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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by PHV on September 29, 2003, at 20:39:15
In reply to lexapro and acupuncture, posted by melley on September 28, 2003, at 16:47:42
Hello all -
Thought I'd check in again to update my Lexapro experience. I started Lex in July for depression. Felt rather immediate results and then started suffering severe anxiety suddenly during week ten. With the support of this board, I went to see my pdoc right away and she prescribed Busbar for daily use and Xanex for extreme anxiety days - which fortunately have been fairly rare. I am beginning week three of dealing with anxiety for the first time in my life. I guess in some aspect, I'm starting to get used to it. However, it's difficult when I'm at my desk during work having to perform rather mundane tasks. I excel under pressure now with all this energy - but it kills me when I don't have to constantly be on the go. I'm contemplating visiting my pdoc again shortly. I would like to discuss other possibilities her. As much as I get frustrated at being so wired most of the day with the anxiety and jaw clenching - my life is so much better and more bearable than it's been for years. I'm now really starting to realize how long I was suffering from depression. I feel like I'm back to my old self. I guess I'm afraid if the doc tries to bring my "high" down too low - I'll be as low as I was before. I'm sure there's a happy medium somewhere in between - and thanks to all these posts here - I read them every day and feel as though I'm struggling with many others and I'm not alone. So thanks for that everyone.
Hoping this finds you all well - and thanks again for being my sounding board.
Patty
Posted by Diva Blue on September 29, 2003, at 20:54:00
In reply to Patty Update, posted by PHV on September 29, 2003, at 20:39:15
hello all.
I just wanted to touch base. Miss hearing from some of you...hope you are all well.
lex is starting to make me sleepier---I was enjoying the little bit of "zip" I had felt at first. Wondering, since this drug seems to cause so many ups and downs just during the course of a normal day, if the "zip" will eventually return.
Am less hungry...which is a great thing...but I still feel like my appetite isnt as decreased as it was the first few days.
Another thing...and this is VERY strange, and I cant believe I am even talking about this....but, I have noticed that my saliva glands seem to be in overdrive. I wake up at night, with my pillow wet (not damp) WET from me drooling on it in my sleep. Gross. Anyone else experience this? or am I just going crazy in addition to being depressed?
Please let me know how you all are. I look forward to checkin in here and hearing something from you all.
Take care.
Posted by vandy on September 29, 2003, at 21:02:17
In reply to diva update, posted by Diva Blue on September 29, 2003, at 20:54:00
> hello all.
>
> I just wanted to touch base. Miss hearing from some of you...hope you are all well.
>
> lex is starting to make me sleepier---I was enjoying the little bit of "zip" I had felt at first. Wondering, since this drug seems to cause so many ups and downs just during the course of a normal day, if the "zip" will eventually return.
>
> Am less hungry...which is a great thing...but I still feel like my appetite isnt as decreased as it was the first few days.
>
> Another thing...and this is VERY strange, and I cant believe I am even talking about this....but, I have noticed that my saliva glands seem to be in overdrive. I wake up at night, with my pillow wet (not damp) WET from me drooling on it in my sleep. Gross. Anyone else experience this? or am I just going crazy in addition to being depressed?
>
> Please let me know how you all are. I look forward to checkin in here and hearing something from you all.
>
> Take care.
>Wow! It's not just me! I noticed the "salavation overload" when I was new to Lex. I thought it was that ancient curse: "Girls RULE, boys drool!" Now that I have evidence of a girl drooling it puts two concerns to rest!
Keep your chin up!
Posted by PHV on September 29, 2003, at 21:07:31
In reply to diva update, posted by Diva Blue on September 29, 2003, at 20:54:00
> hello all.
>
> I just wanted to touch base. Miss hearing from some of you...hope you are all well.
>
> lex is starting to make me sleepier---I was enjoying the little bit of "zip" I had felt at first. Wondering, since this drug seems to cause so many ups and downs just during the course of a normal day, if the "zip" will eventually return.
>
> Am less hungry...which is a great thing...but I still feel like my appetite isnt as decreased as it was the first few days.
>
> Another thing...and this is VERY strange, and I cant believe I am even talking about this....but, I have noticed that my saliva glands seem to be in overdrive. I wake up at night, with my pillow wet (not damp) WET from me drooling on it in my sleep. Gross. Anyone else experience this? or am I just going crazy in addition to being depressed?
>
> Please let me know how you all are. I look forward to checkin in here and hearing something from you all.
>
> Take care.
>
That's odd. I wake up after drooling a bunch too! What a strage SE! I also wake up in the night much more frequently and the dreams are so vivid! My beau said I started snoring more freqently - which I hardly ever do. I'm thinking it could be cuz I'm one of the unfortunate ones whose appetite has INCREASED - and I snore when I have more weight on than when I'm skinny - man does that stink!Thanks for the post!
Patty
Posted by oldhand on September 29, 2003, at 21:28:10
In reply to Re: oldhand » oldhand, posted by theo on September 28, 2003, at 17:05:46
> I'm on the same combo but in reverse. Have been on Wellbutrin SR 150mg (now XL) for a few months and my pdoc added Lex for slight anxiety and panic. The Well's doing a pretty good job but just added the Lex about a week ago, just trying 5mg. Did your doctor suggest this is a good combo? Just curious to hear anothers opinion on the WellPro combo.
Hi Theo and all.
My doc gave me the Wellbutrin XL because I told her I still was not where I want to be moodwise. That I was somewhat short-tempered and felt I might never feel like "me" again. She promised to have me "tuned up" before winter kicks my butt. She mentioned upping the Lex to 30mg but I see her in mid October to evaluate progress with the Wellbutrin. Am glad to say I think the SE may be diminishing some.
Best wishes and
Peace,
Shelley
Posted by cc6308 on September 30, 2003, at 6:59:10
In reply to When did you start lexapro? and » reifiedbeans, posted by johnj on September 16, 2002, at 14:41:33
I have been on lexapro for 6 months now and feel I can stop taking it. I know i shouldnt just stop all together. How do I gradually stop with the least amount of side effects?
Posted by cateyes on September 30, 2003, at 7:15:33
In reply to How to stop taking lexapro, posted by cc6308 on September 30, 2003, at 6:59:10
My fiance has panic attacks & the dr just prescribed Lexapro........I'm slightly concerned about side effects of this drug as well as liquor effects. can anyone tell me if it is alright to drink while on this, a few beers or does he not take the Lexapro if he knows he will be drinking later on.
Thanks
Posted by cc6308 on September 30, 2003, at 7:22:08
In reply to Questions, posted by cateyes on September 30, 2003, at 7:15:33
> My fiance has panic attacks & the dr just prescribed Lexapro........I'm slightly concerned about side effects of this drug as well as liquor effects. can anyone tell me if it is alright to drink while on this, a few beers or does he not take the Lexapro if he knows he will be drinking later on.
>
> ThanksI was able to drink while taking Lexapro with no side effects from it. I only drank beer, no liquor so i dont know if there would be side effects to that.
Posted by BLKVETTES on September 30, 2003, at 7:39:16
In reply to How to stop taking lexapro, posted by cc6308 on September 30, 2003, at 6:59:10
> I have been on lexapro for 6 months now and feel I can stop taking it. I know i shouldnt just stop all together. How do I gradually stop with the least amount of side effects?
Hi, I will say this if you mean that your stopping lexapro because you feel better that is great news. But I would do a little research first if I were you. Some statistics show that a person who quits their meds within the 1st 3 years 2 out of 3 relapse. But I hope it works for you!!!!!!!!! Below is a withdrawal guide for paxil!!! The guide should work for any med if you use the same strategy!!!!!!! This could be quick and simple or it could be the worst hell you ever go through!!!!!!! GOOD LUCK!!!!
WAYNE
http://paxil.bizland.com/jbuzzw.htm
Posted by BLKVETTES on September 30, 2003, at 7:54:22
In reply to Questions, posted by cateyes on September 30, 2003, at 7:15:33
> My fiance has panic attacks & the dr just prescribed Lexapro........I'm slightly concerned about side effects of this drug as well as liquor effects. can anyone tell me if it is alright to drink while on this, a few beers or does he not take the Lexapro if he knows he will be drinking later on.
>
> ThanksDrinking alcohol is not really a good idea while taking lexapro. A beer now and then who knows!!!! Some do still have a drink or two. Is he one to drink a 6 pack or two time to time. Talk with the doctor on this one. You should not drink alcohol with any antidepressant. I suggest he cut way back on the beer and take the lexapro. Cant imagine living with panic attacks and drinking also. Instead of beer maybe he should see the doc and also take a benzo such as xanax, klonopin or ativan. I had severe panic attacks and have recovered. TAKE CARE!!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by cc6308 on September 30, 2003, at 8:15:50
In reply to Re: How to stop taking lexapro, posted by BLKVETTES on September 30, 2003, at 7:39:16
> > I have been on lexapro for 6 months now and feel I can stop taking it. I know i shouldnt just stop all together. How do I gradually stop with the least amount of side effects?
>
> Hi, I will say this if you mean that your stopping lexapro because you feel better that is great news. But I would do a little research first if I were you. Some statistics show that a person who quits their meds within the 1st 3 years 2 out of 3 relapse. But I hope it works for you!!!!!!!!! Below is a withdrawal guide for paxil!!! The guide should work for any med if you use the same strategy!!!!!!! This could be quick and simple or it could be the worst hell you ever go through!!!!!!! GOOD LUCK!!!!
> WAYNE
> http://paxil.bizland.com/jbuzzw.htmIf i am taking 10mg of Lexapro a day, according to that withdrawal guide, I guess I will cut down to 5mg a day and then maybe go every other day on 5mg to 2.5mg to 0mg. Does that sound correct?
>
>
>
>
Posted by blkvettes on September 30, 2003, at 10:23:34
In reply to Re: How to stop taking lexapro, posted by cc6308 on September 30, 2003, at 8:15:50
> > > I have been on lexapro for 6 months now and feel I can stop taking it. I know i shouldnt just stop all together. How do I gradually stop with the least amount of side effects?
> >
> > Hi, I will say this if you mean that your stopping lexapro because you feel better that is great news. But I would do a little research first if I were you. Some statistics show that a person who quits their meds within the 1st 3 years 2 out of 3 relapse. But I hope it works for you!!!!!!!!! Below is a withdrawal guide for paxil!!! The guide should work for any med if you use the same strategy!!!!!!! This could be quick and simple or it could be the worst hell you ever go through!!!!!!! GOOD LUCK!!!!
> > WAYNE
> > http://paxil.bizland.com/jbuzzw.htm
>
> If i am taking 10mg of Lexapro a day, according to that withdrawal guide, I guess I will cut down to 5mg a day and then maybe go every other day on 5mg to 2.5mg to 0mg. Does that sound correct?
> >
> >
> >
> >
>Hi, that info is just basic help. If it were me I would go down to 7.5mg for a week. If you noticed no difference then another 2.5mg for a week. Keep going till you get to zero. But like the link said your body will tell you if your going to fast!!!!!! Lexapro can be cut into quarters or whatever you want to cut it down to. Take it slow, dont try to rush it!!!!!!! TAKE CARE!!!!!
WAYNE
>
Posted by blkvettes on September 30, 2003, at 10:28:11
In reply to Re: How to stop taking lexapro, posted by blkvettes on September 30, 2003, at 10:23:34
> > > > I have been on lexapro for 6 months now and feel I can stop taking it. I know i shouldnt just stop all together. How do I gradually stop with the least amount of side effects?
> > >
> > > Hi, I will say this if you mean that your stopping lexapro because you feel better that is great news. But I would do a little research first if I were you. Some statistics show that a person who quits their meds within the 1st 3 years 2 out of 3 relapse. But I hope it works for you!!!!!!!!! Below is a withdrawal guide for paxil!!! The guide should work for any med if you use the same strategy!!!!!!! This could be quick and simple or it could be the worst hell you ever go through!!!!!!! GOOD LUCK!!!!
> > > WAYNE
> > > http://paxil.bizland.com/jbuzzw.htm
> >
> > If i am taking 10mg of Lexapro a day, according to that withdrawal guide, I guess I will cut down to 5mg a day and then maybe go every other day on 5mg to 2.5mg to 0mg. Does that sound correct?
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
>
> Hi, that info is just basic help. If it were me I would go down to 7.5mg for a week. If you noticed no difference then another 2.5mg for a week. Keep going till you get to zero. But like the link said your body will tell you if your going to fast!!!!!! Lexapro can be cut into quarters or whatever you want to cut it down to. Take it slow, dont try to rush it!!!!!!! TAKE CARE!!!!!
> WAYNE
> >
>
>Want to make sure Im clear here. Drop 2.5mg each time!!!!! Have you spokenwith your doctor on this not that they no anything about withdrawal symptoms. But please listen to your body!!!!
Posted by cc6308 on September 30, 2003, at 10:40:53
In reply to Re: How to stop taking lexapro, posted by blkvettes on September 30, 2003, at 10:28:11
> Want to make sure Im clear here. Drop 2.5mg each time!!!!! Have you spokenwith your doctor on this not that they no anything about withdrawal symptoms. But please listen to your body!!!!
>
> My doctor told me to take 10mg every other day for 2 weeks. That just didnt make sense to me.
I didnt understand how that helps a person to withdraw from any drug when you dont really quit taking it until you run out of medication. It would still be going cold turkey . So you really think I should drop only 2.5mg a day instead of 5mg, correct?
Thanks so much for the suggestions. Its been very helpful and informative.
Posted by Diva Blue on September 30, 2003, at 11:56:38
In reply to Re: How to stop taking lexapro, posted by cc6308 on September 30, 2003, at 10:40:53
Hey guys...
thanks so much for replying. Makes me feel a little better to know I am not the only one drooling. :)
Posted by blkvettes on September 30, 2003, at 13:23:14
In reply to Re: How to stop taking lexapro, posted by cc6308 on September 30, 2003, at 10:40:53
>
>
>
> > Want to make sure Im clear here. Drop 2.5mg each time!!!!! Have you spokenwith your doctor on this not that they no anything about withdrawal symptoms. But please listen to your body!!!!
> >
> > My doctor told me to take 10mg every other day for 2 weeks. That just didnt make sense to me.
> I didnt understand how that helps a person to withdraw from any drug when you dont really quit taking it until you run out of medication. It would still be going cold turkey . So you really think I should drop only 2.5mg a day instead of 5mg, correct?
> Thanks so much for the suggestions. Its been very helpful and informative.
>
>
Hey, thats what I would do 2.5mg at a time. A few quit meds cold turkey and get no withdrawal. I wish you luck!!!!! TAKE CARE!!!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by Esmarelda on September 30, 2003, at 13:54:58
In reply to Re: oldhand » lil' jimi, posted by oldhand on September 27, 2003, at 23:29:02
What does adding the Wellbutrin to Lex do for you that just Lex, alone, does not?? I used to take Wellbutrin some years ago, and now just take Lex. Thanks.
Posted by Esmarelda on September 30, 2003, at 13:57:19
In reply to Re: update, posted by Diva Blue on September 27, 2003, at 16:57:56
Good for you, Diva! Sounds like the Lex is starting to give you benefit! Good luck and hang in there. My worst weeks were at about 2-4. Then, BAM - Miracle drug!
Posted by Esmarelda on September 30, 2003, at 14:01:30
In reply to Questions, posted by cateyes on September 30, 2003, at 7:15:33
Drinking on Lex for me did not do anything. However, anytime you drink alcohol when taking antidepressants, it makes them about 40% less effective than they would be if you don't drink.
Posted by PHV on September 30, 2003, at 19:15:14
In reply to Questions, posted by cateyes on September 30, 2003, at 7:15:33
> My fiance has panic attacks & the dr just prescribed Lexapro........I'm slightly concerned about side effects of this drug as well as liquor effects. can anyone tell me if it is alright to drink while on this, a few beers or does he not take the Lexapro if he knows he will be drinking later on.
>
> ThanksI take 10 mg of Lex for depression and have had anxiety as a side effect of the Lex recently. I have continued a moderate social drinking schedule - after discussing in detail w/ my doctor - and I have noticed no difference. Moderation is KEY - one glass of wine with dinner - one or two beers and that's it. These drugs definately aren't something you'd want to mix lots of alcohol with . . .
Posted by oldhand on September 30, 2003, at 20:37:55
In reply to Re: oldhand » oldhand, posted by Esmarelda on September 30, 2003, at 13:54:58
> What does adding the Wellbutrin to Lex do for you that just Lex, alone, does not?? I used to take Wellbutrin some years ago, and now just take Lex. Thanks.
Hi Es,
So far I think the Wellbutrin is helping my energy level, my patience and my general sense of well-being. I was feeling short-tempered and since I live with my elderly parents and try to help when I can, this was not good. I feel comfortable in this skin and alittle more like "me".
Peace,
Shelley
Posted by friendofbillw on September 30, 2003, at 22:09:08
In reply to re: Wellbutrin and Lexapro » lil' jimi, posted by gail_jo on September 2, 2003, at 1:20:49
> > hi OceanMist!
> >
> > > Hello again all,
> > > My doctor gave me a script for Wellbutrin SR 150mg, to curb the side effects of the Lexapro, and said to take it in the evening....
> > > My pharmasist gave me zyban, and said it was the same thing.
> > > Can you all tell me....Is there a difference?
> > > I heard there are major insomnia with this, bad enough I have it with my Lexapro, that is why I take it in the A.M. and here she wants me to take it in the Evening?
> > > I am only on my 4th day on the "Zyban" and notice no difference at all, unlike with the Lexapro I notice big changes immediately.
> > > Thanks
> > >
> >
> > i have to hope other folks will let us in on their Wellbutrin experiences .... .... or we may have to go looking for them ... ... there are more than a few folks using lex with Wellbutrin .... this is such a common approach that it sometimes goes by its own name "WellLex" ... or something like that anyway ...
> > ... ... however, i have no experience with wellbutrin, although my wife took it for a while a long time ago ....
> >
> > ... meanwhile, i looked up Zyban and found out it is the brand name for Bupropion labeled for smoking cessation, but not to worry ... looking up Wellbutrin reveals it is the brand name for, you guessed it, Bupropion, labeled for ... mental health .... so they are the same.
> >
> > take care!
> > ~ jim
>
> Have been reading this thread for a while and learning a lot. I have been taking Wellbutrin SR 300mg/day for one year, mostly to help with what I thought was minor depression and to help with weight loss. In the meantime my daughters (21 and 18) have both been diagnosed (by a psychiatrist at my insistence)with ADD and depression. The youngest one also possibly with bipolar II. Well. That explained a lot - they are young adults and quite successful, but their paths have always been strewn with difficulties. After doing intensive research, I've come to realize that there is much familial contribution from both my husband's family (ADHD)and my own (depression and possibly bipolar stuff)
>
> I discontinued the Wellbutrin during the discovery phases of my daughters' diagnoses, thinking I didn't really notice much of an effect so probably didn't need it. Wow! The stress of everything must have just tipped me over into a major depression. So I had a heart to heart with my family physician (not the psych doc - no mental health coverage with our medical plan) and he started me on Lexapro 10 mg/day in addition to resuming the Wellbutrin (150 mg once a day for the first week, then twice a day with a minimum of 8 hrs between doses thereafter.
>
> Have had some SE's, but smooth sailing seems to be the case now. The Wellbutrin tends to help me focus and stay on top of my day while staying pretty calm, then I take the Lexapro in the early evening and sleep very well, much better than I have for a long time. I had been using Melatonin 3mg at the Rx of a naturopath which really did help get me to sleep, but didn't stay asleep all night. I've discontinued it as the Lexapro seems to be helping in that area.
>
> I've gained some weight back, but attribute that to a knee injury that has sidelined my cardio/weight training program for a while.
>
> Keep up the thread, it's so helpful to hear how others are handling their health/meds.
>
> If anyone else has experience with lexapro and wellbutrin sr in combination, I would really like to hear from you.
>
> Thanks!
> gail_jo
I'm just starting the lexapro wellbutrin combination and will post a follow-up. My doc wants me to up the lexapro to 20mg and add the wellbutrin. I think I'll stay at 10mg and see how I do with the combo and up as needed. I want to be able to see how they work together without the comibnation of two new things at once (more lex and adding wellbutrin.)I also wanted to address that yes, Wellbutrin and Zyban can't be taken at the same taken. I'm surprised that your doctor would recommend that you take it at night. You might want to make sure that you got the instructions right. I take lexapro at night because it does make me too sleepy, but wellbutrin at night sounds wrong. Check into and good luck.
>
Posted by theo on September 30, 2003, at 22:48:49
In reply to re: Wellbutrin and Lexapro, posted by friendofbillw on September 30, 2003, at 22:09:08
I'm taking 150mg of Wellbutrin XL, the new once a day extended version (was taking the SR prior XL) and 5mg of Lexapro. The reason they came out with the once a day Wellbutrin XL is so you take one dose in the morning, to avoid an afternoon dose which can cause insomnia. I called Glaxo and they said the SR is meant to take twice a day. I'm no doctor, but when you are taking both Wellbutrin and Lexapro together you are supposed to take them together as one "combo" in the morning. I've heard this from my pdoc and regular doc. I've been taking the Wellbutrin about 6 weeks and just added the Lexapro a little over a week ago.
Posted by ginger C on October 1, 2003, at 9:51:02
In reply to re: Wellbutrin and Lexapro, posted by theo on September 30, 2003, at 22:48:49
I have been taking wellbutrin 200mg in the morning and 10mg lexapro at night but have found it hard to sleep so I started taking the lexapro in the morning with the wellbutrin and I am sleeping much better.
Posted by mph-speedy on October 1, 2003, at 15:08:28
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
On lex for a little over 3 months and am starting to be awakened by very vivid dreams. Nothing exciting - too much like reality - work scenarios, etc. - boring, but so real; it's like being awake. Whew!
Hadn't been dreaming or remembering any dreams for some time before lex. Any thoughts on this?
speedy
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