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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Bruce W on January 3, 2003, at 15:17:48
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I have taken a 1/2 Pill 6 Days & a Whole pill for 9 days.
I think I am a little better, but still feel depressed.How long did it take for some of you to notice
a very noticeable difference?
Posted by mills on January 3, 2003, at 15:39:04
In reply to 1/2 Pill 6 Days, Whole pill 9 days, posted by Bruce W on January 3, 2003, at 15:17:48
4-6 weeks at 10 mg; ramped up to 20mg for about a month; ramped up to 30 mg for about 2 months more, and still feel the need to go higher; it takes longer and more for some of us; hang in there
> I have taken a 1/2 Pill 6 Days & a Whole pill for 9 days.
> I think I am a little better, but still feel depressed.
>
> How long did it take for some of you to notice
> a very noticeable difference?
Posted by ayuda on January 3, 2003, at 17:17:47
In reply to Re: Night Sweats/Nightmares, posted by Dysfunk on January 3, 2003, at 14:34:26
> I have been having extremely violent and vivid dreams on Effexor, along with the sweats. The dreams are so complex, and I could have 5 or more a night. I also wake up exhausted!
I had that same problem on Effexor, and it got worse as my dosage increased. My last week on it, I was as if in a dream state, not being able to distinguish clearly between dream life and real life, and those dreams were VERY vivid. I have only had a few strange dreams while on the Lexapro -- most were while I was also tapering off the Effexor.
As for sweating at night, I live in Miami, so it's hard for me to tell why I'm hot at night. Could be Lexapro, could be 60-degree nights. I usually blame it on the weather, but I have to run the air conditioning all the time. I wonder if it's really the Lexapro?
Posted by dragonfly on January 3, 2003, at 22:17:52
In reply to Re: Night Sweats/Nightmares » Dysfunk, posted by ayuda on January 3, 2003, at 17:17:47
I am curious about those with night sweats. Are y'all over 40? male or female? I had a horrible problem with hot flashes at night until my hysterectomy this past june. I am 41. I sometimes get a little sweaty at night, but blamed it on a flannel comforter. Now I wonder. I do have very vivid dreams but no nightmares. Maybe the lexapro is increasing estogen levels as well as seretonins. High estrogen was causing me to be miserable with night sweats.
Posted by dragonfly on January 3, 2003, at 22:18:39
In reply to Re: Night Sweats/Nightmares » Dysfunk, posted by ayuda on January 3, 2003, at 17:17:47
I am curious about those with night sweats. Are y'all over 40? male or female? I had a horrible problem with hot flashes at night until my hysterectomy this past june. I am 41. I sometimes get a little sweaty at night, but blamed it on a flannel comforter. Now I wonder. I do have very vivid dreams but no nightmares. Maybe the lexapro is increasing estogen levels as well as seretonins. High estrogen was causing me to be miserable with night sweats.
Posted by Gundy on January 4, 2003, at 12:29:29
In reply to Re: Night Sweats/Nightmares, posted by dragonfly on January 3, 2003, at 22:18:39
I just switched from paxil to lexapro eleven days ago. Right now I'm on 20mg, and notice mild somnolence and some sexual changes, but these symptoms are significantly less intense than those caused by paxil. I have been on many antidepressants, and, so far, I'd say lexapro has a superior side effect profile (but it does have side effects). However, after eleven days, I have not noticed much mood change or OCD relief....but it is still too early to tell.
Posted by Dysfunk on January 4, 2003, at 12:49:45
In reply to Re: Night Sweats/Nightmares, posted by dragonfly on January 3, 2003, at 22:17:52
I am over 40, and was concerned I was going through Perimenopause. I had my hormones tested and the gyn said I am not, yet the sweating and hot flashes continue. Night /day...hot/cold. IT IS A SIDE EFFECT OF THE MEDICATION!
I swear these meds are making me think I have all kinds of medical ailments. I want off this drug!
Posted by Noa on January 4, 2003, at 13:02:14
In reply to Re: Night Sweats/Nightmares-menopause?, posted by Dysfunk on January 4, 2003, at 12:49:45
My experience has been that many of the bothersome effects can be lowered or eliminated by lowering the dose and combining with another antidepressant, which both adds more antidepressant effect, but also can counteract some of the adverse effects. Talk to your pdoc about this. At higher doses, I had profuse sweating from effexor, but moreso with regular effexor than with the XR version.
Posted by ayuda on January 4, 2003, at 14:01:46
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
Now that I think about it, and that I have read all of the postings on this subject, I just realized today that the Lexapro has been what's making me sleepy all day, not the Trazodone. I don't know why it has taken so long to sink in, but I wake up fine around 7 a.m., take my Lexapro, and 2 hours later I'm back asleep. I don't know why I didn't make this connection before now. This has been going on for months!
I think I'm going to lower my dosage to 5mg -- I may even go off it. I have been VERY weepy and emotional lately, and it's nowhere near that time of the month. If I am experiencing the symptoms of depression while on an AD, it ain't working. And I think I've learned that what I need treated more than anything is the anxiety. Anyhow, I'm going to lower my dosage and start taking it at night and see what happens. Maybe I'll stay awake for a whole day! That would be a treat.
Posted by EGR on January 4, 2003, at 14:21:55
In reply to Daytime Sleepiness, posted by ayuda on January 4, 2003, at 14:01:46
>I wake up fine around 7 a.m., take my Lexapro, and 2 hours later I'm back asleep. I don't know why I didn't make this connection before now. This has been going on for months!
>
> I think I'm going to lower my dosage to 5mg -- I may even go off it.Actually, you probably need to increase it. I thought the same thing and increasing it (up to 20) helped me tremendously. It was the depression making me sleepy. I still nap everyday, but I have energy and I'm not weepy and angry. Talk to your doc.
EGR
Posted by pam1165 on January 5, 2003, at 0:57:45
In reply to Re: Daytime Sleepiness » ayuda, posted by EGR on January 4, 2003, at 14:21:55
I have been on Lexapro for 6 weeks so far so good , but I do have spells where I get really sleepy during the day .
Posted by token on January 5, 2003, at 13:00:20
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
i hope i am not alone in this but has anyone tried multiple meds and they just stop working after a good response of a few months? i've tried what feels like everything and i realize depression is recurrent. i've been on lexapro 10mg for 2 weeks and i feel somewhat better (finally my libido is returning and it's not as challenging to get myself out of bed everyday)and just tapered off effexor xr 150mg and neurontin 1600mg (for pain). other meds i am taking are wellbutrin sr 300mg, topamax 400mg (mood stabilization and migraines), flexeril 10mg (fibromyalgia and ankylosing spondylitis), colchicine (mediterranean fever), and low dose birth control pills.
i felt a definite difference in mood control and depression by the first week on 10mg lexapro. having my first orgasms since may '02 but they are not as intense prior to multi-meds. i am still binge eating but i am wondering if it is due to my stress level rather than the lexapro (or is it a side effect of flexeril?). i am still not quite feeling myself and i am still confused about the dosages, ie, lexapro 10 vs 20mg (i used to take celexa 40mg but stopped due to insomnia). any advice would be appreciated. also, anyone know a good replacement for flexeril? some days i sleep 16 hours and eat every waking hour. thanks!
Posted by Cynthia on January 5, 2003, at 21:25:45
In reply to Re: Lethargy » Oblivious, posted by Sadsack on January 1, 2003, at 21:24:38
Hi. This is my first experience with medication of any kind. I started on Neurontin and Carbamazepine about 3 months ago. The Neurontin didn't have any discernible effect on me, and the Carbamazepine appeared to be making me very fatigued. Then my nurse practitioner switched me out of those 2 and over to Lexapro (10mgs in the morning) about 6 weeks ago. Lexapro is my first anti-depressant of any kind. Given the regime so far, the anger and anxiety are gone, but there is still some irritability and frustration. However, overall I am much, much happier. There is almost a glow to my outlook. However, I still feel somewhat fatigued. I've decided to follow what someone else said earlier and cut my dosage to 5mgs and take it at night. Maybe the fatigue will go away. My question for the pharma rep is: I read in the Lexapro literature that the manufacturer warns to avoid alcohol. Why? What happens? What percentage of people does this affect? How important is abstinence from alcohol? Is total abstinence necessary? Perhaps this is what is causing my fatigue? Thanks.
Posted by ayuda on January 5, 2003, at 21:57:17
In reply to Fatigue, alcohol, posted by Cynthia on January 5, 2003, at 21:25:45
> Hi. This is my first experience with medication of any kind. I started on Neurontin and Carbamazepine about 3 months ago. The Neurontin didn't have any discernible effect on me, and the Carbamazepine appeared to be making me very fatigued. Then my nurse practitioner switched me out of those 2 and over to Lexapro (10mgs in the morning) about 6 weeks ago. Lexapro is my first anti-depressant of any kind. Given the regime so far, the anger and anxiety are gone, but there is still some irritability and frustration. However, overall I am much, much happier. There is almost a glow to my outlook. However, I still feel somewhat fatigued. I've decided to follow what someone else said earlier and cut my dosage to 5mgs and take it at night. Maybe the fatigue will go away. My question for the pharma rep is: I read in the Lexapro literature that the manufacturer warns to avoid alcohol. Why? What happens? What percentage of people does this affect? How important is abstinence from alcohol? Is total abstinence necessary? Perhaps this is what is causing my fatigue? Thanks.
------------------------
That's a typical warning for ADs, and they never tell you why. It's just because alcohol is a depressant, and using it while taking an AD defeats the purpose. It's similar to using an antacid while taking an antibiotic -- it cancels the action of the medication, or slows it.I have a glass of wine or a beer every now and then, and I can tell the next day that the meds aren't working as well, but it won't kill you. It's a good idea to stay away from alcohol if you suffer from depression anyhow. But if you have some while on an AD, it isn't the end of the world. They just make you think that it is by the way they warn against it.
Posted by EGR on January 5, 2003, at 22:14:09
In reply to Re: Fatigue, alcohol » Cynthia, posted by ayuda on January 5, 2003, at 21:57:17
I had some wine on Christmas and I felt VERY down the next day, so far in fact, that I upped my dosage. I like the higher dosage... I'm less tired, and VERY productive. Plus, I'm even happier! :-)
EGR
>My question for the pharma rep is: I read in the Lexapro literature that the manufacturer warns to avoid alcohol. Why? What happens? What percentage of people does this affect? How important is abstinence from alcohol? Is total abstinence necessary? Perhaps this is what is causing my fatigue? Thanks.
> ------------------------
> That's a typical warning for ADs, and they never tell you why. It's just because alcohol is a depressant, and using it while taking an AD defeats the purpose. It's similar to using an antacid while taking an antibiotic -- it cancels the action of the medication, or slows it.
>
> I have a glass of wine or a beer every now and then, and I can tell the next day that the meds aren't working as well, but it won't kill you. It's a good idea to stay away from alcohol if you suffer from depression anyhow. But if you have some while on an AD, it isn't the end of the world. They just make you think that it is by the way they warn against it.
>
Posted by newuser2 on January 6, 2003, at 6:40:45
In reply to Re: Night Sweats/Nightmares-menopause?, posted by Dysfunk on January 4, 2003, at 12:49:45
I am a 25 year old female with TERRIBLE night sweats. My doctor has checked my homone levels-all normal. I have been on lexapro for about 8 weeks now. The sweating is getting so bad that I have to change my clothes and sheets during the night.It clearly disturbes my sleep. I never had night sweats before this medication, so I am sure it is directly related to lexapro. If anyone has overcome the sweating S/E, please advise how you did it!
Posted by JackD on January 6, 2003, at 14:36:01
In reply to Re: Night Sweats/Nightmares-menopause?, posted by newuser2 on January 6, 2003, at 6:40:45
I have the same problem, but have not really been able to overcome it. My doctor suggested changing my dosing, especially by taking it as early in the day as possible; maybe this will work for you. Good luck!
Posted by Squiggles on January 6, 2003, at 14:41:11
In reply to Re: Night Sweats/Nightmares-menopause?, posted by JackD on January 6, 2003, at 14:36:01
I have temperature fluctuations, but i
think they originated from my Klonopin
withdrawal (unfortunately it was close
to menopause but i was ok for a year on
menopause, until i got that stroke/seizure
thingy - that's when my temperature control
went awry).Anyway, my dr. is not enthusiastic about
hormone replacement therapy, so i'm winging
it.Squiggles
Posted by ayuda on January 6, 2003, at 14:45:14
In reply to Re: Fatigue, alcohol, posted by EGR on January 5, 2003, at 22:14:09
What did you up your dosage to? At your suggestion the other day, I increased to 15 mg (thereabouts -- those pills don't like to split well) yesterday, and I am doing a bit better, but want to go up to 20 mg. It just seems like a better maintenance dose, since it is equivalent to 40 mg Celexa, which is what I was on when I was on Celexa. But a jump from 10 to 20 without a stop at 15 in between kind of scares me. Since we are on break I can't get to see my doctor until late January, but she gave me enough refills to cover that time, so hopefully this increase will work.
> I had some wine on Christmas and I felt VERY down the next day, so far in fact, that I upped my dosage. I like the higher dosage... I'm less tired, and VERY productive. Plus, I'm even happier! :-)
>
> EGR
>
> >My question for the pharma rep is: I read in the Lexapro literature that the manufacturer warns to avoid alcohol. Why? What happens? What percentage of people does this affect? How important is abstinence from alcohol? Is total abstinence necessary? Perhaps this is what is causing my fatigue? Thanks.
> > ------------------------
> > That's a typical warning for ADs, and they never tell you why. It's just because alcohol is a depressant, and using it while taking an AD defeats the purpose. It's similar to using an antacid while taking an antibiotic -- it cancels the action of the medication, or slows it.
> >
> > I have a glass of wine or a beer every now and then, and I can tell the next day that the meds aren't working as well, but it won't kill you. It's a good idea to stay away from alcohol if you suffer from depression anyhow. But if you have some while on an AD, it isn't the end of the world. They just make you think that it is by the way they warn against it.
> >
>
>
Posted by EGR on January 6, 2003, at 21:14:48
In reply to Re: Fatigue, alcohol » EGR, posted by ayuda on January 6, 2003, at 14:45:14
> What did you up your dosage to?
I went from 10 to 20. I feel GREAT!! Much more motivated at work and at home... I go to bed earlier than I used to and sleep great too!
Posted by Anomar on January 7, 2003, at 17:03:09
In reply to Re: Fatigue, alcohol » EGR, posted by ayuda on January 6, 2003, at 14:45:14
I am taking Lexapro to help with PMS. I have read so many postings and I am wondering if this is a drastic measure from my pdoc - to be taking Lexapro for PMS. However, I get so impatient during those 8 days and I am sure my husband would like something to change. I was given 10 mg and told to cut it in half, so I am going to take my first 5 mg tonight. With the winds so bad out here in California, I am hoping that this will help me sleep. I will let you know how it goes. Oh, I was given Zoloft to start with and that stuff made me feel like I was drunk. Then it made me very tense and I was clenched my jaw. Okay, enough babbling. I will let you know how it goes.
Posted by stuckinarut on January 8, 2003, at 1:06:01
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I have been on Lexapro for about 4 months. At first the medication made me feel very sick like I need to puke and it gave me horrible headaches. My doc prescribed Celebrex and Inderal to help cope with the headaches and to help me relax so I could fall asleep better. My anxiety is much better now. Before Lexapro, my anxiety was so bad that I would practically pass out.
Posted by jtc on January 8, 2003, at 8:51:17
In reply to Been on Lexapro for approx 4 months, posted by stuckinarut on January 8, 2003, at 1:06:01
> I have been on Lexapro for about 4 months. At first the medication made me feel very sick like I need to puke and it gave me horrible headaches. My doc prescribed Celebrex and Inderal to help cope with the headaches and to help me relax so I could fall asleep better. My anxiety is much better now. Before Lexapro, my anxiety was so bad that I would practically pass out.
Hi stuckinarut,
My psychiatrist told me at my last appointment, which was about 2 months ago that I should maybe try Lexapro. I am currently taking Effexor XR, 75 mg and have been for about 6-7 months. At one point I increased to 150 mg and then went back to 75 mg because I did not notice any improvement. I do not know what to do about the Effexor because I am gaining a lot of weight on it. But I have read some things about Lexapro that I am afraid of. You said you had terrible headaches in the beginning. Do you still have them? I am really afraid of this because I have migraines adn have to take Imitrex for those. Please advise. Thanks, jtc
Posted by teriwynn on January 8, 2003, at 10:50:37
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I have taken antidepressants for two years now. Most recently, I came off of Effexor and was switched to Lexapro. I was experiencing a lot of queasiness and nausea on Effexor and was experiencing major mood swings, so I just stopped taking the drug without my doctor's guidance. I went from 350 mg to 0 mg cold turkey. BIG MISTAKE. I thought I was going to die. I sunk into a major depression, felt nauseous and sick all the time. My doctor put me back on the Effexor at the same time as prescribing Lexapro. Then I gradually weaned off Effexor. Lesson one: you have to wean off Effexor. Lesson two: don't self medicate or stop taking your prescribed drugs. Lesson three: if a drug isn't working, try another. I've followed this string of messages and I can tell you that there is not ONE miracle drug that works for everyone. For some unexplained reason, certain SSRI's work well for certain people. And even then, an SSRI that works well for one person can suddenly stop working for no reason at all. I was on Zoloft for over a year and it worked well and then suddenly, it just wasn't doing it for me.
As for Lexapro, it's been working great for me. I've been taking it for about three months now. It's working without any major side effects. I did experience some slight nausea in the very beginning, but that could have been coming off of the Effexor too. I am also on Depakote as I am BiPolar, so that could be it too.
I have a couple of final comments for all of you.
Stick with it; there is a solution if you'll give yourself enough time to find it.
Use message boards like this to help you understand that others have been or are in the same situation and gain strength from that, but do not allow others and their stories to dictate your actions: leave that to your doctors.
Understand that people like pharmrep, who I believe was forced to stop using this message board when someone sent a message to the FDA, are gathering information that will help with future solutions. Was he disseminating information about his drug? Yes. But I found his advice to be good -- usually directing us to check with our doctors. And remember that it was Dr. Bob who started this board. Dr Bob uses this board as a means to gather information from us, the patients. In doing so, he has offered advice repeatedly. Without knowing any of us (or our conditions) personally, why isn't he being charged with treating patients improperly. Long and short of it: the internet should be seen only for what it is -- a source of information that can be used by anyone. When we start censoring people like pharmrep, the information is bound to be more biased than it was when it was an open forum.
To those of you suffering with any mental disorders, I wish you luck. Keep trying. It's taken me over two years, but I am living proof that there is a light at the end of the rainbow.
Posted by stuckinarut on January 8, 2003, at 12:33:56
In reply to Re: Been on Lexapro for approx 4 months, posted by jtc on January 8, 2003, at 8:51:17
I still have the headaches if I don't take the medications the doctor prescribed. I see a neurologist to help deal with the headaches. She has diagnosed those as migraines. She is uncertain if they are related to the Lexapro yet. The Celebrex and Inderal were prescribed to me because they actually are used to prevent migraines. So far they have worked great. Hopefully that answered your question, jtc.
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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