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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by EGR on February 27, 2003, at 22:24:55
In reply to Re: 4 months on lexapro, posted by Treasure Joy on February 27, 2003, at 20:12:33
Don't worry about the sexual side effects right now. Concentrate on getting better and worry about sex later... What good are orgasms if you're dead?
EGR
> > > I feel better than I've felt in four years. But I also just had a chronically infected gallbladder removed. Also, because of dizziness and jerking in my sleep I've decreased the dosage. I've also noticed decreased sexual sensitivity which is very distubing to me. It has been 3 weeks since I started diminishing the dosage and I'm starting to feel the depression return--I hate that. My doctor told me I would have less side effects than any other med I been on like Depakote and lithium and klonapin. I was really happy about being myself again--happy about life, starting to set goals, getting up and staying up active every day, looking forward to getting back to work and going to school. I was taking only 10mg daily. Perhaps 5mg will be better. I wish there were something that wouldn't effect me sexually. I'm female.
Posted by Dysfunk on February 28, 2003, at 9:50:19
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by NLD on February 23, 2003, at 23:11:44
As some of you may have read, I was getting quite discouraged. 1 month on Lex and nothing- I was feeling more anxious and depressed. It has almost been a week since I increased my dosage 10 mg. I have to admit, it is working! Suddenly I feel more bubbly, talkative, social....my old self. My sex drive seems to be gone, but I know with work I can get it back, and I do experience orgasms.
Just thought I would share that with all of you. I know I got pretty negative and cynical. That has changed!
YAY!!! :^)
Posted by ROO on February 28, 2003, at 12:59:14
In reply to GOOD NEWS! I think the Lex is working!!!!, posted by Dysfunk on February 28, 2003, at 9:50:19
What dose are you taking now?
Posted by caribbean on February 28, 2003, at 13:21:32
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I have been on Lex 10g for 4 days and just cut it in half today. Makes me feel shakey and tired at the same time, also very foggy. Will this all go away as my body adjusts. Any comments will help.
Posted by JARR25 on February 28, 2003, at 15:23:12
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I started Lexapro at the end of January. A month later I'm definitely feeling improvements in my moods and lack of anxiety and panic attacks. I did have a few side effects. Diarreah lasted a little over a week, and I had headaches a couple of days; but I still have a hard time falling asleep. However, when I do fall asleep, I do sleep very well and wake up well-rested. I'm definitely starting to get my motivationn back to do the things I want or need. I'm starting to react better to situations. It's quite good. I hope there are no major side-effects way down the road. My depression is definitely lifting. And, lo-and-behold, I am learning even more to be patient.:) I would definitely reccomend this to people.
I wish all the best to all those on this and/or any other anti-depressant and/or suffering from any mental disease.
Posted by EGR on February 28, 2003, at 22:41:14
In reply to GOOD NEWS! I think the Lex is working!!!!, posted by Dysfunk on February 28, 2003, at 9:50:19
Yea!! Hooray!!
EGR
Posted by JALM on March 1, 2003, at 1:07:34
In reply to Night Sweats, posted by newuser2 on December 30, 2002, at 6:11:50
re: Night Sweats
After suffering a sudden onset of menopause (chemotherapy induced), I suffered terribly with night sweats. Doc prescribed Catapres-TTS-1 (clonidine)a transdermal patch. The med is for high blood pressure but has beneficial side effects of relieving night sweats. After 2 months on med, night sweats were relieved for about 5 years, then relapsed. 2 weeks back on med & sweats are gone again. Ask you doctor. good luck. JALM
Posted by Leo BoStar on March 1, 2003, at 7:03:24
In reply to GOOD NEWS! I think the Lex is working!!!!, posted by Dysfunk on February 28, 2003, at 9:50:19
Glad to see it worked for somebody
Don't sweat the sex drive. There are more important things (like a day without pain), and really depressed people don't have one anyway
Posted by Dysfunk on March 1, 2003, at 13:45:52
In reply to Re: GOOD NEWS! I think the Lex is working!!!!, posted by ROO on February 28, 2003, at 12:59:14
I am on 40 mg of Prozac and 20 mg of Lexapro. My doctor feels that I developed a tolerance to Prozac and saw benefits at a higher dosage, so maybe the same holds true for Lexapro. So far, I think he is right!
:^)
Posted by Dysfunk on March 1, 2003, at 13:47:09
In reply to Re: Side Effects-How Long do they Last???, posted by caribbean on February 28, 2003, at 13:21:32
As your body gets used to it, yes I think the symptoms will ease. Just remember everyone is different.
Posted by Dysfunk on March 1, 2003, at 13:49:07
In reply to Re: GOOD NEWS! I think the Lex is working!!!!, posted by Leo BoStar on March 1, 2003, at 7:03:24
Thanks for your thoughts.I know I can bring the sex drive back now that I am feeling better mentally. I have gained some weight,tho, and that is bothersome.
Posted by Edgefield on March 1, 2003, at 14:13:44
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I'm just wondering did anyone experience itching while on Lexapro? Also, did anyone experience daily spacey feeling that was eliminated by taking Lexapro? The spacey, woosie, dizzy feeling is the last bit of anxiety that I have left, so my doctor has me trying Neurontin along with Lexapro. I'm taking only half a capsule of Neurontin. Yes, I'm actually opening up the capsule and taking only half of the medication. I am highly sensitive to meds. I am only taking 5mg of Lexapro, because the higher dosage causes more spacey feeling and ongoing diarrhea. After three weeks of this at 20mgs. I had to drop the dosage to 5mg. I'm still feeling woosie, especially first thing in the morning, I take my Lexapro at night. I've noticed that Klonopin and now the Neurontin seems to eleviate some of the woosies. I'm interested in others input on this subject. Hmmmm, I'm wondering if I need to leave the SSRI class of meds. since I also had problems with Zoloft and Paxil. I look forward to obtaining some direction from your responses. :)
Edgefield
Posted by male34 on March 1, 2003, at 16:02:56
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Edgefield on March 1, 2003, at 14:13:44
great to hear your doing well, im going to ask my dr if i need to take more LEX im on 10 mgs for a month now anxiety in mornings is still bad! whats up? do you think i need to up lex for anxiety attacks? and weight gain is odd on lex , do you think weight is from your choice your other medicines or lexapro?thanks , happy for you
Posted by blkvettes on March 1, 2003, at 17:49:56
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by Theona on February 5, 2003, at 13:37:27
I have been on lexapro for 3 weeks. 5mg for 8 days, 7.5mg for 8 days and now 10mg for 4 days. I am so tired I cant make it through the day. I take it in the morning. I have seen posts where people take it at night and where people have cut the dosage. Please give advice on my problem. I do like the results I am getting from the med. But I am like a zombie after about 4 hours of taking my med. THANKS
Posted by Edgefield on March 1, 2003, at 18:03:54
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by blkvettes on March 1, 2003, at 17:49:56
> I have been on lexapro for 3 weeks. 5mg for 8 days, 7.5mg for 8 days and now 10mg for 4 days. I am so tired I cant make it through the day. I take it in the morning. I have seen posts where people take it at night and where people have cut the dosage. Please give advice on my problem. I do like the results I am getting from the med. But I am like a zombie after about 4 hours of taking my med. THANKS
****I use to take Lexapro at night right before going to bed because it made me very sleepy. I would say that it took over a month before I was able to switch to taking it in the morning or the evening without any drowsiness. Wish you the best.
Edgefield
Posted by blkvettes on March 1, 2003, at 18:17:45
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by Edgefield on March 1, 2003, at 18:03:54
Thanks for responding, so you are saying you were tired for about a month and that side effect went away. THANKS
Posted by handmemymidol on March 1, 2003, at 22:05:59
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Edgefield on March 1, 2003, at 14:13:44
Yes Edgefield, I too had that crazy itching! After a few weeks, it went away. I'm not itching anymore. As for the spacey feeling, it seems that Lexapro has a bit of a delayed reaction for me. If I take it right at bed time, I am soooo sleepy and spacey the next day until late afternoon. After experimenting, I have found that if I take it around 6 or 7 pm, I sleep thru the worst of it and am quite functionally by ten am or so. Do some experimenting with times on your own and see what you come up with it.
Hope this helps!
Posted by male34 on March 1, 2003, at 22:12:34
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by blkvettes on March 1, 2003, at 17:49:56
> I have been on lexapro for 3 weeks. 5mg for 8 days, 7.5mg for 8 days and now 10mg for 4 days. I am so tired I cant make it through the day. I take it in the morning. I have seen posts where people take it at night and where people have cut the dosage. Please give advice on my problem. I do like the results I am getting from the med. But I am like a zombie after about 4 hours of taking my med. THANKS
i take melex at 7pm 4 weeks 10 mgs ,wow was i tried it was crazy sleepy but now im fine i take it at 3pm now go tou and im fine,not sleepy effect
Posted by okpolosi on March 2, 2003, at 9:47:30
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by male34 on March 1, 2003, at 22:12:34
I have been reading posts here for a month or so and decided I should share my Lex experiences, too. What I have read has been so helpfull and thank you all for sharing.
I'm in week 5 on 5mg and I take it late morning, around 10:00AM. Female 47, diagnosed with PPMD and depression, have never taken any meds before. Just haven't felt like my usual self for a couple of years it seems. Thought I was peri-menopausal, but Dr says it's PPMD. Was having terrible fights w/husband and fits of rage at work, while having to deal with customers, NOT good! Recently lost Mother-in-Law, we were pretty close, and both me and husband were hit pretty hard. Inherited a big house that needs a lot of work.
Week 1 - Nausea for a few hours after taking, mild diahrea, REALLY bad Headaches in the evening. Felt tired and foggy headed in the afternoon. Noticed some mild anxiety. No trouble sleeping. Towards end of week started feeling like I was getting the flu. Noticed my teeth hurt and realized I was clenching. Didn't want to eat at all, no appetite.
Week 2 - People at work have the flu, I called in sick all week, really felt terrible and don't know for sure if it was Lex or flu, had no fever, but had headaches, congestion, runny nose, chills, diahrea, slept A LOT, day and night. Eat like a pig but actually lost a pound or two, realy crave carbs ( Potatoe chips, Chex mix, etc. ). Occasional anxiety. Got an itchy rash all over my back and top of my arms. Head feels "big" and spacey. Have to tell self not to clench teeth.
Week 3 - "Flu" symptoms going away, feel very tired, no energy, short of breath if I do anything. Head still feels funny - spacey. Sweaty armpits on some days, blurry vision, a few mild night sweats, but in general no trouble sleeping. Still have mild diahrea. Had one day of bad lower back pain. Anxiety seems to occur less often. Gained back the pounds I lost.
Week 4 - Feel better physically, not mentally - still very angry and irritable, period is coming. A little trouble sleeping, want to blame husband for keeping me awake. Sweaty pits seem to have gone away, head doesn't feel funny any more, still have mild diahrea (not really a problem, just different than usual). Energy returning, able to do a lot more at work without feeling out of breath. Still clenching some but not as bad.
Week 5 - Actually haven't finished week 5, only half way through. Got a customer complaint at work because I was such a BITCH! Supposed to be having period but hasn't actually started yet. Snapped at husband for no reason. Blurry vision improved slightly. Still don't want to get out of bed in the morning. Am starting to wonder if I should take 7.5mg or even 10 as I don't feel "better", but then figure I should still give it another week or 2, not sure I have given Lex long enough to help.
I will update, and again want to thank everyone for your input, it helps to know you are not alone!!!
Posted by blkvettes on March 2, 2003, at 11:20:42
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by okpolosi on March 2, 2003, at 9:47:30
I just dont know what to do, my shrink does not even know all the side effects of the meds. I will say I am feeling something and he says he has not heard of that. You can go anywhere on the net and get possible side effects. The jerk should know since he is giving meds away like candy.I have been so tired during the day and feel very strange. I do for the most part like the med. I have not taken my 10mg of lexapro yet today. I have more energy and not tired. But very nervous, I know my mind is playing with me. I always take it at 7:30am so I am passed that by 5 hours. I am going to take it at about 7:30 tonight if I can last that long. I cant decide if I should take my normal 10mg which I have been on for 5 days or go back to 7.5mg. I need some input please!!!!!!!!
Posted by sbh on March 2, 2003, at 11:47:21
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by blkvettes on March 2, 2003, at 11:20:42
Heres my Lexapro experience (so far)...
Week 1: Insomnia, some anxiety, headaches, sweating, increased appetite.
Week 2: Anxiety and insomnia gone, still some headaches and sweating. Also more frequent urination and vivid dreams (or maybe just remembering dreams more?)
Week 3, Feeling happy and upbeat- less ruminating then usual. Still some headaches (Maybe not from meds though as headaches aren't so unusual for me) and increased appetite. Gained 2 pounds. No sexual side effects (yet anyway...). I do sometimes notice very slight facial muscle twitches which worries me.
We'll see what next week brings. I take 5-10 mgs at night and am sleeping great for a change!
Posted by blkvettes on March 2, 2003, at 11:51:56
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by sbh on March 2, 2003, at 11:47:21
I have noticed the muscle twitches in the face right around my mouth and also sometimes other parts of my body.
Posted by Peter S. on March 2, 2003, at 12:19:11
In reply to Re: GOOD NEWS! I think the Lex is working!!!! » ROO, posted by Dysfunk on March 1, 2003, at 13:45:52
Hi Dysfunk,
I hadn't heard of mixing two SSRIs. Did you find that when you added Lex to the Prozac that it kicked in? I've developed a tolerance for Prozac and have tried many augmentation strategies which have not been effective. Has anyone else mixed SSRIs?
Thanks!
Peter
> I am on 40 mg of Prozac and 20 mg of Lexapro. My doctor feels that I developed a tolerance to Prozac and saw benefits at a higher dosage, so maybe the same holds true for Lexapro. So far, I think he is right!
>
> :^)
Posted by Dysfunk on March 2, 2003, at 13:35:43
In reply to Dysfunk- Mixing Prozac with Lex?, posted by Peter S. on March 2, 2003, at 12:19:11
Peter:
I think this is the new form of treatment when meds stop working. I just wasn't getting the full benefits from Prozac anymore, so instead of going off of it, we lowered the dosage by 20 mg and added in Effexor. That didn't work, so now I added in Lexapro. It seems to be working now with an increased dosage of Lex. The way my doctor put it is that you have to "kick start" the medicine again by adding in others. I think there are all kinds of mixtures (or cocktails) that are considered acceptible now as treatments. Ask your doctor and good luck!
Posted by Dysfunk on March 2, 2003, at 13:54:30
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by male34 on March 1, 2003, at 16:02:56
Edgefield, are you talking to me? It is hard to follow the threads sometimes. If I were you, I would consider adding in more Lex and see what happens. Remember you will have the initial increase of anxiety from going up on the medicine.
I think my weight increase is partially medicine-related and partially because I felt queazy from the medicine. Eating seemed to ease the nausea. I have continued to work out to the same intensity that I usually do so I am a bit confused about the weight gain. So far it is only about 7 lbs. I hope it holds at that. How much have you gained?
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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