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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Corny on October 25, 2003, at 1:15:12
In reply to Re: Lexapro for Anxiety?, posted by sfmom on October 24, 2003, at 12:36:23
I thought I was the only one in the world that had this troat closing (hard to swallow) sensation from a drug. That was the problem I had with Strattera and never got past three days on the stuff.I have been slowly coming off Paxil and currently using 37.5 mg of Effexor ER a day to help. Anybody know how this compares to Paxil on a milligram to milligram basis. I would like to get back to a drug free state and have failed several times on just reducing the Paxil a little every day. I cut open a 75 mg Effexor ER to see if it could be taken in smaller doses and was surprised to see that that the capsule contained little snowball like things that will roll around. I have tried taking half of the contents this way and wonder if I am losing any of the effectiveness of the drug by doing so. I hope these other issues are not a problem to those reading this thread and would like some feedback.
Posted by vandy on October 25, 2003, at 9:10:55
In reply to YOU WOMEN ARE DOING GREAT, posted by BLKVETTES on October 24, 2003, at 23:18:29
Hey, Wayne! Thank you. You're the berries, the cat's meow and like that.
Posted by Mariposa on October 25, 2003, at 9:49:10
In reply to YOU WOMEN ARE DOING GREAT, posted by BLKVETTES on October 24, 2003, at 23:18:29
> Hey, you guys are doing a great job answering these posts. Getting tired yet??? Havent seen lil jimi!!!!!!! Im doing fine!!!!! Spending more time at other boards. Nov. 1st will be one year to the day when my hell started. Gives me the creeps but I guess I will survive. YOU GALS and VANDY TAKE CARE!!!!!
> WAYNEThanks for the pat on the back, it's always nice to be appreciated....just trying to give back as good as I got!!~~~8|8
Posted by carolee on October 25, 2003, at 16:36:34
In reply to Re: Are these common side effects, posted by dmwilmoth on October 24, 2003, at 16:03:22
iam starting week 3, and have been having the faint/dizzy feelings within an hour or so after taking lexapro. i also started with headaches, they are manageable, but uncomfortable. i don't seem to have that rush of anxiety/panic when thoughts come to mind.
Posted by GEEKUS on October 25, 2003, at 18:58:12
In reply to YOU WOMEN ARE DOING GREAT, posted by BLKVETTES on October 24, 2003, at 23:18:29
WHAT ABOUT SEXUAL SIDE EFFECTS WITH LEXAPRO? I'VE BEEN TAKING 20 MG FOR 6 WEEKS, AND MY SEXUAL DESIRE & PLEASURE SENSATIONS ARE TOO LOW. ITS AS THOUGHT MY PENIS SUFFERED A STROKE (NO PUN INTENDED)?
ANY THOUGHTS ON WHAT I CAN EXPECT FROM LEXAPRO? AND WHAT CAN I DO TO (IN TERMS OF MEDICATION)REGAIN MY NORMAL SEXUAL FEELING & DESIRE?
Posted by awatts on October 25, 2003, at 20:02:56
In reply to SEXUAL SIDE EFFEECTS, posted by GEEKUS on October 25, 2003, at 18:58:12
> WHAT ABOUT SEXUAL SIDE EFFECTS WITH LEXAPRO? I'VE BEEN TAKING 20 MG FOR 6 WEEKS, AND MY SEXUAL DESIRE & PLEASURE SENSATIONS ARE TOO LOW. ITS AS THOUGHT MY PENIS SUFFERED A STROKE (NO PUN INTENDED)?
>
> ANY THOUGHTS ON WHAT I CAN EXPECT FROM LEXAPRO? AND WHAT CAN I DO TO (IN TERMS OF MEDICATION)REGAIN MY NORMAL SEXUAL FEELING & DESIRE?
From my personal experience you can expect the sexual stuff to return only when you stop taking it. When I stopped Lexapro, it took only a few days to get it back. But Lexapro had not helped me at all, and the Effexor XR is wonderful.
Posted by lonewolf91$ on October 25, 2003, at 21:31:46
In reply to Re: SEXUAL SIDE EFFEECTS, posted by awatts on October 25, 2003, at 20:02:56
I've been on Lexapro 20mg since July. I still have the same sexual desires as before and have no problem achiving an erection. The problem is with ejaculation. I have to work very hard to reach the point of no return, it is also more intense then before. The other side effect giving me the most trouble is fatigue, but a short nap cures that. I have a few more but over all I am satisfied with the results, better mood, happier outlook in general, and a little less fighting with the wife, though I suppose there will never be a cure for that. LOL
Posted by sfmom on October 26, 2003, at 10:47:25
In reply to Re: Lexapro for anxiety/switching pm to am » ANXIETY ANN, posted by pharmrep on October 11, 2002, at 19:14:55
> > Does any one know how to adjust the dose of Lexapro if you take it at night and want to switch to mornings? ie.if you take 10mg at night do you again take 10mg the very next am to get on
> > a regular am schedule? or do you wait until the following morning?
>
> ** I would split the difference...take your last pm dose about mid-day, and your 1st am dose in late morning, then the next at whatever early am you had in mindI'm on day four of Lexapro and can't sleep even with Clonopin (sp?) although I'm exhausted during the day. Haven't had a panic attack yet on Lex but I'm so jittery I can barely type. Can't sleep because my legs and ankles jerk and hand shake. This is really a problem for me because I have to be up before 7 with my 2 year old. Has anyone found a time of day to take Lex that makes it easier to sleep at night. I've been taking 10mg after dinner to help with the nausea, not that it's really helping. Also, I'm totally out of it and can't concentrate. Is this the Lex, or just the depression I'm feeling now that the panic attacks are gone? Help please.
Posted by Mariposa on October 26, 2003, at 11:12:09
In reply to Re: Lexapro for anxiety/switching pm to am, posted by sfmom on October 26, 2003, at 10:47:25
> I'm on day four of Lexapro and can't sleep even with Clonopin (sp?) although I'm exhausted during the day. Haven't had a panic attack yet on Lex but I'm so jittery I can barely type. Can't sleep because my legs and ankles jerk and hand shake. This is really a problem for me because I have to be up before 7 with my 2 year old. Has anyone found a time of day to take Lex that makes it easier to sleep at night. I've been taking 10mg after dinner to help with the nausea, not that it's really helping. Also, I'm totally out of it and can't concentrate. Is this the Lex, or just the depression I'm feeling now that the panic attacks are gone? Help please.
>
>
I started off taking in the morning, had some of the same problems you mention, switched to afternoons, then to evenings, and now I'm back to mornings again. The first couple of weeks can be tough w/se's but they should go away, mine were mostly gone by end of 4th week. Had insomnia in the beginning, but now I fall asleep quickly and easily and sleep soundly through the night - THANK YOU Lex for THAT!!! I took OTC for sleep (Tylenol PM, Unisom, Ibuprofen, Acitomenifen).Trouble concentrating - I had that too but OK now. I think the time of day thing is something you have to play with, try different times to see what works for you. As I said before, I moved around a bunch but settled on mornings in the end.Good Luck to You!~~~8|8
Posted by carolee on October 26, 2003, at 15:38:14
In reply to Re: SEXUAL SIDE EFFEECTS, posted by lonewolf91$ on October 25, 2003, at 21:31:46
iam still finding that i cant seem to climax - yes i am still ready, but just cant get over the hill! i am having no trouble sleeping and take 10mg in the am...lorazepam when needed. iam still feeling anxious though, doens't seem to have affected my anxiety, maybe still new. it has only been 3 weeks.
Posted by Patient on October 26, 2003, at 17:33:11
In reply to Re: Lexapro w/ Wellbutrin , posted by Patient on October 11, 2003, at 18:24:22
> Hello,
>
> Many doctors will add or augment Wellbutrin to SSRI's. The added boost from the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine from the Wellbutrin can be helpful if one isn't completely responding to an SSRI, or, as in your case, to counteract daytime somnolence, as well as some other side effects of SSRI's.
>
> I have, unofficially, Borderline Personality Disorder-can be difficult to treat, especially anger outbursts have been a problem for me, as well as still getting depressed while taking SSRI's. I've been taking Lexapro since February of this year. I started out with 5mg daily in morning, and 250mg of carbamazepine(Tegretol, mood stabiliser) for the first month, then increased Lexapro to 5mg twice a day. (I couldn't tolerate 10mg at once on most days-it made me a bit on the anxious side.) After a month of this combination I couldn't take the severe somnelence-I was a walking and napping zombie. So, stopped the carbamazepine, only taking it a week or two before my period starts, since this is when I'm most irritable. After a couple months I reduced down to 5mg daily Lexapro, mainly due to affordability. For me, 5mg daily is just as effective as the twice a day dosage. As of recent, I no longer take Tegretol as it seemed to make the daytime sleepiness even worse, especially 12 or so hours after taking it. I really didn't notice any improvement with it anyway, though was taking a low dose.
>
> Here is where I finally get to the part about my experience with Wellbutrin (I can be long-winded).
>
> A couple of years ago I had been prescribed Wellbutrin SR and took 150mg a day. It made me relaxed, but I was quick to snap at my husband-it was a strange combination-to be relaxed and easily irritated at the same time. I tried increasing to 300mg a day and couldn't handle the "snappiness". That was my month+ experience with Wellbutrin by itself.
>
> In the past couple of months I have been experiencing what I call, false hunger pangs. While eating I would feel hungry, but an uncomfortable hunger. Just recently I stopped drinking real coffee-my stomach said no more. I don't know if it is from the Lexapro, but someone else on this board said they experienced acid reflux after taking Celexa. I have some leftover Wellbutrin SR and for the past few days I've been taking 150mg once in morning, and 5mg Lexapro in mid-afternoon. Wow-what a difference! I thought the Lexapro was helping, but after a few days on the Wellbutrin I feel ten times better-more alert-able to fill out a crossword puzzle within a shorter period of time, do not feel lethargic or tired during the day (just as you mentioned). The best part is that I feel relaxed-a calm feeling-and an added surpise is that my stomach is no longer bothering me. I do know that Wellbutrin can supress the appetite. I no longer am aware of my stomach throughout the day-no more pangs. I've only been on this combination a few days, but I am happy with the results so far. I'm ashamed to admit that I usually drink a glass of homemade wine or beer in the evenings to help calm me, and this isn't good, especially if you are taking any medications. Since I've taken the Wellbutrin I no longer want a glass of wine to relax me in the evenings. I have Ativan (lorazepam) if I need it, but I try to avoid it as my doctor told me the benzos can disrupt sleep cycles-eveningtime was usually when I'd take Ativan-it's effects lasting well into the A.M. hours.
>
> You are on a low dosage of Wellbutrin-make sure you take it as early in the morning as possible. Sometimes the insomnia-effect goes away after you've been on Wellbutrin a while.
>
> I would suggest you ask your doctor about trazodone (Desyrel). It's an older antidepressant that today is more commonly prescribed in a low dose to counteract insomnia caused by stimulating antidepressants. In my opinion, it works better than Ambien (zalpidem)or Sonata (zaleplon), as these only last a few hours, whereas trazodone helps one sleep the night through. Months ago my doctor prescribed 50mg trazodone taken at bedtime-he said it doesn't disrupt sleep cycles. It worked great at helping me sleep, but would cause stuffy nose and dry mouth, enough to keep me awake for the first two hours after taking it. Eventually I found 12.5mg worked fine without side effects. For me, it usually starts to make me sleepy in about thirty minutes to an hour.
>
Escitalopram and Bupropion updateI saw the psychiatrist last week. I have been doing well, so he merely renewed my prescriptions. He had written me a renewed prescription for Wellbutrin SR 150mg tablets a few months ago, but I never got it filled, because I had some tablets remaining from 2001 prescription. We talked about how much better I am doing since I added the Wellbutrin to the 5mg Lexapro; feeling calmer during day and into evening, no more alcohol, and I'm not snapping from the Wellby. The only trouble was that I had to start taking a small dose of trazodone every night to help me sleep, since the Wellbutrin in combination with Lexapro was causing mild insomnia. He gave me some samples of 100mgs of Wellbutrin SR to see if this lower dose would be better. It was! Now I rarely, if ever, need to take 12.5mg of trazodone to help me sleep. Doctor also told me, according to the Wellbutrin drug literature, that due to Wellbutrin's affect on certain isoenzymes (CYP2B6), that it could cause an increase in certain other drugs, including SSRI's; one may have to reduce SSRI dosage when taking them with Wellbutrin. I'm already taking a low dose of Lexapro, so this isn't a problem for me. If anything, he said I could take the Wellbutrin every other day, because many of Wellbutrin's important metabolites-with actions not quite understood-last in the body for more than a day (hydroxybupropion, threohydrobupropion, and erythrohydrobupropion). I haven't tried every other day Wellby, yet. Right now I am taking the Wellby in the morning and Lex in afternoon.
Doctor also renewed carbamazepine (Tegretol), but this time he forgot to make it the extended-release form. I tried the regular 200mg form and within about an hour+ I had false-hunger pangs like I complained about. I thought this was caused by the Lexapro, or maybe from my vitamin/mineral supplement. I looked in my drug journal and sure enough, during those days I took carbamazepine, whether timed-release formula or regular, it caused those wrenching false-hunger pangs. That mystery is solved! I looked at the side effect profile for carbatr. and it states "stomach distress" or "gastic distress". I'm not going to take it any more. If I can do well on the Lexapro and Wellbutrin combination, than that is all I want to take-don't like to take any more drugs than I have to. I like this energy I now have-no more apathy-and no more need for a glass of wine to calm me down in the evenings for I already feel calm. I find it strange that a so-called stimulant can make one feel calm-now I understand why some doctors prescribe it for those that have anxiety, not just depression-in certain situations stimulants have a calming effect instead of setting off anxiety.
That's it really. Just an update.
Posted by platinumbride on October 27, 2003, at 9:12:15
In reply to SEXUAL SIDE EFFEECTS, posted by GEEKUS on October 25, 2003, at 18:58:12
I am not a doctor
(though I play one on TV ha ha h a)I have heard that wellbutrin can spice up the sex drive and that ssris and wellbutrin taken together can sometimes be of help.
But talk to your doc. If you are bipolar or something, I don't want to see that you have had a terrible episode from advice given by a novice who may have heard something from someone........
Diane
Posted by Scribbler on October 27, 2003, at 9:16:43
In reply to Re: YOU WOMEN ARE DOING GREAT » BLKVETTES, posted by Mariposa on October 25, 2003, at 9:49:10
Just wanted to let you know that I had a potentially stressful weekend with two public speaking engagements and then an occasion in which I found myself seated in the middle of a church pew with people packed in on either side (an instant panic attack situation!) and was able to relax. No cold sweats, racing heart, light-headed fainting feelings. I'm beginning week #3 of Lexapro today and doubt I'd be this far without your encouragement and reassurance. Thank you SO MUCH for helping me get this far! I wonder if you who respond to our pleas for help realize how much it means to know you're here with us and understand so completely what your compassion means. Wish there were something I could do to repay your kindness.
Posted by platinumbride on October 27, 2003, at 9:22:06
In reply to Re: SEXUAL SIDE EFFEECTS, posted by carolee on October 26, 2003, at 15:38:14
I experieced that problem on the great lexapro as well as celexa. (well, they worked for depression for over a year,so I guessI can be grateful for that)
OK kids, get the giggles out now.......
What my hubby suggested was a vibrator. The nice feminine ones with the light touches couldn't do it for me anymore......
I had to get one with more strength.
I don't own stock in vibrator companies.......
I don't knwo how to say this without offending anyone or seeming like I am trying to sell something, so I will just dare to offend and apologize in advance.accuvibe was a very good choice for me.
You may want to visit www.goodvibes.com and write to customer service, which is what I did. They recommended several products based on my question. And I ddint get gross spam the day after either. Well, I did, but who doesn't???
Diane
Posted by platinumbride on October 27, 2003, at 9:25:16
In reply to Re: SEXUAL SIDE EFFEECTS, posted by carolee on October 26, 2003, at 15:38:14
www.goodvibes has customer service and products for guys too....
and they are not judgemental
Posted by LynneDa on October 27, 2003, at 9:55:03
In reply to Re: SEXUAL SIDE EFFEECTS one more thing, posted by platinumbride on October 27, 2003, at 9:25:16
> www.goodvibes has customer service and products for guys too....
>
> and they are not judgementalThanks for your frankness. I've been wanting to broach the subject because this is the only side effect I really have a problem with. I've only been on 10mg of Lex for one week and the inability to *get there* started almost immediately, altho desire has not changed. My husband is against me being on meds due to this one thing. But, it is really working on my depression and anxiety - I am so much nicer to be around, happier, less angry, etc. The alternative you mentioned would be nice to discuss with him. Thanks!
~ Lynne
Posted by sfmom on October 27, 2003, at 9:56:00
In reply to Re: Lexapro for anxiety/switching pm to am » sfmom, posted by Mariposa on October 26, 2003, at 11:12:09
> > I'm on day four of Lexapro and can't sleep even with Clonopin (sp?) although I'm exhausted during the day. Haven't had a panic attack yet on Lex but I'm so jittery I can barely type. Can't sleep because my legs and ankles jerk and hand shake. This is really a problem for me because I have to be up before 7 with my 2 year old. Has anyone found a time of day to take Lex that makes it easier to sleep at night. I've been taking 10mg after dinner to help with the nausea, not that it's really helping. Also, I'm totally out of it and can't concentrate. Is this the Lex, or just the depression I'm feeling now that the panic attacks are gone? Help please.
> >
> >
> I started off taking in the morning, had some of the same problems you mention, switched to afternoons, then to evenings, and now I'm back to mornings again. The first couple of weeks can be tough w/se's but they should go away, mine were mostly gone by end of 4th week. Had insomnia in the beginning, but now I fall asleep quickly and easily and sleep soundly through the night - THANK YOU Lex for THAT!!! I took OTC for sleep (Tylenol PM, Unisom, Ibuprofen, Acitomenifen).Trouble concentrating - I had that too but OK now. I think the time of day thing is something you have to play with, try different times to see what works for you. As I said before, I moved around a bunch but settled on mornings in the end.
>
> Good Luck to You!~~~8|8Is it okay to take an OTC sleep aid on top of the Lex and Klonopin? I really need some sleep! I'm going to start to move my Lex dose earlier in the day so see if that helps too. I'm exhausted, but still going to drag myself to group now. . .who scheduled these things first thing in the morning?!?
Posted by ginger C on October 27, 2003, at 10:47:44
In reply to Re: Lexapro for anxiety/switching pm to am » sfmom, posted by Mariposa on October 26, 2003, at 11:12:09
Im taking Lexapro in the mornings now because I was having problems sleeping and legs jerking. I don't know if my concentration problems are medicine related or depression related but I am beginning to suspect it is mostly the depression.
Posted by GEEKUS on October 27, 2003, at 16:25:56
In reply to Re: SEXUAL SIDE EFFEECTS one more thing » platinumbride, posted by LynneDa on October 27, 2003, at 9:55:03
I SPOKE TO MY DOC ABOUT THE SEXUAL SIDE EFFECTS AND THE INCREASING GENERAL ANXIETY - CANNOT FOCUS - EXTREME FOOT & FINGER TAPPING. THIS IS AFTER 6 WEEKS OF LEXAPRO 20MG.
WHEN I FIRST STARTED ON PROZAC, I HAD THIS WAVE OF EUPHORIA THAT CAME TO ME AFTER A FEW WEEKS. I STAYED ON IT FOR 3 YEARS AND THEN IT TUCKERED OUT ON ME, AND THE DEPRESSION CAME BACK.
I MENTION THIS BECAUSE I HAVE NOT HAD EVEN THE SLIGHTEST HINT OF THE ABOVE DESCRIBED 'EUPHORIA'. INSTEAD, WITH LEXAPRO IT HAS BEEN A REDUCTION IN FATALISTIC THOUGHTS, BUT AN INCREASED ANXIETY, SEXUAL DISFUNTION, AND AN INABILITY TO FOCUS.
IT HAS BEEN MENTIONED TO ME THAT BUSPAR MIGHT BE ABLE TO HELP WITH THE ANXIETY. AS FOR THE SEXUAL ISSUES, I TOO HAVE HEARD ABOUT WELBUTRIN HELPING.
THE DOC HAS ADVISED ME TO REDUCE DOSEAGE TO 10 MG.
Posted by vandy on October 27, 2003, at 17:25:56
In reply to Re: SEXUAL SIDE EFFEECTS » carolee, posted by platinumbride on October 27, 2003, at 9:22:06
People here are sooo open. Why should I be any different?
My wife and I both take lex. One might guess that could mean a challenge on the desire issue. My wife doesn't initiate as she used to before Lex and it's been enough time for both of us so we can't say it's a temporary side effect. I volunteer. It's the least I can do! And we make sure she is rewarded by using one of the "Silver Bullet" variety vibrators. It's perfect for clitoral stimulation during penetration. It gets my wife where she wants to go. When I see and feel her in full enjoyment it's easy for me to go over the edge as well.
Good vibes has one of these things called "Bullet Blaster" and it carries Mr. & Mrs. Vandy's seal of approval.
> I experieced that problem on the great lexapro as well as celexa. (well, they worked for depression for over a year,so I guessI can be grateful for that)
>
> OK kids, get the giggles out now.......
>
> What my hubby suggested was a vibrator. The nice feminine ones with the light touches couldn't do it for me anymore......
>
> I had to get one with more strength.
>
> I don't own stock in vibrator companies.......
> I don't knwo how to say this without offending anyone or seeming like I am trying to sell something, so I will just dare to offend and apologize in advance.
>
> accuvibe was a very good choice for me.
>
> You may want to visit www.goodvibes.com and write to customer service, which is what I did. They recommended several products based on my question. And I ddint get gross spam the day after either. Well, I did, but who doesn't???
>
> Diane
Posted by DQBLIZ on October 27, 2003, at 18:04:49
In reply to Re: Lexapro for anxiety/switching pm to am, posted by sfmom on October 26, 2003, at 10:47:25
Has anyone been placed on 20mg of Lexapro right after being on 10mg for one week? My doc said that I should jump up to 20 right away.
Posted by platinumbride on October 27, 2003, at 18:08:49
In reply to Re: SEXUAL SIDE EFFEECTS, posted by vandy on October 27, 2003, at 17:25:56
Well, since we havne't been censored by prudes yet (mean of me.......I should just say people for whom this is not an ucmfortable thing)
ATTETNION ALL WOMEN WHO HAVE GAINED WEIGHT ON MEDS
a more "vigorous" vibrator with a longer handle and no stupid bunnies or dolphins are really a help. I am one of those women, so I know what i say......
Libido can be enhanced by a few "good vibrations", not in the sweet spot right away, but in areas around it.
It does take a little effort.....but the climax and what follows is worth it, i think.......Sex can make things a little more bearable in life....Diane
Posted by platinumbride on October 27, 2003, at 18:11:44
In reply to Re: Lexapro for anxiety/switching pm to am, posted by DQBLIZ on October 27, 2003, at 18:04:49
yes
about 20 minutes agoDiane
Posted by Mariposa on October 27, 2003, at 18:34:57
In reply to Re: Lexapro for anxiety/switching pm to am » DQBLIZ, posted by platinumbride on October 27, 2003, at 18:11:44
> yes
> about 20 minutes ago
>
> DianeIt sounds a little *excessive* to me also. Literature says 10mg is recommended dose.
I had bad side effects starting at 5mg. Have you experienced any SE's?Keep us posted!~~~8|8
Posted by Mariposa on October 27, 2003, at 18:37:16
In reply to Re: YOU WOMEN ARE DOING GREAT » Mariposa, posted by Scribbler on October 27, 2003, at 9:16:43
> Just wanted to let you know that I had a potentially stressful weekend with two public speaking engagements and then an occasion in which I found myself seated in the middle of a church pew with people packed in on either side (an instant panic attack situation!) and was able to relax. No cold sweats, racing heart, light-headed fainting feelings. I'm beginning week #3 of Lexapro today and doubt I'd be this far without your encouragement and reassurance. Thank you SO MUCH for helping me get this far! I wonder if you who respond to our pleas for help realize how much it means to know you're here with us and understand so completely what your compassion means. Wish there were something I could do to repay your kindness.
I feel it's the least I can do....I got so much help from this board myself and am just trying to re-pay. But THANK YOU, it's nice to be appreciated!!
Hang in there~~~8|8
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Script revised: February 4, 2008
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