Re: Starting Lexapro

[Guest guest]

wow sue congrats. that is so very nice to hear. I am so happy for you. -

alison

On Tue, 23 Aug 2005 12:05:58 -0400 (Eastern Standard Time) " Sue Chapman "

<chapmn47@...> writes:

> It has saved my life as well. I've been suicidal off and on since I

> was a

> youngster. It's nice to have a positive outlook on life for a

> change. One

> of the ways that my depression manifests its self has been that I

> have no

> energy. Today, my apartment is clean, and I have a life thanks to

> the

> Lexapro. The quality of my relationships has improved greatly and

> my

> friends have noticed a positive change in me as well. I feel half

> way human

> for the first time in my life.

>

> Sue C

>

> -- Re: Starting Lexapro

>

> my first nite with lexapro.. sent me to ER.. I was throwing up so

> much....

> then i cut it in half and now im doing very well.. i have to take it

> at nite

> or else i get really really sleepy..which is nice.. i sleep so much

> better..

> ... good luck

>

>

> " some mornings it doesnt seem worth it to gnaw through the leather

> straps "

> emo philips

> (cynical=Roni)

> Believing or showing the belief that people are motivated chiefly

> by base

> or selfish concerns; skeptical of the motives of others:

> Negative or pessimistic, as from world-weariness

>

>

>

>

>

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

It has saved my life as well. I've been suicidal off and on since I was a

youngster. It's nice to have a positive outlook on life for a change. One

of the ways that my depression manifests its self has been that I have no

energy. Today, my apartment is clean, and I have a life thanks to the

Lexapro. The quality of my relationships has improved greatly and my

friends have noticed a positive change in me as well. I feel half way human

for the first time in my life.

Sue C

-- Re: Starting Lexapro

my first nite with lexapro.. sent me to ER.. I was throwing up so much....

then i cut it in half and now im doing very well.. i have to take it at nite

or else i get really really sleepy..which is nice.. i sleep so much better..

.... good luck

" some mornings it doesnt seem worth it to gnaw through the leather straps "

emo philips

(cynical=Roni)

Believing or showing the belief that people are motivated chiefly by base

or selfish concerns; skeptical of the motives of others:

Negative or pessimistic, as from world-weariness

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Hi Sue C-

I agree with you. I read about all the side effects, and I took my Lexapro

for 2 days, and chickened out. I had really bad experiences with Paxil,

weight gain, and the sexual side effects, and even though my doctor told me

that

only 9 out of 10 people experience side effects, I am still afraid to

continue taking it.

I am going to see how I do, and, if I still feel I need the Lexapro to calm

my anxiety, I may give it another shot, at a later date. I do go to

counseling, and I am hoping that if I can get help there, and continue doing the

things that relieve my stress, I may not need medication.

But, I am staying on this list, and I am going to keep Lexapro a

consideration.

I know that when I was on Paxil, I worried way less! I think I worry about

EVERYTHING, including the side effects of Lexapro!! I liked the Paxil, and

took it for years, but, I gained so much weight, and had trouble with sex,

that I just wanted to get off of it. Also, it started to take away ANY

emotion.

I didn't care if I went out to a movie, or sat on the couch, I was happy

either way. I had no motivation to do anything.

Maybe the weight gain, and sexual side effects are a result of the anxiety,

or depression, and not the medication? I am not saying for everyone, but,

possibly, it could be a contributor to the problem...

Marilyn

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 8/23/2005 7:40:30 A.M. Pacific Standard Time,

gvhoulihan@... writes:

My feelings is that if one concentrates on the negative POSSIBLE adverse

effects of a med., sure enough you'll have these side effects.

I agree with you, Annie, and was wondering that very thing myself....

And, I have a headache today, and I am NOT on Lexapro...lol.

Marilyn

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 8/23/2005 8:00:54 A.M. Pacific Standard Time,

brenpatsa@... writes:

I never knew that life without the burdens of fears and constant anxieties

could exist for me but I am happier than I thought possible.

Hi S -

Wow, . That is great. Makes me want to be fearless, and try the Lex

again. I don't know what to think. I definitely was scared off by the tales

of the side effects.

It is good to hear about the positive side effects, not the negative.

Marilyn

[Guest guest]

Thanx, Alison.

sue C

-- Re: Starting Lexapro

>

> my first nite with lexapro.. sent me to ER.. I was throwing up so

> much....

> then i cut it in half and now im doing very well.. i have to take it

> at nite

> or else i get really really sleepy..which is nice.. i sleep so much

> better..

> ... good luck

>

>

> " some mornings it doesnt seem worth it to gnaw through the leather

> straps "

> emo philips

> (cynical=Roni)

> Believing or showing the belief that people are motivated chiefly

> by base

> or selfish concerns; skeptical of the motives of others:

> Negative or pessimistic, as from world-weariness

>

>

>

>

>

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

I want all to know I have 3 friends on Lexapro, none of them have any problems

with it. I myself have been thinking of trying it, but i do well on Paxil.

[Guest guest]

Sue,

You are so right, everyone's chemistry is different , so there is no way to

know how you will react, unless you have a family member on it. If it works for

your family member , it will probably work for you. I have found this out with

my sister. My doc even asks me what she is on that has helped her with health

issues. Hormones, anti depressants etc.

in AZ

[Guest guest]

Sue -

I chickened for many various reasons, I suppose....

I was afraid of the side effects, especially weight gain and sexual side

effects, which, I experienced on Paxil.

Maybe I feel that my anxiety is not bad enough to require medication. Some

days are good, some days are bad, like anyone else, I suppose.

Those are the biggest reasons, I guess....

However, I do notice that I can handle my anxiety/depression as long as

things are flowing smoothly in my life. But the minute the boat gets rocked, I

easily resort to anxiety, and, following that, some depression.

Question - Do any of you enjoy a cocktail now and again while taking

Lexapro? I am not a drinker, but, I do enjoy a social drink with friends, now

and

again...

Marilyn

[Guest guest]

Hi Sue C-

I agree with you. I read about all the side effects, and I took my Lexapro

for 2 days, and chickened out.

What made you chicken out?

[Guest guest]

How can a post like that possibly help someone on this board? There is no way

to say that a night of vomiting was even related to the meds yet countless

people are reading it and are being frightened away from the very real

possibility of improving their lives dramatically.

I was one of them. I have a fear of vomiting and when I saw that I went into a

panic. I am working up to starting it. I have taken Atenolol and Alprazolam in

all my years and never really had any side effects with any of them, so I'm

hoping Lexapro will be the one for me. I still have yet to read here or on the

web where Lexapro helps people with severe anxiety and agoraphobia. Larissa

[Guest guest]

I'll contribute a positive Lex experience. On it a little over 2 months now.

Had minimal side effects. A little dizzy first few times, very vivid dreams

first month and my appetite is not the same. Usually do not feel like eating

and the suddenly one day I'm ravenous. I think it’s how a pregnant woman

would feel. I've lost about 4 pounds. I think I was more depressed than I

though and this medicine has helped that a lot and therefore has helped

decrease anxiety and social anxiety. I can talk to people without blushing -

that's a big one for me. Everything - life events don't feel SOOOOOOOO

overwhelming. That's where anxiety has calmed down. Now I do use Benzos and

those help a lot, but the days I don't are more bearable with the Lex than

without. Some days I feel anxious and sometimes I feel a backslide coming

on, so I'll talk with my doc about that. All I can say is I'm better than

before and it's a step in the right direction.

>How can a post like that possibly help someone on this board? There is no

>way to say that a night of vomiting was even related to the meds yet

>countless people are reading it and are being frightened away from the very

>real possibility of improving their lives dramatically.

>

>I was one of them. I have a fear of vomiting and when I saw that I went

>into a panic. I am working up to starting it. I have taken Atenolol and

>Alprazolam in all my years and never really had any side effects with any

>of them, so I'm hoping Lexapro will be the one for me. I still have yet to

>read here or on the web where Lexapro helps people with severe anxiety and

>agoraphobia. Larissa

>

>

[Guest guest]

I have taken Atenolol and Alprazolam in all my years and never really had any

side effects with any of them, so I'm hoping Lexapro will be the one for me. I

still have yet to read here or on the web where Lexapro helps people with severe

anxiety and agoraphobia.

I should clarify that the Alprazolam Ive been on for 3 years, and the Atenolol

was because my heart rate was at 95 due to anxiety. I was only on that 3 months

and had 3 of the rare side effects, cramps in my calves, small pinpoint bruises

and comd cold feet. Larissa

[Guest guest]

Marilyn,

Yes, I will have a beer or glass of wine occasionally and have never had a

problem or noticed that the alcohol's effects were increased, etc. However,

having said that, your experience may fall into the YMMV category ( " your mileage

may vary " !). Also, I have always been very vigilant about not driving if I have

even a drop of alcohol, to be on the very safe side.

Re: Starting Lexapro

Sue -

I chickened for many various reasons, I suppose....

I was afraid of the side effects, especially weight gain and sexual side

effects, which, I experienced on Paxil.

Maybe I feel that my anxiety is not bad enough to require medication. Some

days are good, some days are bad, like anyone else, I suppose.

Those are the biggest reasons, I guess....

However, I do notice that I can handle my anxiety/depression as long as

things are flowing smoothly in my life. But the minute the boat gets rocked,

I

easily resort to anxiety, and, following that, some depression.

Question - Do any of you enjoy a cocktail now and again while taking

Lexapro? I am not a drinker, but, I do enjoy a social drink with friends,

now and

again...

Marilyn

[Guest guest]

I'm still taking Lex. and am doing very well.

Sue C

-- Re: Starting Lexapro

Hi Sue C-

I agree with you. I read about all the side effects, and I took my Lexapro

for 2 days, and chickened out.

What made you chicken out?

[Guest guest]

Ann -

What a great e mail! How wonderful to hear how much better your life is!

Thank you for writing that.

I have started, and stopped, Lex 2 times out of fear....and, I just made a

commitment to myself to start it, and give it 2 months. Your post gives me

hope. Thank you.

It is hard, sometimes, to realize when we need help, and take it. Recently

I am finding myself in bad mood most of the time, unable to tolerate the

people around me...my family. I am impatient with my 21 year old, I dread the

grandchildren coming over, and my husband coming home from work. I don't want

to do any housework, and then, I feel guilty for not getting enough done

during the day.

The only time I am really content is at dance class...probably because it

stirs up my endorphines...yet, I cannot force myself to go to the gym anymore.

I have some hope that the Lex will help me get my life back...I thought I

was taking it merely for anxiety, but, I realize now that the anxiety is moving

towards depression also. I have struggled with depression my entire life.

Marilyn

[Guest guest]

-Hi,

This is my 23rd day on Lex.

I'm feeling so much better!

It took only 5 days for me to start feeling better and to stop

having suicidal thoughts.

The first week was the worst with the side effects but they have

mostly dissapeared. The sexual side effects are gone, the dizzy

feeling, the tiredness, etc. The only thing I have right now is alot

of dreaming and it's hard for me to get up in the morning.

I had a down day yesterday, feeling a little overwhelmed but not

like it used to be.

I have gotten so much done around my house and I don't get angry.

I was so terrified to take any meds! The first time Lex was

prescribed to me I did not take it and I wish I would have, it would

have saved me alot of pain. Yes, I have read all the horror stories

and about how evil SSRI's are but I know my life before Lex was a

horror story. I don't know how my husband stayed married to me.

I was so scared of the side effects but the benefits outweigh them.

I can be a normal person now and I can be a better wife and mother.

I can love again.

Destroying my life and my family is not worth saving my self from

the side effects.

Lex is one of the better SSRI's from what I've read.

Everyone is different but if you are suffering I would give it a try

be committed to the first week or two of going through some side

effects. The side effects were far from the worst physical things I

have ever experienced. It was weird and uncomfortable at first but

the body has to adjust.

I asked my Doc to prescribe me 20 mg so I can cut them in half and

save money, he said no problem.

I just hope it keeps working for me.

ann

-- ]

[Guest guest]

Good Luck. I'm glad you are feeling better.

>-Hi,

>This is my 23rd day on Lex.

>I'm feeling so much better!

>It took only 5 days for me to start feeling better and to stop

>having suicidal thoughts.

>The first week was the worst with the side effects but they have

>mostly dissapeared. The sexual side effects are gone, the dizzy

>feeling, the tiredness, etc. The only thing I have right now is alot

>of dreaming and it's hard for me to get up in the morning.

>I had a down day yesterday, feeling a little overwhelmed but not

>like it used to be.

>I have gotten so much done around my house and I don't get angry.

>I was so terrified to take any meds! The first time Lex was

>prescribed to me I did not take it and I wish I would have, it would

>have saved me alot of pain. Yes, I have read all the horror stories

>and about how evil SSRI's are but I know my life before Lex was a

>horror story. I don't know how my husband stayed married to me.

>I was so scared of the side effects but the benefits outweigh them.

>I can be a normal person now and I can be a better wife and mother.

>I can love again.

>Destroying my life and my family is not worth saving my self from

>the side effects.

>Lex is one of the better SSRI's from what I've read.

>Everyone is different but if you are suffering I would give it a try

>be committed to the first week or two of going through some side

>effects. The side effects were far from the worst physical things I

>have ever experienced. It was weird and uncomfortable at first but

>the body has to adjust.

>I asked my Doc to prescribe me 20 mg so I can cut them in half and

>save money, he said no problem.

>I just hope it keeps working for me.

>ann

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>-- ]

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ann -

Thanks for your post, and the support!

Now that I have actually committed to doing this, I am happier already!

Just knowing that I have made a decision to try it and see, relieves my mind.

I

totally agree, that I should not have to struggle with anxiety, and

depression, and that life is short, and if there is help out there, I need to

take

it. I also take meds for high blood pressure, and I will look at this

medication in the same way that I do that - that I do it to live.

Thanks for your support. It helps a lot to know there are people who

understand. And, yes, we are strong, for admitting we need help, and taking

the

steps to get it. Yeah, Us!!!

Marilyn

[Guest guest]

Thanks so much, Sue C. I have committed to do it. All of you have been so

helpful. I really appreciate it. Now that I have actually made the

decision, and put fear aside, it seems like that HOPE you offer will be a

reality. I

tried, for 2 years, to tough it out without meds, but, I think it is

catching up with me....My doctor is very encouraging about the Lex, and I trust

his

judgement.

Marilyn

[Guest guest]

Yeah, Ed! Good to hear that you have had positive results for so long!

Marilyn

[Guest guest]

--

Hi Marilyn,

I'm so glad you have committed to taking it for 2 months.

That is why I did not stop taking it at first when it made me feel

like crap. It was so hard for me to take the first step but when I

did, it was a commitment to myself to get better.

Life is to precious and to short to live in depression when we

don't have to! You are so right about admitting we need help.

I had the same feelings, Every morning when my husband left work was

my favorite part of the day and I also hated him coming home.

I did not want to talk to anyone.

I also was in the terrible roller coaster of not being able to get

anything done and then feeling as a worthless good for nothing

person

because of the guilt.

The only time I felt good was at the gym.

I also quit going, it makes me so mad.

But I still consider my self adjusting to the Lex so I have given my

body a break from the exercise for about a month now.

I will start back soon.

I really hope you will start to enjoy life and your family again.

Living like this sucks and the wonderful thing is you don't have to.

Many great people have suffered with depression and did not have the

meds to help them so I thank God for the medical advances we have to

help us. We are not weak people for getting help, we are smart!

ann

P.S. I noticed the Lex did not cause nausea when I took it with a

little milk. I still take it in the morning but wished I would have

started taking it at night. I'm still considering switching to night

but not sure if that means skipping a dose and I'm afraid to do that.

[Guest guest]

Ann, I am so glad to hear that you are doing so well. I lived a life with a

dark cloud hanging over my head for most of my life. Lexapro is a wonderful

medication. Best wishes to you on your new life.

Sue C

-- Re: Starting Lexapro

-Hi,

This is my 23rd day on Lex.

I'm feeling so much better!

It took only 5 days for me to start feeling better and to stop

having suicidal thoughts.

The first week was the worst with the side effects but they have

mostly dissapeared. The sexual side effects are gone, the dizzy

feeling, the tiredness, etc. The only thing I have right now is alot

of dreaming and it's hard for me to get up in the morning.

I had a down day yesterday, feeling a little overwhelmed but not

like it used to be.

I have gotten so much done around my house and I don't get angry.

I was so terrified to take any meds! The first time Lex was

prescribed to me I did not take it and I wish I would have, it would

have saved me alot of pain. Yes, I have read all the horror stories

and about how evil SSRI's are but I know my life before Lex was a

horror story. I don't know how my husband stayed married to me.

I was so scared of the side effects but the benefits outweigh them.

I can be a normal person now and I can be a better wife and mother.

I can love again.

Destroying my life and my family is not worth saving my self from

the side effects.

Lex is one of the better SSRI's from what I've read.

Everyone is different but if you are suffering I would give it a try

be committed to the first week or two of going through some side

effects. The side effects were far from the worst physical things I

have ever experienced. It was weird and uncomfortable at first but

the body has to adjust.

I asked my Doc to prescribe me 20 mg so I can cut them in half and

save money, he said no problem.

I just hope it keeps working for me.

ann

-- ]

[Guest guest]

Hi Marilyn, I want to offer you HOPE...Lex. has done wonders for me, and

many others. I hope you will over come your fear and give it a shot. You

said you have struggled all of your life with depression, as I have also.

You deserve to feel better. Good luck.

sue C

-- Re: Re: Starting Lexapro

Ann -

What a great e mail! How wonderful to hear how much better your life is!

Thank you for writing that.

I have started, and stopped, Lex 2 times out of fear....and, I just made a

commitment to myself to start it, and give it 2 months. Your post gives me

hope. Thank you.

It is hard, sometimes, to realize when we need help, and take it. Recently

I am finding myself in bad mood most of the time, unable to tolerate the

people around me...my family. I am impatient with my 21 year old, I dread

the

grandchildren coming over, and my husband coming home from work. I don't

want

to do any housework, and then, I feel guilty for not getting enough done

during the day.

The only time I am really content is at dance class...probably because it

stirs up my endorphines...yet, I cannot force myself to go to the gym

anymore.

I have some hope that the Lex will help me get my life back...I thought I

was taking it merely for anxiety, but, I realize now that the anxiety is

moving

towards depression also. I have struggled with depression my entire life.

Marilyn

[Guest guest]

I have used lex for 1 1/2 years at 30mg and it has not caused me any problems.

started out with 10mg and worked my way up. It has done wonders for me also.

Ed

Sue Chapman <chapmn47@...> wrote:

Hi Marilyn, I want to offer you HOPE...Lex. has done wonders for me, and

many others. I hope you will over come your fear and give it a shot. You

said you have struggled all of your life with depression, as I have also.

You deserve to feel better. Good luck.

sue C

-- Re: Re: Starting Lexapro

Ann -

What a great e mail! How wonderful to hear how much better your life is!

Thank you for writing that.

I have started, and stopped, Lex 2 times out of fear....and, I just made a

commitment to myself to start it, and give it 2 months. Your post gives me

hope. Thank you.

It is hard, sometimes, to realize when we need help, and take it. Recently

I am finding myself in bad mood most of the time, unable to tolerate the

people around me...my family. I am impatient with my 21 year old, I dread

the

grandchildren coming over, and my husband coming home from work. I don't

want

to do any housework, and then, I feel guilty for not getting enough done

during the day.

The only time I am really content is at dance class...probably because it

stirs up my endorphines...yet, I cannot force myself to go to the gym

anymore.

I have some hope that the Lex will help me get my life back...I thought I

was taking it merely for anxiety, but, I realize now that the anxiety is

moving

towards depression also. I have struggled with depression my entire life.

Marilyn