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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by blkvettes on April 19, 2003, at 10:50:32
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Suziq4 on April 19, 2003, at 9:25:03
> I have been on lex for about 3 months now and doing good. I feel weird taking an ad every day just to feel normal. The only ones that know I'm even doing this is my mother, best friend and fiance.
> I do like to drink occaisonally. Does anyone have suggestions on how to do this? pLease let me know.
> Suzi
Hi there, glad you are feeling well. What you have is an illness just like any other. Nothing to be ashamed of. Eveyone I know is aware I am taking meds. Alot of friends and extended family have also confessed that they take them for different things. Millions of people take them and there is no shame in it. That is the problem, no one in our society wants to talk about it. I will tell anyone and everyone my story and wont think twice about it. You never know when telling your story it might help someone that has know idea that they have the same problem. This may help them to seek out help also. As far as drinking be very careful and only do it in small amounts. Research has shown that people who quit their meds in the first 3 years, 2 out of 3 will be depressed all over again. So hold your head up high and be proud of who you are and what your overcoming!!!!!! I hope all continues to go well for you!!!!!!
Posted by Suziq4 on April 19, 2003, at 14:46:25
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
Thanks for the advice! I realize I'm not alone and what I have does run in my family. Its just strange to have to take something every day to feel "normal" when you watch tons of other people just be normal.
Posted by blkvettes on April 19, 2003, at 15:36:20
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Suziq4 on April 19, 2003, at 14:46:25
> Thanks for the advice! I realize I'm not alone and what I have does run in my family. Its just strange to have to take something every day to feel "normal" when you watch tons of other people just be normal.
Hi there, you would be surprised at the number of people you think are normal, who actually at the end of a day are alone, hate there jobs, have no family and cry themselves to sleep. If you are truly getting happy than you are probably not normal. Because most people if honest would say they are not happy. Your getting married and I hope everyday is wonderful in your life. A lot of people will never find that special somebody. Just be thankful that there is a pill that can give you your life back!!!!! Stop thinking about that pill and enjoy your life and if you do you will be one of the few that is truly happy!!!
Posted by Luziluna on April 19, 2003, at 18:44:58
In reply to Re: My experiences with Lexapro and Celexa » Luziluna, posted by lil' jimi on April 16, 2003, at 14:18:34
Thanks Jimi,
I am so glad I found this site, people have been very supportive- it is helpful to hear other peoples' experiences with SSRI's as the Lexapro is really my first real attempt.
I am on my third day of 5 mgs and haven't noticed anything out of the ordinary. Still have interest in sex ( thank goodness), no hair loss (? I really hope that doesn't happen!!) dry skin seems to be calming down. Still slightly flushed, but nothing that a little makeup can't cover, so that's OK. I do feel a bit cloudy at times, but my hubbie has definitely noticed a difference in me, says I am calmer and not half as anxious as I was. I have a little easier time letting go of obsessive thoughts ( although had a bit of a relapse yesterday, but was able to get it under control quicker than usual)
I so hope that the Lexapro will continue to help me, I have suffered with anxiety and obsessive thoughts, depression, for sooooo long. I just want some relief!! Therapy does help though..I will surely continue with that.Thanks for letting me share.... Have a wonderful day all!!
> LuziLuna wrote:
> > Thanks for this post Matt.
> >
> > I just started on Lexapro and have been reading the posts about this drug. I am currently only on 2.5 mgs, and will ease up to 5 mgs some time this week. I don't plan on going above 5 mgs, as even 2.5 has been sedating to me.
> >
> > I too have experienced no sexual side effects on 2.5, and actually have had a slight increase in libido!!
> >
> > One side effect I have noticed is dry skin, and slight flushing, though not as bad as I had with Paxil- I had severe flushing with Paxil!
> >
> > Anyone else had the dry skin thing?
> >
> > Anyway, I hope to stay on Lexapro at a low dose- Anyone else out there had success with lower doses of SSRI's? My doctor wants me to eventually go to 10 mgs, but my thinking is that if I have already felt effects on 2.5, why push it too much? What do you all think?
> >
> > Thanks for letting me share
>
> replying to Matt's post:
>
> > > I've been on Celexa up to 70mg and experienced definite alopecia (happened to me on Zoloft and Prozac). I recently tried Lexapro and now am on both. I titrated up to 10mg Lexapro. I experienced an increase in libido (which is strange for me on SSRIs--the increase, that is), and hardly any sexual side effects. Then I went to 15mg Lexapro. Libido dropped and sexual side effects appeared to a moderate extent. But there was a definite difference in side effects between 10 and 15mg. I found 10mg quite sedating, and 15mg even worse. I added 10mg Celexa and found an improvement in mood and a slight increase in sexual side effects. When I went to 20mg Celexa, there was a large increase in sexual side effects.
> > >
> > > In overall comparison (and this is to be taken with an extra grain of salt, since all these drugs are being taking together)--I had very few sexual side effects at 10mg Lexapro. At 15mg L there was a definite increase--the sexual side effect profile was more like 10mg Celexa. 20mg Celexa showed the most dramatic sexual side effects.
> > >
> > > Strangely, I've gained weight since starting Lexapro (7-8 pounds in 6 weeks). Usually I (and most) lose weight at first when starting an SSRI. I did (do) so with Celexa.
> > >
> > > Right now I'm looking at 5mg Lexapro and 10mg Celexa--we'll see what hapens.
> > >
> > > My p-doc says that in his experience Lexapro tends to be less effective than hyped, and 40mg Celexa almost always gives more improvement than 10mg Lexapro.
> > > Best,
> > > Matt
>
> hi luziluna (love your moniker! "light and moon"?)
>
> i've been on lexapro since march 6 and i was at 5mg until one week ago and now i'm taking 10mg.
>
> i'm impressed that matt's taking celexa and lexapro at the same time ... good luck to matt, especially with trying to find your best combo ... lex is the only AD i've ever taken, for which i remain grateful ... although my gp was considering switching me to effexor (Comments welcome!)
>
> i have not noticed any more than normal hair loss, though ...and i have not experinced any noticeable skin dryness, However, my scalp has been unusually itchy lately, hmmmmm ... and the only sexual SEs i've experienced are temporary (about a week) anorgasmia, when i first started lex and when my doseage increased ... followed by a more than full recovery, i'd say, to be gentile about it.
>
> i am impressed also with your libido increases ... i have inquired more than once for reports of beneficial sexual SEs from lexapro.
>
> i have experienced zero weight gain ... my doc had me weighed when i started and she weighed again last week: .. no change... however my experience of my appetite and taste and food and drink in general, all seems to be much more acute tha before i took lexapro.
>
> i think your plan to try for the lowest effective dose Only makes prudent sense ... good luck to you there, too.
>
> i thank you for sharing ... good luck to you... and to matt also ... i always appreciate our posters because i benefit from their sharing their experiences ... best to you all.
>
> TAKE CARE!!!!! (w/ a tip of the hat to blkvettes!)
> ~ ... jim
Posted by Donia on April 20, 2003, at 13:22:09
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Suziq4 on April 19, 2003, at 9:25:03
Hello, I have taken zoloft and now lexapro and drinking doesnt seem to affect me differently while I am on these meds. I think if anything it will make you drowsier. I dont drink alot but have a few times with no abnormal reactions to it. These meds dont seem to mess with me much, just make me normal. I would talk to the doc just to make sure though if you drink quite often.
Posted by joeydep on April 20, 2003, at 14:51:08
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Donia on April 20, 2003, at 13:22:09
I've been taking Lexapro for about 6 months now, and decided 8 days ago to discontinue it. My doc was out of town and I ran out of the prescription, so I decided unilaterally to just go off it 'cold turkey'.
I'm now at day 8, and I must advise anyone considering discontinuing this drug that you should definitely speak with your doctor first about tapering the dose. I've experienced VERY unpleasant vivid, disturbing dreams, electric-shock-like sensations in my head, and a feeling that I'm about to have a stroke or a seizure several times a day. Xanax seems to diminish these symptoms, but not eliminate them completely.
I'm also trying to stop using xanax entirely, even though I've only been taking on average 2 .25mg tablets per day.
What I don't like about the Lexapro (20mg/day - increased from 10mg after about 3 months), is that it seems to virtually eliminate my sex drive AND make me extremely fatigued and mentally unfocused. It's almost as though I am sleepwalking through life - if you can imagine that.
Has anyone else experienced these effects? What has worked better for you? I would like to transition to something else.
Thanks for reading!
Posted by pumpkin on April 20, 2003, at 20:16:19
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl » Donia, posted by joeydep on April 20, 2003, at 14:51:08
I wouldn't advise anyone to go off "cold turkey"
from any med! Your body and brain doesn't like
going through this, and you have to be careful!I was on an anti-depressant, and Klonopin for
ten years, and was "taken off" by... a doctor!
I was out of it for about 2 weeks. I can't tell
you what I went through! That seemed to add to
my downfall! It's been over 2 years (with another
doctor), and I haven't been able to get back
since!I have been on what seems like everything. Now,
10 mgs. of Lex, and .25 of Klonopin. Still don't
feel "right".What ever is happening is normal under the
circumstances, but I would definately get in touch
with your doctor as soon as you can! You are
probably almost through the worst, but you might
be starting to have "symptoms" too- instead of
just side effects.What is your diagnosis anyway? This could also
make a big difference.
Posted by lil' jimi on April 20, 2003, at 21:05:55
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl » Donia, posted by joeydep on April 20, 2003, at 14:51:08
Posted by wperry1971 on April 20, 2003, at 22:46:39
In reply to joey, pumpkin is way right !! (nm) » joeydep, posted by lil' jimi on April 20, 2003, at 21:05:55
Has anybody taken a testosterone injection or used Andro Gel to help the libido? I was wondering if I were to boost the level of Testosterone in my system it would raise my desire.
Posted by LCSW2APN on April 21, 2003, at 9:09:27
In reply to Re: Lexapro and weight, posted by annlanka on March 19, 2003, at 9:59:39
There are many factors which could have to deal with weight gain, beyond the medication. Some people eat when they are depressed. Thus as the medicaion resloves the depression, they can control their eating better. Others avoid food when they are depressed, thus when the medication starts working, they gain. Beyond that the thyriod can caused both depression and weight gain. Additionally, exercise can help reslove depressive symptoms and help with weight gain. There are medications which can help with weight gain, i.e. Topamax or phentermine, however most PCPs and many psychiatrists will not Rx the former due to problems with memory loss at higher doesages, and the latter due to not having much experience with it and for fear of "rebound" weight gain. In an event phentermine can interact with antidepressants in veryb dangerous ways, not to say MD's never Rx both it and Prozac. Also, muscle weighs more than fat, so you may find that you gain some weight, while your BMI actually goes down! So, bottom line, it is not as easy as this medication does or does not cause weight gain. I do not know how much overweight you are. If you were not overweight to begin with diet and exercise alone may help deal with this side effect of Lexapro for you. You may wish to consider seeing a "weight doctor" or if you are currently being treated by your PCP, you may wish to consider seeing a psychiatrist or of course his Nurse Practitioner! If you wish you may email me directly at [email protected] or you may catch me on line with AOL's instant messenger IM name chatstate or LCSW2APN. Best Wishes.
LAM
Posted by jdgal on April 21, 2003, at 21:55:48
In reply to Re: JDGAL...Re: hey disfunk » jdgal, posted by Dysfunk on April 10, 2003, at 12:30:49
im MUCH better now, FINALLY i think i feel normal again...
Posted by BIBRANN on April 22, 2003, at 9:14:50
In reply to Re: JDGAL...Re: hey disfunk, posted by jdgal on April 21, 2003, at 21:55:48
Has anyone heard of experiences with auditory and visual hallucinations in relation to Lexapro? Hallucination is listed as an INFREQUENT side effect but I haven't found anything else on this.
Posted by pumpkin on April 22, 2003, at 12:03:52
In reply to RE: Another newcomer, posted by pumpkin on March 15, 2003, at 21:14:31
This is going on week seven for me!
I was off all anti-depressants for over a month,
and still didn't feel myself. So- process of
elimination, I'm going down on my depakote
(mood stabilizer). It's been two little days
so far.Meanwhile, I'm sticking to my 20 mgs. of Lex and
.25 mg Klonopin for now.Question for people who have used Lex and have
major problems with panic attacks. Does the
Lex by itself really relieve the panic in time?
I want to go off the Klonopin too in the future
(not to many meds at one time!), but I wonder
about the panic part.Another question for you. Is anyone still having
headache problems past the 7 week period? Some
are from my neck- others just "happen".Mornings are still bad for me, and I don't have
an appetite during the day yet. I'm also having
problems with being tired all day, but try to
keep busy.Hope you guys had a decent Easter. I met my
oldest half sister/husband and nephew/children
after over 10 years of not seeing them! My
middle half sister/husband set this up at their
house. It was a blessing! We all sat around and
talked about the different meds we are on! LOL!Anyway, Jdgal if your still around- let us know!
I would like to find out how you are doing too!
Edgefield- where are you?Have a decent week.
Posted by blkvettes on April 22, 2003, at 12:33:17
In reply to RE: Advice, posted by pumpkin on April 22, 2003, at 12:03:52
> This is going on week seven for me!
>
> I was off all anti-depressants for over a month,
> and still didn't feel myself. So- process of
> elimination, I'm going down on my depakote
> (mood stabilizer). It's been two little days
> so far.
>
> Meanwhile, I'm sticking to my 20 mgs. of Lex and
> .25 mg Klonopin for now.
>
> Question for people who have used Lex and have
> major problems with panic attacks. Does the
> Lex by itself really relieve the panic in time?
> I want to go off the Klonopin too in the future
> (not to many meds at one time!), but I wonder
> about the panic part.
>
> Another question for you. Is anyone still having
> headache problems past the 7 week period? Some
> are from my neck- others just "happen".
>
> Mornings are still bad for me, and I don't have
> an appetite during the day yet. I'm also having
> problems with being tired all day, but try to
> keep busy.
>
> Hope you guys had a decent Easter. I met my
> oldest half sister/husband and nephew/children
> after over 10 years of not seeing them! My
> middle half sister/husband set this up at their
> house. It was a blessing! We all sat around and
> talked about the different meds we are on! LOL!
>
> Anyway, Jdgal if your still around- let us know!
> I would like to find out how you are doing too!
> Edgefield- where are you?
>
> Have a decent week.
Hi, I used to have neck pain but it has gone away, the pain would go up into the back of my head. I quit having full blown panic attacks before I started lex, but still had all the fears and a lot of the symptoms. But they are almost gone, for instance I am driving again. I also take a little xanax. GOOD LUCK
Posted by jrbecker on April 22, 2003, at 12:49:29
In reply to RE: Advice, posted by pumpkin on April 22, 2003, at 12:03:52
Are you taking the Lex AM or PM? For less daytime sedation and hunger withdrawal, try the Lex at night. You shouldn't have any problems with it affecting your sleep (unlike Celexa) if you've been taking it for at least a couple of weeks now.
Posted by cjal on April 22, 2003, at 20:28:10
In reply to Lexapro. Stick with it and it may work....., posted by Dysfunk on March 31, 2003, at 13:20:46
I have been on Lex for about two months now. started at 5, then 10. at 10 i hit a great point for about a week, then dropped into the pits of hell. doc said it was normal while playing with the dosage for this to happen. been at 20 for about 3 weeks. have been feeling good (not opptomistic, just not as pessemistic) for going on 7 days.
also have the yawning that others have mentioned.
keep at it and good luck.
> 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 Okpolosi on April 23, 2003, at 9:11:09
In reply to Re: Lexapro. Stick with it and it may work....., posted by cjal on April 22, 2003, at 20:28:10
> I have been on Lex for about two months now. started at 5, then 10. at 10 i hit a great point for about a week, then dropped into the pits of hell. doc said it was normal while playing with the dosage for this to happen. been at 20 for about 3 weeks. have been feeling good (not opptomistic, just not as pessemistic) for going on 7 days.
>
> also have the yawning that others have mentioned.
>
> keep at it and good luck.
>
>
>
> > 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.
>
>I too did not experience any benefit from Lex until week 9. Had a lot of bad side effects in the begining and deep depression around weeks 4-5. Stick with it and give Lex a chance to work for you if you are just starting and want to give up.
Posted by oregon on April 23, 2003, at 10:43:12
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by pumpkin on April 20, 2003, at 20:16:19
Posted by sidney on April 23, 2003, at 18:09:43
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by lil' jimi on April 16, 2003, at 14:35:28
I have significant drug sensitivity and my doctor has prescribed Lexapro in a liquid solution so that I can take extremely small doses (as low as .1 mg) and work my way up to 5 mg (or slightly more) over an extended period of time. This makes sense to me, but I'm having anxiety about taking a new drug (which of course was prescribed to treat my anxiety problem in the first place!)
Has anyone tried Lexapro in liquid form? Does it cost more that the regular pills?
-sid
Posted by johnnylex on April 23, 2003, at 18:29:07
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I am on 20mg of Lexapro and have found significant relief from anxiety/depression since last September. I am having trouble affording this medication since I have no insurance. I am paying $179 for 90 pills right now (which is after shopping around!).
Is there anyway/place to find it cheaper? Sometimes my doctor will give me some trial packs, but I feel foolish calling his office each month to ask for handouts.
Posted by blkvettes on April 23, 2003, at 18:38:23
In reply to No Insurance. Where can I buy Lexapro cheap?, posted by johnnylex on April 23, 2003, at 18:29:07
> I am on 20mg of Lexapro and have found significant relief from anxiety/depression since last September. I am having trouble affording this medication since I have no insurance. I am paying $179 for 90 pills right now (which is after shopping around!).
>
> Is there anyway/place to find it cheaper? Sometimes my doctor will give me some trial packs, but I feel foolish calling his office each month to ask for handouts.Hi keeping getting the trial packs for free as long as you can. My insurance would not cover lexapro for awhile but now they do. But trial packs were offered to me. Just keep taking those free packs and dont feel foolish. The doctors know a lot of people dont have insurance, your not the only one. Cant answer your question on the best price. Glad lexapro is working for you.
Posted by leeran on April 23, 2003, at 18:39:34
In reply to Anyone tried Lexapro liquid solution?, posted by sidney on April 23, 2003, at 18:09:43
Hi there,
Wow, I didn't know Lexapro was available in a liquid solution! That would sure beat cutting those "little to start with" pills in halves or quarters.
I wish I had an answer for you regarding liquid Lexapro. I remember liking the accuracy of liquid medicine when my son was younger. I hope it works for you.
I found this board a month ago doing a Google search for Lexapro. I started Lexapro, stayed on for a week, went off, and started again two nights ago. It seems that many people here have done quite well on Lexapro. I know my psychiatrist seems sold on it. I'm taking half of what I started at a month ago (10 then, now 5 mg) and I take it about 8:00 in the evening. When I tried it a month ago I was taking the dosage in the morning, but it seemed to make me less spacy/spacey when I switched to evening.
I understand your apprehension about starting on something new or different. I felt the same way, which is how I found myself here. I'm restarting Lexapro because I mistakenly went off of Wellbutrin cold turkey, thinking that Lexapro would replace Wellbutrin.
Actually, during the three weeks since my cessation of Lexapro I was really encouraged by the numerous positive posts I read here on the board. A few weeks of not taking the Lexapor and just casually reading the posts (versus looking for every little/big side effect during the week I was taking it) kind of calmed me down a bit.
I was encouraged by the progress of one paricular poster, so I followed his "trail" back to the beginning of his experience and it was so encouraging to see his progression (in fast forward) on Lexapro.
Good luck!
Posted by mkvelocity on April 24, 2003, at 9:07:12
In reply to Re: Anyone tried Lexapro liquid solution? » sidney, posted by leeran on April 23, 2003, at 18:39:34
Has anyone been pregnant and still taking Lexapro? If not, does anyone know of a website that might have any information on it?
Posted by blkvettes on April 24, 2003, at 13:27:17
In reply to Lexapro and Pregnancy, posted by mkvelocity on April 24, 2003, at 9:07:12
> Has anyone been pregnant and still taking Lexapro? If not, does anyone know of a website that might have any information on it?
Hi there, the best thing to do is talk to the doctor and maybe more than one doctor. You can also call the company that makes the drug. I would not breastfeed the baby!!!!! Hard decision to make and hope all goes well.
Posted by Kar on April 24, 2003, at 13:54:56
In reply to Lexapro and Pregnancy, posted by mkvelocity on April 24, 2003, at 9:07:12
Hi. i recently went to a genetic counselor for that reason, although i'm not on Lexapro. I'm on Lamictal, Trileptal and prozac. My pdoc purposefully switched me to Prozac in anticipation of pregnancy because it is known to be a lot safer than many ADs. And I guess they've done more studies. Zoloft is the best one for breastfeeding. i don't have any websites offhand but a Google search will probably lead you in the right direction. The manufacturer's info will only tell you what "category" a drug is (this is related to number and extent of safety studies and results). The mood stabilizers are more of a concern than the ADs. Even some of the pregnancy sites out there like "Babymed" and "IVillage" have some info on ADs during pregnancy. Use of them is becoming much more prevalent because obviously there are situations where it would be more harmful for the mom and the baby if the mom were off all drugs. i know I won't be able to be. My pdoc recommended the genetic counselor. She sent me home with tons of up to date info and she knew more current studies than i could get from pdoc, on the internet or at the library.
I'll look into the websites that I checked out though...
Good luck!
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]
Script revised: February 4, 2008
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