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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Leo Bostar on February 9, 2003, at 16:10:05
In reply to Lexapro and Wellbutrin SR, posted by bridgette on February 9, 2003, at 9:59:48
Wellbutrin never did anything for me when taken alone. In combination with other drugs, it amplified the negative side effects.
If it works for you and you have a health plan that covers some of the expenses, count your blessings.
> Is anyone on the combination of Lexapro AND Wellbutrin SR/ I am on 10mg Lexapro and 150 mg os Wellbutrin Sr. I like combining them because of the sexual side effects of the SSRI and I think Wellbutrin enhances it---anyone else trying this???
Posted by Theona on February 9, 2003, at 16:27:06
In reply to Re: Now on 20mg, still no effect Theona, posted by Leo Bostar on February 9, 2003, at 14:15:46
> It was prescribe for relief of depression and migraines.
>
> Here's the litany of negative experiences with anti-depressants, starting in 1995 and proceeding to the present with Lexapro:
>
> Prozac - Initial relief, then increased depression, fatigue
> Zoloft - No change in depression
> Zoloft + Wellbutrin - No change in depression
> Paxil - Initial relief, then severe depression,
> alcohol relapse
> Wellbutrin + Neurontin - Alcohol rehab, no change in depression
> Desipramine - No change in depression
> Desipramine + Buspar - Increased depression, increased Migraines, nightmares
> Celexa - Initial relief, then increased depression, fatigue
> Effexor - Increased depression, extreme illness, fatigue
> Prozac + Lithium - Increased depression, illness, extreme confusion
> Amytriptaline - Increased depression, fatigue
> Serzone - Initial relief, then increased depression, fatigue
> Serzone + Wellbutrin - Increased depression, exhaustion, illness, alcohol binging
> Lexapro - Initial discomfort (night sweats, anxiety, headaches) then nothing
>
> As you can see, I've had no luck at all with medications.
>
> I've been told that I must "keep trying" and that I "WILL" find the right medication. Maybe, maybe not. The one certain thing is that I've been lining the pockets of the drug industry and behavioural health folks for the last eight years, and they haven't done a damn thing for me in return.
>
> At the moment, it looks as though Lexapro is just another con.Goodness, Leo, you must be very discouraged. I'm not sure it's so much of a con as you seen to be at the end of a spectrum of people for whom SSRI's don't work. I remember on commentator on SSRIs saying a few years ago that we really were so elementary in our use of these things that it was like trying to do surgery with a machete. Manipulating our neurochemistry is so young in the history of man. You and I are living through it's infancy. I seem to be having some better luck than some.
I too have a drinking history, but after AA for 4 years, was dry for 15 years. A life crisis and no health coverage brought a return to it for anxiety relief, but use of it is much more manageable now. Mostly 2 glasses of wine a night, none for several nights in a row, maybe quitting altogether once the Lexpro is at 20mg.
I am going to try to get myself out exercising through walks to try to augment my treatment. I'm not a very physical person, but know I feel better days I work, so I think the increased activity during the week may be part of my feeling better then, than on the weekends. Really, really hard to push into some exercise when you are depressed. I'm sure you understand. I'd rather augment with exercise than another drug. I want one simple one like Lexapro work.
I'm sure you have tried everything. Have you encorporated any exercise? Any luck?
Posted by Theona on February 9, 2003, at 16:31:58
In reply to Re: New lex user-Theona --Anyone!!!!, posted by Cherie on February 8, 2003, at 15:04:19
> Need advice-just stopped Celexa 20 mg. 6wks ago after being on for 15 months. Did great on it, felt great. Why did I stop? Went for annual dr. visit and had gained 20 lbs in one year! Dr. suggested Lexapro immediately implying it would be answer to low libido and weight gain. I have been VERY intolerant and edgy and unmotivated recently and believe depression is creeping in. Any ideas on the weight gain?
I have to confess, Cheri, if I'd have felt so good on Celexa, I wouldn't have given it up, because if you feel good, it's easier to follow a diet program. I'm going to Weight Watchers with some success, but I sure wouldn't manipulate SSRIs to control weight. Getting your head feeling good is step one, then go with the rest.
Theona
Posted by MaryZee on February 9, 2003, at 20:33:52
In reply to Re: lexapro need help--Charlotte » jodie, posted by Charlotte Groce on February 8, 2003, at 16:43:46
Hi Charlotte: My doctor also put me on Lexapro.
I took it two weeks (l0 mg) and felt awful. I have cut the pills in half and am taking 5mg at night. Plan to discontinue completely. Seeing the doctor on the 24th (he's on vacation). After ten years on Prozac and now the Lexapro, I have decided that I am going to stop all the medication. I want to know how I feel without any of these drugs in my system. If I start acting "weird" my family will tell me and then I can always ask the doctor to put me back on the Prozac. Have not liked the Lexapro at all. I hope it helps you to read posts - it sure helps me. Before finding this place I thought I was very alone in my depression and panic attacks.
Twenty years of suffering - ten on med's - life get's tiring sometimes. But I always try to think that maybe tomorrow will be better. Lost my best friend/older sister to cancer three years ago. She made me promise that I would not commit suicide after she died (we knew she was dying).
She made me promise over and over. I wanted to after she died - but did not. Am glad now that she made me promise. So is my husband. He is supportive though he does not really "understand" what is going on with me. Let us know how you do off the meds, o.k.? Thanks for listening.
Posted by male34 on February 10, 2003, at 12:54:52
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by male34 on February 8, 2003, at 9:43:07
i f youve been on lexapro for a decent time now ,whats your comments basic question do you like it? is it working is it good??
ps-anxiety gone? ??
Posted by male34 on February 10, 2003, at 13:06:15
In reply to Re: Now on 20mg, still no effect Theona, posted by Theona on February 9, 2003, at 16:27:06
> > It was prescribe for relief of depression and migraines.
> >
> > Here's the litany of negative experiences with anti-depressants, starting in 1995 and proceeding to the present with Lexapro:
> >
> > Prozac - Initial relief, then increased depression, fatigue
> > Zoloft - No change in depression
> > Zoloft + Wellbutrin - No change in depression
> > Paxil - Initial relief, then severe depression,
> > alcohol relapse
> > Wellbutrin + Neurontin - Alcohol rehab, no change in depression
> > Desipramine - No change in depression
> > Desipramine + Buspar - Increased depression, increased Migraines, nightmares
> > Celexa - Initial relief, then increased depression, fatigue
> > Effexor - Increased depression, extreme illness, fatigue
> > Prozac + Lithium - Increased depression, illness, extreme confusion
> > Amytriptaline - Increased depression, fatigue
> > Serzone - Initial relief, then increased depression, fatigue
> > Serzone + Wellbutrin - Increased depression, exhaustion, illness, alcohol binging
> > Lexapro - Initial discomfort (night sweats, anxiety, headaches) then nothing
> >
> > As you can see, I've had no luck at all with medications.
> >
> > I've been told that I must "keep trying" and that I "WILL" find the right medication. Maybe, maybe not. The one certain thing is that I've been lining the pockets of the drug industry and behavioural health folks for the last eight years, and they haven't done a damn thing for me in return.
> >
> > At the moment, it looks as though Lexapro is just another con.
>
> Goodness, Leo, you must be very discouraged. I'm not sure it's so much of a con as you seen to be at the end of a spectrum of people for whom SSRI's don't work. I remember on commentator on SSRIs saying a few years ago that we really were so elementary in our use of these things that it was like trying to do surgery with a machete. Manipulating our neurochemistry is so young in the history of man. You and I are living through it's infancy. I seem to be having some better luck than some.
>
> I too have a drinking history, but after AA for 4 years, was dry for 15 years. A life crisis and no health coverage brought a return to it for anxiety relief, but use of it is much more manageable now. Mostly 2 glasses of wine a night, none for several nights in a row, maybe quitting altogether once the Lexpro is at 20mg.
>
> I am going to try to get myself out exercising through walks to try to augment my treatment. I'm not a very physical person, but know I feel better days I work, so I think the increased activity during the week may be part of my feeling better then, than on the weekends. Really, really hard to push into some exercise when you are depressed. I'm sure you understand. I'd rather augment with exercise than another drug. I want one simple one like Lexapro work.
>
> I'm sure you have tried everything. Have you encorporated any exercise? Any luck?****************
sounds like youve done a lot, this may sound easy but here goes, sunshine, tanning salon, exercise,oxygen flowing,b vitamens, calcium, magnese,magnesium, omega fish oil large amounts,dont dwell positive thoghts strong minded and pray to whom ever you pray to pray ,anxiety is anxious energy so release it by exercise get out and walk now! start to day and put all negative thoughts to postiive thoughts , make sure your taking youe MED. at correct time sometimes with certain foods it doesnt absorb , stay strong and stay busy dont think about pass it on start something new,good luck ill ptray fro you,you WILL get better, start today
Posted by Chuck2112 on February 10, 2003, at 13:58:49
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I know these SSRI's help increase? or let your brain get the most out of the serotonin. Do it actually raise the level of serotonin?
and whats the process? i mostly want to know why it takes several weeks for the meds to kick in. what is going on in the several weeks??
does it take your body a while to produce the product or something??
Posted by djmmm on February 10, 2003, at 16:09:28
In reply to How do these meds work?, posted by Chuck2112 on February 10, 2003, at 13:58:49
> I know these SSRI's help increase? or let your brain get the most out of the serotonin. Do it actually raise the level of serotonin?
> and whats the process? i mostly want to know why it takes several weeks for the meds to kick in. what is going on in the several weeks??
> does it take your body a while to produce the product or something??
Thats a fairly loaded question...and can only be answered in terms of "theory"SSRIs block the reuptake transport (pump) on serotonin neurons. They are "selective" because they have a higher affinity for serotonin neurons than the neurons of dopamine, norepinephrine, acetylcholine, etc. All SSRIs effect a myriad of neurotransmitter systems, they differ in potency and degree of selectivity.
Under normal conditions, the reuptake pumps "recycle" serotonin that has been "used" after binding to specific post-synaptic receptors. By blocking the reuptake pumps, SSRIs help allow synaptic serotonin to remain in an active state, binding to receptors.
initially, when you are exposed to SSRIs, your neurons adapt to the increased presense of serotonin, by actually decreasing serotonin synthesis...this response is fleeting, soon serotonin turnover returns to "normal" thus the varying delay in response rates. When synthesis stabilizes, and the neuron begins to function more normally, the SSRI allows the now INCREASED leves of synaptic serotonin to activate post synaptic receptors.
*the initial decrease in serotonin has been connected to suicide
*the constant presense of serotonin in the synapse causes downregulation of specific post synaptic receptors
*SSRIs only allow you to better utilize the serotonin; a supplement called 5-HTP can increase serotonin levels
Posted by ayuda on February 10, 2003, at 16:39:31
In reply to LEX users ? comments?, posted by male34 on February 10, 2003, at 12:54:52
> i f youve been on lexapro for a decent time now ,whats your comments basic question do you like it? is it working is it good??
> ps-anxiety gone? ??
>I've been on it for about 3 or 4 months now (can't remember). I feel that it is working for the depression, but that is since I went up to 20 mg. in December. When I was on 10mg, I became tired and weepy and lethargic after about 2 months, but on the 20mg, I am feeling almost like my old normal self (without the edginess).
As for anxiety, I wish it worked a little better. I had my first MRI the other night, and I could feel an anxiety attack come on, and I wished I had taken some lorazepam before I went. The panic attack did not surface, but that was because I had to work to suppress it, which I've done in the past, pre-AD. However, I am functioning a whole heck of a lot better than without the medication. And the feeling of a panic attack coming on happens only in rare situations, like the one above, rather than on a daily basis when I'm doing normal, every-day things, which is how it usually is without this medication.
It's not perfect, but I am doing a lot better, with a LOT less side effects, than any other AD I've been on recently (zoloft, celexa, effexor xr). I can see taking this long term and not hating that idea, which is not the way I usually feel about these meds.
Posted by jrbecker on February 10, 2003, at 17:51:56
In reply to Re: LEX users ? comments? » male34, posted by ayuda on February 10, 2003, at 16:39:31
Well it's been four months on Lexapro. And I can't say it was all peaches and ice cream. In terms of the positive side though, it was great for curbing atypical symptoms like hunger issues and helping to battle hypersomnia... better than any of the other SSRIs. And sexually, it's by far the most benign of the ADs I've been on in terms of anorgasmia.
But the down side was that the mood effect was just never as good as what I had experienced on Effexor and Celexa. Moreover, there always seemed to be this underlying anxiety that I seemed to never be able to shake, even after lowering the dosage and waiting it out for months.
So after four months of Lex, I'm going on a one month trial of celexa again. My idea is to keep the dosage low enough -- most likely around 10mg since I'm quite sensitive anyways --- so that a lot of the side effects (e.g., somnloscence, increased appetite, sexual dysfunction) remain tolerable.
It's only been four days into the switch but here's what I have to report:
definitely feeling better in terms of mood effect.
More cheerful and social again. Feel like I have my witty side again. Anxiety is definitely lower. Side-effect wise: a tad more sluggish, but not much. For instance, I've had a little more trouble getting out the door in the morning as well as trying to get motivated to run around the track at the gym. My appetite has increased a bit as well, but nothing intolerable yet. As for sexual side effect, my libido is actually back, but I think the sexual dysfunction part remains a slight problem. For the most part so far, I'm fairing a little better than I was on the Lex. If I can keep the side effects in check, I plan to stick with it. If not, I guess Lex will have to be the compromise I'll have to live with.Just thought I'd give you all the update.
JB
Posted by male34 on February 10, 2003, at 20:38:53
In reply to How do these meds work?, posted by Chuck2112 on February 10, 2003, at 13:58:49
> I know these SSRI's help increase? or let your brain get the most out of the serotonin. Do it actually raise the level of serotonin?
> and whats the process? i mostly want to know why it takes several weeks for the meds to kick in. what is going on in the several weeks??
> does it take your body a while to produce the product or something??
****your seratonin receptors are like tubes on the left and right we (us people) dont get enough seratonin shooting over from one side into the other so we take meds to help our seratonin levels become correct why it takes weeks is a good question im guessing its just an adsjutment thing ,but it does kick in and work give it time
Posted by EGR on February 10, 2003, at 21:19:25
In reply to Re: Lexapro and Wellbutrin SR » bridgette, posted by Leo Bostar on February 9, 2003, at 16:10:05
I recently added 100 mg of Wellbutrin to my 20 mgs of Lexapro. I have to skip a day or two every 5 or 6 days because of the buzzing in my head. So far I haven't noticed any increase in my sex drive, but I'll keep you all posted.
EGR
> Wellbutrin never did anything for me when taken alone. In combination with other drugs, it amplified the negative side effects.
>
> If it works for you and you have a health plan that covers some of the expenses, count your blessings.
>
> > Is anyone on the combination of Lexapro AND Wellbutrin SR/ I am on 10mg Lexapro and 150 mg os Wellbutrin Sr. I like combining them because of the sexual side effects of the SSRI and I think Wellbutrin enhances it---anyone else trying this???
>
>
Posted by EGR on February 10, 2003, at 21:22:39
In reply to Re: Now on 20mg, still no therapeutic effect EGR, posted by Leo Bostar on February 9, 2003, at 13:48:24
That would be frustrating. Try asking if you can go to 30... I know that I went through 4 meds before landing on Lexapro. I am not 100% pleased because of the sse, but I'd rather spend my life feeling like this than being suicidal and acheiving orgasms easily.
Hang in there... we care.
EGR
> One month.
>
> > Just give it time. It affects some of us quicker than others. They told me to wait 4 weeks to see how it would work. How long has it bee since you doubled your dose?
> >
> > EGR
>
>
Posted by Chuck2112 on February 11, 2003, at 16:05:36
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
still waiting.....
anxiety is still diminishing, but slowly....
i have had tight neck, shoulder, and arm muscles since sat night..... i still have the detached feeling, i still dont feel like my old self, and still dont feel much like doing the things is usually enjoy....but, i am determined.....although i feel closer to feeling like that than before the lexapro...so we will see
Posted by handmemymidol on February 11, 2003, at 17:49:14
In reply to Re: Lexapro and Wellbutrin SR » Leo Bostar, posted by EGR on February 10, 2003, at 21:19:25
I have been diagnosed and dealing with panic disorder and agorophobia for 5 years now. Zoloft did nothing for me. Paxil made my stomach hurt. Serzone worked great, but of course, can't take that anymore with the liver scare and all. Now I am on Lexapro. I can't decide what I think of it. On the plus side, I am living a "normal" life, work, etc. All panic symptoms have subsided. I did have the loss of apetite that others are mentioning but after the first 2 weeks or so, apetite is back. The biggest problems I am having are sexual. I have no interest at all anymore in sex. And when I do have sex, forget about an orgasm. I have taken to faking it so my husband doesn't feel bad. I am at the 10 mg dose and that is working well so I don't think the doc will be upping it. Will this symptom fade away too like the loss of apetite? How long might it take? It has also made me really sleepy. I have been experimenting with taking it at different times to eliminate that. Also, does anybody else experience itching? Geez, when I try to go to sleep at night, I itch like crazy! The more I try to ignore it, the more I itch! It is making me nuts! Doesn't bother me much during the day when I am busy, only when I am lying around, watching tv, etc., so I don't think it is an allergic thing. What say ye?
Posted by ayuda on February 11, 2003, at 22:07:10
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
Has anyone seen this: http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/lexapro_ad.htm
It concerns Lexapro side effects in controlled studies. Reads like a list of everything we've complained about here.
Posted by male34 on February 12, 2003, at 15:29:25
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by ayuda on February 11, 2003, at 22:07:10
my paxil quitting reason was gaining weight has anyone been on LEXAPRO long enough to say it does or doesn't make you gain weight? please thanks!
Posted by nails on February 12, 2003, at 17:21:50
In reply to Re: lexapro need help--Charlotte, posted by MaryZee on February 9, 2003, at 20:33:52
I am wondering why your doctor switched you to Lexapro after 10 years on Prozac? I've been on Prozac for about 13 years and it seemed to just "stop working" about 3 years ago. My doctor tried me on Welbutrin (did nothing for my depression), Paxil (ferocious appetite), Effexor (caused weird pressure behind bridge of my nose and heart palpatations), so I'm still on Prozac. (It's better than nothing, I guess). Just yesterday, my doc switched me to Lexapro. Does anyone know....Can the body actually build up a sort of "tolerance" to Prozac so that it no longer helps the depression? When I started on it 13 years ago, I thought it was the best thing invented (except for the lack-of-libido part), but it seems to have gradually quit working for my depression. Does Lexapro have a different chemical make-up than Prozac, so that it might make me feel the same way Prozac did 13 years ago? Does anyone know of ANY antidepressant that does NOT affect the libido? My husband would be forever greatful if I can find one! (My feeling is, if that is the ONLY side effect of an antidepressant, I can live with it, as long as the drug works!) I appreciate any input from anyone. Thanks.
Posted by ayuda on February 12, 2003, at 18:58:06
In reply to LEX wieght gain anybody,or not?, posted by male34 on February 12, 2003, at 15:29:25
> my paxil quitting reason was gaining weight has anyone been on LEXAPRO long enough to say it does or doesn't make you gain weight? please thanks!
I haven't gained anything on Lexapro. I had gained 40 lbs in 6 months on Effexor (also one of my main reasons for quitting it), so it is nice that the weight gain has stopped. In fact, my appetite has decreased, and I will hopefully start dropping weight on the Lexapro. But everyone is different....
Posted by abigal on February 12, 2003, at 20:32:12
In reply to Dealing with Lexapro, posted by handmemymidol on February 11, 2003, at 17:49:14
> I have been diagnosed and dealing with panic disorder and agorophobia for 5 years now. Zoloft did nothing for me. Paxil made my stomach hurt. Serzone worked great, but of course, can't take that anymore with the liver scare and all. Now I am on Lexapro. I can't decide what I think of it. On the plus side, I am living a "normal" life, work, etc. All panic symptoms have subsided. I did have the loss of apetite that others are mentioning but after the first 2 weeks or so, apetite is back. The biggest problems I am having are sexual. I have no interest at all anymore in sex. And when I do have sex, forget about an orgasm. I have taken to faking it so my husband doesn't feel bad. I am at the 10 mg dose and that is working well so I don't think the doc will be upping it. Will this symptom fade away too like the loss of apetite? How long might it take? It has also made me really sleepy. I have been experimenting with taking it at different times to eliminate that. Also, does anybody else experience itching? Geez, when I try to go to sleep at night, I itch like crazy! The more I try to ignore it, the more I itch! It is making me nuts! Doesn't bother me much during the day when I am busy, only when I am lying around, watching tv, etc., so I don't think it is an allergic thing. What say ye?
Yes, I have been itching at night too! I never really connected the two, but you are right! I have been on Lexapro for almost 4 weeks. I took 10mg for the first two days but thought I was going to jump out of my skin. I also couln't sleep at night. I have cut back to 5mg and do feel better. I am nervous to try a higher dose but I don't think such a low dose is theraputic. People keep talking about a loss of appetite but I feel like I could devour a 2lb. bag of M&M's all the time. I pray to God that I don't gain weight. I haven't noticed too big a problem with sexual side effects yet and I hope not to. It's hard enough to feel depressed and anxious let alone to feel bad that you are not interested in your husband too! I did notice that I feel sort of jittery and impatient with my kids at times. I have also noticed that I cannot drink coffee like I used to. I only drank two cups in the morning but now that makes me jumpy. I also feel tired especially in the afternoon, but a cup of coffee makes me feel worse. It's weird that I can feel tired but I am not able to sleep at night.
Posted by EGR on February 12, 2003, at 22:26:40
In reply to Re: LEX wieght gain anybody,or not? » male34, posted by ayuda on February 12, 2003, at 18:58:06
I gained 25 pounds in the 6 mos. BEFORE going on Lexapro. Part of that time I was on other meds. I think I've lost a little in the 2 months I've been on Lex... and for sure I have less of an appetite and it seems like my metabolism has sped up too.
EGR
> > my paxil quitting reason was gaining weight has anyone been on LEXAPRO long enough to say it does or doesn't make you gain weight? please thanks!
>
> I haven't gained anything on Lexapro. I had gained 40 lbs in 6 months on Effexor (also one of my main reasons for quitting it), so it is nice that the weight gain has stopped. In fact, my appetite has decreased, and I will hopefully start dropping weight on the Lexapro. But everyone is different....
Posted by handmemymidol on February 12, 2003, at 22:36:39
In reply to Re: Dealing with Lexapro » handmemymidol, posted by abigal on February 12, 2003, at 20:32:12
Thanks for your input Abigail! I am glad, not that you are itching, but to know that its not just me. The only reason I put it together is because I had surgery a few months ago and was on morphine in the hospital and then percocets afterwards for the pain. Those narcs make just about everybody itch.
Perhaps it is your low dose that makes you edgy with the kids? I dunno. The 10 mg seems to make me not really care too much. My kids can holler and carry on and thats like "cool, dude". lol I can even sit at a red light for 3 turns and thats cool too. The things that drive me nuts about my husband don't bother me much either. I just patiently put the toilet seat back down and put the cap back on the toothpaste.
The appetite thing is a little harder. I go through spells. My weight jumps around alot. Some days I won't eat much of anything. Other days, especially the week or so before my period, its best to just nail the fridge shut or it will be empty. Which makes me wonder about hormones. Anybody know anything about those? Can they be tested?
As for the coffee, well, when I first started suffering from panic and anxiety, that was the first thing I cut out. Now I drink decaf. Didn't need anything else to contribute to my jitters and edginess, ya know?
Posted by HannahBeGood on February 13, 2003, at 1:22:05
In reply to Re: LEX wieght gain anybody,or not? » male34, posted by ayuda on February 12, 2003, at 18:58:06
> > my paxil quitting reason was gaining weight has anyone been on LEXAPRO long enough to say it does or doesn't make you gain weight? please thanks!
>
> I haven't gained anything on Lexapro. I had gained 40 lbs in 6 months on Effexor (also one of my main reasons for quitting it), so it is nice that the weight gain has stopped. In fact, my appetite has decreased, and I will hopefully start dropping weight on the Lexapro. But everyone is different....I've been n 10 mgs. daily for last 3 months. And no real interest in food. I think it has to do w/some residual dysthymia we have yet to clear up.
Altho my depression is generally more of the atypical, fatigued, reactive sort, since I lost my parents, 2 beloved pets, my best friend (who was simply tired and agitated by my depression becoming full-blown + the fact that it was taking me more than a year since beginning therapy to stabilize and stay there, same is true of my husband-he's getting very impatient- I know I can be a burden-& that's a drag, but, sorry, gang, I'm ill and I'm workibng on it!). Anyway, my depression 'bouts', which cannot be ignored or camouflaged, what I call those periods of time from 1-3 days of almost total immobilization, 20 or more hours of sleep a day, are taking on more morose, sad, frightened aspects that have not been hallmarks of my previous major depressive periods and periodic brief, but disturbing 'dips'. Too much death in the past 2 1/2 years. Too many endings. And since my mother died of Alzheimer's 22 months ago, food has ceased to call my name the way it used to.
So, it may be my dep. has changed in quality, but I still think The Lex is appetite neutral. I did take Effexor for 9 months just before I began the Lex. It did increase my appetite a bit, made me crave ice cream, and also slowed me down physically. Made me quite drowsy, which we vigorously fought with stimulents, but after 9 mos. I had to drop it, due to the lethargic cocooned, 'so what?' feeling I felt on it. It did however help me greatly by desensitizing me at a time when every individual nerve was raw, & I cd. not cope with the intense feelings of grief I was facing.Anyway, point being---Lexapro has not sharpened my appetite even during my 'normal/positive' days which comprise about 2/3's of each month.
I did a full trial of Celexa 2-3 years ago, I had no side-effects whatsoever, but it also was a dud for my depression.
Only Desipramine (which I took for 4 mos.) and Remeron greatly increased my appetite. I used Rem for about 8 wks.--best sleep I ever had, markedly reduced anxiety within 8-9 days, but I never stopped eating. Everything tasted SOOOOOOOOOOOO good. I couldn't quit grazing. Desip. I was using 100 mgs daily for pain relief augmentation and I craved sweets and chocolate daily. It also gave me horrific dry mouth, no relief from depression (I was not yet under a pdoc's care) and set the stage for a lot of dental work that might have been avoided.But I was new to A-D's at the time--didn't know doodly-squat.
I have also used zoloft, prozac, wellbutrin, trazadone, elavil--all were neutral as far as appetite affectation.Hope this helps~sorry so
longwinded~~~ HannahBeGood
Posted by HannahBeGood on February 13, 2003, at 2:11:16
In reply to Dealing with Lexapro, posted by handmemymidol on February 11, 2003, at 17:49:14
> I have been diagnosed and dealing with panic disorder and agorophobia for 5 years now. Zoloft did nothing for me. Paxil made my stomach hurt. Serzone worked great, but of course, can't take that anymore with the liver scare and all. Now I am on Lexapro. I can't decide what I think of it. On the plus side, I am living a "normal" life, work, etc. All panic symptoms have subsided. I did have the loss of apetite that others are mentioning but after the first 2 weeks or so, apetite is back. The biggest problems I am having are sexual. I have no interest at all anymore in sex. And when I do have sex, forget about an orgasm. I have taken to faking it so my husband doesn't feel bad. I am at the 10 mg dose and that is working well so I don't think the doc will be upping it. Will this symptom fade away too like the loss of apetite? How long might it take? It has also made me really sleepy. I have been experimenting with taking it at different times to eliminate that. Also, does anybody else experience itching? Geez, when I try to go to sleep at night, I itch like crazy! The more I try to ignore it, the more I itch! It is making me nuts! Doesn't bother me much during the day when I am busy, only when I am lying around, watching tv, etc., so I don't think it is an allergic thing. What say ye?
I say "great" on the panic subject. So glad u have improved! i have some serious anxiety problems and they can be such an intrusive obstacle to 'normal' living. My interest in sex is coming back, altho only sporadically. Haven't actually had realations w/hubby in a long time,he has problems w/E.D and I have been dysthymic and out of in and out of major depressive episodes on and off since Feb. 2000, when my father died suddenly.
But, since dropping FXR afer 9 mos.(it made me so drowsy & a bit blase), I have woken up a lot since 3 mos. on the lex and I take stimulents for ADD + clonazepam and propanolol for mood balance and my high baseline anxiety (which I had long before adding p-stims about a year ago).
I think it's possible the sexual side-effect will fade w/a little time. And a glass of wine just before sex has always helped me get in the mood.And then itching-YES-mine is mainly on my scalp and most bothersome right in the middle of my head, where my part is.And ya know, I'm on quite a cocktail, so I had not really considered the Lex as the culprit. Thought it might just be the dry weather or my new, more expensive(!)'no frizz hair care regimen. I went around for a couple of weeks, shopping, doing chores, chatting or whatever and just scratching my dumb head intermittently, the whole way. Bet I looked like a real smart cookie!
Then, thankfully, my old stand-by, Benadryl, popped into my head. Now, I can usually take a benadryl-25 mgs.- and the itching is gone in no time. So, my opinion, if u haven't already--Definitely try at least one dose of an antihistamine for the itch. in my case, it was such a simple solution, and I don't have to take it everyday. Benadryl does make some people drowsy, some just a bit calmer, some feel no side-effects.
Ask your doc about using a non-drowsy antihistamine, low-dose, if the lex makes u drowsy, if it wires u out, The benadryl may be just what u need.
Here's to an itch-free future...best of luck`
Hannah
Posted by Sussus on February 13, 2003, at 9:59:17
In reply to Re: Lexapro has been very good for me » sussus, posted by Charlotte Groce on February 8, 2003, at 17:31:57
Thanks Charlotte, for your sharing. Since my last posting, things have finally started to get better in a very real way for me. It took a solid month on Lexapro for me to start to feel like myself again on any consistent basis. I am so relieved to wake up in the morning and want to do things again - anything. I am regaining my energy. Hang in there. I still have nausea from Lexaprop every day and my sleep and sex life are off, but hey- everything is a trade-off and this is one I will gladly take. Keep in touch.
Sussus
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