![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 3291 to 3315 of 8406. Go back in thread:
Posted by jdgjdg on June 13, 2003, at 19:52:09
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I switched to Lexapro from Zoloft about 4 months ago. I went from 300mg of Zoloft to 20 of Lexapro. I attempted 30 of Lexapro, but I had terrible night sweats and nightmares nightly. I take the Lexapro for OCD. I am about 90% symptom free regarding the OCD. I still suffer from Atypical depression. The lexapro doesn't seem to do much for that. I've recently been prescribed Wellbutrin for the depression. It's only been a month, but I am not having any additional side effects yet(except wonderful weight loss). I would recommend lexapro to anyone over Zoloft. Make sure you warn them of the zoloft "withdrawl" it was horrible!
Take care
Posted by jdgjdg on June 13, 2003, at 19:58:37
In reply to Re: alcohol versus lexapro » lil' jimi, posted by oldhand on June 10, 2003, at 22:08:46
I'm glad you increased your Lexapro to 20, I saw a huge improvement when I went up to 20. But be aware if you raise the dosage again. 30mg is a lot to tolerate. I generally have very mild side effects with the ssri's(i took 300mg of zoloft with no problems), and 30mg of lexapro gave me terrible nightmares and night sweats. I was also very paranoid. I've found it's better for me to add another drug(wellbutrin) than to increase above 20mg of lexapro. Good luck.
Posted by Mariposa on June 13, 2003, at 23:12:37
In reply to Re: Is this drug a joke?Rant, posted by 2beornot2benuts on June 13, 2003, at 18:21:29
> O.K., It's been nearly 3 1/2 weeks or 24 days, and I'm still sick as can be! I never had this many SE's, I think I'm gonna increase my dose from 10mg to 15mg tonight. I'm scared!!! The rediculous part is, my joke of a pdoc told me this new A/D (Lex), "Has a very clean SE profile"!!! I'm losing alot of hair too! I'm still clenching my jaws!!Plus all the other stuff I've been complaining (suffering from) about since I started posting here! NO lights have come on over here!!!(meaning the drug has started working) Some of you guys/gals waited 4 months?!?! F@#!%K THAT!!! If this dose increase doesn't do the trick, I'm going back to Zoloft (or serious street drugs!) THANK YOU for letting me rant...Gotta go lay down, the room is spinning...again..Jackie
I know how you are feeling....been there, done that. Not sure who had to wait 4 months??? that's a bit exessive, and I certainly wouldn't wait that long. Most of the literature, studies, opinions, word of mouth, folklore, suggest 6 to 8 weeks. I suffered a lot w/initial SE's but they all have gone away and I'm doing MUCH better now...going on 5 months. You've gone this far, please consider giving it the 8 weeks befor you decide, because the worst of it is probably over now, or will be shortly.
We're all pulling for you~~~8|8
Posted by 2beornot2benuts on June 14, 2003, at 0:08:28
In reply to Re: Is this drug a joke?Rant » 2beornot2benuts, posted by Mariposa on June 13, 2003, at 23:12:37
Hello there, Thanks for the post, I'm glad your'e getting some relief after 5 months, I just don't recall ever having this much trouble adjusting to a new A/D before! I know you hope (advise?) that I give the med a full 8 weeks. I will give it my best shot, but it's been way too bumpy a ride so far!! Im in 3 1/2 weeks already and I'm just about to up my dose from 10mg to 15mg in just a few minutes...I'm scared!! I'll check in with you tomorrow...Have a good night and a great weekend...Jackie
Posted by male34 on June 14, 2003, at 8:46:46
In reply to Re: My Lexpro update good news, posted by tm on June 8, 2003, at 19:49:57
lex jan 2003 now june 2002 it works anxiety it takes a long while for me but it did work, id say march it was working full but dont quit give it a while
Posted by tm on June 14, 2003, at 10:40:11
In reply to Re: My Lexpro update good news, posted by male34 on June 14, 2003, at 8:46:46
> lex jan 2003 now june 2002 it works anxiety it takes a long while for me but it did work, id say march it was working full but dont quit give it a while
I have a couple of questions for you. My main problem is also anxiety. Do you take anything besides the Lex? Are all days or mornings perfect or do have to remind youself that you are ok? I ask because I am doing better, but I have woken up early the last two mornings and I do have thoughts that I still have to work through at times, it's not everyday. The difference is now my mind will work through them. Thanks Tim and glad to hear you are doing!!
Posted by flight on June 14, 2003, at 16:07:27
In reply to Re: My Lexpro update good news » male34, posted by tm on June 14, 2003, at 10:40:11
I just started taking 5mg of Lexapro 3-4 days ago, I have an overwhelming sense of terror and panic more now than ever before, I wake up at 4 am and my legs and arms are shaking, I have severe leg cramps, vertigo, insomnia, and I end up crying all night long with pain and anxiety that something terrible is wrong with me like Lupus or cancer! My Dr. gave it to me for IBS but I don't think all these side effects are worth it, do they go away or are these not side effects from this drug? Is something else wrong with me? I am freaking out. Any professionals have any advice, this is the 5th antidepressant drug that I have tried in the past 8 months and they all either give me terrible shakes and more anxiety or severe nausea and diarhea! [email protected]
Posted by flight on June 14, 2003, at 16:15:26
In reply to Re: Hair Loss » DC, posted by Mariposa on June 13, 2003, at 15:31:49
Does anyone get muscle pain or vertigo or shakiness while on Lexapro, especially the first week? I don't know if it's me all messed up or the drug making me feel like that!
Posted by Mariposa on June 14, 2003, at 16:54:35
In reply to Lex- Muscle pain anyone?, posted by flight on June 14, 2003, at 16:15:26
> Does anyone get muscle pain or vertigo or shakiness while on Lexapro, especially the first week? I don't know if it's me all messed up or the drug making me feel like that!
what you describe sound like common Lexapro SE's, the first 2-3 weeks are the worst, SE's taper off and DO GO AWAY, you may not experience any "relief" until 6 - 8 weeks. Please hang in there and be strong, Lex has done wonders for me and many others!!
Best of Luck and keep us posted.~~~8|8
Posted by tm on June 14, 2003, at 18:23:34
In reply to Re: My Lexpro update good news » male34, posted by tm on June 14, 2003, at 10:40:11
> > lex jan 2003 now june 2002 it works anxiety it takes a long while for me but it did work, id say march it was working full but dont quit give it a while
>
> I have a couple of questions for you. My main problem is also anxiety. Do you take anything besides the Lex? Are all days or mornings perfect or do have to remind youself that you are ok? I ask because I am doing better, but I have woken up early the last two mornings and I do have thoughts that I still have to work through at times, it's not everyday. The difference is now my mind will work through them. Thanks Tim and glad to hear you are doing!!Mariposa will you look at my question and give me your thoughts. thanks Tim (TM)
Posted by 2beornot2benuts on June 14, 2003, at 20:24:02
In reply to Lexapro and sheer terror!, posted by flight on June 14, 2003, at 16:07:27
Hi Cathy, Sorry to hear of the side effects you're going through. They're rough, believe me I know. Not to discourage you, but a few days on the med isn't alot of time. But everyone is different,yours may pass soon(I hope).I have to admit I've never heard of treating IBS (irritable bowel syndrome?) with antidepressants. The symptoms you describe, insomnia,shakes,panic,ect. sound very much like Lex side effects. And the dose that your on is small (5mg). I hope that you keep in touch with the doctor who prescribes this, let him or her know what's up with your suffering. I feel for you, it's sheer misery. Maybe you can take 2.5mg of the Lex, and hopefully something for the panic and insomnia. I'm in a state of misery myself with Lex, and I just increased my dose! That's what my doc told me to do, so...anyhow, I wish you some relief...Take care...Jackie
Posted by CarrieL on June 14, 2003, at 22:08:41
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I have been taking mg's of Lexapro in December, 2002. When I first began taking it, I noticed some slight short-term memory loss... like I'd forgot what I was looking for, etc. Also, recently, my skin has been breaking out... not in pimples but in these "bumps" on my face. I'm thinking maybe it's a reaction with the sun, now that summer is here. Anyone have similar reactions?
Posted by jdgjdg on June 14, 2003, at 22:21:49
In reply to Re: My Lexpro update good news Mariposa ???, posted by tm on June 14, 2003, at 18:23:34
I have similar results with my anxiety. I really don't think any meds. will take your anxiety away completely. I think that's something you have to work on with a therapist. The lexapro has made me feel a lot better, but I think what it really does is just take the edge off. I also take Wellbutrin, but that is prescribed for depression. I think the Wellbutrin helps with the dopamine levels in the brain as well as seratonin. I think the best thing to do is talk to your doctor. I get much better advice from my psychiatrist than my general doctor. Good Luck
Posted by Sabina on June 14, 2003, at 23:55:16
In reply to Lexapro and sheer terror!, posted by flight on June 14, 2003, at 16:07:27
I started Lex on 6/4 to treat anxiety/depression stemming from Fibromyalgia/Chronic Fatigue Symdrome. Incidentally, IBS *can* be a piggyback condition of FM/CFS, so I'm not surprised to hear it was given to you for that reason. My first seven days were sheer hell. Too many SE's to even list here, including leg pain (even though my doc said that I *wasn't* having any side effects from the Lex). She was just plain wrong. I'm really sensitive to SSRI's. This is the 4th one I've tried, after Prozac, Paxil, and Zoloft. My doc added some Xanax to take the edge off my anxiety and I have to say that I'm definitely doing better for the past three days. I would also urge you to push on through and wait for it to get better. My line of reasoning, or mantra, if you will, was, "I don't want to have gone through all this crap for nothing." Good luck!
Posted by theo on June 16, 2003, at 0:24:03
In reply to Skin break-outs and short-term memory loss, posted by CarrieL on June 14, 2003, at 22:08:41
Yes, my skin doesn't seem as smooth and I have a pretty good bump on my left cheek but have currently been in the sun. Being in the sun has not caused bumps on me before. I'm 39 and have not had many bumps or pimples in years! I just noticed this today as I was shaving. It's not discolored but like a little knot. I started Lexapro 10mg on May 7th. I'll keep you posted as I hope it diminishes quick!
Posted by Mariposa on June 16, 2003, at 10:38:02
In reply to Re: My Lexpro update good news Mariposa ???, posted by tm on June 14, 2003, at 18:23:34
> > > lex jan 2003 now june 2002 it works anxiety it takes a long while for me but it did work, id say march it was working full but dont quit give it a while
> >
> > I have a couple of questions for you. My main problem is also anxiety. Do you take anything besides the Lex? Are all days or mornings perfect or do have to remind youself that you are ok? I ask because I am doing better, but I have woken up early the last two mornings and I do have thoughts that I still have to work through at times, it's not everyday. The difference is now my mind will work through them. Thanks Tim and glad to hear you are doing!!
>
> Mariposa will you look at my question and give me your thoughts. thanks Tim (TM)
>
>TM - I am only taking Lex, no other meds, DX - depression,I do not have anxiety. I too have trouble some mornings, still feel depressed and don't want to get up, so I know how you are feeling. I too have to work through it and force myself, but it is a lot easier than it used to be. I really don't have an answer for you, but you should let your DR know.
Posted by MB on June 16, 2003, at 18:59:58
In reply to Lexapro and sheer terror!, posted by flight on June 14, 2003, at 16:07:27
I always thought it was so strange that doctors prescribe SSRIs for Irritable Bowel Syndrome. I know that there are serotonin receptors in the stomach and in the intestines, but it seems to me that stimulating these would make IBS worse! I'm only going on my own personal experiences which are that SSRIs are very hard on my stomach and intestines. I'm on Lexapro right now with occasional stomach/intestinal cramps, and with irregular "bowel patterns." In fact, I thought that the Lexapro was *giving* me Irritable Bowel Syndrome, so I looked up the treatments for IBS (hoping to find some way to alleviate it). Lo and behold, the treatment of choice is an SSRI. I couldn't believe my eyes. Wouldn't it make more sense to block the serotonin receptors in the stomach and intestine to treat this disorder? I'm confused. I'm reading a paper that describes the serotonin receptors in the gut (mainly 5HT-4), and it says that stimulation of these causes contraction. It says antagonists of these 5HT-4 receptors might be helpful for IBS. If this is the case, why use a drug that increases serotonergic tone throughout the entire body (as SSRIs do) to treat IBS? Can someone explain?
By the way, the paper can be found at:
http://www.biotrend.com/pdf/serot.pdf
MB
Posted by sme on June 16, 2003, at 19:49:41
In reply to Skin break-outs and short-term memory loss, posted by CarrieL on June 14, 2003, at 22:08:41
I get bumps too. On my legs and arms. I get redish blemish bumps on my face too. Not badly, but enough for me to notice. At first I thought I was reacting to clothes detergents. But changing soap did not stop it. Short term memory loss has been a problem. My boyfriend gives me such a hard time about that. All I can say is that I can't help it. It's just all part of the trade off.
Posted by Office_LB on June 16, 2003, at 21:34:34
In reply to Skin break-outs and short-term memory loss, posted by CarrieL on June 14, 2003, at 22:08:41
> I have been taking mg's of Lexapro in December, 2002. When I first began taking it, I noticed some slight short-term memory loss... like I'd forgot what I was looking for, etc. Also, recently, my skin has been breaking out... not in pimples but in these "bumps" on my face. I'm thinking maybe it's a reaction with the sun, now that summer is here. Anyone have similar reactions?
I noticed breakouts and short term memory loss too. I have heard increasing serotinin where it was previously defincient can upregulate your HPTA to produce more testosterone. I feel healthier and more vigorous so I believe that is what happened to me. As far as the memory loss...I figured I was just feeling more relaxed and less "with it" and if I become a little absent-minded, hey, it's a small price to pay for happiness :)
Posted by Office_LB on June 16, 2003, at 21:38:08
In reply to Re: Skin break-outs and short-term memory loss, posted by sme on June 16, 2003, at 19:49:41
> I get bumps too. On my legs and arms. I get redish blemish bumps on my face too. Not badly, but enough for me to notice. At first I thought I was reacting to clothes detergents. But changing soap did not stop it. Short term memory loss has been a problem. My boyfriend gives me such a hard time about that. All I can say is that I can't help it. It's just all part of the trade off.
God he sounds like a dick. I would be so much more supportive. I don't have a gf right now but if I did I would expect her to be very supportive of my condition. Hell that's the point of having a significant other, for support and companionship. Well, there's is also sex :p
Posted by CarrieL on June 16, 2003, at 21:48:15
In reply to Re: Skin break-outs and short-term memory loss, posted by Office_LB on June 16, 2003, at 21:38:08
I was prescribed 10 mg's a day for sleeplessness (due to anxiety). I liked it at first, but am now considering getting off of it... as the side effects may not be worth it. Anyone know if its okay to just stop taking it? If so, I have 30 pills for sale, cheap. lol.
Posted by Sabina on June 16, 2003, at 23:30:46
In reply to Does SSRI For IBS Seem Strange?, posted by MB on June 16, 2003, at 18:59:58
Maybe this link will be a start for you. http://ibscrohns.about.com/library/weekly/aa050503a.htm I suffer from Fibromyalgia and Chronic Faigue Syndrome. The only treatments currently sanctioned by traditional medical practitioners for those and their related illnesses (including IBS) are SSRI and pain meds. I'm sad to say that I really don't know about all the technical talk, as my head is usually too muddled to think clearly enough, but it doesn't surprise me that it was presribed for IBS. I hope you get some relief in time.
Posted by Cerodwen on June 16, 2003, at 23:49:57
In reply to Re: Does SSRI For IBS Seem Strange?, posted by Sabina on June 16, 2003, at 23:30:46
I started taking Lexapro (5mg/day) 4 days ago - so far I haven't noticed any side effects, although in the past month I have noticed that I started getting blemishes on my shoulders and red spots on my neck. I don't know what causes that. I am also taking topamax, 200mg. I am hoping the Lexapro will relieve my crushing depression and anxiety.
Posted by Sabina on June 17, 2003, at 0:23:53
In reply to Is it okay to just stop taking Lexapro?, posted by CarrieL on June 16, 2003, at 21:48:15
From all I've read and heard, plus my own nervous nature, I would advise against stopping suddenly. If you don't like the side effects (God knows I don't), think of what a crash landing might do for you.
Posted by DC on June 17, 2003, at 8:03:25
In reply to Re: Is it okay to just stop taking Lexapro?, posted by Sabina on June 17, 2003, at 0:23:53
> From all I've read and heard, plus my own nervous nature, I would advise against stopping suddenly. If you don't like the side effects (God knows I don't), think of what a crash landing might do for you.
I would have to agree. I wouldn't suggest quitting
cold turkey. I know I did that with Paxil and
highly regretted it. The side effects from taking
the medication was MUCH better than those from
stopping all at once. I would think that most of
these types of meds would have the same effect if
you don't slowly reduce your dosage and wean yourself
off of them. Taking your bodies levels of certain
things from one level to absolutely nothing could
give you the "crash landing" as well stated by
Sabina. I would ask the doctor also.
Go forward in thread:
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.