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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by biscuit on January 24, 2003, at 23:49:01
In reply to Re: Lexapro has been very good for me, posted by syringachalet on January 24, 2003, at 17:09:11
syringachalet ..
I noticed that you are on lexapro due to chronic pain.. My doctor just put me on lexapro for depression cause of chronic pain (degnerative disc disorder).
Is it helping you? I have a fear that the side effects that I have been having won't go away, and fell like I've already got enough pain going on and don't want to add to it.. if that makes any sense.
Please let me know what your experience with the med for chronic pain has been.. if you are comfortable doing so.thanks
biscuit
Posted by syringachalet on January 25, 2003, at 9:14:45
In reply to Re: Lexapro has been very good for me, posted by biscuit on January 24, 2003, at 23:49:01
hello biscuit,
I am on Lexapro due to PTSD and depression.
You probably already know that depression is
very common in people with chronic pain.I am on a prescription pain medication patch due to the chronic pain I have from my MS. By having just the patch, I can be functional and for most of the time, reasonable comfortable.
I also have MS Contin available in small quantities for days when getting out of my bed or doing daily tasks are too much for me. Too bad the MS Contin is so sedative and I have to trade in my safety and mobility for my pain control.Also, biscut, some of the docs use AD in combo with pain meds to 'potentiate' one another.. make each work together to provide better relief.
( Kind of like how so many cold remedies have things similar to Benadryl and they also have an alcohol base( like 25% so that less meds can be used with same good effect..bigger bang for the buck..LOL)Chronic pain sucks, huh?? Oh well if it doent kill ya, it will just make you stronger...
Take Care. Be Well.syringachalet
Posted by proud mary on January 25, 2003, at 9:49:19
In reply to Re: meds alcohol, posted by pickychicky2001 on January 23, 2003, at 19:30:32
I was put on buspar many years ago for anxiety (at the time it was supposed to be the newest, niftiest non-addictive anxiety drug on the market) and it did NOT set well with me at all. It actually seemed to INCREASE my anxiety. I gave it the recommended period of time, but made it clear to my pdoc that I did not like it. We ended up putting me on zoloft and klonopin (.5 mg) and that ended up working really well for me for several years.
I think I ended up pooping out on zoloft, although I've stuck with the klonopin off and on for many years.
I started 20 mg. of Lexapro about two weeks ago and it was very disruptive (HORRIBLE irritability) but now, after about day 14 ,it seems to be kicking in and mellowing my moods very well. I think many of my mood problems are related to hormones/PMS. I have three fairly young children so I consider a consistant mood vital to my own well being AND theirs. I say give the lexapro at least two weeks to kick in and if that doesn't seem to be helping, I noticed in one of my women's magazine that zoloft has just been approved by the fda to treat pms (the really severe form, they call it someting else like "psycho woman hormone syndrome")(just kidding, but a sense of humor is important, in my opinion). Anyway, my point is, if you do not notice some relief in 14 days, talk to your pdoc about zoloft. I got good results from zoloft for a long, long time.
I know it is painful, worrisome and unpleasant to have those uncontrollable feelings of anger and irritabilty, so you are doing the right thing seeking this help. Also, don't get discouraged. If one thing doesn't work for you, there are always other meds they can try and one will work, more than likely....good luck, welcome to the board and know that all of us are here to help you understand and relate our own experiences to help you feel so "not alone."
Mary
Posted by pickychicky2001 on January 25, 2003, at 15:31:53
In reply to temper/anxiety, posted by proud mary on January 25, 2003, at 9:49:19
Hey Mary--My doc started me out on wellbutrin, and i was worse than b4, so he switched me to zoloft. Zoloft was a GODSEND for the year and a half or so it worked. i was on the Buspar just a few weeks ago, for the 2 weeks, and that was when i felt like i was losing it. I am hoping that this lexapro helps with the temper/anxiety. In the meantime, i can take a Xanax if i start losing it again. By the way what is Klonopin?
Posted by Ame Sans Vie on January 25, 2003, at 17:49:03
In reply to Re: temper/anxiety » proud mary, posted by pickychicky2001 on January 25, 2003, at 15:31:53
Just a thought you may want to consider- a drug called Corgard (nadolol). It's a ß-blocker (intended for high blood pressure) that is very commonly used as a treatment for both somatic symtpoms of anxiety as well as anger/irritability. The common dose for these symptoms is usually between 20 and 80mg per day.
There's also Catapres (clonidine), which is a centrally acting adrenergic antihypertensive. It has a well established history of combatting anger, anxiety, and certain symptoms of ADHD.
--Michael
Posted by Leo Bostar on January 25, 2003, at 17:55:08
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
Hi Everyone,
I was put on 10mg Lexapro for treatment of depression. I also suffer from frequent migraines, for which I take Imitrex (20mg nasal) as needed.
I've been on Lexapro for about two weeks. Since then I haven't had any migraines, but I now experience a feeling of pressure on the side of my head where the migraines typically start. It feels like a hand being pushed against my right temple; it's noticable enough to keep me awake at times. Has anyone else experienced this? BTW non of the therapeutic or side effects of Lexapro have happened yet....
Thanks to all,
Leo Bostar
Posted by Sadsack on January 25, 2003, at 18:29:14
In reply to Re: lexapro and pregnancy » newuser2, posted by leslieg on January 21, 2003, at 12:01:14
Hey, about the expressing milk during the pregnancy- check with your doc, but I have read research that indicates that it could bring on premature birth. (Something about the oxytocin levels triggering contractions) I'd hate to see you have problems when you're trying to do the right thing!
I am a late in life mom too and my husband was 45 when we had out last-it's keeping us young!
Good Luck!
Sadsack
> Such a difficult decision. We're talking seriously about trying starting around August. (We've got a 20 month old). Our belief is that there simply isn't enough research, especially long-term, to take the risk of my taking anything so systemically potent during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Unless I were suicidal or doing self-injury or packing my bags to run away. I'm very nervous about getting off Lexapro before at least 1 year has gone past, as I believe there is research that shows that a minimum of one year is needed before your body is capable of carrying on the new levels of neurotransmitters on its own.
>
> If we do decide to get pregnant, I will spend at least 3-4 weeks tapering off of Lexapro. I had very bad withdrawal from Effexor and will never go through a fast reduction in ADs again.
>
> I know pregnancy will be very hard. On all of us. I'm already trying to find ways to keep myself sane when I have no drugs. Thinking about comedy TV series I haven't seen that we could borrow or buy on DVD to watch regularly. That sort of thing. Thinking about expressing milk while I'm pregnant and drug-free and storing it so if I have to go back on drugs after giving birth my baby has some breast milk. Planning on cutting back on as many commitments, etc. as I can so if I spend a day "freaked out" in bed, I won't have to apologize to people I don't know well. And if we deicde I need to go back on Lex (or another AD) while pregnant, I'm going to postpone it as long as possible.
>
> Oh yes, I'm also going to be taking fish oil, as that can be very good for baby brains anyway. It may help take the edge off...
>
> Good luck,
> Leslie G.
>
> > My husband and I are talking about starting a family soon. I have been on lexapro for severe panic attacks for about 12 weeks. Does anyone have infomation regarding the effects of lexapro during pregnancy? Are there alternative medications safe to use during pregnancy? It is possible to quit Lexapro "cold-turkey" during the pregnancy? Any information would be helpful!
> > Thank you!
>
>
Posted by Sadsack on January 25, 2003, at 18:32:46
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro » sweetcilantro, posted by EGR on January 21, 2003, at 23:27:11
EGR,
I couldn't have summed it up better myself-you're just good!
Take Care
> Works great for me! Side effects include (for some) "sexual problems"... trouble with orgasms... tiredness or insomnia, some have one, some the other, some none. Tightening of the jaw muscles, tight neck and upper back/shoulder muscles... it seems that these lessen after time. Some get headaches (I wonder if that's becuase of the jaw clenching?), but some don't. Some of us were in a fog at the beginning, some weren't. The plusses are that we're "happier", get more accomplished, can blow off things that used to send us in a frenzy... we're bolder and more confident. I think that's about it in 25 (?) words or less.
>
> Good luck and welcome aboard!
>
> EGR
>
> > Hey everyone... I was just prescribed Lexapro and am wondering how it is working for people and what the side effects are. Feel free to let me know. Thanks!
> >
> > Jess
>
>
Posted by Sadsack on January 25, 2003, at 18:44:06
In reply to Re: lexapro -IBS, posted by proud mary on January 23, 2003, at 12:09:56
Day 13 is WAY too soon to even consider giving it up. The crankyness may pass or you may need to up the dose (I'm at 20mg and doing better-All side effects are diminished considerably-though I haven't gotten back to a kick a** orgasm yet DARN! Perhaps in time) I'm at 2 and a half months. All in all I am MUCH better.
Good Luck!> OK, guys...this is me on day 13 of Lexapro (off the zoloft completely now):
> 1. Am ok waking up, all daytime sleepiness has gone away
> 2. as the day goes on, I start to feel less "ok" and more cranky, unsettled.
> 3. by the evening, when I'm dealing with the kids after school/dinner/bed, I'm so cranky I'm almost out of control.
> 4. by evening, VERY unsettled, one .5 mg of Klonopin isn't helping much anymore, now I'm up to 1 mg, just to stay sane
> 5. usually end up going to bed to put myself out of my misery.
> 6. next day starts all over again
> 7. having occasional mild "zings" which are annoying, but not too unbearable.
> 8. On an "up" note, I seem to have escaped all of the bad sexual side effects...can still have some kick a** orgasms (by myself) and can still respond to hubby, a little more delayed, though...luckily he's a determined man...
>
> anyone got any advice for me? Should I call my pdoc? have I given it the good try or should I give it more time?
>
> any advice greatly appreciated....Mary
Posted by JaneB on January 25, 2003, at 18:52:09
In reply to Pressure on side of head, posted by Leo Bostar on January 25, 2003, at 17:55:08
> Hi Everyone,
> I was put on 10mg Lexapro for treatment of depression. I also suffer from frequent migraines, for which I take Imitrex (20mg nasal) as needed.
> I've been on Lexapro for about two weeks. Since then I haven't had any migraines, but I now experience a feeling of pressure on the side of my head where the migraines typically start. It feels like a hand being pushed against my right temple; it's noticable enough to keep me awake at times. Has anyone else experienced this? BTW non of the therapeutic or side effects of Lexapro have happened yet....
> Thanks to all,
> Leo BostarYes, I experienced that feeling but I thought it was caused by a stiff neck or sinus. It went away after 5 days. It was in the back of my head on one side behind my ear.
JaneB
Posted by MaiaMoon on January 26, 2003, at 2:39:21
In reply to Re: Pressure on side of head, posted by JaneB on January 25, 2003, at 18:52:09
I have been taking Lexapro for a month now. After about a week of taking it I noticed my sex drive increased, but I am having trouble achieving orgasm. I have never had trouble before. By the way, I am female. Have any other women noticed this as a side effect?
Posted by chelsea on January 26, 2003, at 18:01:17
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I just switched to lexapro. Does anyone have any info on weight changes (gained or lost)? Thanks
Posted by ayuda on January 26, 2003, at 21:04:58
In reply to sex drive, posted by MaiaMoon on January 26, 2003, at 2:39:21
> I have been taking Lexapro for a month now. After about a week of taking it I noticed my sex drive increased, but I am having trouble achieving orgasm. I have never had trouble before. By the way, I am female. Have any other women noticed this as a side effect?
There was a thread about that about a month ago, male and female. I think that the consensus was that everyone was having some trouble reaching orgasm, but that perhaps that s/e goes away? No one has mentioned it in a while.
Posted by pickychicky2001 on January 26, 2003, at 21:06:45
In reply to Re: temper/anxiety » pickychicky2001, posted by Ame Sans Vie on January 25, 2003, at 17:49:03
> Just a thought you may want to consider- a drug called Corgard (nadolol). It's a ß-blocker (intended for high blood pressure) that is very commonly used as a treatment for both somatic symtpoms of anxiety as well as anger/irritability. The common dose for these symptoms is usually between 20 and 80mg per day.
>
> There's also Catapres (clonidine), which is a centrally acting adrenergic antihypertensive. It has a well established history of combatting anger, anxiety, and certain symptoms of ADHD.
>
> --MichaelThanks alot, I am gonna see how lexapro works, and if it doesn't, then i will definitely ask my doc about them. I wish i had known about this board a long time ago!
Posted by donia on January 26, 2003, at 21:55:48
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I just started lexapro last week. started 5mg and the last two days am taking 10mg. Last night I woke up at 5:00 am with one ear ringing. I finally went back to sleep. What is this? Also I am concerned because I am on birth control therapy for endometriosis and I smoke and now I am taking lexapro. Any health concerns with this combo? I am a 30 year old female. I also dont know if it is helping yet and will post more.
Posted by Ame Sans Vie on January 26, 2003, at 23:24:38
In reply to Re: temper/anxiety, posted by pickychicky2001 on January 26, 2003, at 21:06:45
>>I wish i had known about this board a long time ago!
lol I know... I probably could have cut a few years off the time it took for me to find the right med combination if I'd found this board a little sooner.
Good luck!,
Michael
Posted by jens on January 26, 2003, at 23:25:19
In reply to Re:weight changes, posted by chelsea on January 26, 2003, at 18:01:17
Switched 2 months ago after a year of Celexa, and have gained about 8 pounds, but, am sleeping MUCH more; sleeplessness was primary complaint with Celexa. The "vivid dreams," as described in my pharmacy's package insert are not bothersome (as they were with Celexa -- Effexor dreams were WAY more vivid, but, gained 60 lbs over a year with that one): What causes this dreaming business?
Posted by Ame Sans Vie on January 27, 2003, at 1:34:40
In reply to Re: temper/anxiety » pickychicky2001, posted by Ame Sans Vie on January 26, 2003, at 23:24:38
I forgot to mention another three drugs that have been very successful in anger management--
Depakene/Depakote (valproic acid/valproate-- carboxylate derivative): simple and complex absence seizures; mixed-state/manic manifestations of BPAD; tonic-clonic seizures; myoclonic seizures; *aggression*; *anxiety*
THERAPEUTIC DOSAGE RANGE: 15mg/kg-60mg/kgNeurontin (gabapentin-- structurally similar to GABA): adjunct treatment in partial seizures; *very mild mood stabilizer*; *anxiolytic*; neuropathic pain; many others
THERAPEUTIC DOSAGE RANGE: 400-6400mgAtivan (lorazepam-- benzodiazepine): *anxiety*; *alcohol withdrawal*; pre-operative sedation; *irritability in psychiatric or organic disorders*
THERAPEUTIC DOSAGE RANGE: 1-10mgAnd here are the others, in case you're interested;
Catapres (clonidine-- central a-adrenergic agonist): *hypertension [lowering blood pressure can help relieve symptoms of anger, through obvious means]*; *narcotic withdrawal*; prevention of vascular headaches; *treatment of menopausal symptoms*; dysmennorhea; *ADHD [the symptoms of ADHD it primarily helps with are irritability, impulsivity, and in some cases, hyperactivity]*
THERAPEUTIC DOSAGE RANGE: 0.1-1.2mgInderal (propranolol-- beta blocker): angina pectoris; *hypertension*; supraventricular dysrhythmias; migraine prophylaxis; myocardial infarction (MI); pheochromocytoma; essential tremor; tetralogy of Fallot; *anxiety*; cyanotic spells
THERAPEUTIC DOSAGE RANGE: 10-240mgTenormin (atenolol-- beta blocker): hypertension; prophylaxis of angina pectoris; suspected or known MI; dysrhythmia; mitral valve prolapse; pheochromocytoma; hypertrophic cardiomyopathy; vascular headaches; thyrotoxicosis; tremors; alcohol withdrawal; *anxiety*; *poss. aggression and irritability*
THERAPEUTIC DOSAGE RANGE: 50-200mgCorgard (nadolol-- beta blocker): angina pectoris; hypertension; tachydysrhythmias; *aggression*; *anxiety*; tremors; esophageal varices; migraine prophylaxis
THERAPEUTIC DOSAGE RANGE: 40-240mgI'd personally go with either Corgard (or Inderal/Tenormin, which are in the same class of drugs), Catapres, or Ativan to begin with. This is simply because within a week's time you'll be able to discern whether or not the drug is working for you. Neurontin and Depakene can take several months to take effect; the doses required are often very large and must be titrated up slowly, so as to minimize side effects.
Oh, one last thing about the beta blockers, should you end up taking them: Be very careful in titrating your dose upward. I did this a little too fast (went straight from 10mg Inderal 2xday to 20mg 2xday), which, after 5, 6 days, led to the most disgusting, unnerving feeling I've ever had. I was lethargic, slept 20 hours per day, had constant stomach pains, was feeling a 'numbness' (more like a coldness actually... similar to frostbite) on my fingers and my toes, and so this led me to be deeply depressed. Just be sure to be very careful; the higher doses of beta-blockers are pretty much reserved for those with serious cardiovascular problems.
--Michael
Posted by proud mary on January 27, 2003, at 13:46:02
In reply to Re: temper/anxiety » proud mary, posted by pickychicky2001 on January 25, 2003, at 15:31:53
Klonopin is the same as clonazapam. It is a close cousin to Xanax, only not as addictive (not supposed to be addictive at all) and if you take it ongoing, it is supposed to be NOT psychologically addicting, too.
I have been on the Lexapro for about 17 days now and it is FINALLY starting to work. And work well, I might add. I even handled a weekend crisis of sorts without breaking down into a total bleak blob person.
Keep us posted on how you are doing...I can at least say, now, that after a rocky start, the lexapro does seem to be doing it's job!
Mary :>)
Posted by proud mary on January 27, 2003, at 14:08:03
In reply to Re: lexapro -IBS, posted by Sadsack on January 25, 2003, at 18:44:06
Sadsack,
Thank you for the encouragement. I am very glad I found this web site.
I do feel better now. Alot of the irritability has passed, I managed a mini-crisis pretty well over the weekend and I feel much happier and not unsettled at all.
I started at 20 mg, which makes me wonder because I noticed that most of the people on this site seem to have started at 10 mg. I guess pdoc feels like I am an old pro at SSRIs and needed a big kick startoff?
The other thing is, I am in a hormonally good time of the month, so maybe I will take a nosedive after the cycle changes. Hope not, but if so, I'll be posting to ask about THAT, too.All in all, the sleepiness, irritability have abated, the sex is good (yea!) and I've noticed that I'm finally feeling like doing stuff that I didn't have any interest in for a long while there. I think that is probably the biggest indicator that it is working. Interest in old hobbies...
thank you again and I'll be here if any one needs an ear!
Mary
Posted by proud mary on January 27, 2003, at 14:36:03
In reply to Re: sex drive » MaiaMoon, posted by ayuda on January 26, 2003, at 21:04:58
Maia,
I think delayed orgasm is very common with SSRIs. I have found that the problem passes. I was on zoloft for several years, and the problem went away, and now I've been on lexapro for about three weeks and the problem has already seemed to have gone away, probably faster because I was already on an SSRI for so long. Have patience with yourself and hopefully your significant other will have patience, too. Its a good sign, I take it, that your sex drive has returned? Now's the time to NOT worry about the rest.
Any other gals out there have any advice?Good luck...Mary
Posted by Dysfunk on January 27, 2003, at 16:35:58
In reply to Re:weight changes, posted by chelsea on January 26, 2003, at 18:01:17
I have been on Lexipro for 1 week and already notice the same 5 lb weight gain I had with Effexor.All the weight is in my belly. Again, I think it is constipation from the medicine. I guess it is a side effect I can live with.
Posted by indirect00 on January 27, 2003, at 19:17:19
In reply to sex drive, posted by MaiaMoon on January 26, 2003, at 2:39:21
> I have been taking Lexapro for a month now. After about a week of taking it I noticed my sex drive increased, but I am having trouble achieving orgasm. I have never had trouble before. By the way, I am female. Have any other women noticed this as a side effect?
Hmm...interesting. I am male and have been on lexapro for 6 months now. I have a decreased sex drive. I also have the same problem with orgasm; it is extremely common.
Posted by indirect00 on January 27, 2003, at 21:40:48
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by dr. dave on June 19, 2002, at 4:41:27
I took celexa for four months and have been on lexapro for six months since I switched. I find lexapro to work better. Celexa caused severe insomnia for me; however, lexapro does not. The side-effects from lexapro are a little different though: I find that I have a very decreased sex drive with lexapro. I also find that I am a little lazier on lexapro (I think the proper way to define this is 'amotivational syndrome').
The important thing to remember is that everyone has different brain chemsitry: a single person's reaction to a drug does not define that drug's effects/side-effects.
Posted by indirect00 on January 27, 2003, at 22:59:12
In reply to Re:weight changes, posted by Dysfunk on January 27, 2003, at 16:35:58
I have been on celexa/lexapro for like seven months now. I immediately gained thirty pounds (not quite as bad as it sounds, I was underweight to begin with). The weight change is normal. If it works well enough for you, it is a fair trade off. Celexa/lexapro has been a life-saver for me. I don't know what I would do without it.
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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