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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by looking for a life on December 4, 2002, at 12:07:57
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl (nm), posted by looking for a life on December 3, 2002, at 13:21:04
I started Lexapro 40mg last week. I was on Celexa 20mg. I have noticed that I have been more agitated and more "bitchy". My father was switched to Lexapro as well 10mg from 40mg of Celexa. He is experiencing the same snappy feeling. My patience is so much shorter.
I also noticed that getting to sleep and staying asleep is getting more difficult as well.
Another side effect that has increased with Lexapro is the sweating. I sweat befoe on Celexa but now it's horrible. I break into a massive sweat just doing the dishes or light housework. I'll have sweaqt dripping off my face and soaking my clothes. This is a horrible thing to experience. It is greatly affecting my daily life. It's embarrasing as well. Any input on this would be greatly appreciated.
I was told that it was supposed to increase your energy as well. I have not really noticed that much of an increase in energy. I take Adderall to atleast get me through the day. Without it I would be a total slug. My energy level is next to nothing. Without the Adderall it would take me 3 days to get motivated enough to go to the store for milk.
I am unsure if this is related to the med but I have had chest pains. I am pretty sure it's muscular but it's right in the middle of my chest. It's new since last week. Haven't experienced it before either.
The only positive effect I have had is a small increase in sexual desire . It's not enough to really be happy about though.
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. I feel like I am going out of my mind with the increased stress!
Thanks so much!
Posted by Jaynee on December 4, 2002, at 12:46:58
In reply to Lump in Throat, posted by new user2 on December 2, 2002, at 9:41:14
Wow, lump in throat feeling. That feeling is awful. I got that sensation just before my last nervous breakdown this time last year. I can tell you anything you want to now about "lump in the throat feeling". There are many medical conditions that can cause this. I got so freaked out looking up what it could be that I am sure I brought on my breakdown. I had a ultra-sound of my thyroid, to check for nodules, I had an x-ray done to see if I had anything stuck in my throat, I had blood work done to see if I was lacking B-12, since that can cause the sensation. I had an endoscopy, which showed I didn't have reflux or anything else. I was checked for H-pylori, etc, etc, etc. Being on Celexa change it from a lump in my throat to feeling like a had a rope tied around my neck. The only time the pressure released was when I burped. I don't have the lump in the throat feeling anymore, but I can still get the excess gas that builds up in my throat and isn't release until I make myself burb or when I burp naturally. I am no longer on Celexa, but I still get this pressure feeling in my throat.
Good luck.
Posted by Ward on December 4, 2002, at 16:40:50
In reply to Anyone feeling more agitated on Lexapro?, posted by looking for a life on December 4, 2002, at 12:07:57
Looking: 40mg. of Lexapro a day is a huge dose. I think your doctor made a mistake. One of the comparisons I've seen on this board is that 10 mg.of Lexapro is comprable in effectivness to 40 mg. of Celexa. I started with 10mg. of Lexapro for three weeks, then went up to 15 mg. for 5 weeks, and have been on 20 mg for the last 3 weeks. Side effects I experienced early on included night sweats, increased anxiety, and trouble sleeping. The sweats diminished after about a month (but are not completely gone). The anxiety has diminished, and I take 50 mg. of Trazodone at night for sleep. My most troublesome side effect right now is jaw clenching - this got worse when I went up to 20 mg.
I suggest you call your doctor immediately and verify your dosage - I can't believe that 40 mg. is correct! Remember that the first 2 to 3 weeks on any SSRI is usually rough. Hang in there and keep us posted.I started Lexapro 40mg last week. I was on Celexa 20mg. I have noticed that I have been more agitated and more "bitchy". My father was switched to Lexapro as well 10mg from 40mg of Celexa. He is experiencing the same snappy feeling. My patience is so much shorter.
> I also noticed that getting to sleep and staying asleep is getting more difficult as well.
> Another side effect that has increased with Lexapro is the sweating. I sweat befoe on Celexa but now it's horrible. I break into a massive sweat just doing the dishes or light housework. I'll have sweaqt dripping off my face and soaking my clothes. This is a horrible thing to experience. It is greatly affecting my daily life. It's embarrasing as well. Any input on this would be greatly appreciated.
> I was told that it was supposed to increase your energy as well. I have not really noticed that much of an increase in energy. I take Adderall to atleast get me through the day. Without it I would be a total slug. My energy level is next to nothing. Without the Adderall it would take me 3 days to get motivated enough to go to the store for milk.
> I am unsure if this is related to the med but I have had chest pains. I am pretty sure it's muscular but it's right in the middle of my chest. It's new since last week. Haven't experienced it before either.
> The only positive effect I have had is a small increase in sexual desire . It's not enough to really be happy about though.
> Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. I feel like I am going out of my mind with the increased stress!
> Thanks so much!
>
>
Posted by looking for a life on December 4, 2002, at 16:51:27
In reply to Re: Anyone feeling more agitated on Lexapro? » looking for a life, posted by Ward on December 4, 2002, at 16:40:50
I am sorry I made a mistake. I am on 20mg of Lexapro. I also take 300mg of Wellbutrin, 100mg of Seroquel ( for sleep) and 45 mg of Adderall ( for energy). Shows you how good my memory is.:o)
I have tried so many anti depressants with little effect or ended up pooping out on others. I have been on Effexor, Paxil, Celexa, Prozac, just to name a few. I have had depression since I was 14 I am 28 now.
I am going to be starting a new job and I wish I could get the sweating side effect to diminish. I sweat with minimal exertion.
I also worry about the agitation and lack of patience I have had since beginning this medication. I snap at my family and they feel horrible about it and get in a depressed mood. God I wish I could find something that would make me feel more alive and into life.
Thanks so much for your help:o)
Posted by dragonfly on December 4, 2002, at 18:34:34
In reply to Re: Anyone feeling more agitated on Lexapro?, posted by looking for a life on December 4, 2002, at 16:51:27
I have been on 10mg Lexapro for a little over two weeks. From what I have been reading I guess I have been pretty lucky as far as side effects. The last few days I have felt really good about everything and laugh very easily again. My energy level has increased and I am now able to concentrate on my job. I haven't been snappy or bitchey but I have noticed being impatient.Last night I got so impatient eating crab legs my husband laughed! Every now and then I get that detatched feeling which is kinda weird. My mouth still stays dry. At night I sleep more soundly.I don't lay there for hours trying to fall asleep, I am still waking at 4am but I have also tried to watch my fluid intake after 7pm to see if it helps. I feel like I have gotten rest instead of feeling more tired than when I went to bed. The dryness I was having during sex has gone away!!!! BUT I talk alot more now! I also don't think about food all the time and my appetite has decreased =) Good luck to everyone
Posted by ayuda on December 4, 2002, at 22:41:51
In reply to Lexapro and weight change » panicbutton, posted by pharmrep on December 3, 2002, at 23:44:47
I switched from Effexor XR -- which had increased my appetite immensely -- to Lexapro, and I am eating a lot less, like once a day now, and that is usually in the early evening. And even then I'm not really hungry, just get a headache from not eating. I gained about 10 pounds in the 3 months I was taking Celexa, but 30 in the 6 months I was on Effexor. I am hopeful that the Lexapro will continue to take care of the appetite problems. And I hope that you start to have some relief in that area -- it's good to hear that the Lexapro is helping with your anxiety, though.
> > I recently began taking Lexapro. I had been on Paxil for a long time, stopped in April 2002, but have had significant increase in panic attacks after discontinuation. The discontinuation itself was hellish, even with tapering off it. With Lexapro, the panic attacks have markedly decreased; however, I've noticed some weight gain without eating any more than usual. Has anyone else noticed this. I also gained a lot of weight while taking Paxil and had lost some of it since stopping. It is disheartening to think that this drug may have the same negative side effect, even though it seems to be helping me with anxiety. Has anyone else noticed weight gain with this drug? Is there any way to combat it?
>
> *** glad to hear lexapro is working better for you...as for the weight, lexapro is considered weight neutral (celexa is too)...however, on the bell-curve...most people do respond without a weight change...there are of course a few who will gain a little, and some will lose a little...I am hearing the same info from the dr's I see too. Hopefully your weight isnt more than you can work with...good luck during the holidays (and keep us posted)
Posted by ayuda on December 4, 2002, at 22:47:32
In reply to Re: Lexapro and weight change » pharmrep, posted by ayuda on December 4, 2002, at 22:41:51
I will be having major surgery in a couple of weeks (nothing serious, purely elective). My intake of prescriptions and OTC drugs is being limited. My question is, do you know if the Lexapro would interfere with my ability to have surgery? I have to be off drugs such as aspirin and Alleve. I was just wondering, because my doctor isn't familiar with ADs, and though he will probably be doing the research himself, I thought I would ask here since you are knowledgeable about this drug in particular. Thanks!
Posted by IsoM on December 5, 2002, at 0:37:08
In reply to Re: Lexapro and weight change » pharmrep, posted by ayuda on December 4, 2002, at 22:41:51
It's not understood yet why one medication will have one side effect & yet a completely opposite effect for others. I've noticed that some SSRIs can either cause weight gain or weight loss in persons taking them. You gained weight on Effexor - I couldn't give it a long enough trial to see if it would've helped for me as within a week of taking it daily, I had lost all appetite & the thought of eating became repugnant. I had to quit it before I starved to death. I couldn't force more than a few spoonsful of food into me through a day.
Posted by Jaycee on December 5, 2002, at 4:53:45
In reply to Re: Lexapro and headaches » Jaycee, posted by pharmrep on December 4, 2002, at 9:10:19
> > I have noticed some weight gain and am not eating as much. I too weaned myself from paxil onto lexapro. I really like lexapro but the paxil was helping my migraines and now they are back full force so I am considering a switch back. Not sure what to do...any suggestions anyone???
>
> ** glad to hear lex is working...how long you been on now? as for headaches...I have heard of the 1st wk or 2 being the roughest along with maybe nausea and dizziness..not enough to discontinue...but there...then by the 3rd wk or so it gets a lot better. I suggest riding it out if you can...if it persists beyond 1 month or your next visit with your dr...then maybe a mg change or your dr will help you with alternatives...good luck and keep posting
I have been on Lexapro for about 3 months and have added topamax in hope of some relief from these migraines. I really don't want to d/c the lexapro but the paxil really helped my migraines. the combination lex/topamax are not helping at all. I suggested an increase in my lexapro to my doc but she said that it is not used for migraines and would not help. I take Amerge prn but since on the lexapro it does not even help. I really like lexapro and do not want to stop taking it, I have an appt with a neurologist next week and will decide after that I guess.
Posted by looking for a life on December 5, 2002, at 10:26:02
In reply to question for pharmrep, posted by ayuda on December 4, 2002, at 22:47:32
> I will be having major surgery in a couple of weeks (nothing serious, purely elective). My intake of prescriptions and OTC drugs is being limited. My question is, do you know if the Lexapro would interfere with my ability to have surgery? I have to be off drugs such as aspirin and Alleve. I was just wondering, because my doctor isn't familiar with ADs, and though he will probably be doing the research himself, I thought I would ask here since you are knowledgeable about this drug in particular. Thanks!
I just had surgery on my wrist and was able to take all of my medications. I have had a couple surgeries and have been on anti depressants every time. It should not be a problem.
Good luck with your surgery:o)
Posted by pharmrep on December 5, 2002, at 11:15:59
In reply to Anyone feeling more agitated on Lexapro?, posted by looking for a life on December 4, 2002, at 12:07:57
> I started Lexapro 40mg last week. I was on Celexa 20mg. I have noticed that I have been more agitated and more "bitchy". My father was switched to Lexapro as well 10mg from 40mg of Celexa. He is experiencing the same snappy feeling. My patience is so much shorter.
> I also noticed that getting to sleep and staying asleep is getting more difficult as well.
> Another side effect that has increased with Lexapro is the sweating. I sweat befoe on Celexa but now it's horrible. I break into a massive sweat just doing the dishes or light housework. I'll have sweaqt dripping off my face and soaking my clothes. This is a horrible thing to experience. It is greatly affecting my daily life. It's embarrasing as well. Any input on this would be greatly appreciated.
> I was told that it was supposed to increase your energy as well. I have not really noticed that much of an increase in energy. I take Adderall to atleast get me through the day. Without it I would be a total slug. My energy level is next to nothing. Without the Adderall it would take me 3 days to get motivated enough to go to the store for milk.
> I am unsure if this is related to the med but I have had chest pains. I am pretty sure it's muscular but it's right in the middle of my chest. It's new since last week. Haven't experienced it before either.
> The only positive effect I have had is a small increase in sexual desire . It's not enough to really be happy about though.
> Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. I feel like I am going out of my mind with the increased stress!
> Thanks so much!
>
> *** wow...40mg of celexa should be more like 10 mg of lexapro...did you type that right?..lexapro comes in 10 and 20mg...10mg is starting dose...and 75%+ people stay there...if you are taking 40mg of lex, i would say it's a mistake (and would explain the s/e since that would be like taking about 160mg of celexa/paxil/or prozac)...call you dr and confirm.
Posted by atlrunner2002 on December 5, 2002, at 18:08:52
In reply to Re: Anyone feeling more agitated on Lexapro?, posted by dragonfly on December 4, 2002, at 18:34:34
Sounds like you and I have had similar experiences with Lexapro. I am always glad to hear when it's working well for others, too. The dry mouth was one of the longest lasting side effects for me; it took a good 6 weeks to go away completely. I started on 10 mg, then bumped up to 15 to see if it would help w/my anxiety as well as the depression (which was completely gone in 2 weeks!) and then to 20. At 15 I felt like a million bucks, and at 20 I felt "flat." So I am back to 15 and feel great again.
It's funny that you said you talk a lot now; I find that I am much more chatty, and not only that, I have my sense of humor and even my quick wit (if I do say so myself) back. I love that - I love to make people laugh!! And now I laugh all the time too - I had forgotten how great that feels!
Posted by Peter S. on December 5, 2002, at 19:31:11
In reply to Anyone feeling more agitated on Lexapro? » dragonfly, posted by atlrunner2002 on December 5, 2002, at 18:08:52
Anyone had a response to Lexapro after having tried many different anti-depressants? All the others have not worked or have pooped out on me and I'm wondering if Lex is worth a try.Thanks!
Peter
Posted by ggt on December 5, 2002, at 20:25:17
In reply to Re: Lexapro in Europe, posted by pharmrep on July 31, 2002, at 10:00:08
I find the SE's of Lexapro worse than Celexa, including fatigue, disociated feeling and sexually. I have been with it for 4 weeks at 3.3mg (1/3rd of a tablet). Two weeks ago I started with Wellbutrin 37.5mg to offset some of the sluggishness; its an improvement with alertness during day, seems to improve sleep at night, and my mood has been a bit better, however, I am struggling with dizziness. Is dizziness common with Wellbutrin?
Posted by sjb on December 6, 2002, at 9:14:01
In reply to Lexapro effectiveness?, posted by Peter S. on December 5, 2002, at 19:31:11
I've been on 25 different meds and the side effects were either intolerable, or when helpful, pooped out like with you. Lexapro worked well for me 2 months and then it pooped out. I was on dosages of 10mg, 15mg and 20mg. I wasn't about to try higher.
Posted by looking for a life on December 6, 2002, at 10:00:20
In reply to Re: Lexapro and Wellbutrin, posted by ggt on December 5, 2002, at 20:25:17
> I find the SE's of Lexapro worse than Celexa, including fatigue, disociated feeling and sexually. I have been with it for 4 weeks at 3.3mg (1/3rd of a tablet). Two weeks ago I started with Wellbutrin 37.5mg to offset some of the sluggishness; its an improvement with alertness during day, seems to improve sleep at night, and my mood has been a bit better, however, I am struggling with dizziness. Is dizziness common with Wellbutrin?
I have been on Wellbutrin for about 3 yrs now and I have noticed lightheadedness. Esp when I get up or bend over and stand.
Good Luck:o)
Heather
Posted by looking for a life on December 6, 2002, at 10:04:45
In reply to Lexapro effectiveness?, posted by Peter S. on December 5, 2002, at 19:31:11
>
> Anyone had a response to Lexapro after having tried many different anti-depressants? All the others have not worked or have pooped out on me and I'm wondering if Lex is worth a try.
>
> Thanks!
>
> PeterI have been on God knows how many anti depressants in the past 14 years. I am on Wellbutrin and Lexapro ( switched from Celexa) and have not noticed any inprovement. In fact I have had an increase in the negative side effects:o(
Good Luck:o)
Posted by stella1 on December 6, 2002, at 10:31:26
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I was on Celexa for 3 months - I really liked what it did for my anxiety. I started taking SSRI's for Anxiety, and as a PostTraumatic Stress treatment. There were some mild sexual side effects, ohter than that everything was ok, except I was really shaky- almost as though I were shivering from the cold all day, my muscles were really tight. My Dr. suggested I try Lexapro - it was to have fewer s/e, and he thought I might maintain the good effects it was having on my anxiety while getting rid of the jitteriness. After two months on Lexapro - I have just switched back to Celexa. The Lexapro made my anxiety much worse, I went home with sore shoulders nearly every day, and i could not sleep. I was surprised at how anxious it made me - I was really unpatient, my jind was alwaysa racing, I was analyzing everything, I was intolerable in traffic etc.
Has anyone else experienced this? I thought Lexapro was supposed to be better?
Posted by ayuda on December 6, 2002, at 11:09:51
In reply to Re: Effexor and weight gain » ayuda, posted by IsoM on December 5, 2002, at 0:37:08
I know -- the way these things work, people have had s/e all over the place. That's why I'm skeptical when someone says, "that's not a typical side effect of that medication." From what I'm seeing, EVERYTHING is a typical side-effect of ADs! Or just about. I was completely nauseated all the time while on the Effexor -- no amount of antacids would help, and I developed an ulcer -- but at the same time had a sharp increase in appetite. That was really hell. I wish it had at least come with a decrease in appetite like you had. In that respect, I am glad to be off the Effexor.
> It's not understood yet why one medication will have one side effect & yet a completely opposite effect for others. I've noticed that some SSRIs can either cause weight gain or weight loss in persons taking them. You gained weight on Effexor - I couldn't give it a long enough trial to see if it would've helped for me as within a week of taking it daily, I had lost all appetite & the thought of eating became repugnant. I had to quit it before I starved to death. I couldn't force more than a few spoonsful of food into me through a day.
Posted by ayuda on December 6, 2002, at 11:15:52
In reply to Re: question for pharmrep, posted by looking for a life on December 5, 2002, at 10:26:02
> > I will be having major surgery in a couple of weeks (nothing serious, purely elective). My intake of prescriptions and OTC drugs is being limited. My question is, do you know if the Lexapro would interfere with my ability to have surgery? I have to be off drugs such as aspirin and Alleve. I was just wondering, because my doctor isn't familiar with ADs, and though he will probably be doing the research himself, I thought I would ask here since you are knowledgeable about this drug in particular. Thanks!
>
> I just had surgery on my wrist and was able to take all of my medications. I have had a couple surgeries and have been on anti depressants every time. It should not be a problem.
> Good luck with your surgery:o)Thanks for the info -- I haven't had any surgery in about 15 years, so I am hoping that none of my medications get in the way. And thanks for the good wishes -- I am nervous about it, so I really hope it goes well.
Posted by kara lynne on December 6, 2002, at 14:05:44
In reply to Switched from Celexa to Lexapro- going back , posted by stella1 on December 6, 2002, at 10:31:26
***I was intolerable in traffic etc*** God, can I relate to this. It's interesting to see the commonalities for some of us with the side effects; muscle tension (neck in particular), jaw clenching and increased agitation all around for starters. Every time I try to increase the dose to get to a therapeutic effect it all becomes intolerable. I am going to try Nardil as soon as it becomes available again. So I just wanted to say, yes, I've definitely experienced what you're talking about. In advance, I acknowledge everyone for whom this drug has worked wonders, but I am not one of them. Good luck to you Stella
Posted by looking for a life on December 6, 2002, at 17:33:19
In reply to Switched from Celexa to Lexapro- going back , posted by stella1 on December 6, 2002, at 10:31:26
> I was on Celexa for 3 months - I really liked what it did for my anxiety. I started taking SSRI's for Anxiety, and as a PostTraumatic Stress treatment. There were some mild sexual side effects, ohter than that everything was ok, except I was really shaky- almost as though I were shivering from the cold all day, my muscles were really tight. My Dr. suggested I try Lexapro - it was to have fewer s/e, and he thought I might maintain the good effects it was having on my anxiety while getting rid of the jitteriness. After two months on Lexapro - I have just switched back to Celexa. The Lexapro made my anxiety much worse, I went home with sore shoulders nearly every day, and i could not sleep. I was surprised at how anxious it made me - I was really unpatient, my jind was alwaysa racing, I was analyzing everything, I was intolerable in traffic etc.
> Has anyone else experienced this? I thought Lexapro was supposed to be better?
Same here!!!! Crappy sleep, imaptient, headaches from the stress. I too was told that Lexapro was better. I have yet to see how!!
Your not alone:o) I think I might go back to celexa as well.
Good Luck!
Posted by looking for a life on December 6, 2002, at 17:35:24
In reply to Re: Switched from Celexa to Lexapro- going back , posted by kara lynne on December 6, 2002, at 14:05:44
> ***I was intolerable in traffic etc*** God, can I relate to this. It's interesting to see the commonalities for some of us with the side effects; muscle tension (neck in particular), jaw clenching and increased agitation all around for starters. Every time I try to increase the dose to get to a therapeutic effect it all becomes intolerable. I am going to try Nardil as soon as it becomes available again. So I just wanted to say, yes, I've definitely experienced what you're talking about. In advance, I acknowledge everyone for whom this drug has worked wonders, but I am not one of them. Good luck to you Stella
It's sad but I am relieved to have someone else experience what I am going through. :o(
Good Luck!
Posted by Sebastian on December 6, 2002, at 20:32:31
In reply to Switched from Celexa to Lexapro- going back , posted by stella1 on December 6, 2002, at 10:31:26
I had a simalar experience when I was only taking Celexa. I went back to taking it with a little Zyprexa to relax me, return sleeping, and be able to eat. Zyprexa is great for treating anxiety, much better than the Celexa.
Sebastian
Posted by Mr.Scott on December 7, 2002, at 1:34:58
In reply to Re: Lexapro and headaches » Jaycee, posted by pharmrep on December 4, 2002, at 9:10:19
Thank you for the information. I have forwarded it to the advertising
division for their evaluation.Jim Morrison
CDER Ombudsman
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subj: Forest Pharmaceuticals
Date: Wed, 4 Dec 2002 04:06:23 -0500
From:
To: [email protected]Dear Mr. Morrison of the DDMAC division of the FDA,
There is a well trafficked forum for patients suffering mental illness on
the
internet at the address www.dr-bob.org/babble.Under the posting name of "pharmrep," you will find a self-admitting
representative for Forest Pharmaceuticals who is disseminating clinical data
directly to patients on the newly approved SSRI
Lexapro (escitalopram).I believe this constitutes a marketing violation in that a self admitting
pharmaceutical representative for Forest Pharmaceuticals is 'selling' or consulting
directly to patients without any clear fair balance attached to the information
being so readily offered. As I understand the regulatory procedure all direct to patient marketing must contain clear fair balance.While this clever marketing tactic of creating hopes in the minds of the
suffering with the ultimate goal of influencing physicians prescibing
habbits
may not yet have a legal precendent by which your body can make a
deliberation, I think it is worthy of investigation.Sincerely and Annonymous.
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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