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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by mystic on July 7, 2004, at 18:17:45
In reply to Re: wellbutrin to lexapro, posted by trucker on July 7, 2004, at 11:30:43
Hey I dont know who posted that they are discontinuing serzone what would be the reason for that...I dont take it or anything but was wondering how they discontinue a antidepresant...hmmmmm thanks...Mystic
Posted by trucker on July 7, 2004, at 18:25:46
In reply to RE::: Hey jenstar, posted by mystic on July 7, 2004, at 18:13:57
MYSTIC IS A CHICKEN... WHAT NO MORE KIDS???HA HA HA
I JOKING
TRUCKER
//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////> Hey Jenstar...good luck on the decreased meds and the potential pregnancy soon...My daughter had been on celexa for an eating disorder and she became pregnant and went off the celexa as they thought that it is fine for you to be on it and they told her the same thing that you have to weigh what is worse for the baby the anxiety or the lex...but she did sooooo good when she was pregnant they also say that your hormones are at their best hard to believe but she said she never felt anxious or sad or depressed she just felt soooo good so that might be something to look forward to and for all you others that might be something to think about we could all get pregnant and feel gooooooooddddd....sorry bad joke and I'm not doing it...Your friend>>>mystic
Posted by mystic on July 7, 2004, at 19:37:22
In reply to RE::: Hey jenstar, posted by trucker on July 7, 2004, at 18:25:46
Hey trucker...remember I did it right i'm a 41 year old grandmother hahahah now i get the best of it and can send him home..although not into that yet he is only 10wks old and he is the cutest..cant get enough of him and I see him just about every day while mel is on maternity leave she has like 14 weeks....got more pics for anyone that wants them..dont want to be a bragging grandmother but omg he is the cutest..hahhahah....Mystic
Posted by Mrs. C on July 7, 2004, at 21:32:21
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro?, posted by Harlock on July 7, 2004, at 10:27:33
Harlock,
Sorry to hear that you are having such severe depression. I know that nothing I can say will take it away but I want you to know that I can feel for you and I will pray for you. You have come to a wonderful supportive place with many caring friends. Hopefully you will find some comfort here knowing that you are not alone in your struggle.By the way, we have a great group on the social board too. We call ourselves the "Yo Yo sisters" because we all go up and down so much. You are welcome there, we could use a male perspective once in awhile. Who knows maybe we can help you get through this difficult time you are having. Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs. C on July 7, 2004, at 21:45:30
In reply to RE::: Hey jenstar, posted by JenStar on July 7, 2004, at 0:35:39
Jenstar, good luck with getting pregnant! I think that you are doing the right thing by stopping the med. I am also a severe hypochondriac but during pregnancy I was fine. I just attributed all my symptoms to pregnancy. They were the happiest times of my life, seriously. But at least you know that if you need to go back to Lex that it's safe for the baby. All the best, Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs. C on July 7, 2004, at 21:49:56
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness, posted by JenStar on July 7, 2004, at 0:43:46
Again, I just have to say that I love you!! Having someone to talk to who is so much like me is so comforting. I know just what you mean about the bad and good rythym times. I can also go many months without noticing them and then BAM they're back. They scare me to death! Bad choice of words there, sorry. Since I started taking Lex I have worried much less about them but during my PMS time I act like I am not taking anything. I get crazed! Bye for now, Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs. C on July 7, 2004, at 21:51:50
In reply to RE::: Hey jenstar, posted by mystic on July 7, 2004, at 18:13:57
Pregnant Yo YO's... now that's a show for Oprah! Mrs. C
Posted by sexylexy on July 8, 2004, at 12:13:19
In reply to RE:: Hey everyone, posted by mystic on July 7, 2004, at 18:17:45
Hey Mystic,
I know that some of the anti-depressants (not SSRIs like we take) have been shown to be pretty hard on the old liver. I believe that is the reason Serezone is being discontinued. I am not 100 % sure!!
Love,
Lexy
Posted by Deesent on July 8, 2004, at 18:14:26
In reply to RE:: Hey everyone, posted by sexylexy on July 8, 2004, at 12:13:19
Yes, Serzone was discontinued because of liver problems. I am the one that posted I had to get off of it because of this. This was the only medication that I was able to take, so far, w/o side effects besides Xanax. Tried Lexapro, doesn't get along with my stomach and can't sleep on it. I thought I could go it alone on just the Xanax, had high hopes for the Lex, but I think I'm still having some withdrawal symptoms from the Serzone. I had to taper off very slowly over two months. Am having a bad day today, but go back to the doc tomorrow.
I am pretty upset, because I heard about the liver problems within the first couple of weeks of taking the Serzone, and my doc stated that as long as my liver tests came out o.k. I would be o.k. Then all of a sudden, WOW, I have to get off of it. I had been taking it for over 3 years.
Hopefully will find something else that works. If you have any other ideas, please let me know.
Dee
Posted by captain on July 9, 2004, at 10:58:55
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness, posted by JenStar on July 7, 2004, at 0:43:46
Hey Ladies! Sorry I have been out of the loop - was traveling for work! Jen - thanks SO much for your post! You have no idea (or maybe you do!) how much it helps to know that other people go thru what I have been going through!
The lex has definitely helped me stop examining everything. I have been on it for 5 weeks and there is a big difference. I actually had a check up for the lex this morning and while i was there i had a urine test done as I have had a bladder infection. It looks like i have a lot of protein in my urine and I have to come back after taking some antibiotics to see if it is still there. Anyone had this? Of course it freaks me out a bit (not as bad cause of lex - i would normally be eating xanax like crazy by now) because she said it could be kidney leakage or strep of the kidney! UGH!
I went ahead and told her about my right foot and the lack of feeling and odd sensations. I work out a lot so i am having a lower back MRI next week to see if it is a disc/pinched nerve situation. Of course the hypochondriac in me has always wanted an MRI - hahah - so i almost feel like begging for a full body one while i am in there! :)
I am sure they are both something small, and i thank God for the lex because this would TOTALLY freak me out under normal circumstances. I won't even allow myself to research it (ALS,MS, LUPUS) all of the things I always wonder if I have. I know myself well enough to know that if I look it up, other symptoms will pop up!
It could just be anxiety related - who knows!
Anyway - I love having hypochondriac friends as no one understands this really. I can laugh at myself, but deep down i worry to myself too.
I will keep you posted! I hope everyone is having a healthy day!
Captain
Posted by Mrs. C on July 9, 2004, at 16:00:10
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness - Mrs. C/Jen Star, posted by captain on July 9, 2004, at 10:58:55
Captain, I am having a stressful day today. My heart has been doing PVC's all day. They are extra heartbeats. I have been having many of them lately. Some days none, but some days I get them bad. Today has been bad, they were coming 3 and 4 in a row. They have stopped now but I am freaked out and disgusted with myself for researching on the web about them. Of course I have already done that many many times in the past and probably know everything there is to know about PVC's but I still do it. Drives me crazy (no pun intended).
Have you ever had them. If so, have you ever had 4 in a row? I wish there was a site with a doctor that would talk to us when we get these worries. Just to calm us down. Mrs. C
Posted by Zena on July 9, 2004, at 17:46:19
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness - Mrs. C/Jen Star, posted by captain on July 9, 2004, at 10:58:55
Hi Captin,
I have had a lot of bladder infections since starting on lex & remeron. I try to drink a lot of cranberry juice (yuk) & my Dr. told me to drink lots of water. Another yuk as I don't like it. I have to go Mon. to see if the infection has cleared up. So your not alone.
Zena
Posted by Deesent on July 9, 2004, at 18:23:11
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness - Mrs. C/Jen Star, posted by Mrs. C on July 9, 2004, at 16:00:10
Mrs. C,
Sorry you are having such a rough day. I have had PVC's real bad in the past. Underwent 24 hr. holter monitor testing twice (of course on these days I didn't have them), sonagram for MVP (negative) and finally a 30 day holter monitor where they determined they were just PVC's. I know they are not dangerous but they still are scary, especially when you have a lot of them in one day. My doc put me on a very low dose of Inderal (10 mg.) to take twice a day. I usually get away with only taking it once a day, but on occasion have had to take it twice. It has helped regulate my heartbeat and no side effects. I do not have the PVC's as often now, and my heartrate has slowed, though not dangerously low. Hope you feel better!
Dee
Posted by Mrs. C on July 9, 2004, at 20:16:04
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness - Mrs. C/Jen Star, posted by Deesent on July 9, 2004, at 18:23:11
Thanks Dee, I have also had all of those tests done but the PVC's never have happened during them. Figures. But the heart is healthy anyway. I appreciate you getting back to me cause I am really freaking out here. I think I will mention them to my doc when I go next month. Let her know that they have been happening alot more than they used to. Mrs. C
Posted by captain on July 10, 2004, at 8:17:03
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness - Mrs. C/Jen Star, posted by Mrs. C on July 9, 2004, at 20:16:04
Mrs C., I have had those just a few times, but I have never mentioned them to the doctor as I figured they are just heart palpitations (maybe that is PCV's?) FOr some reason that isn't something that really freaks me out. Maybe because I am only 28 and work out and eat well. I worry more about MS, brain anuerisms, Lupus, ALS, cancer- stuff like that. I am sorry that you had a bad day - I know what that is like for sure. I have banned myself from looking things up online. It NEVER helps - my anxiety goes through the roof. I finally made a pact with myself to stop.
I hope today and the weekend are better for you!
Take care,
Captain
Posted by mystic on July 10, 2004, at 9:39:31
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness - Mrs. C/Jen Star, posted by captain on July 10, 2004, at 8:17:03
Great Idea Captain...But we all know hard a thing that will be...I always do the same thing I have any ache and pain it goes right for the computer and look up all kinds of stuff...and then obsess obsess obsess..Hopefully the meds will help with that...for me it is worse around my period because death just consumes me and that is all I think about...death of myself death of my husband on and on...Please try to think positive and it helps to try to rationalize these thoughts even if it doesnt work it is a good thing to try and you will get used to it...have a great weekend..Your friend..Mystic
Posted by mystic on July 11, 2004, at 15:37:20
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful » jjana, posted by worrywort on May 13, 2003, at 12:43:06
Hey everyone...has anyone had any good luck on wellbutrin by itself???...thanks..mystic
Posted by calico cat on July 12, 2004, at 7:48:45
In reply to RE::: hey everyone, posted by mystic on July 11, 2004, at 15:37:20
Hey. I switched from effexor to wellbutrin by itself, and I did not feel any differently than I felt before any meds. That's why I am in the process of switching to lexapro.
I have done some research on wellbutrin though. It supposedly helps you lose weight and has no sexual side effects. It is an older drug so there is a generic form.
I was very excited to try the wellbutrin, but it did not do anything for me. But, like all these drugs, you don't know until you try it yourself. Good luck - I hope it works for you, Calico Cat
Posted by Gio on July 12, 2004, at 19:43:53
In reply to Re: wellbutrin to lexapro, posted by calico cat on July 12, 2004, at 7:48:45
Hi everybody,
My anti-depressants combo was changed from a Paroxetine (Paxil in the US) + Pirlindole (Implementor in Europe, cannot find the commercial equivalent in the US) 3 days ago, replacing the Paroxetine with Escitalopram (Cipralex in Europe, Lexapro in the USA).
I never noticed any interaction with Paxil. However, since I started Lexapro, I feel that some mentioned Lexapro side effects (dizziness, vertigo, agitation) appear only or increase after I have taken Implementor.
I'm taking 10mg Lexapro + 50mg Implementor at breakfast + 50mg Implementor at lunch and the side effects do increase a lot after this last one, getting to desperate points at between 5 and 10 pm...
Also, maybe Dr.Bob can clear this out, the info coming with Implementor states it is a tricyclic AD but Pirlindole is described as bearing MAOI properties (???) and MAOI do interfere with SSRIs (but not with Paxil?)....http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=4010387&dopt=Citation
Thank you,
Gio
Posted by JenStar on July 12, 2004, at 22:45:45
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness - Mrs. C/Jen Star, posted by Mrs. C on July 9, 2004, at 16:00:10
hey guys,
Mrs. C, sorry you were having a bad day! Hope it's getting better. I didn't know the extra beats were called PVC's (I guess I'll have to do some research on the web - smile.) I too have had the extra beats sometimes come 3 or 4 times in a row. Once I thought I was going to have to call 911 because the rhythm seemed so 'messed up' but then it stopped & didn't come back (at least for a few months.) Normally I don't worry too much but there ARE periods when they come a lot, and I still haven't fully figured out why.I too had a holter test & a heart sonogram & a stress test, and it all came back negative. Like you guys, of COURSE my heart didn't do the skip beat thing when I had the holter on. The Cardiologist seemed to think I was stupid and dorky and naive and retarded and didn't take me seriously at all. On the one hand that was sort of good ("Wow..there must be nothing wrong with me then") but it also made me stress too, because I've read that many docs discount heart disease in younger women and miss some key signs. I will have to try not to worry.
Mrs. C, I would talk to your doc if you're worried about it. Don't let them make you feel bad for asking! It's YOUR heart, and your body, and you deserve to know what's going on. Most likely it's nothing but if you're worried, ask. Remember that you're the customer and the doc is providing a service to you for a fee. If you want some peace of mind, that's OK to get it!
Write back & let us know how you're doing.
take care!
JenStar
> Captain, I am having a stressful day today. My heart has been doing PVC's all day. They are extra heartbeats. I have been having many of them lately. Some days none, but some days I get them bad. Today has been bad, they were coming 3 and 4 in a row. They have stopped now but I am freaked out and disgusted with myself for researching on the web about them. Of course I have already done that many many times in the past and probably know everything there is to know about PVC's but I still do it. Drives me crazy (no pun intended).
> Have you ever had them. If so, have you ever had 4 in a row? I wish there was a site with a doctor that would talk to us when we get these worries. Just to calm us down. Mrs. C
Posted by JenStar on July 12, 2004, at 22:51:37
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness - Mrs. C/Jen Star, posted by captain on July 9, 2004, at 10:58:55
hey all,
it does help me to find that others go thru the same thing. I'm glad to help and I get lots of help from you guys, too! :)I hope the MRI goes well - keep us updated on what you find out.
About the infection - sorry you have that. I got a yeast infection after starting Lex, and before that I'd never had one in my life. It could be coincidence...I don't know. I hope you heal up quickly!
take care - talk to you soon.
JenStar> Hey Ladies! Sorry I have been out of the loop - was traveling for work! Jen - thanks SO much for your post! You have no idea (or maybe you do!) how much it helps to know that other people go thru what I have been going through!
>
> The lex has definitely helped me stop examining everything. I have been on it for 5 weeks and there is a big difference. I actually had a check up for the lex this morning and while i was there i had a urine test done as I have had a bladder infection. It looks like i have a lot of protein in my urine and I have to come back after taking some antibiotics to see if it is still there. Anyone had this? Of course it freaks me out a bit (not as bad cause of lex - i would normally be eating xanax like crazy by now) because she said it could be kidney leakage or strep of the kidney! UGH!
>
> I went ahead and told her about my right foot and the lack of feeling and odd sensations. I work out a lot so i am having a lower back MRI next week to see if it is a disc/pinched nerve situation. Of course the hypochondriac in me has always wanted an MRI - hahah - so i almost feel like begging for a full body one while i am in there! :)
>
> I am sure they are both something small, and i thank God for the lex because this would TOTALLY freak me out under normal circumstances. I won't even allow myself to research it (ALS,MS, LUPUS) all of the things I always wonder if I have. I know myself well enough to know that if I look it up, other symptoms will pop up!
>
> It could just be anxiety related - who knows!
>
> Anyway - I love having hypochondriac friends as no one understands this really. I can laugh at myself, but deep down i worry to myself too.
>
> I will keep you posted! I hope everyone is having a healthy day!
> Captain
Posted by JenStar on July 12, 2004, at 22:57:04
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro?, posted by Harlock on July 7, 2004, at 10:27:33
Harlock,
sorry you're going thru such a rough time. I'm thinking of you & hoping that things get better.This will prob. sound lame, but do you have any hobbies that could help distract you? When I was anxious & stressed out I couldn't focus on anything. As I started taking the Lex I felt more interested in life again and started getting back 'into' things.
For instance...do you play pickup basketball games at the park? Can you take a class (any class!) in the evenings at the community center, just to try something new? Is there some group you could join to meet new people for support?
It might sound like the more boring and non-helpful thing in the world, but I did it and it helped ME. Taking some classes got me 'out into the world' and I felt better when I did it.
Anyway, good luck. See your doc...ask for some help (esp. if drinking is the only thing that helps you right now) -- there must be a better way! You can find it!
Take care.
JenStar
> When I tried Lexapro, it put me to sleep, along with other symptoms I didn't like. Effexor was another bad one for me....especially when I tried to get off of it.
>
> I'm in need of a new cocktail now as my severe depression is destroying my life.
> Basically, to be blunt, if I didn't have a wife and two kids, I wouldn't be here anymore. I can't stand "living" like this.
>
> I'm curently on:
>
> 450mg Wellbutrin XL
> 6/50mg Symbyax
> 20mg Adderall
>
> Now, I have two good days, then 1 really bad day, then two good days, then 2 bad days, and so on. I go up and down like a yo-yo. Actually the "good" days aren't really good, they just have minimal depression, but it's always there, looming around like a storm cloud (that follows me everywhere).
>
> Sleeping and dreaming is the only escape for me, and sometimes going out drinking. The dep. is worst when I'm alone... then, all I want to be is alone.
>
> Just had a 4th of July cookout and *everyone* knew there was somehting wrong with me. Figures.. the day before I was OK, then when there's an event, and I have my bad day. Bleah.
>
> Anyway, my road rage and hypo-manic episodes are almost gone. I used to be super irritable, have massive anger/rage issues, but these have all subsided...I'm thinking the Symbax did this. Problem is, I don't care about anything anymore.
>
> But, I'd switch those symptoms with my depression any day. I might have got mad to frequentlty, but I was also productive and home and work, and was able to enjoy life.
>
> Enough rambling.. ;)
>
>
> > Hi Everybody,
> > I am another new use of Lexapro. I am VERY med phobic. After trying several AD's (Paxil, Effexor, Zoloft, Elavil, etc.....)I finally was able to take Serzone for the last 3 1/2 years. Now all of a sudden they are discontinuing it and I have had to go through the complications of wd from that med very slowly over the past two months. My pdoc has given me Lex. I took 2.5 mg. about 4:00 p.m. yesterday, was o.k. but couldn't sleep and at 2 a.m. came down with horrid stomach cramps and I won't get graphic about the rest. Anyway finally fell asleep about 3:00 a.m. and slept until 7:00 a.m. (with the help of Xanax). I took another 2.5 mgs. today at 1:00 p.m. So far, so good. I have terrible anxiety and was almost to the point of not wanting to leave the house. My question is, how do you get through the side effects while having to work. I work a 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday shift, and was wondering how am I going to feel when I go back on Tuesday? Will I be able to handle it?
> >
>
>
Posted by Mrs. C on July 13, 2004, at 21:40:15
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness - Mrs. C/Jen Star, posted by JenStar on July 12, 2004, at 22:45:45
Hey Jenstar, thanks for your post. It really helps me to know that I am not alone in this. I just got back from a weekend away with my Mom and Sister. No kids, no husband, no housework, no stress, no PVCs!! Makes me wonder! Mrs C.
Posted by JenStar on July 14, 2004, at 23:15:24
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness - Mrs. C/Jen Star, posted by Mrs. C on July 13, 2004, at 21:40:15
Mrs. C,
glad you had a nice get-away! Hopefully the PVC's will take a little break now for a while.How's everything else going? How are you feeling in general these days?
I'm doing OK on my 5 mg/day of Lexapro. I'm probably ready to start tapering down to 2.5 mg/day, although I'm nervous about this. my hubby says that I'm crankier than usual and although it may be PMS coupled with a new puppy and the hideous Arizona weather....it could be the flagging doses of Lex. I guess I'll have to see how it goes...
talk to you soon!
JenStar> Hey Jenstar, thanks for your post. It really helps me to know that I am not alone in this. I just got back from a weekend away with my Mom and Sister. No kids, no husband, no housework, no stress, no PVCs!! Makes me wonder! Mrs C.
Posted by captain on July 15, 2004, at 9:30:35
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness - Mrs. C/Jen Star, posted by JenStar on July 14, 2004, at 23:15:24
Hey guys - okay, so basically my hypochondria is in full swing. Here's the story. I had to go get an MRI this morning on my lower back for some odd sensations and numbness in my right foot. They think it could be a nerve/disc thing as I lift weights and do strenuous things with my back. So anyway, I am in there this morning and in the waiting room. They called the lady behind me to get checked in and were asking why she was there and she said she had a brain tumor in 02 that was removed but that her symptoms are BACK! They asked her what they are and she said DIZZINESS! (by the way, i take 10mg lex/day for anxiety - have no depression issues or anything and this is the first time i have ever taken anything besides xanax. been on lex about 6 weeks- 28 year old female)
Now - many of you have responded to the post i posted originally about DIZZINESS. I have had vertigo apparently twice - but as a hypochondriac - you think that that isn't what you have. I had lingering dizziness post vertigo and it did not subside until several weeks on lex. I tried to attribute it to anxiety.
I am now convinced that my lower back MRI will be normal and I will then believe that the problem with my extremities and dizziness (and sometimes vision) is certainly a brain tumor. I hate living this way! Do you guys have any advice? SHould i just demand an MRI of the head when I see my doc next?
Oh yes, by the way, I have thought that I have had a brain tumor before and had a cat scan 6 years ago because I freaked out on the doc at a doc in the box and that was the first time i was given xanax. haha - of course i didn't.
Oh and if you have never had an MRI...i hope you don't have to. That whole 20 minutes of being stuffed into a small machine with horrible sounds is enough to induce an anxiety attack on a dead person!
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]
Script revised: February 4, 2008
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Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
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