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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by CindyLou on January 19, 2003, at 18:34:07
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro » Anomar, posted by leslieg on January 18, 2003, at 11:01:40
Hi,
I have a few questions about calcium and PMS ...1. How many mg. are you supposed to take?
2. What form of calcium is best (e.g., calcium citrate, calcium carbonate, etc.)
3. Do you take it all month long, or just during PMS?
Thanks!
cindy
> My PMS was getting quite bothersome ... then I started taking more calcium, as I'd heard it helped. It did! I like those calcium chews. My GYN suggesting taking it before bed as I take my multivitamins at dinner, so I keep a supply in the bathroom and chew one while I'm washing my face (I do my teeth last). It really made quite a difference, and there are studies that show it works. Try it! [My PMS "went away" before I started Lexapro, so I can't say if Lex helps with PMS or not...]
>
>
> > I am taking Lexapro to help with PMS. I have read so many postings and I am wondering if this is a drastic measure from my pdoc - to be taking Lexapro for PMS. However, I get so impatient during those 8 days and I am sure my husband would like something to change. I was given 10 mg and told to cut it in half, so I am going to take my first 5 mg tonight. With the winds so bad out here in California, I am hoping that this will help me sleep. I will let you know how it goes. Oh, I was given Zoloft to start with and that stuff made me feel like I was drunk. Then it made me very tense and I was clenched my jaw. Okay, enough babbling. I will let you know how it goes.
>
>
Posted by syringachalet on January 19, 2003, at 19:10:07
In reply to PMS and calcium » leslieg, posted by CindyLou on January 19, 2003, at 18:34:07
Hi Cindy,
The USDA states that all women in child-bearing years should take 1000-1300mg of calcium daily.
Calcium is best taken from naturally occuring sources and there are dozens of non-dairy sources for those with lactose-tolerance issues.
You should know also that calcium has enhanced absorption in the presence of ascorbic acid(Vitamin C) and Vitamin D.The website listed below will have more info that you might want but it is a great place to start.
http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/Bulletins/
glossary.html
I use this site a lot...hope this helps.....
syringachalet
Posted by EGR on January 19, 2003, at 19:23:17
In reply to Re: effexor xr and lexapro anyone? » mills, posted by Sadsack on January 19, 2003, at 17:44:14
Hey Sadsack!
Great point! Now that you've mentioned it, you're absolutely right. When I was most depressed, I kept wanting to have wine in the evening... any evening. Previously I was just a "big occasion" drinker. Now that I've been on meds, I haven't had any desire for any alcohol.
Wow! The revelations one receives from these postings!
EGR
> I know that when I am on an effective AD the desire for alcohol diminishes radically.
Posted by leslieg on January 19, 2003, at 20:12:15
In reply to PMS and calcium » leslieg, posted by CindyLou on January 19, 2003, at 18:34:07
I saw a difference at 500 mg more per day (I take one 500 mg suppliment; my diet is moderate in calcium). I take the Viactive Calcium Chews. I don't know what kind of calcium it is, but it does contain something to help your body absorb the calcium. I do take it all month long. I think I read that it takes two cycles to make a difference?? I read so much I can't remember the details now. Sorry.
> Hi,
> I have a few questions about calcium and PMS ...
>
> 1. How many mg. are you supposed to take?
>
> 2. What form of calcium is best (e.g., calcium citrate, calcium carbonate, etc.)
>
> 3. Do you take it all month long, or just during PMS?
>
> Thanks!
> cindy
>
>
> > My PMS was getting quite bothersome ... then I started taking more calcium, as I'd heard it helped. It did! I like those calcium chews. My GYN suggesting taking it before bed as I take my multivitamins at dinner, so I keep a supply in the bathroom and chew one while I'm washing my face (I do my teeth last). It really made quite a difference, and there are studies that show it works. Try it! [My PMS "went away" before I started Lexapro, so I can't say if Lex helps with PMS or not...]
> >
> >
> > > I am taking Lexapro to help with PMS. I have read so many postings and I am wondering if this is a drastic measure from my pdoc - to be taking Lexapro for PMS. However, I get so impatient during those 8 days and I am sure my husband would like something to change. I was given 10 mg and told to cut it in half, so I am going to take my first 5 mg tonight. With the winds so bad out here in California, I am hoping that this will help me sleep. I will let you know how it goes. Oh, I was given Zoloft to start with and that stuff made me feel like I was drunk. Then it made me very tense and I was clenched my jaw. Okay, enough babbling. I will let you know how it goes.
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by vero on January 19, 2003, at 20:27:40
In reply to Re: Lexapro dosing/timing, and some good news... » syringachalet, posted by CindyLou on January 19, 2003, at 18:26:47
Been on paxil for years- good on depression, anxiety and IBS, but not sex- anyone know how lexapro compares in mitigating IBS?
Posted by oldhand on January 19, 2003, at 21:51:20
In reply to Re: Lexapro has been very good for me, posted by JaneB on January 18, 2003, at 10:48:55
JaneB: I have been taking 100mg of Trazodone for the insomnia and nothing for the neck stiffness. I do not have a doctor yet in my new "digs" so have just tolerated it. It is not so bad as to really interfere with my day. I am taking 10 mg of Lexapro in the morning.
Posted by oldhand on January 19, 2003, at 21:54:55
In reply to Re: Lexapro has been very good for me » oldhand, posted by ayuda on January 18, 2003, at 10:03:50
Thanks for the encouraging words Ayuda. You seem always to be there with the kind thought.
Posted by oldhand on January 19, 2003, at 22:08:00
In reply to Re: effexor xr and lexapro anyone? » mills, posted by Sadsack on January 19, 2003, at 17:44:14
I have to agree with Sadsack and Ayuda on the alcohol issue. I drank alcohol with every AD I ever took and they all pooped out pretty quickly and I did not do well on them.. I knew in my heart I was self-medicating and defeating the purpose of the AD. With Lexapro I don't really even want alcohol. I feel like I could drink if I wanted to but have little desire and this is the best I have felt in years. My suggestion would be to try it without the alcohol for awhile if you can. I never thought I could but here I am! Best regards and health to us all!
Posted by Jack Smith on January 20, 2003, at 19:24:39
In reply to Re: effexor xr and lexapro anyone? » Sadsack, posted by oldhand on January 19, 2003, at 22:08:00
Anyone try lexapro after celexa "pooped out"
Posted by Kathii on January 20, 2003, at 20:15:43
In reply to lexapro -IBS, posted by vero on January 19, 2003, at 20:27:40
> Been on paxil for years- good on depression, anxiety and IBS, but not sex- anyone know how lexapro compares in mitigating IBS?
>Hi Vero,
I just started on Lexapro a week ago (had to start with 1/4 tablet, am now up to 1/2). I have also just started Zelnorm, which is a new med for IBS. I've also been on Wellbutrin for years. I'm too new to these meds to give an opinion yet, but I'd like to keep in touch with you and hear from others with depression and IBS.
Kathii
Posted by Phil on January 20, 2003, at 20:47:45
In reply to lexapro -IBS, posted by vero on January 19, 2003, at 20:27:40
Lexapro may be as good but check with your doc.
If you're looking for a hoppin sex life or just want to experience orgasms occasionally, Lexapro has become less forgiving than Paxil for me.
I'm doing okay on it otherwise but I will probably switch to something else..if I can find something I haven't taken.
Lexapro makes your unit perform like a sneeze.
(That sentence should be in a medical journal)
You know when you have to sneeze, you have imminent pre-sneeze sensations, you go for the wind-up and..hey, where'd my sneeze go? I want that sneeze. That's the way Lexapro works for me
and sex. Delayed ejaculation is right. Delayed until you quit the drug.
Posted by newuser2 on January 21, 2003, at 8:28:50
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
My husband and I are talking about starting a family soon. I have been on lexapro for severe panic attacks for about 12 weeks. Does anyone have infomation regarding the effects of lexapro during pregnancy? Are there alternative medications safe to use during pregnancy? It is possible to quit Lexapro "cold-turkey" during the pregnancy? Any information would be helpful!
Thank you!
Posted by LA on January 21, 2003, at 11:13:06
In reply to Lexapro dosing/timing, and some good news..., posted by CindyLou on January 19, 2003, at 15:09:13
Hi all
Any thoughts on effexor xr 225 and lexapro 10 combination. I have just started lexapro this week and have pains in my hands and ankles. And somthing happening with swallowing and not liking the feel of anything around my neck. Does this sound familar to anyone.
I was thinking I might just take lexapro every other night instead of every night. I'm wondering
if my PD knows what she is doing as I have only been on AD for 4 months. And after hearing about
seritonin syndrom I'm a
little concerned as the PD never mentioned this to me.
LA
Posted by mills on January 21, 2003, at 11:36:10
In reply to Re: effexor xr and lexapro anyone? » mills, posted by Sadsack on January 19, 2003, at 17:44:14
Sad, you miss my point, but it's no use debating. The only thing I was responding to was the "points" on the paper, the overbreadth and lack of precision. Just look at the breadth of the statements made and my response. Just a little sensitivity and care is all I advocate in discussing matters of importance.
peace
> Mills,
> I have to say ayuda has some valid points. Many of us have self medicated with alcohol when we should have been on AD's or our AD's were not optimal. It doesn't make us feel less depressed, just numbed the pain temporarily. I know that when I am on an effective AD the desire for alcohol diminishes radically. I think your experience is probably more atypical (not invalid by any means but perhaps not the norm). As far as physiogical fact, ayuda is on target.
> There's room for both of your perspectives here. That's what the forum is all about.
> Take Care,
>
> > Please relax. You misunderstand. What was wrong was a few things you said, not what you may have intended to say. Look at what you said earlier and what I said. You made the statement that alcohol "counteracts any AD." That is simply not necessarily true, and therefore is not a fact.
> > I know what alcohol is, and that it may be classed as a "depressant." It's the broad generalization about its effects that is wrong.
> >
> > Also, you didn't say anything in your first post suggesting addiction to alcohol. You didn't say anything about NEED. You said "want," and so you just need to be more careful in holding yourself as counseling people on "facts" here who may have no idea what the "facts" are and think you know what you are talking about.
> >
> > And finally, you made this statement:
> >
> > "drinking even once a day will stop the action of the AD. In fact, I've found that when someone wants to drink, that probably means their AD isn't working."
> >
> > Those are simply ridiculous unfounded statements and I don't want anyone here misled by ignorance.
> >
> > peace
> >
> > > NO, it is a fact that alcohol is a depressant. That is what it is, period. Just because you don't personally feel "depressed" after drinking does not mean it is not a depressant. It is a chemical fact that it IS a depressant, and NOT just an emotional depressant. It depresses bodily functions, which is why it causes lessened inhibitions, blood vessel constrictions, etc., as part of the physical depression of a person's system. Just because you don't personally feel "depressed" after drinking does not mean that it doesn't do that, even not to you.
> > >
> > > And when I talk about the need to drink alcohol, I mean people who NEED to drink alcohol. And if you NEED to drink alcohol, that is a good indication that you have a problem, and ADs are designed to help take care of such problems. If you NEED to drink alcohol while taking an AD, chances are you are suffering from depression and your AD isn't working. I am sticking to the facts about alcohol and ADs here, not personal experience, which isn't factual.
> > >
> > > > Wrong! sorry, but that is just not my experience and so you can't make a generalization about alcohol that applies to everyone--especially a statement about "wanting" alcohol meaning your AD isn't working. Moderate alcohol use does not depress me in the least.
> > > >
> > > > peace
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > > I switched from 225 mg of Effexor XR to Lexapro within the last 2 months. I was having similar problems to what you are having, except that I rarely drink alcohol, but I was also lethargic and having a hard time. If your doc has put you on Lexapro, I don't know why they don't just wean you off the Effexor, the two together are overkill, and unnecessary if the Effexor XR isn't working. It took me 6 weeks to taper off the Effexor, but I am doing MUCH better on 20mg of Lexapro now.
> > > > >
> > > > > Also, I agree with EGR -- alcohol is a depressant, and it counteracts any AD. Having a glass of wine with a meal every once in a while, or a couple of beers once a month won't really hurt, but drinking even once a day will stop the action of the AD. In fact, I've found that when someone wants to drink, that probably means their AD isn't working.
> > > > >
> > > > > You didn't say if you were having any side effects from the Effexor XR (I had seriously unbearable nausea and developed an ulcer while on it and gained 40 pounds), but even if you aren't, you should ask your doctor why you are taking both meds.
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > > HI
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Anyone taking Effexor xr and Lexapro?
> > > > > >
> > > > > > I have been on Effexor xr for 4 months currently at 225. Doesn't seem to be working.I can hardly get out of bed. Wondering if alcohol may have something to do with it. My PD has just prescribed 10 mg of Lexapro along with the Effexor.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Does anyone have expeerience with Effexor xr and Lexapro?
> > > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by leslieg on January 21, 2003, at 12:01:14
In reply to lexapro and pregnancy, posted by newuser2 on January 21, 2003, at 8:28:50
Such a difficult decision. We're talking seriously about trying starting around August. (We've got a 20 month old). Our belief is that there simply isn't enough research, especially long-term, to take the risk of my taking anything so systemically potent during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Unless I were suicidal or doing self-injury or packing my bags to run away. I'm very nervous about getting off Lexapro before at least 1 year has gone past, as I believe there is research that shows that a minimum of one year is needed before your body is capable of carrying on the new levels of neurotransmitters on its own.
If we do decide to get pregnant, I will spend at least 3-4 weeks tapering off of Lexapro. I had very bad withdrawal from Effexor and will never go through a fast reduction in ADs again.
I know pregnancy will be very hard. On all of us. I'm already trying to find ways to keep myself sane when I have no drugs. Thinking about comedy TV series I haven't seen that we could borrow or buy on DVD to watch regularly. That sort of thing. Thinking about expressing milk while I'm pregnant and drug-free and storing it so if I have to go back on drugs after giving birth my baby has some breast milk. Planning on cutting back on as many commitments, etc. as I can so if I spend a day "freaked out" in bed, I won't have to apologize to people I don't know well. And if we deicde I need to go back on Lex (or another AD) while pregnant, I'm going to postpone it as long as possible.
Oh yes, I'm also going to be taking fish oil, as that can be very good for baby brains anyway. It may help take the edge off...
Good luck,
Leslie G.> My husband and I are talking about starting a family soon. I have been on lexapro for severe panic attacks for about 12 weeks. Does anyone have infomation regarding the effects of lexapro during pregnancy? Are there alternative medications safe to use during pregnancy? It is possible to quit Lexapro "cold-turkey" during the pregnancy? Any information would be helpful!
> Thank you!
Posted by sweetcilantro on January 21, 2003, at 19:32:51
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
Hey everyone... I was just prescribed Lexapro and am wondering how it is working for people and what the side effects are. Feel free to let me know. Thanks!
Jess
Posted by EGR on January 21, 2003, at 23:21:01
In reply to Re: lexapro and pregnancy » newuser2, posted by leslieg on January 21, 2003, at 12:01:14
It's not worth either risk. You need to be healthy before you have a baby or you're not doing any of the 3 of you a favor. Why risk nutting out?... why risk harming the baby? A year isn't as long as it seems and it would be much better for everyone involved. Stay on your meds, post-pone the baby, and get pregnant in a year when you're healthy.
EGR
Posted by EGR on January 21, 2003, at 23:27:11
In reply to New to Lexapro, posted by sweetcilantro on January 21, 2003, at 19:32:51
Works great for me! Side effects include (for some) "sexual problems"... trouble with orgasms... tiredness or insomnia, some have one, some the other, some none. Tightening of the jaw muscles, tight neck and upper back/shoulder muscles... it seems that these lessen after time. Some get headaches (I wonder if that's becuase of the jaw clenching?), but some don't. Some of us were in a fog at the beginning, some weren't. The plusses are that we're "happier", get more accomplished, can blow off things that used to send us in a frenzy... we're bolder and more confident. I think that's about it in 25 (?) words or less.
Good luck and welcome aboard!
EGR
> Hey everyone... I was just prescribed Lexapro and am wondering how it is working for people and what the side effects are. Feel free to let me know. Thanks!
>
> Jess
Posted by juanantoniod on January 22, 2003, at 2:05:21
In reply to Re: Lexapro is different » Patson, posted by pharmrep on August 20, 2002, at 0:06:06
Thanks, pharmrep.
I started Lexapro today and it is nice to read so much positive information about it. I know it may not work, but it's nice to have some hope. As for the sexual side effects, I don't have sex now, with depression. I won't miss it if I can get the rest of my life back.
Posted by Dysfunk on January 22, 2003, at 9:30:02
In reply to New to Lexapro, posted by sweetcilantro on January 21, 2003, at 19:32:51
This is my 4th day on Lexipro. The first day I fell asleep midday- something I never do. I am a bit nauseous, but it is tolerable. I am, however, finding it very difficult to fall asleep at night- even with temezapan and xanax. Hopefully this will wear off. I have gained some weight. It may be me compensating for the nausea by eating pretzels and things to settle my stomach. As far as its effectiveness- too soon to tell.
Posted by leslieg on January 22, 2003, at 12:00:10
In reply to Re: lexapro and pregnancy » leslieg, posted by EGR on January 21, 2003, at 23:21:01
Because I'm 39, my husband is 46. Every month we wait adds to the risk of genetic birth defects, schizophrenia, etc. We're in couples counselling and talk about having a baby a lot. He really, really, really wants another one and thinks he'd be resentful for the rest of his life if we didn't (or, at least tried to). I'm A LOT more cautious, worried, etc. He's doing what he can to help figure out how to releive my stress, etc.
Life is one big balancing act...
Leslie G.
> It's not worth either risk. You need to be healthy before you have a baby or you're not doing any of the 3 of you a favor. Why risk nutting out?... why risk harming the baby? A year isn't as long as it seems and it would be much better for everyone involved. Stay on your meds, post-pone the baby, and get pregnant in a year when you're healthy.
>
> EGR
Posted by biscuit on January 22, 2003, at 13:45:29
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro, posted by Dysfunk on January 22, 2003, at 9:30:02
I started taking this last night, I am horribly nauseated today.. can anyone else who has taken this tell me how long the nausea lasts.. does your body just get used to it after a while?
Posted by LA on January 22, 2003, at 19:04:36
In reply to Also New to Lexapro, posted by biscuit on January 22, 2003, at 13:45:29
Hi All,
Anyone have any thougths on the combination of effexor xr 225 and lexapro 10? In the 4 months that I have taken effexor xr I have worked my way up to 225 mg. This week I have added Lexapro 10 mg. I have started having pains in my hands and ankles. Does this sound familar to anyone?
I was thinking that I might just take the lexapro every other night instead of every night. After hearing about seritonin syndrom I'm wondering if I should be concerned about the amout of medication I am taking. My PD has never mentioned seritonin syndrom to me, but has said if this doesn't do it for me she will refer me to another doctor.
Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
Posted by JaneB on January 22, 2003, at 20:47:25
In reply to Also New to Lexapro, posted by biscuit on January 22, 2003, at 13:45:29
> I started taking this last night, I am horribly nauseated today.. can anyone else who has taken this tell me how long the nausea lasts.. does your body just get used to it after a while?
I had nausea before taking Lexapro (whenever I am not on an antidepressant.) I started Lexapro and while the nausea was increasing I took generic Pepcid AC (over the counter.) It helped a lot. Now I don't need any and the nausea is totally gone. Lexapro is working great. I started it the second week of December and gradually worked up to 10 mg. Each week I had different side effects and almost stopped (pounding heart, fatigue, dizziness, insomnia, vivid dreams, etc.) Now I am sleeping better (with a little Klonopin), have more energy, concentration and life enjoyment. I am really glad I stuck with it. Now the main side effect is neck stiffness. I am trusting that will pass also. Best to you.
JaneB
Posted by ayuda on January 22, 2003, at 21:10:41
In reply to Lexapro and Effexor xr , posted by LA on January 22, 2003, at 19:04:36
> Hi All,
>
> Anyone have any thougths on the combination of effexor xr 225 and lexapro 10? In the 4 months that I have taken effexor xr I have worked my way up to 225 mg. This week I have added Lexapro 10 mg. I have started having pains in my hands and ankles. Does this sound familar to anyone?
>
> I was thinking that I might just take the lexapro every other night instead of every night. After hearing about seritonin syndrom I'm wondering if I should be concerned about the amout of medication I am taking. My PD has never mentioned seritonin syndrom to me, but has said if this doesn't do it for me she will refer me to another doctor.
> Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
>What is the issue that made your doctor add on the Lexapro? I was up to 225 mg Effexor XR, then tapered off it as I went onto Lexapro. I am fine on just the Lexapro 20mg. You might be taking way too much medication -- if the Effexor is working enough that you can afford to take the Lexapro every other day, then why are you taking the Lex, and if the Effexor isn't completely working, maybe you just need a change. Lexapro is great on its own.
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