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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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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.
Posted by jbm on January 8, 2003, at 22:24:02
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I am new to lexapro and to any form of anti-depressants. I started with 10 mg for one week and then increased to 20 mg. I have mild depression and was extremely skeptical about taking medication for it. I am usually active, energetic, and rarely nap. When I switched to 20mg I was extremely lethargic, wanted to sleep all day and could not wait to go to bed. I then experienced headaches and an inability to be productive at work. I decreased my dose to 10 mg for the past several days and have not been as tired and headaches have decreased. I did have an extremely vivid dream last night. I now switched to 5mg because I am uncomfortable with how I feel.
Has anyone had positive experiences with lexapro ?
Has anyone found 5mg to be effective in treating depression or dose the dosage need to be higher ?Thanks
Posted by EGR on January 9, 2003, at 0:08:29
In reply to frustrated newcomer, posted by jbm on January 8, 2003, at 22:24:02
JBM,
I have severe depression and was suicidal... seems very stupid to be suicidal, but there you have it, I was... just tells you how bad the disease is. Lexapro is my 4th med since Halloween and now that I upped it to 20 (10 days on 10 and now 10 on 20) I feel great! Could I nap everyday? Sure. But I don't and after awhile it passes. Just get up and walk around a bit... outside is best. Get enough sleep at night too. I've thought about decreasing to 15 to see what that's like, but why chance it? I do have vivid dreams, but they're just dreams... Also, the inability to concentrate and produce at work happened to me at 10; that's common too and that passes within a short time.
Everything I've read on this site indicates that with time most of the side effects seem to pass... and that seems to be happening with me. Just keep the status quo for a month and see how you feel.
And yes, my sex drive is decreased and it's difficult to achieve an orgasm, but that's why they've been switching my meds around. I don't want to switch anymore... Not wanting to kill myself is infinitely better than having a hard time with sensual pleasures.
EGR
> I am new to lexapro and to any form of anti-depressants. I started with 10 mg for one week and then increased to 20 mg. I have mild depression and was extremely skeptical about taking medication for it. I am usually active, energetic, and rarely nap. When I switched to 20mg I was extremely lethargic, wanted to sleep all day and could not wait to go to bed. I then experienced headaches and an inability to be productive at work. I decreased my dose to 10 mg for the past several days and have not been as tired and headaches have decreased. I did have an extremely vivid dream last night. I now switched to 5mg because I am uncomfortable with how I feel.
>
> Has anyone had positive experiences with lexapro ?
> Has anyone found 5mg to be effective in treating depression or dose the dosage need to be higher ?
>
> Thanks
Posted by wally on January 9, 2003, at 2:22:56
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by teriwynn on January 8, 2003, at 10:50:37
I have been taking antidepressants for 29 years and have tried many families and brands as at some point either I acclimate to the one I'm on or better ones come along. In August I tried Celexa and suffered terrible diahrea that persisted. I switched to Lexpro after about three weeks. Because I have been taking antidepressants for so long I know that I consistently am in the small percentage that are sensitive to the "uncommon side effects". Since I have been taking Lexapro I have started suffering from migraines and severe insomnia. I also often feel muddled and unfocased.I have never had these problems before. Additionally, I also have to supplement the Lexapro with Provigal in order to have any range of "normal" emotions. I haven't read about anyone else feeling a relief from the depression but still suffering from meloncholy on Lexapro. I'll talk to my doctor about some of the sleep medications. I'd appreciate any comments. Thanks
Posted by teriwynn on January 9, 2003, at 8:54:30
In reply to Lexapro comments, posted by wally on January 9, 2003, at 2:22:56
Wally:
After 29 years on meds, I'm sure you know that symptoms are unique to individuals as are levels of sensitivity.
But I can tell you about my experiences if you'd like. I am a lot less depressed most of the time, but I do not feel 100% all the time. I do experience moments of "melancholy" -- but they are not frequent and they do pass IF I allow them to.
The insomnia -- yes -- I was having difficulty sleeping -- particularly falling asleep. In my case, my psychiatrist suggested moving my Depakote to the evening as it tends to make you tired. That helped, but I still take awhile to fall asleep. Once I fall asleep, I stay asleep however. Your doctor may prescribe something mild to help with this. I have taken drugs in the past to help with sleep. (There are even over-the-counter sleep aids.)
If I may be so bold, I'd suggest that the melancholy might best to dealt with via counseling rather than drugs. You have a mental illness -- NO drug is going to cure you. The drugs are to help you take the edge off, to help you be more rational, to help you face each day. They are not going to make your problems go away. What are you melancholy about? You need to deal with the problems. Any drug that totally masks the problem is not doing you any favors.
I do have moments like you describe. I am trying to rise above them. Lexapro keeps me from feeling like life is hopeless; it does not make me feel like life is perfect.
It may or may not be your drug. I don't know. The trick is to find one that works most of the time. Talk to your doctor and see if you need more time, a dosage change, a sleep aid, or more counseling. But remember, nothing will be perfect. We are never going to be perfect -- aim for near perfection one day at a time.
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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