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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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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
Posted by mystic on October 10, 2004, at 21:23:04
In reply to Re: Lexapro / Celexa Dose Equivalence Question, posted by ednababish on October 10, 2004, at 20:24:31
That is great that you will be adding another little one they are just great....I have had friends that have continued on there meds while pregnant with no problems...I'm still struggling this weekend feeling like a blob I dont know if I should excersise more or eat less but i'm really not eating that much i just dont understand I just feel bloated all the time..I have thought about lowering my meds i'm at 17.5 right now of the lex but had a hard time at the mall today with anxiety to remind me that it is still there...big ugly head..but I dont know...Has anyone had any success with anything losing this belly weight..HELP!!!....Take care Mystic
Posted by jujube on October 10, 2004, at 22:21:43
In reply to Re: Lexapro / Celexa Dose Equivalence Question, posted by ednababish on October 10, 2004, at 20:24:31
Dear Edna,
Thanks so much for the response. I am so hoping that Celexa will be good for me. I really did not have the best response to Effexor (always feeling apprehensive, apathetic, unmotivated, night sweats). I think I need to be patient. It has been just slightly over 4 weeks that I am on the Celexa, and less than a week at 40 mg. Plus, I have to keep in mind that I have been suffering emotional and physical side effects (big time) from my first Depo Provera shot. I have never experienced anything like it. I have had so many thoughts of death since I have been on it, and I have never had those kinds of thoughts before. I was due for my next shot on October 21, but I will not be going. I want my sanity back. I am now counting the days until the shot wears off and I can, hopefully, start to live my life again. Anyways, thanks again. Take care.
Tamara
> 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
Posted by ednababish on October 11, 2004, at 10:09:32
In reply to Re: Lexapro / Celexa Dose Equivalence Question » ednababish, posted by jujube on October 10, 2004, at 22:21:43
Tamara,
You are not alone in suffering from hormonally-induced depression brought on from birth-control. At 23yrs, I had an awful response to a birth control pill; Lexy's depression was also brought on by a bcp. I was convinced I was dying of any and everything, then the panic attacks started, I had suicidal thoughts, and I couldn't sleep or eat. Because it was a pill, I felt better almost immediately after I stopped taking it--or I at least felt a lot more able to cope.
It does take a while for any AD to work--it takes medicines twice as long as the makers suggest to work for me. And for you, you have wait for the shot to wear off on top of that. While waiting for my ADs to work, I focused on very small things, one task at a time, and gave a lot of my attention to details--it made the time go faster until I one day I woke up and I thought I feel better. I also watched a lot of old sitcoms and read Star magazine.
Hope this helps. Keep us posted.
Edna Babish
Posted by ednababish on October 11, 2004, at 10:23:29
In reply to RE:: Edna, posted by mystic on October 10, 2004, at 21:23:04
Mystic,
Is your system backed up? Could that be why you're bloating? Do you get enough water? I know it sounds crazy, but I'm less bloated when I drink two liters of water and keep myself regular--by drastic measures when necessary. I don't think you want to drop your lex, but you may want to watch those simple carbs (bread, sugars, skinless potatoes, rice) fried foods, and to try to get a lowfat serving of prtein in at every meal. I am looking into doing two weeks of the fat flushing diet, so I'll let you know how that goes.
Good luck,
Edna
Posted by mystic on October 11, 2004, at 11:18:05
In reply to Re: Lexapro / Celexa Dose Equivalence Question, posted by ednababish on October 11, 2004, at 10:09:32
You have some really really good advise and thank you so much for caring enough to share..I really appreciate it...The ideas of giving up the carbs is a good one I think..I do not eat a whole lot of carbs but sugar is a biggy for me..So I will watch myself better...and I'm starting weight watchers today along with anxious as I feel it is the best life long plan...but with the empahsis on lowering our carbs...Thanks so much...Your a great help
As far as the hormonal thing oh yes I'm there also...I'm 42 and in perimenapause and that is where I think mine comes from..And like you it takes me a lot lot lot longer for something to kick in I started the lex in feb and didnt really start to feel a full month of feeling better until july...so some people it takes longer..so dont give up anyone ....
As far as lowering my lex well i thought about it because of the weight gain but the weekend was rough so rethinknig that for now and will really put my effort into dieting and just watching myself...
Thanks again edna for your fast response to the posts you a great person..your friend Mystic
Posted by jujube on October 11, 2004, at 12:19:39
In reply to Re: Lexapro / Celexa Dose Equivalence Question, posted by ednababish on October 11, 2004, at 10:09:32
Edna,
Thanks so much for the response. I have never been through anything like this before. It's so horrible to wake up everyday and feel like your life is not worth living. It scares me so much because I have never really had thoughts like that before. I wasn't told much about the Depo before I got the shot except that I might gain weight and my cycle could stop. When I started feeling "off", I started to do some research and found out just how bad the side effects can be for some women. I was on Effexor at the time mostly for anxiety, and even that did not cushion the blow. Anxiety went through the roof and my mood sunk lower than even my worst PMS. Well, enough of my whining. I have less than 3 weeks to go before the shot wears off so I'll try to keep my chin up and lots of kleenex at hand.
Tamara
> Tamara,
>
> You are not alone in suffering from hormonally-induced depression brought on from birth-control. At 23yrs, I had an awful response to a birth control pill; Lexy's depression was also brought on by a bcp. I was convinced I was dying of any and everything, then the panic attacks started, I had suicidal thoughts, and I couldn't sleep or eat. Because it was a pill, I felt better almost immediately after I stopped taking it--or I at least felt a lot more able to cope.
>
> It does take a while for any AD to work--it takes medicines twice as long as the makers suggest to work for me. And for you, you have wait for the shot to wear off on top of that. While waiting for my ADs to work, I focused on very small things, one task at a time, and gave a lot of my attention to details--it made the time go faster until I one day I woke up and I thought I feel better. I also watched a lot of old sitcoms and read Star magazine.
>
> Hope this helps. Keep us posted.
>
> Edna Babish
Posted by ednababish on October 11, 2004, at 12:36:41
In reply to Re: Lexapro / Celexa Dose Equivalence Question » ednababish, posted by jujube on October 11, 2004, at 12:19:39
Tamara,
That is horrible! To think that a substance with FDA approval like that can do so much damage. And to think that you said you'd "suck it up"! I am furious for you; I will remember this and pass this information on. Not that I had any depression related issues, but I had some really strange things happen while using the patch, like my hair became really thick and oily, I put on weight and had violent headaches. But I know a lot of women who have had problems with depression who have used depo provera--like two of my nieces.
Keep us informed. We are sending good, healing vibes your way
Edna Babish
Posted by jujube on October 11, 2004, at 12:45:19
In reply to Re: Lexapro / Celexa Dose Equivalence Question, posted by ednababish on October 11, 2004, at 12:36:41
Edna,
Thanks for the healing vibes. Have a good day, and take good care.
Tamara
> Tamara,
>
> That is horrible! To think that a substance with FDA approval like that can do so much damage. And to think that you said you'd "suck it up"! I am furious for you; I will remember this and pass this information on. Not that I had any depression related issues, but I had some really strange things happen while using the patch, like my hair became really thick and oily, I put on weight and had violent headaches. But I know a lot of women who have had problems with depression who have used depo provera--like two of my nieces.
>
> Keep us informed. We are sending good, healing vibes your way
>
> Edna Babish
Posted by mystic on October 11, 2004, at 12:46:14
In reply to Re: Lexapro / Celexa Dose Equivalence Question » ednababish, posted by jujube on October 11, 2004, at 12:19:39
Hey Jujube...I have always been afraid of something that you would have in your system for 3 months in case their were s/e...I'm so sorry that you are dealing with it...I pray that your dr reports this s/e as you would be part of the percentage..I know I had a terrible reaction to bactrim a month ago and was in the hospital for 3 days and they did all kinds of tests and said "oh no it isnt the bactrim"..that isnt really reported well that is the only thing that was different and finally my dr said you know if you cant find something wrong then sometimes you just have to listen to the patient and he did report it as it was a s/e but only a 1 percent well i was in that 1 percent...
Thank you for sharing and i pray that you feel better soon please do not give up hope...You will get better and post when you can...Mystic
Posted by jujube on October 11, 2004, at 12:53:53
In reply to RE:: Jujube, posted by mystic on October 11, 2004, at 12:46:14
Mystic,
Thanks so much for your kind words. It's very frustrating to try to tell doctors about our own personal adverse reactions to medications. I know when I tried to tell the doc about persistent and annoying side effects I was having on Effexor, I was told it was virtually impossible. The same thing with the Depo. I certainly didn't feel like this before the shot, so I'll trust my own body's reaction rather than the docs Physicians' Desk Reference. Oh well. Life will go on and I will no doubt be feeling like myself soon.
Tamara
> Hey Jujube...I have always been afraid of something that you would have in your system for 3 months in case their were s/e...I'm so sorry that you are dealing with it...I pray that your dr reports this s/e as you would be part of the percentage..I know I had a terrible reaction to bactrim a month ago and was in the hospital for 3 days and they did all kinds of tests and said "oh no it isnt the bactrim"..that isnt really reported well that is the only thing that was different and finally my dr said you know if you cant find something wrong then sometimes you just have to listen to the patient and he did report it as it was a s/e but only a 1 percent well i was in that 1 percent...
>
> Thank you for sharing and i pray that you feel better soon please do not give up hope...You will get better and post when you can...Mystic
Posted by sexylexy on October 11, 2004, at 15:58:51
In reply to RE:: Jujube » mystic, posted by jujube on October 11, 2004, at 12:53:53
Jujube,
Believe me, trust yourself and not the Doctors. I am going though a depressive episode because of the birth control pill. I asked the doctor and he said it could not be, low and behold, when I got off it I was fine. Also other weird stuff...only you can know your body...like when MYstic went through the bactim stuff, the docs said no way, then I looked it up for her and found an entire website of people with similar problems!!!
Lexy
Posted by jujube on October 11, 2004, at 16:38:59
In reply to RE:: Jujube, posted by sexylexy on October 11, 2004, at 15:58:51
Lexy,
Thanks for the message. I am beginning to think that doctors put way too much stock in the Physicians' Desk Reference which lists the side effects experienced by those on the meds and those on the placebo during clinical trials, and as reported by the pharmaceutical company. However, just because in clinical trials only a small percentage experienced a particular side effect doesn't mean that out of the thousands and thousands of people for whom a drug is subsequently subscribed a large number won't experience what clinical trials and drug manufacturers consider to be a not so common or rare side effect. It can be frustrating when doctors are so dismissive and treat patients like they are hypocondriacs rather than acknowledge that the patient may well be experiencing a truly adverse or uncomfortable reaction to a med. It is also unfortunate that doctors do not take more time to listen to, and take note of, the side effects being experienced by patients. If more time was spent, a doctor might actually notice a common thread and report the incidence of the reactions to the pharmaceutical company. But, I guess what it boils down to is the pharaceutical companies really don't want to hear about it because having to admit that the allegedly not so common side effects are actually more common than the consumer is being told would not be good for the bottom line. Sorry to go on a rant. I am certainly not against meds, especially ADs,
but I would prefer to have a more realistic expectation of what side effects (short- and long-term) I could expect to experience when I accept to begin treatment with a particular med. Anyways, I'll get off my soapbox now.Take care.
Tamara
> Jujube,
> Believe me, trust yourself and not the Doctors. I am going though a depressive episode because of the birth control pill. I asked the doctor and he said it could not be, low and behold, when I got off it I was fine. Also other weird stuff...only you can know your body...like when MYstic went through the bactim stuff, the docs said no way, then I looked it up for her and found an entire website of people with similar problems!!!
> Lexy
Posted by ednababish on October 13, 2004, at 10:22:12
In reply to RE:: Edna, posted by mystic on October 11, 2004, at 11:18:05
Dear All,
It's the first day of 30mgs Celexa, but my question concerns lexapro. I know some of you have written in the past about lexapro poop-out when it just stops working as well, and I'd like to hear your stories again because it wasn't working as well at the end there. At least, I think it wasn't--I've had a bad few days. Saturday one of my dogs bit my daughter in the cheek, so we are probably going to have to find him a new home. My husband went ballistic, scruffed him and tossed him into his crate rather roughly, which was extremely upsetting--but that IS our daughter. We cried all day Sunday. Yesterday I received a thanks but no thanks on an abstract I sent out for a publication--and although I don't mention it too often, I am concerned about my career and getting a tenure-track job with a better salary because we often don't have much money at the end of the month. With my teaching load and with mostly freshman students, it's hard to carve out the time or conserve the energy to work on my scholarship. And it's midterm, and we're going to the in-laws for the weekend (it's fall break, or should I say fall-behind break?).Vent, vent, vent. Is it any wonder the lex has pooped out? I'M pooped out! Seriously, I Do still want to hear your stories of lexapro poop out--and any you might have about switching back to celexa.
Yours Droopily,
Edna
Posted by utopizen on October 13, 2004, at 11:46:28
In reply to Lexpapro Poop-Out, posted by ednababish on October 13, 2004, at 10:22:12
I'm not sure what the rationale is in switching back to Celexa.
Most "poop-outs" IMHO are when life events change for people, and they don't recgonize this, and blame the meds for a worsened mood.
In all likelihood, a higher dose of either Celexa or Lexapro is in order. I'm on 20mg Lexapro, and may double that this week, stay on it for a month, and then pursue Cymbalta if nothing happens.
Posted by ednababish on October 13, 2004, at 11:58:01
In reply to Re: Lexpapro Poop-Out, posted by utopizen on October 13, 2004, at 11:46:28
The switch back to celexa was precipitated upon fewer SSE's on celexa, better results, and better weight management.
Posted by mystic on October 13, 2004, at 12:13:21
In reply to Lexpapro Poop-Out, posted by ednababish on October 13, 2004, at 10:22:12
Hey Edna...Wow that doesnt sound like a great weekend on or off meds...I think that I agree with someone else that said that sometimes life gives us stuff to handle that even the meds cant help and we just need to ride it out and see what happens...I know that I have posted before that wehn we are depresses/anxious it is always and forever and that things are always going to be this way and I have felt like this forever and I konw that journally helps me with this as it can be something to go back on and read about how much worse you felt or how much better you are feeling...So that is my suggestion..Just my two cents..
Hey edna please let me know how your daughter is doing that is one of my fears i have a dog a golden/lab mix and he is like 11 1/2 and my grandson is only 5 1/2 months and i have always worried about dogs with children you just never konw when they are going to snap....I pray that she is ok...did she have to go to the hospital??.stitches??...I know how hard it is to have to realize that something has to be done with the dog a part of your family...So my friend I would say you had plenty of things to make you feel not so great...
Please let me know how you are doing and I will pray for you....Your freind Mystic
Posted by ednababish on October 13, 2004, at 12:33:53
In reply to RE:: Hey edna, posted by mystic on October 13, 2004, at 12:13:21
Mystic,
Anya is fine; she had a medium puncture wound in her right temple and a ring of bruises around he cheek that look like what they are. We did not have to go to the hospital; I have been using polysporin on the puncture wound and the bruises are already turning yellow. She doesn't even act like she knows what happened, and neither does Oliver (the dog). I think she was trying to kiss him on the head like she does to the other dog, who growls but grudgingly likes her and lets her kiss him--Miles is much more attached to her. He worries over her when she cries, and he figured out quickly that she is the distributor of all good things: she gives him half of everything she's eating. Thanks for asking!
I'd would be especially careful if my dog has ever shown any dominance issues--Oliver ad Miles still have pecking order problems, and Oliver has always seemed confused about who is top dog between my husband and I--he is very submissive with my husband. He also had a troubled youth; he was an outdoor dog until he was nine months old, then I took him in. Despite this, he has a good temperment, is extremely affectionate with me (but not MY pup), and well behaved because we spent five month in obedience school. Know anybody without kids who might like a dog?
Edna
Posted by mystic on October 13, 2004, at 13:01:16
In reply to RE:: Hey edna, posted by ednababish on October 13, 2004, at 12:33:53
Hey Edna glad to hear your daughter is fine...I know how that is my brother had a beloved dog that he had for about 5 years before his daughter was born and when she was 4 1/2 he bit her ear off...That was pretty tramatic and he had loved that girl so much he was always really good with her and protected her but this one time she must have done something that didtn sit well with him and he just reacted....needless to say my brother had to do away with the dog as there was no choice....I know that my dog is very loving but still gets jealous with my husband when he holds or plays with ryan and that makes me very nervous...but will keep an eye out..But great to hear that it wasnt too serious with your daughter ....Mystic
Posted by jujube on October 13, 2004, at 13:28:42
In reply to Lexpapro Poop-Out, posted by ednababish on October 13, 2004, at 10:22:12
Edna,
I am so sorry you have been having a bad time of it. And, I was particularly saddened to hear that your daughter was injured by your dog. I do hope she is healing and there will not be any permanent scars. I am also sorry to hear that you will have to give up your dog. But in a situation such as this, it is better to err on the side of caution, no matter how emotional the decision is. I have a dog, and would be heartbroken if she ever bit a human, particularly a child. You are doing the right thing in this situation. You will probably shed a few tears, but that is normal and should not be avoided. An AD does not shelter us from life's ups and downs, but rather help us cope a little better. You should allow yourself to feel the emotions.
I'm sorry that I can't help you with your Lexapro poop-out question. I have never used Lexapro (it is not available in Canada yet). I hope your return to Celexa proves beneficial to you.
Good luck, and take good care.
Tamara
> Dear All,
> It's the first day of 30mgs Celexa, but my question concerns lexapro. I know some of you have written in the past about lexapro poop-out when it just stops working as well, and I'd like to hear your stories again because it wasn't working as well at the end there. At least, I think it wasn't--I've had a bad few days. Saturday one of my dogs bit my daughter in the cheek, so we are probably going to have to find him a new home. My husband went ballistic, scruffed him and tossed him into his crate rather roughly, which was extremely upsetting--but that IS our daughter. We cried all day Sunday. Yesterday I received a thanks but no thanks on an abstract I sent out for a publication--and although I don't mention it too often, I am concerned about my career and getting a tenure-track job with a better salary because we often don't have much money at the end of the month. With my teaching load and with mostly freshman students, it's hard to carve out the time or conserve the energy to work on my scholarship. And it's midterm, and we're going to the in-laws for the weekend (it's fall break, or should I say fall-behind break?).
>
> Vent, vent, vent. Is it any wonder the lex has pooped out? I'M pooped out! Seriously, I Do still want to hear your stories of lexapro poop out--and any you might have about switching back to celexa.
>
> Yours Droopily,
> Edna
Posted by Mrs. C on October 13, 2004, at 18:52:13
In reply to Lexpapro Poop-Out, posted by ednababish on October 13, 2004, at 10:22:12
Hey Edna, sorry to hear about your poop-out. I have been on 20mgs now for awhile (not sure how long) and it's been working really well. I was on 10mgs for about five months before it pooped out on me. Once I went up to 20 I go immediate relief. My lex also seems to poop out sometimes during my time of the month.
You are going through alot right now and it just may seem that your med is not working. They aren't wonder drugs, life is still bound to get us down from time to time. It's our coping methods that they help change, I think.
My dog has also bitten a few people including myself, my hubby and my daughter. Just on the hand though and because we took something from him that he didn't want to give up. He warned us first with lots of growling but we didn't listen. We worked with the vet on some behavior techniques that have really worked and there has not been a problem getting things from him since. I don't know the situation or why your dog bit your daughter but there may be hope for him.
I sympathize with your life right now and I will be praying for you and your family. Mrs. C
Posted by jboud24 on October 14, 2004, at 18:21:21
In reply to Re: Lexpapro Poop-Out, posted by utopizen on October 13, 2004, at 11:46:28
Hi,
I too experienced poop-out on the following SSRI's: paxil, celexa, lexapro, and most recently zoloft. I was up to 60mg/day of lexapro when I threw in the towel. Basically, all of the SSRI's have treated me the same with very few variations in side effects. I have been taking them for depression and social anxiety disorder, augmenting along the way with Buspar, Ativan, and Xanax.
My opinion is that SSRI's suck for me, although my mother and father have a good history of success with zoloft and lexapro respectively. IMHO, Celexa is no different that Lexapro.
Posted by archintern on October 15, 2004, at 22:25:36
In reply to Lexpapro Poop-Out, posted by ednababish on October 13, 2004, at 10:22:12
I haven't experienced a poop out, but I have experienced a complete lack of sex drive. I was on Celexa for 3 years, with minimal sexual side effects. A year ago my doc suggested switching to Lexapro because of the "split" and lack of "side effects." Well, crap. I can honestly say Lexapro made it much much worse. My relationship is kinda on the line at this point. Anyone else have this awful experience?
Tomorrow I start supplementing with 150 mg of Wellbutrin. So I'll see how that goes for a month. I'm also switching back to Celexa, but can't afford it for another few weeks.
Thanks!
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