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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by JaneB on March 3, 2003, at 13:29:31
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by lexmom on March 3, 2003, at 11:59:26
> I started on 5mg Lexapro for the first week and felt great and energized but had a headache which is not unusual. Started getting really tired aand now I take10 mg and feel tired not energetic, also I'm nursing a 21 month old which even though warning label on bottle says not to my doc's suggest it's a better alternative than being depressed. Well the baby has been difficult to put to sleep at night ( fine for naptime which is before I take my pill) I take my pill at noon and baby used to go to bed at 7:30 now she won't fall asleep til 9:00. anybody hear anything about safety of nursing and Lexapro?
I am not a doctor but from my experience with Lexapro I offer the following observations: I find it difficult to sleep with Lex, therefore if it is passing in your breast milk to baby she might have difficulty sleeping also. When I went up to 10 mg from 5 mg the sleepiness in daytime increased but insomnia also increased. I tried taking it at all times and same problems. Muscular tension increased also. Poor sleep increased daytime exhaustion. I didn't feel like I had enough energy to do anything.
Lexapro is so new--studies/experience/results with nursing probably have not been established. If you definitely need an AD perhaps you could wean your 21 month old girl. She might sleep better.
My daughter has nursed with a small amount of Paxil. No problems.
JaneB
Posted by NOTINSANEJUSTPPMD on March 3, 2003, at 14:14:32
In reply to SIDE EFFECTS AND BREAST FEEDING, posted by blkvettes on March 3, 2003, at 13:22:57
That was a very interesting read for those of us on Lexapro. I would go to my doctor immediatly and asked to be switched to something safer for my baby. I took 150 mg of Zolft through out pregnancy and breast feeding and it did not seem to bother my Son or Daughter. If by chance you are only going to a OBGYN or Family Doctor look into finding a Doctor that specializes in Mental Health Even if its just the Baby Blues, like myself it got way out of control because I was not getting the correct answers and help. Good Luck KP
Posted by Dysfunk on March 3, 2003, at 16:49:14
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by blkvettes on March 2, 2003, at 14:47:27
First I want to say that I have been on Prozac for years and in July dropped down to 40 mg. while trying Effexor. Now I am on Prozac and 20 mg of Lexapro. I had been on 10 mg Lex for 5 weeks with no results. It is now about 6 and half weeks and I am feeling better. Phew.
Posted by Dysfunk on March 3, 2003, at 16:56:19
In reply to Dysfunk- Mixing Prozac with Lex?, posted by Peter S. on March 2, 2003, at 12:19:11
Yes Peter, I feel that now that I have a decent dosage of Lex in my system it either started up the Prozac or together they are working.
I could tell when I initially dropped my dosage of Prozac 20 mgs. in preparation for adding in another drug that I felt a drop in mood. Therefore my doctor concluded that I am still feeling some positive effects from the Prozac.
I would ask your doctor or research mixing drugs. My brother has a diff. doctor and he is mixing Paxil and Effexor, I think.
Posted by Donia on March 3, 2003, at 18:09:38
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by lexmom on March 3, 2003, at 11:59:26
I would not breast feed while on these meds. I would take the medicine and bottle feed my child. I dont know of any risks, but I am sure there certainly could be some. It may affect their brain and cause depression in them later, who knows?
Posted by Sadsack on March 3, 2003, at 19:55:31
In reply to SIDE EFFECTS AND BREAST FEEDING, posted by blkvettes on March 3, 2003, at 13:22:57
AMEN!!! Please do not breastfeed and take lexapro. Those little minds can be effected drastically by chemical substances that barely phase us. I would find a new Dr. or a least get a second opinion if he's so unconcerned about your child! That just doesn't sound right at all. I don't know how long you've been nursing but studies prove that babies who have nursed even a short time have great benefits from it so stopping the breastfeeding early won't do any harm. From everything I've read,it's just not worth the risk to continue. Good Luck!
Sadsack> Hello, I am finding I have more energy if I take it at night. But this is only the 2nd day of trying this. I am also thinking of dropping my dose because this feels like to much med. But I will hang in there a little longer and see if I adjust. You should not breast feed your baby while on lexapro. Here is one sight to go to.
> http://www.healthsquare.com/newrx/lex1642.htm
Posted by oldhand on March 3, 2003, at 20:51:17
In reply to Re: SIDE EFFECTS AND BREAST FEEDING, posted by Sadsack on March 3, 2003, at 19:55:31
I must agree with the previous posters. All the information indicates that breastfeeding and Lexapro (or SSRI's in general) do not mix. While I am an advocate of breastfeeding as long a mother and child are comfortable, and as a wonderful process, a 21 month old has really had an exceptional opportunity to benefit from the experience. Now she needs a Mom who is healthy and ready to help her expand her world. Lexapro is so very new to the market that we are actually first generation users and perhaps need to be more careful for that reason alone. Good luck and good health.
Posted by bozeman on March 3, 2003, at 21:09:55
In reply to GOOD NEWS! I think the Lex is working!!!!, posted by Dysfunk on February 28, 2003, at 9:50:19
I am so happy for you!!!
bozeman
Posted by bozeman on March 3, 2003, at 22:51:04
In reply to hey bozeman, posted by Sadsack on February 24, 2003, at 15:28:26
Hi Sadsack!
Sorry, things have been way crazy in my world, with no end in sight. Still have to decide what to do about the boyfriend. :-( Still sick, kitty's still recovering, has to be doctored twice a day and he's all MALE and all CAT, so that's quite a deal. :-) So I haven't been following things over here quite as closely as I used to.
How are you feeling these days on the Lexapro? You say you've been on it since November? Have you had continued good results or have you hit a plateau or slump of sorts? (not saying you would, just wondering how it goes. I've been on Lexapro about as long as you -- about as long as anyone, I suppose, since it only became available last year.)
I understand about the husband thing. Sometimes it's hard to feel alone in your own house, but at least you two share a great many things, even if not fighting your depression together in the emotional sense (though I'm sure you fight it together in the physical sense.) I think that some people, not specifically men, don't know how to deal with really scary things (i.e. things they can't readily fix or run away from) so they just "deny" their existence, like whistling in the dark so no one will know you're afraid. It doesn't mean he doesn't care about those things, it just means he doesn't know how to express himself, what to do, how to act, how to feel, etc. so it's easier to just avoid dealing with it. Maybe being pleasant and easygoing is the thing he thinks will help the most, since he doesn't know what else to do?
Post back if you wish -- I try to pop in and read every few days even if I don't have the time or strength to type responses.
BTW, if you get realllly bored . . . . you can come over and help me have a "throwing away" party, too!!! <chuckle>
Take care and be well!
bozeman
Posted by handmemymidol on March 4, 2003, at 15:56:16
In reply to Re: SIDE EFFECTS AND BREAST FEEDING, posted by Sadsack on March 3, 2003, at 19:55:31
Here's a thought. Instead of asking what the pdoc thinks about Lexapro and breastfeeding, why not ask the baby's pediatrician what he/she thinks about it?
Posted by Sadsack on March 4, 2003, at 20:26:27
In reply to Hey Sadsack » Sadsack, posted by bozeman on March 3, 2003, at 22:51:04
Hey Bozeman,
I understand crazy. I am not through purging my own house or I would help you :-) I took on a 2 year old stack of filing this weekend. It's amazing what you don't even have to file after 2 years. Next up is the "spare room" (aka the junk room).
I guess you could call it a slump. I characterize it as "quiet desperation" It's disconcerting at best. I wish I knew what would help. I hate to think of going higher than 20mg on the lexapro. I'm not even sure that'd help. The good news is that I am not thinking about driving my car off any cliffs (a plus), I am very functional (also good) and I am overall much better than I have been. I just keepng feeling "alone in my own house" (you couldn't have said that any better). He's a good guy and you're probably right. I'd love to understand his motivation better but at this point it would take a Vulcan Mind Meld because I just don't have the energy to force out any true confessions and I am feeling too vulnerable to beg for his attention (although I could really use a little TLC). Maybe there are some things I just shouldn't hope for and then I wouldn't be disappointed? Does this make any sense or am I being goofy? (It IS PMS week so that is possible-I really get pathetic sometimes yegads).
I sound so whiney UGH! Feel free to tell me so!
I would also benefit from an all expense paid vacation to some tropical locale but I probably have about a snowballs chance in Puerto Rico of that happening too!
Anyways, appreciate your interest and any advice would be appreciated.
Take Care,
Sadsack
> Hi Sadsack!
>
> Sorry, things have been way crazy in my world, with no end in sight. Still have to decide what to do about the boyfriend. :-( Still sick, kitty's still recovering, has to be doctored twice a day and he's all MALE and all CAT, so that's quite a deal. :-) So I haven't been following things over here quite as closely as I used to.
>
> How are you feeling these days on the Lexapro? You say you've been on it since November? Have you had continued good results or have you hit a plateau or slump of sorts? (not saying you would, just wondering how it goes. I've been on Lexapro about as long as you -- about as long as anyone, I suppose, since it only became available last year.)
>
> I understand about the husband thing. Sometimes it's hard to feel alone in your own house, but at least you two share a great many things, even if not fighting your depression together in the emotional sense (though I'm sure you fight it together in the physical sense.) I think that some people, not specifically men, don't know how to deal with really scary things (i.e. things they can't readily fix or run away from) so they just "deny" their existence, like whistling in the dark so no one will know you're afraid. It doesn't mean he doesn't care about those things, it just means he doesn't know how to express himself, what to do, how to act, how to feel, etc. so it's easier to just avoid dealing with it. Maybe being pleasant and easygoing is the thing he thinks will help the most, since he doesn't know what else to do?
>
> Post back if you wish -- I try to pop in and read every few days even if I don't have the time or strength to type responses.
>
> BTW, if you get realllly bored . . . . you can come over and help me have a "throwing away" party, too!!! <chuckle>
>
> Take care and be well!
>
> bozeman
Posted by EGR on March 5, 2003, at 17:00:44
In reply to Re: Hey Bozeman » bozeman, posted by Sadsack on March 4, 2003, at 20:26:27
Well just add me to your little party...
Started feeling "funky" on Monday. Today I was just so very angry... I started wondering if 20 is pooping out on me... now I'm really wondering...
I'm tired too... I'll try taking a nap and see how I feel.
EGR
Posted by NOTINSANEJUSTPPMD on March 5, 2003, at 19:19:49
In reply to Bozeman... Sadsack..., posted by EGR on March 5, 2003, at 17:00:44
Hi EGR
I am sorry but I read your post! I too just last week felt my 20 mg of Lex wore off so I actually bumped myself up to 30 then my doctor called back and said that was fine. I do feel better. Also I noticed I was always wanting to nap about 7 hours after I took my Lex so I started taking it when I tak emy second meds in the Afternoon. And hey I have been up the past three days with lots of energy so you may try that if you aren't already!!!:) Have a great day NIJPPMD(Kerry)
Posted by IfOnly on March 5, 2003, at 21:36:54
In reply to Re: Bozeman.....Sadsack » EGR, posted by NOTINSANEJUSTPPMD on March 5, 2003, at 19:19:49
Hi,
This may sound sad, but I am taking Lexapro for Bipolar II, and I can only handle 5mg w/o being tired. I have been cutting them in half. I am prescibed 10mg a day and tried that for the first 4 days but could not even function. I have been taking it for about a month now (started during a down phase), but scared to up it. I have never really had a good "up" phase, but I just have had no energy!! I feel great as far as anxiety goes...but scared if I go to 10mg I will be sleepy. Do you think this is just a side effect that goes way?If Only
Posted by NOTINSANEJUSTPPMD on March 6, 2003, at 1:02:59
In reply to Re: Bozeman.....Sadsack, posted by IfOnly on March 5, 2003, at 21:36:54
Hi IfOnly!
I am suffering from major depression and don't know much yet about Bipolar. But it really could just be a side effect that if you work with it it will go away. Have you tried to take it before bed? I know in the past few days since I started taking mine at night I have a hell of lot more energy during the day. It may just take your system longer to adjust, are you on any other meds? Maybe they effect this more too I am not sure just throwing out things :) Take Care NISJPPMD
Posted by okpolosi on March 6, 2003, at 8:04:54
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by Donia on March 3, 2003, at 18:09:38
Oops! Made a mistake in my initial post, not sure if it matters but I have PMDD (Pre-Menstrual Dysfunction) and not PPMD (Post Partum?)
Today is the first day of Week 6, period should be ending today, but the anger has not gone away. Two days ago I was flaming mad at work ( the place drives me nuts!! ) and I decided to go up to 10mg of Lex, have been taking 5mg.
Felt slightly better yesterday, but diahrea increased, my back itches some, and jaw clenching. Other than that, have not noticed any of the other side effects that I experienced previously.
I am still optimistic that the Lex will help me, I think I feel better, not quite as angry as before, but still not totally "well" yet. Depression is still there lurking around, and don't feel "good".
Posted by blkvettes on March 6, 2003, at 8:27:55
In reply to Re: Bozeman.....Sadsack » IfOnly, posted by NOTINSANEJUSTPPMD on March 6, 2003, at 1:02:59
I just started taking my dose at night 5 days ago. When I took it in the morning, I was a zombie by noon. Now I have trouble sleeping I dont get that tired. GO FIGURE ITS A CRUEL GAME!!!!!!! But I do have more energy during the day. A little over 3 weeks at 7.5 or 10 mg. I have seen good results but only half way back to normal I guess. I have beat a lot of my fears. But still cant get it all together!!!!! GOOD LUCK TO ALL!!!!!!
Posted by blkvettes on March 6, 2003, at 8:45:29
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by okpolosi on March 6, 2003, at 8:04:54
I get this strange feeling when I walk around the house. It is like I can feel every step in my teeth and jaw. Is this what everyone is talking about with the clenching? THANKS!!!!!!
Posted by handmemymidol on March 6, 2003, at 9:26:20
In reply to WHEN TO TAKE LEXAPRO, posted by blkvettes on March 6, 2003, at 8:27:55
Hi there!
It has been pretty much the same for me. Way sleepy and then can't sleep at night. I saw a previous post that said it best. The sleepiness hits around 7 hours or so after taking it, so I have tried to make that work for me in kicking the insomnia. I take the pill around 6 or 7 pm that way I am sleepy by bedtime (around midnight). By the time I get up in the morning the sleepiness has worn off and I am energetic throughout the day.
Hope this helps! Just keep plugging along. I too am optimistic that lexapro will work in time. Just gotta play with it and figure out what works. I know that my panic attacks have left completely at least and that was my main goal.
Good luck!
Posted by handmemymidol on March 6, 2003, at 9:35:44
In reply to TEETH CLENCHING JAW CLENCHING?, posted by blkvettes on March 6, 2003, at 8:45:29
Hi again!
Hmmm, I don't know about what you're experiencing with feeling every step in your teeth??!!?
I experience it more like just holding my mouth shut and my teeth together very very tightly. Try it, like you can almost feel the pressure pulsing through your jaw bone. Thats how it is for me. Everyone else???
I notice it most at night when I am falling asleep. I dunno if I do it as well during the day and I just don't notice it. When I notice myself doing it, I make a conscious effort to hold my tongue between my teeth so I relax my jaw.
What do you guys think about this side effect? You think this is a pretty harmless thing or is there a possibilty of long term damage to teeth, tmj or something?
Posted by blkvettes on March 6, 2003, at 9:37:14
In reply to Re: WHEN TO TAKE LEXAPRO » blkvettes, posted by handmemymidol on March 6, 2003, at 9:26:20
> Hi there!
>
> It has been pretty much the same for me. Way sleepy and then can't sleep at night. I saw a previous post that said it best. The sleepiness hits around 7 hours or so after taking it, so I have tried to make that work for me in kicking the insomnia. I take the pill around 6 or 7 pm that way I am sleepy by bedtime (around midnight). By the time I get up in the morning the sleepiness has worn off and I am energetic throughout the day.
> Hope this helps! Just keep plugging along. I too am optimistic that lexapro will work in time. Just gotta play with it and figure out what works. I know that my panic attacks have left completely at least and that was my main goal.
> Good luck!My panic attacks have gone away also. I take the lexapro about 6:00pm and fall asleep around midnight a little later than I would like. I guess I will try a little earlier to see if that works. THANKS!!!!!!!!!
Posted by jarr25 on March 6, 2003, at 10:04:47
In reply to Re: WHEN TO TAKE LEXAPRO, posted by blkvettes on March 6, 2003, at 9:37:14
> > Hi there!
> >
> > It has been pretty much the same for me. Way sleepy and then can't sleep at night. I saw a previous post that said it best. The sleepiness hits around 7 hours or so after taking it, so I have tried to make that work for me in kicking the insomnia. I take the pill around 6 or 7 pm that way I am sleepy by bedtime (around midnight). By the time I get up in the morning the sleepiness has worn off and I am energetic throughout the day.
> > Hope this helps! Just keep plugging along. I too am optimistic that lexapro will work in time. Just gotta play with it and figure out what works. I know that my panic attacks have left completely at least and that was my main goal.
> > Good luck!
>
> My panic attacks have gone away also. I take the lexapro about 6:00pm and fall asleep around midnight a little later than I would like. I guess I will try a little earlier to see if that works. THANKS!!!!!!!!!
My panic attacks have gone away also. I did have insomnia, but now I can sleep very well. All my side effects have gone away. I hope yours go away soon also.
Posted by caribbean on March 6, 2003, at 12:47:56
In reply to Re: WHEN TO TAKE LEXAPRO, posted by jarr25 on March 6, 2003, at 10:04:47
How long did it take for you to no longer have any of the side effects? I've been on 5mg for about 2 weeks and I don't think that I am as tired but I still feel anxious. I started with 10mg and I felt like I was gonna freak out or something. Not sure when I'll give it another shot.
Posted by jarr25 on March 6, 2003, at 13:01:22
In reply to Re: WHEN TO TAKE LEXAPRO, posted by caribbean on March 6, 2003, at 12:47:56
> How long did it take for you to no longer have any of the side effects? I've been on 5mg for about 2 weeks and I don't think that I am as tired but I still feel anxious. I started with 10mg and I felt like I was gonna freak out or something. Not sure when I'll give it another shot.
I started on Lexapro at the end of January 10mg/day for a week. The second week I went up to 20mg. My side effects lasted a little over a month. Actually, I forgot something. I do have 1 side effect still; the tension in my shoulders is still there, but when I exercise regularly it's barely noticeable if even there. The worse I guess was the diarrhea. But at least it was not like regular diarrhea, where you have to keep running to the bathroom; it was just when I went to the toilet, my stool was mostly liquid, but that's all back to normal. Every now and then I still get some anxieties, and my Dr. will consider adding 10mg more to my daily dosage; but that'll be decided in a couple of weeks at my next visit with her. I also go to therapy once a week, make sure I exercise regularly and eat very healthy. All that I believe contributes to my getting out of depression in addition to the meds.
Posted by wharfrat on March 6, 2003, at 14:16:52
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
Patient decription:
Male, Physical age: 42 Mental age: 21 Married 18 Years. Kids: 14 year old boy and 10 year old boy
Diagnosis: General Anxiety DisorderWell, it's been 5-1/2 months since I started Lexapro. For all you newbies out there, fear not. Headaches, stiff necks, clenched teeth, nausea, diarrhea, trippy out of body feelings etc. should go away after about 2 weeks. (I'm on 10 mg.) Have always taken my dose in a.m. about 8:00. Ready to crash everynight by at least 10:00 if not earlier. Sleep like a baby but it's very hard to get out of bed. Never used to know what a good nights sleep was. Can't recall ever sleeping more than 4 hours a night before Lex.
About a month after I started as a Lex Lab Rat, the big bad side effect hit "SEXUAL SIDE EFFECTS"!!!!!!. Now, this is the first antidepressant I've ever used and I've read and heard that all SSRI's are notorius for their sexual se's. And I've read the post about how lex is nothing compared to zoloft or paxil or prozac or celexa or whatever.
The one question that keeps popping up is about the wellbutrin mix. But nobody ever really answers if it's working or it's not. Well, it's not working for me and I've been on the wellbutrin since mid December. I figure if it hasn't worked yet it's probably not going to.
So, Here I am 5-1/2 months later. Feeling much better, not stressed, not angry, not worried all the time. Just can't have an orgasm that's all. I mean, I could wear a pornstar out. It's ridiculous.
And to think I wasted all that money and went thru the pain of a vasectomy. I could have just started taking antidepressants instead.Oh well, they came up with a pill to help you get it up. Maybe they can come up with one that will help you get it off. (for at least $10.00 a pill I'm sure)
Good Luck to all
Wharf
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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