Posted by KarenRB53 on January 18, 2009, at 22:20:09
In reply to Re: To Scott - Nortriptyline Not Good For Atypical » KarenRB53, posted by SLS on January 18, 2009, at 22:11:39
> > > > > > 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.
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> > > > > :-)
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> > > > >
> > > > > - 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.
> > >
> > >
> > > - Scott
> >
> > As 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.
>
> Where did you read this? What did they mean by that? Any controlled studies? Anecdotal. I respect anecdotal data, but I have to first come to trust the reporter.
>
I read this on another site "CrazyMeds". Just their opinion as no anecdotal data was given.> You must still give it a minimum of 3 weeks in my opinion before you feel the very beginnings of an improvement. Anything sooner is a gift. I am always skeptical of anything written about clinical psychopharmacology that deals in absolutes. The successful treatment of your illness will give you your life back. Are you willing to bet on the material you read being absolutely true in your case?
>No, I'm not. I definitely want to give it enough time to see if it works for me.
> I will say this, though. I would not like to see you suffer extreme anxiety for 3 weeks. I don't think that is a good sign of eventual response. You might want to stop earlier if this reaction persists. Effexor might actually be a better drug if generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is present.
>
>
> - Scott
>I wanted to try Effexor but my pdoc said that because I have hypertension (which is being treated and well under control), he didn't want me to try it.
Is it alright if I keep in touch?Thanks so much,
Karen
poster:KarenRB53
thread:829828
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/neuro/20080706/msgs/874845.html