![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 2173 to 2197 of 8406. Go back in thread:
Posted by handmemymidol on March 1, 2003, at 22:05:59
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Edgefield on March 1, 2003, at 14:13:44
Yes Edgefield, I too had that crazy itching! After a few weeks, it went away. I'm not itching anymore. As for the spacey feeling, it seems that Lexapro has a bit of a delayed reaction for me. If I take it right at bed time, I am soooo sleepy and spacey the next day until late afternoon. After experimenting, I have found that if I take it around 6 or 7 pm, I sleep thru the worst of it and am quite functionally by ten am or so. Do some experimenting with times on your own and see what you come up with it.
Hope this helps!
Posted by male34 on March 1, 2003, at 22:12:34
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by blkvettes on March 1, 2003, at 17:49:56
> I have been on lexapro for 3 weeks. 5mg for 8 days, 7.5mg for 8 days and now 10mg for 4 days. I am so tired I cant make it through the day. I take it in the morning. I have seen posts where people take it at night and where people have cut the dosage. Please give advice on my problem. I do like the results I am getting from the med. But I am like a zombie after about 4 hours of taking my med. THANKS
i take melex at 7pm 4 weeks 10 mgs ,wow was i tried it was crazy sleepy but now im fine i take it at 3pm now go tou and im fine,not sleepy effect
Posted by okpolosi on March 2, 2003, at 9:47:30
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by male34 on March 1, 2003, at 22:12:34
I have been reading posts here for a month or so and decided I should share my Lex experiences, too. What I have read has been so helpfull and thank you all for sharing.
I'm in week 5 on 5mg and I take it late morning, around 10:00AM. Female 47, diagnosed with PPMD and depression, have never taken any meds before. Just haven't felt like my usual self for a couple of years it seems. Thought I was peri-menopausal, but Dr says it's PPMD. Was having terrible fights w/husband and fits of rage at work, while having to deal with customers, NOT good! Recently lost Mother-in-Law, we were pretty close, and both me and husband were hit pretty hard. Inherited a big house that needs a lot of work.
Week 1 - Nausea for a few hours after taking, mild diahrea, REALLY bad Headaches in the evening. Felt tired and foggy headed in the afternoon. Noticed some mild anxiety. No trouble sleeping. Towards end of week started feeling like I was getting the flu. Noticed my teeth hurt and realized I was clenching. Didn't want to eat at all, no appetite.
Week 2 - People at work have the flu, I called in sick all week, really felt terrible and don't know for sure if it was Lex or flu, had no fever, but had headaches, congestion, runny nose, chills, diahrea, slept A LOT, day and night. Eat like a pig but actually lost a pound or two, realy crave carbs ( Potatoe chips, Chex mix, etc. ). Occasional anxiety. Got an itchy rash all over my back and top of my arms. Head feels "big" and spacey. Have to tell self not to clench teeth.
Week 3 - "Flu" symptoms going away, feel very tired, no energy, short of breath if I do anything. Head still feels funny - spacey. Sweaty armpits on some days, blurry vision, a few mild night sweats, but in general no trouble sleeping. Still have mild diahrea. Had one day of bad lower back pain. Anxiety seems to occur less often. Gained back the pounds I lost.
Week 4 - Feel better physically, not mentally - still very angry and irritable, period is coming. A little trouble sleeping, want to blame husband for keeping me awake. Sweaty pits seem to have gone away, head doesn't feel funny any more, still have mild diahrea (not really a problem, just different than usual). Energy returning, able to do a lot more at work without feeling out of breath. Still clenching some but not as bad.
Week 5 - Actually haven't finished week 5, only half way through. Got a customer complaint at work because I was such a BITCH! Supposed to be having period but hasn't actually started yet. Snapped at husband for no reason. Blurry vision improved slightly. Still don't want to get out of bed in the morning. Am starting to wonder if I should take 7.5mg or even 10 as I don't feel "better", but then figure I should still give it another week or 2, not sure I have given Lex long enough to help.
I will update, and again want to thank everyone for your input, it helps to know you are not alone!!!
Posted by blkvettes on March 2, 2003, at 11:20:42
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by okpolosi on March 2, 2003, at 9:47:30
I just dont know what to do, my shrink does not even know all the side effects of the meds. I will say I am feeling something and he says he has not heard of that. You can go anywhere on the net and get possible side effects. The jerk should know since he is giving meds away like candy.I have been so tired during the day and feel very strange. I do for the most part like the med. I have not taken my 10mg of lexapro yet today. I have more energy and not tired. But very nervous, I know my mind is playing with me. I always take it at 7:30am so I am passed that by 5 hours. I am going to take it at about 7:30 tonight if I can last that long. I cant decide if I should take my normal 10mg which I have been on for 5 days or go back to 7.5mg. I need some input please!!!!!!!!
Posted by sbh on March 2, 2003, at 11:47:21
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by blkvettes on March 2, 2003, at 11:20:42
Heres my Lexapro experience (so far)...
Week 1: Insomnia, some anxiety, headaches, sweating, increased appetite.
Week 2: Anxiety and insomnia gone, still some headaches and sweating. Also more frequent urination and vivid dreams (or maybe just remembering dreams more?)
Week 3, Feeling happy and upbeat- less ruminating then usual. Still some headaches (Maybe not from meds though as headaches aren't so unusual for me) and increased appetite. Gained 2 pounds. No sexual side effects (yet anyway...). I do sometimes notice very slight facial muscle twitches which worries me.
We'll see what next week brings. I take 5-10 mgs at night and am sleeping great for a change!
Posted by blkvettes on March 2, 2003, at 11:51:56
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by sbh on March 2, 2003, at 11:47:21
I have noticed the muscle twitches in the face right around my mouth and also sometimes other parts of my body.
Posted by Peter S. on March 2, 2003, at 12:19:11
In reply to Re: GOOD NEWS! I think the Lex is working!!!! » ROO, posted by Dysfunk on March 1, 2003, at 13:45:52
Hi Dysfunk,
I hadn't heard of mixing two SSRIs. Did you find that when you added Lex to the Prozac that it kicked in? I've developed a tolerance for Prozac and have tried many augmentation strategies which have not been effective. Has anyone else mixed SSRIs?
Thanks!
Peter
> I am on 40 mg of Prozac and 20 mg of Lexapro. My doctor feels that I developed a tolerance to Prozac and saw benefits at a higher dosage, so maybe the same holds true for Lexapro. So far, I think he is right!
>
> :^)
Posted by Dysfunk on March 2, 2003, at 13:35:43
In reply to Dysfunk- Mixing Prozac with Lex?, posted by Peter S. on March 2, 2003, at 12:19:11
Peter:
I think this is the new form of treatment when meds stop working. I just wasn't getting the full benefits from Prozac anymore, so instead of going off of it, we lowered the dosage by 20 mg and added in Effexor. That didn't work, so now I added in Lexapro. It seems to be working now with an increased dosage of Lex. The way my doctor put it is that you have to "kick start" the medicine again by adding in others. I think there are all kinds of mixtures (or cocktails) that are considered acceptible now as treatments. Ask your doctor and good luck!
Posted by Dysfunk on March 2, 2003, at 13:54:30
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by male34 on March 1, 2003, at 16:02:56
Edgefield, are you talking to me? It is hard to follow the threads sometimes. If I were you, I would consider adding in more Lex and see what happens. Remember you will have the initial increase of anxiety from going up on the medicine.
I think my weight increase is partially medicine-related and partially because I felt queazy from the medicine. Eating seemed to ease the nausea. I have continued to work out to the same intensity that I usually do so I am a bit confused about the weight gain. So far it is only about 7 lbs. I hope it holds at that. How much have you gained?
Posted by Dysfunk on March 2, 2003, at 14:17:59
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by sbh on March 2, 2003, at 11:47:21
I have had very similar symptoms. At first I had insomnia,now I can barely wake up in the morning after a restless sleep of vivid dreams. I have an eye twitch at times. Still sweating, mostly armpits- with Effexor it was my brow. Increased appetite I guess, or maybe I eat to try and counteract the slight nausea from the medicine. Didn't feel much of a sex drive, but I am able to achieve orgasm when I put my mind to it. I also felt an urgency to pee and pee often, as opposed to Effexor where I had trouble peeing. I hear these symptoms diminish in time.
Posted by blkvettes on March 2, 2003, at 14:47:27
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects » sbh, posted by Dysfunk on March 2, 2003, at 14:17:59
DYSFUNK, how long have you been on lexapro, how much and when do you take it.
THANKS!!!!!!
Posted by Edgefield on March 2, 2003, at 18:55:25
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
Has anyone taken Neurontin? My doctor prescribed this along with Lexapro to hopefully eliminate the last bit of anxiety that I'm dealing with(dizziness), but it causes me to have a runny nose and persistent sneezing. I looked up this side effect on the net and it is listed as an infrequent side effect. Anyone with any Neurontin experience?
Edgefield
Posted by Peter S. on March 2, 2003, at 23:39:10
In reply to Re: Dysfunk- Mixing Prozac with Lex? » Peter S., posted by Dysfunk on March 2, 2003, at 13:35:43
Dysfunk,
I'm glad it's working for you! I've never heard of this as a protocol. I'd love to hear other people's experiences or knowledge of mixing SSRIs
> Peter:
>
> I think this is the new form of treatment when meds stop working. I just wasn't getting the full benefits from Prozac anymore, so instead of going off of it, we lowered the dosage by 20 mg and added in Effexor. That didn't work, so now I added in Lexapro. It seems to be working now with an increased dosage of Lex. The way my doctor put it is that you have to "kick start" the medicine again by adding in others. I think there are all kinds of mixtures (or cocktails) that are considered acceptible now as treatments. Ask your doctor and good luck!
Posted by lexmom on March 3, 2003, at 11:59:26
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by blkvettes on March 2, 2003, at 11:51:56
I started on 5mg Lexapro for the first week and felt great and energized but had a headache which is not unusual. Started getting really tired aand now I take10 mg and feel tired not energetic, also I'm nursing a 21 month old which even though warning label on bottle says not to my doc's suggest it's a better alternative than being depressed. Well the baby has been difficult to put to sleep at night ( fine for naptime which is before I take my pill) I take my pill at noon and baby used to go to bed at 7:30 now she won't fall asleep til 9:00. anybody hear anything about safety of nursing and Lexapro?
Posted by blkvettes on March 3, 2003, at 13:22:57
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by lexmom on March 3, 2003, at 11:59:26
Hello, I am finding I have more energy if I take it at night. But this is only the 2nd day of trying this. I am also thinking of dropping my dose because this feels like to much med. But I will hang in there a little longer and see if I adjust. You should not breast feed your baby while on lexapro. Here is one sight to go to.
http://www.healthsquare.com/newrx/lex1642.htm
Posted by JaneB on March 3, 2003, at 13:29:31
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by lexmom on March 3, 2003, at 11:59:26
> I started on 5mg Lexapro for the first week and felt great and energized but had a headache which is not unusual. Started getting really tired aand now I take10 mg and feel tired not energetic, also I'm nursing a 21 month old which even though warning label on bottle says not to my doc's suggest it's a better alternative than being depressed. Well the baby has been difficult to put to sleep at night ( fine for naptime which is before I take my pill) I take my pill at noon and baby used to go to bed at 7:30 now she won't fall asleep til 9:00. anybody hear anything about safety of nursing and Lexapro?
I am not a doctor but from my experience with Lexapro I offer the following observations: I find it difficult to sleep with Lex, therefore if it is passing in your breast milk to baby she might have difficulty sleeping also. When I went up to 10 mg from 5 mg the sleepiness in daytime increased but insomnia also increased. I tried taking it at all times and same problems. Muscular tension increased also. Poor sleep increased daytime exhaustion. I didn't feel like I had enough energy to do anything.
Lexapro is so new--studies/experience/results with nursing probably have not been established. If you definitely need an AD perhaps you could wean your 21 month old girl. She might sleep better.
My daughter has nursed with a small amount of Paxil. No problems.
JaneB
Posted by NOTINSANEJUSTPPMD on March 3, 2003, at 14:14:32
In reply to SIDE EFFECTS AND BREAST FEEDING, posted by blkvettes on March 3, 2003, at 13:22:57
That was a very interesting read for those of us on Lexapro. I would go to my doctor immediatly and asked to be switched to something safer for my baby. I took 150 mg of Zolft through out pregnancy and breast feeding and it did not seem to bother my Son or Daughter. If by chance you are only going to a OBGYN or Family Doctor look into finding a Doctor that specializes in Mental Health Even if its just the Baby Blues, like myself it got way out of control because I was not getting the correct answers and help. Good Luck KP
Posted by Dysfunk on March 3, 2003, at 16:49:14
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by blkvettes on March 2, 2003, at 14:47:27
First I want to say that I have been on Prozac for years and in July dropped down to 40 mg. while trying Effexor. Now I am on Prozac and 20 mg of Lexapro. I had been on 10 mg Lex for 5 weeks with no results. It is now about 6 and half weeks and I am feeling better. Phew.
Posted by Dysfunk on March 3, 2003, at 16:56:19
In reply to Dysfunk- Mixing Prozac with Lex?, posted by Peter S. on March 2, 2003, at 12:19:11
Yes Peter, I feel that now that I have a decent dosage of Lex in my system it either started up the Prozac or together they are working.
I could tell when I initially dropped my dosage of Prozac 20 mgs. in preparation for adding in another drug that I felt a drop in mood. Therefore my doctor concluded that I am still feeling some positive effects from the Prozac.
I would ask your doctor or research mixing drugs. My brother has a diff. doctor and he is mixing Paxil and Effexor, I think.
Posted by Donia on March 3, 2003, at 18:09:38
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by lexmom on March 3, 2003, at 11:59:26
I would not breast feed while on these meds. I would take the medicine and bottle feed my child. I dont know of any risks, but I am sure there certainly could be some. It may affect their brain and cause depression in them later, who knows?
Posted by Sadsack on March 3, 2003, at 19:55:31
In reply to SIDE EFFECTS AND BREAST FEEDING, posted by blkvettes on March 3, 2003, at 13:22:57
AMEN!!! Please do not breastfeed and take lexapro. Those little minds can be effected drastically by chemical substances that barely phase us. I would find a new Dr. or a least get a second opinion if he's so unconcerned about your child! That just doesn't sound right at all. I don't know how long you've been nursing but studies prove that babies who have nursed even a short time have great benefits from it so stopping the breastfeeding early won't do any harm. From everything I've read,it's just not worth the risk to continue. Good Luck!
Sadsack> Hello, I am finding I have more energy if I take it at night. But this is only the 2nd day of trying this. I am also thinking of dropping my dose because this feels like to much med. But I will hang in there a little longer and see if I adjust. You should not breast feed your baby while on lexapro. Here is one sight to go to.
> http://www.healthsquare.com/newrx/lex1642.htm
Posted by oldhand on March 3, 2003, at 20:51:17
In reply to Re: SIDE EFFECTS AND BREAST FEEDING, posted by Sadsack on March 3, 2003, at 19:55:31
I must agree with the previous posters. All the information indicates that breastfeeding and Lexapro (or SSRI's in general) do not mix. While I am an advocate of breastfeeding as long a mother and child are comfortable, and as a wonderful process, a 21 month old has really had an exceptional opportunity to benefit from the experience. Now she needs a Mom who is healthy and ready to help her expand her world. Lexapro is so very new to the market that we are actually first generation users and perhaps need to be more careful for that reason alone. Good luck and good health.
Posted by bozeman on March 3, 2003, at 21:09:55
In reply to GOOD NEWS! I think the Lex is working!!!!, posted by Dysfunk on February 28, 2003, at 9:50:19
I am so happy for you!!!
bozeman
Posted by bozeman on March 3, 2003, at 22:51:04
In reply to hey bozeman, posted by Sadsack on February 24, 2003, at 15:28:26
Hi Sadsack!
Sorry, things have been way crazy in my world, with no end in sight. Still have to decide what to do about the boyfriend. :-( Still sick, kitty's still recovering, has to be doctored twice a day and he's all MALE and all CAT, so that's quite a deal. :-) So I haven't been following things over here quite as closely as I used to.
How are you feeling these days on the Lexapro? You say you've been on it since November? Have you had continued good results or have you hit a plateau or slump of sorts? (not saying you would, just wondering how it goes. I've been on Lexapro about as long as you -- about as long as anyone, I suppose, since it only became available last year.)
I understand about the husband thing. Sometimes it's hard to feel alone in your own house, but at least you two share a great many things, even if not fighting your depression together in the emotional sense (though I'm sure you fight it together in the physical sense.) I think that some people, not specifically men, don't know how to deal with really scary things (i.e. things they can't readily fix or run away from) so they just "deny" their existence, like whistling in the dark so no one will know you're afraid. It doesn't mean he doesn't care about those things, it just means he doesn't know how to express himself, what to do, how to act, how to feel, etc. so it's easier to just avoid dealing with it. Maybe being pleasant and easygoing is the thing he thinks will help the most, since he doesn't know what else to do?
Post back if you wish -- I try to pop in and read every few days even if I don't have the time or strength to type responses.
BTW, if you get realllly bored . . . . you can come over and help me have a "throwing away" party, too!!! <chuckle>
Take care and be well!
bozeman
Posted by handmemymidol on March 4, 2003, at 15:56:16
In reply to Re: SIDE EFFECTS AND BREAST FEEDING, posted by Sadsack on March 3, 2003, at 19:55:31
Here's a thought. Instead of asking what the pdoc thinks about Lexapro and breastfeeding, why not ask the baby's pediatrician what he/she thinks about it?
Go forward in thread:
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.