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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by linnie on March 19, 2004, at 12:31:30
In reply to Re: Does it get better to Lynne » linnie, posted by LynneDa on March 19, 2004, at 11:57:16
> Hi Linnie -
> I started at 10 mg, then upped to 20 mg after 10 weeks. I've now been on 20 mg for about 11 weeks. My worst times are right before my period and that is the reason I upped. That time is now much better, I get a little out of wack but not too bad. I still have insomnia and some inorgasmia that I would like to address. I'm tired of medicating myself to sleep, but if that is my only alternative I guess that's it. I'm not ready to go off the Lex!
> Take care,
> Lynne
> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Lynne,Have you noticed any increase in anxiety if you drink alcohol?
linnie
Posted by LynneDa on March 19, 2004, at 12:41:23
In reply to Re: Does it get better to Lynne, posted by linnie on March 19, 2004, at 12:31:30
Linnie -
No, I haven't had any ill effects from drinking on Lex. I probably have a glass of wine or a margarita 2 or 3 times a month, don't drink much anymore! I do seem to get sleepy more quickly on Lex after a drink.From what I've read (& I'm no expert), it can make your heart race (which can feel like anxiety). Since alcohol's a depressant and Lex is anti, it works against the Lex by cancelling it out . . . which could lead to anxiety making an appearance, since the Lex is supposed to control that.
Good luck, be careful!
~ Lynne
Posted by want info on March 19, 2004, at 13:03:59
In reply to Re: Lexy and Kathryn, posted by KathrynLex on March 19, 2004, at 12:30:02
hi kathryn...thats exactly what ive done...am now at about 9 days on 15mg, in about 6.5 weeks overall. i do feel less "cloudy," but still very anxious. i am expecting my time of the month in a few days so maybe that's why. i'm holding out for less anxiety any day now! em
Posted by peace123 on March 19, 2004, at 14:37:20
In reply to Re: Does it get better » peace123, posted by LynneDa on March 18, 2004, at 11:11:51
peace to you all,
thank you all for the replies.. what a wonderful support system you all have developed here. :)
Sorry for forgetting who asked if my doc is a pdoc or family doc...but here is the answer >>
It is one of the docs that works in the office of my primary care provider<<.. and in fairness to her.. she did offer my something for anxiety.. but also said they can be habit forming.. and that kinda scared me.
But I took the script for ambain, because i really needed to get some sleep.I start some counseling for work stress next week, God willing.. this will also be helpful.
I am glad to read that things do get better further down lexapro lane :)
:)
Posted by LynneDa on March 19, 2004, at 16:08:26
In reply to Re: Does it get better, posted by peace123 on March 19, 2004, at 14:37:20
Hi everyone! I will be on vacation (nowhere too fun, just at home relaxing with the kids on spring break) and won't be checking posts often. I usually do that at work. Have a good week everyone and talk to you the week of 3/29 when I'm back at the office.
~ Lynne
Posted by sexylexy on March 19, 2004, at 16:10:01
In reply to Re: Lynne on vacation, posted by LynneDa on March 19, 2004, at 16:08:26
Lynne!!!
WE WILL MISS YOU! Have a great spring break, get some good rest and loving from your hubby!
God Bless,
lexy
Posted by sideorder on March 19, 2004, at 16:23:05
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects » dr. dave, posted by Ritch on June 19, 2002, at 9:11:56
I was just prescribed Lexapro by my doctor for general stress/anxiety reduction. I was told that the sexual side effects were minimal...primarily "ejaclatory delay" (and only happens to a small precentage).... I guess if it's "delayed", it wouldn't be that big of a deal---just so it eventually happens. Also wondering if it causes any erectile dysfunction or decreased libido. I really don't want to become sexually dysfunctional in any way. Any men out there taking Lexapro (or women who are with men taking Lexapro) that can give me the lowdown? I have a VERY healthy sex life with my girlfriend and hate to see it take a turn just because I'm taking an anti-anxiety drug. Any advice/comments or feedback would be appreciated. Also, don't even know if I'm "posting" in the right place...I'm totally new to this.
Posted by sltex on March 19, 2004, at 18:21:07
In reply to Sexual Dysfunction and Lexapro? Need Feedback, posted by sideorder on March 19, 2004, at 16:23:05
> I was just prescribed Lexapro by my doctor for general stress/anxiety reduction. I was told that the sexual side effects were minimal...primarily "ejaclatory delay" (and only happens to a small precentage).... I guess if it's "delayed", it wouldn't be that big of a deal---just so it eventually happens. Also wondering if it causes any erectile dysfunction or decreased libido. I really don't want to become sexually dysfunctional in any way. Any men out there taking Lexapro (or women who are with men taking Lexapro) that can give me the lowdown? I have a VERY healthy sex life with my girlfriend and hate to see it take a turn just because I'm taking an anti-anxiety drug. Any advice/comments or feedback would be appreciated. Also, don't even know if I'm "posting" in the right place...I'm totally new to this.
> I am a guy who's been on Lexapro for about 5 weeks. I too have had a very healthy, terrific sex life (with my wife). I too am new to this posting stuff. My experience is that there's a bit of a reduced libido, although certainly not too bad, no ED, but the delayed ejaculation has been distressing for both me and for my wife. I am trying to be patient with this side effect. I started out on Effexor and it was much worse with ED and no ejaculation, so Lex is better but certainly the delayed ejaculation side effects are there, but I am committed to get over the depression.
Posted by susielalala on March 19, 2004, at 20:52:32
In reply to Re: Does it get better to Lynne, posted by linnie on March 19, 2004, at 11:38:42
thanks Lynne. I am on 10 mg of lex. I actually had a pretty good day today. I am praying for all of us. Have a great night!!
Posted by sexylexy on March 19, 2004, at 21:19:20
In reply to Re: Does it get better to Lynne, posted by susielalala on March 19, 2004, at 20:52:32
Hi Ya'll,
I have heard some really good things about lexapro and wellbutrin as a cocktail. I am thinking about going that way. The problem is, when my whole fiasco started, my temp GP gave me Wellbutrin when I was complaining of anxiety. Of course I now know that this is a stimiluant but at the time did not know and was an anxious mess after taking it.
I am wondering, if lexapro helps to curb some of the se from wellbutrin including anxiety. Thanks 1000000, God Bless,
Lexy
Posted by Nemo2 on March 19, 2004, at 22:06:51
In reply to Re: Does it get better, posted by KathrynLex on March 19, 2004, at 12:18:15
This post is for KathrynLex and anyone else with thoughts or suggestions. K, I've read many of your posts regarding your decision to up the dose to 15mg on Lex. You are much appreciated. I'm at 70 days on 10mg and have had very good results against my depression. Much more energy and better spirits consistently. Se's have been jitteryness along with my lifelong hand tremors amplified and a brain fog. These se's peaked about week 3 and have diminished since then by about 80%. The last few days have seen the first noticeable anxiety and depression in 2 months. Today was clearly like old times. Not good. Some situational contributions to this downturn for sure, but still very disappointing. I remembered your choice to go to 15mg at about this point in time (I think) and took my 10mg about 5 hours earlier than normal. I've been taking it about 8pm nightly. The effect took about 45 minutes and was terrific. I lost the anxiety and the depression within 30 more minutes. The dose I took last night seemed to have little effect on me today. Tomorrow I'm going to take 10mg in the morning and then take another 5mg 12 hours later. I'll see what happens with the se's and the symptoms. Any thoughts from you on this move?
Thanks, Nemo2
Posted by Mrs. C on March 20, 2004, at 8:40:55
In reply to 70 Days on Lex » KathrynLex, posted by Nemo2 on March 19, 2004, at 22:06:51
Good luck Nemo. I upped my dose from 10 to 15 2 weeks ago with great results. Side effects were mild and short lived. Hoping the same for you. Mrs.C
Posted by wantinfo on March 20, 2004, at 11:18:19
In reply to 70 Days on Lex » KathrynLex, posted by Nemo2 on March 19, 2004, at 22:06:51
hi nemo. i know you werent asking for my advice specifically but i may be able to help? i am in my 6th week of lex. i was on 10mg for 5 wks and am now on 15. i take it about 10pm and always feel better in the morning than later in the day. im debating to switching to taking it in the am...no point in feeling best when im asleep! let me know what you find out? EM
Posted by ednababish on March 20, 2004, at 13:02:20
In reply to 70 Days on Lex » KathrynLex, posted by Nemo2 on March 19, 2004, at 22:06:51
I know this message was not for me, but I've had sucess with the split dosage method in the past. Kind of like a booster shot... EB
Posted by sexylexy on March 20, 2004, at 16:43:01
In reply to 70 Days on Lex » KathrynLex, posted by Nemo2 on March 19, 2004, at 22:06:51
Nemo...
I know this was for K but I thought I would put my two cents in. K and I started posting at the same time, I believe she is like week ahead of me.
I was on 10 mgs for 8 weeks and was just not seeing the results I wanted to see. Nemo I am not sure if you are a woman but if you are, Lex seems to loose its effect around that time of the month, also enviromental factors could have made you slip. Another things is sometimes when people start to feel really good again, they forget to take as good care of themselves, excersising, eating right, limit alcohol ect. I am not saying that this is you but it is always good to remember.
After my 8 weeks on 10mg I moved up to 15. I felt a little bit of the side effects return, spacy/foggy and a little irritable. After about two weeks I started feeling pretty darn good. I saw my pdoc on wednesday and she said to go on up to 20mg. So I am on day 3 of that, hoping to beat this stuff for good! The side effects are minimal and seem to be pretty short lived. If you are thinking about upping the dose, I would say do it! I made myself wait 9 or 10 weeks to increase and wish I would have done it around week 5. Good luck in your decision, hope this helps.
God Bless,
Lexy
Posted by Nemo2 on March 20, 2004, at 19:14:21
In reply to Re: 70 Days on Lex » Nemo2, posted by sexylexy on March 20, 2004, at 16:43:01
Thanks for the input from all four posters. I'm going ahead to the 15mg dose today. Also to start taking the 10mg around 5am (normal rising time) and the extra 5mg around noon each day. I was taking my 10mg for the first 70 days around 8pm. I've read that the peak in the bloodstream is 5 hours after ingestion. Let's see how my daily balance works out.
I am a 54 year old man, Lexy. Interesting what happens to the Lex effect monthly with some women. I've been a 10 mile a week runner for many years and also lift weights for an hour vigorously twice weekly when time allows. That habit helps me a lot. I'm changing my diet to conform more with a book I just found called "The Diet Cure". Less bread and pasta. More protein and veggies. I have been on a pretty healthy diet for the last year and am at my ideal weight. No caffiene, alcohol or tobacco. Used to have a couple of cocktails daily and have not missed it in the last couple of months.
The goal is to see what a proper amino acid balance and minimized effect of blood sugar variability does to my depression and life long digestive problems. Has anyone had experience with taking 5HTP (Tryptophan) for depression?
I'm also working with a GP instead of a pdoc on the Lex dosage. I'm going to start with a local pdoc asap so I get the best advice possible. Lexapro has been a revelation in terms of understanding my depression and anxiety problems. I now know the difference between normal mood and outlook and the dark side I've been living in for several years. Good to know that my life ahead has huge potential for good things and much fun. Thanks again and I thank God for this website, Nemo.
Posted by mystic on March 20, 2004, at 20:08:43
In reply to Re: 70 Days on Lex, posted by Nemo2 on March 20, 2004, at 19:14:21
Good luck Nemo uping your dosage..Havent really heard alot about splitting dosage...did you dr tell you to do this or are you just doing it yourself?..and didnt know that the meds peak at a certain time??..where do you get this information...very interesting..>i wish you luck and hope that you keep us posted...A friend Mystic
Posted by Mrs. C on March 20, 2004, at 21:22:08
In reply to RE: Nemo, posted by mystic on March 20, 2004, at 20:08:43
Hi Mystic, how are you today. How was your shopping trip. I think that it's really cool that you will be in the delivery room with your daughter. What a great experience for you!
Tonight is my 8 year olds sleepover birthday party. She has seven friends over and they are all running all over the house. I am missing my quiet time that I usually only get this time of night, ha ha. I took them to a movie and we just got done having cake and they are all "sugared up". Lucky me. I will talk to ya tomorrow, if I make it! Mrs. C
Posted by mystic on March 20, 2004, at 22:45:59
In reply to Mystic, posted by Mrs. C on March 20, 2004, at 21:22:08
Mrs C.....Wow if you can do over 7 children in your house overnight....YOU ARE CURED..hahhaa Wow I sure remember those days and not sure that I couldve done it right now..So meds must be working...Speaking of which how goes the 15mgs.. I hope that tomorrow is going to be a good day for you ...and you get some quiet time..I miss those days children can just bring out the best in you....Have a great rest of the weekend...Mystic
Posted by Nemo2 on March 20, 2004, at 23:19:51
In reply to RE: Nemo, posted by mystic on March 20, 2004, at 20:08:43
Hi mystic,
I've read so much on Lex over the last 10 weeks that I can't site the source on the peak blood level timing of 5 hours after ingestion. I just checked the drug's website and couldn't find it. I'm sure I read it within the last two weeks and it was in an article on the internet about SSRI's. Sorry not to have the specifics.
Nemo
Posted by Malka on March 21, 2004, at 3:10:35
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin » Simus, posted by LynneDa on March 18, 2004, at 9:55:20
Can someone tell me how Wellbutrin works on the brain please. is it an SSRI, SNRI or any other acronym? I tried Effexor and hated it and am now looking for an alternative to help my depression and anorexia. Thank you
Posted by Simus on March 21, 2004, at 5:08:59
In reply to Re:WELLBUTRIN, posted by Malka on March 21, 2004, at 3:10:35
> Can someone tell me how Wellbutrin works on the brain please. is it an SSRI, SNRI or any other acronym? I tried Effexor and hated it and am now looking for an alternative to help my depression and anorexia. Thank you
Hi,
I went to the Wellbutrin manufacturer's site to get some info when I started taking it a few days ago, and I remember that they said that it is not for someone who had had an eating disorder or seizures.
Wellbutrin is not a SSRI. Those target serotonin in the brain. Wellbutrin is in a completely different class of antidepressants, and it targets dopamine and norepinpehrin.
Effexor is a SNRI, which targets serotonin and norepinephrin.
Have you tried an SSRI?
Please keep in mind, I am just another poster here at the site, not a doctor. Your doctor will have to help you find something that will work for you.
Good luck, and God bless.
Posted by peace123 on March 21, 2004, at 5:09:44
In reply to RE: Nemo, posted by Nemo2 on March 20, 2004, at 23:19:51
nemo I found this>
Absorption and DistributionFollowing a single oral dose (20 mg tablet or solution) of escitalopram, peak blood levels occur at about 5 hours. Absorption of escitalopram is not affected by food.
source :
http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/lexapro_cp.htm
Maybe this is the site you saw it on .
Posted by Simus on March 21, 2004, at 5:36:20
In reply to Re: 70 Days on Lex, posted by Nemo2 on March 20, 2004, at 19:14:21
> I've been a 10 mile a week runner for many years and also lift weights for an hour vigorously twice weekly when time allows. That habit helps me a lot. I'm changing my diet to conform more with a book I just found called "The Diet Cure". Less bread and pasta. More protein and veggies. I have been on a pretty healthy diet for the last year and am at my ideal weight. No caffiene, alcohol or tobacco. Used to have a couple of cocktails daily and have not missed it in the last couple of months.
Wow, Nemo! You are an inspiration to me. But I have some questions for you if you don't mind answering. My sister is an exercise nut. And she swears by the Diet Cure book. She is convinced if I exercise more and follow the diet called out in the Diet Cure book, I will be OK and off of meds. (depression/anxiety/OCD) Can you give me a little more info on how much you think exercise and diet have improved your condition? By the way, the lady who wrote the Diet Cure also came out with a new book called the Mood Cure. It appears to also be a good book. Have you read Depression Free, Naturally?
>
> The goal is to see what a proper amino acid balance and minimized effect of blood sugar variability does to my depression and life long digestive problems.
>
Could you please let me know what you find out? I am just curious (OK, nosy).> Has anyone had experience with taking 5HTP (Tryptophan) for depression?
Go to the Psycho-Babble alternative site and ask there too. I have seen 5HTP mentioned there often. I believe (remember that I am no expert) that you have to be careful in taking 5HTP with SSRIs, because the 5HTP will increase the serotonin in the brain and you could potentially fall into "serotonin syndrome", or too much serotonin in the brain. That is a dangerous situation, and could lead to coma or death. So please educate yourself before you try it, and be careful!
Best of luck, and God bless.
Posted by BobYuma on March 21, 2004, at 7:16:21
In reply to Re: 70 Days on Lex, posted by Nemo2 on March 20, 2004, at 19:14:21
> > ... Has anyone had experience with taking 5HTP (Tryptophan) for depression?
... Thanks again and I thank God for this website, Nemo.
----------------------------------
Hi, Nemo. Cool name you have there.
About the 5HTP, I have taken it in the past, and it works good for me
if I am not having what I refer to as a "major anxiety-instigator event" going on in my life at the time. I'm talking about such things as life-threatening illnesses in the family and the loss of loved ones. These things are my greatest hurdles, and the 5HTP just doesn't do it for me during these periods.Of course you know, you should never take 5HTP if you're already taking an AD or even if you're coming off of an AD.
Good luck and God Bless.
BobYuma
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