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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Mariposa on September 4, 2003, at 9:42:17
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects and UPDATE, posted by ELENI4 on September 3, 2003, at 21:59:56
> > Today is day #9 on 10 mg. Day number 1-5 were HORRIBLE with SE's. I experienced Nausea, Dizziness, Fatigue, and feelings of hyperactivity. These feelings would come to me interchangeably and in waves. One moment I would feel absolutely fine and the next moment I would want to crawl right under my desk. On day 6, I thought that I might be noticing a very slight reduction in the SE's, however I questioned if it was wishful thinking or if I was building up a tolerance. But I can now report that the SE's, although are still here, have subsided drastically since the first few days. And I am becoming hopeful, if not down right excited, to be past this point all together and to begin reaping the benefits of Lex.
> > So, this post is to encourage anyone out there who is putting off starting Lex out of fear of the SE's to NOT be afraid. And anyone who may be in their first, second, or third day of Lex and feeling like the world may end; hang tough. The SE's do subside.
> > And mostly I want to extend my gratitude to all of you wonderful souls that come to this board everyday to encourage and support those of us who are just now embarking on the journey that you began months ago. You have been such a tremendous support for me during this transition. May you know that you have made a difference in the life of a total stranger. Thank you.
> > ~Koko
>
> That's great you were able to stick with it. I took my first dose this past Thursday and was fine although my legs felt a little heavy. However Friday's dose kicked my ass. The Lexapro made my nose a little stuffy so I took some Benadryl...big mistake. I slept ALL DAY AND NIGHT on Friday and finally woke up on Sat at 2pm. During the two hrs I was awake on Fri, I also had heart palpitations and a rapid heart beat in addition to obvious tiredness and some weakness. I also had triansient muscle pain and muscle twitches. I told my doctor this, but she attributed the tiredness to the Benadryl and the muscle pain to my playing around in a swimming pool for about 30 minutes the day before. However I don't believe it since Benadryl makes me tired, but not THAT tired. Also 30 minutes of very slight activity in a pool is not enough to make my muscles hurt. She knows I have anxiety and as a result, I think she was more willing to just shrug off my complaints. Also I had a fever and a sore throat on Sat and Sun, which may or may not be related...have no idea. I didn't even get to tell her about that or the palpitations. I was too rushed. Now I'm scared to continue this medication and my doctor ignoring my concerns only serves to make it worse. She thinks I should continue the Lexapro while I think I should cut my losses and try something else. The pharmacists I consulted agree with me, that it's not worth those kind of side effects. Has anyone experienced anything similar to what I described? They seem like serious side effects, but I don't know. I'm not a doctor. Should I be concerned about giving the medication another shot? I'm really hesitant to do this since two days of medicine caused four days of Hell.Believe it or not my experience w/initial se's was much worse than what you describe. I did not take Ben., had all of your se's, plus a long list of others. I called in sick to work whole second week because I couldn't get off the couch. I stuck with it w/encouragement from this board, and se's DID go away as eveyone said they would. Now I am doing SO MUCH better and glad I toughed it out. If you have already taken Lex for 10 days or more, you should consider continuing, as the worst is about over.
Best of luck!~~~8|8
Posted by Esmarelda on September 4, 2003, at 10:46:04
In reply to Esmarelda--8/8 Wayne, posted by tm on September 3, 2003, at 19:14:25
Hey Tim! Yes, it does sound like we are in the same spot. My therapist recommended that I go ahead and take 5 more mg which I did for the first time this morning. I had another death in my family day before yesterday and have been upset about that, but I felt the anxiety even before my uncle died. I will let everyone know how I do. I don't take anything for anxiety, but once the Lex started working. It seemed to take care of the problem. Fran
Mariposa - did you have any SE's when you upped your dosage?
Posted by Esmarelda on September 4, 2003, at 10:53:41
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects and UPDATE » ELENI4, posted by Mariposa on September 4, 2003, at 9:42:17
I guess I was extremely lucky because I never had any really serious side effects and didn't know I had any until I started reading this board. I did not experience ANY until after I had been taking lex about a week. I got really depressed and anxious - but at the same time I also discovered my ex who was trying to get back with me was seeing someone else -- so who knows if it was the Lex or what. I had 1 solitary spell of dizziness that lasted for a few seconds, some nausea and some diarrhea, but nothing severe. I still am very, very tired when I wake up in the morning and I also take Benadryl almost every night to sleep -- maybe it's the combination of the two?? Who knows.
Posted by Mariposa on September 4, 2003, at 17:32:02
In reply to Re: Esmarelda--8/8 Wayne » tm, posted by Esmarelda on September 4, 2003, at 10:46:04
> Mariposa - did you have any SE's when you upped your dosage?No, went from 10mg to 20mg w/only slight dizziness for 3 days. Had very bad se's in the beginning and was worried about a repeat, but it never happened. Into 3rd wk @ 20mg, and doing better.
Best of luck!~~~8|8
Posted by ELENI4 on September 4, 2003, at 18:58:04
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects and UPDATE » ELENI4, posted by Mariposa on September 4, 2003, at 9:42:17
> > > Today is day #9 on 10 mg. Day number 1-5 were HORRIBLE with SE's. I experienced Nausea, Dizziness, Fatigue, and feelings of hyperactivity. These feelings would come to me interchangeably and in waves. One moment I would feel absolutely fine and the next moment I would want to crawl right under my desk. On day 6, I thought that I might be noticing a very slight reduction in the SE's, however I questioned if it was wishful thinking or if I was building up a tolerance. But I can now report that the SE's, although are still here, have subsided drastically since the first few days. And I am becoming hopeful, if not down right excited, to be past this point all together and to begin reaping the benefits of Lex.
> > > So, this post is to encourage anyone out there who is putting off starting Lex out of fear of the SE's to NOT be afraid. And anyone who may be in their first, second, or third day of Lex and feeling like the world may end; hang tough. The SE's do subside.
> > > And mostly I want to extend my gratitude to all of you wonderful souls that come to this board everyday to encourage and support those of us who are just now embarking on the journey that you began months ago. You have been such a tremendous support for me during this transition. May you know that you have made a difference in the life of a total stranger. Thank you.
> > > ~Koko
> >
> > That's great you were able to stick with it. I took my first dose this past Thursday and was fine although my legs felt a little heavy. However Friday's dose kicked my ass. The Lexapro made my nose a little stuffy so I took some Benadryl...big mistake. I slept ALL DAY AND NIGHT on Friday and finally woke up on Sat at 2pm. During the two hrs I was awake on Fri, I also had heart palpitations and a rapid heart beat in addition to obvious tiredness and some weakness. I also had triansient muscle pain and muscle twitches. I told my doctor this, but she attributed the tiredness to the Benadryl and the muscle pain to my playing around in a swimming pool for about 30 minutes the day before. However I don't believe it since Benadryl makes me tired, but not THAT tired. Also 30 minutes of very slight activity in a pool is not enough to make my muscles hurt. She knows I have anxiety and as a result, I think she was more willing to just shrug off my complaints. Also I had a fever and a sore throat on Sat and Sun, which may or may not be related...have no idea. I didn't even get to tell her about that or the palpitations. I was too rushed. Now I'm scared to continue this medication and my doctor ignoring my concerns only serves to make it worse. She thinks I should continue the Lexapro while I think I should cut my losses and try something else. The pharmacists I consulted agree with me, that it's not worth those kind of side effects. Has anyone experienced anything similar to what I described? They seem like serious side effects, but I don't know. I'm not a doctor. Should I be concerned about giving the medication another shot? I'm really hesitant to do this since two days of medicine caused four days of Hell.
>
> Believe it or not my experience w/initial se's was much worse than what you describe. I did not take Ben., had all of your se's, plus a long list of others. I called in sick to work whole second week because I couldn't get off the couch. I stuck with it w/encouragement from this board, and se's DID go away as eveyone said they would. Now I am doing SO MUCH better and glad I toughed it out. If you have already taken Lex for 10 days or more, you should consider continuing, as the worst is about over.
>
> Best of luck!~~~8|8Oh wow. Maybe I should tough it out. I've just never experienced anything like this in terms of side effects. I don't even think my Effexor withdrawl was as bad though it was pretty awful in a wholly different way. It's confusing and frustrating because the doctor wanted to pull me off Effexor due to insomnia even though that was the only major side effect I experienced while taking it. But she wants me to try Lexapro, which has hit me with ALL sorts of side effects. I guess I was more comfortable feeling a little hyper on Effexor than sleeping all the time and having muscle twitches and a sort of "heavy legs" feeling. It really freaked me out.
I'm so happy you were able to stick it out and now feel better. It's really encouraging. Hopefully I'll be able to summon enough courage to give it one more shot. I seriously applaude you. I don't know if I'll be able to start again and stick it out.
Posted by kookabear on September 4, 2003, at 19:25:21
In reply to Re: Esmarelda--8/8 Wayne » tm, posted by Esmarelda on September 4, 2003, at 10:46:04
Hello:
I have been on Effexor for several years and now have extremely high blood pressure. I have been comming off this drug for about 4 weeks, and have had a horrible time. Now the doc thinks I should take lexapro. I am very overweight, depressed, and still have high blood pressure.
Wellbutron 400mg
Diovan 320mg
water pill 10mg
thyroid pill 25mg
and now he wants to add Lexapro, and yeat another blood pressure med.
I am still having withdrawls from Effexor..I am very scared of going on another drug that can give so many side effects and withdrawl if does not work.
Any advice appreciated.kookabear
Posted by recumbent on September 4, 2003, at 21:29:02
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects and UPDATE, posted by altair on September 4, 2003, at 9:39:10
> How long does the withdrawals last? Ive been slowly taking myself off of lexapro for 3 weeks and am down to 2.5 mg a day from 10mg when i started.Withdrawals? I went cold turkey with no ill effects at all. Actually, the constant acid reflux feeling went away - which was what I noticed most. Unfortunately, since I was easier to live with on Lex, My wife insists that I get back on it.
Good luck all the same
Posted by galkeepinon on September 4, 2003, at 21:29:18
In reply to Lexapro side-effects and UPDATE, posted by koko on September 2, 2003, at 13:59:47
Hi koko~really happy to heart it's getting better for you on the Lexapro!~WONDERFUL!
Wishing you continued success also:-)
> Today is day #9 on 10 mg. Day number 1-5 were HORRIBLE with SE's. I experienced Nausea, Dizziness, Fatigue, and feelings of hyperactivity. These feelings would come to me interchangeably and in waves. One moment I would feel absolutely fine and the next moment I would want to crawl right under my desk. On day 6, I thought that I might be noticing a very slight reduction in the SE's, however I questioned if it was wishful thinking or if I was building up a tolerance. But I can now report that the SE's, although are still here, have subsided drastically since the first few days. And I am becoming hopeful, if not down right excited, to be past this point all together and to begin reaping the benefits of Lex.
> So, this post is to encourage anyone out there who is putting off starting Lex out of fear of the SE's to NOT be afraid. And anyone who may be in their first, second, or third day of Lex and feeling like the world may end; hang tough. The SE's do subside.
> And mostly I want to extend my gratitude to all of you wonderful souls that come to this board everyday to encourage and support those of us who are just now embarking on the journey that you began months ago. You have been such a tremendous support for me during this transition. May you know that you have made a difference in the life of a total stranger. Thank you.
> ~Koko
Posted by galkeepinon on September 4, 2003, at 21:30:39
In reply to Re: Teeth Grinding on Lex., posted by jdgjdg on September 2, 2003, at 18:13:44
>>>Lexapro is so much better than the others.
>>>Wow...I feel so lucky.
I couldn't have said it better:-)
Take care!I have had no bad side effects on the Lexapro. I take 20 of Lex and 400 of Wellbutrin for OCD and depression. The only thing I've noticed about the Lexapro is increased sweating and night sweats. I used to grind my teeth at night without the Lexapro from so much anxiety. I'm sure it will go away soon. Hang in there, Lexapro is so much better than the others.
Posted by galkeepinon on September 4, 2003, at 21:33:27
In reply to Questions about weight gain, posted by lexaprofessional on September 3, 2003, at 10:36:59
I've lost a few pounds since starting Lexparo 5 weeks ago. My appetite seems to wane on Lex. Lately I haven't much of an appetite though. I was on Topamax and lost 25 pounds, a total 360 from what I gained when on Seroquel and Effexor.Good luck!
> I started with lexapro about a month ago. I switched over from paxil, which among other things, caused me to gain about 15 pounds. I havnt seen any weight loss yet with lexapro. I wanted to know if anyone has gained or lost weight as a side effect of this drug or if they have any information on it. Thanks everyone.
Posted by galkeepinon on September 4, 2003, at 21:36:45
In reply to Re: Questions about weight gain, posted by Esmarelda on September 3, 2003, at 11:53:52
Hi Esmarelda I experience that *tinge* of anxiety too! Usually when I wake up in the morning.~weird. I don't think it's poop-out!really. With me, I think it's underlying issues that no med can fix. With you, I wouldn't know but I hope you're feeling better:-)
How ya doin?:-)> Now - A question for someone, the past few days I have been experiencing a tinge of anxiety (barely what I used to before the Lex). Is this the beginning of "poop out" and do I need to consider upping the dosage a little, or, is this just normal? I still feel good - just a tad of anxiety which I have not had it awhile now.
Posted by galkeepinon on September 4, 2003, at 21:44:56
In reply to Re: Esmarelda--8/8 Wayne » tm, posted by Esmarelda on September 4, 2003, at 10:46:04
Looks like I'm a little late on my posting LOL ok so you upped your dose? How you doing:-)?
I'm so sorry to hear about the death in your family. I've been there.
Take Care!
> Hey Tim! Yes, it does sound like we are in the same spot. My therapist recommended that I go ahead and take 5 more mg which I did for the first time this morning. I had another death in my family day before yesterday and have been upset about that, but I felt the anxiety even before my uncle died. I will let everyone know how I do. I don't take anything for anxiety, but once the Lex started working. It seemed to take care of the problem. Fran
> Mariposa - did you have any SE's when you upped your dosage?
Posted by sassyveg on September 4, 2003, at 22:58:49
In reply to Re: sick of these drugs, posted by kookabear on September 4, 2003, at 19:25:21
I haven't had many bad side effects from Lexapro. I've been on 20mg for about 5 months. The most annoying is the frustration when it comes to sex....my partner takes lex as well, and we both have problems climaxing, so we've all but stopped trying to, which is sad. The only other noticable, annoying side effect that I experience is teeth clenching, which I didn't even associate with the Lexapro until I read that other people on it do it too.
I also take a blood pressure medication (albeit for migraines) - Inderal LA. It seems to be pretty good, it brought my blood pressure down (even though it didn't really need to be brought down) and actually helped with the racy heartbeat feeling I would get in association with the anxiety that I started lex for. Phew, that's a mouthful. Anyway, it might be something to try for your blood pressure, because I haven't experienced any adverse side effects with it.
Posted by sassyveg on September 4, 2003, at 23:05:17
In reply to Re: sick of these drugs, posted by kookabear on September 4, 2003, at 19:25:21
oh yeah....i have to mention that i too am "sick of these drugs." not because i've been on any for all that long, but just because of the cost associated. i just quit my job in july so i could go to school full time, so now i have no insurance. i ran out of lexapro, and figured i would just stop taking it. 5 days into withdrawals, i've decided that i should stay on it, because the stuff that i started taking it for is coming back. plus, i'm almost out of the beta blocker i take for migraines, and if you stop that abruptly, apparently you can possibly have a heart attack. fun. so for a one month supply of that, and a two month supply of lexapro, i had to pay $210. my head nearly exploded!!
so basically - if docs are gonna be so quick to prescribe meds, then something needs to be done about making them more affordable....because i'd be willing to bet that most people taking prescription drugs aren't doing so by *choice*, but more so out of a necessity in order to function in one way or another (at least i know this is the case for me).
Posted by hog80ci on September 4, 2003, at 23:44:18
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects and UPDATE » hog80ci, posted by Arrianna on September 4, 2003, at 0:08:46
Thanks Arrianna
Seeing posts from people having such great success helps. Thanks!
Take care
Jim
Posted by galkeepinon on September 4, 2003, at 23:58:53
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects and UPDATE, posted by hog80ci on September 3, 2003, at 22:51:28
Hey Jim:-) I don't remember keeping such close track of my meds either LOL This Lex is great ain't it? I'm glad to hear that the nausea is gone wooooohooooooo hang in there with the teeth clenching-did you check about getting a nightguard to wear at night anyway? It may help you with that. We'll all keep riding it out and be just dandy:-)
Sending positive, side effect-free days your way:-)
Take good care:-)
> My two cents worth:-) Today is day 7 of 20mg and 13 days total on lex. I don't remember keeping such close track of meds before. Maybe it's because I found this little forum. Anyway...nausea is gone, still clenching my teeth a lot and need to be concious of that. Pretty hyper too and having a hard time sleeping. Doc said I can take just 10mg for a few more days if I want. I'm trying to just ride this out. I think it will be worth it in the end.
>
> Take care
> Jim
Posted by galkeepinon on September 5, 2003, at 0:01:42
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects and UPDATE, posted by altair on September 4, 2003, at 9:39:10
I'm sorry you've had such a rough time~I hear you! I haven't had experience in the Lex withdrawals department becasue I just started it, but I wish you lots of luck and hopefully you'll find something that does work for you!!!!!!
> I must be the only person who's been negativly effected by anti-depressants. Ive been on two different kinds...celexa and now lexapro. I'm getting off lexapro now and dealing with the horrible side effects associated with it.
>
> Forgive my jaded opinions about this drug and others like it, but I really am concerned by the apparent over use of these medications. I NEVER should have been given these meds. I dealt w/ lifes problems just fine before, save the slight bump in the road last year when I found out I had hiv. So yeah it helped for the depression associated w/ that but give me a break. Had I known about the withdrawals and weight gain I would never had consented to this drug. I've gained 15 pounds on these drugs and I hardly eat...for someone with a history of eating disorders this makes my life worse. I put these drugs in the same category as cocaine speed etc...how is my life benefiting from FDA sanctioned addiction?
>
> All this drug has given me is heart ache and suicidal tendencies which I NEVER experienced before. Why bother fighting a "war on drugs" if our government approves the distribution of drugs that are as dangeruous as common street drugs.
>
> Sorry but this kind of malpractice just pisses me off...but I do have a question.......
>
> How long does the withdrawals last? Ive been slowly taking myself off of lexapro for 3 weeks and am down to 2.5 mg a day from 10mg when i started.
Posted by galkeepinon on September 5, 2003, at 0:05:14
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects and UPDATE, posted by Esmarelda on September 4, 2003, at 10:53:41
I just thought of something..how can we know if the feelings we experience are from a med or something like what you talk about here that happened with an ex-ya know?
Also, I've been taking Benadryl too at night to sleep and I am sooooo dang tired in the AM lately. At first it didn't affect me like that because it didn't hit me until I was almost asleep, but now it seems to lag on after I wake up, just so sleepy!!!
weird...........> I guess I was extremely lucky because I never had any really serious side effects and didn't know I had any until I started reading this board. I did not experience ANY until after I had been taking lex about a week. I got really depressed and anxious - but at the same time I also discovered my ex who was trying to get back with me was seeing someone else -- so who knows if it was the Lex or what. I had 1 solitary spell of dizziness that lasted for a few seconds, some nausea and some diarrhea, but nothing severe. I still am very, very tired when I wake up in the morning and I also take Benadryl almost every night to sleep -- maybe it's the combination of the two?? Who knows.
Posted by Arrianna on September 5, 2003, at 0:10:14
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects and UPDATE, posted by hog80ci on September 4, 2003, at 23:44:18
Posted by gail_jo on September 5, 2003, at 0:13:49
In reply to Your Welcome (nm) » hog80ci, posted by Arrianna on September 5, 2003, at 0:10:24
Posted by tm on September 5, 2003, at 5:06:52
In reply to Re: Esmarelda--8/8 Wayne » tm, posted by Esmarelda on September 4, 2003, at 10:46:04
>Hi Fran, so sorry yo hear about the lose. I can imagine the anxiety it is causing. Keep your mind busy with pleasant thoughts!! 2 doses so far, no SE's.
Take Care Tim.
Hey Tim! Yes, it does sound like we are in the same spot. My therapist recommended that I go ahead and take 5 more mg which I did for the first time this morning. I had another death in my family day before yesterday and have been upset about that, but I felt the anxiety even before my uncle died. I will let everyone know how I do. I don't take anything for anxiety, but once the Lex started working. It seemed to take care of the problem. Fran
> Mariposa - did you have any SE's when you upped your dosage?
Posted by Treb on September 5, 2003, at 12:01:18
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects and UPDATE » Esmarelda, posted by galkeepinon on September 5, 2003, at 0:05:14
Hi, I've used Benadryl with the same reult. It seems to leave me groogy into the next day. I now use Trazadone as needed for sleep and it doesn't affect me in the morning. Good luck!
Treb
Posted by galkeepinon on September 5, 2003, at 13:54:47
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects and UPDATE, posted by Treb on September 5, 2003, at 12:01:18
Hi Treb, Can I ask, how much Trazadone do you take at night to help you sleep? I ask because I once took 100mg and it didn't help me, but before I could up the dose, my doc at the time switched me to something else.
Just wondering how you do on it and at what dosage? Any side effects?
Thanks:-)
Hope you're doing as well as expected:-)> Hi, I've used Benadryl with the same reult. It seems to leave me groogy into the next day. I now use Trazadone as needed for sleep and it doesn't affect me in the morning. Good luck!
> Treb
Posted by hog80ci on September 6, 2003, at 7:55:50
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects and UPDATE » hog80ci, posted by galkeepinon on September 4, 2003, at 23:58:53
Hey Gal
Thanks for the words of encouragement. Sorry it took a day to get back to you. I had LASIK surgery yesterday and was asleep most of the day.I'm getting my mouth guard next Tuesday. I don't seem to be grinding as bad as I was but I'm going to get one anyway.
Take care
Jim
Posted by Treb on September 6, 2003, at 13:51:08
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects and UPDATE » Treb, posted by galkeepinon on September 5, 2003, at 13:54:47
Hi, I usually take 50 mgs of Trazadone. I rarely need the 100s. If I really can't sleep I use Doxepin but not if I have to get up alert the next morning.
Thanks, Treb
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