HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

keaz - How's it going?

Support Forums
>
Depression
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
1 23
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 8/13/2014 7:35 PM (GMT 0)
Karen - there was no apparent cause of them. On Monday around 10 am, it just started happening and the nerves to my arms were pinched for a few minutes. I have had a pounding headache the last two days from the neck. I've been icing and taking anti-inflammatories but they don't seem to be helping as much as I would hope.

keaz- I am on generic. Are there different companies who make the generic or are all Lexparo generics made by the same company?? I feel like if I had started the meds during the terrible time I was having back in June (work stress, wedding, etc. - among the worst that my stress has EVER been), I might have felt like maybe it wasn't working as well as I would want it to. Because all of that stress took me quite a few weeks to work through.
Posted 8/13/2014 10:28 PM (GMT 0)
Dear, Dear AubreyBear and Keaz--

You're in my thoughts and I promise I'll write VERY soon. I want to reply to you guys!

Getting ready for my daughter to arrive has me going in circles . . . and each circle is clean, clean, clean! (She's allergic to kitties . . . aargh!)

Love you--
Jan
Posted 8/13/2014 10:58 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you for your thoughts :)

AubreyBear - there are different generics. I had the one from Camber mfg. I bought the brand today and it was $118!!, but it's worth a try.

THe doc says i need to take the ativan (anti-anxiety) more than just at night to control my anxiety, so my depression can lift. I guess I'll try it. I really didn't want to take the ativan regularly, just at night to sleep.
Posted 8/13/2014 11:10 PM (GMT 0)
keaz - I completely understand about the Ativan. I only wanted to take the Xanax to get me through my work day. I'm wondering now, though, if I shouldn't have stopped it so abruptly.

I will have to check my bottle when I get home tonight to see which generic I have. Good luck with the name brand! Keep us updated.
Posted 8/13/2014 11:27 PM (GMT 0)
How is your anxiety without the xanax?
Posted 8/14/2014 4:17 AM (GMT 0)
It's been okay but this has been a pretty easy week at work. I've been sleeping pretty well since last week. I haven't exercised since Saturday though because of my neck... which is very frustrating because I have my first 5k in October, so I just want to get back to training. I've had quite a few injuries in the last 6 months. So I'm anxious about that and the allergy shots, but not the other things that were really bothering me before (work, family, etc.).
Posted 8/14/2014 3:41 PM (GMT 0)
Interesting development... took .25 mg of Xanax this morning (knew it was going to be a stressful day at work) and... my neck can move again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's still a little bit sore to the touch but I can move it. Very interesting.
Posted 8/14/2014 4:01 PM (GMT 0)
Welp, I'm afraid I've gotten too behind for my tired brain to catch up.

I hope the Lexapro continues to work for both of you, although Keaz, do you have a Plan B? Most of my days are around a 6 overall.

I don't take Ativan or Xanax, but I believe Clonazepam is similar. If I take it during the day, it has to be 1/4 or 1/2 of a 1mg tablet, or else I will be too tired. But at bedtime, that's a different story!

AubreyBear, you have been through so much since I met you. To hear that the Lexapro had helped many issues--including GI ones--is wonderful!

When does your schedule begin with the tutoring? What a cramp in your time, but rewarding.

Ginger and I had a nice five mile walk/hike the other day when it was overcast, cool, and breezy. My daughter's bringing her pooch and wants to do a long hike. She's into running mountain trails. We'll see how far Ginger and I make it. My knee replacement has been bugging me lately, plus I can't let Ginger overheat. It'll be fun, though. I'll take pain pills with me, :) plenty of water, and a wet bandana for the little one! And treats...

I'm proud of you for trying to keep up with your workout schedule. You lost so much weight, and I know you want that last bit to be gone as well! You'll do it.

So sorry about your headaches and neck. Have you tried a heating pad?

Keaz, I'm envious of your having a pool! :) What a great way to get "low-impact" exercise!

Hi Karen! Yes, grass eating seems to be a pooch thing. Maybe they're stocking up for the winter. ha

Time to start cleaning more of the house. Got the yard mowed a couple of days ago--and have been laundering most of the kitty beds and other places they hang out. I'm already tired. Just started dusting yesterday...
And, ya know, my daughter probably won't care if the house isn't tidy--that's my thing!

Regarding posts, I'll try and do better about interjecting more often! :)

xxxxx
Jan
Posted 8/14/2014 4:03 PM (GMT 0)
Hooray that the .25 Xanax helped your neck!
Posted 8/14/2014 4:29 PM (GMT 0)
Jan, I tried heat and cold... the only thing that seems to have helped was taking the Xanax. So, I guess I will continue and try to taper down slowly. As I thought about it, I realized that I had taken it for about a month, so just dropping off cold turkey was not a good idea.

I started tutoring a few weeks ago. School starts in early August here. As soon as it cools down, I will start jogging outside, but for now, I'm just on the treadmill. I get really anxious when I have to take time off. And like you said, I have had many injuries in the past few months - my foot, my hips, my neck... hopefully that is over with and I can focus on meeting my 35:00 goal for my 5k in October. I honestly feel the best when I am eating right and exercising.

I hope you and Ginger have a good time with your daughter and her pup. My dog found a really beautiful, fluffy black cat this morning and they had a stare off. The cat stood her ground though. She was very beautiful. And I'm glad she stood up to my pup.
Posted 8/20/2014 9:56 PM (GMT 0)
keaz - any updates? I haven't seen much from you lately. I haven't been on much either.

Had my first allergy shot yesterday at 8;30 a.m. No reaction until 1:00 pm and had a severe asthma attack. Had to be rushed back to the allergist who treated me and is diluting my solution down to 10%.

Other than that, not many updates here. Jan, how are you? Karen?
Posted 8/20/2014 11:13 PM (GMT 0)
Hi AubreyBear,

I am sorry you had a reaction to the allergy shot. It is like having an allergy to the shot. I hope you are feeling better now. I am sorry for what you had to go through.

It has been dreary weather. Tomorrow it is suppose to be nice. I am looking forward to that. How have you been feeling otherwise? How is your depression doing? Mine is not so good but I think that is due to the fibromyalgia with this weather. Plus the weather itself. After tomorrow, there is suppose to be four or more days of rain. Season changing...

I haven't noticed Keaz post either. I hope all is well. I guess people get busy with life too. One day at a time I guess.

Take care and have a good night...

Hugs, Karen...
Posted 8/22/2014 8:21 PM (GMT 0)
Hi and thank you for thinking of me.

I was spending a little too much time on the internet and i think i was making myself worse :(

It was a month yesterday of being on lexapro. I increased my dosage to 15mg on Monday. I may stay at this dose or go up to 20mg, just trying to listen to my body. Before i got off it in April, i was on 20mg, but I had also been on 10 for years and it was fine.

I've been having more good days lately, and definitely more good moments even on the bad days. I can concentrate better, and I've been eating consistently with an appetite. The increased dose did give me increased anxiety but hoping that will level out soon. I'm still taking the ativan. I'm still swimming each night and i have been adding other exercise which i also take as a good sign. What do you guys think? Does it seem like I'm getting better?

Overall, I'm hopeful that the lexapro will still do what it's supposed to do. It's so hard to tell sometimes. There are so many moments in a day or even a few days, where i feel totally normal, only to have the strange feelings come back at another time. It's frustrating because i want them to be all good :) is that asking too much too soon :)?

I hope you guys are all doing well.
Posted 8/22/2014 9:05 PM (GMT 0)
Yes it does sound like you are getting better Keaz... I am very happy for you...

I read a post on the anxiety and panic forum about a member that says when she reads about other people's anxiety that it makes hers worse. I find when I hear or read people talking about pain, it makes me notice mine, so it seems worse. I figure that now and again that is going to happen, then it is time to take a break. And there is nothing wrong with that. So do limit your internet access to what makes you feel comfortable.

I really am happy that you are feeling well. Make sure you visit us now and again. And don't feel bad for wanting to be feeling better. We all understand...

Hugs, Karen...
Posted 8/23/2014 2:43 AM (GMT 0)
Dear Keaz--Absolutely, it appears that your are making great strides at 20 mg of Lexapro. You've had more good moments even on a bad day, your appetite is better, you're a constant swimmer--PLUS have picked up more exercises.

Personally, I believe you've accomplished a lot in one month's time. You should be proud! Stick with the 20 for a while, and then possibly up it, after discussing it with your doctor. OR, after a bit more time, you might come to find that it's the perfect dose for you. After all, even people who don't help themselves with ADs still have bad days and sleepless nights, right?

Keep it up, Keaz--you've come a long way, baby! :)

Jan
Posted 8/23/2014 3:03 AM (GMT 0)
Wow AubreyBear!
An asthma attack! I've had a couple, at a much younger age, and was hospitalized--it's gotta be the closest feeling to saying "see ya" . . . scary, scary, scary.

Your allergist is altering your meds, right? I am so sorry that happened to you. I started taking allergy shots in college, but I outgrew (?) them and have NO allergies now. I did see a biochemist for awhile--and he worked on my asthma, too. His name is John Abdo and he's in San Antonio, TX. I don't have asthma any more either. (He was trying to help my mom with lupus . . . I was a "second fiddle.")

Anyway! You DO have good news on the sleep and neck and GI fronts! And that's plenty to be celebrated!

And I have total faith in you for your 5K in October--you WILL make it! :)

I posted on the daily thread to you as well . . . take care, my friend.

Oh, I also posted about my daughter's visit, but failed to mention that after she left on Sunday, I had a neuro appt (hour away) on Monday--and then my "civic duty" (voting) on Tuesday--and didn't even get out of bed on Wednesday. I was WIPED!!!!! :)

Please fill me in if I missed anything!
Posted 8/23/2014 10:30 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the encouragement.

I'm still on 15mg (6th day), I haven't bumped to 20 yet, as the 15 is giving me increased anxiety still.

Sometimes I just need to hear from others that it seems like I'm getting better
Posted 8/23/2014 10:54 PM (GMT 0)
It does help to have affirmation of how you are feeling when you are feeling better. It always makes me feel good too to see members doing better. Everybody should be entitled to feel good. Especially about ourselves.

Keep up the fantastic work...

Aubreybear, How are you today??? Good I hope. Let us know how you are doing when you are able...

Hugs, Karen...
Posted 8/25/2014 3:36 PM (GMT 0)
keaz - you DEFINITELY sound like you are doing better! As we say in my family, patience is a virtue. Keep up the good work.

jan - I didn't feel like I was having an asthma attack, but my numbers were so terrible! My FCV number was 57%, which is really bad. They rushed me into a room and shoved a breathing machine into my mouth. They were very concerned. Like you, I feel like I outgrew my allergies/asthma, but evidently, they're still there and I am just unaware of them when they are going on. The doc took my meds down to 1/10 dilution from where they were. I have had very bad allergies since the shot. It seems like it woke the sleeping bear - I am sneezing, my eyes are all gunky and I can't go in the grass with KB without sneezing. I'm going back for my second shot on Wednesday. I am hopeful that this will help with my ears and maybe some of my coughing while I run.

I'm on the last 6 weeks of training for my race - a little sore, but getting there. I'm going to go pick out some cute clothes since this is my first race!!!

Jan - what did the Neuro say?? And Karen, how are you?
Posted 9/2/2014 4:20 PM (GMT 0)
Just an update...

I've been on 15mg for two weeks, total 6 weeks on Lexapro. Even though I had an increase in anxiety for the last two weeks once I upped the dosage, it wasn't unbearable..However, when I started my period three days ago, it got unbearable..in fact all my initial symptoms came back. Loss of appetite, diahrrhea, sexual dysfunction, but mainly the anxiety. I've had to increase from 1.5 mg of Ativan to 1.75, and it still doesn't seem to be enough.

I woke up today very frustrated but instead of hopeless, I was angry. Not sure if that is good or bad, but it's something different, and I hate feeling hopeless.

I hope these are just increased dosage symptoms aggravated by the menstrual cycle. I know my first period on Lexapro was awful too. I almost had a panic attack last time, but not this time.

I'm going to try to keep running, make myself eat, and keep swimming as well as doing all the things I need to do for my kids, my job and hopefully it will subside soon. I'm so determined to get better.

But at the same time I have to be realistic. I think at 6 weeks I should be feeling a lot more like myself than I am, and I would have thought that the side effects would've subsided by now. So I have to start thinking of possible options. Increasing/decreasing Lexapro, adding another med to Lexapro or switching med.

When you switch a med in the same class as your anti-depressant, and you taper off while you start the next one, is it really bad? I don't care so much about any symptom except the increased anxiety and panic attacks.

Any feedback is appreciated.

AubreyBear, so proud of you that you can do a race while not being 100%. Good job
Posted 9/2/2014 5:03 PM (GMT 0)
I think a lot of it depends on what med you switch to. Sometimes it goes rather smoothly. Sometimes it isn't... Your doc would know the right switch... I went from Effexor to Pristiq. It was a smooth transition. But usually going off of Effexor can be difficult.

I sure hope that you feel better soon. I would think six weeks you should feel somewhat better. If you aren't, talk to the doc... I am sure that they can help you...

Hang in there sweetie, one day at a time...

Hugs, Karen...
Posted 9/2/2014 5:39 PM (GMT 0)
I do feel a lot better in terms of the depression, it's just this anxiety ironically caused by the medicine that helped my depression :(

What's been different about today though, is that even through this fog of anxiety today, I am able to have thoughts like:

"I can't wait to go to my son's basketball game tomorrow or I'm looking forward to seeing my daughter, or I'm so determined to get better."

Also, everything seems a bit brighter today like the sun; somethings different, it's like something is turning on, just kind of slowly.

The anxiety symptoms seem to be more physical than emotional. I have the heart palpitations on and off, leg restlessness, Jaw clenching, Shoulder warmth, etc, but it's not causing me to be afraid.

Honestly, the anxiety symptoms are just pissing me off more than anything.
Posted 9/2/2014 6:40 PM (GMT 0)
Those hopeful thought ARE a good sign. As far as transitioning from one med to another, all my psych has you do is go low dose current med for a week and low dose new med for that same week (so for a week you're in both meds). 2nd week, you go on new med. Should be easy transition.

When I went on Cymbalta, was already on Prozac. The dr just had me stop the Prozac and straight onto Cymbalta. No problems.

Keep us updated. Seriously, the fact you're excited or hopeful to go to the kids events is a very good sign. Hugs!

Lisa
Posted 9/2/2014 7:08 PM (GMT 0)
I hope so. And I hope it continues. I've had a lot of ups and downs in the last 6 weeks, so sometimes i'm afraid to get happy, but I know I just have to enjoy the good moments.
Posted 9/2/2014 7:18 PM (GMT 0)
I completely understand. Been in the same boat. Several of us actually. In my past, I just recall taking a med and getting better pretty quickly. This time has not been so luxurious for me. I always assumed that if I had depression or anxiety in life again (I spent 12 years on no meds) and the past 6 on a med that worked but had pooped out. Thought nothing of switching meds in a February and it wasn't a good fit. Been trying to find the right med/combo since.

Been on new combo for 2 weeks now. I too am afraid to feel happy like, when is the bomb going to drop on my head. I never had doubts like that before this years struggle! So, I try real hard to say positive things and stay busy doing constructive things. It's challenging sometimes but I'm doing my best, as are you. We haven't even talked much in the forum but I pray for a handful of us in here that are struggling and you're one of them :-)

Hugs,
Lisa
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
123