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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by captain on June 15, 2004, at 11:27:34
In reply to Lexapro and vision problems?, posted by Scribbler on June 15, 2004, at 9:46:32
> Greetings -- I moved up from 10 mg of Lex to 15 mg last week and have been experiencing vision problems in one eye, dryness and blurring. No other side effects from the increase but I'm wondering if the eye-thing is worth seeing an opthamologist? If I weren't worried about my eye, I'd be feeling a whole lot less anxious!
I actually just started on Lexapro 8 days ago and have had some weird vision problems in my right eye. A little blurry, not the dryness though. I moved up from 5mg to 10mg (I didn't think about the coincidence of that until you said it) so maybe that is what it is. It has caused me to be anxious too. Although I can tell the medicine must be working because normally that would cause me to have a full blown anxiety attack! I have a dr. appt in a few weeks - I will ask her about vision then - although I did read on the lexapro site that it is rare but blurred vision can be a side effect.
Posted by Allie26 on June 15, 2004, at 19:11:41
In reply to Re: Weight gain, posted by TJO on May 31, 2004, at 15:54:44
Hello...
I am hoping that someone could possibly help me. I am a recovering addict, taking Seroquel for severe insomnia (I have had it since 1997). I take about 350mgs. I have put on about 10 pounds from the Seroquel. I have tried almost all other non addictive sleep aids (trazadone, etc) and have no luck. I am so incredably depressed from the Seroquel weight gain. I am completely obsessing about it. However, I simply cannot sleep without it. I am really watching my diet, and I work a 60 hour week, but I am trying to exercise. I recently tried to add Topamax to help with the weight gain but I felt absolutely emotionally awful on the Topamax. Is there anything else anyone else out there has done? I am so depressed over this weight gain. Any advice would help. Thanks, Allie
Posted by sexylexy on June 15, 2004, at 19:31:52
In reply to Re: Weight gain, posted by Allie26 on June 15, 2004, at 19:11:41
Allie,
I do not know a lot about Seroquels properties on the on apptite or metabolism, so I will give the only advice I can. I Finished called college two years ago and had gained 25lbs. I was "dieting" and felt as if I were gaining not losing weight. I started on Weight Watchers and learned that what I thought was dieting really was not. It is a very easy program because you can eat whatever you want, it just teaches you how to eat. I remember when I was "dieting" eating salads ect and not realizing how fattening they actually were... I would have been better off eating a burger in a lot of cases. It really just teaches you how to eat, and change your life style... I still ate chocolate cake every week, mexican ect but learned how to eat. I dropped all my college weight.
I am on lexapro and when I went up to 20mg I started gaining weight, I have dropped down to 5mg (as my situational depression is over and I just need help with anxiety) but have gotten back on the weight watchers and am watching the weight drop off again.
Good luck, God bless
Lexy
Posted by Ishrafael on June 15, 2004, at 20:09:37
In reply to Re: Poop out , posted by pharmrep on July 31, 2002, at 22:37:46
Delayed ejaculation... If I had been warned about this, I might have opted out of this program. I'm not pleased with this side-effect, and neither is my girlfriend.
I'm 36, and never had a problem like this. I started on Paxil, and this problem began. My doctor recommended Lexapro for its noted benefit with regards to this side effect --- but I notice no difference.
Sorry if this seems on the inflammatory side. Tis only my experience. :)
Now, the question is, how the heck do I get off of Lexapro. I went cold turkey WITHOUT lexapro, and got extreme dizzy spells. My doctor insists that I continue my treatment. (I've been taking it for nearly 10 months.)
I'm nearly ready for a new doctor.
~Mark
Posted by captain on June 16, 2004, at 7:31:00
In reply to Re: Weight gain, posted by sexylexy on June 15, 2004, at 19:31:52
Allie - I know weight gain is very depressing. I actually take 10mg of Lexapro for anxiety and although I haven't had the weight problem yet (only 10 days in and am hoping I won't) - I am also an instructor part time at my gym. I teach at 6am before I go to work. I also work long hours and that is the only time I can go. If you are committed to losing weight - I can give you a few quick tips. 1. Work out early in the am. You will feel great all day and it will keep you from wanting to "undo" the fact that you got up early by eating crappy during the day. 2. Lift weights! I know that a lot of people think that makes you bulky - but it actually burns a ton more fat than cardio. you should do both, but make sure you lift a few days a week. 3. Don't eat carbs at night. Just each chicken, a salad (no creamy dressings), veggies - whatever. Just no carbs as they turn into fat while resting.
I think if you can make a committment to those three things you will see a major difference in just a few weeks! Best of luck to you!
Posted by Allie26 on June 16, 2004, at 13:05:27
In reply to Re: Weight gain, posted by captain on June 16, 2004, at 7:31:00
Wow! Thank you all for your advice and help on the problems I am having with Seroquel. The suggestions are wonderful. I am hoping that I am able to implement them into my life.
Just FYI, about Lexapro, I took it and lost weight from it. I am not sure if it was from the Lexapro or because I was depressed and not eating, but I did lose weight. I am considering going back on it for this effect, paired with making diet and exercise changes.
Thanks again for all the suggestions and help...Allie
Posted by Tweek on June 16, 2004, at 15:37:10
In reply to Re: New Lex user » nicko, posted by LynneDa on June 14, 2004, at 9:51:43
Well, I'm finally on Day 8 (actually day 7, switched from evening to morning dose, but close enough), and starting to feel "funny" again. I had a good weekend, no funny feelings, but last night I started getting moody and just feeling strange. Woke up from weird dreams feeling agitated (not as bad as before, but enough to ruin my morning). I'm still on 5 mg/day. Is this normal as I keep adjusting to Lex? Or maybe my dosage is too low, even though it's only been a week? I'm seeing a therapist tomorrow, so maybe it's something that will just clear up after a bit of therapy. Been facing issues that had actually brought on the depression/anxiety that caused me to go on the Lexapro, so maybe it's just that. Hmmm...
Posted by Leira on June 16, 2004, at 15:45:30
In reply to Re: Day 8, new dosage?, posted by Tweek on June 16, 2004, at 15:37:10
I noticed after about 2 weeks on just 10mg that I was starting to get the "funny" feeling again and my Dr. suggested upping to 15 and then maybe even 20. He said that often 10 is too low for people, so I would definitely up to at least 10 or even 15 if you are only on 5. But definitely see what your dr. says first. i'm back down to 10 now bc of the side effects, so we'll see how that goes . . .
Posted by mystic on June 16, 2004, at 22:05:32
In reply to Re: Day 8, new dosage?, posted by Tweek on June 16, 2004, at 15:37:10
Hang in there Tweek...it has only been a short time..Not sure these meds are for everyone at least the lex I'm on 17.5 and still struggle but hasnt even been a week there are soooo many people that it has really helped...We are here for you and keep posting let us know tomorrow what the therapist said..take care and hope you have a restfull night...Mystic
Posted by mystic on June 16, 2004, at 22:08:23
In reply to Re: Weight gain, posted by sexylexy on June 15, 2004, at 19:31:52
Hey Lexy you are soo right I love Weight Watchers it is a great plan if you stick with it...and the only thing it does is helps you realize your habits and realize that what you think that you are eating might not fit into a daily balance...But you arent deprived of anything and you are shocked to see that you werent eating as good as you thought...Great advise..with these meds we can all use the help...Mrs C. does the Atkins which she has had very good luck with but everyone is different and we all have our different needs...so whatever works...Take care Mystic
Posted by mystic on June 16, 2004, at 22:09:25
In reply to Re: Weight gain, posted by captain on June 16, 2004, at 7:31:00
Great advise Captain..thanks for sharing it was very helpful...Take care Mystic
Posted by trucker on June 17, 2004, at 8:31:18
In reply to RE::: Tweek, posted by mystic on June 16, 2004, at 22:05:32
tweek, i take 20 mgs of lex... it was rough the first 1 1/2 months on the lex.. it is very worth it in the end...you are torchering yourself with the gradule increase.. if doc said 20 do it.. that 15 or 17.5 is worse than 20 mg for some reason... and every time you increase you go thru the side effects again.. just a thought.. hang in there.. you'll be glad you did
trucker
...............................................
> Hang in there Tweek...it has only been a short time..Not sure these meds are for everyone at least the lex I'm on 17.5 and still struggle but hasnt even been a week there are soooo many people that it has really helped...We are here for you and keep posting let us know tomorrow what the therapist said..take care and hope you have a restfull night...Mystic
Posted by captain on June 17, 2004, at 8:57:09
In reply to RE::: Captain, posted by mystic on June 16, 2004, at 22:09:25
Thanks Mystic - I am happy to help if I can. Obviously different weight loss methods work differnetly on everyone, but there is no denying that the endorphins your body produces from consistent excercise certainly makes your body and mind much happier!
I was about 20 pounds overweight in college and not happy about that! I committed myself to working out in the morning and great things happened immediately. It is hard at first to get up at 5am or whenever you choose, but after a while it is part of your routine and you can't live without it. I am currently at a very fit 115 pounds and I eat healthy all week and then whatever I want on the weekends. Lifting weights changed my body drastically and finally helped me lost those extra pounds!
If anyone has any questions about working out or nutrition - I will do what I can to help. I am certified.
Have a wonderful day everyone!
Posted by MoTucker on June 17, 2004, at 10:50:39
In reply to RE:::Weight Gain, posted by captain on June 17, 2004, at 8:57:09
Captain, it's great to hear you have such a good fitness routine. I find it is a spiral downward for me. When I am depressed I need to work out... but never feel like it. And it takes a week of making myself do it before I feel like I can tell the difference. I've been wanting to work on my muscle tone because people like you speak so highly of the practice.
So for those of you that have read my much earlier posts - I did go to the doctor about upping my dose the other day. He's just my PCP... so not a psychiatrist. Anyway, I told him I was hesitant to up my dose because I'd like to just stay at 10. He and I talked and decided that I should try therapy to compliment the meds. So I have a list of very competent people to call for appointments. For right now I'm taking the 10 mg and working on finding a therapist. He recommended I go to a psychiatrist who can perform both the meds and the therapy. That's an expensive option, however.
I'm very upset by the inability to get good mental healthcare on normal insurance. I was told by my PCP that it is unlikely I'll find a good Mental Doc with my insurance. It's important to click with a therapist and the insurance companies don't get it! They assign you to someone, regardless of your preferences, and don't let you change docs unless the guy holds a gun to your head during a session or something! It's more expensive for them in the end... it would be cheaper for them to let me find an effective therapist and work through my issues.
Grrr... sorry for the rant. I'm just amazed at how hard it is to get good mental health care.
M.T.
> Thanks Mystic - I am happy to help if I can. Obviously different weight loss methods work differnetly on everyone, but there is no denying that the endorphins your body produces from consistent excercise certainly makes your body and mind much happier!
>
> I was about 20 pounds overweight in college and not happy about that! I committed myself to working out in the morning and great things happened immediately. It is hard at first to get up at 5am or whenever you choose, but after a while it is part of your routine and you can't live without it. I am currently at a very fit 115 pounds and I eat healthy all week and then whatever I want on the weekends. Lifting weights changed my body drastically and finally helped me lost those extra pounds!
>
> If anyone has any questions about working out or nutrition - I will do what I can to help. I am certified.
>
> Have a wonderful day everyone!
Posted by captain on June 17, 2004, at 12:19:29
In reply to Exercise, Dosage Changes and Therapy, posted by MoTucker on June 17, 2004, at 10:50:39
Well - they do say it takes 2 weeks to start a habit and 3 weeks to break a habit! It's always good to get yourself involved in something that you HAVE to work out for. For example, I started teach at my gym 2 years ago because I knew that it would make me lift weights more while I taught the class because I never lifted enough on my own.
I have also signed up for small runs like 5k's, although recently did a 10K, because then I paid money to be in this race for a good cause, so I have to work towards building up my ability to run.
Setting small goals makes working out so much more fun - and especially having a partner to do it with!
Posted by Mrs. C on June 17, 2004, at 15:22:32
In reply to Re: Day 8, new dosage?, posted by Tweek on June 16, 2004, at 15:37:10
Tweek, my opinion is that 8 days is not long enough to say whether the med is working or not. You need to give it at least 4-6 weeks. In my case I did not feel full effects until 9 weeks. The side effects go away after a few weeks. You are thinking too much. Give yourself some time, please. Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs. C on June 17, 2004, at 15:24:33
In reply to Re: Weight gain, posted by Allie26 on June 16, 2004, at 13:05:27
I have lost weight since starting Lex too but even if I didn't I would rather be a little bit overweight and happy! Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs. C on June 17, 2004, at 15:43:31
In reply to RE::: LExy, posted by mystic on June 16, 2004, at 22:08:23
Hey everyone, I tried weight watchers too. I did loose weight but it was almost impossible for me to stick with the plan. I just couldn't do it. Atkins has been much easier for me. No counting points or anything like that. I do cheat from time to time but I am still losing. Today I had a difficult day at school and came home to my computer and a bowl of fruit loops without the milk. Comfort food!
Congrats Anakin, Hi Jlynne and trucker, good to hear from you guys. Bride, you must be getting anxious and excited. Lexy, I hope that you are doing well. Hi Lynne, Mystic, and anyone else that I missed. Tweek, Motrucker and Nicko, welcome and keep posting. You guys are a great addition to our board. Simus, where are you? Drop us a line. Luv ya'll. Mrs. C
Posted by captain on June 17, 2004, at 16:30:12
In reply to Re: Weight gain, posted by Mrs. C on June 17, 2004, at 15:24:33
Hi Mrs. C,
Do you think you've lost the weight on lexapro because you have been less hungry? When I asked about the weight gain before I tried Lex (only 10 days today) - my doctor said it is different from paxil (that typically makes you gain) because the pill is released lower in your abdomen and reduces the carb cravings that other pills often give you.
I don't know anyone's history here because I am new - but I was just wondering if you have just felt less hungry. In the 10 days I have been on this, i have been much hungrier than normal (But it has also been the week before and week of that time of the month :) )
Sorry for the extra info - haha - just curious!
Captain
Posted by LynneDa on June 17, 2004, at 16:45:46
In reply to Re: Weight gain Mrs. C, posted by captain on June 17, 2004, at 16:30:12
Hi Captain -
Hope you don't mind my chiming in. I've been on Lex for almost 9 months. I started at 10mg and 135 lbs. (I'm 5'7") - which was about 5 lbs over my "normal" weight. In January I went up to 20mg. After a month or so I started steadily gaining 1 to 2 lbs per week. And my appetite has grown!! I've always been underweight. I've never been a gainer, could always eat what I wanted. I am now up to 152 and holding. I've dosed down to 10mg, just taking 20mg when I ovulate and about 10 days before my period - both times when my emotional state becomes unstable.Having said that, I will add that I don't work out regularly and I'm 40 - 2 factors that contribute to weight gain. But, it does seem too coincidental that I gained that much in such a short time!
I have cut out almost all junky/snacky/high fat foods. I'm still very tired all the time - from the Lex I think, but will go to my doc tomorrow to discuss. Fatigue contributes to my lack of exercise!
I recently read a report published several years ago stating that weight gain is not listed as an s/e of ADs because research is only done on s/e's occurring in the first several weeks of usage. Weight gain seems to come later - after a month or more of use.
One other tidbit to share: my therapist has found among the women in her practice that about 1/3 gain, 1/3 stay the same and 1/3 actually lose.
I know this is really long, but wanted to share with you what I've learned. Everyone else on this thread has probably heard this from me many times already :-).
Bottom line: I partially agree with Mrs. C. - better to gain a little weight than to be the depressed mess I was . . . but my weight is definitely depressing as well!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Hi Mrs. C,
>
> Do you think you've lost the weight on lexapro because you have been less hungry? When I asked about the weight gain before I tried Lex (only 10 days today) - my doctor said it is different from paxil (that typically makes you gain) because the pill is released lower in your abdomen and reduces the carb cravings that other pills often give you.
>
> I don't know anyone's history here because I am new - but I was just wondering if you have just felt less hungry. In the 10 days I have been on this, i have been much hungrier than normal (But it has also been the week before and week of that time of the month :) )
>
> Sorry for the extra info - haha - just curious!
>
> Captain
Posted by trucker on June 17, 2004, at 17:47:42
In reply to RE::: LExy, posted by Mrs. C on June 17, 2004, at 15:43:31
hey missed ya too... hope ya are all well
trucker
..................................................................................................
> Hey everyone, I tried weight watchers too. I did loose weight but it was almost impossible for me to stick with the plan. I just couldn't do it. Atkins has been much easier for me. No counting points or anything like that. I do cheat from time to time but I am still losing. Today I had a difficult day at school and came home to my computer and a bowl of fruit loops without the milk. Comfort food!
>
> Congrats Anakin, Hi Jlynne and trucker, good to hear from you guys. Bride, you must be getting anxious and excited. Lexy, I hope that you are doing well. Hi Lynne, Mystic, and anyone else that I missed. Tweek, Motrucker and Nicko, welcome and keep posting. You guys are a great addition to our board. Simus, where are you? Drop us a line. Luv ya'll. Mrs. C
Posted by trucker on June 17, 2004, at 17:50:55
In reply to Re: Weight gain, posted by Mrs. C on June 17, 2004, at 15:24:33
i second that... after all i have been through i am a different and happy person usually looking forward to the next day instead of the negative.lex has worked wonders for me.. it took a little time to feel full affects but the wait is worth it in the end
trucker
.................................................................................................
> I have lost weight since starting Lex too but even if I didn't I would rather be a little bit overweight and happy! Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs. C on June 17, 2004, at 18:41:02
In reply to Re: Weight gain Mrs. C, posted by captain on June 17, 2004, at 16:30:12
Well to be honest with you I have lost weight because I have been working at losing weight. I think the Lex motivated me to finally get off my former big butt and do it. I eat when I am stressed out and that was alot before I started lex. Now that there is less stress there is less eating. Plus I have cut back on my carbs and have given up sugar completely. I have never felt or looked better since I was 25 years old (I'm 38). Good luck to you. Mrs. C
Posted by want info on June 18, 2004, at 8:55:49
In reply to RE::: LExy, posted by Mrs. C on June 17, 2004, at 15:43:31
hey guys. i know i've been MIA. i've been so busy at work! i'm feeling pretty good. i've been cutting down the xanax and switched to the morning. i'm on 17.5 now. i still have a bit of fogginess (it's been about 4 months now) but feel better than i had. i'm not in a constant "what if i freak out" state." as far as weight, i've stayed about the same, but i can lose or gain weight as i always had (as in, if i work out i lose, etc)...i tend to think that with ssri's the weight gain or loss isn't as much about the actual meds as it is about the emotion that comes w it...ie some ppl eat more when they feel worse, some eat less, etc. anyway, i hope everyone is well! xox E
Posted by Scribbler on June 18, 2004, at 9:32:06
In reply to Re: Weight gain Mrs. C, posted by Mrs. C on June 17, 2004, at 18:41:02
You guys are an inspiration. I initially lost weight on Lex, because I had no appetite and felt nauseated. Then I gained those 7+ lbs back and now I waft back and forth, about 10 lbs more than I'd really like. It's not the Lex, it's Me: I've gotten really lazy; I used to go for a 2 mile walk every day but haven't for about a year. Captain's encouraging info on exercising in early morning is going to be taken to heart, and I also like the idea of no carbs at night. My husband does the grocery shopping and gets candy and Cheetos, things he knows I like, altho I beg him not to, and then (not to hurt his feelings and because I crave that junk) I eat that it so it won't go to waste. What a crazy, vicious cycle, huh? I thought that maybe if I made a pledge right here and now to all of you that I'm going to work harder at exercise and diet, it will mean more (guilt is a great motivator!). I'll report back next week. Have a big Class Reunion this summer and I really really want to dump those 10 lbs. Or at least 5. After I've exercised I always feel so much better about myself!
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