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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Oldhand on December 19, 2003, at 0:51:00
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? » Dr. Bob, posted by Dan W. on December 18, 2003, at 21:34:06
> I am 60 days clean from alcohol and benzos. I have been taking Effexor XR 150 for 45 days and Lexapro 10 mg for the last 12 days while tapering off the Effexor. I have been experiencing difficult withdrawals from the Effexor (or maybe side effects from the Lexapro). Has anyone experienced difficulty during the transition? How long is the "hang in period"?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Dan
Hi Dan,
Effexor was a terrible thing for me. Got up to 75mg and it raised my BP and other bad effects. I tried to stop without tapering (duh!). Sent me into serious anxiety and other horrible stuff. Doc got me through with some Ativan until I could get in to him at which time he changed me to Lexapro. I was not transitioning really I guess. But please give it a good shot as the Lexapro has truely made a difference in my life.
Best Wishes,
Shelley
PS-With the Lexapro I no longer felt like drinking alcohol, a good thing for me as I was self-medicating for years I think, which led to abuse. Hope it may benefit you in the same way.
Posted by Mrs C. on December 19, 2003, at 8:50:51
In reply to panic attacks, lexapro, cognitive therapy, posted by littlepanickyjessica on December 18, 2003, at 23:51:41
> hey guys...been reading this thread for some time now, it's pretty interesting, makes me feel scared and normal all at the same time. anyway, had first panic attack little over a month ago and have since suffered from nearly intolerable anxiety and recurrent, yet not as violent as the initial, panic attacks. tried many things such as changing diet, quit drinking, cognitive therapy, acupunture, massage, etc. took zoloft for one day and felt absolutely terrible...have taken half of one xanax to help get thru a panic attack. am generally not excited about getting on meds but have heard lots of good things lately about lexapro. wondering if anyone out there had bad reaction to zoloft and favorable reaction to lexapro...i know they are both SSRIs. also wondering if anyone has personally gotten through panic/anxiety without meds...just therapy only or whatever. this is not a fun experience but everyone keeps telling me that someday i will look back on it as a blessing. reactions, anyone? by the way, this anxiety stuff is all new to me...is it in any way typical to feel physically anxious all day even though you lead a relatively stress-free life? thanks, guys. i hope everyone feels better.
You can absolutely feel anxious without having a stressful life. This is why I am on Lex because of anxiety that was becoming intolerable. I have a wonderful marriage, a great part-time job, no financial or health problems. Just anxiety which lead to depression for me. Since about my fifth week on lex I feel incredible! Keep on trying, it may work for you too. Good Luck!
Posted by nicky847 on December 19, 2003, at 9:14:36
In reply to panic attacks, lexapro, cognitive therapy, posted by littlepanickyjessica on December 18, 2003, at 23:51:41
LPJ (love the name :)!)-
First yeah it is entirely normal to feel anxious throughout the day even though your life may not involve wrestling alligators or putting out fires or whatever...alot of times our fight/flight mechanisms get thrown out of whack for whatever reason, and it takes alot of time to get them back to normal...It is entirely possible to recover from an anxiety disorder without meds through therapy and lots and lots of patience, usually cognitive therapy where you learn to examine your panicy thoughts and kind of hold them up to the light and see that they are really not the truth...however meds can really help make the recovery process faster and easier...for some people adjusting to an SSRI can be difficult, and the adjustment period can take anywhere from 6-8 weeks..your having a bad rxn to zoloft doesnt guarantee that you will have a bad rxn to another med like lexapro..as each of our bodies and each med is different...it seems like you have a good attitude towards this so keep it up..it can be a blessing if you approach it with a positive outlook..good luck and take care!
> hey guys...been reading this thread for some time now, it's pretty interesting, makes me feel scared and normal all at the same time. anyway, had first panic attack little over a month ago and have since suffered from nearly intolerable anxiety and recurrent, yet not as violent as the initial, panic attacks. tried many things such as changing diet, quit drinking, cognitive therapy, acupunture, massage, etc. took zoloft for one day and felt absolutely terrible...have taken half of one xanax to help get thru a panic attack. am generally not excited about getting on meds but have heard lots of good things lately about lexapro. wondering if anyone out there had bad reaction to zoloft and favorable reaction to lexapro...i know they are both SSRIs. also wondering if anyone has personally gotten through panic/anxiety without meds...just therapy only or whatever. this is not a fun experience but everyone keeps telling me that someday i will look back on it as a blessing. reactions, anyone? by the way, this anxiety stuff is all new to me...is it in any way typical to feel physically anxious all day even though you lead a relatively stress-free life? thanks, guys. i hope everyone feels better.
Posted by Kim B. on December 19, 2003, at 9:19:38
In reply to Re: panic attacks, lexapro, cognitive therapy, posted by nicky847 on December 19, 2003, at 9:14:36
Jessica,
You were able to put my anxiousness at ease just a little by explaining that even though we have just begun Lexapro it is normal to still feel quite anxious. It makes sense that our fight/flight system would need some time to adjust. Anyone out there find that they fall asleep so hard that they practically jump out of their skin at first before they completely fall asleep. Just wondered.>
LPJ (love the name :)!)-
> First yeah it is entirely normal to feel anxious throughout the day even though your life may not involve wrestling alligators or putting out fires or whatever...alot of times our fight/flight mechanisms get thrown out of whack for whatever reason, and it takes alot of time to get them back to normal...It is entirely possible to recover from an anxiety disorder without meds through therapy and lots and lots of patience, usually cognitive therapy where you learn to examine your panicy thoughts and kind of hold them up to the light and see that they are really not the truth...however meds can really help make the recovery process faster and easier...for some people adjusting to an SSRI can be difficult, and the adjustment period can take anywhere from 6-8 weeks..your having a bad rxn to zoloft doesnt guarantee that you will have a bad rxn to another med like lexapro..as each of our bodies and each med is different...
>
> it seems like you have a good attitude towards this so keep it up..it can be a blessing if you approach it with a positive outlook..good luck and take care!
> > hey guys...been reading this thread for some time now, it's pretty interesting, makes me feel scared and normal all at the same time. anyway, had first panic attack little over a month ago and have since suffered from nearly intolerable anxiety and recurrent, yet not as violent as the initial, panic attacks. tried many things such as changing diet, quit drinking, cognitive therapy, acupunture, massage, etc. took zoloft for one day and felt absolutely terrible...have taken half of one xanax to help get thru a panic attack. am generally not excited about getting on meds but have heard lots of good things lately about lexapro. wondering if anyone out there had bad reaction to zoloft and favorable reaction to lexapro...i know they are both SSRIs. also wondering if anyone has personally gotten through panic/anxiety without meds...just therapy only or whatever. this is not a fun experience but everyone keeps telling me that someday i will look back on it as a blessing. reactions, anyone? by the way, this anxiety stuff is all new to me...is it in any way typical to feel physically anxious all day even though you lead a relatively stress-free life? thanks, guys. i hope everyone feels better.
>
>
Posted by LynneDa on December 19, 2003, at 9:34:35
In reply to panic attacks, lexapro, cognitive therapy, posted by littlepanickyjessica on December 18, 2003, at 23:51:41
Hi LPJ - welcome to the Board! You may want to look at the Anxiety Disorders Association of America website, it's the initials and then .org. It gives overviews and treatment ideas.
My anxiety is somewhat stress provoked - but my life isn't horribly stressful either so I was shocked when I started having panic attacks while driving home from work each night and lots of irrational anxiety. It was simultaneous to my depression getting pretty bad - and it all felt chemical to me, different than my normal depression that comes and goes and isn't completely disabling(dysthymia).
Anyway, I'm on 10 mg of Lex, 2 months now, and my panic attacks are GONE! The anxiety and depression are lessening - I'd say I'm at about 80% most days.
Good luck and hang in there!
~ Lynne
Posted by Anjul on December 19, 2003, at 12:09:34
In reply to Re: side effects of Lex, posted by Anjul on December 19, 2003, at 12:06:05
I have been on 10 mg of Lex for 3 months and its changed my life. A miracle. One little problem, I cant sleep. Even with Klonopin or Trazadone. I also lost alot of weight. I am just cutting back to 5 MG in hopes that will help. Any ideas???
Anjul
Posted by tiredman on December 19, 2003, at 14:05:04
In reply to Re: 10 milligrams of lexapro » lil' jimi, posted by Oldhand on December 18, 2003, at 1:10:22
First, let me say thanks to all that contribute to this forum. I don't post very much, but I do continue to read.I started Lex about two months ago. I started at 2.5 mg because I am sensitive to meds. I felt good for a few days and then it stopped working. I increased my dose to 5. It worked for about a week and then stopped. Then 7.5 , 10, and 15. Each increase lasted longer. At fifteen I had been feeling good for more then two weeks. I thought I had it made but it pooped out a few days ago. My pdoc says that she has not seen this before. I seem to metabolize Lex very fast. I just upped it to 20 and am waiting for it to kick in.
I feel terrible. Not just because I am depressed, but because I will always know that it's just a matter of time before the lex stops working. Even worse, it's without a warning. I went to my company Christmas party last night. It was OK while I was stuffing my face, but when I watched people on the dance floor I suddenly felt very, very sad. Like I was never going to be allowed a good time again.
My wife and I are both suffering from a trauma and maybe we will always feel this way. I sure was hopeful when it seemed that lex was going to work for me. I know that for some people anti-depressants stop working after a period of years but have any
of you had this problem with lex?
Thanks!
tiredman
Posted by Derrille on December 19, 2003, at 20:53:45
In reply to Re: anyone get these side effects, posted by LynneDa on October 23, 2003, at 16:18:12
Someone recently reported that their neck itched after getting on Lexapro. I want to find out more. I started Lexapro two months ago and for the last month, the back of my neck has constantly itched and even woken me up at night...is there a connection...is this an unreported side-effect?
Posted by Neatfreak on December 19, 2003, at 21:38:57
In reply to Re: Lexapro has been very good for me, posted by piscesmoon7 on February 4, 2003, at 15:45:48
I have been on Lesapro for 8 days with no noticeable effects pro or con
Posted by Bali on December 20, 2003, at 9:03:46
In reply to Re: side effects of Lex, posted by Anjul on December 19, 2003, at 12:09:34
Anjul, Have you tried the otc drug, Diphenhydramine? It is found in Benadryl or store forms of the same. Very inexpensive! It is also the ingredient in Tylenol P.M.. I take the liquid allergy medicine form and buy it at Publix because they have their store brand, Publix ALLERGY MEDICINE in a pink and white box. It is SO much cheaper than Tylenol P.M. and does not have the added pain relief that you may not need at bedtime. If you decide to take it, take the maximum dosage for adults (4 tsp.), and that will equal the amount found in the Tylenol P.M. medicine.
I've tried Trazadone and found that diphenhydramine works better for me and I feel less drugged/more refreshed in the morning. At times I've also added Melatonin, found in most supplement aisles of grocery stores, if after taking the diphenhydramine I wake up in the night or am not asleep 45 minutes after taking it. I really hope this helps!! It has been a life saver for me. Bali
Posted by Derrille on December 20, 2003, at 10:16:28
In reply to Once more into the breech my friends..., posted by tiredman on December 19, 2003, at 14:05:04
Oldhand,
I have just begun on Lexapro, but I know as a psychotherapist that antidepressants are not designed for long-term use, only short-term use while a person is in therapy. I used Prozac and Buspar 15 years ago as I was a victim of repeated trauma as a child and adolescent and the repercussions hit me much later in life. I was only on these medications for 1 1/2 years and was in therapy twice a week for six months, then once a week for a year. I encourage you as one who has had to undergo extensive recovery for trauma, please seek to get into a support group and professional weekly therapy.
Posted by Mariposa on December 20, 2003, at 11:16:39
In reply to Re: anyone get these side effects, posted by Derrille on December 19, 2003, at 20:53:45
> Someone recently reported that their neck itched after getting on Lexapro. I want to find out more. I started Lexapro two months ago and for the last month, the back of my neck has constantly itched and even woken me up at night...is there a connection...is this an unreported side-effect?
I had an itchy rash on my back and tops of my arms, but it went away by 4th week.~~~8|8
Posted by Neatfreak on December 21, 2003, at 7:15:20
In reply to Re: Lexapro has been very good for me, posted by Neatfreak on December 19, 2003, at 21:38:57
10th day on Lexapro, got more sleep last night than than the total for the last 6 days. First time I have felt normal for weeks
Posted by ocdforyears on December 21, 2003, at 12:49:48
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
Hey gang,
man, do I feel for the people on this board (including myself); the anxiety here is palpable, and the desire for relief as well.
I felt a lift in depression after one week at 5 mg of lex (I felt too stimulated to go higher). Now it's been about twelve days and I still feel stimulated. So far, no change in my ocd or anxiety levels; if anything, they may be a tad increased. This is only the second ssri I've tried (zoloft really sent me for a loop and I couldn't stay on it). I know every med, and every person, is different. I also know the stimulating effects can wear off. But I'm questioning whether this is the right med for me. I was making progress, slow progress, in conventional therapy. I do have some cognitive tools, though I want more (been reading Brain Lock and Stop Obsessing, both have helpful points).
But my heart seems to beat a little harder, I feel overly alert, and even a bit more anxious than before I started the lex. And again, I'm only on 5 mg. I'll call my psych and let her know all this. She mentioned paxil when I told her I found zoloft too stimulating; but then I hear paxil can make you gain weight...tough to say.
What are there now, seven or eight of these meds? That's a lot of meds to try.
I enjoy feeling less depressed, but I don't like the stimulation. And I know ocd takes longer to respond to these meds than depression anyway.
Well, here's best wishes to all those of you still searching, and congratulations to you (you really are lucky) if lex is really helping you.
I do think, still, that though meds and cognitive work are ncessary to heal from my ocd, that the deep core is emotional. But that stuff heals so slowly, and I think ocd requires some cognitive work because it's a thought disorder.
Well, best of luck. I'll keep posting here as long as I'm trying lex. I haven't thrown the towel in on it yet.
Posted by Anna G on December 21, 2003, at 13:43:53
In reply to Re: Lexapro has been very good for me, posted by Neatfreak on December 19, 2003, at 21:38:57
It was suggested by my neorologist that I take Lexapro for headaches and migraine issues. I am afraid of the side effects if any. What do ya think?
Posted by nicky847 on December 21, 2003, at 13:58:23
In reply to mixed results so far, posted by ocdforyears on December 21, 2003, at 12:49:48
The fact that your depression feels improved after such a short time is a great sign! The increased anxiety the first couple of weeks is very common..and it should subside in time..usually week 2 and 3 are the peak of that S/E...good luck and hang in there sounds like you may respond well to the med!
> Hey gang,
>
> man, do I feel for the people on this board (including myself); the anxiety here is palpable, and the desire for relief as well.
>
> I felt a lift in depression after one week at 5 mg of lex (I felt too stimulated to go higher). Now it's been about twelve days and I still feel stimulated. So far, no change in my ocd or anxiety levels; if anything, they may be a tad increased. This is only the second ssri I've tried (zoloft really sent me for a loop and I couldn't stay on it). I know every med, and every person, is different. I also know the stimulating effects can wear off. But I'm questioning whether this is the right med for me. I was making progress, slow progress, in conventional therapy. I do have some cognitive tools, though I want more (been reading Brain Lock and Stop Obsessing, both have helpful points).
>
> But my heart seems to beat a little harder, I feel overly alert, and even a bit more anxious than before I started the lex. And again, I'm only on 5 mg. I'll call my psych and let her know all this. She mentioned paxil when I told her I found zoloft too stimulating; but then I hear paxil can make you gain weight...tough to say.
>
> What are there now, seven or eight of these meds? That's a lot of meds to try.
>
> I enjoy feeling less depressed, but I don't like the stimulation. And I know ocd takes longer to respond to these meds than depression anyway.
>
> Well, here's best wishes to all those of you still searching, and congratulations to you (you really are lucky) if lex is really helping you.
>
> I do think, still, that though meds and cognitive work are ncessary to heal from my ocd, that the deep core is emotional. But that stuff heals so slowly, and I think ocd requires some cognitive work because it's a thought disorder.
>
> Well, best of luck. I'll keep posting here as long as I'm trying lex. I haven't thrown the towel in on it yet.
>
>
Posted by BobYuma on December 21, 2003, at 19:05:20
In reply to mixed results so far, posted by ocdforyears on December 21, 2003, at 12:49:48
> > > I felt a lift in depression after one week at 5 mg of lex (I felt too stimulated to go higher) .... This is only the second ssri I've tried (zoloft really sent me for a loop and I couldn't stay on it). I know every med, and every person, is different. I also know the stimulating effects can wear off. But I'm questioning whether this is the right med for me .....
my heart seems to beat a little harder, I feel overly alert, and even a bit more anxious than before I started the lex ..... I enjoy feeling less depressed, but I don't like the stimulation.
> > > > > > >Hello there, ocdforyears.
Just wanted to comment on your statments about the over-stimulation with the Lexapro.
I'm into my third week on Lexapro now, and you're right, the stimulation is a real drag. But my depression has really lifted so to me it's worth it. I can tell you a few things that I've discovered about the stimulation.
Mine gets pretty bad at times, in fact, it feels almost like a panic attack starting. It usually starts in the afternoon and continues into the late evening. I've noticed that caffeine really makes it a lot worse, in fact, it seems like the stimulation doubles at the very least with caffeine. Also, sweets do the very same thing as the caffeine does, so I try to stay away from both.
My doc gave me some lorazepam when I was having the panic and anxiety attacks, and it helps with the over-stimulation if it gets too bad.
Hope this helps a bit.
Take care and remember, there's always a brighter day to look forward to.
Sincerely, BobYuma
Posted by Mrs C. on December 21, 2003, at 20:59:14
In reply to Re: Lexapro has been very good for me, posted by Anna G on December 21, 2003, at 13:43:53
> It was suggested by my neorologist that I take Lexapro for headaches and migraine issues. I am afraid of the side effects if any. What do ya think?
My husband was prescribed zoloft for the very same reason. I know it is a different med, but it really has worked wonders for him. Cluster headaches and migraines are gone! And he is a much happier person. He was tired for about 3 weeks but now has no se's from zoloft. If lex doesn't work for you maybe try it. Good luck.
Posted by Oldhand on December 21, 2003, at 22:07:22
In reply to Re: Lexapro has been very good for me, posted by Anna G on December 21, 2003, at 13:43:53
Anna,
I am beginning my second year on Lexapro for depression.
I also get migraines but have had only one while taking Lexapro and that night I drank some cheap wine (too much).
If you have read up on the side effects you might try the medication for your headaches and migraines. Some people have no side effects at all, many only have slight ones. I would guess that the sample of folks represented here leans in the direction of seeking support for nearly intolerable and/or prolonged discomfort.
Your doc may give you such a small dose that it may help with migraines and have no side effects at all or if you do they will be slight and be gone quickly.
I wish you the best, and a migraine free New Year.
Shelley
Posted by Trisha Longhair on December 22, 2003, at 0:36:38
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
>I am concerned because after a recent increase, I attempted suicide. I am trying to figure it all out. I stopped Lexapro 6 weeks ago and I am feeling much better now..I was on a lower dose for almost a year..
[Posted by ggrrl on June 11, 2002, at 1:19:51]
>
> > Seems like there are a lot of people on here who have talked about Lexapro's improved side-effects, specifically that it has less tiredness and sexual side effects than Celexa. Some have said that it has the same side effects as Celexa. However most people are quoting from press releases - does anyone here know from experience (theirs or others')?
>
>
Posted by jane47 on December 22, 2003, at 6:16:53
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro?, posted by Trisha Longhair on December 22, 2003, at 0:36:38
> >I am concerned because after a recent increase, I attempted suicide. I am trying to figure it all out. I stopped Lexapro 6 weeks ago and I am feeling much better now..I was on a lower dose for almost a year..
>
> [Posted by ggrrl on June 11, 2002, at 1:19:51]
> >
> > > Seems like there are a lot of people on here who have talked about Lexapro's improved side-effects, specifically that it has less tiredness and sexual side effects than Celexa. Some have said that it has the same side effects as Celexa. However most people are quoting from press releases - does anyone here know from experience (theirs or others')?
> >
> > I took celexa 4 years ago. The sexual side effects and tiredness were much worse than lex. I have been on lex for 9 weeks now and those side effects are gone. For me this is a much better drug. Hope it works well for you.
....Jane47
>
>
Posted by LynneDa on December 22, 2003, at 9:23:06
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro?, posted by Trisha Longhair on December 22, 2003, at 0:36:38
Trisha, I'm sad to hear about your suicide attempt, that's got to be hard after being on Lex for a year. Why did you increase your dosage and what did you go up to? I know these meds can "poop-out" after a while. Is it your thought that increasing the dosage was not an alternative if you felt your depression coming back? Did you change to another med? Just curious, as I've only been on Lex 2 months now (10 mg) and am not sympton-free, but much much better!
Examples of success for me are: I only blow up at my husband and kids about once per week, vs. once a day, I actually try and put on make-up/do my hair before work now (& other self-care things I've neglected), I've started getting back in touch with friends I've been out of touch with for several years. I have more emotional and physical energy to handle things that come my way. I don't cry for no reason on an almost daily basis! I don't have anxiety attacks on the way home from work anymore. I'm more productive and am an actual participant in my work world, instead of being in a daze and barely getting by.
Best wishes for success to everyone trying these meds and hang in there thru the s/e's - they usually go away in a month or so and I think most have found they've been worth the wait!
~ Lynne
Posted by Gator on December 22, 2003, at 9:39:03
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro?, posted by LynneDa on December 22, 2003, at 9:23:06
Merry Christmas everyone,
I don't post very often, but I read every day. I had a very terrible situation happen in my life 2 weeks ago and without Lex I would have never had the strength to get through it. I have been on 10mg for 3 months now. Without the support of my Mom, my best friend,Lex and reading this board daily I would have slipped into the dark hole of depresion again. The situation is getting better and I am seeing the light and feeling better. It is going to be a hard Christmas but I will be smiling!
Thanks to all and have a happy and peaceful Holiday!
Gator
Posted by LynneDa on December 22, 2003, at 10:03:53
In reply to Thank goodness for Lexapro!, posted by Gator on December 22, 2003, at 9:39:03
Here's a hug for you {{{{Gator}}}}}, glad you can see the light! Peace to you and Merry Christmas!
~ Lynne
Posted by BobYuma on December 22, 2003, at 10:26:12
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro?, posted by LynneDa on December 22, 2003, at 9:23:06
>>> Best wishes for success to everyone trying these meds and hang in there thru the s/e's - they usually go away in a month or so and I think most have found they've been worth the wait!
> > ~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Hi, Lynne.
I'm really glad to hear that you're doing so well with Lexapro.
You said that you've been on Lex for two months, and most SE's have gone away. My question is, did you have the side effect of clenching your jaws and teeth, and if so, has that side effect completely gone away yet?
I'm four days into my third week with Lex, and this is probably my biggest problem at this time, because it seems to be getting worse. I woke up about four times last night with my jaws hurting from clenching my jaws and teeth together. The jaws are actually sore this morning. I hope this SE goes away soon, I hate it.
Thanks, take care and good luck to you. May you have a Happy and Merry Christmas.
BobYuma
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