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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by theo on November 16, 2003, at 11:43:38
In reply to Concerned New User, posted by streek on November 15, 2003, at 16:33:46
When I first tried Lex I started at 10mg and after 8 weeks stopped because side effects never went away. Several months later another doc suggested Lex and I told him of my passed experience. He said start slow, 2.5mg for 1 week, then 5mg for 3-4 weeks. He said if I feel good on 5mg not to even go to 10mg, but if I felt like I needed more to go to 10mg. I stayed with 5mg and never even went to 10mg. Whats interesting is when I first tried Lex starting at 10mg, I had horrible nausea which slowly went away and I gained weight. When I tried Lex the second time with 2.5mg and slowly moved up, I had no nausea and lost weight! Whats even more interesting is I did some research on Lex and found a bar graph showing better results at 5mg and 20mg and worse at 10mg after 12 weeks! Forest did a good job at marketing Lex as a "one size fits all" but caused a lot of people much grief and wasted time on side effects by distributing sample packs that don't even suggest starting slow and titrating up, but hey I'm sure the stockholders are happy. By the way, I discontinued Lex the second time only do to sexual side effects. Tried adding 150mg of Wellbutrin XL but after 6 weeks on both quit the Lex and stayed with the Wellbutrin XL, which has been great for me for anxiety brought on by depression and sex is better than ever!
Posted by MissB on November 16, 2003, at 17:51:18
In reply to Concerned New User, posted by streek on November 15, 2003, at 16:33:46
First, you need to know that the same meds aren't going to affect everyone the same. I know people who hated the SEs from Celexa (same family as Lex) and I had none. However, I got switched to Lex and had horrible SEs during the first 10 days or so. It has gotten better. The second thing you need to know is that no matter what you take you will just have to give the meds time. You might or might not have side effects - no one will know until you take the meds. My last bit is to hang it there. As you can read from past postings it has taken time for things to get better and when they do I'm sure it will be as worth it for you as it has been for me.
Posted by MissB on November 16, 2003, at 17:58:19
In reply to Re: Tingling and numbness, posted by BLKVETTES on November 16, 2003, at 2:06:11
It definately sucks that's for sure. Fortunately for me it seems to be a mild case, but what a pain! It came out of no where. One day I was drinking my morning coffee and found myself dribbling all over. Then to make matters worse, I couldn't even really taste the coffee! More meds and now facial exercises! Yepeee..
> >>>>>>As it turns out I have Bell's Palsy.
>
> I had that a couple of years ago. For me it was pure hell!!!!!!
> WAYNE
Posted by Esmarelda on November 17, 2003, at 10:53:15
In reply to Re: Lexapro for Anxiety? » Esmarelda, posted by anonymous13 on November 15, 2003, at 4:05:48
I don't have any side effects any more. For the first week or so, I had some nausea. For several months, I also had extreme sleepiness (mostly in the mornings). I just could hardly get out of bed. Those are the only side effects I experienced. At the very beginning, my depression and anxiety got a whole lot worse before it got better, but I feel great now! It was worth the wait.
Posted by hadit4now on November 17, 2003, at 11:02:21
In reply to Concerned New User, posted by streek on November 15, 2003, at 16:33:46
Hi im a 21yr old male and have been on Lex for about 6 weeks now, my Doc started me of on 10mg as well, which at the time i thought was high, but as everyone says, every person reacts differently. One thing i see we all agree on is that there will be more intensed S\E within the first couple of weeks on lex. You may be tired, feel lightheadedness and may even be forgetfull or nauseas. If over the next couple of weeks is a crucial time in the year for you, because of finals or for some other reason, you may want to consider starting on something else or just a lower dosage of Lex. Just hang in there, sometime you have to take a step back before going forward.
Posted by jane47 on November 17, 2003, at 12:21:38
In reply to Re: Lexapro for Anxiety? » anonymous13, posted by Esmarelda on November 17, 2003, at 10:53:15
Esmeralda, you didn't mention how long you had been on lex or what dosage. thanks
...jane
Posted by June on November 17, 2003, at 12:52:04
In reply to Re: Concerned New User, posted by hadit4now on November 17, 2003, at 11:02:21
Has anyone had sexual side effects with Lex? I have only been on 5mg for 2weeks and new 10mg for3 days. I can't seem to have any orgasm!
Posted by sfmom on November 17, 2003, at 15:34:02
In reply to Re: Sexual Side effects, posted by June on November 17, 2003, at 12:52:04
I started on 10mg for two weeks and have now been on 20mg for almost a week. I could still have kind of orgasms the first week I started but now can't even come close. It's really been a pain, but I still enjoy sex and this has actually helped my husband and me try some new things. He's getting a lot of extra attention in bed too since I'm more focused on him than on myself. I'm hoping that as my body adjusts to the meds more that I'll be able to orgasm again, although I know that they might not come back until I go off the meds. In the meantime, I'm trying to find things that make me feel sexy--lingerie, high heels, a bikini wax, that sort of thing. If the orgasms don't come back, that will just be one more incentive to get myself healthy and get off the meds, although at this point that seems a long way off. It is a big issue for me, but right now, the alternative is even worse. Good luck and try to keep things in perspective. I'll let you know if they come back as my body gets adjusted to the meds.
Posted by marlar on November 17, 2003, at 17:01:31
In reply to Concerned New User, posted by streek on November 15, 2003, at 16:33:46
> Hi. I'm a 19 year old female and my doctor just prescribed me 10 mg of Lexapro and I'm really concerned. She prescribed my the meds because I become really depressed right before I start my period every month. But I'm really worried about the side effects. I'm a small framed person and only way 110 pounds (healthy for my height and frame). Also, I go to college (finals are coming up) and have two part time jobs so I can't really afford to have bad side effects. Should I maybe talk to my doctor about starting at a smaller dose or are the side effects not that bad? Also, do the majority of people who start Lexapro have the side effects? I have been reading over the posts on this thread and they are really informative but I haven't found any people posting who are as young and small as me. Do people my age normally get prescribed Lexapro? One more question, does anyone think that I would suffer from the sexual side effects as well?
I just started on Lexapro last week. Doc started me on 5 mg/day but I had SEs, nausea, diarrhea, hard time focusing. She lowered me to 2.5 mg/day and SEs much better, just a headache. I am only 5'1", 100#, 25 yo female. Might want to think about lower dose if you experience bad SEs. Good luck!
Posted by Esmarelda on November 17, 2003, at 17:10:51
In reply to Re: Lexapro for Anxiety?, posted by jane47 on November 17, 2003, at 12:21:38
Jane, I started on 10 mg about the middle of June '03. Around August 1, I jumped up to 15 mg where I have been ever since.
Posted by nemo kitty on November 17, 2003, at 17:24:44
In reply to Re: Concerned New User, posted by marlar on November 17, 2003, at 17:01:31
> > Hi. I'm a 19 year old female and my doctor just prescribed me 10 mg of Lexapro and I'm really concerned. She prescribed my the meds because I become really depressed right before I start my period every month. But I'm really worried about the side effects. I'm a small framed person and only way 110 pounds (healthy for my height and frame). Also, I go to college (finals are coming up) and have two part time jobs so I can't really afford to have bad side effects. Should I maybe talk to my doctor about starting at a smaller dose or are the side effects not that bad? Also, do the majority of people who start Lexapro have the side effects? I have been reading over the posts on this thread and they are really informative but I haven't found any people posting who are as young and small as me. Do people my age normally get prescribed Lexapro? One more question, does anyone think that I would suffer from the sexual side effects as well?
>
>
> I just started on Lexapro last week. Doc started me on 5 mg/day but I had SEs, nausea, diarrhea, hard time focusing. She lowered me to 2.5 mg/day and SEs much better, just a headache. I am only 5'1", 100#, 25 yo female. Might want to think about lower dose if you experience bad SEs. Good luck!
>MAKE SURE YOU ONLY START WITH LIKE 1/2 OF THE 10MG!! I am 5'2. 115 pounds. I was presribed 10mg and have been taking 1/2 (5 mg) It is perfect for me with some side effects ....naseau, sleepiness, headache,.....but they went away after 2-3 weeks.
You should really only start with 1/2 for the first 2 weeks. Maybe 5mg will be enough for you!!!
Posted by June on November 18, 2003, at 12:52:35
In reply to Re: Sexual Side effects, posted by June on November 17, 2003, at 12:52:04
Does your sex life stop after Lexapro? Is there a time when an orgasm will return? I really need to know!
Posted by LynneDa on November 18, 2003, at 13:09:05
In reply to Re: Lexapro Sexual Side effects, posted by June on November 18, 2003, at 12:52:35
I've been on 10mg for one month and I can now say I get part of the way there. If they were a 9 before, they're about at a 3 now - at the beginning of taking it they were at a 0! It just takes longer and lots of visualization and talking (or whatever works for you) - it's not as effortless and automatic as it used to be. I don't really care as much anymore - I enjoy the whole process now and not just the end goal!
I'm sure someone's mentioned Wellbutrin. I've heard adding that helps in the sexual area. Good luck to you!
~Lynne
Posted by stacieg on November 18, 2003, at 13:24:10
In reply to Re: Lexapro Sexual Side effects, posted by LynneDa on November 18, 2003, at 13:09:05
I am new to the site. My husband has been on lex for 8 days. He is very tired in the morning but once up it gets better. Will this SE ever go away? He also has a problem with sexual SE's. It takes him a long time to ejaculate so that adds to his frustration. Has anyone else experienced this, and did it go away?
Posted by BarbaraEL on November 18, 2003, at 14:26:20
In reply to Re: Lexapro Sexual Side effects, posted by June on November 18, 2003, at 12:52:35
> Does your sex life stop after Lexapro? Is there a time when an orgasm will return? I really need to know!
I'm a 45 year old woman who has been on Lexapro (10mg/daily) for six months. Within the first month of taking it it had quelled the symptoms of my depression: restlessness, anxiety, sleeplessness, overwhelming sense of sadness and hopelessness, bouts of crying, etc.
Re side effects: I experienced some nausea and dizziness but these subsided within the first 6 weeks. Initially my libido felt rejuvenated and I resumed a more active sex life than I had been experiencing.
Lexapro eventually (after about 8 weeks) made me feel VERY tired, however, and I complained to my doctor about this. I was grateful for being able to sleep through the night but was getting frustrated with feeling so groggy every morning - often not feeling fully awake until noon. He suggested adding Wellbutrin to the mix (150mg/daily), taking it in the morning, and taking the Lexapro earlier in the day instead of before bed which had been my routine. This did help alleviate the groggy feeling and the two meds together worked pretty well up until just recently.
After appx 5 mos on Lex and 3 mos on Wellbutrin it became more difficult to reach orgasm and they were MUCH less intense. I was beginning to feel an overall numbness, sensually and emotionally. My sex life didn't stop completely, but I was losing interest and the initiative to do anything about it. I was feeling drained of energy.
On a recent visit to my doctor, my blood pressure was high -168/104 - normal BP for me is 120/70. My doctor recommended going off the Wellbutrin immediately (!) and to begin tapering off the Lexapro. Apparently both are beginning to show up on Dr.s logs as contributors to high blood pressure. He seemed as surprized as I was by this.
Anyway - It's been appx 2 weeks that I've been off Wellbutrin. I've felt a little dizzyfizzy-headed but generally ok - and I've reduced the Lex to 10mg every other day.
Re sex: This may be a fluke but my libido has definately re-awakened and orgasm has already been easier to achieve and is regaining intensity. I'm thrilled!
I am curious to know if others have had similar experiences either with Lexapro or Wellbutrin (or both) after about six months use. I appreciate reading everyone's posts regarding these drugs - it's been very helpful!
Posted by LynneDa on November 18, 2003, at 14:30:48
In reply to Lexapro, Wellbutrin, Orgasms! » June, posted by BarbaraEL on November 18, 2003, at 14:26:20
BarbaraEL - Thanks so much for sharing as you are much farther down the road in this process than I am. It is good to know about the Lex/Wellbutrin mix, as I was considering it for the sexual side effect reason. Continued good luck to you!
~ Lynne
Posted by BarbaraEL on November 18, 2003, at 14:45:56
In reply to Re: Lexapro, Wellbutrin, Orgasms!, posted by LynneDa on November 18, 2003, at 14:30:48
> BarbaraEL - Thanks so much for sharing as you are much farther down the road in this process than I am. It is good to know about the Lex/Wellbutrin mix, as I was considering it for the sexual side effect reason. Continued good luck to you!
> ~ LynneThank you, Lynne - for the welcoming "shout out". I'm glad this forum exists -- I'm anxious to learn from it and am pleased to be able to contribute. Best of luck to you, as well!
-BarbaraEL
Posted by June on November 18, 2003, at 15:53:41
In reply to Re: Lexapro Sexual Side effects, posted by stacieg on November 18, 2003, at 13:24:10
>Yes you are very tired on lex, but I am hoping it will get better. I have only been on it for 3 weeks (2 weeks at 5mg, 1 week 10mg). I am having sexual problems also. I am hoping these s/e go away after awhile. I can't really seem to get any answers from anyone who has been on it a long time.
I am new to the site. My husband has been on lex for 8 days. He is very tired in the morning but once up it gets better. Will this SE ever go away? He also has a problem with sexual SE's. It takes him a long time to ejaculate so that adds to his frustration. Has anyone else experienced this, and did it go away?
Posted by LynneDa on November 18, 2003, at 16:01:40
In reply to Re: Lexapro Sexual Side effects, posted by June on November 18, 2003, at 15:53:41
Lex hasn't been on the market for long - maybe March of 2003? I've encountered 3 or 4 posters who have been on it that long and they all say the s/e's do go away and they are very happy they got through the first 8 - 10 weeks. Of course, if they had not felt good, they'd quit and switch! As usual, it's different for anyone.
I've been on it only 4 weeks. I'm still a little sleepy. I still get very slightly nauseous occasionally. Low level orgasms. Those are the only side effects I still have. Except for the 10 days around my period, it is working well for me so far.
For your husband, there are several threads that sound all-male that you might want to check out!
Hang in there all of you, if the others can get through the first month or so, so can we :-)
~ Lynne
Posted by Dr. Jill on November 18, 2003, at 16:12:40
In reply to Re: Lexapro Sexual Side effects, posted by LynneDa on November 18, 2003, at 16:01:40
Hi Everyone: Thanks to everyone for sharing your thoughts regarding Lexapro. I have been checking in daily since starting this medication. I am on day 16 and started off on 5mg and then increased to 10mg after a week. I put myself back on 5mg three days ago because the side effects were so bad. I have had major insomnia, my throat feels tight, cannot concentrate, feeling jittery, sweats, and constant nasal drip. How long did it take for your se's to go away? I figured that I stuck it out this far and I am not going to quit now. I have not even tried to have sex. Do not want to add another se onto the list. LOL. It seems like as one se goes away, another one appears. I had major tummy "issues" the first week. Thanks in advance for any information you can give me. Jill
Posted by Esmarelda on November 18, 2003, at 16:14:07
In reply to Re: Lexapro Sexual Side effects, posted by June on November 18, 2003, at 15:53:41
The sleepiness goes away, but it took about 3 or so months for me before it did go away. I just could not get out of bed in the a.m. Don't know about ejaculation - haha! I have read other male posters who say this goes away too. Good luck!
Posted by Dr. Jill on November 18, 2003, at 16:16:55
In reply to Re: Lexapro Sexual Side effects, posted by LynneDa on November 18, 2003, at 16:01:40
Hi Everyone: Thanks to everyone for sharing your thoughts regarding Lexapro. I have been checking in daily since starting this medication. I am on day 16 and started off on 5mg and then increased to 10mg after a week. I put myself back on 5mg three days ago because the side effects were so bad. I have had major insomnia, my throat feels tight, cannot concentrate, feeling jittery, sweats, and constant nasal drip. How long did it take for your se's to go away? I figured that I stuck it out this far and I am not going to quit now. I have not even tried to have sex. Do not want to add another se onto the list. LOL. It seems like as one se goes away, another one appears. I had major tummy "issues" the first week. Thanks in advance for any information you can give me. Jill
Posted by anonymous13 on November 18, 2003, at 17:04:22
In reply to Re: Lexapro for Anxiety? » anonymous13, posted by Esmarelda on November 17, 2003, at 10:53:15
I took lexapro for one day and did not like the feeling of being on it. It felt like I was literally high. Instead of taking the 10 mg dosage that the doctor gave me- I cut it in half and only took half of it. I wasn't able to sleep at night. I took it around 2:00 in the afternoon and have been having problems in sleeping. I was up for about 3 days with only 3 hours of sleep. Last night I was able to sleep for about 6 hours. (Thank you Lord!) My doctor didn't want to give me any sleep aids cause it's hard for me to breathe on it and and my heart beats way to fast on it. If I continuesly take this lexapro for anxiety will my body get used to it and how long would that take? Will I be able to sleep like everyone else that post on this site? I would love to sleep alot. Cause it seems the more I sleep the better I feel. I just dont like the feeling of being "high". I can't think straight and it trips me out.
Posted by Esmarelda on November 18, 2003, at 17:12:49
In reply to Re: Lexapro for Anxiety? » Esmarelda, posted by anonymous13 on November 18, 2003, at 17:04:22
I have always had trouble sleeping so I didn't know if it was lexapro or just me. I take 2 Benadryl at night to sleep. It is the ingredient in Tylenol P.M. that makes you sleepy. Listen to your doctor because they know what is good for you. Someone on here once recommended Badger Sleep Balm. I just plugged it into the internet and ordered some. I think it helped relax. It smells good, at the very least. It has lavender and some other herbs in it. Try taking the Lexapro in the A.m. instead of in the afternoon. Good luck!
Posted by BarbaraEL on November 18, 2003, at 17:18:48
In reply to Everyone - Interested in when these darn SE's stop, posted by Dr. Jill on November 18, 2003, at 16:16:55
> Hi Everyone: Thanks to everyone for sharing your thoughts regarding Lexapro. I have been checking in daily since starting this medication. I am on day 16 and started off on 5mg and then increased to 10mg after a week. I put myself back on 5mg three days ago because the side effects were so bad. I have had major insomnia, my throat feels tight, cannot concentrate, feeling jittery, sweats, and constant nasal drip. How long did it take for your se's to go away? I figured that I stuck it out this far and I am not going to quit now. I have not even tried to have sex. Do not want to add another se onto the list. LOL. It seems like as one se goes away, another one appears. I had major tummy "issues" the first week. Thanks in advance for any information you can give me. Jill
Hi Jill -Yes, it seems like as soon as one side effect subsides a new one creeps in! I've been taking 10 mg Lexapro daily for six months -- up until 2 weeks ago. My side effects included nausea, dizziness, loss of appetite, extreme sleepiness, sweats, that tightness in the throat you mentioned and the inability to concentrate, too.
I also noticed my short term memory seemed to be adversely affected - my brain was very foggy!
Most of these SE's subsided within the first 6 to 8 weeks. Occasionally, one of the above would pop up again -- maybe just for a day or two and to a lesser degree than initially. All in all, the side effects were tolerable and I was content in exchanging the depression for these random annoyances.My doctor told me that Lexapro might stimulate my appetite and that maybe I'd have the urge to snack more but this never manifested itself. I had quit smoking three months before starting Lex and have managed to stay off cigs and not put on any post-smoking weight either.
I slept better while on Lex, felt more relaxed and better equipped emotionally to handle the stresses in my life.
The least pleasing side effect for me was the change in my libido and ability to orgasm - which happened gradually over a period of a few months. I began to sense an overall numbness that I felt was induced by the medication and so now am in the process of weening myself from it to see how I feel with less of it in my system.
Despite what I've stated above, I'd encourage you to stick it out and see if most of the side effects don't subside within the next 14 days. Lex helped me quite a bit - even though I'd like NOT to take it anymore.
My doctor said I should use Lexapro for a minimum of six months - that it would take at least that long to reap the benefits. I don't know if agree with that -- for myself, anyway.
Best of luck! Keep posting...
BarbaraEL
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