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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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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:-)
Posted by Chotzy on October 22, 2003, at 8:36:01
In reply to Sleepy w/Lexapro, posted by memphistigers2004 on October 21, 2003, at 19:49:26
> 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?
Same thing is happening here and I have been taking it for 14 days today. I am taking it at night and was taking it during the day. I did find it is a bit better at night.
Posted by hockeygirlcanada on October 22, 2003, at 9:02:13
In reply to Re: Lexapro for Anxiety? » hockeygirlcanada, posted by galkeepinon on October 22, 2003, at 4:42:20
>
> I know Effexor XR is approved for GAD, but that's another story...
> Best wishes to you:-)
>You are right Effexor is another story, I spent over two years, despite my pleas, on the max of that, and finally convinced my family doctor, to let me get off of it, 6 weeks of mental and physical hell, but you are right, it is indicated for GAD, how I do not know, but thank you for your info!
Posted by Esmarelda on October 22, 2003, at 9:13:20
In reply to Re: Sleepy w/Lexapro, posted by vandy on October 21, 2003, at 20:37:09
I was extremely sleepy for about the first 3 months or so. I would sleep all day lots of days. I found that if I would force myself to get up that I would be okay and actually felt pretty energetic at night, but in the mornings I had a terrible time getting up. I am still a little sleepy in the mornings, but just get up and go do it! I take mine in the mornings, but have read other posts that it doesn't really seem to matter when you take it -- the effect is the same. I will take sleepiness over depression any day! Good luck.
Posted by casiopea on October 22, 2003, at 11:15:36
In reply to RE: Sleep w/Lexapro, posted by Chotzy on October 22, 2003, at 8:36:01
I started taking Lexapro 6 months ago and I am not sure if it is the same for everybody but I felt sleepy for the first 2 months.
Posted by tiredman on October 22, 2003, at 11:22:23
In reply to Re: Help! First day: Nausea and Lexapro » vandy, posted by LynneDa on October 21, 2003, at 10:24:41
I'm very sensitive to medication and my p-doc started me on only 2.5 mg of Lexapro. I know this is far lower then the therapeutic dose but it has made me feel very "jittery". I'm afraid that I will not be able to take a full 10 mg dose. Have any of you experienced being jittery??
Posted by casiopea on October 22, 2003, at 11:24:07
In reply to Re: HELP! HELP! Nausea and Lexapro » casiopea, posted by Mariposa on October 21, 2003, at 16:34:23
Thanks Mariposa and Esmerelda. I think I might be able to get more medication soon... hopefully the dizzynes and nausea will go away...
Thank you guys
Posted by nonsexual Jeff on October 22, 2003, at 11:25:15
In reply to Re: Sexual Side Effects » nonsexual Jeff, posted by The Brain on October 21, 2003, at 23:05:29
Brain,
Thanks for the reply . . . I'm going to consult my doctor today and see if the well/lex is a good choice for me.
I plan to contine the Lexapro since it's helped out my depression a lot, but it's going to be a challenge. I pride myself on my "missel" as you would call it - as I was extremely blessed in that department. Not being able to use it as much as I like to has really been a real downer.
Hopefully you'll be back in the saddle after your date this weekend . . . I found that as long as I go for a long period of time without masturbating or sex, then my performance improves but it's not the same for me at all.
Regardless, thanks for the advice and good luck!
Posted by ginger C on October 22, 2003, at 11:58:53
In reply to RE: Sleep w/Lexapro, posted by Chotzy on October 22, 2003, at 8:36:01
I have been taking lexapro for almost a year and I feel very tired in the morning so much that i find myself falling asleep on my job. I tried switching to taking it in the morning because I would stay sleepy all day and then be unable to sleep at night. My doctor gave me .25mg of xanax to help me get to sleep at night.
Posted by galkeepinon on October 22, 2003, at 12:16:01
In reply to Re: Lexapro for Anxiety? » galkeepinon, posted by hockeygirlcanada on October 22, 2003, at 9:02:13
Posted by galkeepinon on October 22, 2003, at 12:33:39
In reply to My first day as well, Very Nervous, posted by tiredman on October 22, 2003, at 11:22:23
I've experienced 'jittery' I was to go down to 5mg of Lex today,but I just called my doctor and I am to return to taking 10mg again, and I feel jittery all ready.
Maybe give the Lex a chance and hopefully it will pass for you~you might be pleasantly surprised!
I also take a benzo, maybe that's an option for you. If not, talk to your prescribing doctor and hopefully he/she can help you.
Hang in there:-)> I'm very sensitive to medication and my p-doc started me on only 2.5 mg of Lexapro. I know this is far lower then the therapeutic dose but it has made me feel very "jittery". I'm afraid that I will not be able to take a full 10 mg dose. Have any of you experienced being jittery??
Posted by BLKVETTES on October 22, 2003, at 12:48:42
In reply to Re: Sexual Side Effects » nonsexual Jeff, posted by The Brain on October 21, 2003, at 23:05:29
> 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-effects
>
> 2) 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?
>
>I have been taking lexapro for about 8 months I guess. I never had trouble getting it up, just getting it out. I take 7.5mg. Ive noticed lately things are really starting to improve. I could never figure out if it was the lexapro or the reading of all the sexual dysfunction. Because even during sex I notice Im thinking about this. Ive always been able to get there but its way to much work. But lately it has not been a problem. I also found that early in the morning is best after some good sleep. I think thats partly to do with me not being fully awake and I dont think as much. There are all kinds of herbs and things that may help. Ive never tried any so couldnt say. I have no idea if this goes away for anyone else that posts. No one can say for sure. But I suffered with panic disorder and depression. I was suicidal!!!!!! Lexapro got rid of all of this!!!!! Sex has not been a priority of mine in the last year. But the drive is returning I believe. I have no real advice I guess!!!!!! But the sex part does return for many. NO GUARANTEES THOUGH!!!!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by BLKVETTES on October 22, 2003, at 12:53:58
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
> JillI suffered panic disorder and it does not get any worse than that. $100,000 billed to the insurance company because they couldnt diagnose me. Everyone at the hospital knew who I was when I showed up. I go to a lot of boards and lexapro has helped quite a few with anxiety!!!!! TRIAL AND ERROR WITH MEDS!!!!!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by BLKVETTES on October 22, 2003, at 12:59:08
In reply to Sleepy w/Lexapro, posted by memphistigers2004 on October 21, 2003, at 19:49:26
> 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?
This is very common and one of the biggest complaints with lexapro. I had to have my dose lowered to deal with it. When I was no longer tired it was moved back up. Also insomnia is a common side effect. 8 months later I am sleeping better than I ever have. Ive suffered insomnia all my life. So this is a welcomed relief.
WAYNE
Posted by BLKVETTES on October 22, 2003, at 13:07:26
In reply to My first day as well, Very Nervous, posted by tiredman on October 22, 2003, at 11:22:23
> I'm very sensitive to medication and my p-doc started me on only 2.5 mg of Lexapro. I know this is far lower then the therapeutic dose but it has made me feel very "jittery". I'm afraid that I will not be able to take a full 10 mg dose. Have any of you experienced being jittery??
Hey Im sensitive also to meds. I started at 5mg and went down to 2.5mg. I stayed there awhile!!! You may not need 10mg. everyone is different. It took months for me to find the right dose. I take 7.5mg and some take only 5mg. It got rid of my depression and panic disorder. What you describe is not unusual and at that dose things shouldnt get any worse. My opinion is to move up slowly!!! Dosent matter how fast you get there as long as you get there. Who knows you might stop at 5mg. and your problems will be over. No one knows what dose will will work for you. But your body will let you know when you get there.
WAYNE
Posted by Chotzy on October 22, 2003, at 14:46:58
In reply to RE: Sleep w/Lexapro » Chotzy, posted by casiopea on October 22, 2003, at 11:15:36
> I started taking Lexapro 6 months ago and I am not sure if it is the same for everybody but I felt sleepy for the first 2 months.
Today I am actually having the first good day since I started on it. My mood is good and I feel energetic. Even one of my co-workers commented that I seem to have more energy today. Hopefully this is about to get leveled out.
Posted by Chotzy on October 22, 2003, at 14:52:47
In reply to RE: Sleep w/Lexapro, posted by ginger C on October 22, 2003, at 11:58:53
> I have been taking lexapro for almost a year and I feel very tired in the morning so much that i find myself falling asleep on my job. I tried switching to taking it in the morning because I would stay sleepy all day and then be unable to sleep at night. My doctor gave me .25mg of xanax to help me get to sleep at night.
I am having a good day today but I know what you mean about being sleepy all day and nearly falling asleep at work. Also I find that I don't sleep good at night. Like a dose and not a deep sleep. I am reluctant to ask for something afraid of the morning after affects. Do you find that you have a hard time getting up in the morning on xanax?
Posted by Esmarelda on October 22, 2003, at 14:59:06
In reply to RE: Sleep w/Lexapro » ginger C, posted by Chotzy on October 22, 2003, at 14:52:47
I usually take one or two generic benadryl tablets to sleep at night. It is the same ingredient in Tylenol P.M. without the Tylenol and without the price tag.
Posted by Scribbler on October 22, 2003, at 15:15:32
In reply to RE: Sleep w/Lexapro » ginger C, posted by Chotzy on October 22, 2003, at 14:52:47
What about Ambien? I used that before going on Lexapro and half or 1/3 tablet worked well for me. Haven't tried it lately but last night had trouble sleeping (figured maybe I'd made up for past sleep deficits with recent naps and 9 hrs of sleep per night...). I found that now at least when I lie awake I don't feel anxious about not sleeping, and that's a big change!
Posted by LynneDa on October 22, 2003, at 15:25:17
In reply to RE: Sleep w/Lexapro, posted by Scribbler on October 22, 2003, at 15:15:32
I use Melatonin, a natural supplement. It works pretty well for me. Good luck!
LYNNEWhat about Ambien? I used that before going on Lexapro and half or 1/3 tablet worked well for me. Haven't tried it lately but last night had trouble sleeping (figured maybe I'd made up for past sleep deficits with recent naps and 9 hrs of sleep per night...). I found that now at least when I lie awake I don't feel anxious about not sleeping, and that's a big change!
Posted by ginger C on October 22, 2003, at 15:42:53
In reply to RE: Sleep w/Lexapro » Chotzy, posted by Esmarelda on October 22, 2003, at 14:59:06
I never thought about using benadryl it won't cost me anything because my husband is a veterinarian and we keep it on the shelf at the office.
Posted by ginger C on October 22, 2003, at 15:47:17
In reply to RE: Sleep w/Lexapro » ginger C, posted by Chotzy on October 22, 2003, at 14:52:47
I can't say which is the worst to cause a hangover but i tried to drop the xanax and things got worse because i couldn't sleep at night. I also found i was going to the kitchen and eating more snacks because i couldn't sleep.
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