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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by oldhand on January 23, 2003, at 19:06:12
In reply to Re: meds alcohol » EGR, posted by proud mary on January 23, 2003, at 16:43:12
> Hey guys (or gals) I'm going to jump in here (AGAIN)...hope you all don't mind, but the thing about alcohol and ADs has me intrigued.
>
> I have not admitted to anyone (therapist/pdoc) that I have been drinking on my ADs for a couple of years now. I worry about my drinking, but I've been reading these postings and now I'm wondering if the zoloft was wearing out long before I knew it and I was self-medicating, or if I ruined my zoloft affect by drinking alcohol ... plus, my husband insists I am not remiss for drinking some beers every night at the typical "witching hour" with the kids. I made the same aurgument with him that alcohol was a depressant and that I was undoing the good that the zoloft was doing..but then I read in this posting that the difference is in NEEDING it rather than wanting it. I've never felt I needed alcohol, but I sure enjoyed it and would want it (a more behavior-induced type wanting). I need some advice about this. I've been switched to lexapro and it's not really settling with me so well (I've made an extended posting on 1/23 about that) so I tend to drink a beer or two in the evenings to try to make myself feel better (it isn't working like it did with the zoloft). However, I can say, I have cut my alcohol consumption in half with the lexapro just because I don't feel very well overall (mentally, not really physically). HELP...need advice (as usual).....MaryMary,
I did the same thing, not telling the doc about drinking while on the ADs. I lied and said I had quit drinking all together while I was getting hammered three or four nights a week. This may be only in my mind but I believe I foiled the ADs by drinking and perhaps even contributed to their "pooping out" with this behavior. When Celexa pooped out on me I went to Effexor but never made it past 175mg cause it made me so sick (still drinking). Tried to quit it cold turkey until I had a crises and called the doc. He eased me off the Effexor and put me on Lexapro, 10mg. Since I had been so sick after the Effexor I did not drink for a while. When I did drink on the Lexapro I felt so awful the next day (worse that the average hangover) that I did not drink again til mid December. Two and a half beers made me feel like hell the next day and they didn't even taste good going down.
Haven't had anything since, not saying I will never drink again, only that I don't feel the NEED on the Lexapro. Hope my experience can help someone else. Good luck and health.
Posted by pickychicky2001 on January 23, 2003, at 19:30:32
In reply to Re: meds alcohol » proud mary, posted by oldhand on January 23, 2003, at 19:06:12
Hello--I am new to this board. I have been on a few different meds, trying to find one that works for tension/temper and anxiety. I was on celexa, then buspar. I just quit taking buspar because my temper got horrible. My doc just gave me samples of lexapro 10 mg, to start tomorrow. Can anyone tell me if this will help with tension/temper problems?
Posted by skycladgrrl on January 24, 2003, at 1:20:16
In reply to Re: Lexapro has been very good for me, posted by oldhand on January 17, 2003, at 23:52:24
hey everyone,
after 3 years of trying tons of meds for my OCD and panic attacks, lexapro is the first one that has really helped and that i've been able to stick too. all the others made me feel really spacey and out of it. also before i was using my xanax every day to stay calm, now on the lexapro i hardly need it- maybe once every 2 weeks. of course i have no sex drive, and once and a while i feel numb. but overall i feel that it's been the best one yet. i would really suggest it to any one out there who is fed up of trying different meds. [email protected]
Posted by syringachalet on January 24, 2003, at 5:42:32
In reply to Re: meds alcohol » EGR, posted by proud mary on January 23, 2003, at 16:43:12
Hey, proudmary,
I can only tell you that for me having an occasional glass of white wine with my dinner has never caused me to have a bad result from
my Lexapro.
But for me it has always been the timing. I have been taking psych meds for years and just adjust the timing to fit my lifestyle.
I normally take my Lexapro and other meds at bedtime with a cracker and some water. If I had the chance to go out with friends and have a nice dinner with a glass of wine, I just take my meds the next morning with breakfast. ( that way if any nausea is possible, it is buffered by the food-usually just a grandola bar and milk.)Find what works for you and know that you have might have to be on these meds for a long time and you need to control how and when you take them and as long as they are within safe time limits(most have long half-lives in the blood stream) you can take them when it least negatively impacts your lifestyle...
A toast to you, Mary, wherever you are...
syringachalet
Posted by syringachalet on January 24, 2003, at 17:09:11
In reply to Re: Lexapro has been very good for me, posted by skycladgrrl on January 24, 2003, at 1:20:16
hey, sky,
its kind of sounds like you have a pretty realistic expectation of your Lexapro.
I am also on lexapro and i know that it will not 'fix' everything nor do I ever expect it to.
I live with chronic pain and use a prescription medicated patch I apply to my skin every three days.
To someone who was not in chronic pain, the dose my MD has Rx would either 'send them to the moon" in bliss or it would kill them.
For me, it 'just takes the edge off' the pain so I can have a more normal life.
And for me that is more than enough.You are showing great insight into your own illness and managment of your meds.
My grandmother taught me that insight was
truly knowing, understanding, and accepting whatever limitations that exist in your life
and learning to be happy with your life.Keep in touch and know you can choose to
control this part of your life...
and it looks like you have a good start!syringachalet
Posted by EGR on January 24, 2003, at 21:54:12
In reply to Re: Lexapro has been very good for me, posted by syringachalet on January 24, 2003, at 17:09:11
> My grandmother taught me that insight was
> truly knowing, understanding, and accepting whatever limitations that exist in your life
> and learning to be happy with your life.Hi Syringachalet,
I wanted to let you know your grandmother is wise and so are you for passing on her wisdom. Just last night I decided that should I need to be on Lexapro or another SSRI the rest of my life... with the "big O" being few and far between, I'm still better off. "That" part of making love is really just a miniscule part of the whole process, and the act of my husband loving me is still very satisfying, whether or not "it" happens. I thought your grandmother's words kind of fit my new attitude on it.
Thanks.
Also, I'm sorry to hear about your chronic pain. That must be hard... I'll pray for you.
EGR
Posted by biscuit on January 24, 2003, at 23:49:01
In reply to Re: Lexapro has been very good for me, posted by syringachalet on January 24, 2003, at 17:09:11
syringachalet ..
I noticed that you are on lexapro due to chronic pain.. My doctor just put me on lexapro for depression cause of chronic pain (degnerative disc disorder).
Is it helping you? I have a fear that the side effects that I have been having won't go away, and fell like I've already got enough pain going on and don't want to add to it.. if that makes any sense.
Please let me know what your experience with the med for chronic pain has been.. if you are comfortable doing so.thanks
biscuit
Posted by syringachalet on January 25, 2003, at 9:14:45
In reply to Re: Lexapro has been very good for me, posted by biscuit on January 24, 2003, at 23:49:01
hello biscuit,
I am on Lexapro due to PTSD and depression.
You probably already know that depression is
very common in people with chronic pain.I am on a prescription pain medication patch due to the chronic pain I have from my MS. By having just the patch, I can be functional and for most of the time, reasonable comfortable.
I also have MS Contin available in small quantities for days when getting out of my bed or doing daily tasks are too much for me. Too bad the MS Contin is so sedative and I have to trade in my safety and mobility for my pain control.Also, biscut, some of the docs use AD in combo with pain meds to 'potentiate' one another.. make each work together to provide better relief.
( Kind of like how so many cold remedies have things similar to Benadryl and they also have an alcohol base( like 25% so that less meds can be used with same good effect..bigger bang for the buck..LOL)Chronic pain sucks, huh?? Oh well if it doent kill ya, it will just make you stronger...
Take Care. Be Well.syringachalet
Posted by proud mary on January 25, 2003, at 9:49:19
In reply to Re: meds alcohol, posted by pickychicky2001 on January 23, 2003, at 19:30:32
I was put on buspar many years ago for anxiety (at the time it was supposed to be the newest, niftiest non-addictive anxiety drug on the market) and it did NOT set well with me at all. It actually seemed to INCREASE my anxiety. I gave it the recommended period of time, but made it clear to my pdoc that I did not like it. We ended up putting me on zoloft and klonopin (.5 mg) and that ended up working really well for me for several years.
I think I ended up pooping out on zoloft, although I've stuck with the klonopin off and on for many years.
I started 20 mg. of Lexapro about two weeks ago and it was very disruptive (HORRIBLE irritability) but now, after about day 14 ,it seems to be kicking in and mellowing my moods very well. I think many of my mood problems are related to hormones/PMS. I have three fairly young children so I consider a consistant mood vital to my own well being AND theirs. I say give the lexapro at least two weeks to kick in and if that doesn't seem to be helping, I noticed in one of my women's magazine that zoloft has just been approved by the fda to treat pms (the really severe form, they call it someting else like "psycho woman hormone syndrome")(just kidding, but a sense of humor is important, in my opinion). Anyway, my point is, if you do not notice some relief in 14 days, talk to your pdoc about zoloft. I got good results from zoloft for a long, long time.
I know it is painful, worrisome and unpleasant to have those uncontrollable feelings of anger and irritabilty, so you are doing the right thing seeking this help. Also, don't get discouraged. If one thing doesn't work for you, there are always other meds they can try and one will work, more than likely....good luck, welcome to the board and know that all of us are here to help you understand and relate our own experiences to help you feel so "not alone."
Mary
Posted by pickychicky2001 on January 25, 2003, at 15:31:53
In reply to temper/anxiety, posted by proud mary on January 25, 2003, at 9:49:19
Hey Mary--My doc started me out on wellbutrin, and i was worse than b4, so he switched me to zoloft. Zoloft was a GODSEND for the year and a half or so it worked. i was on the Buspar just a few weeks ago, for the 2 weeks, and that was when i felt like i was losing it. I am hoping that this lexapro helps with the temper/anxiety. In the meantime, i can take a Xanax if i start losing it again. By the way what is Klonopin?
Posted by Ame Sans Vie on January 25, 2003, at 17:49:03
In reply to Re: temper/anxiety » proud mary, posted by pickychicky2001 on January 25, 2003, at 15:31:53
Just a thought you may want to consider- a drug called Corgard (nadolol). It's a ß-blocker (intended for high blood pressure) that is very commonly used as a treatment for both somatic symtpoms of anxiety as well as anger/irritability. The common dose for these symptoms is usually between 20 and 80mg per day.
There's also Catapres (clonidine), which is a centrally acting adrenergic antihypertensive. It has a well established history of combatting anger, anxiety, and certain symptoms of ADHD.
--Michael
Posted by Leo Bostar on January 25, 2003, at 17:55:08
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
Hi Everyone,
I was put on 10mg Lexapro for treatment of depression. I also suffer from frequent migraines, for which I take Imitrex (20mg nasal) as needed.
I've been on Lexapro for about two weeks. Since then I haven't had any migraines, but I now experience a feeling of pressure on the side of my head where the migraines typically start. It feels like a hand being pushed against my right temple; it's noticable enough to keep me awake at times. Has anyone else experienced this? BTW non of the therapeutic or side effects of Lexapro have happened yet....
Thanks to all,
Leo Bostar
Posted by Sadsack on January 25, 2003, at 18:29:14
In reply to Re: lexapro and pregnancy » newuser2, posted by leslieg on January 21, 2003, at 12:01:14
Hey, about the expressing milk during the pregnancy- check with your doc, but I have read research that indicates that it could bring on premature birth. (Something about the oxytocin levels triggering contractions) I'd hate to see you have problems when you're trying to do the right thing!
I am a late in life mom too and my husband was 45 when we had out last-it's keeping us young!
Good Luck!
Sadsack
> Such a difficult decision. We're talking seriously about trying starting around August. (We've got a 20 month old). Our belief is that there simply isn't enough research, especially long-term, to take the risk of my taking anything so systemically potent during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Unless I were suicidal or doing self-injury or packing my bags to run away. I'm very nervous about getting off Lexapro before at least 1 year has gone past, as I believe there is research that shows that a minimum of one year is needed before your body is capable of carrying on the new levels of neurotransmitters on its own.
>
> If we do decide to get pregnant, I will spend at least 3-4 weeks tapering off of Lexapro. I had very bad withdrawal from Effexor and will never go through a fast reduction in ADs again.
>
> I know pregnancy will be very hard. On all of us. I'm already trying to find ways to keep myself sane when I have no drugs. Thinking about comedy TV series I haven't seen that we could borrow or buy on DVD to watch regularly. That sort of thing. Thinking about expressing milk while I'm pregnant and drug-free and storing it so if I have to go back on drugs after giving birth my baby has some breast milk. Planning on cutting back on as many commitments, etc. as I can so if I spend a day "freaked out" in bed, I won't have to apologize to people I don't know well. And if we deicde I need to go back on Lex (or another AD) while pregnant, I'm going to postpone it as long as possible.
>
> Oh yes, I'm also going to be taking fish oil, as that can be very good for baby brains anyway. It may help take the edge off...
>
> Good luck,
> Leslie G.
>
> > My husband and I are talking about starting a family soon. I have been on lexapro for severe panic attacks for about 12 weeks. Does anyone have infomation regarding the effects of lexapro during pregnancy? Are there alternative medications safe to use during pregnancy? It is possible to quit Lexapro "cold-turkey" during the pregnancy? Any information would be helpful!
> > Thank you!
>
>
Posted by Sadsack on January 25, 2003, at 18:32:46
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro » sweetcilantro, posted by EGR on January 21, 2003, at 23:27:11
EGR,
I couldn't have summed it up better myself-you're just good!
Take Care
> Works great for me! Side effects include (for some) "sexual problems"... trouble with orgasms... tiredness or insomnia, some have one, some the other, some none. Tightening of the jaw muscles, tight neck and upper back/shoulder muscles... it seems that these lessen after time. Some get headaches (I wonder if that's becuase of the jaw clenching?), but some don't. Some of us were in a fog at the beginning, some weren't. The plusses are that we're "happier", get more accomplished, can blow off things that used to send us in a frenzy... we're bolder and more confident. I think that's about it in 25 (?) words or less.
>
> Good luck and welcome aboard!
>
> EGR
>
> > Hey everyone... I was just prescribed Lexapro and am wondering how it is working for people and what the side effects are. Feel free to let me know. Thanks!
> >
> > Jess
>
>
Posted by Sadsack on January 25, 2003, at 18:44:06
In reply to Re: lexapro -IBS, posted by proud mary on January 23, 2003, at 12:09:56
Day 13 is WAY too soon to even consider giving it up. The crankyness may pass or you may need to up the dose (I'm at 20mg and doing better-All side effects are diminished considerably-though I haven't gotten back to a kick a** orgasm yet DARN! Perhaps in time) I'm at 2 and a half months. All in all I am MUCH better.
Good Luck!> OK, guys...this is me on day 13 of Lexapro (off the zoloft completely now):
> 1. Am ok waking up, all daytime sleepiness has gone away
> 2. as the day goes on, I start to feel less "ok" and more cranky, unsettled.
> 3. by the evening, when I'm dealing with the kids after school/dinner/bed, I'm so cranky I'm almost out of control.
> 4. by evening, VERY unsettled, one .5 mg of Klonopin isn't helping much anymore, now I'm up to 1 mg, just to stay sane
> 5. usually end up going to bed to put myself out of my misery.
> 6. next day starts all over again
> 7. having occasional mild "zings" which are annoying, but not too unbearable.
> 8. On an "up" note, I seem to have escaped all of the bad sexual side effects...can still have some kick a** orgasms (by myself) and can still respond to hubby, a little more delayed, though...luckily he's a determined man...
>
> anyone got any advice for me? Should I call my pdoc? have I given it the good try or should I give it more time?
>
> any advice greatly appreciated....Mary
Posted by JaneB on January 25, 2003, at 18:52:09
In reply to Pressure on side of head, posted by Leo Bostar on January 25, 2003, at 17:55:08
> Hi Everyone,
> I was put on 10mg Lexapro for treatment of depression. I also suffer from frequent migraines, for which I take Imitrex (20mg nasal) as needed.
> I've been on Lexapro for about two weeks. Since then I haven't had any migraines, but I now experience a feeling of pressure on the side of my head where the migraines typically start. It feels like a hand being pushed against my right temple; it's noticable enough to keep me awake at times. Has anyone else experienced this? BTW non of the therapeutic or side effects of Lexapro have happened yet....
> Thanks to all,
> Leo BostarYes, I experienced that feeling but I thought it was caused by a stiff neck or sinus. It went away after 5 days. It was in the back of my head on one side behind my ear.
JaneB
Posted by MaiaMoon on January 26, 2003, at 2:39:21
In reply to Re: Pressure on side of head, posted by JaneB on January 25, 2003, at 18:52:09
I have been taking Lexapro for a month now. After about a week of taking it I noticed my sex drive increased, but I am having trouble achieving orgasm. I have never had trouble before. By the way, I am female. Have any other women noticed this as a side effect?
Posted by chelsea on January 26, 2003, at 18:01:17
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I just switched to lexapro. Does anyone have any info on weight changes (gained or lost)? Thanks
Posted by ayuda on January 26, 2003, at 21:04:58
In reply to sex drive, posted by MaiaMoon on January 26, 2003, at 2:39:21
> I have been taking Lexapro for a month now. After about a week of taking it I noticed my sex drive increased, but I am having trouble achieving orgasm. I have never had trouble before. By the way, I am female. Have any other women noticed this as a side effect?
There was a thread about that about a month ago, male and female. I think that the consensus was that everyone was having some trouble reaching orgasm, but that perhaps that s/e goes away? No one has mentioned it in a while.
Posted by pickychicky2001 on January 26, 2003, at 21:06:45
In reply to Re: temper/anxiety » pickychicky2001, posted by Ame Sans Vie on January 25, 2003, at 17:49:03
> Just a thought you may want to consider- a drug called Corgard (nadolol). It's a ß-blocker (intended for high blood pressure) that is very commonly used as a treatment for both somatic symtpoms of anxiety as well as anger/irritability. The common dose for these symptoms is usually between 20 and 80mg per day.
>
> There's also Catapres (clonidine), which is a centrally acting adrenergic antihypertensive. It has a well established history of combatting anger, anxiety, and certain symptoms of ADHD.
>
> --MichaelThanks alot, I am gonna see how lexapro works, and if it doesn't, then i will definitely ask my doc about them. I wish i had known about this board a long time ago!
Posted by donia on January 26, 2003, at 21:55:48
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I just started lexapro last week. started 5mg and the last two days am taking 10mg. Last night I woke up at 5:00 am with one ear ringing. I finally went back to sleep. What is this? Also I am concerned because I am on birth control therapy for endometriosis and I smoke and now I am taking lexapro. Any health concerns with this combo? I am a 30 year old female. I also dont know if it is helping yet and will post more.
Posted by Ame Sans Vie on January 26, 2003, at 23:24:38
In reply to Re: temper/anxiety, posted by pickychicky2001 on January 26, 2003, at 21:06:45
>>I wish i had known about this board a long time ago!
lol I know... I probably could have cut a few years off the time it took for me to find the right med combination if I'd found this board a little sooner.
Good luck!,
Michael
Posted by jens on January 26, 2003, at 23:25:19
In reply to Re:weight changes, posted by chelsea on January 26, 2003, at 18:01:17
Switched 2 months ago after a year of Celexa, and have gained about 8 pounds, but, am sleeping MUCH more; sleeplessness was primary complaint with Celexa. The "vivid dreams," as described in my pharmacy's package insert are not bothersome (as they were with Celexa -- Effexor dreams were WAY more vivid, but, gained 60 lbs over a year with that one): What causes this dreaming business?
Posted by Ame Sans Vie on January 27, 2003, at 1:34:40
In reply to Re: temper/anxiety » pickychicky2001, posted by Ame Sans Vie on January 26, 2003, at 23:24:38
I forgot to mention another three drugs that have been very successful in anger management--
Depakene/Depakote (valproic acid/valproate-- carboxylate derivative): simple and complex absence seizures; mixed-state/manic manifestations of BPAD; tonic-clonic seizures; myoclonic seizures; *aggression*; *anxiety*
THERAPEUTIC DOSAGE RANGE: 15mg/kg-60mg/kgNeurontin (gabapentin-- structurally similar to GABA): adjunct treatment in partial seizures; *very mild mood stabilizer*; *anxiolytic*; neuropathic pain; many others
THERAPEUTIC DOSAGE RANGE: 400-6400mgAtivan (lorazepam-- benzodiazepine): *anxiety*; *alcohol withdrawal*; pre-operative sedation; *irritability in psychiatric or organic disorders*
THERAPEUTIC DOSAGE RANGE: 1-10mgAnd here are the others, in case you're interested;
Catapres (clonidine-- central a-adrenergic agonist): *hypertension [lowering blood pressure can help relieve symptoms of anger, through obvious means]*; *narcotic withdrawal*; prevention of vascular headaches; *treatment of menopausal symptoms*; dysmennorhea; *ADHD [the symptoms of ADHD it primarily helps with are irritability, impulsivity, and in some cases, hyperactivity]*
THERAPEUTIC DOSAGE RANGE: 0.1-1.2mgInderal (propranolol-- beta blocker): angina pectoris; *hypertension*; supraventricular dysrhythmias; migraine prophylaxis; myocardial infarction (MI); pheochromocytoma; essential tremor; tetralogy of Fallot; *anxiety*; cyanotic spells
THERAPEUTIC DOSAGE RANGE: 10-240mgTenormin (atenolol-- beta blocker): hypertension; prophylaxis of angina pectoris; suspected or known MI; dysrhythmia; mitral valve prolapse; pheochromocytoma; hypertrophic cardiomyopathy; vascular headaches; thyrotoxicosis; tremors; alcohol withdrawal; *anxiety*; *poss. aggression and irritability*
THERAPEUTIC DOSAGE RANGE: 50-200mgCorgard (nadolol-- beta blocker): angina pectoris; hypertension; tachydysrhythmias; *aggression*; *anxiety*; tremors; esophageal varices; migraine prophylaxis
THERAPEUTIC DOSAGE RANGE: 40-240mgI'd personally go with either Corgard (or Inderal/Tenormin, which are in the same class of drugs), Catapres, or Ativan to begin with. This is simply because within a week's time you'll be able to discern whether or not the drug is working for you. Neurontin and Depakene can take several months to take effect; the doses required are often very large and must be titrated up slowly, so as to minimize side effects.
Oh, one last thing about the beta blockers, should you end up taking them: Be very careful in titrating your dose upward. I did this a little too fast (went straight from 10mg Inderal 2xday to 20mg 2xday), which, after 5, 6 days, led to the most disgusting, unnerving feeling I've ever had. I was lethargic, slept 20 hours per day, had constant stomach pains, was feeling a 'numbness' (more like a coldness actually... similar to frostbite) on my fingers and my toes, and so this led me to be deeply depressed. Just be sure to be very careful; the higher doses of beta-blockers are pretty much reserved for those with serious cardiovascular problems.
--Michael
Posted by proud mary on January 27, 2003, at 13:46:02
In reply to Re: temper/anxiety » proud mary, posted by pickychicky2001 on January 25, 2003, at 15:31:53
Klonopin is the same as clonazapam. It is a close cousin to Xanax, only not as addictive (not supposed to be addictive at all) and if you take it ongoing, it is supposed to be NOT psychologically addicting, too.
I have been on the Lexapro for about 17 days now and it is FINALLY starting to work. And work well, I might add. I even handled a weekend crisis of sorts without breaking down into a total bleak blob person.
Keep us posted on how you are doing...I can at least say, now, that after a rocky start, the lexapro does seem to be doing it's job!
Mary :>)
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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