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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by oldhand on March 30, 2003, at 17:01:36
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by susan b. anthony on March 30, 2003, at 16:32:54
I had insomnia for the first few weeks of the Lex but have Trazodone for sleeping. No wonder you have panic and anxiety, being so close to the 9/11 events. It is hard to imagine.
Like you I have always had headaches and Migraines. The ones with Lexapro seemed to be from tight neck muscles and jaw clenching at night. The clenching has gone away and getting some exercize has helped with the neck muscles. I have had more migraines on the med but just the visual disturbances with a mild headache rather than the full blown kick-yer-butt headache. Only had one of those and ended up in the ER. Really did not see it coming even after all my years of having them. I had a glass of wine the evening before and even though the info says there are no known problems and still advises not to drink, I am thinking this may have been a contributor.
Give the Lexapro more time to work as has been said here before and, with all due respect, wouldn't you husband be a support for you if he knew more of what is going on? Friends have been my lifeline through this journey. I would not be where I am now without them. I took a disability retirement from work two years ago because of the depression, lost my house to foreclosure in December and have moved back in with my (85 year-old) parents. It has been a struggle but is for the best. I have had an eerie peace about it all along.
Have you had counselling? I will be going back to it next week. It was very helpful before and I hope to benefit again. Surely there is help available for those in your circumstances, with 9/11 and all?
Let me know how you are doing.
Posted by oldwoodsman on March 30, 2003, at 17:04:35
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
When my doctor prescribed Lexapro to me, I had reservations. In fact, I checked into this website for several weeks reading everyone’s comments (thank you, everybody) before I decided that I would give in and try it (10 mg/day of Lexapro, together with my already taking 150 mg/day of Wellbutrin, both taken at night before bed). After all, it is a fairly new drug on the market and one never knows! I don't recall what it was that finally convinced me to give in and try it after all, but after 10 weeks on it, I felt I had to give it all up. My experiences were not all that positive.
Here’s the positives: Nail biting and weight gain. My nail biting seems to have slowed down. Oddly, I may not bite nails as much as I used to, but I am attacking my cuticles more, so I'm still biting something in that region. Another positive was
that over the 2 1/2 months I was on the Lexapro (from New Year's Day to the middle of March), I only gained an insignificant amount of weight -- 2 pounds (insignificant because two pounds, for a 200 pound guy, could be contributed to almost anything -- from a different set of clothes to having just eaten a meal, and I think it especially small considering that I would spend 10 -12 hours /day sleeping.) It seems my appetite was a bit diminished when I was on the Lexapro--I didn’t eat quite so much, yet still felt satisfied.The Negatives: Lethargy and Anxiety. Although I got on the medication to help with my depression, anxiety and OCD, I found that I was having worse anxiety attacks than I had beforehand. These attacks would come on for apparently no reason at all, and although not strong (totally debilitating) attacks, they were none-the-less annoying, particularly so considering that I was on the medication to help counter these. Perhaps because of these, I had difficulties facing life. I didn’t feel comfortable outside my bedroom, and travel was done only when I HAD to, not because I wanted to. I often couldn't think of things to do, seldom desired to do anything. Nothing turned me on. Nothing appealed to me.
There could be several, more organic, reasons for this, too. My wife and kids were very sick in the beginning of the year, and my doctor suggested that perhaps I, too, had contracted this years flu (a mild case of it) and, since it tends to hang on forever and makes one ill, I may have felt sleepy due to this. None-the-less, I often felt very tired every day. Either early in the morning, or if I was able to hold off, late in the afternoon, I would be so tired I couldn't keep my eyes open. Even if running errands or driving down the freeway (i.e., on the way to see my doctor), I would yawn
constantly. (Someone else mentioned this same yawning s/e). All this tiredness came after a good night’s sleep -- eight hours of solid deep restful sleep. When I'd finally give in to the urge, I'd fall asleep almost immediately (usually within 5 minutes, much faster than it takes me to fall asleep at night, even on meds). Naps would last 2 - 3 hours or so, and I'd feel very groggy afterwards, virtually taking another hour or more to be fully awake and functional, even if I was kept busy walking around. A last, but somewhat related s/e (with or without, before or after a nap) was that I wasn't quite as sharp as I used to be, sometimes shaking my head when I tried to remember what I was looking for, and I couldn't think of solutions as fast as before Lexapro.As far as the sexual S/Es, I really can't say. I've been on Wellbutrin so long (as well as sporting an enlarged prostate, even though I am taking the herb Saw Palmetto to help control that) I'm beginning to forget what it is to be interested in sex. The whole idea seems like so much work. (It must be hard on my wife, but sex just doesn't appeal to me).
My overall impression is that I didn't like being on Lexapro. I gave it ten weeks, but didn't like what it did to me. I have tapered off it and will be going on 2 - 3 tablets of Wellbutrin (150 mg each) per day to see what effect that has.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *Note: I came back to this “entry” after I’ve been totally off the Lexapro and on the 2 tabs/day of Wellbutrin regimen for about 10 days, and have found that I have a shorter temper than I did on the Lexapro (could that mean my OCDs have returned? or is it just a phase I'm going through). But I also feel I have some drive and desire to do a few things. I’m getting more things done and WANT to get more things done around the house and yard. In fact, I’m working on a project that I had set aside for the last few months (my Lexapro months). My interest in traveling has returned, and I feel like I would really like to get out to a few places in the next few weeks (on Lexapro, my attitude was more like “why bother”). I don’t know if it is an s/e of the 2 tabs/day of Wellbutrin, but I’ve not slept well the last 2 (or 3?) nights. I will lay in bed at night with my eyes closed, awaiting the sleep to come, and it won’t. In fact, as my wife woke up this morning, we talked until I finally admitted it to myself that I wasn’t going to be able to get any more sleep this night, and just got up and started my day, at about 6:30--highly unusual for me--highly!. I hope this new regimen of 2 Wellbutrin/day does not give me insomnia, as that isn’t good either (as of today, I’ve started taking one tablet in the morning, and a second with lunch, so that the effect could wear off before I try to sleep at night.) We'll have to wait and see!
Posted by Donia on March 30, 2003, at 18:50:13
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by susan b. anthony on March 30, 2003, at 16:32:54
Susan, I had horrible headaches with zoloft. Aspirin helped them and they went away after a few weeks. These meds can do that.
Posted by Hollygirl on March 30, 2003, at 20:48:52
In reply to Re: Re lexapro and hunger....Hollygirl, posted by KRM123 on March 30, 2003, at 16:12:17
> Well I hope you feel better Hollygirl. Throwing up is not fun! Did you start on the lowest dose? I was going to jump right into Effexor but I think I'll take my time to ween off Lexapro first. Take care and keep me updated on how you're doing.
I was only on 10mg of Lexapro so the very next day I started off with 37mg of Effexor. Next week I will be at 75mg of Effexor. Because Lexapro is a relatively mild antidepressant, most people do not experience severe withdrawals. With a drug like Effexor, however, you cannot just quit cold turkey, but need to stagger down. Let me know when you switch to Effexor so we can compare notes :)
Posted by pumpkin on March 30, 2003, at 20:58:03
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Donia on March 30, 2003, at 18:50:13
Hey Guys,
Reading the most recent posts.
I changed my med "schedule" from night (couldn't
get to sleep)to morning. This has helped when
on Lex 5mg.Taking 7.5 Lex (cut the 10's in half, then half
again)and now I'm having problems with getting
to sleep again.My depression is still bad (especially mornings).
When I take my med, I feel zombied for the day!With the uped dosage- I'm getting terrible
headaches again. Went to church, came home,
and was literally down on the couch a great deal
today. "Don't touch me"! My appetite is horrible,
and have lost weight.I keep thinking that I'm going to change med,
but maybe it's too soon. I just want to be "me"
again! Plus, I've been on so many anti-depressants. I really don't care about the weight
thing right now. My health means more to me than
a bikini.I would like to say that sometimes also, it may
be "symptoms" instead of "side effects" of med.
For example: Depression can involve confusion,
tiredness, anxiety, etc... And some "side effects"- which go away in time, may include
tiredness, anxiety, insomnia, etc... Is this
making sense? I don't know- I'm confused at this
time. LOL! Anyway, depending on what you are
going through, your brain has to have time to
adjust, and get back on track. We are all different. Another thing is that we don't know
until we have reached a "theraputic" range
according to our doctor. Symptoms and side
effects sometimes can go hand in hand.Susan, and all others. Want to say that I care
about you guys, but with the responsibilities
that I have at this time- plus what I'm going
through right now, it's been hard to "seperate"
people. I have to generally "talk" with
all of you, this is the best that I can do, with
the time I have. Susan (I hope I got your name
right),after 24 years of marriage- believe me!- talk with your husband-
if you haven't already. At 42, I've learned this
the hard way! Tomarrows the day for my doctors
appointment again. We'll see where the Lex is
taking me!
Posted by KRM123 on March 30, 2003, at 21:56:45
In reply to Re: Re lexapro and hunger....Hollygirl » KRM123, posted by Hollygirl on March 30, 2003, at 20:48:52
How long were you on the 10mg of Lex? I've only been for two weeks so I'll prob just let this next week get it out of my system. If I don't feel so tired on it I might stick with the lower dose but I doubt it will make a difference. I have never been so scared to try a drug more than Effexor. The horror stories people talk about during withdrawal seem like it wouldn't be worth it. I don't know- I am way too concerned about a little bit of weight gain (which is sad I know) so I'm gonna try other stuff before I go back and give Zoloft another chance. I hope you are in good spirits- keep me posted on your progress :)
> I was only on 10mg of Lexapro so the very next day I started off with 37mg of Effexor. Next week I will be at 75mg of Effexor. Because Lexapro is a relatively mild antidepressant, most people do not experience severe withdrawals. With a drug like Effexor, however, you cannot just quit cold turkey, but need to stagger down. Let me know when you switch to Effexor so we can compare notes :)
>
Posted by jdgal on March 31, 2003, at 8:20:27
In reply to Re: Re lexapro and hunger....Hollygirl, posted by KRM123 on March 30, 2003, at 21:56:45
I am now off Lexapro for 3 weeks, and STILL feeling side effects. I took Lexapro for 4 weeks and had a very strange things happen to me. Feelings were: Tired, Feeling VERY dissoriented, almost like lethgarthy ,forgetfulness, blurred vision.For instance I would know in my brain that I wanted to do everyday things like push a button on my remote control or put on makeup, but I couldnt see, and my hands would shake and I couldnt do those things, which led me to be even more depressed than before, I so badly wanted to perform day-to day things, anf couldnt. I cried hysterically, and didnt even want to move,I layed on the couch or in bed until I finally went toteh doctor and told him about these side effects, I stopped takign Lexapro a day before on my own, and the doctor told me to take Zoloft , I didnt because I JUST WANT TO FEEL NORMAL. I feel better, and the feelings arent soo intense, but I STILL feel dissorinted, and dont function like I used to, I have major headaches all day, and all I hope is that is Lexapro, and not something else. Has ANYONE had these things happen??? I feel crazy! And if it is, how long do I ahve to wait until I feel normal?
Posted by BarbaraS on March 31, 2003, at 9:06:21
In reply to strange things occured, posted by jdgal on March 31, 2003, at 8:20:27
I just stopped my Lexapro four days ago and have been having terrible cramping throughout the day and bizarre dreams. Has anyone else had these problems, and how long did it take until it went away?
Thanks,
Barbara
Posted by blkvettes on March 31, 2003, at 10:05:04
In reply to Lexapro Withdrawl, posted by BarbaraS on March 31, 2003, at 9:06:21
> I just stopped my Lexapro four days ago and have been having terrible cramping throughout the day and bizarre dreams. Has anyone else had these problems, and how long did it take until it went away?
>
> Thanks,
>
> BarbaraI could not find much info on lexapro withdrawl because it is new. You should never quit all at once. You should quit a little at a time, a gradual decrease in dose. But here is a link that has some info. GOOD LUCK!!!!
http://www.seroxatusergroup.org.uk/Documents/Healywithdrawal.doc
Posted by Sadsack on March 31, 2003, at 10:48:29
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
Hey EGR, haven't seen your handle posted in awhile and last I heard you were worried about poop out. You ok?
Sadsack
Posted by EGR on March 31, 2003, at 11:25:31
In reply to Hey EGR, are you ok?, posted by Sadsack on March 31, 2003, at 10:48:29
> Hey EGR, haven't seen your handle posted in awhile and last I heard you were worried about poop out. You ok?
> SadsackWow! Thanks for asking. I'm fine. My meds didn't poop out, but I had been extremely tired and was stressed. I was out of town for a week so I needed a week to get ready and then a week to recover. I haven't had time to catch up on the posts and, voila! THIS was the very first one I read!
My O's came back! Hip, Hip, Hooray!! And last Thursday I started cutting back to 15 mgs a day. That seems to have helped me not be so exhausted. (I also started taking them closer to 9:30 or 10 and not at midnight... I think they weren't out of my system enough by 7 am). Anyway, things seem great right now.
How are things going on your end?
EGR
Posted by Dysfunk on March 31, 2003, at 13:12:12
In reply to Re: Re lexapro and hunger...., posted by Donia on March 29, 2003, at 21:49:45
I have gained 5-8 lbs on Lexapro. I seem to crave carbs, maybe to give me the energy boost from the exhaustion. I am working out the same and couldn't manage to stop the weight gain. Now, i have a broken foot and I can't work out. YIKES!
Posted by Dysfunk on March 31, 2003, at 13:20:46
In reply to Re: BEING TIRED!!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by okpolosi on March 30, 2003, at 13:14:33
I never had the total exhaustion most of you speak of on Lex, but I did have worse depression before it got better. I wasn't ready to switch again so I gave it more time, and it worked! I am as amazed as anyone cause I was feeling hopeless. My doctor didn't think the chances of it working for me after 2 months was a possibility, but it did. SO, if you can stick with it...give it longer than usual to determine if it works.
Posted by Dysfunk on March 31, 2003, at 13:31:07
In reply to strange things occured, posted by jdgal on March 31, 2003, at 8:20:12
Part of what you are describing I experienced. It was as if I suddenly fell into a deep depression. I lost interest in things, didn't want to leave the house, was crying and depressed. BUT, it did turn around miraculously. It is a strange thing, but I think this medicine almost makes you worse before it makes you better! I also had increased anxiety. Good Luck- feel better soon.
Posted by handmemymidol on March 31, 2003, at 14:34:15
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by susan b. anthony on March 30, 2003, at 16:32:54
I too had headaches at 10 mg. I didn't drop my dose and they eventually went away. I guess it took between 1-2 weeks. Anyway, they were not migraine-stay-in-bed type. Aspirin usually handled them, but they were a nagging presence most of the day. Hope this helps in your comparison ;o
Posted by jdgal on March 31, 2003, at 14:34:53
In reply to strange things occured, posted by jdgal on March 31, 2003, at 8:20:12
thank u for your reply, i am off lexapro for 4 weeks now, and yes, i was VERY depressed but it was more than just that, i felt i couldnt even function, hazy.... u know? it was awful and today i am again kinda hazy and down.. i was only on it for 4 weeks , and ive been off it for 3 . What the heck is going on?
Posted by jdgal on March 31, 2003, at 14:35:29
In reply to strange things occured, posted by jdgal on March 31, 2003, at 8:20:12
thank u for your reply, i am off lexapro for 4 weeks now, and yes, i was VERY depressed but it was more than just that, i felt i couldnt even function, hazy.... u know? it was awful and today i am again kinda hazy and down.. i was only on it for 4 weeks , and ive been off it for 3 . What the heck is going on?
Posted by 88ivories on March 31, 2003, at 16:29:41
In reply to continued info, posted by pharmrep on July 31, 2002, at 21:49:05
New user to board, but not new to SSRI's and related topics...Have received samples of Lexapro from doc. Have had weight gain problem with Celexa..As a rep of Forest, do you see any improvement in this side effect? Thanks...
Posted by BridgetteK on March 31, 2003, at 16:34:54
In reply to Headaches . . . Susan B Anthony » susan b. anthony, posted by handmemymidol on March 31, 2003, at 14:34:15
I am so new here. I have never taken anything for my anxiety or for depression. I use to just brush it all aside. But I started a new job after 5 years of being a stay at home mother and realized just how bad my anxiety was. I have only worked a total of 13 days that's how new I am and have 5 anxiety attacks 1 that was so bad (for me that is) I almost walked out in the middle of my shift. So I decided if I was going to keep my job I was going to have to do something about it. So I called my family DR. and wala got on med's. I found this site just browsing today and found it to be quiet helpful w/ what type of side effects I would probably expierence and, how long to let this work. I was put on Paxil CR last fri. but when I took it I woke up Sat. morning w/ a migrane headache and vomiting. So I quit taking it. I'm going to give this medicine a try. I have realized I cannot deal w/ my anxiety by my self like I use too. And with us being at war I find my self crying alot (WOW) this isn't me. But then i've not been me my whole life. Any insite would do :) Thank you for reading my post......
Posted by dawne on March 31, 2003, at 17:56:56
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by susan b. anthony on March 30, 2003, at 16:32:54
HI, SUSAN
I KNOW JUST HOW YOU FEEL ABOUT HEADACHES. I HAVE AWFUL MIGRAINES. JUST GOT OFF 40MGS PAXIL BECAUSE OF WT. GAIN. BUT IT WAS EXCELLANT FOR BOTH MY DEPRESSION AND MIGRAINES, IN FACT NOTHING HAS EVER WORKED SO GOOD FOR MY MIGRAINES. I KNOW IM TAKING A BIG RISK BY SWITHCHING TO LEX. BUT I REALLY WANT TO LOSE THE 30LBS I GAINED ON PAXIL.
HOPE YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH LEX WILL IMPROVE. IM ONLY 4 DAYS INTO IT, ON 20MGS. DID YOU LOSE WT. ON LEXAPRO OR GAIN?GOOD LUCK TO AND ALL OF US TRYING THIS DRUG.
Posted by pumpkin on March 31, 2003, at 19:03:22
In reply to Re: headaches- susan b. » susan b. anthony, posted by dawne on March 31, 2003, at 17:56:56
Wondering if anyone is having an usual thirst
with Lex. Have been uped to 10 mg. from my doc
today, along with taking Klonopin (at my discretion). He told me that he knows of people
who hit 40mgs. of Lex with no problems. Here
comes the headaches again- but I know they will
go in time. Does the appetite come back? Welcome
new posters, and is there any older ones still
around for updates?
Posted by Donia on March 31, 2003, at 19:59:03
In reply to Re: headaches- susan b., posted by pumpkin on March 31, 2003, at 19:03:22
I have been on lexapro for 2 and a half months. My appetite is coming back slowly. I lost about 6lbs since I have been on it and not having much of an appetite. I have not noticed any unusual thirst, but I am a heavy pepsi drinker.
Posted by oldhand on March 31, 2003, at 20:17:29
In reply to Re: headaches- susan b., posted by pumpkin on March 31, 2003, at 19:02:28
> Wondering if anyone is having an usual thirst
> with Lex. Have been uped to 10 mg. from my doc
> today, along with taking Klonopin (at my discretion). He told me that he knows of people
> who hit 40mgs. of Lex with no problems. Here
> comes the headaches again- but I know they will
> go in time. Does the appetite come back? Welcome
> new posters, and is there any older ones still
> around for updates?Hi pumpkin-
I also drink alot of water, seem to be thirsty all the time with the lexapro.
I worked with a bunch of nutritionists who always encouraged drinking water and so I developed that habit a long time ago....And for those who are having headaches, water may help those too. I had a grade school teacher tell me that when a child in school complained of a headache she sent them to the drinking fountain. She felt alot of the problem might be dehydration which happens faster with children, of course. I have found too that if I wake up in the middle of the night it is usually thirst, so I keep a big glass of water by the bed.
Guess I could be considered an old poster, have been on Lex since November. I am feeling quite well but not as well as I would like. I will be seeing a new psychiatrist soon and will probably see about upping the dose. I could do it on my own but my prescription from the previous doc is almost gone and I DO NOT want to run out.
All s/e's seem to be gone now. Even the jawclenching which was so bad.
I really encourage those with managable side- effects to keep trying on this medication. My depression has lifted to a greater extent than with any of the others I have used. My best to all and may we all be very healty, very soon.
Posted by 88ivories on March 31, 2003, at 20:49:51
In reply to Re: Lexapro Withdrawl symptoms, posted by blkvettes on March 31, 2003, at 10:05:04
> > I just stopped my Lexapro four days ago and have been having terrible cramping throughout the day and bizarre dreams. Has anyone else had these problems, and how long did it take until it went away?
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > BarbaraHey Barbara...I am new to this web site (as a poster..have used it for 2 years as a "learning tool")... I have found that starting a new drug (emotional or sleepling related) or, especially stopping a drug, causes vivid dreaming for me. Increase or decrease in dosage also causes vivid dreams. Time to adjust has always solved this problem for me. ivory lover
>
> I could not find much info on lexapro withdrawl because it is new. You should never quit all at once. You should quit a little at a time, a gradual decrease in dose. But here is a link that has some info. GOOD LUCK!!!!
> http://www.seroxatusergroup.org.uk/Documents/Healywithdrawal.doc
>
Posted by BarbaraS on March 31, 2003, at 20:56:19
In reply to Re: Lexapro Withdrawl symptoms, posted by blkvettes on March 31, 2003, at 10:05:04
> > I just stopped my Lexapro four days ago and have been having terrible cramping throughout the day and bizarre dreams. Has anyone else had these problems, and how long did it take until it went away?
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > Barbara
>
> I could not find much info on lexapro withdrawl because it is new. You should never quit all at once. You should quit a little at a time, a gradual decrease in dose. But here is a link that has some info. GOOD LUCK!!!!
> http://www.seroxatusergroup.org.uk/Documents/Healywithdrawal.doc
>Thank for the informatino - it was helpful. Really appreciate it!
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