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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by pharmrep on September 15, 2002, at 15:45:19
In reply to Re: LEXAPRO, posted by Mystia on September 15, 2002, at 12:03:34
> I just started taking Lexapro on 9-13-02, after stopping Paxil on my own about a month ago. I suffer from severe migraines and I have had them every time after taking the Lexapro (I usually only have 1-2 migraines/week). Anyone had similar problems? Also does anyone know anything you shouldn't take (esp. herbs) while taking Lexapro?
** I dont know your history, but I have heard that with Paxil, the discontinuation s/e can include headaches (among other s/e's) and for awhile...perhaps the 1 month off is not enough time yet? Anyway...Celexa didnt cause much in the headache dept and Lexapro is supposed to be less...however as you know...everybody responds differently. I dont know about the herbs..but will check on add-ons for the headaches. good luck
Posted by Mystia on September 15, 2002, at 19:18:37
In reply to Re: LEXAPRO hawkeye » hawkeye, posted by Phil on September 15, 2002, at 15:40:06
Thanks for everyone's posts! I have been through so many meds (Prozac, Xanax, Serzone, Geodon, Paxil, Wellbutrin) with no success. Some of the meds brought about severe s/e (the Serzone required an ER visit and caused irregular heartbeat) while some were not as bad. The Geodon caused terrible heartburn and now I have been diagnosed with GURD. I am not sure if the Geodon triggered the GURD or if I had the heartburn because of the undiagnosed GURD. The Prozac made my symptoms become worse instead of better.
I had never tried Celexa, but my doc is a big fan of it. He had originally planned to prescribe Zoloft since my mom does well on it. Then he remembered he had gotten new samples of Lexapro and told me I could benefit. So now I am on Lexapro! I am just trying to find something, ANYTHING that works for me. I'm only 18 and I have been looking for the right med for 6 years. Prozac was the first I tried and it was awful.
In any case, I'm very happy I found this website (I was searching for more info on Lexapro) and I will continue to post and check back! Thanks everyone!
Posted by Mystia on September 15, 2002, at 19:23:26
In reply to Re: LEXAPRO, posted by Mystia on September 15, 2002, at 19:18:37
Now that I think of it, this might have something to do with my problems. I am taking Nexium also. I started taking it the same day I started Lexapro.
Also, I didn't have the migraines after I stopped Paxil UNTIL I started the Lexapro and Nexium. So, it's just been the last 3 days. I take Fioricet for my migraines but it hasn't been helping much these last few days.
Posted by winger on September 15, 2002, at 20:16:05
In reply to Re: LEXAPRO hawkeye » hawkeye, posted by Phil on September 15, 2002, at 15:40:06
> Go to 5mg and work up. Low and slow used to be buzz words here. Try and give it four weeks. If you stop in 2 or 3 weeks, you'll be cycling thru drugs and not find the right one.
I'm very sensitive to the SSRI's, and usually have good results on a far smaller dose than is recomended... try the 5mg.. I get results from just 10 MG of zoloft....
Posted by winger on September 15, 2002, at 20:20:48
In reply to Re: LEXAPRO (I forgot some things), posted by Mystia on September 15, 2002, at 19:23:26
> Now that I think of it, this might have something to do with my problems. I am taking Nexium also. I started taking it the same day I started Lexapro.
> Also, I didn't have the migraines after I stopped Paxil UNTIL I started the Lexapro and Nexium. So, it's just been the last 3 days. I take Fioricet for my migraines but it hasn't been helping much these last few days.I take nexium, headaches, anxiety, and abdominal pain are all side effects possible from nexium.. and be careful, some stomache drugs cause your body to build up more of the drug you are taking... I know that zantac is bad about that... maybe try laying off the nexium for a day or two, or ask your doctor to give you some prilosec... I had better luck with it... and the dosage is smaller... good luck!!
Posted by reifiedbeans on September 16, 2002, at 13:43:56
In reply to LEXAPRO -- USER REPORT -- BAD NEWS, posted by hawkeye on September 11, 2002, at 20:06:09
> Hi. I have been taking 10mg/day of Lexapro since last Friday.
>
> Here's the result: 110% COMPLETE/TOTAL SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
>
> In my experience it's WORSE than Celexa and the worst in this regard of any other drug I have taken.
>
> As I mentioned in an earlier post, I have taken Celexa but stopped due to "unacceptable side-efects" , i.e., sexual dysfunction. But with Celexa at 20mg, although there was some, it wasn't total.
>
> My advice: Unless you are a eunuch, forget about this drug.You are an idiot. I've had no problems with Lexapro. Your experiences in no way can be extrapolated to everyone else.
My subjective experience has been that Lexapro produces fewer s/e or AEs than any other antidepressant I've tried, including Prozac, Zoloft, Effexor, and Wellbutrin.
So far, I've had no sexual side effects (delayed ejac, anorgasmia) and no sleepiness or fatigue. Way better than Zoloft (which produced all of the above and was the last drug I was taking before Lexapro).
Posted by emf on September 16, 2002, at 14:14:28
In reply to Re: LEXAPRO, posted by Mystia on September 15, 2002, at 12:03:34
I have a question. I began Lexapro (10mg) and in just one day I started to feel a buzz. I am not screaming at my children anymore, nor am I getting anxiety. However, I feel a little "lobotomized" in that I've become a little bland in my personality. I am usually very upbeat and exciteable. I'm wondering if I should take only 5 mg/day instead. What do you think? I was on Zoloft a couple years ago, and although it didn't give me quite the "buzz" Lexapro has, Zoloft gave me complete and total sexual dysfunction, not to mention cognitive deficiencies (I'd mix my words and have trouble reading other words). Any women out there suffering from anorgasmia on Lexapro?
Posted by johnj on September 16, 2002, at 14:41:33
In reply to Re: LEXAPRO -- USER REPORT -- BAD NEWS, posted by reifiedbeans on September 16, 2002, at 13:43:56
have you ever been on a TCA? Thanks
johnj
Posted by fishgirl on September 16, 2002, at 14:55:16
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
If anyone has switched from Celexa to Lexapro, have you noticed the ever slowly creeping weight gain? Is that still a side effect?
Posted by reifiedbeans on September 16, 2002, at 16:15:36
In reply to When did you start lexapro? and » reifiedbeans, posted by johnj on September 16, 2002, at 14:41:33
> have you ever been on a TCA? Thanks
>
> johnjNo, I haven't.
Fishgirl, no weight gain yet, but it's only been a week. The literature claims that weight gain is "similar to placebo," i.e. none that is statistically significant.
Posted by Mark H. on September 16, 2002, at 19:23:46
In reply to Re: LEXAPRO -- USER REPORT -- BAD NEWS, posted by reifiedbeans on September 16, 2002, at 13:43:56
> You are an idiot. I've had no problems with Lexapro. Your experiences in no way can be extrapolated to everyone else.
Reifiedbeans: Your second and third sentences were just fine. Name-calling is not. Different people have different experiences with meds. Please respect those differences and the views of other posters.
Many thanks,
Mark H.
Posted by pharmrep on September 16, 2002, at 20:44:55
In reply to Re: LEXAPRO/lobotomy, posted by emf on September 16, 2002, at 14:14:28
> I have a question. I began Lexapro (10mg) and in just one day I started to feel a buzz. I am not screaming at my children anymore, nor am I getting anxiety. However, I feel a little "lobotomized" in that I've become a little bland in my personality. I am usually very upbeat and exciteable. I'm wondering if I should take only 5 mg/day instead. What do you think? I was on Zoloft a couple years ago, and although it didn't give me quite the "buzz" Lexapro has, Zoloft gave me complete and total sexual dysfunction, not to mention cognitive deficiencies (I'd mix my words and have trouble reading other words). Any women out there suffering from anorgasmia on Lexapro?
** Remember..all of these are "mind altering" drugs to some extent, and it takes awhile to adjust. 1-2 weeks is when most will experience Lexapro "working" and even sooner for anxiety. Dont go to 5mg...give it time, as with most AD's most s/e will subside with time...I'll bet that lobotomy feeling will dissipate..hang in there.
Posted by pharmrep on September 16, 2002, at 20:49:06
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by fishgirl on September 16, 2002, at 14:55:16
> If anyone has switched from Celexa to Lexapro, have you noticed the ever slowly creeping weight gain? Is that still a side effect?
** Did you have a weight change? Celexa is considered weight neutral..no gain or loss. the 1 year study showed about 1-2lb gain...the 2 year study showed 2-3lbs...not significant. SSRI's in general are known for some weight gain (especially paxil) but Lexapro is like Celexa...weight neutral
Posted by seafari on September 17, 2002, at 8:04:16
In reply to Re: weight change » fishgirl, posted by pharmrep on September 16, 2002, at 20:49:06
This is my first post on this board; I had looked at it a couple of weeks ago when researching Lexapro. To give you some background, I'm a woman in my thirties, & have been taking Klonopin (.5 twice daily) for about 3 years for GAD. I did a really slow taper off off it which was completed by the end of March. Towards the end of June, I became very worried about obtaining new health insurance as my old one was ending July 1. I started experiencing 27-7 stomach pain. An upper endo showed esophagitis & diffuse gastritis. I am on Nexium, and have had no problem with it. By then, though, my anxiety was non-stop. I lost 15 lbs in 3 weeks-- a total of 20 shortly thereafter. My doc put me back on Klonopin .5 3x daily. I had other medical tests done because I am still symptomatic for some other things. I felt the anxiety was pulling me down and finally realized around the first of September that I was becoming depressed as well.
So...my doc gave me a sample box of Celexa which gave me instant dry mouth. When I saw the high evidence for nausea, I asked to skip this as I already had enough problems with nausea & lack of appetite.
He had just gotten samples from the pharm rep the day Lexapro was released. He gave me 7 weeks worth, as well as 50 mg of Trazadone for sleep) Now, granted I am taking 2 drugs starting at the same time, but outside of the sedative effect at bedtime & constipation/painful bowel movements, I think most of the rest is probably Lexapro. I take Lex around late afternoon or dinnertime, and the Trazodone around 9 pm.
1) Inability to have an orgasm (libido not changed)
2)Nausea increased at times
3)**Slight** tremor of hands
4) Spaced out feeling, esp 12-5 pm
5) Painful bowel movements
6) abdominal pain
7) visual disturbances--periodic & almost like my glasses need a slightly stronger prescription.
8) Just in the last couple of days, I've developed mild dry mouth.
I see my doc today & will see what he says about it .
Posted by sjb on September 17, 2002, at 8:10:13
In reply to Re: LEXAPRO/lobotomy, posted by emf on September 16, 2002, at 14:14:28
I've been on it for 6 days now. I have no sexual dysfunction and feel it has enhanced it, if anything.
Posted by sjb on September 17, 2002, at 8:15:04
In reply to Re: Please Be Civil » reifiedbeans, posted by Mark H. on September 16, 2002, at 19:23:46
Has Dr. Bob given Mark H. and utopizen adminstration duties? If not, I suggest leaving the civility warnings to him.
Posted by johnj on September 17, 2002, at 9:18:55
In reply to Re: LEXAPRO/lobotomy, posted by sjb on September 17, 2002, at 8:10:13
Hi sjb,
What dose of lexapro are you taking? What other meds have you taken and are you taking anything else with the lexapro?
Posted by Christina on September 17, 2002, at 10:16:14
In reply to Re: weight change » fishgirl, posted by pharmrep on September 16, 2002, at 20:49:06
I gained more than 30 lbs on Celexa, and that's pretty average from what I've read.
If Lexapro touts the same "weight neutral" hogwash, I'm staying far away!
Posted by johnj on September 17, 2002, at 10:28:11
In reply to weight neutral my arse.... » pharmrep, posted by Christina on September 17, 2002, at 10:16:14
What AD doesn't cause weight gain?? Or most meds for that matter.
Posted by LLL on September 17, 2002, at 10:31:53
In reply to Re: weight neutral my arse.... » Christina, posted by johnj on September 17, 2002, at 10:28:11
Posted by pharmrep on September 17, 2002, at 11:44:09
In reply to My experience with Lexapro...so far , posted by seafari on September 17, 2002, at 8:04:16
> This is my first post on this board; I had looked at it a couple of weeks ago when researching Lexapro. To give you some background, I'm a woman in my thirties, & have been taking Klonopin (.5 twice daily) for about 3 years for GAD. I did a really slow taper off off it which was completed by the end of March. Towards the end of June, I became very worried about obtaining new health insurance as my old one was ending July 1. I started experiencing 27-7 stomach pain. An upper endo showed esophagitis & diffuse gastritis. I am on Nexium, and have had no problem with it. By then, though, my anxiety was non-stop. I lost 15 lbs in 3 weeks-- a total of 20 shortly thereafter. My doc put me back on Klonopin .5 3x daily. I had other medical tests done because I am still symptomatic for some other things. I felt the anxiety was pulling me down and finally realized around the first of September that I was becoming depressed as well.
>
> So...my doc gave me a sample box of Celexa which gave me instant dry mouth. When I saw the high evidence for nausea, I asked to skip this as I already had enough problems with nausea & lack of appetite.
>
> He had just gotten samples from the pharm rep the day Lexapro was released. He gave me 7 weeks worth, as well as 50 mg of Trazadone for sleep) Now, granted I am taking 2 drugs starting at the same time, but outside of the sedative effect at bedtime & constipation/painful bowel movements, I think most of the rest is probably Lexapro. I take Lex around late afternoon or dinnertime, and the Trazodone around 9 pm.
>
> 1) Inability to have an orgasm (libido not changed)
>
> 2)Nausea increased at times
>
> 3)**Slight** tremor of hands
>
> 4) Spaced out feeling, esp 12-5 pm
>
> 5) Painful bowel movements
>
> 6) abdominal pain
>
> 7) visual disturbances--periodic & almost like my glasses need a slightly stronger prescription.
>
> 8) Just in the last couple of days, I've developed mild dry mouth.
>
> I see my doc today & will see what he says about it .** remember...this is still a new drug in your system...it takes a little time to adjust...hang in there...(did i read you right?...the rep gave you samples...dont take from reps (illegal)...just DR's)
Posted by pharmrep on September 17, 2002, at 11:48:37
In reply to weight neutral my arse.... » pharmrep, posted by Christina on September 17, 2002, at 10:16:14
> I gained more than 30 lbs on Celexa, and that's pretty average from what I've read.
>
> If Lexapro touts the same "weight neutral" hogwash, I'm staying far away!**** no need to get nasty...I said everyone is different...the majority of patients on celexa didnt have a significant change of weight (4% of patients changed up or down 7% of total body weight) That's good compared to others and considered "neutral". sorry if you didnt see that...you just happen to be in that 4%. As for Lexapro...it might be the same for you..or it might be different.
Posted by LLL on September 17, 2002, at 12:07:52
In reply to Re: weight neutral » Christina, posted by pharmrep on September 17, 2002, at 11:48:37
There was nothing "nasty" in her posting, however your judgement of her comment as such was.
Posted by Lee M on September 17, 2002, at 12:26:11
In reply to Re: weight change » fishgirl, posted by pharmrep on September 16, 2002, at 20:49:06
I started Lexapro one week ago and I have not seen a change in my weight or appetite. I take 10mg and I do find myself being extremely tired throughout the day - no energy. But, at night I wake up several times and find it hard to fall back to sleep. My hands also shake ever so slightly at times. I know it hasn't been very long, but so far I'm not sure how I like it. I can't stand being so tired. If it does cause weight gain, I'd probably go off just for that reason as I am trying to lose weight which is one of the reasons for my depression.
Posted by sjb on September 17, 2002, at 13:11:16
In reply to Re: LEXAPRO/lobotomy » sjb, posted by johnj on September 17, 2002, at 9:18:55
I'm taking 10mg per day. I'm not on anything else and have six year history of over 25 different meds including most of the SSRIs, MAOI's, tricyclics, mood stabilizers and anti-psychotics. I can't remember all the specific ones, combinations and dosages.
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