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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Prof on April 13, 2005, at 21:43:12
I've been taking Lexapro for ca. 18 months for depression and social anxiety. The depression is functional rather than debilitating, although it does affect my job performance and general attitude. Likewise with the social anxiety. I started out on 20mg Lexapro, but after 6 months or so, the effect began to wear off and my doctor upped the dosage to 30mg. Another 6 months later, same problem, so now 40mg. It's now 6 months later still and the same problem appears to be recurring. The question is, do I stick it out for x months more, or should I try Effexor (or something else)? I drink the equivalent of 2-4 beers a night. I've read some posts regarding problems of liver toxicity with Effexor, but I've never seem (or experienced) any problems with Lexapro. Any comments would be appreciated.
Posted by banga on April 13, 2005, at 23:26:39
In reply to Lexapro to Effexor?, posted by Prof on April 13, 2005, at 21:43:12
Hi,
Any reason you specifically ask about Effexor?
My guess is that you'd be advised to try something else. You are going into a very high dose range. I would think it time to switch to something else.
It has been my impression (and mind you it is only an impression!) that Lexapro is one drug whose good effects wear off quickly...it did ofr me within 6 weeks.
There are so many medications out there, including Effexor, that may work better for you.
Posted by Bill LL on April 14, 2005, at 14:52:23
In reply to Lexapro to Effexor?, posted by Prof on April 13, 2005, at 21:43:12
Lexapro and Effexor are both great drugs with excellent reputations. If I were you, I would increase the dose of Lexapro to 60 mg. It is safe. The only reason not to do is if it makes you too tired or gives you sexual side effects.
If that does not work, I would try either Effexor or Cymbalta. I personally am doing very well on 60 mg Cymbalta.
> I've been taking Lexapro for ca. 18 months for depression and social anxiety. The depression is functional rather than debilitating, although it does affect my job performance and general attitude. Likewise with the social anxiety. I started out on 20mg Lexapro, but after 6 months or so, the effect began to wear off and my doctor upped the dosage to 30mg. Another 6 months later, same problem, so now 40mg. It's now 6 months later still and the same problem appears to be recurring. The question is, do I stick it out for x months more, or should I try Effexor (or something else)? I drink the equivalent of 2-4 beers a night. I've read some posts regarding problems of liver toxicity with Effexor, but I've never seem (or experienced) any problems with Lexapro. Any comments would be appreciated.
Posted by jessers11581 on April 14, 2005, at 15:04:24
In reply to Re: Lexapro to Effexor?, posted by Bill LL on April 14, 2005, at 14:52:23
> Lexapro and Effexor are both great drugs with excellent reputations. If I were you, I would increase the dose of Lexapro to 60 mg. It is safe. The only reason not to do is if it makes you too tired or gives you sexual side effects.
> If that does not work, I would try either Effexor or Cymbalta. I personally am doing very well on 60 mg Cymbalta.
I second the Cymbalta recommendation. I made the switch from Lexapro to Cymbalta and have never felt better. I don't think Lexapro is all it's cracked up to be. But that's just my opinon. I like Celexa much better, even though they're supposedly the same drug (?). Anyway, I would give Cymbalta a shot.
Posted by Phillipa on April 14, 2005, at 18:57:05
In reply to Re: Lexapro to Effexor?, posted by jessers11581 on April 14, 2005, at 15:04:24
A lot of posters have good results with relatively low doses as well. Fondly, Phillipa
This is the end of the thread.
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