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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by blkvettes on March 31, 2003, at 10:05:04
In reply to Lexapro Withdrawl, posted by BarbaraS on March 31, 2003, at 9:06:21
> I just stopped my Lexapro four days ago and have been having terrible cramping throughout the day and bizarre dreams. Has anyone else had these problems, and how long did it take until it went away?
>
> Thanks,
>
> BarbaraI could not find much info on lexapro withdrawl because it is new. You should never quit all at once. You should quit a little at a time, a gradual decrease in dose. But here is a link that has some info. GOOD LUCK!!!!
http://www.seroxatusergroup.org.uk/Documents/Healywithdrawal.doc
Posted by Sadsack on March 31, 2003, at 10:48:29
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
Hey EGR, haven't seen your handle posted in awhile and last I heard you were worried about poop out. You ok?
Sadsack
Posted by EGR on March 31, 2003, at 11:25:31
In reply to Hey EGR, are you ok?, posted by Sadsack on March 31, 2003, at 10:48:29
> Hey EGR, haven't seen your handle posted in awhile and last I heard you were worried about poop out. You ok?
> SadsackWow! Thanks for asking. I'm fine. My meds didn't poop out, but I had been extremely tired and was stressed. I was out of town for a week so I needed a week to get ready and then a week to recover. I haven't had time to catch up on the posts and, voila! THIS was the very first one I read!
My O's came back! Hip, Hip, Hooray!! And last Thursday I started cutting back to 15 mgs a day. That seems to have helped me not be so exhausted. (I also started taking them closer to 9:30 or 10 and not at midnight... I think they weren't out of my system enough by 7 am). Anyway, things seem great right now.
How are things going on your end?
EGR
Posted by Dysfunk on March 31, 2003, at 13:12:12
In reply to Re: Re lexapro and hunger...., posted by Donia on March 29, 2003, at 21:49:45
I have gained 5-8 lbs on Lexapro. I seem to crave carbs, maybe to give me the energy boost from the exhaustion. I am working out the same and couldn't manage to stop the weight gain. Now, i have a broken foot and I can't work out. YIKES!
Posted by Dysfunk on March 31, 2003, at 13:20:46
In reply to Re: BEING TIRED!!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by okpolosi on March 30, 2003, at 13:14:33
I never had the total exhaustion most of you speak of on Lex, but I did have worse depression before it got better. I wasn't ready to switch again so I gave it more time, and it worked! I am as amazed as anyone cause I was feeling hopeless. My doctor didn't think the chances of it working for me after 2 months was a possibility, but it did. SO, if you can stick with it...give it longer than usual to determine if it works.
Posted by Dysfunk on March 31, 2003, at 13:31:07
In reply to strange things occured, posted by jdgal on March 31, 2003, at 8:20:12
Part of what you are describing I experienced. It was as if I suddenly fell into a deep depression. I lost interest in things, didn't want to leave the house, was crying and depressed. BUT, it did turn around miraculously. It is a strange thing, but I think this medicine almost makes you worse before it makes you better! I also had increased anxiety. Good Luck- feel better soon.
Posted by handmemymidol on March 31, 2003, at 14:34:15
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by susan b. anthony on March 30, 2003, at 16:32:54
I too had headaches at 10 mg. I didn't drop my dose and they eventually went away. I guess it took between 1-2 weeks. Anyway, they were not migraine-stay-in-bed type. Aspirin usually handled them, but they were a nagging presence most of the day. Hope this helps in your comparison ;o
Posted by jdgal on March 31, 2003, at 14:34:53
In reply to strange things occured, posted by jdgal on March 31, 2003, at 8:20:12
thank u for your reply, i am off lexapro for 4 weeks now, and yes, i was VERY depressed but it was more than just that, i felt i couldnt even function, hazy.... u know? it was awful and today i am again kinda hazy and down.. i was only on it for 4 weeks , and ive been off it for 3 . What the heck is going on?
Posted by jdgal on March 31, 2003, at 14:35:29
In reply to strange things occured, posted by jdgal on March 31, 2003, at 8:20:12
thank u for your reply, i am off lexapro for 4 weeks now, and yes, i was VERY depressed but it was more than just that, i felt i couldnt even function, hazy.... u know? it was awful and today i am again kinda hazy and down.. i was only on it for 4 weeks , and ive been off it for 3 . What the heck is going on?
Posted by 88ivories on March 31, 2003, at 16:29:41
In reply to continued info, posted by pharmrep on July 31, 2002, at 21:49:05
New user to board, but not new to SSRI's and related topics...Have received samples of Lexapro from doc. Have had weight gain problem with Celexa..As a rep of Forest, do you see any improvement in this side effect? Thanks...
Posted by BridgetteK on March 31, 2003, at 16:34:54
In reply to Headaches . . . Susan B Anthony » susan b. anthony, posted by handmemymidol on March 31, 2003, at 14:34:15
I am so new here. I have never taken anything for my anxiety or for depression. I use to just brush it all aside. But I started a new job after 5 years of being a stay at home mother and realized just how bad my anxiety was. I have only worked a total of 13 days that's how new I am and have 5 anxiety attacks 1 that was so bad (for me that is) I almost walked out in the middle of my shift. So I decided if I was going to keep my job I was going to have to do something about it. So I called my family DR. and wala got on med's. I found this site just browsing today and found it to be quiet helpful w/ what type of side effects I would probably expierence and, how long to let this work. I was put on Paxil CR last fri. but when I took it I woke up Sat. morning w/ a migrane headache and vomiting. So I quit taking it. I'm going to give this medicine a try. I have realized I cannot deal w/ my anxiety by my self like I use too. And with us being at war I find my self crying alot (WOW) this isn't me. But then i've not been me my whole life. Any insite would do :) Thank you for reading my post......
Posted by dawne on March 31, 2003, at 17:56:56
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by susan b. anthony on March 30, 2003, at 16:32:54
HI, SUSAN
I KNOW JUST HOW YOU FEEL ABOUT HEADACHES. I HAVE AWFUL MIGRAINES. JUST GOT OFF 40MGS PAXIL BECAUSE OF WT. GAIN. BUT IT WAS EXCELLANT FOR BOTH MY DEPRESSION AND MIGRAINES, IN FACT NOTHING HAS EVER WORKED SO GOOD FOR MY MIGRAINES. I KNOW IM TAKING A BIG RISK BY SWITHCHING TO LEX. BUT I REALLY WANT TO LOSE THE 30LBS I GAINED ON PAXIL.
HOPE YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH LEX WILL IMPROVE. IM ONLY 4 DAYS INTO IT, ON 20MGS. DID YOU LOSE WT. ON LEXAPRO OR GAIN?GOOD LUCK TO AND ALL OF US TRYING THIS DRUG.
Posted by pumpkin on March 31, 2003, at 19:03:22
In reply to Re: headaches- susan b. » susan b. anthony, posted by dawne on March 31, 2003, at 17:56:56
Wondering if anyone is having an usual thirst
with Lex. Have been uped to 10 mg. from my doc
today, along with taking Klonopin (at my discretion). He told me that he knows of people
who hit 40mgs. of Lex with no problems. Here
comes the headaches again- but I know they will
go in time. Does the appetite come back? Welcome
new posters, and is there any older ones still
around for updates?
Posted by Donia on March 31, 2003, at 19:59:03
In reply to Re: headaches- susan b., posted by pumpkin on March 31, 2003, at 19:03:22
I have been on lexapro for 2 and a half months. My appetite is coming back slowly. I lost about 6lbs since I have been on it and not having much of an appetite. I have not noticed any unusual thirst, but I am a heavy pepsi drinker.
Posted by oldhand on March 31, 2003, at 20:17:29
In reply to Re: headaches- susan b., posted by pumpkin on March 31, 2003, at 19:02:28
> Wondering if anyone is having an usual thirst
> with Lex. Have been uped to 10 mg. from my doc
> today, along with taking Klonopin (at my discretion). He told me that he knows of people
> who hit 40mgs. of Lex with no problems. Here
> comes the headaches again- but I know they will
> go in time. Does the appetite come back? Welcome
> new posters, and is there any older ones still
> around for updates?Hi pumpkin-
I also drink alot of water, seem to be thirsty all the time with the lexapro.
I worked with a bunch of nutritionists who always encouraged drinking water and so I developed that habit a long time ago....And for those who are having headaches, water may help those too. I had a grade school teacher tell me that when a child in school complained of a headache she sent them to the drinking fountain. She felt alot of the problem might be dehydration which happens faster with children, of course. I have found too that if I wake up in the middle of the night it is usually thirst, so I keep a big glass of water by the bed.
Guess I could be considered an old poster, have been on Lex since November. I am feeling quite well but not as well as I would like. I will be seeing a new psychiatrist soon and will probably see about upping the dose. I could do it on my own but my prescription from the previous doc is almost gone and I DO NOT want to run out.
All s/e's seem to be gone now. Even the jawclenching which was so bad.
I really encourage those with managable side- effects to keep trying on this medication. My depression has lifted to a greater extent than with any of the others I have used. My best to all and may we all be very healty, very soon.
Posted by 88ivories on March 31, 2003, at 20:49:51
In reply to Re: Lexapro Withdrawl symptoms, posted by blkvettes on March 31, 2003, at 10:05:04
> > I just stopped my Lexapro four days ago and have been having terrible cramping throughout the day and bizarre dreams. Has anyone else had these problems, and how long did it take until it went away?
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > BarbaraHey Barbara...I am new to this web site (as a poster..have used it for 2 years as a "learning tool")... I have found that starting a new drug (emotional or sleepling related) or, especially stopping a drug, causes vivid dreaming for me. Increase or decrease in dosage also causes vivid dreams. Time to adjust has always solved this problem for me. ivory lover
>
> I could not find much info on lexapro withdrawl because it is new. You should never quit all at once. You should quit a little at a time, a gradual decrease in dose. But here is a link that has some info. GOOD LUCK!!!!
> http://www.seroxatusergroup.org.uk/Documents/Healywithdrawal.doc
>
Posted by BarbaraS on March 31, 2003, at 20:56:19
In reply to Re: Lexapro Withdrawl symptoms, posted by blkvettes on March 31, 2003, at 10:05:04
> > I just stopped my Lexapro four days ago and have been having terrible cramping throughout the day and bizarre dreams. Has anyone else had these problems, and how long did it take until it went away?
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > Barbara
>
> I could not find much info on lexapro withdrawl because it is new. You should never quit all at once. You should quit a little at a time, a gradual decrease in dose. But here is a link that has some info. GOOD LUCK!!!!
> http://www.seroxatusergroup.org.uk/Documents/Healywithdrawal.doc
>Thank for the informatino - it was helpful. Really appreciate it!
Posted by college_student on April 1, 2003, at 0:33:40
In reply to 1St Time Ever trying any drug for depression/anxty, posted by BridgetteK on March 31, 2003, at 16:34:54
> I am so new here. I have never taken anything for my anxiety or for depression. I use to just brush it all aside. But I started a new job after 5 years of being a stay at home mother and realized just how bad my anxiety was. I have only worked a total of 13 days that's how new I am and have 5 anxiety attacks 1 that was so bad (for me that is) I almost walked out in the middle of my shift. So I decided if I was going to keep my job I was going to have to do something about it. So I called my family DR. and wala got on med's. I found this site just browsing today and found it to be quiet helpful w/ what type of side effects I would probably expierence and, how long to let this work. I was put on Paxil CR last fri. but when I took it I woke up Sat. morning w/ a migrane headache and vomiting. So I quit taking it. I'm going to give this medicine a try. I have realized I cannot deal w/ my anxiety by my self like I use too. And with us being at war I find my self crying alot (WOW) this isn't me. But then i've not been me my whole life. Any insite would do :) Thank you for reading my post......
I am new here too and started my first antidepressent in December. I am at college an so need to be botherd by emotional difficulities as little as possible. So far since December I have been worse, ie. with anxiety and depression. I was on Paxil for 2 1/2 months. I was so exhauseted all the time that I could hardly get out of bed in the morning. Now my doctor switched me to lexapro and I started at 5mg for a week and now I am at 10mg and have been for a week. I am have been feeling a lot better, the only problems that I have been noticing is a headach that lasts all day every couple days. Also I have good days(days where I feel great) and then I will have days that start in the morning with anxiety and sometimes the anxiety goes away by the evening. I am hopeful that as time goes by this will get better. The only other thing I have noticed, is that I am a bit less sharp. But I guess that is the price. It is not too bad, and maybe that will go away too.
I also have been on edge because of the war. It is very hard to deal with. It is really a challenging time, and that affects us all. Good Luck with your medication. If you ever need the perspective of a college student don't be afraid to chat :) Sierra
Posted by college_student on April 1, 2003, at 0:42:33
In reply to Re: headaches- susan b., posted by pumpkin on March 31, 2003, at 19:03:22
> Wondering if anyone is having an usual thirstwith Lex. Have been uped to 10 mg. from my doctoday, along with taking Klonopin (at my discretion). He told me that he knows of people who hit 40mgs. of Lex with no problems. Here comes the headaches again- but I know they will go in time. Does the appetite come back? Welcome new posters, and is there any older ones still
around for updates?Susan Hi, That is interesting, I am also really thursty. I just drink lots of water, but I am still thursty. I also have been experiencing headaches. Also, my appetite has come back. It was completely gone for a while. Depends what the klonopin is. I take adderal too and it makes me not hungry. Adderal is a stimulant and that seems to have that effect. Hope that helps. :) Sierra
Posted by BridgetteK on April 1, 2003, at 8:17:40
In reply to Re: 1St Time Ever trying any drug for depression/a, posted by college_student on April 1, 2003, at 0:33:40
I am suppose to be starting school in August and trying to be a good mother to my boys, so i've got to try to stay as normal as possible :) My husband has been totally supportive. What are you going to school for? I am trying to finish my nursing degree. Anyways my Lexapro is at 10 mgs, last night they gave me so much energy and I felt so good. But this morning now I have a headache but thank god it's not as bad as it was when I had taken the paxil. I hate not being able to function. Well I better get off here. Thank you for replying to my post. It's nice to know i'm not alone :)
Posted by susan b. anthony on April 1, 2003, at 10:04:16
In reply to Re: headaches- susan b. » susan b. anthony, posted by dawne on March 31, 2003, at 17:56:56
> HI, SUSAN
>
> I KNOW JUST HOW YOU FEEL ABOUT HEADACHES. I HAVE AWFUL MIGRAINES. JUST GOT OFF 40MGS PAXIL BECAUSE OF WT. GAIN. BUT IT WAS EXCELLANT FOR BOTH MY DEPRESSION AND MIGRAINES, IN FACT NOTHING HAS EVER WORKED SO GOOD FOR MY MIGRAINES. I KNOW IM TAKING A BIG RISK BY SWITHCHING TO LEX. BUT I REALLY WANT TO LOSE THE 30LBS I GAINED ON PAXIL.
> HOPE YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH LEX WILL IMPROVE. IM ONLY 4 DAYS INTO IT, ON 20MGS. DID YOU LOSE WT. ON LEXAPRO OR GAIN?
>
> GOOD LUCK TO AND ALL OF US TRYING THIS DRUG.Hi - I am on 10 mg and my binge eating has seemed to stop as the depression and bad PMS is reduced. So, I hope to get on a more balanced diet.
>
Posted by Joanie on April 1, 2003, at 12:05:11
In reply to Lexapro Withdrawl, posted by BarbaraS on March 31, 2003, at 9:06:21
I took Lexapro for 7 or 8 months, 20 mgs. a day. I too am quitting (because of weight gain). I did not quit cold turkey. I wouldn't recommend that. I went for 1 week with halfing my dosage, then stopped all together. So I haven't had any for 4 days now. I have suffered with sweating, nausea, itching and just plain being more ill than normal. It's kind of tuff. Maybe you should taper off. Good luck!
Posted by susan b. anthony on April 1, 2003, at 13:34:41
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl » susan b. anthony, posted by oldhand on March 30, 2003, at 17:01:36
> I had insomnia for the first few weeks of the Lex but have Trazodone for sleeping. No wonder you have panic and anxiety, being so close to the 9/11 events. It is hard to imagine.
> Like you I have always had headaches and Migraines. The ones with Lexapro seemed to be from tight neck muscles and jaw clenching at night. The clenching has gone away and getting some exercize has helped with the neck muscles. I have had more migraines on the med but just the visual disturbances with a mild headache rather than the full blown kick-yer-butt headache. Only had one of those and ended up in the ER. Really did not see it coming even after all my years of having them. I had a glass of wine the evening before and even though the info says there are no known problems and still advises not to drink, I am thinking this may have been a contributor.
> Give the Lexapro more time to work as has been said here before and, with all due respect, wouldn't you husband be a support for you if he knew more of what is going on? Friends have been my lifeline through this journey. I would not be where I am now without them. I took a disability retirement from work two years ago because of the depression, lost my house to foreclosure in December and have moved back in with my (85 year-old) parents. It has been a struggle but is for the best. I have had an eerie peace about it all along.
> Have you had counselling? I will be going back to it next week. It was very helpful before and I hope to benefit again. Surely there is help available for those in your circumstances, with 9/11 and all?
> Let me know how you are doing.Hi - I had some group conselling given by by office but I didn't see it helping plus I stayed away from downtown for about 9 months - I am a field worker and don't have to go to the office that ofen (exept that day ofcourse). My office has moved a few months ago - still downtown but we no longer have a birds eye view of the"pitt" and i don't like going past it - last summer there were so many tourists it was gross - the NY Times called it "Disney on Death".
I am home sick for the 2nd day. Sunday night got major attack of vomiting and the runs. I just started week 3 this past friday - could this have anything to do with my body adjusting to the Lex?
I do feel better today and yesterday skipped my dose as I didn't eat anything all day.
thanks
Posted by dawne on April 1, 2003, at 15:18:14
In reply to Re: headaches- susan b. » susan b. anthony, posted by dawne on March 31, 2003, at 17:56:56
HELLO AGAIN EVEREYONE. IM CURIOUS TO KNOW IF ANY OF YOU HAVE WENT FROM PAXIL TO LEXAPRO? AND IF POSSIBLE IF ANYONE IS TAKING THESE MEDS FOR BOTH DEPRESSION AND MIGRAINES? I KNOW THAT DOCTORS LIKE TO TREAT MIGRAINES WITH DRUGS LIKE TOPAMAX, DEPAKOTE ect... BUT ANY TIME I HAVE TRIED THESE MEDS I FELT MORE DEPRESSED AND AGGITATED, I FELT HORRIBLEL, AND THEY NEVER EVER HELPED! I DECIDED THAT THE ONLY MEDS. I WAS GOING TO TRY WAS ANTIDEPRESSANTS FOR MY MIGRAINES AND DEPRESSION. I HAVE TO SAY ONCE AGAIN THAT PAXIL WAS A LIFE SAVER FOR ME WITH BOTH PROBLEMS. THE 30 LB WT. GAIN ON MY 4' 11'' BODY FRAME WAS NOT!!! I KNOW THAT ALOT OF YOU OUT THERE THINK IM CRAZY FOR QUITING A DRUG THAT WORKED FOR ME AND STARTING UP SOMETHING NEW ALL FOR VANITY. TRUST ME, IM NOT TOO PROUD OF IT EITHER. IF ANYONE HAS ANY INPUT ON THIS I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE IT. I TRULY DO FEEL VERY GRATEFUL FOR FINDING THIS SITE. I HOPE I TOO CAN HELP ANYONE I CAN.
THANK YOU , AND GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE.
Posted by leeran on April 1, 2003, at 15:47:45
In reply to Re: ALL LEXAPRO USERS, posted by dawne on April 1, 2003, at 15:18:14
Dawne,
I am new to Lexapro (first week) - switched from Wellbutrin for the serotonin coverage (I'm also on Adderall).
I have been on Paxil (several years ago) and I did gain weight throughout the time I took Paxil and then later with Prozac. I was also in perimenopause so I've never been sure how much was attributable to the ADs or the hormonal situation.
I just wanted to tell you that I don't find it vain in the LEAST to worry about weight gain! I have already told myself that if Lexapro causes any unusual weight gain I will take myself off it (with my "pdoc's" instructions) immediately.
For me, depression/self-esteem, etc. can be all tied in together. Gaining unwanted weight is not something that makes any of us feel any better about ourselves!
Please don't be hard on yourself. I find it admirable that you're taking control of your destiny and doing what you feel is best for your "overall" self.
Take care!
Lee
> HELLO AGAIN EVEREYONE. IM CURIOUS TO KNOW IF ANY OF YOU HAVE WENT FROM PAXIL TO LEXAPRO? AND IF POSSIBLE IF ANYONE IS TAKING THESE MEDS FOR BOTH DEPRESSION AND MIGRAINES? I KNOW THAT DOCTORS LIKE TO TREAT MIGRAINES WITH DRUGS LIKE TOPAMAX, DEPAKOTE ect... BUT ANY TIME I HAVE TRIED THESE MEDS I FELT MORE DEPRESSED AND AGGITATED, I FELT HORRIBLEL, AND THEY NEVER EVER HELPED! I DECIDED THAT THE ONLY MEDS. I WAS GOING TO TRY WAS ANTIDEPRESSANTS FOR MY MIGRAINES AND DEPRESSION. I HAVE TO SAY ONCE AGAIN THAT PAXIL WAS A LIFE SAVER FOR ME WITH BOTH PROBLEMS. THE 30 LB WT. GAIN ON MY 4' 11'' BODY FRAME WAS NOT!!! I KNOW THAT ALOT OF YOU OUT THERE THINK IM CRAZY FOR QUITING A DRUG THAT WORKED FOR ME AND STARTING UP SOMETHING NEW ALL FOR VANITY. TRUST ME, IM NOT TOO PROUD OF IT EITHER. IF ANYONE HAS ANY INPUT ON THIS I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE IT. I TRULY DO FEEL VERY GRATEFUL FOR FINDING THIS SITE. I HOPE I TOO CAN HELP ANYONE I CAN.
>
> THANK YOU , AND GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE.
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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