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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by JenStar on July 15, 2004, at 18:15:53
In reply to Lexapro really good for anxiety?, posted by hockeygirlcanada on July 15, 2004, at 17:51:30
hi Hockey Girl,
Lex did help my anxiety. I've def. felt better, calmer, less scared & worried since I started taking it.I don't have experience with any other SSRI's, so I can't compare how well it works compared to Paxil, Celexa, etc.
Interesting that it's not yet approved in Canada! I guess Europe goes first, then USA, then others?
Good luck! Let us know if/when you start Lex. Feel free to read posts here, and see how we're all doing. :)
jenStar
> Hi,
> I have been suffering from severe, chronic g.a.d for seven years. Been on just about everything, lexapro is not available in canada yet, but I was wondering if it really does alleviate anxiety?
> Thank You
>
Posted by Mrs. C on July 15, 2004, at 23:33:58
In reply to Re: Lexapro really good for anxiety?, posted by JenStar on July 15, 2004, at 18:15:53
I agree with Jenstar. Lex has helped me to be a more relaxed and easy going person. Good luck to you. Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs. C on July 15, 2004, at 23:37:06
In reply to RE:: Hey everyoneMrs CJenStarMystic, posted by captain on July 15, 2004, at 16:18:59
I loved being pregnant cause all of my aches and pains I just told myself were caused by being pregnant. Worked for me! Mrs. C
Posted by Scribbler on July 18, 2004, at 15:46:45
In reply to RE:: Hey everyone, posted by mystic on July 15, 2004, at 16:00:23
It is reassuring to read how obsessed we all become about our health, by powers of "suggestion." I definitely suffer from that, too. Can I join the Hypochondriac Club? I have been writing a biography of a woman who ends up with a tumor behind her left eye...and for the last six weeks I've been having vision problems in my left eye (ever since I moved up from 10mg to 15mg of Lex). I guess there are a lot of us who play that painful "what if" game, with the worst possible scenario. But I do think Lexapro helps me not continually think about it and worry as much as I used to. Some habits are really hard to break, though, and it's almost as if I've practiced and trained to always imagine the worst.
Posted by captain on July 19, 2004, at 8:43:48
In reply to RE:: Hey everyone, posted by Scribbler on July 18, 2004, at 15:46:45
Hey Scribbler - I know EXACTLY what you mean. I think I struggle the most with the fact that i actually DO feel these things in my body and a lot of times I have just read or heard about someone else having some awful disease and days later will feel symptoms of it. I struggle with making myself BELIEVE that they could be in my head or that stress can do that or that my own brain cause cause them. It is easier for me to believe that it is a disease of some sort.
I actually developed a sinus infection over the weekend and have to go BACK to the doc today as I have to fly to TN on Wednesday for a huge meeting and my ears already hurt just sitting here typing! I hope i can knock this cold out. However, I am sure all of my co-workers are just SICK of me being sick. If only they knew how much I hate it as I think they think I enjoy it.
I am convinced I am picking up germs from all of my doctor visits! haha - it is probably true!
Anyway -i hope everyone has a healthy week - hypochondria free!
Captain
Posted by Mrs. C on July 19, 2004, at 21:52:41
In reply to RE:: Hey everyone, posted by Scribbler on July 18, 2004, at 15:46:45
Hey Scribbler, I know what you mean about it being a habit to worry about illnesses. I find myself actually going through all of the things that I am worried about every morning when I wake up. Lately it's been nothing! Lex has helped me alot with that too but if I have any symptoms, I obsess myself to death! Drives me insane! Mrs. C
Posted by mrshmlow on July 25, 2004, at 19:49:27
In reply to Re: LEXAPRO Migraine headache » Mystia, posted by jane d on September 17, 2002, at 21:40:09
I just took Lexapro for the first time yesterday 7/24/04 and after feeling whoosy and spastic all day and generally weird, as I was "coming down" I had a full blown migraine! I am prone to migraines around my period but was not due for one at this time. I am almost certain now after reading your post (thank you) that this was brought on by the Lexapro. Thanks for posting as nobody else believed me but at least now I have another's experience as evidence of the possibility.
mrshmlow
> > I just started taking Lexapro on 9-13-02, after stopping Paxil on my own about a month ago. I suffer from severe migraines and I have had them every time after taking the Lexapro (I usually only have 1-2 migraines/week). Anyone had similar problems? Also does anyone know anything you shouldn't take (esp. herbs) while taking Lexapro?
>
> Mystia,
> I'm afraid I don't have any specific information for you but if it were me I would stop the Lexapro now. If you don't want to do that at least call your doctor. It's true, as another poster stated, that Paxil can have long lasting withdrawal effects but it seems unlikely that those effects would start a month later, just coincidentally after you started another drug, and that it would occur every time you took that new drug. It's far more likely that you are reacting to the Lexapro. The fact that a side effect is not reported in the initial trials does not mean it won't occur.
>
> Jane
Posted by sexylexy on July 25, 2004, at 22:18:14
In reply to Re: LEXAPRO Migraine headache, posted by mrshmlow on July 25, 2004, at 19:49:27
Hey There,
Seems like you may have gotten the "lexapro flu". No need to stop just yet, lexapro is a really helpful drug. What are you taking it for? I am on it for counter acting a bad reaction to birth control and then some situational depression, which also made me anxious. It was a bad bad bad situation. Lexapro kept my head above water during that situation and now that it is over it is really helping me stay even while my family has moved ect. Been to hell and am climbing my way back and lexapro has helped a lot in the battle.
Not that it was not without side effects. I went though a few weeks of complete fog, had some strange dreams but I am glad that I went though it. Good luck with everything. Feel free to ask me any questions!
Cheers!
Lexy
Posted by nemokitty on July 26, 2004, at 3:34:25
In reply to RE::: hey everyone, posted by mystic on July 11, 2004, at 15:37:20
> Hey everyone...has anyone had any good luck on wellbutrin by itself???...thanks..mystic
I am on Wellbutrin by itself. It is not as effective for depression as ssri's, but it helps some. I used to be on Lexapro (which was the best one I thought...paxil, zoloft, effexor all made me have bad side effects.)Lexapro gave me a peace that I had never felt. I just had a hard time sleeping at night and I was hot all the time.
I am on Wellbutrin sr now and I am still crying atleast 3-4 times a week. I feel worthless and like a failure. My kids are 4 & 5 years old. My husband works ALOT!! I am really depressed. The WB is not enough. I am thinking of going back to Lexapro even though I hate taking ssri's.
I just want to be happy and not worry about and dwell on evey little issue. I hate myself most days.
Posted by ednababish on July 26, 2004, at 9:17:45
In reply to RE::: hey everyone, posted by nemokitty on July 26, 2004, at 3:34:25
Dear Mystic and Nemokitty (?),
I am under the impression that a combination off wellbutrin and lexapro works very well and I am considering the combination myself. I, too, hate to add a medicine, but I went to 20mgs of lex in April, which was great but now is not working for some irritability, trouble with concentration, and sexual side effects which were not as apparent at 15 mgs. I have also thought about switching back to celexa because the sse's and the concentration weren't as bad, although celexa did not work as well for anxiety and panic--which was what initially sent me to the doctor last summer. Nemokitty, I would look into a combo since your response to lex was good. Mystic, I would try the combo too, even though you have some med phobia issues. My doctor told me that in a LOT of cases, one AD alone is not enough to treat the problem and combos are the way to go. If it's any consolation, you are not alone and using combos is pretty common.
Edna Babish
Posted by nemokitty on July 26, 2004, at 10:15:09
In reply to Wellbutrin and. . ., posted by ednababish on July 26, 2004, at 9:17:45
Thanks Ednababbish....
As usual I woke up feeling sorry that I caused a fight/scene with my husband. I am so up~and~down. I feel good today, so far. I do feel
like a combo of lex & wellbut. may work. Maybe a low dose of the lexapro. I will ask my Doctor.
Thank you for the encouragement and advice.
Nemo
Posted by Mariposa on July 26, 2004, at 11:19:36
In reply to Re: LEXAPRO Migraine headache, posted by mrshmlow on July 25, 2004, at 19:49:27
Lex gave me intense migraines first few days, took Tylenol and Ibuprofen for relief, and after about 1 week that got better and went away. Have not had anymore unless I skip a dose by accident.~~~8|8
Posted by bimperio on July 26, 2004, at 14:34:37
In reply to Re: weight gain and lexapro?, posted by nemo kitty on November 19, 2003, at 20:18:43
I started Lexapro in March and have gained 20 pounds! I have tried to lose it but no matter what I try (from sensible diets which I am always on to fads) I didn't lose an ounce. I should have lost a bunch cause everything I eat goes right through me. And like someone else here, my belly looks like it ready to explode!. I am going off to see if I can lose some of this excess lbs if I can get through the tingly stage. My dad has gained 15 pounds and my neice 45 since they started Lexapro. I envy you that have lost.
Posted by Zombie Girl on July 26, 2004, at 15:36:33
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
Well, I've been on Lexapro for about a month, after experiencing the "Prozac Poop-Out" from being on it for 9 years, and then switching to Effexor for about 4 months, with some nasty side effects. I call myself Zombie Girl for a reason - my energy and motivation have been zapped, I am constantly tired, have memory problems, red blotches on my face, heavy sweating, irritability, neck pain, and the list goes on. I don't know what to do next. Should I stay on it a little longer to see if the SE's go away?
Posted by Mariposa on July 26, 2004, at 16:04:12
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro?, posted by Zombie Girl on July 26, 2004, at 15:36:33
> Well, I've been on Lexapro for about a month, after experiencing the "Prozac Poop-Out" from being on it for 9 years, and then switching to Effexor for about 4 months, with some nasty side effects. I call myself Zombie Girl for a reason - my energy and motivation have been zapped, I am constantly tired, have memory problems, red blotches on my face, heavy sweating, irritability, neck pain, and the list goes on. I don't know what to do next. Should I stay on it a little longer to see if the SE's go away?
Took 9 weeks for me to feel *benefits* from Lex, literature says 6-8 weeks. Should give it that long at least. I had rough time in the beginning, but it was all worth it.~~~8|8
Posted by trucker on July 26, 2004, at 16:12:49
In reply to Wellbutrin and. . ., posted by ednababish on July 26, 2004, at 9:17:45
folks i saw T today and she took me off welbutrin... i didn't care for it i was on it for months and i felt alittle better with each passing month but i felt alot better on lex alone
trucker
Posted by trucker on July 26, 2004, at 16:16:18
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? » Zombie Girl, posted by Mariposa on July 26, 2004, at 16:04:12
i agree with 8/8 it is worth it in the long run i enjoy it now and it was slow in coming to the point i liked it but it is worth the wait to me.. i am happy and energentic
trucker
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
> > Well, I've been on Lexapro for about a month, after experiencing the "Prozac Poop-Out" from being on it for 9 years, and then switching to Effexor for about 4 months, with some nasty side effects. I call myself Zombie Girl for a reason - my energy and motivation have been zapped, I am constantly tired, have memory problems, red blotches on my face, heavy sweating, irritability, neck pain, and the list goes on. I don't know what to do next. Should I stay on it a little longer to see if the SE's go away?
>
> Took 9 weeks for me to feel *benefits* from Lex, literature says 6-8 weeks. Should give it that long at least. I had rough time in the beginning, but it was all worth it.~~~8|8
Posted by flipsactown on July 26, 2004, at 16:52:23
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro?, posted by Zombie Girl on July 26, 2004, at 15:36:33
Yes, please do. It took 45 days for Lex to lift my depression. That is just slightly more than 6 weeks. So give it at least a couple of more weeks. I also was on Prozac for over 7 years before it pooped out. I was ready to quit the Lex because of extreme fatigue and insomnia, but now 7 weeks later, my unipolar depression is gone and only have slight insomnia and fatigue. I am sure given more time, the insomnia and fatigue will also subside. Good luck.
FST
> Well, I've been on Lexapro for about a month, after experiencing the "Prozac Poop-Out" from being on it for 9 years, and then switching to Effexor for about 4 months, with some nasty side effects. I call myself Zombie Girl for a reason - my energy and motivation have been zapped, I am constantly tired, have memory problems, red blotches on my face, heavy sweating, irritability, neck pain, and the list goes on. I don't know what to do next. Should I stay on it a little longer to see if the SE's go away?
Posted by Catgirl on July 26, 2004, at 18:05:09
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? » Zombie Girl, posted by flipsactown on July 26, 2004, at 16:52:23
I was on Buspar originally for anxiety. It worked for a while until I had a full-blown panic attack while stuck in traffic one day. I went back to my doctor and he changed me to Lexapro, 10 mg. a day.
I've been on Lexapro for about 7 weeks now and the only real side effect I am still having is the fatigue. It's helped me tremendously with the anxiety, and with the depression that I really didn't realize I had.
Posted by LynneDa on July 27, 2004, at 14:39:24
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin and. . ., posted by nemokitty on July 26, 2004, at 10:15:09
Hi Nemo -
Thought I would chime in here. I just asked my doctor today if I could combine Lex & Wellbutrin so I'm starting back on Lex (10mg) tonight in conjunction with the WB (I'm on the SR at 300 mg).I took Lex for 2 months at 10mg then at 20mg for 6 months. It made me soooooo sleepy, although it almost completely took away my anger, crying spells and depression. After one month on Wellbutrin, I'm more focused, motivated and awake - but the cycle-related depression is back.
I'm not sure what your experiences are, but wanted to share mine and let you know I am about to embark on the "combo ride" with high hopes of alleviating most of my symptoms while staying awake!
I understand the up and down cycles. I hate it. I know my husband hates it, and my poor little daughter who just doesn't understand it but probably thinks it's normal :-(.
Good luck!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Thanks Ednababbish....
>
> As usual I woke up feeling sorry that I caused a fight/scene with my husband. I am so up~and~down. I feel good today, so far. I do feel
> like a combo of lex & wellbut. may work. Maybe a low dose of the lexapro. I will ask my Doctor.
> Thank you for the encouragement and advice.
> Nemo
Posted by ednababish on July 27, 2004, at 15:53:15
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin and. . . » nemokitty, posted by LynneDa on July 27, 2004, at 14:39:24
Lynne,
Please do keep us posted about the combination!
Thanks, Edna
Posted by nemokitty on July 27, 2004, at 18:46:00
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin and. . . » nemokitty, posted by LynneDa on July 27, 2004, at 14:39:24
Hi Lynn
Thanks for sharing. I think I need the Lex. as well. The Wellbut. helps me alot with depression, just not mood swings, anger, and anxiety. I am on WB 150sr twice a day. I do like that the WB does not make me gain weight. On Lexapro I do feel really HUNGRY all the time and notice like a 5lb weight gain. Maybe it is just bloating yuk!
Maybe I will add just 5mg of Lexapro to start. My doctor said to start low and increase if needed. I think she is just so tired of me going back and forth on what meds I have tried. Sometimes I feel like I know better than them (the dr.'s) because I know how my body reacts to different meds. I do get very hot and have a hard time sleeping on the Lexapro. Also, the last time I went off Lexapro I was dizzy and felt "different" for about a month after I completely stopped. (And I weaned very slowly off too) It is Weird how we all react different. Good luck to you.
Posted by calico cat on July 28, 2004, at 9:50:58
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin and. . ., posted by nemokitty on July 27, 2004, at 18:46:00
Hello. I was just reading about how you are hungrier on Lexapro. I am really hungry as well, and I am worried about gaining weight. I find that I sleep really well though and am not nearly as roasting as I used to be on wellbutrin or effexor. I stopped wellbutrin a week and a half ago and I don't miss it at all. It made my sleep very disturbed.
Last night I had a terrible nightmare, but I am thinking it is just coincidence.
Overall, I am feeling better on lexapro because my sleep is so much better. I sleep through the night and for almost 8 hours.
It is interesting that everyone is so different on these medicines. my np told me few people gain weight on lexapro. My pharmacist says lexapro seems to be the most popular a.d. right now; he thinks it's because the side effects are fewer.
Posted by ednababish on July 28, 2004, at 16:44:30
In reply to Re: wellbutrin to lexapro, posted by calico cat on July 28, 2004, at 9:50:58
Hi All,
I would like to know how many of you had been on Celexa prior to lexapro, or had just been on it in the past. I took it for 15 months with great success--I slept better on it than on lex, I didn't gain weight, didn't have night sweats, had better concentration, fewer sse's and had some really great laughs (that is my gauge for success with an AD). The only thing it didn't seem to work as well for was anxiety and panic. I would like to know what the rest of you thought about how the two stacked up because I'm thinking of switching back to Celexa.
Thanks for your input,
Edna Q Babish
Posted by sexylexy on July 28, 2004, at 16:51:01
In reply to Lexapro and Celexa, posted by ednababish on July 28, 2004, at 16:44:30
Hey Edna!
I have heard a lot of really good things about Celexa, though I have never taken it before. I am not sure if you ever use www.remedyfind.com you can click on a host of ailments including depression and anxiety. They have like 100s of people experiences and opinions. I think it is a pretty darn good sight. You may want to check it out if you don't get a lot of hits here. Good luck!!!
Lexy
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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