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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 3 of 3. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by IamGaryRN on August 18, 2007, at 13:38:07
o.k. guys....I've tried most of the SSRI's for my severe anxiety / depression which started after I lost my best friend (my brother) in 12/06. He was only 39 and me 38.
The SSRI's give me flu like symptoms and increased anxiety.
The first two times I tried Lexapro, I stopped each time due to the above symptoms and Lexapro increased my anxiety two fold. The first time I went to 20mg to quick and weaning back didn't seem to help. The second time I went up slower, but wound up with the same symptoms and made it to three weeks.
This time I started at 2.5mg for a week, and then went to 5mg for about 4 days, and Yesterday took my first 10mg pill.
I woke up this morning and couldn't keep my eyes open, and went back to bed. My body feels so fatigued today, and I had really bad chills earlier, now gone. I have also been having body aches for a weeks now, but they seem way worse today. My anxiety isn't so bad today due to the extreme fatigue, but the body aches are terrible.
My plan is to drop back down to 5mg today or should I skip today and do that tomorrow and just hang on to 5mg for another week and then go to 7.5mg for a while. I don't think my body can go higher than 10mg.
I am also on Serzone, which I have been on for years, but it is an NSRI (non-selective) and I need to wean off the 300mg I take now daily.
I saw a new psychiatrist yesterday and he seems to think my anxiety is due to taking Xanax and advised my to stop taking it. Xanax is the only thing that has helped me with my anxiety and I don't take it except when I need it. I honestly don't feel like I'm physically or psycologically addicted to it. 10 doctors will give you 10 treatment regimens, so I'm not taking it to heart.
I just feel really lost in this battle. I have two kids 5 and 7 y.o. and a loving wife. I have been no good for any of them the last few months and have felt so terrible most days with a good one here and there. I'm tired of feeling torchered and I sense the pressure from my wife that she is getting tired of all of my daily complaints. I try not to talk about it with her, as I know it can be a nusence. She is supportive, but even I would get tired of hearing her complain day after day if she were sick.
I NEED ADVICE ON THIS.....PLEASE !!!!!!!!!
GARY
Posted by olysi79 on August 18, 2007, at 20:26:04
In reply to 3rd time trying Lexapro.Need side effect HELP !!!!, posted by IamGaryRN on August 18, 2007, at 13:38:07
Gary,
A couple of things I think are coming into play (i'm not expert but these are my opinions).1) you've got alot of mixing going on here. Serzone AND an SSRI? Perhaps talk to your doc about tapering off the Serzone, then taking the SSRI or vice versa.
2) Your doc wants you off of xanax because he/she claims it's INCREASING your anxiety? Xanax is an anti anxiety med. It should work well IF taken exactly how it is prescribed by your doc. This seems like a strange request. I would question the pdoc further about why they believe this.
3) SSRIS cause initial side effects that can take weeks to subside... some side effects subside, some don't. Usually a 6-8 week trial of a medication is needed before you can really gauge its effectiveness, unless there is a medical emergency or you are unable to function.
4) Everyone has different mileage... a tiny "ineffective dose" may be one person's magic potion whereas it may do nothing for another. Allow yourself flexibility and work with your doctor.
5) Finally, if your doc is shovelling different meds at difference doses into you left and right... I would consider shopping around for a new doc that perhaps has a more conservative approach. You won't know what works until you work slowly with your meds, watch for each's side effects, and deal with them accordingly.
These are my thoughts/ opinions on the issue
Posted by SometimesBlue on August 20, 2007, at 10:09:33
In reply to Re: 3rd time trying Lexapro.Need side effect HELP !!!!, posted by olysi79 on August 18, 2007, at 20:26:04
>>>2) Your doc wants you off of xanax because he/she claims it's INCREASING your anxiety? Xanax is an anti anxiety med. It should work well IF taken exactly how it is prescribed by your doc. This seems like a strange request. I would question the pdoc further about why they believe this.
>>> 3) SSRIS cause initial side effects that can take weeks to subside... some side effects subside, some don't. Usually a 6-8 week trial of a medication is needed before you can really gauge its effectiveness, unless there is a medical emergency or you are unable to function.I REALLY agree with the above 2 points made here...Xanax should not increase your anxiety. I'm currently on Lexapro, and it's been ok for my anxiety and depression...but I did need to give it like 2 months before it worked well with me.
I'd say give it some time, if not THEN try something else. Xanax I've heard is really good for anxiety...and Paxil is also good for anxiety and doesn't make you drowsy (which I know can REALLY be a problem, especially with Lexapro).Also, I know how it is to have a spouse that isn't always as patient as we need or would like them to be. My husband is great most of the time, but I think he too gets a little tired of hearing complaints. But i honestly think that someone who isn't going through what we're going through can't truly understand the position we're in day after day. Hang in there, and post as much as you need to. I've found PB to be a great place to vent and get advice from ppl that are in our same position.
Take care,
SB
This is the end of the thread.
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