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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by kinsey on July 4, 2003, at 19:13:05
In reply to re: Lexapro , insurance won't cover?, posted by BBoo on July 1, 2003, at 13:21:17
My insurance company would only pay half even though they listed it as not being covered. i think the total cost was 60 something and i ended up paying 30 something. boy - have i gotten an education regarding insurance companies and mental health!! i've been having a hard time finding a good psych. who is covered by my insurance company!! talk about run-around - they so far have given me three names of doctors, only to find out when i call that the doctors dropped this insurance company years ago. they (the insurance monsters) said they forgot to update???? very frustrating. how can this be? kinsey
Posted by BLKVETTES on July 4, 2003, at 19:14:20
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by teriwynn on January 8, 2003, at 10:50:37
I found this link interesting about how people think about meds and side effects.
WAYNE
http://panicdisorder.about.com/features/blmed1.htm
Posted by BLKVETTES on July 4, 2003, at 19:33:16
In reply to re: Lexapro , insurance won't cover?, posted by kinsey on July 4, 2003, at 19:13:05
> My insurance company would only pay half even though they listed it as not being covered. i think the total cost was 60 something and i ended up paying 30 something. boy - have i gotten an education regarding insurance companies and mental health!! i've been having a hard time finding a good psych. who is covered by my insurance company!! talk about run-around - they so far have given me three names of doctors, only to find out when i call that the doctors dropped this insurance company years ago. they (the insurance monsters) said they forgot to update???? very frustrating. how can this be? kinsey
Hi Kinsey, yes they are monsters!!!!! Our insurance carrier changed the first of the year and they tried to switch all the meds I take. I pay nothing for pdoc visits but I can only choose a doc from this one group who all use the same office. I have been through 4 of them in a short time. I just made up my mind to educate myself and see the doc for my meds. The insurance companies pay out over 40 billion dollars a year because doctors fail to detect anxiety and panic disorders at the very beginning. People keep running back to the ER or their family doctor because they think they are dying. I ran up a bill of over 100,000 dollars before I was diagnosed. The insurance company payed every dime of it. But they want to fight me over my meds which is pennies compared to what they spent. The doctors need to be better educated on these disorders. But then again they make more money by running the same tests over and over again. GOOD LUCK!!!
WAYNE
Posted by nhg on July 5, 2003, at 16:56:54
In reply to re: Lexapro , insurance won't cover?, posted by BLKVETTES on July 4, 2003, at 19:33:16
Maybe I won't make any friends with this belief, but I really don't think insurance companies are *always* monsters. I too was disappointed to find out that my insurance would only cover lexapro in part (I pay $35 copay) but at least they cover part of it. I don't know everyone's particulars, but sometimes I think for how little I pay for insurance (my costs are less than the retail cost of lexapro - I'm sure some of you pay much more), it's a pretty good deal to know that I'll be covered in a big expensive traumatic emergency. I'm sure some of you have had or heard of bad experiences with insurance companies who wouldn't cover people's huge bills - I have too - but I'm saving my complaints for those situations when they really are evil instead of my $35 co-pay. I've always gotten more out of insurance than I've paid in (not including my employer's contibution), which I think is remarkable.
That's how I feel given my personal experience. I'm not particularly a fan of insurance companies, I'm just saying this to maybe give you another point of view so you won't be so angry about things that are, for the most part, out of our control.
Posted by McPac on July 5, 2003, at 23:54:20
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
The study I read says that there's very little difference between 10 and 20 mg of Lexapro.
So if someone took the 10 mg dosage and that didn't do enough, then they're screwed? I mean, with other meds such as Zoloft for example, you try 50mg...if you don't feel enough effect, you could increase to 75....then 100....then 150 if need be...and so on. But with lex it's just take the 10 mg. and if that doesn't have enough anti-depressant effect or ocd effect, then there's nothing you can do???? One dosage either works or that's it? What the Hell? OCD'ers typically need a higher dose of a med than for depressives---so how is 10 lousy mg's going to do the job? Never heard of a 'one-dosage' med before, again, so if 10 mg isn't doing the job then that's it, nothing you can do but drop it and try another? Makes no sense. Anybody get a better effect at 20 mg than 10? Anybody taking MORE than 20 mg? Thanks!
Posted by BLKVETTES on July 6, 2003, at 1:32:16
In reply to Lexapro Dosing...10 mg or bust??????, posted by McPac on July 5, 2003, at 23:54:20
> The study I read says that there's very little difference between 10 and 20 mg of Lexapro.
> So if someone took the 10 mg dosage and that didn't do enough, then they're screwed? I mean, with other meds such as Zoloft for example, you try 50mg...if you don't feel enough effect, you could increase to 75....then 100....then 150 if need be...and so on. But with lex it's just take the 10 mg. and if that doesn't have enough anti-depressant effect or ocd effect, then there's nothing you can do???? One dosage either works or that's it? What the Hell? OCD'ers typically need a higher dose of a med than for depressives---so how is 10 lousy mg's going to do the job? Never heard of a 'one-dosage' med before, again, so if 10 mg isn't doing the job then that's it, nothing you can do but drop it and try another? Makes no sense. Anybody get a better effect at 20 mg than 10? Anybody taking MORE than 20 mg? Thanks!Hi there, I have read that also. There are others taking 20mg or higher and doing fine. I take 7 mg and it has been my magic dose. I at one time was housebound and suicidal and had terrible anxiety. Dont get so far ahead of yourself. Try to just wait and see what happens. By the way this board gets slow sometimes. GOOD LUCK!!!
WAYNE
Posted by vandy on July 6, 2003, at 11:01:00
In reply to re: Lexapro , insurance won't cover?, posted by nhg on July 5, 2003, at 16:56:54
Thanks for saying that. I wanted to weigh in on the side of moderation but you put it perfectly.
Posted by trucker on July 6, 2003, at 17:38:52
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
i switched from zoloft 200mg to lexapro 20 mg.
i wasn't informed of the way it would affect me.
this thing is screaming feed me all of a sudden and before i had NO desire at all. now its almost out of control. my other half is still use to no not interested and i am trying to get him to give me some. if you catch my drift. i am more like my younger years at this point. hope i stay like this. this is my experience!
Posted by trucker on July 6, 2003, at 18:12:24
In reply to Re: Alternative, posted by sme on June 12, 2003, at 10:08:40
i understand the prayer and medication thing. i was 7months pregnant and went into labor and my baby was born dead. i haven't any friends here accept the church, i am from a nother state. they didn't understand me being sad and depressed and eventually on meds for depression etc... (i had horrible childhood) they wouldn't allow me to get prayer, to help with the pain and depression, they would basically get mad at me for not GETTING OVER IT. you never get over it you just learn to live with it. i don't go to church any more and am rather offended when people try to preach to me. raped at three years old and told by mommy dearest i was going to burn in hell, i best be asking him (the LORD) for forgiviness. i was 3 yrs old, i was raped and beaten for it afterwards by mommy, and told i brought it on my self. that i was big enough to get dressed with out help. 1st i took zoloft. 200 mg. now i take lexapro 20 mg. i am feeling like i want to make it now. before i was struggling. however it doesn't do anything for wanting my enabling mother to meet her maker. in time our maker will take care of business. good luck, and hang in there folks. life could be worse, no meds! for one or you could be in my shoes or i in yours.
Posted by billk on July 6, 2003, at 19:27:57
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by trucker on July 6, 2003, at 17:38:52
Now that this thread is over a year old, I am wondering if any consensus has been reached about Celexa vx. Lexapro.
Is there an improvement in effectiveness and/or side effects or is it all just marketing hype?
Posted by vandy on July 6, 2003, at 23:03:06
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by billk on July 6, 2003, at 19:27:57
I seem to recall a significant number of comments in this thread about cutting the dosage from Celexa to Lexapro. That seemed to be something mentioned very early on.
Posted by dc75 on July 7, 2003, at 10:54:42
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
Hi! I just started taking lexapro five days ago. An annoying and somewhat embarrasing side-effect for me has been sweaty hands, besides other side effects that just are uncomfortable (headache, stomach ache, etc.). But the one that bugs me the most is the clammy hands. Those of you who had this side effect, did it go away eventually or did this side effect remain? Is there anything that can be done about it. It's annoying since I like this drug, I feel that it's helping. Any advice would be helpful.
Thanks!
dc75
Posted by BLKVETTES on July 7, 2003, at 11:49:31
In reply to Sweaty,clammy hands - will it go away?, posted by dc75 on July 7, 2003, at 10:54:42
> Hi! I just started taking lexapro five days ago. An annoying and somewhat embarrasing side-effect for me has been sweaty hands, besides other side effects that just are uncomfortable (headache, stomach ache, etc.). But the one that bugs me the most is the clammy hands. Those of you who had this side effect, did it go away eventually or did this side effect remain? Is there anything that can be done about it. It's annoying since I like this drug, I feel that it's helping. Any advice would be helpful.
> Thanks!
> dc75Hi there, I had the same problem and it did go away. Dont remember how long it took. I do know if I was somewhere and my anxiety went up my hands would drip with sweat. Being a male I really did not care. But you might try baby powder or something like that. Glad the lex seems to be working for you. TAKE CARE!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by BLKVETTES on July 7, 2003, at 12:04:03
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by teriwynn on January 8, 2003, at 10:50:37
I guess its been over 5 months on the lexapro. I thought I was recently going through some kind of poop out stage. I was really scared for over a week. But Im doing fine again. I think it was because of a busy week and a lot of bad things happening all at once. So I guess I passed the test. No panic attacks or depression, but I do get some anxiety time to time, this from going somewhere new or just a real busy day. Its not bad anxiety, just enough to get my attention. I only take xanax at night now to relax. I also have been sleeping really well the last week. I have had life long insomnia so this is a welcomed change. Im sure the insomnia will come back so I better rest up. Anyone suffering from panic attacks or anxiety I will say this takes a long time to overcome. I kept getting a little better each week. Once the med works if it does you have to change your thoughts and face your fears. Repetition is the key. Take care everyone!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by Capri on July 7, 2003, at 14:17:04
In reply to Re: Lexapro Dosing...10 mg or bust??????, posted by BLKVETTES on July 6, 2003, at 1:32:16
Hi Wayne,
I'm taking 5 mg of Lex at night for 10 days now (also 1/2 tab of Klonopin cause I can't sleep with the Lex). Just noticed today instead of being hyper all day I'm tired. Could this be the Lex turning a different side effect on me?! Would like to increase now to 7 mg now that the hyperness seems to be decreasing.
Posted by BLKVETTES on July 7, 2003, at 14:57:58
In reply to Re: Lexapro Dosing...10 mg or bust?????? » BLKVETTES, posted by Capri on July 7, 2003, at 14:17:04
> Hi Wayne,
>
> I'm taking 5 mg of Lex at night for 10 days now (also 1/2 tab of Klonopin cause I can't sleep with the Lex). Just noticed today instead of being hyper all day I'm tired. Could this be the Lex turning a different side effect on me?! Would like to increase now to 7 mg now that the hyperness seems to be decreasing.
>Hi there, I'll tell you this just when you think you have it figured out something changes. I am glad you started on a low dose. I have been everywhere from 5 to 10 so many times. I have stuck at the 7mg mark or so for awhile. To this day sometimes I get tired and dont know why. I stick to a certain diet and take a vitamin. If your not hyper I guess you could move it up. If you dont like the feeling go back down. But you have to give it time to see what happens when you change your dose. Im going by my personal experience, what worked for me may not work for you. You should always change your dose when the doc tells you to. But I gave up on the docs long ago. How is the lex working for you so far. Any side effects besides the hyper feeling. You may feel tired for weeks before that goes away. So changing your dose may make you more tired. Also remember your very early on the lex. 10 days is not long but glad your hanging in there on it. I hope it works for you!!! TAKE CARE!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by tm on July 7, 2003, at 17:00:06
In reply to Lexapro Dosing...10 mg or bust??????, posted by McPac on July 5, 2003, at 23:54:20
> The study I read says that there's very little difference between 10 and 20 mg of Lexapro.
> So if someone took the 10 mg dosage and that didn't do enough, then they're screwed? I mean, with other meds such as Zoloft for example, you try 50mg...if you don't feel enough effect, you could increase to 75....then 100....then 150 if need be...and so on. But with lex it's just take the 10 mg. and if that doesn't have enough anti-depressant effect or ocd effect, then there's nothing you can do???? One dosage either works or that's it? What the Hell? OCD'ers typically need a higher dose of a med than for depressives---so how is 10 lousy mg's going to do the job? Never heard of a 'one-dosage' med before, again, so if 10 mg isn't doing the job then that's it, nothing you can do but drop it and try another? Makes no sense. Anybody get a better effect at 20 mg than 10? Anybody taking MORE than 20 mg? Thanks!
I started at 10mg, then 15mg and I am now at 20mg. I also take .5 Xanax 4 times a day. I'm like Wayne I get a little anxiety every now and then, but with the med my mind is able to work through it. I feel like I'm back to normal. My process started the last week in April.
Best of luck Tim!
Posted by bruce_w6 on July 7, 2003, at 18:55:02
In reply to Re: Lexapro Dosing...10 mg or bust?????? » McPac, posted by tm on July 7, 2003, at 17:00:06
I remember seeing posts in the beginning about urination habits changing when on Lexapro. How do I find these posts? Has anyone noticed their urination habits changing since taking Lexapro?
Posted by BLKVETTES on July 7, 2003, at 19:30:03
In reply to Lexapro Urination, posted by bruce_w6 on July 7, 2003, at 18:55:02
> I remember seeing posts in the beginning about urination habits changing when on Lexapro. How do I find these posts? Has anyone noticed their urination habits changing since taking Lexapro?
Hi there, you can go to the bottom of the page and there are search options. Type in urinate or urinating or peeing etc.
WAYNE
Posted by dc75 on July 7, 2003, at 20:01:05
In reply to Re: Sweaty,clammy hands - will it go away?, posted by BLKVETTES on July 7, 2003, at 11:49:31
Thanks Wayne, I'm glad to hear that this problem went away for you, I guess I will just keep at it and hope for the best.
Cheers,
dc75
Posted by Capri on July 7, 2003, at 20:55:33
In reply to Re: Lexapro Dosing...10 mg or bust??????, posted by BLKVETTES on July 7, 2003, at 14:57:58
Hi Wayne,
The Pdoc I see isn't worth a dime but I have no choice until my insurance changes in the new year (sounds far off I know). He has no sensitivity whatsoever. If he knew I was only take 5 mg literally he would laugh at me. He tells me I think too much about side effects before I even take the meds which is so not true! I'm no stranger to these meds over the years. I am super sensitive. I don't know what kind of patients he sees but they all must tolerate meds well.Ok getting back to the side effects. I had a bad headache for the first 7 days, dry mouth, hyperness (panicky feelings), insomnia. I can't believe that this med did 180 turn on me and now make me exhausted. I guess I won't be able to increase the dose until the tiredness goes away right? If I need to stay on 5 mg will that be a theraputic dose being 10mg is the starting dose??
Thanks,
Capri
Posted by BLKVETTES on July 7, 2003, at 21:41:22
In reply to Re: Lexapro Dosing...10 mg or bust?????? » BLKVETTES, posted by Capri on July 7, 2003, at 20:55:33
> Hi Wayne,
>
>
> The Pdoc I see isn't worth a dime but I have no choice until my insurance changes in the new year (sounds far off I know). He has no sensitivity whatsoever. If he knew I was only take 5 mg literally he would laugh at me. He tells me I think too much about side effects before I even take the meds which is so not true! I'm no stranger to these meds over the years. I am super sensitive. I don't know what kind of patients he sees but they all must tolerate meds well.
>
> Ok getting back to the side effects. I had a bad headache for the first 7 days, dry mouth, hyperness (panicky feelings), insomnia. I can't believe that this med did 180 turn on me and now make me exhausted. I guess I won't be able to increase the dose until the tiredness goes away right? If I need to stay on 5 mg will that be a theraputic dose being 10mg is the starting dose??
>
> Thanks,
> Capri
>Hi there, I have had 4 pdocs in 8 months. I have seen people get results on 5mg before. I got results on 7mg. There really is no hurry for you to move up. Do it when you feel comfortable I guess. Thats what I did. You can do it a little at a time. I think pdocs are trained to get your mind off side effects like they dont exist. Just go at your own pace if your doing it your self. You take care and be patient. Here is a link!!!
WAYNE
http://panicdisorder.about.com/features/blmed1.htm
Posted by trucker on July 7, 2003, at 21:42:06
In reply to Re: Lexapro Dosing...10 mg or bust?????? » BLKVETTES, posted by Capri on July 7, 2003, at 20:55:33
thanks folks! i now know why i am tired all the time. occationally i have an energenic day but they are rare. i was on 10 mg of lex for 2 wks. now i have been bumped up to 20 mg of lex. the anxiety is better managed, the depression too. just don't get a lot done in a days time. ya give ya take. at least i am closer to my normal self..... if i ever was normal!!! thanks ya'll for the info... how long does this tiredness usually last???i have been on the 20mg now for a week or so.
trucker!
Posted by nitowl17 on July 7, 2003, at 22:21:11
In reply to Re: Lexapro Dosing...10 mg or bust?????? » BLKVETTES, posted by Capri on July 7, 2003, at 20:55:33
I can so relate to your e-mail it's not funny.
Posted by MikeBC on July 7, 2003, at 22:47:59
In reply to Re: Lexapro Dosing...10 mg or bust??????, posted by nitowl17 on July 7, 2003, at 22:21:11
I have been taking 2.5 mg lexapro for about 3 or 4 weeks now and definitely notice side effects and therapeutic value so don't let anyone tell you you need 10 mg minimum. Side effects for me are insomnia in the morning (waking up at 5 am and not able to get back to sleep) and the typical male sexual side effects. I take it at night an hour or two after I eat dinner.
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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