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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by captain on September 1, 2004, at 11:39:40
In reply to RE:: Hey everyone, posted by mystic on August 31, 2004, at 21:56:37
Hey Mystic! I actually did gain weight on lexapro and am probably a good example of what happens. If you read the fine print, these drugs have the ability to slow down your metabolism (not everyone, but many people). As you may know, that is what determines how much fat you burn when you are resting (which means when you are not working out). Your metabolism already slows as you age, which is why it is so much harder to lose weight when you are 50 than when you are 20.
I am 28 and am training for a half marathon and teach a weights class at my gym. I have not had weight issues in the past 6 years since I got out of college and wasn't ordering pizza at 3am every night! I have gained about 5 pounds since starting the lex three months ago and I can tell it is because my metabolism has slowed drastically. I am running about 20-25 miles a week and I know my body really well and its reaction to exercise and this is abnormal.
I got off of the lex about a week ago after tapering down and have already lost about 2 pounds and expect to see a change in my metabolism in the next 2 months. It can take as long for it to change back as it did to initially change it. I know many think I am nuts to quick lex over 5 pounds, but that is a lot on my frame and causes my clothes not to fit and for me to not be very happy! I love food and I hate to puke so I would never have an eating disorder! I just like to be in charge of my weight thru fitness and the SSRI's messed that up! :) Besides, having only been on for three months wasn't giving me much hope of what was to come weight wise in another year of taking lex!
So it rarely has to do with a lack of exercise or feeling better so you are eating more - it is more about how it effects your metabolism. Many are fighting an uphill battle while on SSRI's.
Again, this is my story and my knowlege from being a certified personal trainer so take it for what it is worth!
best of luck to you!
Captain
Posted by mystic on September 1, 2004, at 22:32:16
In reply to RE:: Hey everyone - Mystic, posted by captain on September 1, 2004, at 11:39:40
hey great advice would welcome more!!!!!!..it just sucks that we have to gain weigh to feel better and i think than many people go off the lex for that reason they dont want to gain the weight and i dont blame them I have heard of no one that has stayed the same or lost weight from this med so when you get to feeling better on this med we tend to go off to just lose the weight that we have gained..dont you think that at some point we could have it all..i dont know just discouraged at this point..have gained about 10lbs and it is terrible me being from an eating disorder family and to be honest i have definately had my eating disorder issues and dont want to face them again so feel good or deal with eating disorders that is the question..really discouraging...mystic
Posted by mystic on September 7, 2004, at 22:32:59
In reply to RE:: Hey » mystic, posted by trucker on September 7, 2004, at 22:25:44
Hey Trucker..I'm doing ok..afraid to go to bed as afraid of where my thoughts will take me after my therapy session today..but have to do it as have got to get up early tomorrow for wacky world.hahaha..Hope you are doing great..and hope your meds are working good we are on the lexapro post so we have to mention it hahah..even though no one is mentioning anything on here lately...but my meds are going great..still on 17.5 of the lex and they are good hahahah catch up to you later trucker take good care of yourself Your friend mystic
Posted by jcem on September 8, 2004, at 8:03:57
In reply to RE:: Hey everyone, posted by ednababish on September 1, 2004, at 10:15:10
Well, I have posted before and now I am on 20mg of Lexapro and 2mg of Xanax XR a day. I have to admit that so far I haven't had any anxiety attacks and I feel so much better inside. I don't have that medicine head feeling...which everything else seemed to give. I am hopeful that this combination will give me back to how I used to be so long ago...
As I have mentioned before, I suffer from GAD, panic disorder, mild agoraphobia, temporary depression that was caused by being on Effexor XR, and PTSD. Geez that's a depressing in itself writing all of that...makes me really feel nuts.
Jamie
Posted by trucker on September 8, 2004, at 13:44:33
In reply to RE: Hey trucker, posted by mystic on September 7, 2004, at 22:32:59
good to hear from you mystic.. i am on 15mg now and will wean to 10 soon... take care and i hope you have sweet dreams
trucker
Posted by sexylexy on September 9, 2004, at 12:53:19
In reply to RE:: Hey everyone, posted by jcem on September 8, 2004, at 8:03:57
Hi All!
I just went and my OBGYN who is also an Endinochronogilst. I wanted some help with my crazy hormones and was wondering about the weight gain from Lexapro. The Dr. asked me if I would try Sarafem which is just prozac colored in pink and purple.
I have seen ok results with the lexapro but am ready to kick this depression once and for all...I do however, have anxiety problems and wonder if the prozac will help that too???
Anyone out there a prozac fan????Thanks!!!
Lexy
Posted by mystic on September 10, 2004, at 17:43:04
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful » jjana, posted by worrywort on May 13, 2003, at 12:43:06
Hey everyone..just a quick note..to say..Please take a minute tomorrow and say a silent prayer for all the people that lost their lives that day and since that day because of sept 11th...pray for them and their loves ones as it was a senseless act and we are all safe...thank you mystic
Posted by bride2be on September 10, 2004, at 22:03:16
In reply to RE::: Hey everyone, posted by mystic on September 10, 2004, at 17:43:04
i am gonna say a huge prayer. it will be a sad day. much love to anyone who lost a loved one on that tragic day.
Posted by Ann1983 on September 12, 2004, at 18:30:26
In reply to RE::: Hey everyone--mystic, posted by bride2be on September 10, 2004, at 22:03:16
Hi All,
I am new to this message board. I have been on meds for 1 1/2 years. Tried many combos. Currently taking 10 mg Lexapro in AM and 200 mg Lamictal in evening. Combined with 1 mg Xanax XR. I suffer from GAD, panic attacks and anxiety. My symptons are shortness of breath and sometimes dizzyness or get the feeling like I have a head cold with that light-headedness. Anyway, I am wondering if I should continue taking meds forever or what. I hear withdrawl is terrible. I recently tried to stop Lexapro and became very depressed. That was not one of my original symptoms. Just finished reading the book Your Drug May Be Your Problem by Peter R. Breggin, MD and David Cohen, PhD. Now I am really confused. The book is all about how meds are prescribed freely without the real understanding of the long-term affects. Also, that doctors give everyone a "disease" name like Bi-Polar, etc. And that no one needs meds. I don't think the book is all true, but it does make me question some things. If anyone has similar meds and symptons as I do, please, reply to me. I really don't know what to do next....
Posted by flipsactown on September 13, 2004, at 0:29:23
In reply to Anyone Combining Lexapro and Lamictal?, posted by Ann1983 on September 12, 2004, at 18:30:26
I have been on Lexapro, currently at 30mg, for over 3 months. 45 days after taking Lexapro, my unipolar depression(no mania) started lifting and continued to lift until my depression totally disappeared. I have been taking AD's over 13 years and the very first AD I took was Prozac which I took for 7 years up until it finally pooped out. Prozac saved my life as I had severe depression exacerbated by chronic back pain.
I have taken many AD's usually in combo with Prozac or Zoloft. I have taken Effexor, Celexa, Paxil, Wellbutrin, Remeron, Lamictal and Lithium. I have only experienced withdrawal from Effexor which I took only briefly,
Lexapro has been as effective to me as Prozac. As far as being on AD's for the rest of my life, I will do what I have to if it will increase my quality of life. Anyone who has experienced severe depression knows what I am talking about. I would rather take AD's the rest of my life, as long as it is effective, then be depressed. Hope this helps. Good luck to you.
FST
> Hi All,
> I am new to this message board. I have been on meds for 1 1/2 years. Tried many combos. Currently taking 10 mg Lexapro in AM and 200 mg Lamictal in evening. Combined with 1 mg Xanax XR. I suffer from GAD, panic attacks and anxiety. My symptons are shortness of breath and sometimes dizzyness or get the feeling like I have a head cold with that light-headedness. Anyway, I am wondering if I should continue taking meds forever or what. I hear withdrawl is terrible. I recently tried to stop Lexapro and became very depressed. That was not one of my original symptoms. Just finished reading the book Your Drug May Be Your Problem by Peter R. Breggin, MD and David Cohen, PhD. Now I am really confused. The book is all about how meds are prescribed freely without the real understanding of the long-term affects. Also, that doctors give everyone a "disease" name like Bi-Polar, etc. And that no one needs meds. I don't think the book is all true, but it does make me question some things. If anyone has similar meds and symptons as I do, please, reply to me. I really don't know what to do next....
>
Posted by Ann1983 on September 13, 2004, at 7:49:13
In reply to Re: Anyone Combining Lexapro and Lamictal? » Ann1983, posted by flipsactown on September 13, 2004, at 0:29:23
I am going to my Psych today and asking to be taken off Lamictal for mood stabilizing. I have been on 200mg daily for several months. I haven't noticed any difference. Nor have the people closest to me. Anyone gone off Lamictal that can tell me how they did it to minimize withdrawl symptoms? I am also taking 10mg a day of Lexapro. F.Y.I. Tried other meds but they made me high as a kite. Especially Paxil. Prozac gave me instant panic attacks. Also, does anyone suffer from shortness of breath, like you can't get enough oxygen? I still get that way sometimes. This was my sympton at the beginning of taking meds nearly 2 years ago. I hate to increase my meds intake and hate that I am still taking Xanax this long into the game. I take 1 mg XR in the morning and .25 at night before bed with my Lamictal and Atarax (supposedly for allergies, but really to help me sleep). Also, since I have been on meds, I take an afternoon nap nearly everyday. Anyone out there that can relate to this?
Posted by CraigD on September 13, 2004, at 11:02:33
In reply to Lexapro and Lamictal, shortness of breath, posted by Ann1983 on September 13, 2004, at 7:49:13
> I am going to my Psych today and asking to be taken off Lamictal for mood stabilizing. I have been on 200mg daily for several months. I haven't noticed any difference. Nor have the people closest to me. Anyone gone off Lamictal that can tell me how they did it to minimize withdrawl symptoms? I am also taking 10mg a day of Lexapro. F.Y.I. Tried other meds but they made me high as a kite. Especially Paxil. Prozac gave me instant panic attacks. Also, does anyone suffer from shortness of breath, like you can't get enough oxygen? I still get that way sometimes. This was my sympton at the beginning of taking meds nearly 2 years ago. I hate to increase my meds intake and hate that I am still taking Xanax this long into the game. I take 1 mg XR in the morning and .25 at night before bed with my Lamictal and Atarax (supposedly for allergies, but really to help me sleep). Also, since I have been on meds, I take an afternoon nap nearly everyday. Anyone out there that can relate to this?
I recently added Lamictal to my Celexa (same as Lexapro) with the hopes of reducing my Celexa dose and decrease the manic behavior I display on SSRI's. That's worked great. Helped quite a bit with the social anxiety and ruminations as well.It did give me some strange dreams and keep me from sleeping well, so I moved the dosage to the morning and that took care of the problem. Perhaps trying this will allow you to sleep better at night and nap less during the day.
Good Luck,
Craig
Posted by Mrs. C on September 14, 2004, at 20:41:17
In reply to Re: Anyone Combining Lexapro and Lamictal? » Ann1983, posted by flipsactown on September 13, 2004, at 0:29:23
Hi FST,
Thank you for your post. It's nice to hear some positive thoughts about AD's. I have been worrying that maybe I am doing harm to myself for being on Lexapro almost a year now. But I feel so much better emotionally that I never want to go back to where I was before. Your post really helped me to see that. Thanks. Mrs.C
Posted by flipsactown on September 14, 2004, at 21:28:50
In reply to Re: Anyone Combining Lexapro and Lamictal?, posted by Mrs. C on September 14, 2004, at 20:41:17
That's the beauty of this forum! By sharing our personal experiences, we empower ourselves with knowledge, support and most importantly, the strength in knowing that we are not alone in our suffering. I hope for a continued depression free, Lexapro filled, future for you.
FST
> Hi FST,
> Thank you for your post. It's nice to hear some positive thoughts about AD's. I have been worrying that maybe I am doing harm to myself for being on Lexapro almost a year now. But I feel so much better emotionally that I never want to go back to where I was before. Your post really helped me to see that. Thanks. Mrs.C
Posted by mystic on October 7, 2004, at 22:25:51
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful » jjana, posted by worrywort on May 13, 2003, at 12:43:06
Hey not even sure anyone still posts here it has been forever..holy moly...well i was just trying to get some feedback...
I am having the worst problem with the weight gain that I have had 10lbs I try to think of reasons it could be..but I still work out like a maniac 5-6 days a week and have tried weight watchers faithfully for the last 2 weeks with no luck..and my weight is alllll in my belly...i was just wondering if anyone else had this problem..but not sure anyone is posting or reading on here anymore..hmmmm..well hope to hear from someone..take care allll...Mystic
Posted by flipsactown on October 8, 2004, at 1:45:43
In reply to RE::: Hey everyone, posted by mystic on October 7, 2004, at 22:25:51
I have been taking Lexapro, currently at 30mg, and experienced some weight loss initially, due to feeling so tired that I did not feel like eating and just slept. This went on for 2 weeks. Then on the 3rd week, I started having insomnia and soon after that I started eating and have gained back the 10lbs I lost. Currently, I am struggling not to gain any more weight. However, the most important thing is that I am currently unipolar depression free. It took 45 days for Lex to kick in and the first couple of weeks were difficult, but the end result for me is what counts. I recommend Lexapro especially if you have tried all the other SSRI's, TCA's, SNRI's or MAOI's like I have. I have been on AD's for over 12 years.
FST
> Hey not even sure anyone still posts here it has been forever..holy moly...well i was just trying to get some feedback...
>
> I am having the worst problem with the weight gain that I have had 10lbs I try to think of reasons it could be..but I still work out like a maniac 5-6 days a week and have tried weight watchers faithfully for the last 2 weeks with no luck..and my weight is alllll in my belly...i was just wondering if anyone else had this problem..but not sure anyone is posting or reading on here anymore..hmmmm..well hope to hear from someone..take care allll...Mystic
Posted by mystic on October 8, 2004, at 7:58:23
In reply to RE::: Hey everyone » mystic, posted by flipsactown on October 8, 2004, at 1:45:43
Thank you so much for posting...and I totally agree the outcome is hopefully feeling better and trying to live a somewhat normal life (who knows what normal is)..I am just worried as I have had a problem with my cholesterol since i was in my 20's and now i'm in my 40's so that is a concern...We always worry about what we look like and weight is always the number one concern with woman that is for sure..but I'm very very happy that you are doing so well I love to hear it when people are back on track...It took me a long time on the lex i would say at least 3 months before it finally evened out...it has always been that way with me ...but god bless you and glad to see someone is still around..thanks for the post and talk to you soon...Your friend Mystic
Posted by watergirl on October 8, 2004, at 13:46:28
In reply to Re: Dosage/see bottom » hawkeye, posted by pharmrep on September 21, 2002, at 23:59:42
Hi. I just want to clarify theDose Equivalence between Lexapro & Celexa.
Is:
10mg Lexapro = 20mg Celexa
or
10mg Lexapro = 40mg CelexaThanks & Best Wishes,
Cindy
> > Does this data mean that approx. 7mgs of Lexapro is the functional equivalent of 40mgs of Celexa?
> >
> > [7mgs of Lex. raises brain seretonin by %2100;
> > 40mgs of Cel raises brain seretonin by %2000
> >
> > "The new study shows that Lexapro (the S-enantiomer of citalopram), when given at 2 mg/kg subcutaneously (s.c.), was more than twice as potent as Celexa at 4 mg/kg s.c. (2.0 mg/kg S-enantiomer + 2.0 mg/kg R-enantiomer) in increasing brain serotonin levels (about 300 percent vs. 200 percent, respectively). In contrast to Lexapro, the R-enantiomer of citalopram, when given at 2.5 mg/kg s.c., did not increase brain serotonin levels."
> >
> > http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/020624/nym009_1.html
> >
> > It has been my understanding that while 40mgs of Celexa is the recomended dosage, that comparable results may also be obtained at 20mgs.
> >
> > "In a 6-week fixed-dose study, patients received citalopram, 20 or 40 mg/day, or placebo (n=64 to 70 per group). Patients treated with citalopram 40 mg/day, showed significantly greater improvement than placebo-treated patients. The difference between the lower dose of citalopram and placebo was not significant. "
> >
> > "The effectiveness of citalopram in preventing relapse was assessed in two long-term studies. Depressed patients who responded to citalopram during an initial 6 or 8 weeks of acute treatment (fixed doses of 20 or 40 mg/day in one study and flexible doses of 20-60 mg/day in the second study) were randomized to continue on citalopram or receive placebo. The number of patients who received citalopram and placebo was 257 and 116, respectively. In both studies, patients who continued on citalopram experienced significantly lower relapse rates over the subsequent 6 months compared to those receiving placebo. In the fixed-dose study, the relapse rates were similar at the 20 and 40 mg/day doses, namely 10% and 12%, respectively. "
> >
> > http://www.mentalhealth.com/drug/p30-c04.html#Head_3
> >
> > So, maybe 5mgs of Celexa Professional Edition will be more than enough.
>
> ** great question. 10mg of Lex is at least as efficacious as 40mg of cx...but with less s/e, less drug to drug interactions, and less discontinuation due to adverse events, and will work as fast as 1-2 weeks for most people. It is linear, however...5mg will not work as fast, and is not the recommended starting dose. In general, for most drugs many doctors reduce dosages to avoid side effects, but since Lexapro at 10mg is "comparable to placebo" it shouldnt be needed. In the Dr's I've seen...I would say 95%+ are starting w/ 10mg...only a few have gone to 20mg (only 2 weeks out now) and maybe a few Dr's are just "set in there ways" and are starting with 5mg (for a week or so...then up to 10mg) So far...I have only heard good responses from them, but most of their patients havent been back for their "monthly" visit...I'll hear more in about 2 weeks or so.
> PS...the starting dose for celexa was 20mg (62% of patients stayed there)...40mg was at about 30% (for a total of 92% of all Celexa prescriptions...the last 8% were at 60mg or higher.) I think Lexapro at 10mg will be effective for 80%+ of patients...then 15mg+ will make up the last 20%
Posted by Dave001 on October 8, 2004, at 21:57:45
In reply to Lexapro / Celexa Dose Equivalence Question, posted by watergirl on October 8, 2004, at 13:46:28
> Hi. I just want to clarify theDose Equivalence between Lexapro & Celexa.
> Is:
> 10mg Lexapro = 20mg Celexa
> or
> 10mg Lexapro = 40mg Celexa
>That's a good question, and while there are plenty of folks I'm sure will offer you an answer, the truth is that nobody really knows yet. My guess would be that it falls somewhere in between. The clinical trials published on Forest's web site compare Lexapro with Celexa at a 1-to-2 ratio.
Dave
Posted by Zena on October 8, 2004, at 22:23:42
In reply to RE::: Hey everyone, posted by mystic on October 7, 2004, at 22:25:51
> Hey not even sure anyone still posts here it has been forever..holy moly...well i was just trying to get some feedback...
>
> I am having the worst problem with the weight gain that I have had 10lbs I try to think of reasons it could be..but I still work out like a maniac 5-6 days a week and have tried weight watchers faithfully for the last 2 weeks with no luck..and my weight is alllll in my belly...i was just wondering if anyone else had this problem..but not sure anyone is posting or reading on here anymore..hmmmm..well hope to hear from someone..take care allll...MysticMystic,
I am currently on 10mg.of lex & 15 mg. remeron. I haven't gained any weight but my stomach is bigger. I mentioned this to my Dr. & he said it's from the lex. So your not the only one experiencing this problem. I have been on remeron for 2 yrs. & the lex since Jan. Hope this helps.
Zena
Posted by sexylexy on October 8, 2004, at 22:26:01
In reply to RE::: Hey everyone, posted by Zena on October 8, 2004, at 22:23:42
Hey Mystic,
Well, I am feeling fat tonight but the boyfriend and I went to the State Fair and ate fried chicken, fried pickles and friend Oreos...soooooo... I know this doesnt help, just thought it was funny.
Love you!
Lexy
Posted by ednababish on October 10, 2004, at 10:41:23
In reply to Lexapro / Celexa Dose Equivalence Question, posted by watergirl on October 8, 2004, at 13:46:28
Just to add my two cents, I had comparable results with 30mgs Celexa and 20 mgs Lexapro. I am switching back from 20mg lex to 30 mgs celexa to cut back on weight gain and sse's and I will let you know how it has gone.
Edna Babish
Posted by jujube on October 10, 2004, at 13:28:47
In reply to Re: Lexapro / Celexa Dose Equivalence Question, posted by ednababish on October 10, 2004, at 10:41:23
Edna,
If you don't mind my asking, did you have good results while on Celexa? How long did it take for you to feel better? Anything you can tell me would be appreciated.
Thanks.
Tamara
> Just to add my two cents, I had comparable results with 30mgs Celexa and 20 mgs Lexapro. I am switching back from 20mg lex to 30 mgs celexa to cut back on weight gain and sse's and I will let you know how it has gone.
>
> Edna Babish
Posted by newwife on October 10, 2004, at 15:37:49
In reply to Re: Lexapro / Celexa Dose Equivalence Question » ednababish, posted by jujube on October 10, 2004, at 13:28:47
i am also switching back to celexa next week. they are alot alike, but the celexa is cheaper and every little bit helps. keep me updated. do you think the change over will have bad side effects. has anyone done this switch before. i interested in any input about this change. thanks
Posted by ednababish on October 10, 2004, at 20:24:31
In reply to Re: Lexapro / Celexa Dose Equivalence Question » ednababish, posted by jujube on October 10, 2004, at 13:28:47
Dear Tamara,
I had very good results at 30mgs; I went off while I was pregnant, had a moody pregnancy, and then had post-partum issues like panic attacks, anxiety, and insomnia. My gp put me back on 20mgs, but it just wasn't working. She left the practice and moved away; one of her colleagues put me on paxil, which was awful because I was so relaxed and forgetful--I would forget stuff to do for class and not care. I was also incapable of getting physically aroused, let alone reaching an orgasm. He refered me to a psychiatrist, who put me on 15mgs of lexapro, which we agreed to raise to 20 in April.
Celexa worked about the same, probably a bit better. I laughed a lot more, and the sexual side effects weren't as bad. I've read these same remarks at other sites, so it's not just me.
The first time I took it, I was at 30mgs for a month before I stopped freaking out while driving, and about two months before I stopped being paralyzed by anxiety. All in all, I would say that I felt better more quickly with celexa, but that just may have been because I was new to ADs.My husband and I will begin to try to conceive this winter--and this time I plan to continue AD therapy through delivery. I have an illness that I have no control over, and my children are better off with a sane mother.
You keep us posted, too, Tamara and Jess.
Edna Babish
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