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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by sfmom on December 3, 2003, at 18:10:35
In reply to Re: I dont want to gain weight!, posted by vandy on December 3, 2003, at 15:16:22
I've been on Lex for almost 7 weeks and my depression has not been touched. So my doc is switching me to Paxil. I've heard some really scary things about Paxil and am very afraid to start taking it. She's not having me wean off the Lex, just switch to a lower dose of Paxil for one week and then go up to 20mg. She's also weaning me off Klonopin because I've gotten dependent on it so fast and my hands start to shake between doses. How can she be weaning me off the one thing that helps me feel better just when I have to go through starting a new drug?!? I'm very frustrated and upset. Does anyone have any experience of switching from Lexapro to Paxil? Or any experience with Paxil side effects? What can I expect when I start? Lex was the first SSRI I've ever tried and I guess it just wasn't for me. I really need some guidence here!
Posted by Journeyman on December 3, 2003, at 20:42:07
In reply to Another website on Lexapro, posted by Bill435 on December 1, 2003, at 23:22:09
Bill, Thanks for pointing out the additional website on Lexapro. To add a hint of objectivity to the 'ratings,' it's worth noting that while 372 respondents had rated Lexapro (as of a few minutes ago), only 2 people had rated aromatherapy.
Perhaps a more useful bit of information would be the sidebar found at the site you mentioned, which lists the relative effectiveness for Lexapro in relation to other AD drugs.
Also at the same site (http://remedyfind.com/hc-Depression.asp) there's an interesting list of generally effective AD meds.
Thanks again for the tip.
Journeyman
Posted by theo on December 3, 2003, at 22:34:27
In reply to Doc is switching me from Lex to Paxil -HELP, posted by sfmom on December 3, 2003, at 18:10:35
You really must understand that Paxil is not a bad medication. I stopped Paxil to take Lexapro seven months ago and since then have tried others. Point being is Paxil was working great but I just had to try something new hoping for even better results. Paxil is probably the only SSRI I felt at ease on, and the best for my anxiety and depression and I never had to go above 20mg. As for withdrawals, whenever I stopped it to start Lexapro, the side effects of the Lexapro were worse by far than quitting Paxil. I would give it a try without any hesitation, although everyone does react differently.
Posted by Lonely_Boy on December 4, 2003, at 0:06:15
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I had just started Lexapro for a few days. When will it be effective.
Posted by vandy on December 4, 2003, at 7:00:38
In reply to Lexapro, posted by Lonely_Boy on December 4, 2003, at 0:06:15
I hope you'll see results soon. Everybody is different. As I recall, the stuffer that came with my first prescription said "significant impact should not be expected for at least 14 days." My doc was surprised that I experienced some improvement in a month. For full effect in my case it took more than that. But for me it was sure worth the wait. Good luck to you. Keep in touch.
> I had just started Lexapro for a few days. When will it be effective.
Posted by Esmarelda on December 4, 2003, at 8:48:48
In reply to Doc is switching me from Lex to Paxil -HELP, posted by sfmom on December 3, 2003, at 18:10:35
I took Paxil once a few years ago for a couple of months. It seemed to work okay. The only side effect was that I could not sleep.
Posted by Esmarelda on December 4, 2003, at 8:50:14
In reply to Lexapro, posted by Lonely_Boy on December 4, 2003, at 0:06:15
It took 5 or 6 weeks before I got any beneficial results.
Posted by sfmom on December 4, 2003, at 9:46:39
In reply to Re: Doc is switching me from Lex to Paxil -HELP » sfmom, posted by theo on December 3, 2003, at 22:34:27
Thanks for the encouragment. Why did you switch from Paxil if it was working? Is the Lex working better for you? What about side effects of Paxil vs. Lexapro?
Posted by Mariposa on December 4, 2003, at 12:44:12
In reply to Lexapro, posted by Lonely_Boy on December 4, 2003, at 0:06:15
> I had just started Lexapro for a few days. When will it be effective.
For me it was 9 weeks, but hopefully it will not take that long for you....we are all different!~~~8|8
Posted by Journeyman on December 4, 2003, at 22:33:45
In reply to Re: Lexapro » Lonely_Boy, posted by Mariposa on December 4, 2003, at 12:44:12
Lonely_Boy
Based on postings made at this site in the last three months, Lexapro seems to take effect in anywhere from one to nine weeks. If you go back and read previous messages, or stay tuned for the next few weeks (I urge you to do so, so you won't live up - or down - to the name you're writing under) you'll see that people have widely varying responses to the medication. The general themes are: give it at least a couple of months to take effect; and most people's bodies adjust to any side effects within a couple of months.
I've had virtually no side effects (Have been taking it for two weeks now) and I seem to have more of a general sense of calm and peace.
Good luck with your program.
Journeyman (aka Richard)
Posted by jennielaughs on December 5, 2003, at 9:37:00
In reply to Re: Thanks Dr. Bob on Redirect » Phyl, posted by wharfrat on November 11, 2002, at 13:43:45
Hello everybody. I am so glad that I found pyso-babble. I am having doubts about whether or not I should be taking Lexapro. I started having what I think are panic attacks about 2 weeks ago. My doctor perscribed Lexapro and this is only my second day on the drug. I take it at night. The first time I took 10mg and it was horrible. I felt extremely weird with cloudy thoughts, headaches, etc.
I reduced the dosage last night to 5mg and I am doing alot better. I notice that I do sleep all night but it is really hard for me to get out of bed in the morining. My eyes are even slightly swollen in the morning. I still have the constant headache, which I hope will go away.
Due to the SE's, I can tell that this must be a serious drug.I am wondering if I should stick with it even though I feel that I was diagnosed prematurely. I don't suffer from depression and I don't feel like I am overly anxious other than the sudden onset of panac attacks that I have never experienced before. ( I have been on Celexa in the past but it was only for a couple of months and several years ago)
Posted by Mariposa on December 5, 2003, at 10:56:10
In reply to new user, posted by jennielaughs on December 5, 2003, at 9:37:00
> Hello everybody. I am so glad that I found pyso-babble. I am having doubts about whether or not I should be taking Lexapro. I started having what I think are panic attacks about 2 weeks ago. My doctor perscribed Lexapro and this is only my second day on the drug. I take it at night. The first time I took 10mg and it was horrible. I felt extremely weird with cloudy thoughts, headaches, etc.
>
> I reduced the dosage last night to 5mg and I am doing alot better. I notice that I do sleep all night but it is really hard for me to get out of bed in the morining. My eyes are even slightly swollen in the morning. I still have the constant headache, which I hope will go away.
> Due to the SE's, I can tell that this must be a serious drug.
>
> I am wondering if I should stick with it even though I feel that I was diagnosed prematurely. I don't suffer from depression and I don't feel like I am overly anxious other than the sudden onset of panac attacks that I have never experienced before. ( I have been on Celexa in the past but it was only for a couple of months and several years ago)I find your post a little disturbing....is there more to your story??? You've only had a couple of attacks recently? Is there something going on in your life that might cause them (job, home life, etc.)? Of course, I am NO doctor, so this is just personal curiosity. What was your diagnosis?
Lex is a powerful drug, the initial side effects for me were severe, bad enough to make me want to quit. Then it took 9 weeks before I felt it was actually working, and things got a lot worse before they got better. My case though.... and I really DO need to take an anti-dep, it has made a HUGE difference for me (for the better!).
I started at 5mg, and in retrospect, I wish I had started at 2.5mg because the se's were so bad. The only positive is that bad as they were, all the side effects DID go away.
Best of luck to you!~~~8|8
Posted by LynneDa on December 5, 2003, at 11:26:16
In reply to Re: new user » jennielaughs, posted by Mariposa on December 5, 2003, at 10:56:10
Hi! I agree with Mariposa . . . sounds a little fast after just 2 panic attacks, but maybe they were pretty bad? I don't know much about the treatment options, but aren't there other anti-anxiety type drugs that you could try first?
Anyway, I've been on 10mg of Lex for a little over 6 weeks. I take mine in the morning and, for some reason, that works best for me. My s/e's were bad, but tolerable and lasted about 2 weeks. Now, I'm just a little sleepy, can't orgasm and my anxiety/depression/anger symptoms are lessened but not totally gone to my satisfaction yet.
The Lex made a difference for me right away. The first 2 weeks are usually the hardest. The folks on this website really helped me get through it - by seeing there is a light at the end of the tunnel!
Good luck
~ Lynne
Posted by jennielaughs on December 5, 2003, at 12:49:21
In reply to Re: new user, posted by LynneDa on December 5, 2003, at 11:26:16
I had very bad anxiety attacks for 2 1/2 weeks - not just 2 attacks. They would last for hours. I was first perscribed zanax (not sure how to spell it) by the emergency room doctor, but I do not want to rely on zanax because it is addictive and just puts me to sleep.
I have not had another attack since I started taking lex. However, I cannot concentrate on anything. Does this lack of concentration go away? Has anyone had that SE?
I feel like it has made a difference already for me. I feel peaceful and am not letting the typical things worry me. Is it possible to feel this so soon (only 2 days). I have always been sensitive to meds.
Posted by LynneDa on December 5, 2003, at 12:54:17
In reply to Re: new user, posted by jennielaughs on December 5, 2003, at 12:49:21
OK, well that makes more sense! :-) And, yes, it is possible to feel better in 2 days!! I know I did and I don't think it was a placebo effect or anything like that. It was such a relief not to be worrying so much! I had a problem with not being able to concentrate due to depression prior to the Lex, so I have to say my concentration improved. Maybe you're feeling better so you are more easily distracted with thinking of all the things you want to accomplish or due to a heightened sense of awareness of things around you? Not sure, but many of the side effects do go away after a few weeks - the average seems to be about 6 weeks for most everything to abate.
Good luck and I'm glad to hear you're feeling peaceful, that's certainly what we all want and deserve!
~ Lynne
Posted by theo on December 5, 2003, at 17:44:30
In reply to Re: Doc is switching me from Lex to Paxil -HELP » theo, posted by sfmom on December 4, 2003, at 9:46:39
> Thanks for the encouragment. Why did you switch from Paxil if it was working? Is the Lex working better for you? What about side effects of Paxil vs. Lexapro?
Sorry it took me a couple of days to respond, DSL network was down 2 days. Anyway as I mentioned I was "looking for something even better," basically fell for all of the marketing that has sold so much Lexapro and doctors usually hand out the new stuff. I couldn't handle the side effects of Lex after two attempts and have been on only 150mg of Wellbutrin XL and gave my body a short break from all SSRI's to get back to square one. The Wellbutrin does not help with anxiety so today 12/5/03 have started back on 10mg Paxil and will move up if needed to 20mg after a week but will not exceed 20mg. Felt a little geared down (tired) from the initial shock to the system when first starting a medication but no nausea or anything. The good thing about Paxil for me at least is I can feel some benefits after only about a week. Good luck!
Posted by Arielle on December 5, 2003, at 17:51:40
In reply to Re: I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro, posted by C.Burton on December 2, 2003, at 16:21:43
I've been on Lexapro for about a year now. I recently ran out of the medication, and am having problems refilling it at the moment. (I was on 40 mg a day) I am experiencing HORRIBLE withdrawal symptoms. Nausea, extreme dizziness, little "mind zaps", fatigue, and extreme sadness. Are these normal? And I also have 2 children to take care of, so I feel helpless in trying to care for them. All I feel like doing is sleeping or laying down. AND, do people become immune, or used to Lexapro? Like, I always feel the need to up the dose, because I'm starting to feel anxious or stressed again....
Posted by BLKVETTES on December 5, 2003, at 22:23:56
In reply to Re: I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro, posted by Arielle on December 5, 2003, at 17:51:40
> I've been on Lexapro for about a year now. I recently ran out of the medication, and am having problems refilling it at the moment. (I was on 40 mg a day) I am experiencing HORRIBLE withdrawal symptoms. Nausea, extreme dizziness, little "mind zaps", fatigue, and extreme sadness. Are these normal? And I also have 2 children to take care of, so I feel helpless in trying to care for them. All I feel like doing is sleeping or laying down. AND, do people become immune, or used to Lexapro? Like, I always feel the need to up the dose, because I'm starting to feel anxious or stressed again....
Cold turkey off these meds is dangerous business. Dont want to scare you but seizures are possible. It is not a wise move. But everything you describe is normal for those who go through withdrawal. Keep an eye on your temperature also. There are differences of opinion on if one can have poop out on these meds. Darn thats a lot of lexapro you are taking. Get with the psychiatrist and discuss whats going on.
Posted by BLKVETTES on December 5, 2003, at 22:30:33
In reply to Re: new user, posted by jennielaughs on December 5, 2003, at 12:49:21
> I had very bad anxiety attacks for 2 1/2 weeks - not just 2 attacks. They would last for hours. I was first perscribed zanax (not sure how to spell it) by the emergency room doctor, but I do not want to rely on zanax because it is addictive and just puts me to sleep.
>
> I have not had another attack since I started taking lex. However, I cannot concentrate on anything. Does this lack of concentration go away? Has anyone had that SE?
>
> I feel like it has made a difference already for me. I feel peaceful and am not letting the typical things worry me. Is it possible to feel this so soon (only 2 days). I have always been sensitive to meds.
>
>Your situation sounds weird to me. I would get a 2nd opinion and see a psychiatrist. You did good by lowering the dose because you can always move it back up if need be.
Posted by BLKVETTES on December 5, 2003, at 22:35:57
In reply to Lexapro, posted by Lonely_Boy on December 4, 2003, at 0:06:15
> I had just started Lexapro for a few days. When will it be effective.
For me 6 weeks for depression and the anxiety took longer. We are all different so it varies.
Posted by BLKVETTES on December 5, 2003, at 22:45:02
In reply to Doc is switching me from Lex to Paxil -HELP, posted by sfmom on December 3, 2003, at 18:10:35
> I've been on Lex for almost 7 weeks and my depression has not been touched. So my doc is switching me to Paxil. I've heard some really scary things about Paxil and am very afraid to start taking it. She's not having me wean off the Lex, just switch to a lower dose of Paxil for one week and then go up to 20mg. She's also weaning me off Klonopin because I've gotten dependent on it so fast and my hands start to shake between doses. How can she be weaning me off the one thing that helps me feel better just when I have to go through starting a new drug?!? I'm very frustrated and upset. Does anyone have any experience of switching from Lexapro to Paxil? Or any experience with Paxil side effects? What can I expect when I start? Lex was the first SSRI I've ever tried and I guess it just wasn't for me. I really need some guidence here!
If we listened to all the negative stories about meds no one would be taking any meds at all. There are horror stories for all of them. I read 10,000 people die every year from aspirin. If you have doubts about you doc get a 2nd opinion. I think your doc is a goofball anyways.
Posted by Arielle on December 6, 2003, at 17:33:16
In reply to Re: Doc is switching me from Lex to Paxil -HELP, posted by BLKVETTES on December 5, 2003, at 22:45:02
I was on Paxil for about a year and a half. It was the best anti depressant I have tried, (and I've tried em all) BUT, I gained about 40 lbs in 3 months. I NEVER gained weight all my life, even after my kids, but when I took Paxil, I went from 108, to 148. So they switched me to Celexa.......
Posted by Arielle on December 6, 2003, at 17:37:02
In reply to Re: I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro, posted by BLKVETTES on December 5, 2003, at 22:23:56
Thanks for replying. I've heard about the seizures....you really think 40 mg is a lot? Uh oh...now I feel nuts!! LOL I was wanting to raise it too.... Maybe not. I am going to the doctor on Monday..hope to have some soon.
Posted by BLKVETTES on December 6, 2003, at 22:47:58
In reply to Re: I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro, posted by Arielle on December 6, 2003, at 17:37:02
> Thanks for replying. I've heard about the seizures....you really think 40 mg is a lot? Uh oh...now I feel nuts!! LOL I was wanting to raise it too.... Maybe not. I am going to the doctor on Monday..hope to have some soon.
I havent heard anyone take that much and not saying it is to much for you. We are all different. I take 7.5mg. some take 10, 20, 30. Im just saying its a lot just to stop taking it all at once. Your body will tell you I guess if you are taking to much. Right now you know your body is saying give me some lexapro lol. Seizures are rare, but I hate to see you suffer with that withdrawal. Glad your getting to the doc.
Posted by tm on December 7, 2003, at 8:48:56
In reply to new user, posted by jennielaughs on December 5, 2003, at 9:37:00
> Hello everybody. I am so glad that I found pyso-babble. I am having doubts about whether or not I should be taking Lexapro. I started having what I think are panic attacks about 2 weeks ago. My doctor perscribed Lexapro and this is only my second day on the drug. I take it at night. The first time I took 10mg and it was horrible. I felt extremely weird with cloudy thoughts, headaches, etc.
>
> I reduced the dosage last night to 5mg and I am doing alot better. I notice that I do sleep all night but it is really hard for me to get out of bed in the morining. My eyes are even slightly swollen in the morning. I still have the constant headache, which I hope will go away.
> Due to the SE's, I can tell that this must be a serious drug.
>
> I am wondering if I should stick with it even though I feel that I was diagnosed prematurely. I don't suffer from depression and I don't feel like I am overly anxious other than the sudden onset of panac attacks that I have never experienced before. ( I have been on Celexa in the past but it was only for a couple of months and several years ago)Just a note about Xanax and remember every drug has the possibility of acting different. The emerg. doc gave it to you because Xanax works right away and only stays in your system for 4-6 hours. I take .75mg 4x a day along with 25mg of lex and 10mg of Remeron. The main thing is that you have to be comfortable with the drug you take or you'll have anxiety over that. Second opinion for sure. Ask yourself can you stand the anxiety attacks that you had and if you can don't take any drugs. The Pdoc is the way to go. You say panic and I say aniexty there all the same. Lex is there for panic and depression.
Good Luck Tim
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