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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by BLKVETTES on December 5, 2003, at 22:45:02
In reply to Doc is switching me from Lex to Paxil -HELP, posted by sfmom on December 3, 2003, at 18:10:35
> I've been on Lex for almost 7 weeks and my depression has not been touched. So my doc is switching me to Paxil. I've heard some really scary things about Paxil and am very afraid to start taking it. She's not having me wean off the Lex, just switch to a lower dose of Paxil for one week and then go up to 20mg. She's also weaning me off Klonopin because I've gotten dependent on it so fast and my hands start to shake between doses. How can she be weaning me off the one thing that helps me feel better just when I have to go through starting a new drug?!? I'm very frustrated and upset. Does anyone have any experience of switching from Lexapro to Paxil? Or any experience with Paxil side effects? What can I expect when I start? Lex was the first SSRI I've ever tried and I guess it just wasn't for me. I really need some guidence here!
If we listened to all the negative stories about meds no one would be taking any meds at all. There are horror stories for all of them. I read 10,000 people die every year from aspirin. If you have doubts about you doc get a 2nd opinion. I think your doc is a goofball anyways.
Posted by Arielle on December 6, 2003, at 17:33:16
In reply to Re: Doc is switching me from Lex to Paxil -HELP, posted by BLKVETTES on December 5, 2003, at 22:45:02
I was on Paxil for about a year and a half. It was the best anti depressant I have tried, (and I've tried em all) BUT, I gained about 40 lbs in 3 months. I NEVER gained weight all my life, even after my kids, but when I took Paxil, I went from 108, to 148. So they switched me to Celexa.......
Posted by Arielle on December 6, 2003, at 17:37:02
In reply to Re: I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro, posted by BLKVETTES on December 5, 2003, at 22:23:56
Thanks for replying. I've heard about the seizures....you really think 40 mg is a lot? Uh oh...now I feel nuts!! LOL I was wanting to raise it too.... Maybe not. I am going to the doctor on Monday..hope to have some soon.
Posted by BLKVETTES on December 6, 2003, at 22:47:58
In reply to Re: I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro, posted by Arielle on December 6, 2003, at 17:37:02
> Thanks for replying. I've heard about the seizures....you really think 40 mg is a lot? Uh oh...now I feel nuts!! LOL I was wanting to raise it too.... Maybe not. I am going to the doctor on Monday..hope to have some soon.
I havent heard anyone take that much and not saying it is to much for you. We are all different. I take 7.5mg. some take 10, 20, 30. Im just saying its a lot just to stop taking it all at once. Your body will tell you I guess if you are taking to much. Right now you know your body is saying give me some lexapro lol. Seizures are rare, but I hate to see you suffer with that withdrawal. Glad your getting to the doc.
Posted by tm on December 7, 2003, at 8:48:56
In reply to new user, posted by jennielaughs on December 5, 2003, at 9:37:00
> Hello everybody. I am so glad that I found pyso-babble. I am having doubts about whether or not I should be taking Lexapro. I started having what I think are panic attacks about 2 weeks ago. My doctor perscribed Lexapro and this is only my second day on the drug. I take it at night. The first time I took 10mg and it was horrible. I felt extremely weird with cloudy thoughts, headaches, etc.
>
> I reduced the dosage last night to 5mg and I am doing alot better. I notice that I do sleep all night but it is really hard for me to get out of bed in the morining. My eyes are even slightly swollen in the morning. I still have the constant headache, which I hope will go away.
> Due to the SE's, I can tell that this must be a serious drug.
>
> I am wondering if I should stick with it even though I feel that I was diagnosed prematurely. I don't suffer from depression and I don't feel like I am overly anxious other than the sudden onset of panac attacks that I have never experienced before. ( I have been on Celexa in the past but it was only for a couple of months and several years ago)Just a note about Xanax and remember every drug has the possibility of acting different. The emerg. doc gave it to you because Xanax works right away and only stays in your system for 4-6 hours. I take .75mg 4x a day along with 25mg of lex and 10mg of Remeron. The main thing is that you have to be comfortable with the drug you take or you'll have anxiety over that. Second opinion for sure. Ask yourself can you stand the anxiety attacks that you had and if you can don't take any drugs. The Pdoc is the way to go. You say panic and I say aniexty there all the same. Lex is there for panic and depression.
Good Luck Tim
Posted by Mariposa on December 7, 2003, at 10:54:33
In reply to Re: I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro, posted by Arielle on December 6, 2003, at 17:37:02
> Thanks for replying. I've heard about the seizures....you really think 40 mg is a lot? Uh oh...now I feel nuts!! LOL I was wanting to raise it too.... Maybe not. I am going to the doctor on Monday..hope to have some soon.
About the 40mg....I am taking 20mg now. I discussed w/pdoc the *poop-out* problem and we talked about possibly raising my dose. He told me he had patients taking 30 and 40mg and they were doing well, so it is not uncommon I would say. Hey if it works and you feel better, I would do it myself.
Best of luck to you!~~~8|8
Posted by BobYuma on December 7, 2003, at 16:09:01
In reply to Re: I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro » Arielle, posted by Mariposa on December 7, 2003, at 10:54:33
Hi, everyone. I'm new to the message board, and I have to tell you how much reading your messages has meant to me. My doctor had me on Welbutrin for five weeks, but it never even started helping my depression. I switched to Lexapro just four days ago and decided to come online to find out the side affects.
I feel spaced out most of the time, like I can't concentrate. I'm also so sleepy that it's hard to hold my head up, but yet I have trouble sleeping at night. That's been going on for quite a while though. I've also been really "jumpy" feeling ... like I'm shaking inside, if that makes sense. I take my lorazepan when that gets bad, and it helps.
So, from what I've read, I need to give Lexapro at least five or more weeks? Sheesh, I don't know if I can hold out that long. How did you people do it?
Thanks ahead for any replies.
Bob
Posted by Mariposa on December 7, 2003, at 16:18:00
In reply to Re: I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro, posted by BobYuma on December 7, 2003, at 16:09:01
> Hi, everyone. I'm new to the message board, and I have to tell you how much reading your messages has meant to me. My doctor had me on Welbutrin for five weeks, but it never even started helping my depression. I switched to Lexapro just four days ago and decided to come online to find out the side affects.
> I feel spaced out most of the time, like I can't concentrate. I'm also so sleepy that it's hard to hold my head up, but yet I have trouble sleeping at night. That's been going on for quite a while though. I've also been really "jumpy" feeling ... like I'm shaking inside, if that makes sense. I take my lorazepan when that gets bad, and it helps.
> So, from what I've read, I need to give Lexapro at least five or more weeks? Sheesh, I don't know if I can hold out that long. How did you people do it?
> Thanks ahead for any replies.
> BobFor me Lex has been a *transformer*....I feel like my old self again and I can go to work and carry on.
I started @ 5mg, BAD se's first 3 wks, felt a WHOLE LOT worse (depression/anxiety) wk 4-5, raised dose to 10mg, started to feel benefits around 8wk.
How did I do it? I came HERE constantly......and still do! This place is the best and the people are the greatest!!
Keep us posted on your progress.~~~8|8
Posted by Mrs C. on December 7, 2003, at 16:30:35
In reply to Re: I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro, posted by BobYuma on December 7, 2003, at 16:09:01
> Hi, everyone. I'm new to the message board, and I have to tell you how much reading your messages has meant to me. My doctor had me on Welbutrin for five weeks, but it never even started helping my depression. I switched to Lexapro just four days ago and decided to come online to find out the side affects.
> I feel spaced out most of the time, like I can't concentrate. I'm also so sleepy that it's hard to hold my head up, but yet I have trouble sleeping at night. That's been going on for quite a while though. I've also been really "jumpy" feeling ... like I'm shaking inside, if that makes sense. I take my lorazepan when that gets bad, and it helps.
> So, from what I've read, I need to give Lexapro at least five or more weeks? Sheesh, I don't know if I can hold out that long. How did you people do it?
> Thanks ahead for any replies.
> BobHi, Just read your post and I completely understand
what you mean by "shaking inside". I too have the s/e.
It has mostly stopped but sometimes I still feel it a little.
I am now on five weeks with lex and I really just started to
feel better. Like my old self again. The shakiness is barely
noticeable. Give it some time. I felt less shakey after about
2 weeks. Good luck.
Posted by BobYuma on December 7, 2003, at 16:50:59
In reply to Re: I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro, posted by Mrs C. on December 7, 2003, at 16:30:35
Hi, Just read your post and I completely understand what you mean by "shaking inside". I too have the s/e. It has mostly stopped but sometimes I still feel it a little.
I am now on five weeks with lex and I really just started to feel better. Like my old self again. The shakiness is barely noticeable. Give it some time. I felt less shakey after about 2 weeks. Good luck.
Thanks, Mrs. C. That gives me some hope. I'll stick with it. You people are great.
Thanks again, Bob
Posted by BLKVETTES on December 7, 2003, at 20:24:54
In reply to Re: I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro, posted by BobYuma on December 7, 2003, at 16:09:01
> Hi, everyone. I'm new to the message board, and I have to tell you how much reading your messages has meant to me. My doctor had me on Welbutrin for five weeks, but it never even started helping my depression. I switched to Lexapro just four days ago and decided to come online to find out the side affects.
> I feel spaced out most of the time, like I can't concentrate. I'm also so sleepy that it's hard to hold my head up, but yet I have trouble sleeping at night. That's been going on for quite a while though. I've also been really "jumpy" feeling ... like I'm shaking inside, if that makes sense. I take my lorazepan when that gets bad, and it helps.
> So, from what I've read, I need to give Lexapro at least five or more weeks? Sheesh, I don't know if I can hold out that long. How did you people do it?
> Thanks ahead for any replies.
> BobKEEP IN MIND YOU COULD HAVE SOME WITHDRAWAL FROM THE WELLBUTRIN. MAY NOT ALL BE FROM LEXAPRO.
Posted by Dr. Jill on December 8, 2003, at 7:00:45
In reply to Re: I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro, posted by BobYuma on December 7, 2003, at 16:09:01
Hi Bob! Most of my side effects went away after the 3rd week. As of today, I have been on Lexapro for 5 weeks and I feel great. Hang in there - they do go away! Jill
P.S. I had the same side effects as you and I know how you feel - terrible! I wanted to stop, but told myself that I had come this far, it would be a shame to quit now. Through the support of this site, I hung in there and I'm glad I did.
Posted by nicky847 on December 8, 2003, at 12:50:41
In reply to Re: I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro » BobYuma, posted by Mariposa on December 7, 2003, at 16:18:00
Hello to everyone I am new on the board as well and currently in the middle of week 2 of taking lexapro or as i like to call it "hell week!" :p..i took celexa for a year and a half prior then stopped taking it but then symptoms resurfaced so i am taking lexapro..the good news is that i am pretty much following the same side effect time table on the lexapro as i was on celexa...which to me means the meds are working..week 2 was the worst on celexa and it is no picnic on lexapro either..insomnia, lots of agitation, nausea in the morning...i feel like im pregnant..and im a guy :p! anyway i just wanted to say that the encouraging words i have read on this board are great reassurance for me..anyone have any tips on getting thru the rough first few weeks? thanks..
> > Hi, everyone. I'm new to the message board, and I have to tell you how much reading your messages has meant to me. My doctor had me on Welbutrin for five weeks, but it never even started helping my depression. I switched to Lexapro just four days ago and decided to come online to find out the side affects.
> > I feel spaced out most of the time, like I can't concentrate. I'm also so sleepy that it's hard to hold my head up, but yet I have trouble sleeping at night. That's been going on for quite a while though. I've also been really "jumpy" feeling ... like I'm shaking inside, if that makes sense. I take my lorazepan when that gets bad, and it helps.
> > So, from what I've read, I need to give Lexapro at least five or more weeks? Sheesh, I don't know if I can hold out that long. How did you people do it?
> > Thanks ahead for any replies.
> > Bob
>
> For me Lex has been a *transformer*....I feel like my old self again and I can go to work and carry on.
>
> I started @ 5mg, BAD se's first 3 wks, felt a WHOLE LOT worse (depression/anxiety) wk 4-5, raised dose to 10mg, started to feel benefits around 8wk.
>
> How did I do it? I came HERE constantly......and still do! This place is the best and the people are the greatest!!
>
> Keep us posted on your progress.~~~8|8
>
Posted by happyK on December 9, 2003, at 15:29:59
In reply to Re: I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro, posted by BobYuma on December 7, 2003, at 16:09:01
Hi everyone. I just started taking Lexapro for anxiety yesterday. I was really anxious (lol) to even start taking it. After just one pill I was extrememly tired and could barely keep my eyes open. I kept thinking that I probably shouldn't be driving because I was sooo tired. That side effect wore off about after 7-8 hours and I felt better. My vision was a little blurry and I could concentrate but not for too long.
The positives after taking just one pill....I got home and realized I just had a day with NO anxiety!!!! Wooohooo. As long as this tiredness doesn't last too long I will have good things to say about Lexapro. Thanks for the encouragement about the side effects being short-term.
Posted by BobYuma on December 9, 2003, at 16:24:36
In reply to thank you, posted by happyK on December 9, 2003, at 15:29:59
> Hi everyone. I just started taking Lexapro for anxiety yesterday. I was really anxious (lol) to even start taking it. After just one pill I was extrememly tired and could barely keep my eyes open. I kept thinking that I probably shouldn't be driving because I was sooo tired. That side effect wore off about after 7-8 hours and I felt better. My vision was a little blurry and I could concentrate but not for too long.
>> The positives after taking just one pill....I got home and realized I just had a day with NO anxiety!!!! Wooohooo. As long as this tiredness doesn't last too long I will have good things to say about Lexapro. Thanks for the encouragement about the side effects being short-term.
Hi, HappyK.
I'm so glad to hear that you're already feeling less anxiety after just one day on Lexapro. That certainly gives the rest of us a lot of hope.
Thanks for your post, and I hope you just keep on improving everyday.
Bob
Posted by klinkc on December 9, 2003, at 17:42:54
In reply to Re: going off lexapro, posted by cait9745 on November 6, 2003, at 7:46:42
I started on 20mg of Lexapro and have been tapered down to 10 and 5. After 3 days of not having anythign I had to take some today. I was really dizzy and could hardly drive or stand straight. I wanted to close my eyes all the time! Going off of antidepressants is hard, but if you are feeling better, it is a good thing. I was on Paxil for a year, 4 years ago, and it was MUCH MUCH worse than this. I think I'll be shaving off a little at a time. I would recommend giving it a try and when you are really close to the end, make it on a weekend or holiday to go completely off. That way you can sleep or just hang out at home.
Good luck, I'd also recommend investing in a couple of depression/anxiety books in case you feel a little nervous coming off!
Posted by RayJ on December 9, 2003, at 20:11:35
In reply to thank you, posted by happyK on December 9, 2003, at 15:29:59
Another thing you might want to try (which my doctor recommended) is to take it at bedtime. That way the worst of the dizziness & lethargy happens while you're asleep. This has worked pretty well for me.
Posted by Esmarelda on December 10, 2003, at 9:05:44
In reply to Re: thank you, posted by RayJ on December 9, 2003, at 20:11:35
The sleepiness lasted a month or two for me, but ultimately went away. Like everything else about Lexapro, it was worth the wait. Just hang in there.
Posted by LynneLaf on December 10, 2003, at 10:45:35
In reply to new user, posted by jennielaughs on December 5, 2003, at 9:37:00
HI, I just wanted to add my 2 cents. I am on 10 mg and this is my 3rd week. I was cloudy for 2 weeks and had headaches. Now that I am in my 3rd week, I feel better. I still am very tired but I think if i get on a consistant sleep schedule that will help. I hate getting out of bed, but I am feeling better about everything else in my life. My Mom is on the this med too and she has been for over a year and she feels great and is just a wonderful all around person. She'll never get off this med, it would drive us all nuts.
Hope I have helped.
Posted by Kiks on December 13, 2003, at 4:13:19
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects » dr. dave, posted by Ritch on June 19, 2002, at 9:11:56
My boyfriend has been taking Lexapro for a little more than a week, he was on it before but quit taking it because he thought it wasn't doing anything. Now he is experiencing more panic than ever before, soreness in his arms, like he can't lift them sometimes, headaches, trouble sleeping, tightness in his chest, trouble breathing, and more uncomfortable side effects. Does anyone have any positivce things to say about Lexapro?
Kiks
Posted by BobYuma on December 13, 2003, at 7:39:06
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by Kiks on December 13, 2003, at 4:13:19
> My boyfriend has been taking Lexapro for a little more than a week, he was on it before but quit taking it because he thought it wasn't doing anything. Now he is experiencing more panic than ever before, soreness in his arms, like he can't lift them sometimes, headaches, trouble sleeping, tightness in his chest, trouble breathing, and more uncomfortable side effects. Does anyone have any positivce things to say about Lexapro?
Kiks
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Hi, Kiks.
Gee, I'm sorry to hear that about your boyfriend. I'm no expert, but if I had all of those side effects, I'd go see my doctor. It could be that he just isn't able to take Lexapro, some people can't. But I'd see or call my doctor right away, especially considering the breathing problems.
I'm going into my second week on Lexapro. I haven't had any really terrible side effects so far. At first I thought they were bad [the jitters, sleeplessness, and a few other mild ones] but the more I read about other's SE's, I guess mine aren't so bad after all.
I had a pretty "low" feeling most of yesterday, but I've heard from some that the second week can be the worse as far as SE's are concerned.
On a positive note, I had the best night's sleep I've had in quite a while last night. I only woke up once or twice but went right back to seep and slept until 7:30 this morning. It felt great!I certainly hope that your boyfriend finds an answer for his panic. My prayers will include you both today.
BobYuma
Posted by Bali on December 13, 2003, at 17:29:26
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by Kiks on December 13, 2003, at 4:13:19
Kiks,
I am on my 7th week of Lexapro and started Wellbutrin 2 weeks ago to counteract the sexual s/e's. (I don't yet know about the effectiveness of Wellbutrin for this, but when I find out, I'll let everyone know.) I feel like a new person on Lex!!! I enjoy small things, for example, this a.m., while driving my son (8 years old) to his basketball game we saw a beautiful little blue bird and I actually stopped the car, and we watched it for a few minutes. I found real joy in this! Before Lex I would have said, "Come on, we've got to get to the gym!" I have infinite patience now and seem to really like people instead of harboring secret loathing for their shortcomings. I have not felt this kind of patience and happiness for at least 10 years. I'm not kidding! Maybe your boyfriend could just stick it out for a while. There are wonderful stories on this message board from people who have really been helped and have had their lives literally turned around. (Me being one of them.)
I like myself now. I didn't think I was having trouble with that until I realized two weeks ago (week 5) that I wasn't constantly thinking to myself: "You're too fat...you're getting old looking" (I am 46)
Now I am thinking...."Hey you look pretty damn good for a 46 year old!" I am not just trying to convince myself of this....I actually feel it!
So...........try to stick it out through the side effects. It may be a miracle medicine for your boyfriend. Most people on the site have noted that they really feel the difference at or around the fifth week mark. Everybody is different. However, for me, it has really, truly changed my entire perspective about my life. Bali
Posted by vandy on December 13, 2003, at 18:11:55
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by Bali on December 13, 2003, at 17:29:26
> Kiks,
> I am on my 7th week of Lexapro and started Wellbutrin 2 weeks ago to counteract the sexual s/e's. (I don't yet know about the effectiveness of Wellbutrin for this, but when I find out, I'll let everyone know.) I feel like a new person on Lex!!! I enjoy small things, for example, this a.m., while driving my son (8 years old) to his basketball game we saw a beautiful little blue bird and I actually stopped the car, and we watched it for a few minutes. I found real joy in this! Before Lex I would have said, "Come on, we've got to get to the gym!" I have infinite patience now and seem to really like people instead of harboring secret loathing for their shortcomings. I have not felt this kind of patience and happiness for at least 10 years. I'm not kidding! Maybe your boyfriend could just stick it out for a while. There are wonderful stories on this message board from people who have really been helped and have had their lives literally turned around. (Me being one of them.)
> I like myself now. I didn't think I was having trouble with that until I realized two weeks ago (week 5) that I wasn't constantly thinking to myself: "You're too fat...you're getting old looking" (I am 46)
> Now I am thinking...."Hey you look pretty damn good for a 46 year old!" I am not just trying to convince myself of this....I actually feel it!
> So...........try to stick it out through the side effects. It may be a miracle medicine for your boyfriend. Most people on the site have noted that they really feel the difference at or around the fifth week mark. Everybody is different. However, for me, it has really, truly changed my entire perspective about my life. BaliRIGHT ON THE BUTTON, BALI!
(i apologize. my bad. you're probably sick of that one in its various forms)But it's truly well said.
Posted by Mariposa on December 13, 2003, at 19:15:25
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by vandy on December 13, 2003, at 18:11:55
>
> But it's truly well said.
>
>I agree! @20mg have been taking since Feb. Colors are more beautiful I can't help but stare at the beauty I see everywhere. Patient also...work in customer service, deal w/a lot of usually upset people. Befor Lex I'd had several complaints and write-ups at work, was always upset myself, and now I can deal with anyone, and I'm not so depressed I can't function.
2nd week was worst for me, most bad se's gone by 4th wk, got worse, doc raised dose from 5 to 10mg, actually started to feel good 9th wk.
HANG in there IT'S WORTH IT! if it works for you too, and sorry to say it seems you should give it 6-8 weeks for an honest try.
Good luck!~~~8|8
Posted by shadyut on December 13, 2003, at 19:25:09
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by Mariposa on December 13, 2003, at 19:15:25
Sorry to report that colors aren't any brighter for me, and the birds ain't any prettier, but.... I do appreciate some good humor more now. For instance I was watching Chris Rock do some stand up and the stuff he was saying, I haven't had a good laugh like that in over a year. That's just one instance. If someone says something clever I really enjoy it for some reason, I sit back and think about and enjoy their comment for some reason. I dunno, I'm weird but thats by experience with Lex!
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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