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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Mariposa on October 20, 2003, at 16:26:17
In reply to Anxious because I still am., posted by Scribbler on October 20, 2003, at 14:57:52
Have been on Lex since Feb. DX - depression and PMDD. Lex has also been wonderful for me, lost 10lbs. and went from a 10 to a 6 - and the weight NEEDED to come off, I was overweight. I can get up in the morning and go to work without thinking about calling in sick. I don't get customer complaints and write ups like I did before Lex. Lex has essentially *cured* my insomnia - which I have suffered most of adult life. Had it rough in the beginning w/bad se's. Only se I still experience is slight clenching. Do have some down days, but I get through them and then the next days is better...Recently flew to see Mom for her 73 Birthday, hadn't flown in about 7 yrs., HATE to fly!
Currently @ 20mg.I can only hope everyone has as good results, and that they last (NO poop-out!!!)- Best of luck to us all.~~~8|8
Posted by hockeygirlcanada on October 20, 2003, at 17:01:28
In reply to Re: Anxious because I still am., posted by Mariposa on October 20, 2003, at 16:26:17
Did you have problems with anxiety? I have severe Generalized Anxiety.
Posted by JohnR on October 20, 2003, at 17:25:51
In reply to Anxious because I still am., posted by Scribbler on October 20, 2003, at 14:57:52
Hey Scribbler,
I'll bet you a nickel your upset stomach takes care of itself in short order. Like you said, **two** steps forward, one step back. Anyway you look at it you're headed in the right direction.I've been taking mine in the mornings on an empty stomach. I typically don't eat breakfast. I've thought about taking it at dinnertime but haven't tried that.
John
Posted by Mariposa on October 20, 2003, at 17:44:34
In reply to Re: Anxious because I still am. » Mariposa, posted by hockeygirlcanada on October 20, 2003, at 17:01:28
> Did you have problems with anxiety? I have severe Generalized Anxiety.
I had several anxiety attacks around wk. 4-5, none since then. Taking Lex for depression.~~~8|8
Posted by melbob on October 20, 2003, at 22:35:25
In reply to Re: Help! First day: Nausea and Lexapro, posted by vandy on October 13, 2003, at 22:32:39
OR you could ask your doc for a few phenergan...that's what i did when i started the effexor ex: had nausea, called doc, she called me in some phenergan pills to the pharmacy...
melbob
Posted by LynneDa on October 21, 2003, at 10:24:41
In reply to Re: Help! First day: Nausea and Lexapro, posted by vandy on October 13, 2003, at 22:32:39
I just took my first one this morning. I had a bowl of oatmeal first, felt nauseous on the way to work so immediately began eating crackers and taking deep breaths when I got here - just like morning sickness, I keep telling myself, and I lived through that! It's now 10am, so far so good!
Hang in there, I know it is hard to take something you know could make you sick, but all the literature says it gets better over time! If this drug is really "all that", it will be worth it!!I'll tell you....it gets better. Now to the real nitty gritty: how do you take a pill tomorrow? Here are some suggestions:
>
> 1. Put the pill on the counter top and leave the room. Put a handkerchief or a scarf over your nose and mouth and sneak in, grab the pill, stuff it in your mouth, rip off the scarf and laugh fiendishly as you swallow it with a soft drink of your liking.
>
> 2. Cut it in half, find two yummy morsels small enough to swallow easily but big enough to taste. Stuff the half a pill in each morsel. Swallow one. Wait a delicious interval. Swallow the other. You could laugh fiendishly here, too. But it would probably be better to grin.
>
> 3. Get a piece of salt water taffy, chocolate fudge or something that makes your mouth water. Take pill. Eat reward. Smirking is appropriate with this approach.
>
> 4. Get some green jello and use the powder on your face to look like Hulk. Snarl at pill. Curse it. Wolf it down.
>
> I'm sure this is only a start. If you come up with better ones be sure to share. I can only think of these because I waited 84 days for the Lex to get me home. I could never do it when I felt like you do. I can't wait for you to join me.
>
> Keep the faith..
> Love and Kisses from Vandy
>
> > I took my first Lexapro today for anxiety and by tonight felt really weird, light-headed and nauseated. Threw up dinner. Tell me this gets better; how can I take another pill tomorrow?
>
>
Posted by Scribbler on October 21, 2003, at 11:16:12
In reply to Re: Help! First day: Nausea and Lexapro » vandy, posted by LynneDa on October 21, 2003, at 10:24:41
LynnDa, hang in there. I felt really crummy the first day but reassurance from this gang kept me going and the second day I felt SO much better! Now, over a week later, I don't notice (m)any side effects at all and (ta daa!) I'm hungry again. I think one of the problems with this drug, when it's used for anxiety, is that we get anxious about taking it and that makes us feel worse! So relax and let the Lexapro do its thing. You might not like what it does right off the bat but it does get better, one day at a time as your body gets used to it. When I posted the "Help! First day..." message, I was a nervous wreck, sick as a dog. But support thru this site arrived within minutes and I felt so much better, knowing I wasn't alone. You're not alone, either; we're right there with you.
Posted by LynneDa on October 21, 2003, at 11:30:28
In reply to Re: Help! First day: Nausea and Lexapro, posted by Scribbler on October 21, 2003, at 11:16:12
Thanks, I appreciate it! I was on Sarafem last year and quit after a couple of months of horrible side effects - terrible headaches, insomnia AND fatigue (at the wrong times of day/night!), more nervousness, feeling like I wasn't really connected to the world, etc. I intend to stick with this as long as it takes. I think I'm at a point where the way I feel mentally is much worse than a stomache for a few days! My behaviors are getting to be too hard on my husband and daughter, as well. I'm in for the long haul!
LynnDa, hang in there. I felt really crummy the first day but reassurance from this gang kept me going and the second day I felt SO much better! Now, over a week later, I don't notice (m)any side effects at all and (ta daa!) I'm hungry again. I think one of the problems with this drug, when it's used for anxiety, is that we get anxious about taking it and that makes us feel worse! So relax and let the Lexapro do its thing. You might not like what it does right off the bat but it does get better, one day at a time as your body gets used to it. When I posted the "Help! First day..." message, I was a nervous wreck, sick as a dog. But support thru this site arrived within minutes and I felt so much better, knowing I wasn't alone. You're not alone, either; we're right there with you.
Posted by nonsexual Jeff on October 21, 2003, at 12:53:12
In reply to Re: Help! First day: Nausea and Lexapro, posted by LynneDa on October 21, 2003, at 11:30:28
I've recently switched from taking Welbutrin (twice a day) to Lexapro (20 mg once a day) about a month ago because of increased anxiety. I took the Welbutrin mainly to treat my depression. Within the past five months I've gotten involved in a serious relationship, lost my job, moved to PR, and am looking for another job in a world where the preferred language is different than my first language. Therefore, you can understand why I am anxious most of the time.
Although the Lexapro has really helped me a great deal with the anxiety, I am experiencing major sexual side effects. First, my sexual libido is just about gone and when I do get the urge to fool around with my partner, I get distracted, lose interest (including my erection) and have problems ejaculating - currently I've stopped trying. And if I do ejaculate, it's definitely not the same, it's as though my mind and body aren't connected when I have my orgasm. My partner is extremely patient and understanding, knowing that sexual side effects are a result from the meds. Is this going to continue or will I eventallly adapt to the medication and my sexual dysfunction will diminish?
Posted by Scribbler on October 21, 2003, at 14:55:49
In reply to Re: Anxious because I still am. » Scribbler, posted by JohnR on October 20, 2003, at 17:25:51
Hi John, You're right; I owe you a nickel. Feeling fine today. Feeling like I always did, matter of fact, no side effects but no noticeable absence of anxiety, either. How about you?
Posted by casiopea on October 21, 2003, at 15:21:19
In reply to Re: Help! First day: Nausea and Lexapro, posted by Scribbler on October 21, 2003, at 11:16:12
Hey, I have a question.I had been taking lexapro for the past 6 months as a treatment for OCD. I had been feeling great but I had to stop taking my medication since two weeks ago. I ran out of medicine and money so I could not afford to buy more. I am currently not feeling well. I am light headed and dizzy. I dont know if it because I stop my medication and wonder if the feeling will go away as soon as I resume on taking the Lexapro...
Posted by Esmarelda on October 21, 2003, at 15:29:18
In reply to HELP! HELP! Nausea and Lexapro, posted by casiopea on October 21, 2003, at 15:21:19
I have never stopped taking it since I started back in June, but I have seen others post that they have had withdrawal side effects similar to those you mentioned. Apparently, if you are going to stop taking an AD, it is better to taper off of it. I hope you are okay and can start taking your lex again soon.
Posted by LynneDa on October 21, 2003, at 15:47:26
In reply to HELP! HELP! Nausea and Lexapro, posted by casiopea on October 21, 2003, at 15:21:19
> C. - I have always read/been told that you have to taper & shouldn't go cold turkey (I understand why you had to). I would call your healthcare provider immediately and let him/her know. This is a new drug so the pharm reps are just starting to push it to the doctors, maybe he or she can give you some samples to tide you over or find some sort of special program where you can receive meds at a discount. Good luck and try to take care of yourself in other ways until you can start on meds again!
Hey, I have a question.I had been taking lexapro for the past 6 months as a treatment for OCD. I had been feeling great but I had to stop taking my medication since two weeks ago. I ran out of medicine and money so I could not afford to buy more. I am currently not feeling well. I am light headed and dizzy. I dont know if it because I stop my medication and wonder if the feeling will go away as soon as I resume on taking the Lexapro...
Posted by Mariposa on October 21, 2003, at 16:34:23
In reply to HELP! HELP! Nausea and Lexapro, posted by casiopea on October 21, 2003, at 15:21:19
> Hey, I have a question.I had been taking lexapro for the past 6 months as a treatment for OCD. I had been feeling great but I had to stop taking my medication since two weeks ago. I ran out of medicine and money so I could not afford to buy more. I am currently not feeling well. I am light headed and dizzy. I dont know if it because I stop my medication and wonder if the feeling will go away as soon as I resume on taking the Lexapro...
From reading posts here, I would have to say quitting *cold-turkey* is not a good idea with any of these meds. It seems like you get side effects (sometimes worse than when you started the meds) when you go off them. Most people have suggested that cutting back gradually is the way to go.
Not sure if you start again if that will help the side effects.
Good luck to you.~~~8|8
Posted by memphistigers2004 on October 21, 2003, at 19:49:26
In reply to Re: SSRIs and Beyond » mchappy, posted by theo on October 17, 2003, at 15:05:25
I have been on Lex for a week now and I am sleepy all the time. I am taking it at night, but I am still incredibly drowsy when I wake up. Today I took a two hour nap and was still sleepy. Did anyone else experience this and did it go away eventually?
Posted by vandy on October 21, 2003, at 20:37:09
In reply to Sleepy w/Lexapro, posted by memphistigers2004 on October 21, 2003, at 19:49:26
I think a review of this thread wills show lots of us have had that experience. It goes away but it produces some lovely naps while it sticks around.
> I have been on Lex for a week now and I am sleepy all the time. I am taking it at night, but I am still incredibly drowsy when I wake up. Today I took a two hour nap and was still sleepy. Did anyone else experience this and did it go away eventually?
Posted by JohnR on October 21, 2003, at 20:49:53
In reply to Re: Anxious because I still am., posted by Scribbler on October 21, 2003, at 14:55:49
Scribbler,
I'm glad to hear you're feeling better.I'm feeling pretty good myself. I don't know how much credit goes to the Lexapro but my depression has certainly improved. I think I'm a lot easier to get along with and happier too.
I've been trying not to jump to any conclusions regarding what other side effects I've experienced. However, I think I am prepared to say my dreams have been affected. Every morning now I wake up and remember several dreams from that night. It's been very consistent. Prior to the Lexapro that was unusual for me. I kind of like it!
I think there has also been some improvement on the other problem I mentioned before. ; )
So far so good.
John
Posted by hockeygirlcanada on October 21, 2003, at 21:51:52
In reply to Re: Sleepy w/Lexapro, posted by vandy on October 21, 2003, at 20:37:09
This is a general message for everyone here.
Is Lexapro helping anyone with an anxiety disorder? Or is it mostly secondary anxiety with depression?
I suffer from severe GAD, and have yet to find anything to work. On top of that, Lexapro is not available in Canada to date.
Thanks for any info
Jill
Posted by nemo kitty on October 21, 2003, at 22:01:12
In reply to Lexapro for Anxiety?, posted by hockeygirlcanada on October 21, 2003, at 21:51:52
> This is a general message for everyone here.
> Is Lexapro helping anyone with an anxiety disorder? Or is it mostly secondary anxiety with depression?
> I suffer from severe GAD, and have yet to find anything to work. On top of that, Lexapro is not available in Canada to date.
> Thanks for any info
> Jill
Hi Jill,
Yes yea & yes! I suffered severely from anxiety mainly. I paced my house and walked circles hoping my house would miraculously clean itself up. I sat down and watched Opera for the first time in about 2 years, the whole show! I could never have done that before. I stay at home with my 2 & 3 year old and had a very hard time relaxing ever. I felt like I always had to be doing soemthing (even if it was pacing) I have been n Lexapro for about 4 weeks now & I feel so much calmer (without feeling drugged) I was sleepy the first week, but filled with energy now, just good energy!
Hoep this helps*
Posted by PHV on October 21, 2003, at 22:03:31
In reply to Sexual Side Effects, posted by nonsexual Jeff on October 21, 2003, at 12:53:12
I had absolutely no sex drive whatsoever for the first six or so weeks on Lex. Orgasm's were something of the past - or so I thought. Fortunately, as the body adjusts to the meds - 2-3 months into it - I am able to get back to a fairly normal sex life. Just give them a chance. It takes awhile for the body to get used to the meds before you are comfortable in your own skin again. Keep us posted. Good luck. Patty
Posted by hockeygirlcanada on October 21, 2003, at 22:08:56
In reply to Re: Lexapro for Anxiety?, posted by nemo kitty on October 21, 2003, at 22:01:12
>
> Hi Jill,
> Yes yea & yes! I suffered severely from anxiety mainly. I paced my house and walked circles hoping my house would miraculously clean itself up. I sat down and watched Opera for the first time in about 2 years, the whole show! I could never have done that before. I stay at home with my 2 & 3 year old and had a very hard time relaxing ever. I felt like I always had to be doing soemthing (even if it was pacing) I have been n Lexapro for about 4 weeks now & I feel so much calmer (without feeling drugged) I was sleepy the first week, but filled with energy now, just good energy!
> Hoep this helps*Well that is definitely positive, had you ever tried anything else, or been on an anti-anxiety drug before that?
Posted by PHV on October 21, 2003, at 22:09:49
In reply to Re: Ladies - Any PMS Type SE, posted by ginger C on October 20, 2003, at 10:08:52
My period as well is a few days longer than usual since starting Lex. but this PMS stuff this month is way out of control. I don't like that!
Posted by nemo kitty on October 21, 2003, at 22:14:19
In reply to Re: Lexapro for Anxiety? » nemo kitty, posted by hockeygirlcanada on October 21, 2003, at 22:08:56
> >
> > Hi Jill,
> > Yes yea & yes! I suffered severely from anxiety mainly. I paced my house and walked circles hoping my house would miraculously clean itself up. I sat down and watched Opera for the first time in about 2 years, the whole show! I could never have done that before. I stay at home with my 2 & 3 year old and had a very hard time relaxing ever. I felt like I always had to be doing soemthing (even if it was pacing) I have been n Lexapro for about 4 weeks now & I feel so much calmer (without feeling drugged) I was sleepy the first week, but filled with energy now, just good energy!
> > Hoep this helps*
>
> Well that is definitely positive, had you ever tried anything else, or been on an anti-anxiety drug before that?
>oh yeah,
I was on:
Paxil-couldn't sleep at night
zoloft-gained 15 pounds
Effexor (for 3 days)-was a walking dead person
Wellbutrin-loved it, lost weight, but it wasn't quite strong enough for the anxiety because it is not an ssri, it works a different way.I like the Lexapro because I feel so much more at ease with everything...like one step at a time instead of 5 jumps. :)
Posted by The Brain on October 21, 2003, at 23:05:29
In reply to Sexual Side Effects, posted by nonsexual Jeff on October 21, 2003, at 12:53:12
Hey Jeff.
I feel your pain man. It doesn't seem as though there are as many posts about this issue as it affects men.
Been on lexapro for about 2 weeks or so. I had been switched from Zoloft (50 mgs/day - over the past 3 years) because it started to mess around with one of my extraocular muscles, which gave me a bizarre "oscillopia."
I initially started off at 10 mgs of Lexapro in the morning. At this dosage schedule I got super sleepy during the day and felt like I was living life in slow motion, so I began taking it at night. This was unacceptable as well, as I had the most difficult time sleeping - when I woke the next morning I felt good and wired (not sleepy) but right around 2:00 pm - forget about it. I could be in the middle of a city intersection and fall asleep.
The sexual side effects during the first week, whether I was on the 10 mgs day or night, were really pronounced. No libido. Soft erections. Super delaaaaaaaaayed ejaculation. (strange though, sometimes I would wake up with the best morning missles, but at any other times, they were non existent) At times I would forget that I even had a penis. This really sucked, big time - I never really had this problem before so I got real scared.
Thus, I did two things in response:
1) I cut back the dose to 5 mg, hoping that the therapeutic threshold is below the threshold for sexual side-effects2) I took it in the morning as soon as I woke up.
Since then I have been sleeping well and have had great energy levels. I do not feel depressed, but then again, my depression was usually treated well with low dosages of Zoloft.
My sex drive has improved a bit (not nearly enough!), but I am not "on the prowl" as I once was. Today (beginning of week three) was great though, because I was speaking to this woman whom I am interested in and simply observing her mannerisms started to rev up the engine (it used to be that way all the time) - you know...Go Go Gadget thingamajig. I am hoping that this is a good sign of things to come.
Given that I have noticed that some of the other side effects have decreased in severity for me (no more hot flashes, or excess sweating, no more difficulties sleeping) I am willing to tough it out for about another week or so before I go back to the doc to see what we can do about the libido issue.
I have been reading on this board and others like it that Wellbutrin, when added in small doses may alleviate some of the sexual dysfunction associated with these SSRIs. I know that you said you stopped taking Wellbutrin for your given reasons, but perhaps a small dose in addition to the Lexapro might work? This is what my doc said may be the next course of action. Initially I was against taking another med on top of the lexapro, but hey, I really need my sex life (read "penis") back.
I am happy for you that you have a woman who is willing to work with you on this. That will make things much better. My advice it to find a good doctor/psychiatrist and work closely with him/her - Not all Dr.'s are equally competent or compassionate, so you need to shop around. Me - well I am attempting to initiate this relationship with this really fantastic gal, and we have a date this weekend upcoming. I am hoping that all goes well and that my Go Go gadget machinery will be fully operational.
I would also like to hear from others guys who might have had this issue with one SSRI or another and how they resolved it. Any posts would be really appreciated.How about Lexapro and Wellbutrin? Anyone had any luck? What dosage of each are you taking?
Cheers to all,
The Brain
> I've recently switched from taking Welbutrin (twice a day) to Lexapro (20 mg once a day) about a month ago because of increased anxiety. I took the Welbutrin mainly to treat my depression. Within the past five months I've gotten involved in a serious relationship, lost my job, moved to PR, and am looking for another job in a world where the preferred language is different than my first language. Therefore, you can understand why I am anxious most of the time.
>
> Although the Lexapro has really helped me a great deal with the anxiety, I am experiencing major sexual side effects. First, my sexual libido is just about gone and when I do get the urge to fool around with my partner, I get distracted, lose interest (including my erection) and have problems ejaculating - currently I've stopped trying. And if I do ejaculate, it's definitely not the same, it's as though my mind and body aren't connected when I have my orgasm. My partner is extremely patient and understanding, knowing that sexual side effects are a result from the meds. Is this going to continue or will I eventallly adapt to the medication and my sexual dysfunction will diminish?
Posted by galkeepinon on October 22, 2003, at 4:42:20
In reply to Lexapro for Anxiety?, posted by hockeygirlcanada on October 21, 2003, at 21:51:52
>>>>This is a general message for everyone here.
>>>>Is Lexapro helping anyone with an anxiety disorder? Or is it mostly secondary anxiety with depression?Lexapro is helping me with secondary anxiety with depression.
>>>>I suffer from severe GAD, and have yet to find anything to work.
I know Effexor XR is approved for GAD, but that's another story...
Best wishes to you:-)
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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