![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 1132 to 1156 of 8406. Go back in thread:
Posted by Ritch on November 5, 2002, at 12:50:15
In reply to Re: for people taking Lex for anxiety » Ritch, posted by Brandymac26 on November 5, 2002, at 9:52:09
> Do you think that there are other med's out there that do work more effectively for anxiety other than ssri's? It seems like everytime I start a new drug, my anxiety gets worse, and over time the side effects get a little better, but they never fully make my anxiety go away. I take lex and xanax, and honestly, my increased anxiety (side effect) is the same as it was while I was taking the celexa. So far I dont think this is as great as everyone made it out to be. Thanks for the reply!
Hi, there are other antidepressants besides the SSRI's that have also been used with success for anxiety. Trazodone, Serzone, and tricyclics such as amitripytline, nortriptyline, and doxepin, and the MAOI's. The level of success will be highly individual. If *all* SSRI's tend to cause more agitation for someone, then it would be logical to try an antidpressant from another class. There could be an unwarranted bias by pdocs for SSRI's that goes beyond their safety profile.
Posted by bluedog on November 5, 2002, at 13:03:43
In reply to Re: Lexapro 'failed' trial, posted by dr. dave on November 5, 2002, at 5:04:21
Dr Dave
I have been following this thread with much interest. ( I have taken citalopram and my mother and sister-in-law are both currently taking citalopram. I currently take fluoxetine as citalopram was just too sedating for me).
I greatly respect your opinions and based on your line of reasoning I can see no reason for either myself or my relatives to switch to escitalopram.
I would love to ask you a question. I noticed that SLS recently asked you about your background. Going through the posts it seems you have answered similar questions since at least August last year. On 20 August 2001 you also mentioned that you work in a little village in the mountains of Wales.
My question is this........ are you the same Dr Dave as descibed by the Guardian as "director of the North Wales department of psychological medicine and the UK's foremost expert in antidepressants"? ( see http://www.guardian.co.uk/Archive/Article/0,4273,4201752,00.html ) or is it just a coincidence that their are two psychiatrists in North Wales called Dr Dave who happen to be very knowledgeable about antidepressant medications?
just curious
regards
Posted by THOV on November 5, 2002, at 14:50:45
In reply to Re: that Phil, he's a manly hi-T kind of guy ;-) (nm) » Phil, posted by .tabitha. on August 17, 2002, at 15:35:49
Question for any of you experts...
Just started lexapro...10mg
can i drink alcoholic beverages while taking this medication? How will effect me?
this is my 2nd day..First day I was very nauseated...I am very concerned about the sexual s/e's
Posted by bridgette on November 5, 2002, at 15:15:51
In reply to Question for Dr Dave, posted by bluedog on November 5, 2002, at 13:03:43
This is my 1st day on the two of them together and I feel great---but, how can that be---is it just a placebo effect, or the fact that I was on Lexapro for 5 weeks made the Wellbutrin work instantly. See, I'm not used to feeling good, so I question WHY? I have to say the things I have read on line about Wellbutrin were all pretty positive!
Posted by Brandymac26 on November 5, 2002, at 15:55:19
In reply to Re: for people taking Lex for anxiety, posted by Katarina on November 5, 2002, at 12:13:06
> > Do you think that there are other med's out there that do work more effectively for anxiety other than ssri's? It seems like everytime I start a new drug, my anxiety gets worse, and over time the side effects get a little better, but they never fully make my anxiety go away. I take lex and xanax, and honestly, my increased anxiety (side effect) is the same as it was while I was taking the celexa. So far I dont think this is as great as everyone made it out to be. Thanks for the reply!
>
> -----------------------
> I started on Prozac, having told my doctor of my depression. I failed to say that anxiety was part of it. Prozac worked like a charm for the depression but I was bouncing off the walls and it did nothing for the anxiety. After discussing more in depth my symptoms, I was given Effexor, which didn't work. Now I'm on Lexapro...it's been 3 weeks now and no great relief. I called the doc to give a report, told of my continued anxiety so he added Serax (today). I really don't know about this...I'm with you in that there must be another way. I feel as if my anxiety level is climbing, too. Perhaps we feel like guinea pigs?
> Those of you who have tried a better approach, feel free to opine.
> Thanks,
> KatWhat exactly is serax? I've never heard of it.
Posted by Kara Lynne on November 5, 2002, at 15:57:28
In reply to Lexapro and Wellbutrin, posted by bridgette on November 5, 2002, at 15:15:51
May I ask how much of each you take--and when in the day? And were you doing well with the Lexapro prior to the Wellbutrin? Thank you.
Posted by Brandymac26 on November 5, 2002, at 15:59:09
In reply to Re: for people taking Lex for anxiety » Brandymac26, posted by Ritch on November 5, 2002, at 12:50:15
> > Do you think that there are other med's out there that do work more effectively for anxiety other than ssri's? It seems like everytime I start a new drug, my anxiety gets worse, and over time the side effects get a little better, but they never fully make my anxiety go away. I take lex and xanax, and honestly, my increased anxiety (side effect) is the same as it was while I was taking the celexa. So far I dont think this is as great as everyone made it out to be. Thanks for the reply!
>
> Hi, there are other antidepressants besides the SSRI's that have also been used with success for anxiety. Trazodone, Serzone, and tricyclics such as amitripytline, nortriptyline, and doxepin, and the MAOI's. The level of success will be highly individual. If *all* SSRI's tend to cause more agitation for someone, then it would be logical to try an antidpressant from another class. There could be an unwarranted bias by pdocs for SSRI's that goes beyond their safety profile.Right now I am seeing a general practitioner. She's the one that keeps prescribing the ssri's, but If the lexapro doesn't work SOON, I'm gonna ask for something in a different class b/c all I've ever been on were ssri's, and they don't seem to work for me.
Posted by JLM on November 5, 2002, at 16:19:03
In reply to Re: Lexapro 'failed' trial, posted by dr. dave on November 5, 2002, at 5:04:21
> > > I too get a bit tired of the ad nauseum claims of Lex's lower incidence of SE 's and efficiacy over Celexa.
> > >
> > > We hear a lot about how 'the published studies' demonstrate both things clearly, even thou the data is contradictory at best.
> > >
> > > Know what I would like to see? The UNPUBLISHED studies that would have had to have been submitted to the FDA for the approval of Lexapro. They can be obtained thru the Freedom of Information Act for those brave enough to do so. I would NOT be surprised to see several studies that show NO greater effect than either placebo or Celexa for that matter.
> > >
> > > All we have so far are the studies done by paid Forrest consulants, which may not be all that objective.
> > >
> > > Perhaps I will take the time to learn how to submit a FOIA request for the unpublished studies submitted to FDA. I bet there are some real gems in there.
> > >
> > > Like Dr. Dave, I have yet to hear a remotely plausible explaination for the claims of less SE's with Lexapro.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > ============================================
> > Until the FDA has better oversight of the test results, the pharm. co.'s are allowed to cherry pick test results and throw out the undesired test results after having changed the test criteria until they get the result that they want - which the FDA never sees before adjudicating the drug's acceptance. Fox guarding the chicken coop.
> >
> > Alan
> >
>
> ==================================================
>
> Maybe Pharmrep could help us out with this.
>
> To my knowledge, there have been four efficacy studies on escitalopram, two in the US and two in Europe and Canada.
>
> Both US studies compared Lexapro with Celexa. Study MD-02 has not been presented, but we know it was a 'failed' study in the sense that it showed no statistically significant difference between Lexapro, Celexa and placebo (see Cipralex product monograph at www.cipralex.com, page 22.)
>
> The other study (MD-01, published by Burke et al) showed no statistically significant difference between Celexa and Lexapro on the measure they had previously defined as the primary outcome measure.
>
> One of the European studies compared Lexapro with Celexa (study 99003, described in papers by Lepola et al, Montgomery et al and Reines et al. Note that these are not seperate trials but the same trial reported several times.) Again this showed no statistically significant difference between Lexapro and Celexa on the previously defined main outcome measure.
>
> If there have been other trials comparing the efficacy of Celexa and Lexapro I'm sure we'd all like to know about them.Dr. Dave,
Its my understanding that companies must submit all trials for a given indication to the FDA as a part of the approval process, including failed trials. These typically would NOT be published anywhere in the public domain, but ARE available thru the Freedom of Information Act.
Thus, there may be quite a few trials that were conducted that we are not aware about. I'd be curious to see these unpublished results, but the only way to get them is to submit a FOIA request to the FDA. This is what was done in the Kirsch metaanalysis of AD's that was published in the Journal of Prevention and Treatment this July. They got ALL the trial resuls available thru FOIA.
Also, its my understanidng that there is NO requirement to list the negative trials, if there are any, in the PDR product labeling. In fact, you almost never see any mention of studies that do not demonstrate drug benefits in the PDR. That doesn't mean they aren't out there lurking.
Posted by mudbunny on November 5, 2002, at 17:15:41
In reply to Re: Luxapro and Wellbutrin, posted by tiredofthis on November 5, 2002, at 11:21:16
Hi, I have been taking lex10 mg with wellbutrin
200mg. No complaints at all the combo works great for me good luck.
Posted by Anyuser on November 5, 2002, at 18:35:55
In reply to Re: Lexapro 'failed' trial, posted by JLM on November 5, 2002, at 16:19:03
No offense, but how interesting would one old study be at this point? I would be much more interested in knowing whether it is efficacious and tolerable for the thousands and thousands of people taking it in a clinical setting.
Posted by JLM on November 5, 2002, at 19:25:04
In reply to Re: Lexapro 'failed' trial, posted by Anyuser on November 5, 2002, at 18:35:55
Well, the point is, we don't know how many studies they submitted for the NDA approval process. There could very well be 10 studies that show no positive effect from the drug. We don't
know because there is no requirement to publish the negative studies, and certainly Forrest wouldn't want anyone to see them. The fact that you have to submit a FOIA request to get them says a lot.Generally, it doesn't matter how many negative studies are sent to FDA for the NDA process. Prozac was approved on the basis of two positive studies. The other studies showed marginal benefits or NO benefits over placebo or impipramine. And yet the drug was still approved. As astounding as it sounds, all it takes generally is TWO POSITIVE studies to get approval, regardless of the number of negative studies submitted. Politics at FDA has a lot to do with it.
Posted by Anyuser on November 5, 2002, at 19:57:03
In reply to Re: Lexapro 'failed' trial, posted by JLM on November 5, 2002, at 19:25:04
I get confused by all the dissatisfaction with the FDA. My impression is that it's harder than hell to get a drug approved. There are interest groups that are very unhappy that drugs aren't approved more readily. Think of AIDs patients, or cancer patients. Think of all the biotech companies that go bust because they can't afford recurrent phase IIIs. Think of the posters on this board who advocate approval of a drug. On the other hand, there are people that blame the FDA because an approved drug isn't efficacious. Many posters on this board seem to be mad at the FDA for two contradictory reasons at once: approving drugs they don't like and refusing to approve drugs they want. I think by and large being steamed at the FDA is beside the point. If a drug doesn't sicken people, and there's a chance it works as intended, it seems to me the default mode should be that the FDA approves it, regulates advertising, and lets practitioners and the market figure out if it works.
Posted by Micki on November 5, 2002, at 20:21:21
In reply to Re: Lexapro 'failed' trial: I get confused, posted by Anyuser on November 5, 2002, at 19:57:03
I've been on 10 mg Lexapro for 4 weeks now and can't believe how much better I feel. I am in a stressful situation in my love life, and while a month ago I was almost wishing I was dead so I wouldn't have to face all the indecision, distress and conflict I was feeling, now it is really tolerable, even though the situation is not resolved yet. Before Lexapro I would worry and obsess about the situation almost constantly, which is no longer the case, to my huge relief. Even if I mess things up with both people, somehow it doesn't seem like it would be the end of the world.
The worst side effect I've had is feeling extremely sleepy for the first three weeks--to the point co-workers were commenting on it. Suddenly after three weeks the tiredness lessened markedly. I hope it continues this way. I take the Lexapro in the morning and may try it at night to see if that makes any additional difference.
Posted by Katarina on November 5, 2002, at 22:10:30
In reply to Re: for people taking Lex for anxiety » Katarina, posted by Brandymac26 on November 5, 2002, at 15:55:19
> > > Do you think that there are other med's out there that do work more effectively for anxiety other than ssri's? It seems like everytime I start a new drug, my anxiety gets worse, and over time the side effects get a little better, but they never fully make my anxiety go away. I take lex and xanax, and honestly, my increased anxiety (side effect) is the same as it was while I was taking the celexa. So far I dont think this is as great as everyone made it out to be. Thanks for the reply!
> >
> > -----------------------
> > I started on Prozac, having told my doctor of my depression. I failed to say that anxiety was part of it. Prozac worked like a charm for the depression but I was bouncing off the walls and it did nothing for the anxiety. After discussing more in depth my symptoms, I was given Effexor, which didn't work. Now I'm on Lexapro...it's been 3 weeks now and no great relief. I called the doc to give a report, told of my continued anxiety so he added Serax (today). I really don't know about this...I'm with you in that there must be another way. I feel as if my anxiety level is climbing, too. Perhaps we feel like guinea pigs?
> > Those of you who have tried a better approach, feel free to opine.
> > Thanks,
> > Kat
>
> What exactly is serax? I've never heard of it.
>................................................
>Serax is Oxazepam a benzodiazepine derivative therefore it's the cousin to Valium. It just makes me sleepy.
Posted by JLM on November 6, 2002, at 3:23:31
In reply to Re: Lexapro 'failed' trial: I get confused, posted by Anyuser on November 5, 2002, at 19:57:03
> I get confused by all the dissatisfaction with the FDA. My impression is that it's harder than hell to get a drug approved. There are interest groups that are very unhappy that drugs aren't approved more readily. Think of AIDs patients, or cancer patients. Think of all the biotech companies that go bust because they can't afford recurrent phase IIIs. Think of the posters on this board who advocate approval of a drug. On the other hand, there are people that blame the FDA because an approved drug isn't efficacious. Many posters on this board seem to be mad at the FDA for two contradictory reasons at once: approving drugs they don't like and refusing to approve drugs they want. I think by and large being steamed at the FDA is beside the point. If a drug doesn't sicken people, and there's a chance it works as intended, it seems to me the default mode should be that the FDA approves it, regulates advertising, and lets practitioners and the market figure out if it works.
Here's an interesting read for you:http://www.journals.apa.org/prevention/volume5/pre0050025c.html
a snippet:
"In spite of the research design flaws that may favor the drug condition, there is a huge advantage to the FDA database from a scientific perspective. The database includes all of the data from initial trials, published or not, and therefore it is not subject to the usual "file drawer" and publication biases. It would be interesting to know how many of these studies actually were published, to get an estimate of the publication bias in this literature. An indirect estimate of publication bias is possible by looking at the percentage of studies that resulted in significant differences. Antidepressants are significantly more effective than inert placebos in about two thirds of published studies (Thase, 1999). In the FDA database, Kirsch et al. (2002) found the study medication had a significant advantage over inert placebo less than half the time (in 20 of 46 trials), similar to findings from other independent analyses of the same database (Khan, Khan, & Brown, in press; Laughren, 2001). Such a pattern would be consistent with a failure to publish about 23% of antidepressant trials, presumably those showing no advantage to the antidepressant, slightly more than has been estimated in the fluoxetine literature (Gram, 1994). This is a serious problem, because clinical practice guidelines based on the published literature fail to take this distortion of the literature into account (Gilbody & Song, 2000)."
Posted by dr. dave on November 6, 2002, at 3:50:27
In reply to Question for Dr Dave, posted by bluedog on November 5, 2002, at 13:03:43
> Dr Dave
>
> I have been following this thread with much interest. ( I have taken citalopram and my mother and sister-in-law are both currently taking citalopram. I currently take fluoxetine as citalopram was just too sedating for me).
>
> I greatly respect your opinions and based on your line of reasoning I can see no reason for either myself or my relatives to switch to escitalopram.
>
> I would love to ask you a question. I noticed that SLS recently asked you about your background. Going through the posts it seems you have answered similar questions since at least August last year. On 20 August 2001 you also mentioned that you work in a little village in the mountains of Wales.
>
> My question is this........ are you the same Dr Dave as descibed by the Guardian as "director of the North Wales department of psychological medicine and the UK's foremost expert in antidepressants"? ( see http://www.guardian.co.uk/Archive/Article/0,4273,4201752,00.html ) or is it just a coincidence that their are two psychiatrists in North Wales called Dr Dave who happen to be very knowledgeable about antidepressant medications?
>
> just curious
> regards
>
>
>
>
I'm very flattered but no, that's David Healy who's mentioned in the article. I actually live in South Wales. I don't think it's purely co-incidence - I think that Wales is the sort of place that attracts people who like to think independently and are generally a bit bloody-minded.Thanks for the compliment - I'm nowhere near as high flying as David Healy.
Posted by dr. dave on November 6, 2002, at 3:59:59
In reply to Re: Lexapro 'failed' trial: I get confused, posted by JLM on November 6, 2002, at 3:23:31
I have no doubts that Lexapro is an efficacious and very well-tolerated antidepressant. The point I am trying to make is that the information presented to the general public, and medical practitioners for that matter, is often very misleading. I think that in a population including lots of people with milder forms of depression, the advantages of antidepressants over placebo are a bit slim. However, if you look at people with more severe depression I think the advantage over placebo increases to something really significant.
The idea that Lexapro has the same side-effect profile as Celexa has been vigorously disputed on this board, but as the data has come out the claim has been dropped. It has also ben claimed that there have been nine 'positive' studies and no negative studies. When we look into it there is at least one 'failed' trial, and I'm not sure where all these nine trials are.
I have no doubt Lexapro works and is a good drug - it's just that we're all being misled about it.
Posted by bluedog on November 6, 2002, at 6:03:50
In reply to Re: Question for Dr Dave » bluedog, posted by dr. dave on November 6, 2002, at 3:50:27
Dr Dave
Apart from you both being Welsh psychiatrists named David, it appears that the other thing you have in common with the other David (ie David Healy) is a conviction to stand up for your independance against the drug companies corporate line.
I'm sure you already know all about the following but here's a link about what happened to David Healy for daring to go up against drug company dogma. As far as I'm concerned any psychiatrist that dares to think independantly like this and base there opinions on ALL the available evidence and not just the selective evidence given by the drug companies is a hero.
http://www.pharmapolitics.com/index.html
regards
Posted by maririp on November 6, 2002, at 6:49:48
In reply to Re: 5 weeks lexapro, posted by wharfrat on November 1, 2002, at 10:05:26
> > > 5 weeks now on lex, increased sex drive, very very weird dreams, less headaches, have dizzy feeling in the morning which is relieved by 2 ibuprofen (can't figure that one out), seems to wear off around 7pm, start feeling slight anxiety. Eating like crazy..crave carbs/sweets, gained 4 lbs in 5 weeks. See doc on monday, will evaluate then.
> >
> > I have been on lexapro 2 months. My sex drive is good but no orgasms..My appetite is better and I do crave sweets more but I dont find myself eating 24/7 like I did with other antidpressants. I felt dizzy and zoned out only the first few days..Iam not noticing any real bad side effects and I feel great. Mari
>
> I know what Ya'll mean about the sweets. Reese's stocks should be going up. Plowed thru my kid's halloween candy after he went to bed (I ought to be ashamed! NOT!!)Never been a big guy, around 140 LBs. forever. Gained 5 in 5 weeks. Never really cared for candy before either. Sex drive of an 18 year old, but it's always been that way. Got to really relax to "complete the mission" wink, wink. Otherwise feeling great. Headaches went away after about a week. Did I say I'm feeling really great? This reality has woken me up to the fact that my job really sucks!! But I could care less - WharfWharf...lol..you crack me up...I could relate to the halloween candy story..soon as my kids hit the door Im telling them "mommy has to check that candy before I eat...I mean you eat it." Im allot happier to on lexapro but as you said..sex drive is there but mission not complete!...Its funny how easier it is too see things now too. Im easily amused anyway but to feel really happy again is wonderful..have a great day....Mari :-)
Posted by Katarina on November 6, 2002, at 8:37:25
In reply to Re: 5 weeks lexapro, posted by maririp on November 6, 2002, at 6:49:48
> > > > 5 weeks now on lex, increased sex drive, very very weird dreams, less headaches, have dizzy feeling in the morning which is relieved by 2 ibuprofen (can't figure that one out), seems to wear off around 7pm, start feeling slight anxiety. Eating like crazy..crave carbs/sweets, gained 4 lbs in 5 weeks. See doc on monday, will evaluate then.
> > >
> > > I have been on lexapro 2 months. My sex drive is good but no orgasms..My appetite is better and I do crave sweets more but I dont find myself eating 24/7 like I did with other antidpressants. I felt dizzy and zoned out only the first few days..Iam not noticing any real bad side effects and I feel great. Mari
> >
> > I know what Ya'll mean about the sweets. Reese's stocks should be going up. Plowed thru my kid's halloween candy after he went to bed (I ought to be ashamed! NOT!!)Never been a big guy, around 140 LBs. forever. Gained 5 in 5 weeks. Never really cared for candy before either. Sex drive of an 18 year old, but it's always been that way. Got to really relax to "complete the mission" wink, wink. Otherwise feeling great. Headaches went away after about a week. Did I say I'm feeling really great? This reality has woken me up to the fact that my job really sucks!! But I could care less - Wharf
>
> Wharf...lol..you crack me up...I could relate to the halloween candy story..soon as my kids hit the door Im telling them "mommy has to check that candy before I eat...I mean you eat it." Im allot happier to on lexapro but as you said..sex drive is there but mission not complete!...Its funny how easier it is too see things now too. Im easily amused anyway but to feel really happy again is wonderful..have a great day....Mari :-)
>
>That's great for you guys, good to hear that some folks still have sex drive! I'm usually quite (blush), in the mood. But I might as well enter the convent now. I do agree about the eating and the halloween candy (blush, again). Must have put on 5 pounds in the last 3 weeks....Kat :-\
Posted by ANXIETY ANN on November 6, 2002, at 9:22:12
In reply to Re: 5 weeks lexapro, posted by Katarina on November 6, 2002, at 8:37:25
> > > > > 5 weeks now on lex, increased sex drive, very very weird dreams, less headaches, have dizzy feeling in the morning which is relieved by 2 ibuprofen (can't figure that one out), seems to wear off around 7pm, start feeling slight anxiety. Eating like crazy..crave carbs/sweets, gained 4 lbs in 5 weeks. See doc on monday, will evaluate then.
> > > >
> > > > I have been on lexapro 2 months. My sex drive is good but no orgasms..My appetite is better and I do crave sweets more but I dont find myself eating 24/7 like I did with other antidpressants. I felt dizzy and zoned out only the first few days..Iam not noticing any real bad side effects and I feel great. Mari
> > >
> > > I know what Ya'll mean about the sweets. Reese's stocks should be going up. Plowed thru my kid's halloween candy after he went to bed (I ought to be ashamed! NOT!!)Never been a big guy, around 140 LBs. forever. Gained 5 in 5 weeks. Never really cared for candy before either. Sex drive of an 18 year old, but it's always been that way. Got to really relax to "complete the mission" wink, wink. Otherwise feeling great. Headaches went away after about a week. Did I say I'm feeling really great? This reality has woken me up to the fact that my job really sucks!! But I could care less - Wharf
> >
> > Wharf...lol..you crack me up...I could relate to the halloween candy story..soon as my kids hit the door Im telling them "mommy has to check that candy before I eat...I mean you eat it." Im allot happier to on lexapro but as you said..sex drive is there but mission not complete!...Its funny how easier it is too see things now too. Im easily amused anyway but to feel really happy again is wonderful..have a great day....Mari :-)
> >
> >That's great for you guys, good to hear that some folks still have sex drive! I'm usually quite (blush), in the mood. But I might as well enter the convent now. I do agree about the eating and the halloween candy (blush, again). Must have put on 5 pounds in the last 3 weeks....Kat :-\
>
>
LoL, Its good to see humor again!(something I did'nt always do before Lex)I too feel dizzy in the mornings and evenings, it does seem as though the Lexapro wears off towards the evening. I went to the doc yesterday and he said that it takes some peoples systems longer to get adjusted than others. He also said that I could take 5mg of lex in the am and 5mg in the pm if I thought it was wearing off. I do feel better mentally though. I too crave sweets but have actually lost weight since taking the lex.(If I keep eating that chocolate, Im sure that will change) The lack of orgasms is still an issue but am hoping for one soon! Its good to be able to hear other peoples stories and know that there are others as kooky as me out there! thanks Ann
Posted by ANXIETY ANN on November 6, 2002, at 9:37:56
In reply to Doing well on Lexapro, posted by Micki on November 5, 2002, at 20:21:21
> I've been on 10 mg Lexapro for 4 weeks now and can't believe how much better I feel. I am in a stressful situation in my love life, and while a month ago I was almost wishing I was dead so I wouldn't have to face all the indecision, distress and conflict I was feeling, now it is really tolerable, even though the situation is not resolved yet. Before Lexapro I would worry and obsess about the situation almost constantly, which is no longer the case, to my huge relief. Even if I mess things up with both people, somehow it doesn't seem like it would be the end of the world.
>
> The worst side effect I've had is feeling extremely sleepy for the first three weeks--to the point co-workers were commenting on it. Suddenly after three weeks the tiredness lessened markedly. I hope it continues this way. I take the Lexapro in the morning and may try it at night to see if that makes any additional difference.Micki,
Im glad to hear your doing better. I remember your posts when you first started Lexapro, you sound much better! I too obsess about things but since the Lexapro I find I don't obsess nearly as much as I did and when I start to I can stop it before it gets out of control. I would try the Lex in the pm if it makes you sleepy. Good luck with you decision on love.
Anxiety Ann
Posted by THOV on November 6, 2002, at 11:50:42
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I am on my third day ....1st day nausea....second was better...today...a little nausea...
I like to have a glass of wine with my dinner...or a beer on the weeekend...how does alcohol and lexapro mix?....in moderation is it ok????
second question....
do women face sex s/e .......or is it just men as far as ejaculation....?
why why why
Posted by Anyuser on November 6, 2002, at 13:31:15
In reply to Re: Lexapro 'failed' trial: I get confused, posted by JLM on November 6, 2002, at 3:23:31
That is indeed an interesting read, sort of. Thank you for the link.
Do you believe that "antidepressants work, but just barely better than inert placebos"? I don't. The first time an AD kicked in for me, it was a transforming experience. I haven't been the same since. Ever since I have had a new definition of what it means to be "well." Better than well. Whether ADs work or not is a closed issue for me. The open issue remaining is coping with side effects.
Do you know who these authors are, and where they're coming from? Do a Google on them. Antonuccio and Danton are psychologists, not MDs. Danton is a hypnotist. They are big promoters of CBT, and apparently they are as critical of anxiolytics as they are of antidepressants. The Scientologists love these guys, although I realize guilt by association is unfair.
David Burns is the biggest CBT booster of all, and he is to be taken seriously. He studied under Beck, his self-help books are popular, and he influences the debate from his position at Stanford Med School. Have you read his books? I have. I am sure CBT works for many people. It's not for me. I simply can't get with it. Not at all. Not even in theory.
If you're depressed and starting from scratch, why would you believe these guys over university drug researchers funded by for-profit drug companies? People with more of a political axe to grind than I have would surely have an answer to that question. I just think maybe these guys aren't out to improve the FDA process so much as they want to deride ADs and promote CBT. I just hope family practice MDs don't read this article and prescribe fewer ADs to depressed patients that might benefit from them, however imperfect.
Posted by emmalie on November 6, 2002, at 17:25:52
In reply to An interesting read » JLM, posted by Anyuser on November 6, 2002, at 13:31:15
Just a thought. There are different kinds of people in the world. We can break them down into various categories, but here's a relatively new one: (1) those people whose feelings preside over their thoughts and (2) those people whose thoughts preside over their feelings.
For people in the second group, CBT is likely to be very helpful. Perhaps if your thoughts influence your feelings, then working to change irrational thought patterns will help you feel less anxiety/depression.
I am in the first group. I have never had an experience in my life where thinking about something in a new way changed how I was feeling (e.g., realizing that a situation really is safe and then having anxiety go away). For me, it seems like my feelings come first and then the flood of thoughts, not the other way around. For me, AD are extremely helpful with dulling the feelings in my body. Because my feelings aren't so powerful, I can then think about things more realistically.
Just my lay theory about another way to divide up the pie of human experience.
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