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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by ANXIETY ANN on November 27, 2002, at 12:51:59
In reply to Re: early s/e » bluestem, posted by pharmrep on November 27, 2002, at 10:30:39
> > My doctor added Lexapro to my "cocktail" mix and I cannot tolerate it. I started out with the 10mg tab. My memory was impaired (couldn't recognize my friends' name when said to me) and I could sit and daydream for hours. The worst part on top of it all was the nausea. I self-prescribed myself down to 5mg. The fog cleared; but the nausea turned my stomach inside out. Then I self-prescirbed down to 1/4 of a tablet. I'm still okay; but the nausea is still really bad. I called my psychiatrist and let him know what I was doing. At that time he said he wanted me back up to 5 mg. There isn't any way..I have been seeing my psychiatrist every 3 weeks and fortunately I see him next week. I just can't handle the nausea.
>
> ** what is the rest of the cocktail...the nausea in the 1st wk or so isnt uncommon, but it usually goes away in the 2nd wk or so...it is possible the other meds or the "switch" may be the culprit...cutting down less than the 5mg often prolongs the s/e....stick with it, it will get betterHi,
I too felt very sick when i first started Lexapro, headaches, jaw clenching, stomach upset, counld't sleep. Hang in there it gets alot better. Pharmreps right, cutting your dose will just make it take longer for your system to get used to it. The Lexapro has really made a difference in my anxiety and panic. JUST HANG IN THERE!!!
Good luck, Ann
Posted by bridgette on November 27, 2002, at 18:39:50
In reply to Re: Another question and statement, posted by Phil on August 1, 2002, at 11:21:26
and Lexapra and Celexaand Adderal. My question has to do w/Wellbutrin (I'm on 300mg Wellbutrin SRand 10mg Lexapro) but I'm wondering how much you feel the wellbutrinSR has helped you---I think it helps me alot and really boosts the Lexapro. I just had the Wellbutrin increased and am trying to figure out how to space it.8 hours 10 hrs 12 hours---what???
Posted by iomasters on November 27, 2002, at 19:14:18
In reply to Re: 5 Days on Lexepro = Rich B, posted by Rich B on November 27, 2002, at 8:12:37
> > > iomasters,
> > > the other wierd side effect I remember early on was a kind of metallic taste in my mouth and a feeling that I was starting a psychedelic trip. Have you felt that way?
> > > Wharf
> > >
> > Wharf,
> > I haven't had the metallic taste, but it does feel very surreal, and like the beginning of a 'psychedelic trip'.
> > Day 3 has been better than the other two. I didn't grind my teeth near as much, and no nausea. But, I have had a headache most of the day, and my shoulders are tense unless I make a conscious effort to relax them.
> > Thank goodness I have convinced my husband to rub out the tension ;) I will keep you posted. Thanks for your support - it is driving me to keep taking the pill (10mg in the AM).
> > iomasters
> >
> >
>
> Hey iomasters, You asked me to keep you up to date on my progress because I am a few days ahead of you. I am now on day 7 and I think the headache situation is just about gone, which is a sign that the tension may be finally letting up. I did not take anything for a headache yesterday. I will know in a few days if I feel less anxious. I'll keep you informed.
> Rich_________
Rich,
Thanks for the update. Day 4 has been pretty good for me. No headache to speak of, but I have had problems getting back to sleep after waking in the night.
Also, I have had a bit of "mind racing". When I get a theme song, or something catchy STUCK in my head. And I just can't shake it!
Do you do that? How do you cope? I think it is part of the anxiety I've been feeling for 4 days now. I so hope it will pass soon.
The nausea has subsided for the most part, I just have to keep something in my stomach at all times (small meals work for me).
The tension in my neck and back is still there, but it seems to be lightening up some.
It's nice to know there are others out there going through this transition with me...
Thanks.
iomasters
Posted by Cearbhal on November 28, 2002, at 13:15:06
In reply to Day 4, posted by iomasters on November 27, 2002, at 19:14:18
I am on day one of Lexapro (10mg). I haven't noticed any differences or side effects today. I have been on 40 mg of Celexa and Ambien 10 mg. for sleep-prn, for 6 months prior. I have slight O.C. disorders (according to folks around me), and a problem with anxiety attacks and anger management(full blown temper tantrums). Celexa has really helped the symptoms, no side effects to speak of except WEIGHT GAIN - 30# in the 6 month time frame. If I sit still I eat-My doctor said "Don't sit still"(He actually joked)- He thinks Lexapro will help. I started looking for info. on the net and found you all today.
Posted by pharmrep on November 28, 2002, at 15:34:50
In reply to Re: Day 4, posted by Cearbhal on November 28, 2002, at 13:15:06
> I am on day one of Lexapro (10mg). I haven't noticed any differences or side effects today. I have been on 40 mg of Celexa and Ambien 10 mg. for sleep-prn, for 6 months prior. I have slight O.C. disorders (according to folks around me), and a problem with anxiety attacks and anger management(full blown temper tantrums). Celexa has really helped the symptoms, no side effects to speak of except WEIGHT GAIN - 30# in the 6 month time frame. If I sit still I eat-My doctor said "Don't sit still"(He actually joked)- He thinks Lexapro will help. I started looking for info. on the net and found you all today.
** welcome aboard...hopefully the Lexapro will have a diff weight effect for you...keep us posted
Posted by dragonfly on November 28, 2002, at 15:42:28
In reply to Light sensitivity, posted by new user2 on November 26, 2002, at 11:33:22
My first week it did seem like someone" had put a brighter light bulb in the lamp" but I wasn't what you called sensitive to it.Colors did seem more vivid and foods had more taste. This is almost the end of the second week for me. No more head aches or tummy problems. But I do get things stuck in my mind, like a name, phrase or SONGS over and over. Today hasn't been too bad. I did notice a blurring of my vision a couple days but it has gone away for me. So far the last few days I feel more up than down.
Posted by iomasters on November 28, 2002, at 18:48:48
In reply to Re: Day 4, posted by Cearbhal on November 28, 2002, at 13:15:06
> I am on day one of Lexapro (10mg). I haven't noticed any differences or side effects today. I have been on 40 mg of Celexa and Ambien 10 mg. for sleep-prn, for 6 months prior. I have slight O.C. disorders (according to folks around me), and a problem with anxiety attacks and anger management(full blown temper tantrums). Celexa has really helped the symptoms, no side effects to speak of except WEIGHT GAIN - 30# in the 6 month time frame. If I sit still I eat-My doctor said "Don't sit still"(He actually joked)- He thinks Lexapro will help. I started looking for info. on the net and found you all today.
_____
Cearbhal,
The side effects (s/e) hit me hard! That's why I was out there looking for this site a few days ago. I was hoping to find some others going through what I was experiencing - and I did, thankgoodness.
Be grateful for not having any s/e. I think I have lost weight in the last 4 days. I'm not very hungry, and I have had some nausea. On day 1, I felt like I was on speed all day and I have been slowly adjusting each day. I was practically bouncing off the walls. My husband wasn't sure what to think... ;)
Day 5 seems to be better though. I actually took a nap this afternoon. I hope I can sleep through the night tonight. My husband has baby duty (we have a 4 month old, which = postpartum depression for me).
I am hoping to feel GREAT in the next couple of weeks - Wharf - has been encouraging.
Happy Thanksgiving to you. Let me know how you are feeling as the days go by.
iomasters
Posted by iomasters on November 28, 2002, at 19:04:36
In reply to Re: Light sensitivity, posted by dragonfly on November 28, 2002, at 15:42:28
Hello all. I wanted to see if you guys are having any 'mind racing'. This is how I describe when you get a song, or a phrase stuck in your head and you just can't shake it.
I read that dragonfly has this problem, and I have too. It is most annoying at 3 in the morning, when I wake up with the baby (for 45 minutes or so) and can't get back to sleep until 5 because of my mind racing away.
I think this is part of the anxiety I have been experiencing. I am writing to see how you guys cope. It only seems to be bad when I am not thinking about any one thing in particualar, and when I lie down to sleep. When I am talking or working on a project I don't notice it.
Today has been a good one. No headache or nausea. I have had some tension, but I was able to nap - probably too long today after our Thanksgiving dinner.
Hope you all had a good one with your family and friends.
iomasters
Posted by pallas on November 28, 2002, at 22:10:34
In reply to Re: 5 Days on Lexepro » Rich B, posted by pharmrep on November 26, 2002, at 20:22:06
> > I have been on Lexapro for 5 days (including today) for Anxiety. So far, it has done nothing for the anxiety. If anything, it has made it worse. I grind my teeth allot and when I am working on something, I do it very intensely and the anxiety is even worse than it was before. When I am not doing much, am often tired. The tiredness is on and off and I get very tired early in the evening. I have not had insomnia, but when I get up at night to go to the bathroom, I have a hard time getting back to sleep. I have dry mouth and this very light constant headache in the back of my head. This is caused by a tightness in my neck and the back of my head that I believe Lexepro is causing. Can anyone shed some light on my situation? I know I need to give it more time, and I plan on it, but so far, it doesn’t look to good. I am trying to work on my anxiety problem (GAD) through therapy and I was hoping this medication would help bring me down a little and relax. Its hard to work on when the physical systems act as this counterproductive force holding me back.
> > Thanks ahead of time.Hi. Do give it more time. After the first day I had the same headache and tension you described. This was followed by ten days of total exhaustion, where I HAD to take a 3-5 hour nap in the middle of every day and just felt lousy. The doc added Wellbutrin to perk me up and it worked instantly. After a week of that I developed some kind of mild hand tremor and insomnia, so we quite the W and added Trazodone yesterday. I've been on Lexapro 3 weeks or so now and I am levelling out. Except for the occasional (1-2x/day) feeling of woozy/spaciness, I am here and I am clear. So hang in there and take good care of yourself in the meantime. Get a massage, take walks, eat your veggies and drink lots of water. Be patient and stay in touch with your doctor. I wish you all the best.
Posted by pallas on November 28, 2002, at 22:17:00
In reply to Light sensitivity, posted by new user2 on November 26, 2002, at 11:33:22
> Just wondering if anyone experienced sensitivity to bright lights during the first week of taking lexapro. Any info would be helpful.
>
> Thank you!Greetings. I did not experience light sensitivity because I spent most of that first week drowsy and/or asleep. Also I live in Oregon where we're a little devoid of sunlight this time of year. I did, however, have moments of total alertness and clarity. I could suddenly see better than ever, and I noticed things in my own neighborhood that had not caught my eye before. Keep us posted on whether your sensitivity continues. Best wishes to you.
Posted by pallas on November 28, 2002, at 22:28:23
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by bluestem on November 27, 2002, at 10:21:53
> My doctor added Lexapro to my "cocktail" mix and I cannot tolerate it. I started out with the 10mg tab. My memory was impaired (couldn't recognize my friends' name when said to me) and I could sit and daydream for hours. The worst part on top of it all was the nausea. I self-prescribed myself down to 5mg. The fog cleared; but the nausea turned my stomach inside out. Then I self-prescirbed down to 1/4 of a tablet. I'm still okay; but the nausea is still really bad. I called my psychiatrist and let him know what I was doing. At that time he said he wanted me back up to 5 mg. There isn't any way..I have been seeing my psychiatrist every 3 weeks and fortunately I see him next week. I just can't handle the nausea.
---
I'm curious, how did you cut down your prescription? Did you actually cut up your tablets? I've heard this can have an adverse affect on some of the medications that are supposed to be time-released. I know you can buy 5 mg tabs. Just curious here.
I figure you've tried taking them with and without food... Well, keep us posted as to what your pdoc recommends.
Wishing you well - P
Posted by byanfifty6 on November 29, 2002, at 8:21:36
In reply to Re: Taking pill in morning iomasters » pharmrep, posted by Phyl on November 27, 2002, at 8:57:19
> Thanks for your replies. I have never taken any oher meds other than something to help me sleep at night. I have found that if I take Lex first thing in the morning, I can barely stay awake at 6 p.m. If I take it closer to 10:00 a.m. I can make it to 9:00 and sleep pretty well (for me). But if I take it at 4 o 5:00, then I need the Lorazepam. So, for me, late morning seems to do the trick and that will be my routine.
> Thanks again.
> EVERYONE, HAVE A HAPPY THANKSGIVING!++ Brandnew Poster! I am starting week three and agree with above post. Late am seems to be the best compromise. First time diag for depression but probably depressed for decades. Lex has been amazing towards my self-esteem and attitude!
Posted by bluestem on November 29, 2002, at 9:05:17
In reply to Re: early s/e » bluestem, posted by pharmrep on November 27, 2002, at 10:30:39
> > My doctor added Lexapro to my "cocktail" mix and I cannot tolerate it. I started out with the 10mg tab. My memory was impaired (couldn't recognize my friends' name when said to me) and I could sit and daydream for hours. The worst part on top of it all was the nausea. I self-prescribed myself down to 5mg. The fog cleared; but the nausea turned my stomach inside out. Then I self-prescirbed down to 1/4 of a tablet. I'm still okay; but the nausea is still really bad. I called my psychiatrist and let him know what I was doing. At that time he said he wanted me back up to 5 mg. There isn't any way..I have been seeing my psychiatrist every 3 weeks and fortunately I see him next week. I just can't handle the nausea.
>
> ** what is the rest of the cocktail...the nausea in the 1st wk or so isnt uncommon, but it usually goes away in the 2nd wk or so...it is possible the other meds or the "switch" may be the culprit...cutting down less than the 5mg often prolongs the s/e....stick with it, it will get betterI take Seroquel 25mg and 0.25mg of Xanax at bedtime and Wellbutrin 100mg, Lexapro 2.5 in the morning. Yesterday (Thanksgiving) I didn't have any nausea. That was a plus. Thank you for your input. I don't feel so much "out on a limb" by myself.
Posted by Ward on November 29, 2002, at 12:07:46
In reply to Re: Question for Pharmrep regarding Lexapro Anxiety » Ward, posted by ayuda on November 19, 2002, at 22:08:56
Ayuda - we haven't seen a post from you in a while, I was wondering if the trazodone is helping you get to sleep any better. How are you doing?
Posted by neptune on November 29, 2002, at 16:58:43
In reply to Ayuda - Is the Trazodone working out?, posted by Ward on November 29, 2002, at 12:07:46
I have been Lexapro for 19 days. I just came off of effexor. Had been on it for about a year at 175mgs.
I have no energy, don't care about tomorrow, and the nausea is something I fight everyday. I don't know what to do, and very tired of fighting to find medication. It seems hopeless, and I have tried most evertyhing in the past 12 years. Am I doomed to be one that slips through the crack and cannot find medication. I hate to go back to effexor or tofranil.
Thanks,
Neptune
Posted by dragonfly on November 29, 2002, at 20:56:22
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
Today is 2 weeks I have taken Lexapro. I have to admit I do feel better than I did to begin with. I go to sleep easier and only wake up once at night, which I feel I might not do if my bladder would co-operate. I don't wake up in the morning more tired than when I went to bed. My biggest problem now is dryness during sex! which was easily solved. I don't clench my teeth as much now. I have had to increase my water intake because I noticed I wasn't going to the bathroom as much as I should. I do feel dehydrated sometimes. The metalic taste is either gone or I have just gotten use to it. I really wish I had sought help alot sooner. I feel like I have started coming out of a fog.
Posted by dragonfly on November 29, 2002, at 21:02:14
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by dragonfly on November 29, 2002, at 20:56:22
well I have no idea why it posted so many copies of my message!!
Posted by byanfifty6 on November 29, 2002, at 22:01:05
In reply to ??????, posted by dragonfly on November 29, 2002, at 21:02:14
> well I have no idea why it posted so many copies of my message!!
must be foggy! Glad to see your improvement, every day seems to get more "normal".
Posted by Kairos on November 30, 2002, at 0:15:35
In reply to Re: Nausea, and no zip after 19 days. Why?, posted by neptune on November 29, 2002, at 16:58:43
Neptune -
Hey - we're here - I'm on Lexapro - somewhat dif. symptomology tho - and a relatively new user - No nausea - increased appetite, sleeplessness - vortex of dizziness - shakinghands - headache - etc.
It has to be exhausting (I'm commiserating here - I'm exhausted fighting the symptoms myself at times) to have to fight stuff all the time.
I can't believe you're one of the few that won't find a combo to work - keep trying.
In Commradeship!
Kairos > I have been Lexapro for 19 days. I just came off of effexor. Had been on it for about a year at 175mgs.
>
> I have no energy, don't care about tomorrow, and the nausea is something I fight everyday. I don't know what to do, and very tired of fighting to find medication. It seems hopeless, and I have tried most evertyhing in the past 12 years. Am I doomed to be one that slips through the crack and cannot find medication. I hate to go back to effexor or tofranil.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Neptune
Posted by vagen on November 30, 2002, at 1:32:12
In reply to To whoever is on 400 mgs of Wellbutrin, posted by bridgette on November 27, 2002, at 18:39:50
I am not on 400mg, but do take 75mg twice a day. My doc said make every dose at least 6 hours apart.
That seems to work well for me.
Posted by oldhand on November 30, 2002, at 4:17:06
In reply to Re: Nausea, and no zip after 19 days. Why? » neptune, posted by Kairos on November 30, 2002, at 0:15:35
I am on day 18 with Lexapro. I can't believe how much better the depression seems! I actually caught myself having and keeping a positive attitude!!! I still don't sleep well, it's 4:30 am as we speak. The teeth clenching seems to have improved. I have very little appetite but since I gained around fifty pounds on a combo of Celexa and Remeron, I don't mind. Have lost eleven of it since summer and do eat but just not constantly anymore. Don't have alot of zip either but that seems to be improving too.
I anticipate needing this board and the support it brings as a week from Saturday I move in with my parents. (I am 53.........arrrrgh!!). I expect it will be difficult for all concerned but they are in their mid 80's so I hope to be some help to them in return for a place to stay. When I said I caught myself keeping a positive attitude, it was in the face of a scathing email from my mother regarding the situation. (The aliens abducted my real mother about 12 years ago and left this mean-spirited old woman in her place, he he ). But she didn't rock my world with her meaness as she has in the past and I believe that the Lexapro has contributed significantly to my feelings of peace in the situation.
So, keep up the good fight Neptune! If the Lexapro isn't the one there are others out there and combos of them. Sending you wishes for a good result.
Posted by bridgette on November 30, 2002, at 9:18:10
In reply to Re: To whoever is on 400 mgs of Wellbutrin, posted by vagen on November 30, 2002, at 1:32:12
Is 75 mg of Wellbutrin a day enouh or will your Dr incresae it w/time. I take 150 mg (Wellbutrin sr)per day and the Dr said I could increase it to 300 mg per day but w/all my reading on the internet I'm afraid of seizures. I read everythung I can and although it sounds rare 1 in 1,000---I'm a worrier. Do you think I'm overreacting??? I do think it has helped the Lexapro immensely.
> I am not on 400mg, but do take 75mg twice a day. My doc said make every dose at least 6 hours apart.
> That seems to work well for me.
>
Posted by vagen on November 30, 2002, at 9:41:25
In reply to TOoVegan, posted by bridgette on November 30, 2002, at 9:18:10
It ends up being 150 ( 75 2 times a day) it seems to be working. I have energy and when I was on Prozac alone......I was so tired all the time. Maybe not tired, lethargic.
I don't want to go any higher than that.
I am a worrier too!
Posted by ayuda on December 1, 2002, at 20:27:31
In reply to Ayuda - Is the Trazodone working out?, posted by Ward on November 29, 2002, at 12:07:46
> Ayuda - we haven't seen a post from you in a while, I was wondering if the trazodone is helping you get to sleep any better. How are you doing?
Thanks for asking -- and yes, I am getting sleep with the Trazodone. It acts much more like a real "sleeping pill" than the Ativan did. The first time I took it I felt drugged in the morning. My mom said that her patients appear drunk when they are on it -- that's kind of how I felt. But I am tolerating it better now. I don't know if this is normal, but at about 7 a.m. (no matter when I take the Trazodone), I wake up ready to start my day. It's strange for me, because I don't need to wake up at that time any day except Tuesdays. So I go back to sleep!
I hope that my doctor allows me to keep on it -- since it's an AD and not a benzo, I hope she does. I'm also doing better on my ADs, though I am still tapering off of Effexor, not completely on the Lexapro alone. I'm only having problems with my concentration, which was a problem with Celexa and Zoloft.
Posted by ayuda on December 1, 2002, at 22:10:27
In reply to Re: Nausea, and no zip after 19 days. Why? » Kairos, posted by oldhand on November 30, 2002, at 4:17:06
> I am on day 18 with Lexapro. I can't believe how much better the depression seems! I actually caught myself having and keeping a positive attitude!!! I still don't sleep well, it's 4:30 am as we speak. The teeth clenching seems to have improved. I have very little appetite but since I gained around fifty pounds on a combo of Celexa and Remeron, I don't mind. Have lost eleven of it since summer and do eat but just not constantly anymore. Don't have alot of zip either but that seems to be improving too.
> I anticipate needing this board and the support it brings as a week from Saturday I move in with my parents. (I am 53.........arrrrgh!!). I expect it will be difficult for all concerned but they are in their mid 80's so I hope to be some help to them in return for a place to stay. When I said I caught myself keeping a positive attitude, it was in the face of a scathing email from my mother regarding the situation. (The aliens abducted my real mother about 12 years ago and left this mean-spirited old woman in her place, he he ). But she didn't rock my world with her meaness as she has in the past and I believe that the Lexapro has contributed significantly to my feelings of peace in the situation.
> So, keep up the good fight Neptune! If the Lexapro isn't the one there are others out there and combos of them. Sending you wishes for a good result.
>I feel for you, going to stay with your parents (especially with the brief description of the situation you gave) AND suffering from depression at the same time.
I have a suggestion: if the Lexapro, or anything else you may be taking, doesn't help your reactions, ask your doctor about Neurontin. It's an anti-epileptic (and you'll only find info on it as such), but many anti-epileptic drugs are also used as mood stabilizers. It's a good short-term (and by that I mean months, not days) solution if you REALLY need to get along with people and suffer from depression (you take it along with the AD). I took it with Celexa a couple of years ago, and NOTHING anyone said set me off. And I am very high strung. It does not make you feel drugged or like a robot -- at least, it didn't do that to me. It just kept me in a pleasant, even mood. I was a state employee and had a stereotypical unreasonable government-type as a supervisor (after having the best supervisor in the world at the same place), and this medication made me able to do my job, put up with her capricious, unstable commandeering, without harming myself or others, for 5 months until I found a new job. I wish my current doc would let me go on it!
Also, for sleeping, Ward suggested to me -- and my doc was all for it -- taking Trazodone, which is another AD that really induces sleep. The first time I took it, I felt drugged (see my post to Ward dated 12/1), so sometimes I take a 1/2 of the 50mg pill but now I am taking the whole pill. And I wake up around 7 a.m. -- a little groggy, but having slept through the night.
Good luck with that situation, and keep us posted on how the Lex is working.
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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