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Posts created by jhori82

15 years ago 0 +0 / -0 123

New to forum

Welcome to the board, Sweatbee and Brandie!

15 years ago 0 +0 / -0 123

Noob here...greetings!

Welcome aboard, Gilkey! :)

15 years ago 0 +0 / -0 123

Am I the only one?

Welcome aboard, Mich!

You're thoughts are very common for us anxiety folks. The bright side is that the thoughts don't make you into anything you don't want to be, you know who you are and what you're capable of. It's takes a bit to find out how to stop these thoughts, but the program and people here are a definite help!

Look forward to seeing you around the board!

15 years ago 0 +0 / -0 123

Diva news...

Hang in there, Doc! We're rooting for ya!

15 years ago 0 +0 / -0 123

Some advice or questions

Hi Gilkey,

My experience with anxiety is a constant one. From sunshine to sunset, with occasional breaks here and there. Recently started taking lexapro, and it's already helping me out tremendously. Ever tried to get 7 hours of sleep (in between the anxiety and depression)?

15 years ago 0 +0 / -0 123

Question about lexapro

Hi Jay,

I'm currently on lexapro, started taking it a little over 2 weeks ago. I did have one or two days in the first week where I had extreme anxiety, but it passed. Also had a decreased appetite, stomach pains for a bit after I took a pill, and sleepiness in that first week. All have since disappeared. They are normal bodily reactions, just the body getting used to the drug. This can also happen when you increase/decrease your dosage. But it does go away.

Currently I've almost completely lost the depression, anxiety is still there, but without the depression it feels like something I can handle pretty easily. I do know from people I've met that this drug takes about a month to 2 months to start taking affect. Hang in there! It's a pain when your first starting out, but if you stick with it, the benefits far outweigh the pains!

Let us know how it's going! You too, Brandie :o)

Also, just a heads up Brandie, the formula above for taking meds is the same across the board (for all meds). You have the initial spike in anxiety, then things slowly calm down until the meds hit you and you are on easy street. Keep on, keeping on! It's worth it!

Cheers!

15 years ago 0 +0 / -0 123

drinking

Hi Brandie,

My situation with alcohol is the same as Joanna's. While I drink, I'm fine, even notice the anxiety is gone...but the morning after is torture! A beer here and there doesn't hurt, but getting all out drunk is a whole 'nother story. Also regarding the alcohol and meds, it is true, it turns heavyweight drinkers into lightweights. Just so long as you do it in moderation, you should be fine. Like Sarah said though, ask your doc about it, they'll be able to shed better insight.

Joanna: I know what you mean about the meds. That happens a lot to people who stop quickly, or too soon. The one thing with anti-d's is that you have to ween off of it, or the anxiety will getcha. The most common timeframe I've heard from people quitting is 6 months.

15 years ago 0 +0 / -0 123

The length of a panic attack

I've noticed that the anticipatory anxiety is the worst. That can last all day or longer. The actual panic attacks usually last anywhere from 5-10 minutes for me. The anticipation and the after-effects of a PA is the WORST!

15 years ago 0 +0 / -0 123

Question about lexapro

Hi Jay,

Glad I kept you going today, Jay!

Yea, your dose will probably be upped. I took lexapro last year (5mg) for about 2 months and it did nothing for me, so I quit. Went through the ups and downs of anxiety on my own for a year then decided to give meds another go. Talked to my new doc, and came to find out it takes 20mg for it to be effective for anxiety!

But what your docs are doing is very common, it's much easier for the body to adjust with small increments (5, 10 then 20) rather then starting straight off with the recommended dosage. This, and it may not take the full 20mg to help you out...it's something you play with in the beginning. Painful process, but again, very worth it.

And just a heads up, the positive results don't necessarily come quickly. I think I was lucky this time around. Normally it takes anywhere from 1 to 2 months. Just food for thought.

Oh, I'm currently on 20mg. Started off with 10mg for the first week, then since the side effects were small, I bumped up to 20mg.

Cheers!

15 years ago 0 +0 / -0 123

Question about lexapro

Hi Jay,

What I do, is wait until I felt no side effects, or the side effects were greatly reduced with the dose I'm currently taking. Otherwise, when you up the dose, it may just increase the anxiety/side effects you're feeling. I do remember when I took the 5mg pills last year, it took me almost a month to get over the stomach aches and such. Also, more then likely when you change doses you may feel heightened anxiety/side effects for a short while. It does go away, but it's always nice to be ready for it.

My personal opinion is to give whatever drug you are on at least 3 months. The first two weeks will be the most painful, and if problems persist for 3 days in a row, talk to your doc about your options. Also since increased anxiety is common when starting up new meds, inquire about xanax or something similar. Benzo's are a quick fix for those intense moments, and may be just what you need to get through the beginning stages. And check up with your doc if you have any questions, your doc may be new to the drug as well, but he knows where to look for reliable information.

Brandie: You made a good choice by quitting that medication. If it keeps making things worse, then it's definitely not the right medication for you. I also get the morning anxiety, I think it might just be while the brain is kicking into gear. Usually it goes away shortly after I reach work or find something to busy myself with...is it the same for you?

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