Posted by KarenRB53 on January 18, 2009, at 21:55:33
In reply to Re: To Scott - Nortriptyline Not Good For Atypical » KarenRB53, posted by SLS on January 18, 2009, at 21:50:44
> > > > Thanks so much for responding Scott. I did try the Imipramine but broke out in hives so my pdoc took me off. I then went back on Prozac because the depression was pretty bad but have since tapered off again and now he has me trying Lexapro (Cipralex in Canada). Its only my 5th day at 2.5mg. I do have heart palpitations but not too bad Whats your opinion of this med compared to Prozac? I appreciate any advice you can give.
> > >
> > > Lexapro is often the first drug chosen by doctors in the U.S. The reason for this is that it has a higher success rate than the other SSRIs with the possible exception of Prozac. Side effects are typical for an SSRI. I really don't have a good feel for this, though. They are no worse than others and better than some. However - and this is very important - most people experience the emergence of anxiety at day 14 or so. This should resolve by day 21. See if you can get through it. Some people claim they feel fatigued or tired on Lexapro, but these are not people who responded well to it. Other people find it stimulating. I don't know, but maybe your heart palpitations are a good sign that it will be energizing for you.
> > >
> > > Good luck with it and keep us posted.
> > >
> > > :-)
> > >
> > >
> > > - Scott
> > >
> > Thanks Scott. Its only been 6 days but the anxiety definitely isn't any better, if anything its worse. I feel heavy in the chest, like I can't get enough air and I'd say it feels like anxiety and it might be but it started at the same time I started the Lexapro. I want to give it a good try but am concerned.
> >
> > Karen
>
> Gosh. I don't what to recommend. I can't say with confidence that the anxiety will disappear in the manner I previously described. That doesn't mean it won't. It is possible that your system has been sensitized by the Prozac, and understanding that Prozac is still in your system, it is difficult to predict the interaction. It is a personal decision as to whether the anxiety is too excruciating to tolerate. I hope you can get through what may be a startup side effect.
>
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> - ScottAs Phillipa just asked, I do take Ativan which I've been taking for quite some time. I think I'm just asking, do you think this is simply a startup side effect as you mention and if thats the case I will try to ride it out. In your opinion how long do you think I should persevere? I've read that Lexapro either works or it doesn't and it doesn't usually take too long before you know if its going to work. Hope that makes sense.
Karen
poster:KarenRB53
thread:829828
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/neuro/20080706/msgs/874841.html