![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 1695 to 1719 of 8406. Go back in thread:
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.
Posted by bozeman on January 9, 2003, at 23:27:43
In reply to Lexapro comments, posted by wally on January 9, 2003, at 2:22:56
I took the opposite route from yours -- therapeutic treatment for nearly twenty years, where I resolved a lot of issues but could not shake the melancholy, "oversensitivity" and "worries too much" phenomena. This is my first real time on antidepressants (I'm very stubborn, insisted I could fix my problems without drugs, took tricyclics very briefly during a particular crisis fifteen years ago because I wasn't sleeping a wink, after about three weeks when I started getting rest I went off them again). My doctor said Lexapro would help me through this particularly stressful time in my life and help with my obsessional tendencies, which are always exacerbated by stress.
She started me on just 5 mg for eight days (said it would make me too sleepy to jump in at 10 mg, recommended I take it at bedtime for that reason) and she was right, for several days I wanted to go to sleep - but could resist with no problem, just stayed busy and kept moving. Went to 10 mg after a week, and after a few days at that dose
*bam*
it was like someone rewired my brain. For the first time probably in my life I don't wake up with a pounding headache every day, and my migraines are gone. My dreams are now "normal" by other people's standards - my emotions aren't monotone any more -- I'm not jittery or wired but when something is funny, I laugh and it's not forced; when something's sad I can feel it without getting washed away by it. Didn't think I was depressed (that darn stubbornness) but I guess I was. I have more energy now, am calmer (sounds like a contradiction but believe me it's not) can handle stress better, and can finally take healthy risks (stand up to a co-worker when he's wrong without burning the bridge, when just a few weeks previously I would have let it go and been mad for a month.)I still get bouts of melancholy (for me it's a mood where everything seems hopeless, what's the point, I hate my life, why am I still HERE! etc.) but they are not as deeply pronounced as they were, and much easier to launch myself out of -- and if I don't feel like launching, if I just wait, it will pass on its own, and I'll laugh at myself for having fallen back into it.
I always believed that I had to fix my problems myself -- but this experience has made me a believer that neurochemistry really does have a life of its own, sometimes in spite of our best efforts.
I know that everyone's brain is unique and no two people will respond the same way to medication, circumstances, or to therapy. What works for some is poison to others. What I can say is, if you can adjust your medication schedule (evening instead of morning maybe?) or cut the dose temporarily until you adapt to it (with your doctor's knowledge, of course) that the side effects do seem to lessen. I don't notice them now, I just notice that I like my life again (most of the time :-) in spite of the crappy messes I've gotten myself into, and that I now feel like I can handle it and dig myself out (instead of what I wanted to do, which was dig myself into a hole and never come out.)
Good luck--
> 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 Romulus on January 10, 2003, at 0:05:16
In reply to New to Lexapro, posted by Anomar on January 7, 2003, at 17:03:09
> 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.
My highly unprofessional opinion is that it's not advisable to take antidepressants for anything other than pure depression. Have you spoken with a psychiatrist (I assume pdoc means primary doc)? I have heard of some pdocs prescribing AD's for a mild case of the blues so their opinion could be suspect.I have been on Lexapro at 10mg for about 6 weeks and my hands are shaking like there's no tomorrow. These are potent meds and there must be a better solution for PMS. Good luck!
Posted by EGR on January 10, 2003, at 0:16:35
In reply to Lexapro worked but still sad sometimes, posted by bozeman on January 9, 2003, at 23:27:43
I think I'd like to start taking my Lex at night. I usually take it around 8:00 a.m. and notice that if I'm very late, I tend to be quite negative for awhile ("and just why would that happen?" she ponders, "if it stays in your system?")
How would you suggest switching from a.m. to p.m.? I take 20 mgs a day (2-10 mgs).
EGR
Posted by jaycee on January 10, 2003, at 6:09:33
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro, posted by Romulus on January 10, 2003, at 0:05:16
> > 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.
>
>
> My highly unprofessional opinion is that it's not advisable to take antidepressants for anything other than pure depression. Have you spoken with a psychiatrist (I assume pdoc means primary doc)? I have heard of some pdocs prescribing AD's for a mild case of the blues so their opinion could be suspect.
>
> I have been on Lexapro at 10mg for about 6 weeks and my hands are shaking like there's no tomorrow. These are potent meds and there must be a better solution for PMS. Good luck!You would think so unless you are one of the unfortunate women who suffer from pms. These meds are a godsend to those of us who suffer from pms.
Posted by mikal on January 10, 2003, at 10:15:54
In reply to Lexapro worked but still sad sometimes, posted by bozeman on January 9, 2003, at 23:27:43
Hello community, I'm really excited that I found this site. I JUST started taking an anti-depressent drug for the first time - Lexapro. I'm hopeful that it will help with the Panic Anxiety I am experienceing. I've never been through something like this, and have tried over the last four months to believe it is a power of me willing myself out of what ever is causeing the problem... needless to say, it is madening. I feel scared right now, as this is the first time I've done something about depression. I tried medicating with Alcohol for 13 years and wound up discovering a recovery program for that. I thought it may be the cure-all. However, I'm discovering that though it has helped my life amazingly, I still have depression and now it is really coming to the front. I'm hopeful that this will work, with as little side effects as possible. I will visit these comments often to remember that I'm not alone, and not the only one going through this.
Thanks, mc
Posted by mills on January 10, 2003, at 10:27:28
In reply to First Time on Anti D drugs, posted by mikal on January 10, 2003, at 10:15:54
mikal, join the club, and welcome; i certainly have been helped by AD's for anxiety/depression/ ocd, etc., and this board has indeed helped me feel like i am not alone, so i relate; information is good, and that's what you get here
at least as it relates to others' experiences, which incidentally are all over the map; anyway, i know exactly what you are talking about with the "power of ... willing" yourself out thing, and you're right, it doesn't work when you have a chemical deficiency you're also fighting; hope you have a good experience
> Hello community, I'm really excited that I found this site. I JUST started taking an anti-depressent drug for the first time - Lexapro. I'm hopeful that it will help with the Panic Anxiety I am experienceing. I've never been through something like this, and have tried over the last four months to believe it is a power of me willing myself out of what ever is causeing the problem... needless to say, it is madening. I feel scared right now, as this is the first time I've done something about depression. I tried medicating with Alcohol for 13 years and wound up discovering a recovery program for that. I thought it may be the cure-all. However, I'm discovering that though it has helped my life amazingly, I still have depression and now it is really coming to the front. I'm hopeful that this will work, with as little side effects as possible. I will visit these comments often to remember that I'm not alone, and not the only one going through this.
>
> Thanks, mc
Posted by hp212 on January 10, 2003, at 10:45:58
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro, posted by jaycee on January 10, 2003, at 6:09:33
PMS is not a mild case of the blues. It's a serious problem and it makes a woman suffer as much as anything. If you are a woman who has an anxiety disorder or depression, 2 weeks before your period your symptoms become about 10 times worse than normal. So imagine your own depression being intensified 10-fold 2 weeks out of every month. That's how serious it is and that's why some people find relief with SSRIs.
Posted by Romulus on January 10, 2003, at 11:17:34
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro, posted by hp212 on January 10, 2003, at 10:46:46
> PMS is not a mild case of the blues. It's a serious problem and it makes a woman suffer as much as anything. If you are a woman who has an anxiety disorder or depression, 2 weeks before your period your symptoms become about 10 times worse than normal. So imagine your own depression being intensified 10-fold 2 weeks out of every month. That's how serious it is and that's why some people find relief with SSRIs.
I'm afraid you misunderstand my post. When I said 'mild case of the blues' I was referring to pdocs often being unqualified to prescribe SSRIs, even to the point of prescribing them for that purpose--wasn't referring to PMS. Wanted to make sure the original poster was getting a truly professional opinion.
Posted by ayuda on January 10, 2003, at 12:03:38
In reply to Lexapro worked but still sad sometimes, posted by bozeman on January 9, 2003, at 23:27:43
bozeman --
I did about the same thing as you. As a child, I was put on tranquilizers for my anxiety, but didn't ever get a "diagnosis" of depression until the time in college that I didn't sleep for a month. I was sent to a psychiatrist, but I discounted the doctor's diagnosis -- it didn't make sense to me, I didn't FEEL depressed, I felt like a nutcase, which was different to me (now I think it was mostly anxiety, exacerbated by stress). He put me on a tricyclic, and like you, after I was sleeping fine again, I went off it.
I wasn't until 15 years later that I permitted a doctor to treat me for depression. In the meantime, my mom, a nurse, suggested repeatedly that I try Prozac, and I also stubbornly refused, saying that I didn't want to be dependent on drugs and could handle my problems my way.
In 2000, I was first put on Zoloft, and like you said, within a week, it was like I was a normal person for the first time in my life. All my life, people told me that I held onto anger too strong and too long, they would say, "let it go," and I would tell them I didn't know how. Now I understand. And like you said, now I can confront people and handle problems without the shaking and excessive angry reaction, without staying mad forever. It's like a rebirth.
My only regret is that I didn't try the medications earlier in life -- I might have held onto a relationship, instead of chasing every boyfriend away with my excessive worrying and unyielding anxiety about their every little action or word. I hate to say that my mom was right -- I should have sought treatment earlier. Though I still think that anxiety is my bigger problem than the depression, still, having both treated makes me so much happier to face each day (but like you said, not every day -- I worry about the lifelong need for meds to live a normal life, and that scares me).
So, congratulations to you for finally coming off your own stubbornness -- I know what you went through. I think that the next step in this world is for the stigma of being treated for depression to be erased -- I see so many people every day who could benefit from ADs, but people still label those of us who have sought treatment as crazy. No, we are the sane ones, for we have realized that we have a problem and are allowing ourselves to be treated. When I tell people -- which I do rather freely -- that I am on medication for depression, they ask me why I would admit that. Why wouldn't I? I tell them that I didn't ask for the chemical dysfunction that causes clinical depression, and it is something that can only be controlled through medication -- it is a physical illness. There are still a lot of people who don't know that they also need to be on these meds.
Good luck to you, too!
ayuda
Posted by hp212 on January 10, 2003, at 12:17:42
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro, posted by jaycee on January 10, 2003, at 6:09:33
Another alternative to SSRIs for treating PMS is birth control. It definitely puts more balance into the month and virtually eliminates cramps. Shouldn't take it if you smoke and weight gain is a possible side effect. It wouldn't be a great option if you were trying to get pregnant, however. I think the pill might be the best alternative to an anti-depressant for relief of PMS. Some of them also make your skin look great.
Posted by Cynthia on January 10, 2003, at 12:44:45
In reply to Re: Lexapro worked but still sad sometimes » bozeman, posted by ayuda on January 10, 2003, at 12:03:38
Ayuda just said two things that especially resonated with me: "We are the sane ones." and "It's a physical illness." These would make great tag lines. I wish the professionals who promote mental health awareness would incorporate this type of thinking into their communications materials in a big way. These two statements are very provocative, and would be very effective in helping to lessen the stigma we all feel. It really is true that this is a physical illness -- with mental repercussions. If more people understood this, they would be more inclined to seek help, and we, the "sane ones" would be more inclined to talk about our problems, which would go a long way to making treatment more acceptable.
Posted by Jennings on January 10, 2003, at 12:56:39
In reply to Re: Lexapro worked but still sad sometimes (nm), posted by Cynthia on January 10, 2003, at 12:35:00
Been on Lexapro for five days now, don't sleep much without help. The medication makes me feel quite goofy!
Posted by Jennings on January 10, 2003, at 19:11:49
In reply to Re: Lexapro worked but still sad sometimes, posted by Jennings on January 10, 2003, at 12:56:39
After five days of this medication I notice no decreasing in the sensations. The sensations include a very funny taste in my mouth, at times my balance is effected (although not to any dangerous levels). For the first three days I suffered from chronic insomnia, I then began medication for that. The building I work in is an aircraft painting facility with a semi loud ventilation system, the constant sound(s) that used to be unnoticed now often trick me into thinking that I’m hearing music – guitars, rock music! I take my medication at the same time every day (the minute I wake up) which is 4:20 A.M., the result is that I can anticipate the new day’s “rush” (everyday) at almost the exact same time 9:45/10:00 A.M. The “rush” as I put it, involves the notice of some very slight equilibrium challenges, “the taste” lands itself against my teeth and stays there for the rest of the day. I begin to search for water fountains, not because I’m thirsty but well, my mouth is very dry, for a long time (hours). I find myself avoiding conversation with my colleagues out of a fear of myself not trusting my own reactions (although I don’t have any regrettable experiences), I just don’t feel comfortable! My ability to perform my job does not yet appear to be compromised (although a little slowed perhaps). I must have something to do at all times or I will manufacture something to do!!! Even as I am “doing” (occupying myself) I am concerned about my level of concentration, my ability to focus! My ability to write is EXTREMELY compromised do to the unsteadiness of my central nervous system (until later in the day when I finally solicit the assistance of alcohol). At certain times I have also experienced TEMPORARY sexual inabilities. All this may sound despairing, however the alternative is depression, and there’s NOTHING worse than depression. I will not discontinue taking this medication!!!
Posted by bozeman on January 10, 2003, at 20:46:05
In reply to Re: Been on Lexapro for approx 4 months, posted by jtc on January 8, 2003, at 8:51:17
I don't know if there is any way to tell how a particular drug will affect your headaches . . . I have had migraines for years, usually two or three bad ones per month, except for that time I (stupidly) let a specialist put me on a drug I knew made them worse, had two or three a week for several months (living hell), and since starting Lexapro several months ago have not had one migraine. None. Yet others have had the opposite experience, Lexapro makes theirs worse. I kept Imitrex with me at all times before, and now wonder if I'll end up throwing the rest out.
I guess if you're unhappy with the Effexor and your doc is wanting you to try something else, why not try it? Like you, I read the "maybe, we're not sure, probably not, but we think there may be" a negative interaction between Lexapro and Imitrex -- but if you really study it, the notation is anecdotal and they were not at all convinced there was a connection.
If you have another (backup) drug you could take (like Zomig) for migraines, you could try the Lexapro, if you get migraines on it, try your Imitrex -- if it makes you feel just too weird (the maybe-kinda-sorta drug interaction) use the Zomig or whatever to combat your migraines until you can switch off the Lexapro again. You may not even need the Imitrex (I no longer do.) But if you do, you may not have a problem taking it. If it's a problem, you can always wean off Lexapro and back onto something else.
Good luck, I understand your frustration, and went through the same thing for the week I sat looking at the Lexapro bottle every night before I actually ever took a single dose. (no, I'm not obsessive. Not me. OK, so I am. But I'm feeling much better now that I have Lexapro.)
:-)>
> 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
>
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