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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Wildman on January 19, 2004, at 12:28:46
In reply to Re: Just started Lexapro..., posted by KathrynLex on January 18, 2004, at 18:26:10
I think I'm at about week #5 of Lexapro (10mg/day) and while my initial experience was quite positive, I'm starting to have second thoughts. During the first week, I experienced the racing heart and other discomfort, but Ativan helped that. I then went through a phase where I felt great. Now I am lethargic and tired most of the time even though I have been getting plenty of rest. I do have occasional anxiety during the late afternoon, which I have taken 1mg of Ativan to help with.
When does the Lex "plateau"? I thought I'd be home free by now, but am wondering where this is going to go. I was so excited about the Lex initially, but now am worried...
Posted by Mariposa on January 19, 2004, at 12:42:59
In reply to Re: Just started Lexapro..., posted by Wildman on January 19, 2004, at 12:28:46
> I think I'm at about week #5 of Lexapro (10mg/day) and while my initial experience was quite positive, I'm starting to have second thoughts. During the first week, I experienced the racing heart and other discomfort, but Ativan helped that. I then went through a phase where I felt great. Now I am lethargic and tired most of the time even though I have been getting plenty of rest. I do have occasional anxiety during the late afternoon, which I have taken 1mg of Ativan to help with.
>
> When does the Lex "plateau"? I thought I'd be home free by now, but am wondering where this is going to go. I was so excited about the Lex initially, but now am worried...Don't be worried...It seems many who post here (including myself) have experienced this.
I started at 5mg and around end of 4th week I started feeling a return of symptoms (depression and several anxiety ATTACKS) and a doubt about Lex and seriously thought about quitting.
Discussed w/pdoc and he upped dose to 10mg and that really helped me. I then continued to improve and around week 9 I was feeling much improved and could tell the Lex was working.
Please try NOT to get discouraged, many of us have been there and know it's really tough, but the end results have really been worth it for me.
Keep thinking positive thoughts, drink LOTS of water, come here often for support and hopefully you to will get good results.~~~8|8
Posted by Wildman on January 20, 2004, at 11:44:42
In reply to Re: Just started Lexapro... » Wildman, posted by Mariposa on January 19, 2004, at 12:42:59
Mariposa,
Thank you for your kind words of encouragement!
I feel much better today, and I'm wondering if the Seroquel (25mg) that I take occasionally had anything to do with it. I took 25mg last night at 8PM and then finally zonked out at 9:30.
My pdoc gave me the Seroquel when we were working on my sleep patterns (before I started the Lex) and I find that if I take it once or twice per week it does seem to level my moods out just a bit. If I take it three nights in a row, I get really "flat" feeling, but if I limit it to 1x or 2x per week it helps.
I have meds to help when I get anxious/panicky (1mg of Ativan works for me) but nothing when I get really down. I don't want to get in the habit of "having" to take something when I'm not feeling right (don't want to develop any bad habits and I know that meds are definately not the answer for every negative feeling that comes my way).
It's interesting reading the Lexapro posts here. It seems that about 10 of us started taking it at about the same time - early December. Dr. Bob could have an entire forum dedicated to this substance!
Mariposa, I promise I won't get discouraged, but I will discuss all this when I see the pdoc on 2/6/04. I'm so new at this pdoc thing (seen him 3x so far) and since I was doing so well with the Lex at visit #3 we only spent half of the hour talking about my issues. The rest we spent talking about our favorite music (which I guess helped him gauge my depression since I do love music and hadn't really been listening to much lately - which I hadn't realized until he asked me). He's a talented guitarist and we do have a lot in common - it's easy to turn half of the hour into a BS session (but then again I don't know what to expect in terms of conversation with a pdoc).
I don't know how I should "direct" the next session with him (even if that's a reasonable "approach"). How do you handle the sessions? I'm not nervous about talking to him (he's great) but I want to make sure that I am getting the most for my hard-earned money).
-Wildman
Posted by Mariposa on January 20, 2004, at 13:56:32
In reply to Re: Just started Lexapro..., posted by Wildman on January 20, 2004, at 11:44:42
> Mariposa,
>
> Thank you for your kind words of encouragement!
>
> I feel much better today, and I'm wondering if the Seroquel (25mg) that I take occasionally had anything to do with it. I took 25mg last night at 8PM and then finally zonked out at 9:30.
>
> My pdoc gave me the Seroquel when we were working on my sleep patterns (before I started the Lex) and I find that if I take it once or twice per week it does seem to level my moods out just a bit. If I take it three nights in a row, I get really "flat" feeling, but if I limit it to 1x or 2x per week it helps.
>
> I have meds to help when I get anxious/panicky (1mg of Ativan works for me) but nothing when I get really down. I don't want to get in the habit of "having" to take something when I'm not feeling right (don't want to develop any bad habits and I know that meds are definately not the answer for every negative feeling that comes my way).
>
> It's interesting reading the Lexapro posts here. It seems that about 10 of us started taking it at about the same time - early December. Dr. Bob could have an entire forum dedicated to this substance!
>
> Mariposa, I promise I won't get discouraged, but I will discuss all this when I see the pdoc on 2/6/04. I'm so new at this pdoc thing (seen him 3x so far) and since I was doing so well with the Lex at visit #3 we only spent half of the hour talking about my issues. The rest we spent talking about our favorite music (which I guess helped him gauge my depression since I do love music and hadn't really been listening to much lately - which I hadn't realized until he asked me). He's a talented guitarist and we do have a lot in common - it's easy to turn half of the hour into a BS session (but then again I don't know what to expect in terms of conversation with a pdoc).
>
> I don't know how I should "direct" the next session with him (even if that's a reasonable "approach"). How do you handle the sessions? I'm not nervous about talking to him (he's great) but I want to make sure that I am getting the most for my hard-earned money).
>
> -WildmanI really don't have that much experience either....have only been on Lex coming up on 1 year, no other meds now, nor have I ever taken meds before. Was initially px by gyn doc, who gave me Lex for PMDD. Had to see pdoc to get dose raised from 10mg (which is the max gyn doc would let me have) to 20mg, and have only seen pdoc twice. Remember they are just people too and will *goof off* if you let them. You should deffinitely get your money's worth as they ARE expensive, aren't they! Try to address all your feelings, fears, questions, suggestions, problems, comments about things you have read or heard, if conversation begins to drift to more *pleasant* things, remember to streer it back to your treatment, prescriptions, symptoms, etc.
But if your course through initial Lex *trip* is like mine, it will get better from here out. Now don't be expecting to wake up one morning and everything is different....it doesn't work that way. I was going along, waiting and hoping...and waiting...and week 8 went by...into week 9, sitting on couch w/hubby watching TV, something funny happens and I LAUGH, I mean really laugh and I feel GOOD, and that's when it hits me - HEY! It's working!! And probably has been for a couple of days, and I just didn't realize it! Just let it happen.~~~8|8
Posted by naiad on January 21, 2004, at 18:47:17
In reply to Re: Just started Lexapro... » Wildman, posted by Mariposa on January 20, 2004, at 13:56:32
Hi,
I am new to this board ( have posted on Babble psychology) and was just prescribed Lexapro, 10mg. Today was only my second pill and boy am I grateful for all of the posts. If I didn't have company with others who have had these s/e's I would be terrified. I feel soooo jumpy and wired. It's 8pm and I've been up since 3am and I don't even feel sleepy. Very, very weird. My pdoc did not tell me to anticpate this -- just that there is some incidence of gastric distress (not for me yet) and possibly some dimunition of libido.
Some people here have suggested Tylenol PM for sleeping. Pros? Cons? I hate the idea of taking a sleeping aide but might reconsider.
Thanks!
Posted by KathrynLex on January 21, 2004, at 19:39:59
In reply to Re: Just started Lexapro... » Mariposa, posted by naiad on January 21, 2004, at 18:47:17
Hi Naiad,
Welcome to the lexapro family!
The first few weeks on lex you might feel a little strange, but rest assured, it WILL go away. The wired feeling you have is very common, makes you want to stay away from coffee for a while, doesn't it?
Insomnia is another side effect that most people encounter. I'm on day 33 of 10 mg lex and didn't sleep well until last week! But, my anxiety/depression have improved so much that it has been worth it to tolerate the slightly uncomfortable side effects.
Report anything you think is "strange" about the way you feel and I guarentee someone on this board has experienced the same thing. You're not alone in your adjustment to lex, there are a lot of wonderful and supportive people here.
So, take a deep breath, relax and let the lex do its job. In a few weeks you'll feel much better!
K.
Posted by naiad on January 22, 2004, at 12:10:37
In reply to Re: Just started Lexapro..., posted by KathrynLex on January 21, 2004, at 19:39:59
Thanks. This is day 3 and I feel much more normal today, actually really good. I woke up at 1:45 am and couldn't get back to sleep so finally took some Tylenol PM then woke up at 7am. Perfect. But I feel like I can't do that every night. Do I just live with the insomnia?
Posted by KathrynLex on January 22, 2004, at 12:41:16
In reply to Thanks..today is better » KathrynLex, posted by naiad on January 22, 2004, at 12:10:37
Hello Naiad,
I'm glad to hear you're feeling better! In my experience, the insomnia goes away eventually. It will take 4 or 5 weeks, hopefully less, before you start sleeping through the night. But in the meantime, there's always Tylenol PM. If you're uncomfortable with taking it, try a night without it. You might find that you only stay awake for about an hour before drifting back to sleep. Insomnia is uncomfortable to deal with but like I said, you should be sleeping better in a few weeks. So, that gives you something else to look forward to in addition to better mental health.
K.
Posted by Mariposa on January 22, 2004, at 16:25:53
In reply to Re: Just started Lexapro... » Mariposa, posted by naiad on January 21, 2004, at 18:47:17
> Hi,
>
> I am new to this board ( have posted on Babble psychology) and was just prescribed Lexapro, 10mg. Today was only my second pill and boy am I grateful for all of the posts. If I didn't have company with others who have had these s/e's I would be terrified. I feel soooo jumpy and wired. It's 8pm and I've been up since 3am and I don't even feel sleepy. Very, very weird. My pdoc did not tell me to anticpate this -- just that there is some incidence of gastric distress (not for me yet) and possibly some dimunition of libido.
>
> Some people here have suggested Tylenol PM for sleeping. Pros? Cons? I hate the idea of taking a sleeping aide but might reconsider.
>
> Thanks!Welcome to the board. What you describe are typical Lex se's, they will taper off and go away. Insomnia is also a side effect, I took TylenolPM for it. However, I feel Lex has *cured* my insomnia. Have been on it for almost 1 year, currently @20mg.
Before Lex I was a terrible insomniac, one of the major contributing factors to my depression. Since I have been on Lex I sleep soundly through the night, and if I do wake, I go right back to sleep in minutes. I used to toss and turn, racing thoughts would NOT let me rest, if I did fall asleep I would invariably wake around 3AM and lie awake until my alarm went off.
So I would have to say I am thankful for Lexapro, it has allowed me to finally REST!
Best of luck!~~~8|8
Posted by femenist on January 22, 2004, at 21:47:48
In reply to Just started Lexapro..., posted by LeLeBug on January 11, 2004, at 20:56:03
I've been on 10mg of Lexapro for 12 weeks and I still feel down, not so much anxious but not happy, blue--I went up to 20mg and I started feeling my jaw tightening up (especially during sleep) my face could crack-felt like TMJ--should I go back up to 20mg or stay at 10mg--has anybody had this side effect? The head felt like it was in a tight grip or something--but I want to increase it to feel happier--any advice would be greatly appreciated--thanks Fem
Posted by Mariposa on January 22, 2004, at 22:40:12
In reply to Re: Just started Lexapro..., posted by femenist on January 22, 2004, at 21:47:48
> I've been on 10mg of Lexapro for 12 weeks and I still feel down, not so much anxious but not happy, blue--I went up to 20mg and I started feeling my jaw tightening up (especially during sleep) my face could crack-felt like TMJ--should I go back up to 20mg or stay at 10mg--has anybody had this side effect? The head felt like it was in a tight grip or something--but I want to increase it to feel happier--any advice would be greatly appreciated--thanks Fem
I still have slight clenching, one year in Feb., currently @20mg. ~~~8|8
Posted by femenist on January 22, 2004, at 23:01:32
In reply to Re: Just started Lexapro... » femenist, posted by Mariposa on January 22, 2004, at 22:40:12
Mariposa: What other side effects did you have on the 20mg? How long did it take for you to get use to it? Have you lost or gained weight? Has the 20mg worked for you?
Thanks
Fem
Posted by Mariposa on January 23, 2004, at 11:50:16
In reply to Re: Just started Lexapro..., posted by femenist on January 22, 2004, at 23:01:32
> Mariposa: What other side effects did you have on the 20mg? How long did it take for you to get use to it? Have you lost or gained weight? Has the 20mg worked for you?
>
> Thanks
> FemOnly other se I had was slight dizziness after taking dose, only took a week or so to get used to higher dose. Started at 5mg went to 10mg 5th week, went to 20mg in Sept. I lost 10 ponds, 20mg seems to still be working good enough, have thought about going up again but really haven't felt a *NEED* to at this point.
Posted by Mother of 5 on January 23, 2004, at 19:09:01
In reply to Re: Just started Lexapro..., posted by femenist on January 22, 2004, at 23:01:32
Fem:
I've been on Lexapro 20 mg for about 9 months. I'm also on Risperdal 1.5 mg and Depakote 750. I love the Lexapro. Coupled with the Risperdal I have no more depression. I've had a significant weight gain of 50 lbs but my pdoc says it's the Risperdal. I am experiencing some dullness in my mind but I suspect the Risperdal again. My main medication, Lexapro, is working well for me.
Posted by femenist on January 23, 2004, at 19:26:24
In reply to Re: Just started Lexapro..., posted by Mother of 5 on January 23, 2004, at 19:09:01
Mother: Does that mean that the Lexapro does not work on Depression? What is the other medication, I've never heard of it...thanks Mom
Posted by KathrynLex on January 23, 2004, at 23:00:19
In reply to Re: Just started Lexapro..., posted by femenist on January 23, 2004, at 19:26:24
Hi Fem,
I take Lexapro for anxiety/depression and it has been very effective. Many people take it just for depression and find that it's quite helpful. Risperdal is an anti-psychotic med that is sometimes used as a mood stabilizer. (For more info www.drugs.com has descriptions of most meds.)
K.
Posted by Mother of 5 on January 24, 2004, at 6:22:55
In reply to Re: Just started Lexapro..., posted by femenist on January 23, 2004, at 19:26:24
The Lexapro is my main medicine for depression. The Risperdal is my mood stablizer. It is also part SSRI so it works on depression as well. The Lexapro works great. I have no complaints.
Posted by Brown eyed girl on January 24, 2004, at 18:53:22
In reply to Re: Just started Lexapro..., posted by Mother of 5 on January 24, 2004, at 6:22:55
I have been on lex for 5 days and my insomnia has gotten worse. pdoc prescribed trazodone to help but it is not working. It helps me to fall asleep but does not keep me asleep. Is there anything that can help with the insomnia. Any help would be greatly appreciated/
Posted by Wildman on January 25, 2004, at 9:19:02
In reply to Re: Just started Lexapro..., posted by Brown eyed girl on January 24, 2004, at 18:53:22
> I have been on lex for 5 days and my insomnia has gotten worse. pdoc prescribed trazodone to help but it is not working. It helps me to fall asleep but does not keep me asleep. Is there anything that can help with the insomnia. Any help would be greatly appreciated/
I have experienced some occasional insomnia while on Lex. I'm in week 7 now, and would say that I've had insomnia perhaps two nights per week.
When confronted with insomnia (usually I can tell that it's coming in that I'll still be wide awake around 9:30 or 10:00PM, when I'm usually ready to hit the bed), I'll take 25mg of Seroquel.
The Seroquel makes me very drowsy within 30 minutes or so. If I watch TV it seems to take longer as the TV holds my interest, but if I'm reading in bed (less stimulation than TV) then I get sleepy faster.
I've also found that if I take the Seroquel more than two nights in a row that I am really flat the next day - so I really try to limit the Seroquel to when I'm really having trouble sleeping.
If you decide to try Seroquel as an occasional sleep aid, try a 1/2 25mg tab at first. My first night on 25 mg Seroquel was not a good one at all. It really sedated me that first morning (think Rohypnol) and had a psychedelic effect on how everything looked the next morning, which was disconcerting (and I used to _love_ psychedelics many years ago).
After that initial first bad experience, I tried it again (I was desperate) and had a _much_ better experience and was able to wake up and function normally (thank goodness).
I also have Doxepin on hand for my sleep, but can't take it (or any other tri-cyclic) while on Lex (the manufacturer of Lex specifically warns against this on their website).
Hang in there, the insomnia will improve. I've found it helpful also to have Tylenol PM around, as it works too. Both the Seroquel and the Tylenol PM make me drowsy, but Seroquel has the added advantage of helping me to get back to sleep if I am awakened during the night (I have three kids, 5, 3, and 10 months) and somebody is _always_ getting up at night.
Posted by Brown eyed girl on January 25, 2004, at 11:13:28
In reply to Re: Just started Lexapro... » Brown eyed girl, posted by Wildman on January 25, 2004, at 9:19:02
> > I have been on lex for 5 days and my insomnia has gotten worse. pdoc prescribed trazodone to help but it is not working. It helps me to fall asleep but does not keep me asleep. Is there anything that can help with the insomnia. Any help would be greatly appreciated/
>
> I have experienced some occasional insomnia while on Lex. I'm in week 7 now, and would say that I've had insomnia perhaps two nights per week.
>
> When confronted with insomnia (usually I can tell that it's coming in that I'll still be wide awake around 9:30 or 10:00PM, when I'm usually ready to hit the bed), I'll take 25mg of Seroquel.
>
> The Seroquel makes me very drowsy within 30 minutes or so. If I watch TV it seems to take longer as the TV holds my interest, but if I'm reading in bed (less stimulation than TV) then I get sleepy faster.
>
> I've also found that if I take the Seroquel more than two nights in a row that I am really flat the next day - so I really try to limit the Seroquel to when I'm really having trouble sleeping.
>
> If you decide to try Seroquel as an occasional sleep aid, try a 1/2 25mg tab at first. My first night on 25 mg Seroquel was not a good one at all. It really sedated me that first morning (think Rohypnol) and had a psychedelic effect on how everything looked the next morning, which was disconcerting (and I used to _love_ psychedelics many years ago).
>
> After that initial first bad experience, I tried it again (I was desperate) and had a _much_ better experience and was able to wake up and function normally (thank goodness).
>
> I also have Doxepin on hand for my sleep, but can't take it (or any other tri-cyclic) while on Lex (the manufacturer of Lex specifically warns against this on their website).
>
> Hang in there, the insomnia will improve. I've found it helpful also to have Tylenol PM around, as it works too. Both the Seroquel and the Tylenol PM make me drowsy, but Seroquel has the added advantage of helping me to get back to sleep if I am awakened during the night (I have three kids, 5, 3, and 10 months) and somebody is _always_ getting up at night.
>
>
>
Thank you for the information and the kind words of encouragement. I am gonna ask my doctor about Seroquel and see what she says. thank again
Posted by lelebug on January 25, 2004, at 12:29:02
In reply to Re: Just started Lexapro..., posted by KathrynLex on January 18, 2004, at 18:26:10
Well I'm on day 16 of taking 10mg of Lex. I think I am getting better, I feel like I am laughing more and that it's easier to control my moods. So I am happy to have some positive results. I haven't had any racing heartbeats since the first week. So that too is great. I have been clenching my jaw a lot lately, especially in my sleep. But that doesn't bother me very much. I can live with it.
But I have a question....has anyone experienced a lose in libido? Because I think mine has diminished. I know that Wellbutrin is suppose to help with this. I'm on 300mg of Wellbutrin right now. Is this a permanent side effect? Or will my libido return? I'm kind of embaressed to ask these questions, but I am concerned about this. I would love any suggestions or feedback to help get it back. Thanks.
Posted by sexylexy on January 26, 2004, at 18:00:24
In reply to Thanks..today is better » KathrynLex, posted by naiad on January 22, 2004, at 12:10:37
Hey...
I hated lex when I first started. I am know on week 5 and am definitley feeling better. Everyone says that it gets much better. I would have to say that most of my side effects are slipping away (foggy brain, lack of concentration, insomnia) and I am sure better days are around the bend for you and me. Hang in there and use the board, everyone really cares about your well being!
Lexy
Posted by Susielalala on March 4, 2004, at 22:11:53
In reply to Re: Thanks..today is better, posted by sexylexy on January 26, 2004, at 18:00:24
I am also new to Lexapro. I have been taking it for 3 days. I feel kind of wierd about an hour after I take it. I have been taking it in the morning. Is that a good time? I have depression and pretty bad anxiety. I feel wierd in my body, like I can feel my nerve endings. Does anyone else feel like this. Please let me know.
Posted by KathrynLex on March 5, 2004, at 17:58:44
In reply to Re: new to lexapro, posted by Susielalala on March 4, 2004, at 22:11:53
Hi Susie,
You might try taking your Lexapro at night so that you can sleep through the hour that you feel weird.
While I didn't feel like my nerve endings were frayed, my first few weeks on Lexapro brought on some strange side effects. But they were all pretty tolerable.
Best of luck on lex. You might consider looking in to Xanax or Klonopin for your anxiety. I take both on an as needed basis and they have done wonders for me.
K.
Posted by Susielalala on March 5, 2004, at 20:39:38
In reply to Re: new to lexapro, posted by KathrynLex on March 5, 2004, at 17:58:44
Thanks for your response K. I was feeling good this moning and tonight I am very depressed and feeling wierd. I dont know if it is the medicine or just me. I am so tired of feeling wierd. I just want to go in my room and be alone. Is there anyonw out there that is on Lex and feels different? I am only on day 4. I hope this feeling goes away. I am gonna hang in there for as long as it takes. I am just venting I guess. I am really wanting to feel well again.
This is the end of the thread.
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