![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 3087 to 3111 of 8406. Go back in thread:
Posted by Napaba on May 30, 2003, at 11:09:08
In reply to Re: Advice please... » Napaba, posted by lil' jimi on May 29, 2003, at 16:32:13
Hi jim
The side effects I experience on Effexor are:
These are the ones that didn't go away after the first couple of months.
Severe joint pain (hip and shoulder/neck area - I take so much Motrin, Advil, Alieve its unreal)
Severe constipation
Vivid/weird dreams (I've had them about weird things like aliens to insisting people are talking about my hair growing 10 inches in day)
Vaginitis (never had this problem before)
Messed up periods (before Effexor always 28 days, now I never know, it could be anywhere from 30-40 days)
Blurred vision (to the point it's hard to drive)
Bruising (I get bruises from the slightest bump - I can't wear shorts or short sleeves because people ask what’s wrong)
Developed acne
Brian shivers (if a miss one dose)None of these symptoms are things I experienced before Effexor, I've lowered my dose from 150 mgs a day to 75 and noticed the joint pain in my shoulder/neck area has lessened, but my depression has increased.
My concern is if I notice all of these side effects, what is it doing to my body that I'm not aware of?
I had other symptoms, like lose of appetite, insomnia, and always tired, but they went away after the first month or so.
So tell me about Lexapro. I still haven't started the switch. If the side effects are as severe as those brought on by Effexor then I'm going back to the doctor. I'm not going through Effexor withdraw for nothing.
hi Napaba!
>
> > STAY AWAY FROM EFFEXOR. It should be removed from the market. I take it and have been switched to Lex, I'm not sure I'm going to take the Lexapro though. I need to do more research. If your concidering Effexor look into the the posts from those who are taking it or trying to get off it. The side effects are numerous.
> >
> >
>
> And thank you for the forewarning! ....Very much!!
>
> i have had my doubts about effexor and continue to be very doubtful about my gp's suggestion/threat, but i have wanted to get feedback from folks like yourself..... Thanks again!
>
> we(los lexos)'re hoping that it never comes to having to go to another SSRI .... but i have been considering the options .... options i'm hoping i never need.
>
> i have read a lot of effexor tragedies here abouts.
>
> which effexor SEs did you experience?
>
> thanks again for you post .... keep on posting!
>
> ~ jim
Posted by pumpkin on May 30, 2003, at 13:50:11
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
My husband takes this med, and I'm about ready
to call the doctor- although he doesn't want me
to.He has been on for about 2 years, and doesn't
know exactly what he does when he's asleep, but
I do.My experience as a wife. "Lord, don't let him
attack me again"! I've had enough of it. He
wakes up from the stupidest nightmare(s), and
"attacks" me. Everywhere from kicking, to hitting, to trying to "snap" my neck. Last night,
he actually went digging into my side. I woke up
and yelled because of the pain. Most of the time
he doesn't remember what he's dreaming about- other times, he will wake us up- screaming out
loud. It's really scarey for me and the kids.
They hear him, and want me to sleep elsewhere
for "safety". It's sweet, because my youngest
daughter wants me to sleep with her so that I
will have a bed.For him, I lay in bed wide awake, and try to soothe him as his muscles go "running" everywhere.
He tells me that the anxiety is bad, and he has
to do something to get it out. He's never had
"anxiety" like this before! Then, he can't sleep
in a few hours and gets up for awhile. I really
can't see how he's making it- I'm not! But, I
pray, and grin and bear it. I asked him if I could meet his doctor, and talk with them both-
but he's reluctant for some reason. Lord knows
that he's been with me to my doctor. Is this a
"man" thing? He told me last night that he wasen't "feeling" well- physically, and emotionally. But today- he's fine again. His
memory is "blitzing" too. Family knows this, but
he denies it. I just don't get it. After 23 years of marriage (May 24), I'm not stupid, and
I tell him this. He's never had these "problems"
before. So, I will stand by him, and keep praying, and possibly sleep elsewhere (hint for
him?) for a night! I've gotta get some Z's too!As for me, my Lex is staying at 15 mg. Depakote,
and Klonopin are well gone for now. Since I don't
have a thyroid gland- I have to take that med,
along with a multi-vitamin. I'm "staying" with
this. My doctor finially called me today! I
had to reschedule an appointment, and really didn't care when he called- if he would. But,
I can't believe he actually called! I am going
off the Lex however. I don't know what's in store- but going from 20 to 15 mg. took the
intense headaches away. Still have "tinges",
but nothing like I did. Have to see what "I'm"
like after 12 plus years of med. (Lord willing-
not too bad!) I'll keep in contact, and keep
posting. It's not been easy...you can feel weird
also from coming off. Trying to tell the difference between coming off, and possible
"symptoms"- except for anxiety (ouch!).Keep up those posts!
Posted by lil' jimi on May 30, 2003, at 16:32:16
In reply to Re: Advice please... » lil' jimi, posted by Napaba on May 30, 2003, at 11:09:08
> Hi jim
>
......
> So tell me about Lexapro. I still haven't started the switch. If the side effects are as severe as those brought on by Effexor then I'm going back to the doctor. I'm not going through Effexor withdraw for nothing.
>hi Napaba!
thanks for your response to my post!
well, your's is another nail in effexor’s coffin for me .... effexor’s withdrawals are notorious; then there’s sexual side effects; et cetera .... thanks again for your input. .... (my next targeted SSRI alternative is wellbutrin.)i am blessed that our discussion of effexor is entirely speculative and that i have Zero need for a replacement SSRI ... right now anyway
this is because lexapro ”has been very good for me”! (ho, ho!) .... in fact, i have been so fortunate in my response to lex that i would not think i was even indicative of the more typical lexapro experience, but this is what it’s been like for me:
good.
march 6 i took 10mg of lex and i had some SIDE EFFECTS, which spooked me enough that i went to 5mg march 7 through april 9, when i went back up to 10 mg where i have been since ....
those SIDE EFFECTS included panic attacks, which i had never had before, grogginess, flu-like symptoms, depersonalization (“kinda trippy”), some anorgasmia, some weird hyper-awareness of my appetite (?), episodic sweats, some at night ..... all of which went away completely in 2 weeks except for the sweats, and they diminished to almost zero by about 4 weeks, although i get them very rarely now and when i do i sweat only a little .... and now that i think about it, i haven’t had any lex’ sweats in more than a week ..... so maybe that one’s gone too.
these came back, in somewhat lessened form, when i increased my dose to 10mg, for maybe a week, 2 weeks at most.... then All Better.
at about 4 or 5 weeks i began to feel therapeutic benefits from lexapro:
less irritability; less worry; less depression; less rage; more tolerance; more contentment ...(i have mild depression .... my wife asked me to tell my gp she suspected i was depressed .... my gp handed me 3 weeks of lex samples .... my problem symptom is lack of motivation/ initiative.)
lexapro has completely solved any mood disorder i had (i am way cheerful now) and improved my experience of myself (i find i am much more alert to signals from my body: food tastes better; colors are brighter ((?) or something); music has more appeal; digestion keeps me informed (?) .... good things.
however i continue to be anti-motivational .... i have an attitude disorder still, but it’s much better and much more easily tolerated. ........ so that’s where i am now.
as for lexapro: possibly lots of initial adaptation SEs, some can be severe (but not for me, really), which may last as much as 4 to 6 weeks (but much less for me) and for this it’s recommended to slowly build up from low doses to a higher dose ..... some folks who have had great lex success (see Okpolosi/Mariposa’s posts) had bad SEs for Nine Weeks ... then success.
but for the folks that lexapro works for, all SEs go away completely ..... eventually
then there are the folks who spend 10 or 12 weeks trying to adapt to lex, but suffer nausea and diarrhea every day and more .... they have to quit, because lex is not for them.(march 7th i found this board and i then read All of the posts in this lexapro thread from june of 2002 up to now ..... most valuable resource (praise to dr. bob!) ... i would not have stayed with my med were it not for finding psycho-babble!)
summary:
1) lex has adaptation SEs
2) they go away ... usually
3) no poop out has been reported
4) if it works ..... it works
5) no way to know for sure without trying it, which means dealing with 1)
6) we read that the same initial SEs are likely when quitting lex, but can be lessened by progressively decreasing the doseagei hope this helps you.... mariposa, blkvettes and i could be your poster chidren for lex ....
the thing which gets my gp going for effexor is that it effects two neurotransmitters, instead of just the serotonin levels .... we have heard that this other neurotransmitter helps motivation, see ..... but we don’t want ot go there.
thanks again for writing back ..... post again as soon as you're in the mood.
TAKE CARE!!!!!! (<grin!> to blkvettes!)
~ jim
Posted by Mariposa on May 30, 2003, at 20:29:07
In reply to Re: Advice please » Napaba, posted by lil' jimi on May 30, 2003, at 16:32:16
YES I WOULD CONSIDER MYSELF A POSTER CHILD FOR LEXAPRO!!!!
I had a rough time w/SE's, but all gone now (except mild occassional jaw clenching).
I have had good results so far, and seem to have lots of motivtion and energy, my husband commented that I was acting like I was on speed!
Best of luck to you!!
Posted by tm on May 30, 2003, at 20:31:40
In reply to Re: Advice please - Poster child, posted by Mariposa on May 30, 2003, at 20:29:07
How long did it take for you to feel the full effects and at what strength are? tHanks Tim
Posted by Mariposa on May 30, 2003, at 20:42:02
In reply to Re: Advice please - Poster child, posted by tm on May 30, 2003, at 20:31:40
> How long did it take for you to feel the full effects and at what strength are? tHanks Tim
I would say I probably started feeling better at 9 weeks, and by 11th week I was sure I was doing MUCH better.
I started at 5mg, at end of 4th week went to 10mg, still at 10mg going into 5th month.
Posted by tm on May 31, 2003, at 8:15:34
In reply to Re: Advice please - Poster child » tm, posted by Mariposa on May 30, 2003, at 20:42:02
> > How long did it take for you to feel the full effects and at what strength are? tHanks Tim
>
> I would say I probably started feeling better at 9 weeks, and by 11th week I was sure I was doing MUCH better.
>
> I started at 5mg, at end of 4th week went to 10mg, still at 10mg going into 5th month.
I wake up with so much anxiety which is one of my problems and not caused by the Lex. I take .75 Xanax while I'm still laying in bed. Did you have or do you have this problem?
Posted by lil' jimi on May 31, 2003, at 12:48:39
In reply to Re: Advice please - Poster child » Mariposa, posted by tm on May 31, 2003, at 8:15:34
hi tim,
i am hoping to get blkvettes (Wayne)'s attention for you.
TM asks:
> > > How long did it take for you to feel the full effects and at what strength are? tHanks Tim
> >
Mariposa replied:
> > I would say I probably started feeling better at 9 weeks, and by 11th week I was sure I was doing MUCH better.
> >
> > I started at 5mg, at end of 4th week went to 10mg, still at 10mg going into 5th month.
>and now (this is where Wayne can help us) TM asks:
> I wake up with so much anxiety which is one of my problems and not caused by the Lex. I take .75 Xanax while I'm still laying in bed. Did you have or do you have this problem?
>Wayne has lex experience with anxiety and social phobia.
if he is busy, you could use the search at Babble to check Wayne's old posts .... they really are quite inspirational ...... just check for blkvettes' older posts..... that's 'blkvettes', as in "black Corvettes".
and as Wayne inspired me to say, with his closing....
TAKE CARE !!!!
and keep on posting!
~ jim
Posted by tm on May 31, 2003, at 12:58:41
In reply to Re: anxiety?! ..Hey, Wayne! » tm, posted by lil' jimi on May 31, 2003, at 12:48:39
> hi tim,
>
> i am hoping to get blkvettes (Wayne)'s attention for you.
>
> TM asks:
> > > > How long did it take for you to feel the full effects and at what strength are? tHanks Tim
> > >
> Mariposa replied:
> > > I would say I probably started feeling better at 9 weeks, and by 11th week I was sure I was doing MUCH better.
> > >
> > > I started at 5mg, at end of 4th week went to 10mg, still at 10mg going into 5th month.
> >
>
> and now (this is where Wayne can help us) TM asks:
> > I wake up with so much anxiety which is one of my problems and not caused by the Lex. I take .75 Xanax while I'm still laying in bed. Did you have or do you have this problem?
> >
>
> Wayne has lex experience with anxiety and social phobia.
>
> if he is busy, you could use the search at Babble to check Wayne's old posts .... they really are quite inspirational ...... just check for blkvettes' older posts..... that's 'blkvettes', as in "black Corvettes".
>
> and as Wayne inspired me to say, with his closing....
>
> TAKE CARE !!!!
> and keep on posting!
> ~ jim
>
Thanks I'll start looking, I have noticed some of his posts and not so sure we haven't crossed paths, but I new at this.
Tim
Posted by blkvettes on May 31, 2003, at 13:24:55
In reply to Re: anxiety?! ..Hey, Wayne! » lil' jimi, posted by tm on May 31, 2003, at 12:58:41
> > hi tim,
> >
> > i am hoping to get blkvettes (Wayne)'s attention for you.
> >
> > TM asks:
> > > > > How long did it take for you to feel the full effects and at what strength are? tHanks Tim
> > > >
> > Mariposa replied:
> > > > I would say I probably started feeling better at 9 weeks, and by 11th week I was sure I was doing MUCH better.
> > > >
> > > > I started at 5mg, at end of 4th week went to 10mg, still at 10mg going into 5th month.
> > >
> >
> > and now (this is where Wayne can help us) TM asks:
> > > I wake up with so much anxiety which is one of my problems and not caused by the Lex. I take .75 Xanax while I'm still laying in bed. Did you have or do you have this problem?
> > >
> >
> > Wayne has lex experience with anxiety and social phobia.
> >
> > if he is busy, you could use the search at Babble to check Wayne's old posts .... they really are quite inspirational ...... just check for blkvettes' older posts..... that's 'blkvettes', as in "black Corvettes".
> >
> > and as Wayne inspired me to say, with his closing....
> >
> > TAKE CARE !!!!
> > and keep on posting!
> > ~ jim
> >
> Thanks I'll start looking, I have noticed some of his posts and not so sure we haven't crossed paths, but I new at this.
> Tim
>
Hi, the depression was the first to go for me. I had bad panic attacks and anxiety. The panic attacks went away early but the fear and anxiety persisted. Now I had this bad!!!! So bad I did not leave my room for months. I was shaking had muscle spasms and I could go on and on. Afraid to be alone for a couple of months. Now I do pretty much what I want on my terms. Somewhere around week 6 everything started to come around slowly. I started leaving on my own and it was hard. I remember that 1st drive in the car. I only drove about 1 mile and got gas and air for the car. My legs felt like noodles and the anxiety was overwhelming. But as time went on I gained more and more confidence. It got so bad at one point I had to have someone keep my dog because the barking would drive me crazy. But once the med starts to work you still have to do your part. Its not something that just goes away. You have to face all the fears that have built up in you if you have them. Im still doing this now. I have a trip to the mall planned and the next big hurdle is the 1 hour drive to the beach by myself. The med does a lot of the work, but you have to do a lot of it also. Its a slow process and Im in like week 15. But it gets better and better if you have the right med. I have a thought that it took us a long time to get these fears and it takes a long time to overcome them. It does not happen over night. Need more info, just post!!!! GOOD LUCK!!!
WAYNE>>>>CANT GAT AWAY WITHOUT SAYING TAKE CARE TO lil jimi!!!!
Posted by lil' jimi on May 31, 2003, at 13:39:12
In reply to Re: anxiety?! ..Hey, Wayne!, posted by blkvettes on May 31, 2003, at 13:24:55
Posted by tm on May 31, 2003, at 13:52:15
In reply to Re: anxiety?! ..Hey, Wayne!, posted by blkvettes on May 31, 2003, at 13:24:55
> > > hi tim,
> > >
> > > i am hoping to get blkvettes (Wayne)'s attention for you.
> > >
> > > TM asks:
> > > > > > How long did it take for you to feel the full effects and at what strength are? tHanks Tim
> > > > >
> > > Mariposa replied:
> > > > > I would say I probably started feeling better at 9 weeks, and by 11th week I was sure I was doing MUCH better.
> > > > >
> > > > > I started at 5mg, at end of 4th week went to 10mg, still at 10mg going into 5th month.
> > > >
> > >
> > > and now (this is where Wayne can help us) TM asks:
> > > > I wake up with so much anxiety which is one of my problems and not caused by the Lex. I take .75 Xanax while I'm still laying in bed. Did you have or do you have this problem?
> > > >
> > >
> > > Wayne has lex experience with anxiety and social phobia.
> > >
> > > if he is busy, you could use the search at Babble to check Wayne's old posts .... they really are quite inspirational ...... just check for blkvettes' older posts..... that's 'blkvettes', as in "black Corvettes".
> > >
> > > and as Wayne inspired me to say, with his closing....
> > >
> > > TAKE CARE !!!!
> > > and keep on posting!
> > > ~ jim
> > >
> > Thanks I'll start looking, I have noticed some of his posts and not so sure we haven't crossed paths, but I new at this.
> > Tim
> >
>
>
> Hi, the depression was the first to go for me. I had bad panic attacks and anxiety. The panic attacks went away early but the fear and anxiety persisted. Now I had this bad!!!! So bad I did not leave my room for months. I was shaking had muscle spasms and I could go on and on. Afraid to be alone for a couple of months. Now I do pretty much what I want on my terms. Somewhere around week 6 everything started to come around slowly. I started leaving on my own and it was hard. I remember that 1st drive in the car. I only drove about 1 mile and got gas and air for the car. My legs felt like noodles and the anxiety was overwhelming. But as time went on I gained more and more confidence. It got so bad at one point I had to have someone keep my dog because the barking would drive me crazy. But once the med starts to work you still have to do your part. Its not something that just goes away. You have to face all the fears that have built up in you if you have them. Im still doing this now. I have a trip to the mall planned and the next big hurdle is the 1 hour drive to the beach by myself. The med does a lot of the work, but you have to do a lot of it also. Its a slow process and Im in like week 15. But it gets better and better if you have the right med. I have a thought that it took us a long time to get these fears and it takes a long time to overcome them. It does not happen over night. Need more info, just post!!!! GOOD LUCK!!!
> WAYNE>>>>CANT GAT AWAY WITHOUT SAYING TAKE CARE TO lil jimi!!!!
>Thanks Wayne,
I can leave the house and travel on my own. My anxiety I guess is getting the day started and the fright of how the day will go. I can not stay in my room or will go crazy. The anxiety is worse in the morning and comes and goes as the day moves along. I seem to be better at night. I have troubles going home which is 5 hours away. I have been in this new town with my family for a year. I suffer for about ten days after I go home. Horrible; nausea, lose of weight & confusion. My big challenge is over the next couple of weeks. I have had trips planned before I started having these problems. Next week my wife and I go to Jacksonville for a few days, which we have been doing for ten years. Two weeks laters the whole family goes to D.C. for a family vacation. I do have an appointment with the Psy Doc Tuesday the day before we leave. Darn the anxiety. This sight has been a relief for me, I have been reading and asking for a week now. Thanks Wayne, It alaways help to know that there is hope. Do you take Xanax?Hang In There! and Thanks Tim
>
Posted by lil' jimi on May 31, 2003, at 20:52:58
In reply to Re: anxiety?! ..Hey, Wayne! » tm, posted by lil' jimi on May 31, 2003, at 12:48:39
hey tim!
i wrote:
> if he is busy, you could use the search at Babble to check Wayne's old posts .... they really are quite inspirational ......which turns out to Not work Because the Babble search seems to only work for posts previous to june 27 , 2002 ..... sorry about that.
however, if you bring up the 1st post from the lexapro thread:
Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl Dr. Bob 6/11/02
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020609/msgs/109458.html
so that the entire thread is displayed in the browser's window ....
( .... at least, if you happen to be using ms internet explorer, netscape or safari, you can ... >)
... under the edit menu select the "Find" (or "Find on this page") function, ("Ctrl + F" on a pc or 'command + F' on a mac)...
enter "blkvettes" (or anything you please) ... click the button ... et cetera......sorry to have misguided you there, ol' tim, ol' buddy! ..... wish you the best! .... and ....
TAKE CARE !!!!!
~ jim
Posted by blkvettes on May 31, 2003, at 23:24:37
In reply to Re: anxiety?! ..(re: Babble search) ==== to TM !!, posted by lil' jimi on May 31, 2003, at 20:52:58
Your a good man Jim!!!! GOD BLESS!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by lil' jimi on June 1, 2003, at 4:48:11
In reply to lil jimi and lexapro, posted by blkvettes on May 31, 2003, at 23:24:37
i'm never going to be able to post "TAKE CARE!!!!" without thinking of you and hoping you're doing well .... and i like that ...
tim was asking if you took xanax ... i forgot, what are you taking now? and when?
isn't mariposa doing great! she knocks me out.
i may use a subject line to put a shout out to bill l. for an update .... i believe he is the longest time lex user .... since 9/02, i believe ..... i have seen that he's been posting on other threads.
did your past posts include that you used to drink but now you don't ? .... and that since you've been on meds you have quit ? .... did you say the meds lessen your desire / need / inclination to drink ? ....
i admire the support you give to our fellow posters and lex users .... you do good work, man.
TAKE CARE !!!!
~ jim
Posted by blkvettes on June 1, 2003, at 5:28:46
In reply to you ain't so bad yourself, Wayne !!!! (god bless!) » blkvettes, posted by lil' jimi on June 1, 2003, at 4:48:11
> i'm never going to be able to post "TAKE CARE!!!!" without thinking of you and hoping you're doing well .... and i like that ...
>
> tim was asking if you took xanax ... i forgot, what are you taking now? and when?
>
> isn't mariposa doing great! she knocks me out.
>
> i may use a subject line to put a shout out to bill l. for an update .... i believe he is the longest time lex user .... since 9/02, i believe ..... i have seen that he's been posting on other threads.
>
> did your past posts include that you used to drink but now you don't ? .... and that since you've been on meds you have quit ? .... did you say the meds lessen your desire / need / inclination to drink ? ....
>
> i admire the support you give to our fellow posters and lex users .... you do good work, man.
>
> TAKE CARE !!!!
> ~ jim
Hi Jim, now that we have blown hot air up each others rear with compliments lets get back to work. I take less than .5mg of xanax per day and thats mostly to help me sleep. Ive tapered down from 2.5mg that I started with many months ago. I had a drug problem in my early years. I went through drug rehab and have been clean for almost 20 years. My wife drinks and thats my biggest problem right now. But the funny thing is all my drug buddies are still using and they did not get what I have, GO FIGURE!!!! Yes mariposa is a wonderful story. I love to see it and gives hopes to others. On other boards I see a good story from time to time. Face it if someone is doing good they are not going to go looking for these boards. So thats one reason it looks like hardly anyone is getting better. JIM TAKE CARE!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by tm on June 1, 2003, at 6:28:24
In reply to Re: you ain't so bad yourself, Wayne !!!! (god bless!), posted by blkvettes on June 1, 2003, at 5:28:46
> > i'm never going to be able to post "TAKE CARE!!!!" without thinking of you and hoping you're doing well .... and i like that ...
> >
> > tim was asking if you took xanax ... i forgot, what are you taking now? and when?
> >
> > isn't mariposa doing great! she knocks me out.
> >
> > i may use a subject line to put a shout out to bill l. for an update .... i believe he is the longest time lex user .... since 9/02, i believe ..... i have seen that he's been posting on other threads.
> >
> > did your past posts include that you used to drink but now you don't ? .... and that since you've been on meds you have quit ? .... did you say the meds lessen your desire / need / inclination to drink ? ....
> >
> > i admire the support you give to our fellow posters and lex users .... you do good work, man.
> >
> > TAKE CARE !!!!
> > ~ jim
>
>
> Hi Jim, now that we have blown hot air up each others rear with compliments lets get back to work. I take less than .5mg of xanax per day and thats mostly to help me sleep. Ive tapered down from 2.5mg that I started with many months ago. I had a drug problem in my early years. I went through drug rehab and have been clean for almost 20 years. My wife drinks and thats my biggest problem right now. But the funny thing is all my drug buddies are still using and they did not get what I have, GO FIGURE!!!! Yes mariposa is a wonderful story. I love to see it and gives hopes to others. On other boards I see a good story from time to time. Face it if someone is doing good they are not going to go looking for these boards. So thats one reason it looks like hardly anyone is getting better. JIM TAKE CARE!!!!
> WAYNE
>
> LET ME HAVE MT TURN AT BLOWING HOT AIR!! You both are good guys to help me through this. I just took .75 of Xanax. I does not seem to make me sleepy. I don't go to bed with anxiety I wake up with it. I don't drink or use drugs. I inherited this from my father who has had it for 40 yrs. He just turned 70. Wasn't many meds back then. It sure helps to talk and to have people like you two to talk back. We will conquer anther day today.Hang in There. Tim
Posted by blkvettes on June 1, 2003, at 10:37:54
In reply to Re: you ain't so bad yourself, Wayne !!!! (god bless!), posted by tm on June 1, 2003, at 6:28:24
Hi Tim, just a thought!!! You said you dont go to bed with anxiety you wake up with it. You might consider changing xanax to klonopin. It stays in your body about 2 to 3 times longer than xanax. This is a proven fact!!! They both do the same thing, they are both benzos. I tried klonopin but did not like the way it made me feel. But you may like it better than xanax. Its worth a try!!! Maybe mention this to the doc!!! TAKE CARE!!!
WAYNE
Posted by Bill L on June 1, 2003, at 11:16:38
In reply to tm AND LEXAPRO , posted by blkvettes on June 1, 2003, at 10:37:54
Lil Jim asked for my lex experience so far. I started on 20 mg (since I was on 60 mg Celexa) when lex first came out about 8 months a go. I have been doing great on it. I feel a bit sharper mentally than I did on Celexa.
As for the daytime tiredness, I had it both on Celexa and lex but it has been gone ever since I started my dark chocolate treatment 10 weeks a go. I eat one serving ( 1 ounce) a day around 10 am and I do not feel like sleeping at my desk anymore. I'll post something soon on dark chocolate. Mars has developed a dark chocolate with a gtd minimum amount of flavinoids. Dove dark chocolate bars is the only product currently using it. Dark chocolate lowers blood pressure and lowers bad cholesterol. I have good results with Dove, but also with Hersheys dark.
As for the sexual side effects, they are less with lex than celex, but still there to some extent. Taking yohimbine is a big help but causes jitteriness for a few hours.
Posted by blkvettes on June 1, 2003, at 11:45:28
In reply to Lexapro Update, posted by Bill L on June 1, 2003, at 11:16:38
> Lil Jim asked for my lex experience so far. I started on 20 mg (since I was on 60 mg Celexa) when lex first came out about 8 months a go. I have been doing great on it. I feel a bit sharper mentally than I did on Celexa.
>
> As for the daytime tiredness, I had it both on Celexa and lex but it has been gone ever since I started my dark chocolate treatment 10 weeks a go. I eat one serving ( 1 ounce) a day around 10 am and I do not feel like sleeping at my desk anymore. I'll post something soon on dark chocolate. Mars has developed a dark chocolate with a gtd minimum amount of flavinoids. Dove dark chocolate bars is the only product currently using it. Dark chocolate lowers blood pressure and lowers bad cholesterol. I have good results with Dove, but also with Hersheys dark.
>
> As for the sexual side effects, they are less with lex than celex, but still there to some extent. Taking yohimbine is a big help but causes jitteriness for a few hours.
>
>
Hi there, I love your post about the chocolate. By the way happy your doing well on the lex as I am. But back to the chocolate!!! I posted about this quite awhile ago. In fact I blame some of my problems on chocolate. I quit cold turkey eating chocolate a few months before my world came crashing down. So into about week 4 or 5 on the lex I started eating chocolate again. I got a tip from someone on a chat. There are many posts on this on this board. It does a great number of things for the body as you stated. It also increases serotonin and other chemicals in the brain that affect mood. When I posted about my results I kind of got laughed at and picked on. Thats ok, I have a great sense of humor when not depressed. As far as sexual side effects, I have noticed that I may be getting a problem in this area. It started about 2 weeks ago. I dont know if its the med or in my mind. But I shall work on this problem, maybe I should get advice from leeran. She is the expert on this subject from this board!!!! TAKE CARE!!!
WAYNE
Posted by kinsey on June 1, 2003, at 15:03:58
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
Hi, I am new to this board and it has been very helpful to me. i have suffered from anxiety and depression for many years, but believe it or not finally at 48 i am taking something. i started lexapro last week. i really have not noticed any difference but i know i have to be patient. i'm scared but reading all your stories has helped me as i have no one really to talk to about this. just wanted to say thank you for making me feel not alone.
Posted by blkvettes on June 1, 2003, at 18:54:06
In reply to just started lexapro, posted by kinsey on June 1, 2003, at 15:03:58
> Hi, I am new to this board and it has been very helpful to me. i have suffered from anxiety and depression for many years, but believe it or not finally at 48 i am taking something. i started lexapro last week. i really have not noticed any difference but i know i have to be patient. i'm scared but reading all your stories has helped me as i have no one really to talk to about this. just wanted to say thank you for making me feel not alone.
Hi there, glad you got help after all these years. How many mg of lex are you taking? There is really not much to fear!!! Be patient and welcome to the board!!! Sometimes the board gets slow but you can read old posts for info with a search. We care here but sometimes everyone is away at the same time. TAKE CARE!!!
WAYNE
Posted by tm on June 1, 2003, at 20:56:21
In reply to Re: just started lexapro, posted by blkvettes on June 1, 2003, at 18:54:06
> > Hi, I am new to this board and it has been very helpful to me. i have suffered from anxiety and depression for many years, but believe it or not finally at 48 i am taking something. i started lexapro last week. i really have not noticed any difference but i know i have to be patient. i'm scared but reading all your stories has helped me as i have no one really to talk to about this. just wanted to say thank you for making me feel not alone.
>
>
> Hi there, glad you got help after all these years. How many mg of lex are you taking? There is really not much to fear!!! Be patient and welcome to the board!!! Sometimes the board gets slow but you can read old posts for info with a search. We care here but sometimes everyone is away at the same time. TAKE CARE!!!
> WAYNE
>
> Hi, I'm just a few weeks ahead of you. Reading this board has also given me relief. Read about Cleo he started May 7 and has started to feel better. I made it through today with taking Xanax whe I woke up and that's all, I normally take it 4 times a day. From all I have read on this board it sounds like Lex will pay off with time. Listen to what Wayne has to say, we have posted back ond fourth the last few days and he has given me hope and relief. Hang in there, I will look forward to future posts to see how you are doing. Tim
Posted by tm on June 1, 2003, at 21:00:15
In reply to Re: just started lexapro, posted by tm on June 1, 2003, at 20:56:21
> > > Hi, I am new to this board and it has been very helpful to me. i have suffered from anxiety and depression for many years, but believe it or not finally at 48 i am taking something. i started lexapro last week. i really have not noticed any difference but i know i have to be patient. i'm scared but reading all your stories has helped me as i have no one really to talk to about this. just wanted to say thank you for making me feel not alone.
> >
> >
> > Hi there, glad you got help after all these years. How many mg of lex are you taking? There is really not much to fear!!! Be patient and welcome to the board!!! Sometimes the board gets slow but you can read old posts for info with a search. We care here but sometimes everyone is away at the same time. TAKE CARE!!!
> > WAYNE
> >
> > Hi, I'm just a few weeks ahead of you. Reading this board has also given me relief. Read about Cleo he started May 7 and has started to feel better. I made it through today with taking Xanax whe I woke up and that's all, I normally take it 4 times a day. From all I have read on this board it sounds like Lex will pay off with time. Listen to what Wayne has to say, we have posted back ond fourth the last few days and he has given me hope and relief. Hang in there, I will look forward to future posts to see how you are doing. TimMeant to say Theo not Cleo! Sorry! Tim
>
>
Posted by lil' jimi on June 2, 2003, at 1:56:31
In reply to Lexapro Update, posted by Bill L on June 1, 2003, at 11:16:38
hi Bill L !
thanks for posting your update! ... i've only used lex for 3 months .... hoping you won't mind a few question, please ... ?
Bill L writes:
>> Lil Jim asked for my lex experience so far. I started on 20 mg (since I was on 60 mg Celexa) when lex first came out about 8 months a go. I have been doing great on it. I feel a bit sharper mentally than I did on Celexa.
>may i ask a few details of your history, please?:
... what were the symptoms originally?
... when did you begin celexa?
... why did you switch to lexapro?Bill L continues:
>> As for the daytime tiredness, I had it both on Celexa and lex but it has been gone ever since I started my dark chocolate treatment 10 weeks a go. I eat one serving ( 1 ounce) a day around 10 am and I do not feel like sleeping at my desk anymore. I'll post something soon on dark chocolate. Mars has developed a dark chocolate with a gtd minimum amount of flavinoids. Dove dark chocolate bars is the only product currently using it. Dark chocolate lowers blood pressure and lowers bad cholesterol. I have good results with Dove, but also with Hersheys dark.
>thanks for this info! ..... this i got to try!
for blkvettes benefit: these beneficial flavinoids are found only in the dark chocolate, NOT in milk chocolate, right Bill L?
.... how many calories in an ounce, Bill?
.... cholesterol?more from Bill L:
>> As for the sexual side effects, they are less with lex than celex, but still there to some extent. Taking yohimbine is a big help but causes jitteriness for a few hours.
>about the sexual SEs: i've read about three separate issues: decreased libido; erectile function; anorgasmia.
.... i take it that yours is libido decrease?a few days ago i noticed this post implying sexual SE (from another SSRI) recovery by using Claratin:
"FYI: Claritin and Sexual Dysfunction
Posted by JonW on June 8, 2002, at 15:36:48Hi all,
The latest Journal of Clinical Psychiatry (Volume 63 June 2002 Number 6) includes a letter to the editor entitled "Fluoxetine-Induced Sexual Dysfunction Reversed by Loratadine. Russel V. Brubaker".
Jon"
thought it could be worth a try!
my specific interest in your experience is whether or not you have had any indication of "poop out"?
.... this remains of great concern to those of us beginning to have confidence in lexapro.thanks again for your post and best to you,
~ jim
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