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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by 2beornot2benuts on June 14, 2003, at 20:24:02
In reply to Lexapro and sheer terror!, posted by flight on June 14, 2003, at 16:07:27
Hi Cathy, Sorry to hear of the side effects you're going through. They're rough, believe me I know. Not to discourage you, but a few days on the med isn't alot of time. But everyone is different,yours may pass soon(I hope).I have to admit I've never heard of treating IBS (irritable bowel syndrome?) with antidepressants. The symptoms you describe, insomnia,shakes,panic,ect. sound very much like Lex side effects. And the dose that your on is small (5mg). I hope that you keep in touch with the doctor who prescribes this, let him or her know what's up with your suffering. I feel for you, it's sheer misery. Maybe you can take 2.5mg of the Lex, and hopefully something for the panic and insomnia. I'm in a state of misery myself with Lex, and I just increased my dose! That's what my doc told me to do, so...anyhow, I wish you some relief...Take care...Jackie
Posted by CarrieL on June 14, 2003, at 22:08:41
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I have been taking mg's of Lexapro in December, 2002. When I first began taking it, I noticed some slight short-term memory loss... like I'd forgot what I was looking for, etc. Also, recently, my skin has been breaking out... not in pimples but in these "bumps" on my face. I'm thinking maybe it's a reaction with the sun, now that summer is here. Anyone have similar reactions?
Posted by jdgjdg on June 14, 2003, at 22:21:49
In reply to Re: My Lexpro update good news Mariposa ???, posted by tm on June 14, 2003, at 18:23:34
I have similar results with my anxiety. I really don't think any meds. will take your anxiety away completely. I think that's something you have to work on with a therapist. The lexapro has made me feel a lot better, but I think what it really does is just take the edge off. I also take Wellbutrin, but that is prescribed for depression. I think the Wellbutrin helps with the dopamine levels in the brain as well as seratonin. I think the best thing to do is talk to your doctor. I get much better advice from my psychiatrist than my general doctor. Good Luck
Posted by Sabina on June 14, 2003, at 23:55:16
In reply to Lexapro and sheer terror!, posted by flight on June 14, 2003, at 16:07:27
I started Lex on 6/4 to treat anxiety/depression stemming from Fibromyalgia/Chronic Fatigue Symdrome. Incidentally, IBS *can* be a piggyback condition of FM/CFS, so I'm not surprised to hear it was given to you for that reason. My first seven days were sheer hell. Too many SE's to even list here, including leg pain (even though my doc said that I *wasn't* having any side effects from the Lex). She was just plain wrong. I'm really sensitive to SSRI's. This is the 4th one I've tried, after Prozac, Paxil, and Zoloft. My doc added some Xanax to take the edge off my anxiety and I have to say that I'm definitely doing better for the past three days. I would also urge you to push on through and wait for it to get better. My line of reasoning, or mantra, if you will, was, "I don't want to have gone through all this crap for nothing." Good luck!
Posted by theo on June 16, 2003, at 0:24:03
In reply to Skin break-outs and short-term memory loss, posted by CarrieL on June 14, 2003, at 22:08:41
Yes, my skin doesn't seem as smooth and I have a pretty good bump on my left cheek but have currently been in the sun. Being in the sun has not caused bumps on me before. I'm 39 and have not had many bumps or pimples in years! I just noticed this today as I was shaving. It's not discolored but like a little knot. I started Lexapro 10mg on May 7th. I'll keep you posted as I hope it diminishes quick!
Posted by Mariposa on June 16, 2003, at 10:38:02
In reply to Re: My Lexpro update good news Mariposa ???, posted by tm on June 14, 2003, at 18:23:34
> > > lex jan 2003 now june 2002 it works anxiety it takes a long while for me but it did work, id say march it was working full but dont quit give it a while
> >
> > I have a couple of questions for you. My main problem is also anxiety. Do you take anything besides the Lex? Are all days or mornings perfect or do have to remind youself that you are ok? I ask because I am doing better, but I have woken up early the last two mornings and I do have thoughts that I still have to work through at times, it's not everyday. The difference is now my mind will work through them. Thanks Tim and glad to hear you are doing!!
>
> Mariposa will you look at my question and give me your thoughts. thanks Tim (TM)
>
>TM - I am only taking Lex, no other meds, DX - depression,I do not have anxiety. I too have trouble some mornings, still feel depressed and don't want to get up, so I know how you are feeling. I too have to work through it and force myself, but it is a lot easier than it used to be. I really don't have an answer for you, but you should let your DR know.
Posted by MB on June 16, 2003, at 18:59:58
In reply to Lexapro and sheer terror!, posted by flight on June 14, 2003, at 16:07:27
I always thought it was so strange that doctors prescribe SSRIs for Irritable Bowel Syndrome. I know that there are serotonin receptors in the stomach and in the intestines, but it seems to me that stimulating these would make IBS worse! I'm only going on my own personal experiences which are that SSRIs are very hard on my stomach and intestines. I'm on Lexapro right now with occasional stomach/intestinal cramps, and with irregular "bowel patterns." In fact, I thought that the Lexapro was *giving* me Irritable Bowel Syndrome, so I looked up the treatments for IBS (hoping to find some way to alleviate it). Lo and behold, the treatment of choice is an SSRI. I couldn't believe my eyes. Wouldn't it make more sense to block the serotonin receptors in the stomach and intestine to treat this disorder? I'm confused. I'm reading a paper that describes the serotonin receptors in the gut (mainly 5HT-4), and it says that stimulation of these causes contraction. It says antagonists of these 5HT-4 receptors might be helpful for IBS. If this is the case, why use a drug that increases serotonergic tone throughout the entire body (as SSRIs do) to treat IBS? Can someone explain?
By the way, the paper can be found at:
http://www.biotrend.com/pdf/serot.pdf
MB
Posted by sme on June 16, 2003, at 19:49:41
In reply to Skin break-outs and short-term memory loss, posted by CarrieL on June 14, 2003, at 22:08:41
I get bumps too. On my legs and arms. I get redish blemish bumps on my face too. Not badly, but enough for me to notice. At first I thought I was reacting to clothes detergents. But changing soap did not stop it. Short term memory loss has been a problem. My boyfriend gives me such a hard time about that. All I can say is that I can't help it. It's just all part of the trade off.
Posted by Office_LB on June 16, 2003, at 21:34:34
In reply to Skin break-outs and short-term memory loss, posted by CarrieL on June 14, 2003, at 22:08:41
> I have been taking mg's of Lexapro in December, 2002. When I first began taking it, I noticed some slight short-term memory loss... like I'd forgot what I was looking for, etc. Also, recently, my skin has been breaking out... not in pimples but in these "bumps" on my face. I'm thinking maybe it's a reaction with the sun, now that summer is here. Anyone have similar reactions?
I noticed breakouts and short term memory loss too. I have heard increasing serotinin where it was previously defincient can upregulate your HPTA to produce more testosterone. I feel healthier and more vigorous so I believe that is what happened to me. As far as the memory loss...I figured I was just feeling more relaxed and less "with it" and if I become a little absent-minded, hey, it's a small price to pay for happiness :)
Posted by Office_LB on June 16, 2003, at 21:38:08
In reply to Re: Skin break-outs and short-term memory loss, posted by sme on June 16, 2003, at 19:49:41
> I get bumps too. On my legs and arms. I get redish blemish bumps on my face too. Not badly, but enough for me to notice. At first I thought I was reacting to clothes detergents. But changing soap did not stop it. Short term memory loss has been a problem. My boyfriend gives me such a hard time about that. All I can say is that I can't help it. It's just all part of the trade off.
God he sounds like a dick. I would be so much more supportive. I don't have a gf right now but if I did I would expect her to be very supportive of my condition. Hell that's the point of having a significant other, for support and companionship. Well, there's is also sex :p
Posted by CarrieL on June 16, 2003, at 21:48:15
In reply to Re: Skin break-outs and short-term memory loss, posted by Office_LB on June 16, 2003, at 21:38:08
I was prescribed 10 mg's a day for sleeplessness (due to anxiety). I liked it at first, but am now considering getting off of it... as the side effects may not be worth it. Anyone know if its okay to just stop taking it? If so, I have 30 pills for sale, cheap. lol.
Posted by Sabina on June 16, 2003, at 23:30:46
In reply to Does SSRI For IBS Seem Strange?, posted by MB on June 16, 2003, at 18:59:58
Maybe this link will be a start for you. http://ibscrohns.about.com/library/weekly/aa050503a.htm I suffer from Fibromyalgia and Chronic Faigue Syndrome. The only treatments currently sanctioned by traditional medical practitioners for those and their related illnesses (including IBS) are SSRI and pain meds. I'm sad to say that I really don't know about all the technical talk, as my head is usually too muddled to think clearly enough, but it doesn't surprise me that it was presribed for IBS. I hope you get some relief in time.
Posted by Cerodwen on June 16, 2003, at 23:49:57
In reply to Re: Does SSRI For IBS Seem Strange?, posted by Sabina on June 16, 2003, at 23:30:46
I started taking Lexapro (5mg/day) 4 days ago - so far I haven't noticed any side effects, although in the past month I have noticed that I started getting blemishes on my shoulders and red spots on my neck. I don't know what causes that. I am also taking topamax, 200mg. I am hoping the Lexapro will relieve my crushing depression and anxiety.
Posted by Sabina on June 17, 2003, at 0:23:53
In reply to Is it okay to just stop taking Lexapro?, posted by CarrieL on June 16, 2003, at 21:48:15
From all I've read and heard, plus my own nervous nature, I would advise against stopping suddenly. If you don't like the side effects (God knows I don't), think of what a crash landing might do for you.
Posted by DC on June 17, 2003, at 8:03:25
In reply to Re: Is it okay to just stop taking Lexapro?, posted by Sabina on June 17, 2003, at 0:23:53
> From all I've read and heard, plus my own nervous nature, I would advise against stopping suddenly. If you don't like the side effects (God knows I don't), think of what a crash landing might do for you.
I would have to agree. I wouldn't suggest quitting
cold turkey. I know I did that with Paxil and
highly regretted it. The side effects from taking
the medication was MUCH better than those from
stopping all at once. I would think that most of
these types of meds would have the same effect if
you don't slowly reduce your dosage and wean yourself
off of them. Taking your bodies levels of certain
things from one level to absolutely nothing could
give you the "crash landing" as well stated by
Sabina. I would ask the doctor also.
Posted by KimberlyDi on June 17, 2003, at 8:48:51
In reply to Does SSRI For IBS Seem Strange?, posted by MB on June 16, 2003, at 18:59:58
I don't think it is too strange. If IBS can be caused by extreme stress (which sometimes seems to happen to me), then the SSRI treats the IBS by decreasing the stress?
Just a thought, Kim
> I always thought it was so strange that doctors prescribe SSRIs for Irritable Bowel Syndrome. I know that there are serotonin receptors in the stomach and in the intestines, but it seems to me that stimulating these would make IBS worse! I'm only going on my own personal experiences which are that SSRIs are very hard on my stomach and intestines. I'm on Lexapro right now with occasional stomach/intestinal cramps, and with irregular "bowel patterns." In fact, I thought that the Lexapro was *giving* me Irritable Bowel Syndrome, so I looked up the treatments for IBS (hoping to find some way to alleviate it). Lo and behold, the treatment of choice is an SSRI. I couldn't believe my eyes. Wouldn't it make more sense to block the serotonin receptors in the stomach and intestine to treat this disorder? I'm confused. I'm reading a paper that describes the serotonin receptors in the gut (mainly 5HT-4), and it says that stimulation of these causes contraction. It says antagonists of these 5HT-4 receptors might be helpful for IBS. If this is the case, why use a drug that increases serotonergic tone throughout the entire body (as SSRIs do) to treat IBS? Can someone explain?
>
> By the way, the paper can be found at:
> http://www.biotrend.com/pdf/serot.pdf
>
>
> MB
>
>
Posted by Dr. Bob on June 17, 2003, at 8:54:12
In reply to Re: Skin break-outs and short-term memory loss, posted by Office_LB on June 16, 2003, at 21:38:08
> God he sounds like a dick.
Thanks for trying to be supportive, but please don't use language that could offend others, thanks.
Bob
PS: Follow-ups regarding posting policies, and complaints about posts, should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration; otherwise, they may be deleted.
Posted by Eddie Sylvano on June 17, 2003, at 9:46:46
In reply to Does SSRI For IBS Seem Strange?, posted by MB on June 16, 2003, at 18:59:58
>If this is the case, why use a drug that increases serotonergic tone throughout the entire body (as SSRIs do) to treat IBS? Can someone explain?
---------------There are multiple serotonin receptors, and I'm not sure that most SSRIs affect the same receptors in the intestine as they do in the brain. You're on to something, though. I have IBS and noticed that if I took 5-HTP supplements (the raw ingredient for serotonin), it would send my gut into a tailspin. Taking Celexa, however, has the opposite effect. Things calm down. I think that there is a difference between the functionality of serotonin in the two areas, with 5-HT1a receptors in the brain serving to put the brakes on things, so to speak, which consequently calms intestinal peristalsis.
I may be wrong or overly simple, but that's my understanding.
Posted by Mariposa on June 17, 2003, at 9:50:52
In reply to Is it okay to just stop taking Lexapro?, posted by CarrieL on June 16, 2003, at 21:48:15
> I was prescribed 10 mg's a day for sleeplessness (due to anxiety). I liked it at first, but am now considering getting off of it... as the side effects may not be worth it. Anyone know if its okay to just stop taking it? If so, I have 30 pills for sale, cheap. lol.
NO, I would not advise "cold turkey" either, SE's!!!
One question, though, how long have you been taking it? If the answer is 3 weeks or less, the SE's you are experiencing WILL GO AWAY. Many people on this board have found that once you get through the first couple of weeks, things get much easier, and many have had GOOD results, myself included, with fight w/depression.
Best of luck to you~~~8|8
Posted by sme on June 17, 2003, at 14:24:12
In reply to Re: Skin break-outs and short-term memory loss, posted by Office_LB on June 16, 2003, at 21:38:08
LOL! I guess I made him sound unsupportive. But I have to admit, I sometimes goof on him because of his speech impediment. We bust on each other all the time, so I don't take it personal. We have fun.
Posted by MikeBC on June 17, 2003, at 17:05:44
In reply to Effects of Lexapro, posted by Cerodwen on June 16, 2003, at 23:49:57
I have the red blemishes too. I was wondering what they were. a couple on my shoulders, one on my torso and one tiny one on my forehead (I don't think it's a zit). I take 2.5 mg a day (steady hands with the razor).
Posted by DC on June 18, 2003, at 10:25:02
In reply to Re: Hair Loss, posted by blkvettes on June 13, 2003, at 17:31:01
I am starting to question myself on whether I should
have made the change in my meds. I was taking the
Lex for about 3 months and didn't really see that
much of a difference, just a bit. I have been
weaning off of the Lex and starting Zoloft. After
reading the many posts on here, I am wondering if I
should have waited longer. Any input on Zoloft vs.
Lexapro? The doctor had prescribed both for my
anti-social anxiety and Wellbutrin for depression.
Posted by jcwilliams on June 18, 2003, at 10:31:19
In reply to Lexapro comments, posted by wally on January 9, 2003, at 2:22:56
I've been on Lexapro for about 4 months. I am also on birth control pills and I have noticed in the last 3 months that my period is almost nonexistant. This month I didn't even have to wear anything. I wondered if anyone else is experiencing this. Thanks!
Posted by DC on June 18, 2003, at 10:35:18
In reply to Re: Lexapro comments, posted by jcwilliams on June 18, 2003, at 10:31:19
> I've been on Lexapro for about 4 months. I am also on birth control pills and I have noticed in the last 3 months that my period is almost nonexistant. This month I didn't even have to wear anything. I wondered if anyone else is experiencing this. Thanks!
The same think happened to me. Instead of the normal
time span, it was like 45 days and not that much of
one even then. Talk about freaking out LOL. I have
read other post that others have experienced the same SE.
Posted by Eleanor on June 18, 2003, at 15:01:02
In reply to Re: Skin break-outs and short-term memory loss, posted by sme on June 17, 2003, at 14:24:12
It is nice to find you all here. no one else I know is on lexapro.
I am experiencing strange bumps on my neck and chin, but my period has just begun and i tend to break out slightly this time of month. It just seems heavier this time.
I've only been on Lexapro for one week. I feel a little amped up at midday then sleepy earlier in the evenings than I am used to. However, i appreciate the benefit of getting more sleep and not going to bed so worried and anxious.
My appetite has definitely decreased.
I want this drug to work and I hope to stay on it. any and all news and support will be greatly appreciated.
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