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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by galkeepinon on September 5, 2003, at 0:05:14
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects and UPDATE, posted by Esmarelda on September 4, 2003, at 10:53:41
I just thought of something..how can we know if the feelings we experience are from a med or something like what you talk about here that happened with an ex-ya know?
Also, I've been taking Benadryl too at night to sleep and I am sooooo dang tired in the AM lately. At first it didn't affect me like that because it didn't hit me until I was almost asleep, but now it seems to lag on after I wake up, just so sleepy!!!
weird...........> I guess I was extremely lucky because I never had any really serious side effects and didn't know I had any until I started reading this board. I did not experience ANY until after I had been taking lex about a week. I got really depressed and anxious - but at the same time I also discovered my ex who was trying to get back with me was seeing someone else -- so who knows if it was the Lex or what. I had 1 solitary spell of dizziness that lasted for a few seconds, some nausea and some diarrhea, but nothing severe. I still am very, very tired when I wake up in the morning and I also take Benadryl almost every night to sleep -- maybe it's the combination of the two?? Who knows.
Posted by Arrianna on September 5, 2003, at 0:10:14
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects and UPDATE, posted by hog80ci on September 4, 2003, at 23:44:18
Posted by gail_jo on September 5, 2003, at 0:13:49
In reply to Your Welcome (nm) » hog80ci, posted by Arrianna on September 5, 2003, at 0:10:24
Posted by tm on September 5, 2003, at 5:06:52
In reply to Re: Esmarelda--8/8 Wayne » tm, posted by Esmarelda on September 4, 2003, at 10:46:04
>Hi Fran, so sorry yo hear about the lose. I can imagine the anxiety it is causing. Keep your mind busy with pleasant thoughts!! 2 doses so far, no SE's.
Take Care Tim.
Hey Tim! Yes, it does sound like we are in the same spot. My therapist recommended that I go ahead and take 5 more mg which I did for the first time this morning. I had another death in my family day before yesterday and have been upset about that, but I felt the anxiety even before my uncle died. I will let everyone know how I do. I don't take anything for anxiety, but once the Lex started working. It seemed to take care of the problem. Fran
> Mariposa - did you have any SE's when you upped your dosage?
Posted by Treb on September 5, 2003, at 12:01:18
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects and UPDATE » Esmarelda, posted by galkeepinon on September 5, 2003, at 0:05:14
Hi, I've used Benadryl with the same reult. It seems to leave me groogy into the next day. I now use Trazadone as needed for sleep and it doesn't affect me in the morning. Good luck!
Treb
Posted by galkeepinon on September 5, 2003, at 13:54:47
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects and UPDATE, posted by Treb on September 5, 2003, at 12:01:18
Hi Treb, Can I ask, how much Trazadone do you take at night to help you sleep? I ask because I once took 100mg and it didn't help me, but before I could up the dose, my doc at the time switched me to something else.
Just wondering how you do on it and at what dosage? Any side effects?
Thanks:-)
Hope you're doing as well as expected:-)> Hi, I've used Benadryl with the same reult. It seems to leave me groogy into the next day. I now use Trazadone as needed for sleep and it doesn't affect me in the morning. Good luck!
> Treb
Posted by hog80ci on September 6, 2003, at 7:55:50
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects and UPDATE » hog80ci, posted by galkeepinon on September 4, 2003, at 23:58:53
Hey Gal
Thanks for the words of encouragement. Sorry it took a day to get back to you. I had LASIK surgery yesterday and was asleep most of the day.I'm getting my mouth guard next Tuesday. I don't seem to be grinding as bad as I was but I'm going to get one anyway.
Take care
Jim
Posted by Treb on September 6, 2003, at 13:51:08
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects and UPDATE » Treb, posted by galkeepinon on September 5, 2003, at 13:54:47
Hi, I usually take 50 mgs of Trazadone. I rarely need the 100s. If I really can't sleep I use Doxepin but not if I have to get up alert the next morning.
Thanks, Treb
Posted by sproo on September 7, 2003, at 21:42:55
In reply to Re: Lexapro Withdrawal Dizziness » Rich B, posted by micheke on August 4, 2003, at 18:09:27
Micheke:
I have been off of Lexapro for nine days now and am still feeling side-effects that include: dizziness, aching muscles and joints, fatigue and I am easily angered. But, I know this will all go away and it will be worth it. I have been through this before and it doesn't last forever. Just take it one day at a time and try to keep your mind busy so that you don't dwell on the strange way your body is feeling.
Posted by Esmarelda on September 8, 2003, at 12:48:31
In reply to Re: Esmarelda--8/8 Wayne » Esmarelda, posted by Mariposa on September 4, 2003, at 17:32:02
I upped my dosage from 10 mg to 15 mg last Wednesday - 5 days. I seem to be doing better with that, but had another family member die last week so things are kind of yucky right now.
Posted by Esmarelda on September 8, 2003, at 13:01:49
In reply to Re: Questions about weight gain » Esmarelda, posted by galkeepinon on September 4, 2003, at 21:36:45
Me too. It's always in the morning. Usually, if I can force myself up -- it's okay. It's been worse the last couple days, but my uncle died and it was like reliving my grandmother's death.
Posted by Esmarelda on September 8, 2003, at 13:08:04
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects and UPDATE » Treb, posted by galkeepinon on September 5, 2003, at 13:54:47
I was prescribed some Trazadone a few years back for sleep and it did not work on me either. The only thing that has ever worked was Ambien or Benadryl. I got totally weirded out on the Ambien, but it did work!
Posted by collegekid on September 8, 2003, at 14:25:52
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects and UPDATE » galkeepinon, posted by Esmarelda on September 8, 2003, at 13:08:04
Posted by ezra on September 8, 2003, at 23:28:42
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects and UPDATE, posted by recumbent on September 4, 2003, at 21:29:02
i actually quit cold-turkey from 20mg per day and the only side effect i had were the electric shocks, but lord oh lord... they were bad. they lasted for about three weeks and started in my arms, until it ended up happening throughout all my extremities: my arms, legs, feet, toes, fingers.
honestly, i had more trouble when i was getting on lexapro then when i quit. i had very mild nausea, lightheadedness, and problems ejaculating for about two weeks (which was almost intolerable, haha).
Posted by KayJ on September 9, 2003, at 10:36:10
In reply to Re: about insomnia side effect » pharmrep, posted by .tabi.T.ha. on August 3, 2002, at 3:28:08
I only just started Lex..after trying just about everything else...and could not sleep the first night..couldn't even lie still. I was only taking 5 mg and I had taken my one 10 mg Pamelor for sleep. I have now been on it three days and having much the same problem, but now along with that I am having irritable bowel. I just don't think I can take SSRIS. Has anyone else had similiar experience..any solutions????
I feel like there is something wrong with me as I can't seem to take anything due to side effects. Sometimes I think the doc thinks I'm making it up...aren't they told of the side effects?
Thanks for any help you may offer.
Posted by Mariposa on September 9, 2003, at 12:01:23
In reply to Re: about insomnia side effect » .tabi.T.ha., posted by KayJ on September 9, 2003, at 10:36:10
> I only just started Lex..after trying just about everything else...and could not sleep the first night..couldn't even lie still. I was only taking 5 mg and I had taken my one 10 mg Pamelor for sleep. I have now been on it three days and having much the same problem, but now along with that I am having irritable bowel. I just don't think I can take SSRIS. Has anyone else had similiar experience..any solutions????
> I feel like there is something wrong with me as I can't seem to take anything due to side effects. Sometimes I think the doc thinks I'm making it up...aren't they told of the side effects?
> Thanks for any help you may offer.You are not alone, many people complain about the same things. I have only been on Lex, and only for 6 mos. I had terrible se's in the beginning but I toughed it out and they all went away. My doc did NOT warn me about se's, and I only learned of them after I found this site and also started experiencing them. Some people are lucky and have minor se's or almost none at all. You and I are the unlucky ones!!! All I can add is that I am doing much better now and it was worth the 2 weeks of H**L, and I would do it all over again.
Good luck to you!~~~8|8
Posted by galkeepinon on September 9, 2003, at 20:24:19
In reply to Re: Questions about weight gain, posted by Esmarelda on September 8, 2003, at 13:01:49
Hey Esmarelda, I'm so sorry to hear about the death in your family, how are you holding up?
How is the 15mg increase with the Lexapro going?
I'm feeling like I have to really force myself to do stuff lately too.
Take care ok:-)
Me too. It's always in the morning. Usually, if I can force myself up -- it's okay. It's been worse the last couple days, but my uncle died and it was like reliving my grandmother's death.
Posted by galkeepinon on September 9, 2003, at 20:27:37
In reply to Re: about insomnia side effect » .tabi.T.ha., posted by KayJ on September 9, 2003, at 10:36:10
Hi, I had IBS really bad a few years ago, Prevacid seemed to help and I think therapy too.
I had a lot of insomnia when I first started Lex, but it has passed now after about 6 weeks on the med. I couldn't lie still either, I kept rubbing my feet together~like anxiety I guess.
Are you still taking the Lex and how is it going? Any better?
Take Care.> I only just started Lex..after trying just about everything else...and could not sleep the first night..couldn't even lie still. I was only taking 5 mg and I had taken my one 10 mg Pamelor for sleep. I have now been on it three days and having much the same problem, but now along with that I am having irritable bowel. I just don't think I can take SSRIS. Has anyone else had similiar experience..any solutions????
> I feel like there is something wrong with me as I can't seem to take anything due to side effects. Sometimes I think the doc thinks I'm making it up...aren't they told of the side effects?
> Thanks for any help you may offer.
Posted by galkeepinon on September 9, 2003, at 20:30:17
In reply to Re: about insomnia side effect » KayJ, posted by Mariposa on September 9, 2003, at 12:01:23
Sounds like you are doing good *thumbs up to you*
I'm glad you seem to be doing better and just wanted to see how you were holding up:-)
You are not alone, many people complain about the same things. I have only been on Lex, and only for 6 mos. I had terrible se's in the beginning but I toughed it out and they all went away. My doc did NOT warn me about se's, and I only learned of them after I found this site and also started experiencing them. Some people are lucky and have minor se's or almost none at all. You and I are the unlucky ones!!! All I can add is that I am doing much better now and it was worth the 2 weeks of H**L, and I would do it all over again.
>
> Good luck to you!~~~8|8
Posted by KayJ on September 10, 2003, at 0:00:41
In reply to Re: about insomnia side effect » KayJ, posted by galkeepinon on September 9, 2003, at 20:27:37
Thanks so much for your reply. I did not take my dose of Lex today..I am hoping for a good nights sleep and hope to see the ibs symptoms..diarrhea mainly for me..subside. I have been seeing a psychiatrist for 11 years and am still depressed. None of the meds seem to work..or maybe it is because I give up too soon because of the side effects. There isn't really any therapy involved..he thinks meds should fix it..but I doubt I will ever find one unless they come up with something new. Lex is about the newest and I have tried all of the other SSRIS. But after reading some posts I see that Lex is basically celexa which I tried and could not take. Zoloft worked the best of any I have tried..and I have tried it several times for several months, maybe even a year at a time, but I could not tolerate the jitters. I'm embarrassed to even go back to the Doc and say once again that I can't take what he prescribed!
Posted by KayJ on September 10, 2003, at 0:10:47
In reply to (((Mariposa))) » Mariposa, posted by galkeepinon on September 9, 2003, at 20:30:17
Thanks for the encouragement, but I guess I am not as tough as you : ) I don't know how you put up with it for 2 weeks! I cut my dose in half and still feel bad. I could put up with most of everything ..for awhile..except for the diarrhea..I would have to stay home from work..it is like having stomach flu. I have occasional bouts with IBS anyhow and these meds just seem to trigger it. Maybe that is my problem..that I cannot hang in there long enough for the se's to disappear.
Posted by galkeepinon on September 10, 2003, at 0:18:10
In reply to Re: about insomnia side effect » galkeepinon, posted by KayJ on September 10, 2003, at 0:00:41
I can relate. I'm sorry you're feeling this way!
I've been through this whole depression/meds thing now for 8 years and Lex is working for me so far, but I just broke down crying tonight and increased my Lamictal to 50mg last night. I don't get it.
I've done the same thing, the SSRI's and go to the doc only to tell them they're not working or the side effects are too much to take.
There really isn't any therapy involved with me either~I went down tnat road many times for quite a while, I just don't think it will help me, I've done so much work at it and I still get depressed, and my life and goals seem to have fallen by the wayside lately. I was put on Lithium this summer and it was doing wonders for me but I could not and would not (after a fair chance) tolerate the jitters, nausea, headaches and was afraid too to tell my doc, but after a while I just told him I can't take this anymore it's making me sick, he eventually accepted that and I'm still with him. I hope you can tell your doctor how you're feeling, maybe give the Lex more time? Decrease your dose? Add another med?
Just some suggestions, but you may have already tried. I really feel for you, and I hope you can find something that works for you, try not to give up hope, I know it's hard.
take care.> Thanks so much for your reply. I did not take my dose of Lex today..I am hoping for a good nights sleep and hope to see the ibs symptoms..diarrhea mainly for me..subside. I have been seeing a psychiatrist for 11 years and am still depressed. None of the meds seem to work..or maybe it is because I give up too soon because of the side effects. There isn't really any therapy involved..he thinks meds should fix it..but I doubt I will ever find one unless they come up with something new. Lex is about the newest and I have tried all of the other SSRIS. But after reading some posts I see that Lex is basically celexa which I tried and could not take. Zoloft worked the best of any I have tried..and I have tried it several times for several months, maybe even a year at a time, but I could not tolerate the jitters. I'm embarrassed to even go back to the Doc and say once again that I can't take what he prescribed!
Posted by KayJ on September 10, 2003, at 0:21:12
In reply to Re: sick of these drugs, posted by kookabear on September 4, 2003, at 19:25:21
Just wondering how the Diovan is working for you...I have BP med too ..just started within the last 6 mos and am having trouble finding the right one. I was taking zoloft and not doing too badly until the doc added tenormin..then ibs and diarrhea. Now he has switched me to Norvasc but I am having alot of foot/ankle swelling, which is a common side effect...but it won't go away..even though he added a diuretic. I would sure like some advice since you too have high BP and need depression med too. I just can't seem to get them right. Thanks for any help you can offer.
Posted by Esmarelda on September 10, 2003, at 7:46:50
In reply to Re: Questions about weight gain » Esmarelda, posted by galkeepinon on September 9, 2003, at 20:24:19
I have been doing better Gal. I haven't had much choice, but to get up and move the last few days as the job required. I have found if I go ahead and get up, things are okay. It's when I lay there and dwell (even when I am very tired) that I can't get up. Maybe you need to up your dosage Gal if you haven't been doing good. Has something happened?
Posted by lil' jimi on September 10, 2003, at 10:42:16
In reply to Re: about insomnia side effect » galkeepinon, posted by KayJ on September 10, 2003, at 0:00:41
hi KayJ
first you post this one here see:
>> I only just started Lex..after trying just about everything else...and could not sleep the first night..couldn't even lie still. I was only taking 5 mg and I had taken my one 10 mg Pamelor for sleep. I have now been on it three days and having much the same problem, but now along with that I am having irritable bowel. I just don't think I can take SSRIS. Has anyone else had similiar experience..any solutions???? >>
>> I feel like there is something wrong with me as I can't seem to take anything due to side effects. Sometimes I think the doc thinks I'm making it up...aren't they told of the side effects?
Thanks for any help you may offer. >>
then you post this one:
> Thanks so much for your reply. I did not take my dose of Lex today..I am hoping for a good nights sleep and hope to see the ibs symptoms..diarrhea mainly for me..subside. I have been seeing a psychiatrist for 11 years and am still depressed. None of the meds seem to work..or maybe it is because I give up too soon because of the side effects. There isn't really any therapy involved..he thinks meds should fix it..but I doubt I will ever find one unless they come up with something new. Lex is about the newest and I have tried all of the other SSRIS. But after reading some posts I see that Lex is basically celexa which I tried and could not take. Zoloft worked the best of any I have tried..and I have tried it several times for several months, maybe even a year at a time, but I could not tolerate the jitters. I'm embarrassed to even go back to the Doc and say once again that I can't take what he prescribed! >... this set me off so bad i had to post this before i gave myself the chance to read the subsequent posts here ... so someone may have already gone into this ... so ...
KayJ i feel really strongly that the only one who should be embarrassed is your psychiatrist ... ...
... in a 11 YEARS of treatment you are getting basically no therapy ? ...
... your pdoc didn't even acknowledge, let alone inform you, let alone warn you, about adaptation SEs from anti-depressants?
... you have been through all of the SSRIs, never told of SEs, quit from the jitters And you get no benzo supplementation offered ?
... this psychiatrists has managed to build a bond of trust over 11 years, which has left you believing he/she thinks you make SEs up?
... AND intimidated from admitting that, his/her attempts to guess at which med will (apparently?) 'magically' "fix" you, have failed Again?KayJ, i do not see any talk based support myself, so i know nothing about getting therapy, never done it (yet), but this doesn't sound like you're getting your (or your insurance comapany's) money's worth at all ... ...
are there any care provider alternatives there?can we find a second opinion, maybe?
lexapro is different from celexa even though lexapro is a component within celexa ... ... ... more than a few celexa users posted that they could not tolerate lexapro ... ... the other isomer of lexapro, that is in celexa, must be having a much larger effect than clinical trials have indicated ...
depressed, i was prescribed 10mg of lexapro a day and took 10 mg Once (march 6) and took myself down to 5mg for month before trying 10 mg again .... been there since ... ... i never had any anxiety symptoms to speak of, but the 1st week on lex i had my 1st panic attacks ... that SE went away in days and all of my SEs faded to zero by my 3rd week ... ... ... could have been like week 5 or 6 before i felt therapeutic benefits ... ... lexapro has been good for me ...
... ... we see the posts here of folks looking for help and we may presume that there are significant numbers of lex users who never come here because they never need to come here because they don't have problems ... ... therefore it's reasonable to believe these posts to this thread represent a sample of lexapro users' reports which will tend to be more negative than a randomly selected sample ... ... it's like we are the squeaky wheels and we are trying to get some grease ... ... sorta ...
... lexapro can require a LOT of perserverance ... ... you should read Okpolosi's posts or BLKVETTES' .. ...
... in fact this message board contains the self-reported case studies of dozens (100s?) of lexapro users ... ... an invaluable resource of wisdom from other's experience(s) ... ... read as much of this board as you have time to ... ... it helps ... it helped me ...
learn how to search the board for posters names to follow their threads and by subject words, like "insomnia" ... ... Dr. Bob's FAQs are great too ... ...
post as often and as extensively as possible especially when you want support through your SEs ... ... it's good for you and it's good for us ... that's why we're here ...
thanks for your post and hang in there ...
... ... keep us informed ... posted! and
TAKE CARE !!
~ jimp.s.
a lot of posters will apologize for their post being too long ... ... ... i don't ... ... ... if is it just tooooooo loooong then they can just quit reading it and if they can see i wrote it then they should not even bother ... ... just in case they are still reading this ! ... ... ... HA!
(none of which is direct at you at all my KayJ! ... okay? )
~ j
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