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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Dr. Bob on June 12, 2003, at 18:03:57
In reply to Re: Alternative, posted by stjames on June 12, 2003, at 16:26:22
> If you want to discuss religion within the context of mental illness, I think the board for that is:
> http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faith/To *support* religious faith, yes. I'd also like other posts about religious faith to be redirected to Psycho-Social-Babble. And follow-ups regarding posting policies, and complaints about posts, to be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration. Thanks,
Bob
Posted by tm on June 12, 2003, at 18:25:16
In reply to Lexapro/Paxil...Can the nurse be right?, posted by Ninki on June 12, 2003, at 17:24:50
> I've read and commented on this site about my side effects coming off paxil and going on lexapro. From reading the other postings and from your generous feedback it seemed like my stiff joints, nausea and extreme tiredness matched those of others on Lexapro but my extremity swelling was of concern to those of you who responded. As suggested, I contacted the Doctor, who's nurse called me back and suggested I drop from 20 to 10 mg of Lexapro. She also told me the flu like symptoms were from coming off the Paxil. She told me to call back in a week. I called back today and explained I still had all the symptoms except the swelling. She still insists the side effects are from the Paxil withdrawal and not the Lexapro and wants me to increase back up to 20mg. By the way, the swelling went away when I started my period. I also got a perm on Tuesday and it didn't take. The paxil was stopped on May 28. Do you really think I could still be having withdrawal symptoms or does the nurse not know what she is talking about? It sounds like Lexapro symptoms, not withdrawal from paxil. I don't know what to make of the hair perm not taking, they have always worked in the past. Loosing confidence in the medical people. Your thoughts?
Here it goes if my memory serves right. I made the same switch. This is what my pdoc told me. Paxil has such a short half life that if you are not weened off of the paxil you could suffer. I started on 10mg of Lex and he reduced my Paxil from 25mg CR to 12.5 for 1 week. So for 1 week I was taking 10mg of Lex and 12.5 of Paxil. After that I stayed on the 10 of Lex for 7 more days and was suffering bad anxiety and then depression because I felt so bad. He then raised me to 15 of Lex . I am currently taking 20 of Lex that he raised me to last tues. I also take .5 of Xanax four times a day. My pdoc told me that it would take I believe 2 weeks for the Paxil to get out. It may be shorter than that, I just remember it wasn't more than 2 weeks. I am tired now maybe because of the increase. My nausea has been gone for about two weeks. A week ago last Monday was the first morning I woke up with no anxiety. I have no problem with my joints. I hope this helps. Don't hesitate to ask me anything about what I wrote if I confused you. I wish you luck with your treatment. Tim
P.S. The process of the switch started the last week in April.
Posted by Ninki on June 12, 2003, at 19:00:36
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Paxil...Can the nurse be right?, posted by tm on June 12, 2003, at 18:25:16
Thanks Tim. I did ween off the paxil. I went from 25 to 12.5 on May 14 also the day I started 10 Lexapro. After two weeks I stopped the paxil and increased the lex. It has now been 2 weeks since I ended the paxil and 4 weeks since I cut the paxil in half. It just doesn't make sense to me that I am still suffering withdrawal from the paxil. That and the fact that other folks on this site have had similar symptoms from Lexapro makes me think I and we know more than the nurse does and I am not feeling so comfortable with my life in their hands.
Posted by tm on June 12, 2003, at 19:36:14
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Paxil...Can the nurse be right?, posted by Ninki on June 12, 2003, at 19:00:36
> Thanks Tim. I did ween off the paxil. I went from 25 to 12.5 on May 14 also the day I started 10 Lexapro. After two weeks I stopped the paxil and increased the lex. It has now been 2 weeks since I ended the paxil and 4 weeks since I cut the paxil in half. It just doesn't make sense to me that I am still suffering withdrawal from the paxil. That and the fact that other folks on this site have had similar symptoms from Lexapro makes me think I and we know more than the nurse does and I am not feeling so comfortable with my life in their hands.
You know after re-reading your message starting off 10 of Lex and then you went straight to 20 maybe too much? I had that 15 step before the move to 20. Are you going to a psy. doc.? With the messages I have read some people have started out as low as 5. Darn tomorrow has to be Friday, I would say give it a few more days, but that means through the weekend. Going by what my Psy. doc. says, I would say the Paxil is out. I hope this helps. There are others on this board that have more experience with this. Some of those seem to look at the board in the wee morning hours, so I hope you will see some more answers by the morning. With the way you came off the Paxil I really don't know what more the doc would do. Lex as you probably have read takes a while before it kicks in, and you will know when it does because it's like a light coming on. If you feel anxiety Xanax is instant and does not have to build up. This has just been my experience. I don't if I help you, I hope I have.
Again don't hesitate and hang in there!! Tim
Posted by AnnieJ on June 12, 2003, at 22:47:02
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I just started 10 mg of Lexapro about 2 weeks ago. I was on Paxil CR and my doctor eventually weaned me off. I found that when I was on the Paxil my appetite had increased...I was curious if anyone noticed any significant weight loss or gain while taking the Lexapro???? I'm trying to lose about 20lbs and I don't want anything to hinder that??? Any comments would be really appreciated!!! Thanks a bunch!!! mzanna
Posted by blkvettes on June 13, 2003, at 0:26:01
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by teriwynn on January 8, 2003, at 10:50:37
Hi, maybe these links might help someone!!! TAKE CARE!!
WAYNE
http://www.postpartum.net/
http://www.obgyn.net/femalepatient/default.asp?page=leopold
Posted by Ninki on June 13, 2003, at 8:43:47
In reply to Any significant weight gain or loss on Lexapro????, posted by AnnieJ on June 12, 2003, at 22:47:02
I made the same switch. Gained on the Paxil and after 4 weeks on the lexapro, still seem to be gaining. But have heard it's too early to make any judgements. I will say that I definately feel better on the lexapro and think the weight gain is worth it.
Posted by Napaba on June 13, 2003, at 8:55:32
In reply to Re: Hot showers and Jalapenos » lil' jimi, posted by 2beornot2benuts on June 12, 2003, at 12:27:01
> Hey Jim, Sorry I haven't written back since your 6/6 post Re:Migraines. Interesting stuff about A/D's being similar to brain surgery, Electro-convulsive therapy, hot showers and jalapenos. So many details!<hee!hee!> As for the Home Team they're holding up, dealing as best as they can with me being so sick from Lex SE's and Effexor xr withdrawl. Thanks for your prayers and concern...And hope your feeling well...Jackie
Jackie,When did you switch from Effexor to Lexapro? I switched about two weeks a go and have had no problems. Most of the side effects I suffered from while on Effexor are gone. And I've had none from the Lexapro. I went from 75 mgs of Effexor to 10 mgs of Lexapro.
One thing I've noticed though is my appitite has increased and I'm feeling depressed. Not like before the Effexor, when I was thinking of driving off the local bridge, but the feeling of gloom and doom and crying. I'm hopeful that this will change as the Lexapro gets into my system. I go back to the doctor in two weeks, so I'll wait until then.
Good luck to you.
Posted by Napaba on June 13, 2003, at 9:34:00
In reply to Lexapro/Paxil...Can the nurse be right?, posted by Ninki on June 12, 2003, at 17:24:50
My hair doesn't hold a perm either. I don't beleive it's from the Lexapro/Paxil. I've been told it's because of having it colored. Do you have your hair colored and is bleach used? I choose the highlites and gave up trying to have a perm.
I've read and commented on this site about my side effects coming off paxil and going on lexapro. From reading the other postings and from your generous feedback it seemed like my stiff joints, nausea and extreme tiredness matched those of others on Lexapro but my extremity swelling was of concern to those of you who responded. As suggested, I contacted the Doctor, who's nurse called me back and suggested I drop from 20 to 10 mg of Lexapro. She also told me the flu like symptoms were from coming off the Paxil. She told me to call back in a week. I called back today and explained I still had all the symptoms except the swelling. She still insists the side effects are from the Paxil withdrawal and not the Lexapro and wants me to increase back up to 20mg. By the way, the swelling went away when I started my period. I also got a perm on Tuesday and it didn't take. The paxil was stopped on May 28. Do you really think I could still be having withdrawal symptoms or does the nurse not know what she is talking about? It sounds like Lexapro symptoms, not withdrawal from paxil. I don't know what to make of the hair perm not taking, they have always worked in the past. Loosing confidence in the medical people. Your thoughts?
Posted by blkvettes on June 13, 2003, at 10:19:06
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Paxil...Can the nurse be right? -Perm, posted by Napaba on June 13, 2003, at 9:34:00
Hi there, you could still have withdrawal for awhile. Your also mixing in lexapro side effects. Here are 2 links!! TAKE CARE!!!
WAYNE
http://paxil.bizland.com/jbuzzw.htm
http://www.quitpaxil.org/Main%20Pages/symptoms.htm
Posted by Mariposa on June 13, 2003, at 11:45:36
In reply to Any significant weight gain or loss on Lexapro????, posted by AnnieJ on June 12, 2003, at 22:47:02
> I just started 10 mg of Lexapro about 2 weeks ago. I was on Paxil CR and my doctor eventually weaned me off. I found that when I was on the Paxil my appetite had increased...I was curious if anyone noticed any significant weight loss or gain while taking the Lexapro???? I'm trying to lose about 20lbs and I don't want anything to hinder that??? Any comments would be really appreciated!!! Thanks a bunch!!! mzanna
I have been on Lex almost 5 months. I lost 10lbs. during the first month and I have not gained it back. I did not TRY to lose, I just found my appetite was less and I ate less. I'm still about 5lbs. overweight and would like to lose them but I have not been trying to.
I should add though that a lot of people have also posted in previous periods that they have gained weight while on Lex.
Best of Luck to you!~~~8|8
Posted by 2beornot2benuts on June 13, 2003, at 13:36:08
In reply to Re: Hot showers and Jalapenos Jackie, posted by Napaba on June 13, 2003, at 8:55:32
Hello there, It's Jackie, So, you're in week two of Lexiproblem? You definately need more time and possibly a higher dose. But, Hey! I aint no pdoc! Although, once I'm done with this (my) mess, I could probably wipe the floor with my pdoc, and learn him up a thing or two! Ha! The jerk took me from 150mg of Effexor xr and then added 10mg of Lex to the mix and I have been in psychopharmaceutical agony since!! I wish for you quick and lasting relief... Keep in touch:) Jackie
Posted by Napaba on June 13, 2003, at 13:51:03
In reply to Re:Napababaloo!!, posted by 2beornot2benuts on June 13, 2003, at 13:36:08
Jackie,
I don't think I could have gone from 150 EXR directly to the Lexapro. I dropped to 75 EXR for about a month. Did you have a lot of side effects while on Effexor? I wanted to die. I think it should be removed from the market. Lexapro I'm not sure on yet. I'll give it two more weeks and if I'm still down I will need either a higher dose or something else.
Do you think your side effects are from the EXR or the Lex? I'm not having any from the Lex. (fingers crossed)
Napaba (the only thing I could get to take that I wouldn't forget)
> Hello there, It's Jackie, So, you're in week two of Lexiproblem? You definately need more time and possibly a higher dose. But, Hey! I aint no pdoc! Although, once I'm done with this (my) mess, I could probably wipe the floor with my pdoc, and learn him up a thing or two! Ha! The jerk took me from 150mg of Effexor xr and then added 10mg of Lex to the mix and I have been in psychopharmaceutical agony since!! I wish for you quick and lasting relief... Keep in touch:) Jackie
Posted by Mariposa on June 13, 2003, at 15:31:49
In reply to Re: Alternative - DC, posted by DC on June 13, 2003, at 14:52:23
> Now I do have a serious question; I have been noticing
> that my hair brush is getting full much more than
> usual. Also, just running my fingers through my
> hair I can constantly have many strands that come
> out. Has anyone experienced this with Lex? My
> hair is thin enough as it is and will change if
> hair loss is a SE.
>
> Have a good one all.
> DC
>It seems I have noticed more hair comming out, but I have not noticed any thinning, my pony-tail still feels like the same thickness. I am not sure if it's Lex or just old age???
Good luck all ~~~8|8
Posted by DC on June 13, 2003, at 15:59:46
In reply to Re: Any significant weight gain or loss on Lexapro????, posted by Ninki on June 13, 2003, at 8:43:47
> I made the same switch. Gained on the Paxil and after 4 weeks on the lexapro, still seem to be gaining. But have heard it's too early to make any judgements. I will say that I definately feel better on the lexapro and think the weight gain is worth it.
I notice a weight loss when I started the Lex.
Posted by blkvettes on June 13, 2003, at 17:31:01
In reply to Re: Hair Loss » DC, posted by Mariposa on June 13, 2003, at 15:31:49
>
> > Now I do have a serious question; I have been noticing
> > that my hair brush is getting full much more than
> > usual. Also, just running my fingers through my
> > hair I can constantly have many strands that come
> > out. Has anyone experienced this with Lex? My
> > hair is thin enough as it is and will change if
> > hair loss is a SE.
> >
> > Have a good one all.
> > DC
> >
>
> It seems I have noticed more hair comming out, but I have not noticed any thinning, my pony-tail still feels like the same thickness. I am not sure if it's Lex or just old age???
>
> Good luck all ~~~8|8http://familydoctor.org/handouts/081.html
Posted by Dr. Bob on June 13, 2003, at 18:06:13
In reply to Redirect: Alternative, posted by Dr. Bob on June 12, 2003, at 18:03:57
> I'd also like other posts about religious faith to be redirected to Psycho-Social-Babble. And follow-ups regarding posting policies, and complaints about posts, to be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration.
Here are links:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20030604/msgs/233759.html
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20030508/msgs/233757.htmlBob
Posted by 2beornot2benuts on June 13, 2003, at 18:21:29
In reply to Re: Any significant weight gain or loss on Lexapro????, posted by DC on June 13, 2003, at 15:59:46
O.K., It's been nearly 3 1/2 weeks or 24 days, and I'm still sick as can be! I never had this many SE's, I think I'm gonna increase my dose from 10mg to 15mg tonight. I'm scared!!! The rediculous part is, my joke of a pdoc told me this new A/D (Lex), "Has a very clean SE profile"!!! I'm losing alot of hair too! I'm still clenching my jaws!!Plus all the other stuff I've been complaining (suffering from) about since I started posting here! NO lights have come on over here!!!(meaning the drug has started working) Some of you guys/gals waited 4 months?!?! F@#!%K THAT!!! If this dose increase doesn't do the trick, I'm going back to Zoloft (or serious street drugs!) THANK YOU for letting me rant...Gotta go lay down, the room is spinning...again..Jackie
Posted by jdgjdg on June 13, 2003, at 19:52:09
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I switched to Lexapro from Zoloft about 4 months ago. I went from 300mg of Zoloft to 20 of Lexapro. I attempted 30 of Lexapro, but I had terrible night sweats and nightmares nightly. I take the Lexapro for OCD. I am about 90% symptom free regarding the OCD. I still suffer from Atypical depression. The lexapro doesn't seem to do much for that. I've recently been prescribed Wellbutrin for the depression. It's only been a month, but I am not having any additional side effects yet(except wonderful weight loss). I would recommend lexapro to anyone over Zoloft. Make sure you warn them of the zoloft "withdrawl" it was horrible!
Take care
Posted by jdgjdg on June 13, 2003, at 19:58:37
In reply to Re: alcohol versus lexapro » lil' jimi, posted by oldhand on June 10, 2003, at 22:08:46
I'm glad you increased your Lexapro to 20, I saw a huge improvement when I went up to 20. But be aware if you raise the dosage again. 30mg is a lot to tolerate. I generally have very mild side effects with the ssri's(i took 300mg of zoloft with no problems), and 30mg of lexapro gave me terrible nightmares and night sweats. I was also very paranoid. I've found it's better for me to add another drug(wellbutrin) than to increase above 20mg of lexapro. Good luck.
Posted by Mariposa on June 13, 2003, at 23:12:37
In reply to Re: Is this drug a joke?Rant, posted by 2beornot2benuts on June 13, 2003, at 18:21:29
> O.K., It's been nearly 3 1/2 weeks or 24 days, and I'm still sick as can be! I never had this many SE's, I think I'm gonna increase my dose from 10mg to 15mg tonight. I'm scared!!! The rediculous part is, my joke of a pdoc told me this new A/D (Lex), "Has a very clean SE profile"!!! I'm losing alot of hair too! I'm still clenching my jaws!!Plus all the other stuff I've been complaining (suffering from) about since I started posting here! NO lights have come on over here!!!(meaning the drug has started working) Some of you guys/gals waited 4 months?!?! F@#!%K THAT!!! If this dose increase doesn't do the trick, I'm going back to Zoloft (or serious street drugs!) THANK YOU for letting me rant...Gotta go lay down, the room is spinning...again..Jackie
I know how you are feeling....been there, done that. Not sure who had to wait 4 months??? that's a bit exessive, and I certainly wouldn't wait that long. Most of the literature, studies, opinions, word of mouth, folklore, suggest 6 to 8 weeks. I suffered a lot w/initial SE's but they all have gone away and I'm doing MUCH better now...going on 5 months. You've gone this far, please consider giving it the 8 weeks befor you decide, because the worst of it is probably over now, or will be shortly.
We're all pulling for you~~~8|8
Posted by 2beornot2benuts on June 14, 2003, at 0:08:28
In reply to Re: Is this drug a joke?Rant » 2beornot2benuts, posted by Mariposa on June 13, 2003, at 23:12:37
Hello there, Thanks for the post, I'm glad your'e getting some relief after 5 months, I just don't recall ever having this much trouble adjusting to a new A/D before! I know you hope (advise?) that I give the med a full 8 weeks. I will give it my best shot, but it's been way too bumpy a ride so far!! Im in 3 1/2 weeks already and I'm just about to up my dose from 10mg to 15mg in just a few minutes...I'm scared!! I'll check in with you tomorrow...Have a good night and a great weekend...Jackie
Posted by male34 on June 14, 2003, at 8:46:46
In reply to Re: My Lexpro update good news, posted by tm on June 8, 2003, at 19:49:57
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
Posted by tm on June 14, 2003, at 10:40:11
In reply to Re: My Lexpro update good news, posted by male34 on June 14, 2003, at 8:46:46
> 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!!
Posted by flight on June 14, 2003, at 16:07:27
In reply to Re: My Lexpro update good news » male34, posted by tm on June 14, 2003, at 10:40:11
I just started taking 5mg of Lexapro 3-4 days ago, I have an overwhelming sense of terror and panic more now than ever before, I wake up at 4 am and my legs and arms are shaking, I have severe leg cramps, vertigo, insomnia, and I end up crying all night long with pain and anxiety that something terrible is wrong with me like Lupus or cancer! My Dr. gave it to me for IBS but I don't think all these side effects are worth it, do they go away or are these not side effects from this drug? Is something else wrong with me? I am freaking out. Any professionals have any advice, this is the 5th antidepressant drug that I have tried in the past 8 months and they all either give me terrible shakes and more anxiety or severe nausea and diarhea! CathyFlight@aol.com
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