERO anxiety. had to take 1/2 a .25 xan. so feel a bit better b/c of that - though could not answer the phone - feel like i cant talk to anyone. i also feel like i am on cold medicine and unrested (even though i slept in / til 8:30 - but wasnt really sleeping) the disconcerting part is the increased anxiety. i even had tightness in chest like i couldnt breathe while i was lying in bed. but that stopped. is this a start up SE that will go away??? i just dont see how i can go through start up SEs like this and LIVE my life and deal w. my kids and their school - teachers - people and day to day stuff. also been reading a lot of reports (know i shouldnt) the weight gain stuff - again- scares me - found some articles about how studies show SSRI's change your RMR (resting metabolic rate)-thus slowing your metab. ughhhh. and i just clearly do not need and want increased panic - just hard to take smthg that initially makes anxiety much worse w. hope that it will eventually make it better. so IS this a SE? should i continue on w/ it? TIA
Posted by Glydin on October 1, 2005, at 12:26:30
In reply to Re: I really love Lexapro : Glydin, posted by maddy4 on October 1, 2005, at 11:35:40
I think it is startup stuff. On starting, I had several panic attacks per day - it peaked about day 5 and gradually went away completely. The thing is, I hated it but not treating my panic attacks was not going to work for me. I tried that and it did not work..... Getting thru the getting thru was really worth it. It honestly was for me.
I KNOW it's tough. I really do know that. My suggestion is to use Xanax to help you through this. For me, Klonopin was really helpful and I was able to decrease dosing once the Lex kicked in.
I strongly suggest you stop doing the internet searches. I don't think that's going to help you. I have a friend who says: "You have to be careful WHATEVER you look up for info on the 'net - there are NO happy stories to be found there...". It's true on most subjects.
My thoughts are with you....
Posted by maddy4 on October 1, 2005, at 12:36:17
In reply to Re: I really love Lexapro » maddy4, posted by Glydin on October 1, 2005, at 12:26:30
> I think it is startup stuff. On starting, I had several panic attacks per day - it peaked about day 5 and gradually went away completely. The thing is, I hated it but not treating my panic attacks was not going to work for me. I tried that and it did not work..... Getting thru the getting thru was really worth it. It honestly was for me.
for you - were you having panic like that before starting the lex - or was the lex creating additional panic and more panic attacks? after day 5 - when the panic peaked (ughhhhh) did it stop? day 6 and no panic? or just your usual panic? or was that usual in first place - if that makes sense?! now do you feel anxiety and panic coming but it stops as sooon as it comes? i really cannot function in day to day life w. this panic - like i said - i do feel better now from the xan. but still my stomach is turning/dropping - roller coaster feeling. i have a parent teacher meeting this week that i dont think i could manage feeling like this.
Posted by Glydin on October 1, 2005, at 13:34:08
In reply to Re: I really love Lexapro: Glydin, posted by maddy4 on October 1, 2005, at 12:36:17
It was a gradual process. They eased in number and intensity.
Anxiety and Panic attacks were my primary problems for a few years. Over time they increased in frequency and intensity and eventually this led to agoraphobia. It's a horrible life impacting disorder but I found mine did not improve without treatment.
The decision of what to do and how to do it is up to you. I would never try to tell someone else what is right for them, but I can only relate my experiences.
I'm sorry panic is a problem for you. It's not fun.
Posted by Phillipa on October 1, 2005, at 19:29:09
In reply to Re: I really love Lexapro: Glydin » maddy4, posted by Glydin on October 1, 2005, at 13:34:08
Glydin, that's exactly what happened to me. And I wonder if me being teary and more on edge are side effects. Maybe the 5mg is enough for now. Just don't know. My daughter seems to think I should take something to amp me up like prozac. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by Glydin on October 1, 2005, at 21:35:11
In reply to Re: I really love Lexapro: Glydin » Glydin, posted by Phillipa on October 1, 2005, at 19:29:09
Once my startup dust settled on Lex, I did find my energy level and overall outlook was much better. I was having some difficulty with drive and motivation. The energy was "good" energy that was focusable - unlike "anxiety" energy that, for me, is not very focusable and tends to be more of the restless, spunup, uncomfortable type.
Posted by maddy4 on October 1, 2005, at 21:52:42
In reply to Re: I really love Lexapro: Glydin » maddy4, posted by Glydin on October 1, 2005, at 13:34:08
so here i am tonight feeling weird / strange / sort of awful - i typed a post earlier and it did not go through?? i am feeling not excited about anything that i normally would be excited abt - so its taking away the parts of me i like (easily excited, energetic, outgoing and fun) and magnifing what i hate (anxiety, tiredness, exhaustion) though i am less irritable - too tired to be irritable. i did take another 1/4 of a 10mg tonight - i suppose i have to give this a chance. will hate it if this bad stuff does not go away soon - hope my efforts are worth it.
Posted by Phillipa on October 1, 2005, at 21:53:38
In reply to Re: I really love Lexapro » Phillipa, posted by Glydin on October 1, 2005, at 21:35:11
Glydin, unfortunately I'm spinning and still depressed. Not sure if I should go up until noticeable side effects or stay where I am. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by Sarah T. on October 2, 2005, at 0:20:53
In reply to Re: I really love Lexapro » Sarah T., posted by Glydin on October 1, 2005, at 9:40:31
Hello Ms. Glydin,
Thanks for the explanation. I thought that's what you meant. . .
Posted by Phillipa on October 2, 2005, at 17:34:07
In reply to Re: I really love Lexapro » TamaraJ, posted by Glydin on September 25, 2005, at 18:03:13
Today I feel more anxious and depressed is this a start-up effect. The worst part is I met an old aquantiance of mine a Proffessor of a Medical School. He said mind over matter and wean off meds. Then he said if he scoped me I'd look like a pharmacy inside. And that made me feel even worse. Fondly, Phillipa
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