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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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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
Posted by Donia on March 6, 2003, at 17:37:59
In reply to Re: 5-1/2 months and alls well???, posted by wharfrat on March 6, 2003, at 14:16:52
Hi all, havent jumped in for a while so thought I would try to catch up. As for side effects, they usually last about a month or a little longer. Side effects with lexapro have not been near as bad as the ones I had with zoloft. As for the sexual side effect, I had it with zoloft. It went away within about 2 months and with lexapro it was a little over a month and it went away. I am a 30 year old female and this side effect really bothers my hubby, but now with a little extra help from him, I can finally have an orgasism. I dont know if it effects men more, but it seems to wear off for me. I have been on lexapro for almost
two months and I take it at around 10:00pm. I really think I need to change my time. I am sleeping way to long into the day. I had a few week period where I felt really good and had tons of energy, now I am back to odd sleeping patterns. I may also need to up it. My anxiety is gone, but I still drag around a bit, not real depressed but can tell I am not doing as well as I would like on the med. Thank you all for updates and help with questions.
Donia
Posted by NOTINSANEJUSTPPMD on March 6, 2003, at 19:18:39
In reply to Re: 5-1/2 months and alls well???, posted by wharfrat on March 6, 2003, at 14:16:52
Hi Wharf
I am a 32 Female married for 8.5 2 kids 6 and 2 and I suffer from Major Depression and Aniexty.
I have been on the Lexapro/Wellbutrin Sr 150 (twice a day) I am now on 30 mgs of Lexapro. And actually for the first time in about two years I am having better sex. My libdo is finally kicking in. The big O's are a little harder to recieve it but it is getting alittle easier. How much of the wellbutrin were you taking and was it the SR?
Anyway good luck! :)
Posted by Shan on March 6, 2003, at 22:39:19
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
Was on Lexapro for 4 weeks and my family almost kicked me off the island!! I turned into my old miserable self, got PCP to take me off Lexapro and give me 60mg Prozac-God I hope I'm not immune-Good Luck with the Lexapro everyone! It's good to know we're not alone.
Posted by Tigger on March 7, 2003, at 8:11:42
In reply to Re: TEETH CLENCHING JAW CLENCHING? » blkvettes, posted by handmemymidol on March 6, 2003, at 9:35:44
I have the exact same symptoms, also when trying to fall asleep,and in the evening before bed. I wake up with my jaw tight and teeth clenched. It has gotten worse lately and my sadness has returned. Has anyone noticed that the previously wonderful, almost miraculous effects seem to wear off after a few (6) months? Has anyone had to increase dosage? And if so, does the teeth clenching get worse?
Posted by blkvettes on March 7, 2003, at 10:15:24
In reply to Re: TEETH CLENCHING JAW CLENCHING?, posted by Tigger on March 7, 2003, at 8:11:42
Things were going pretty good until yesterday. Layed down to relax during the afternoon and fell asleep. I awoke to a flash going up and down my body. It happened so quick dont know if it was hot or cold. Of course this scared me, have not had anything like this in awhile. I get up and have what feels like heartburn and lump in my throat and chest hurts. Cant be heart trouble my heart has been checked many times. This goes on until nightime and I puke my guts out. I go to sleep and wake up every hour. I get up take a nexium and back to taking LEX in the morning. Took it at night for 6 days and sleep got worse. Take it during the day and I turn into a zombie. So we shall see what happens this time. I am tired of these muscles spasms, muscle pains, chest pains etc. One week on 5mg and 3 weeks on 7.5 or 10. I am so frustrated right now, this 1 bad day has wrecked confidence. I dont know whats physical and whats mental anymore. I have gotten some results but just dont know!!!!!!!!
Posted by blkvettes on March 7, 2003, at 10:59:51
In reply to SCARED TO DEATH!!!!!!!, posted by blkvettes on March 7, 2003, at 10:15:24
I just drove the car for the 1st time in 5 months. I have not been out of the house by myself in same time. Us panic attack people have some strange issues to work through. I only drove 1 mile to put gas in it, check the tire pressure, then drive back. The drive was ok, but getting out to pay for the gas was a whole different deal. My legs were shaking, I started getting dizzy. Paid for the gas, now time to pump it. Same thing going on with legs and dizziness. Now we still have to check tire pressure and off we go. The drive back was ok. I put it back in the garage and rush into the house. It took me awhile to calm down. But it was the first time I felt human in 5 months. I also know I could not right now go into a big store and buy something. I know it was a baby step!!!!!! But I also know I have a long way to go!!!!!!!!!!!
WAYNE
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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