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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 421 to 445 of 8406. Go back in thread:
Posted by pharmrep on September 18, 2002, at 21:55:58
In reply to Re: having trouble, posted by Alice Anne on September 18, 2002, at 13:07:08
> I was off all other antidepressant meds when I started this round. At one point I tolerated Paxil decently, but it lost its effect. I think I was up to 60mgs. When I tried it again this year I couldn't even get to 20mgs without terrible night sweats, teeth grinding, physical weakness and mental spaciness. Prozac and Zoloft gave me terrible GI distress (I have ulcerative colitis) and were never very effective. Celexa made me feel tired, strange and uncomfortable, but I didn't stay with it very long. However the physical wallop wasn't nearly as bad as it was with the Lexapro!! My depression finally started to lift after a harrowing adjustment to Nortriptyline, but at 75mgs. my resting pulse was 130bpm. so I discntinued it. I would like not to give up on Lexapro, but I wonder if these symptoms would really abate, as they were so strong. I was really counting on this one, as I thought the whole point was that it was created to produce less side effects. Thank you for your concern.
** describe "physical wallop"...I know that Celexa's r-citalopram contributed to the "tiredness" you described, but the s-citalopram (lexapro) is not supposed to have somnolence. It sounds like you have tried "new" meds before...have you had initial "toughness" while in early weeks before? Can you give it more time, or is it too much? Good luck and keep us posted
Posted by pharmrep on September 18, 2002, at 21:59:16
In reply to Re: having trouble, posted by Alice Anne on September 18, 2002, at 13:07:08
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020914/msgs/120319.html
** another experience
Posted by Alice Anne on September 18, 2002, at 23:37:50
In reply to Re: still trying » Alice Anne, posted by pharmrep on September 18, 2002, at 21:55:58
Like I said, I felt like someone poured battery acid in my brain. I had an intense, throbbing headache, extreme, grinding muscle tension and major queasiness. When that wore off I was just worn out. That is what I meant by physical wallop. It was not subtle. But I just read someone's post who said she also felt awful at first and then it got better. So maybe I'll try again.
Posted by pharmrep on September 19, 2002, at 0:14:39
In reply to Re: still trying, posted by Alice Anne on September 18, 2002, at 23:37:50
> Like I said, I felt like someone poured battery acid in my brain. I had an intense, throbbing headache, extreme, grinding muscle tension and major queasiness. When that wore off I was just worn out. That is what I meant by physical wallop. It was not subtle. But I just read someone's post who said she also felt awful at first and then it got better. So maybe I'll try again.
** what dose did you try before? 10mg is the recommended starting dose. It was not tested, but perhaps trying 5mg (snap a 10mg pill) for a week then going to 10mg might benefit your "sensitivity"
Posted by Alice Anne on September 19, 2002, at 1:00:00
In reply to Re: dosing » Alice Anne, posted by pharmrep on September 19, 2002, at 0:14:39
Why is my "sensitivity" in quotes? As I said in my original post-- I began with 5mgs, felt so horrible I skipped a day and then tried again at half that. I suppose I could try licking the next pill.
Posted by babs on September 19, 2002, at 8:38:36
In reply to Re: switch » babs, posted by pharmrep on September 18, 2002, at 21:48:46
I suppose it's possible I actually have the flu! Just seems a little coincidental How are other people out there faring?
Posted by johnj on September 19, 2002, at 10:40:40
In reply to Re: dosing, posted by Alice Anne on September 19, 2002, at 1:00:00
I don't think he meant anything by the quotes. I often use quotes like the "sponge brain" remeron gave me and I don't mean it to offend anybody. Maybe he meant it to stress that you are med sensisitive, plain and simple. I am having a decent day today, yesterday felt like hell. I would appreciate if people would stop attacking others. How many pharmreps have the guts to come on here anyway? Please don't try and run others off the board. If I was pharmrep probably would have been permanently banned for telling a lot of people to go to He##. Let's just LEARN from what everyone has to say and that includes you. I really want to respond to the licking remark, but frankly don't have the energy. Hope you find something that works for you.
johnj
Posted by babs on September 19, 2002, at 10:48:46
In reply to Re: dosing(GEEZ) » Alice Anne, posted by johnj on September 19, 2002, at 10:40:40
I agree- let's just focus on what is imortant here. Sharing in formation, suipporting each other and getting better.
Posted by Alice Anne on September 19, 2002, at 10:55:24
In reply to Re: dosing(GEEZ) » Alice Anne, posted by johnj on September 19, 2002, at 10:40:40
Yes, I'm sure you're right about the quotes. I'm not meaning to run anyone anywhere. I was tired of repeating what I'd already said, if you have been following our communications. And I do appreciate the info. I am as much making fun of myself when I say I'll lick the pill next time. Pardon my frustration.
Posted by babs on September 19, 2002, at 10:56:44
In reply to So Sensitive, posted by Alice Anne on September 19, 2002, at 10:55:24
I hear you- it's pretty hard not to be sensitive when you feel like you're dying!
Posted by Alice Anne on September 19, 2002, at 11:04:45
In reply to Re: So Sensitive, posted by babs on September 19, 2002, at 10:56:44
Thank you!!
Posted by johnj on September 19, 2002, at 11:20:13
In reply to Re: UPDATE, posted by Mystia on September 18, 2002, at 20:43:55
Any insomnia problems? Glad to hear it is working for you!
johnj
Posted by pharmrep on September 19, 2002, at 11:21:23
In reply to Re: dosing, posted by Alice Anne on September 19, 2002, at 1:00:00
> Why is my "sensitivity" in quotes? As I said in my original post-- I began with 5mgs, felt so horrible I skipped a day and then tried again at half that. I suppose I could try licking the next pill.
** no offense intended, just tried to combine your bodily reactions into 1 word. Sorry i missed the 5mg start post....licking...thats funny...maybe the skipped day did something? What will you try...2.5mg 1 wk, 5mg 1wk, then maybe higher?
Posted by Alice Anne on September 19, 2002, at 11:48:50
In reply to Re: dosing » Alice Anne, posted by pharmrep on September 19, 2002, at 11:21:23
God bless you! You have a sense of humor. I actually did almost lick the pill last night-- I bit off about an eighth of it, and I'm still here to talk about it. Maybe I'm getting somewhere! I'll let you know. Thanks.
Posted by babs on September 19, 2002, at 12:39:47
In reply to Re: dosing, posted by Alice Anne on September 19, 2002, at 11:48:50
Ok- I finally have some good news. I no longer feel achey, i actually have an appetite and even left the house today. I decided I deserved to go shopping after feeling like hell for a week. I've lost 10 pounds since last Monday (not necessarily a bad thing). I don't feel like running a marathon but I do feel almost human. I am, however, waiting for Lexapro to turn me into the sex kitten I once was.
Posted by Alice Anne on September 19, 2002, at 13:40:39
In reply to Re: dosing, posted by babs on September 19, 2002, at 12:39:47
That is good news, Babs. That's part of my problem-- I don't have the week to spare, and use my brain (once again) as guinea pig. I'm trying to study for some big tests and I have the option of feeling overwhelming dread, depression, and anxiety, or brain damaged trying to adjust to a new chemical. Pretty hard to focus on either end. But a week is pretty darn good if that is really all it would take. I guess you were able to tolerate 10mgs much better than I seem to be able to.
Posted by johnj on September 19, 2002, at 13:43:27
In reply to Re: dosing, posted by babs on September 19, 2002, at 12:39:47
Good for you babs, I hope it keeps getting better. I am really hopeful I can try lexapro in the near future. It is good to hear things are getting better. BTW I had a terrible cold last weekend so it is definately something that is going around. take care
johnj
Posted by johnj on September 19, 2002, at 13:45:35
In reply to Re: dosing, posted by Alice Anne on September 19, 2002, at 11:48:50
Anne,
sorry if I sounded preachy before it has just been a tough few days and I need some humor too. Maybe a nibble a day will keep the shrink away! Hope it works out for you. take care of yourself.
johnj
Posted by babs on September 19, 2002, at 14:14:01
In reply to Re: dosing » Alice Anne, posted by johnj on September 19, 2002, at 13:45:35
Thanks you guys. I'm just lucky I had this week. I just started in a PhD program so I'm a full-time student who is home most days studying. Of course, now I'm tremendously behind but my professors were pretty understanding when I told them I had the flu. i'll keep you posted.
Posted by Alice Anne on September 19, 2002, at 14:14:22
In reply to Re: dosing » Alice Anne, posted by johnj on September 19, 2002, at 13:45:35
Thanks Jon, I really appreciate that. And boy do I understand the tough days. I would like to know what an easy day is again, at some point in my life. Have you found a med that works for you?
Posted by thibaud1995 on September 19, 2002, at 14:51:10
In reply to Re: So Sensitive, posted by Alice Anne on September 19, 2002, at 11:04:45
I am really "sensitive" when it comes to meds as well. I actually thought licking a pill was a good idea given some of the reactions I've had with psychoactive meds. I'm on day five of 5 mg Lexapro and feel great.
Posted by Alice Anne on September 19, 2002, at 15:43:21
In reply to Re: So Sensitive, posted by thibaud1995 on September 19, 2002, at 14:51:10
I'm jealous.
Posted by Dr. Bob on September 19, 2002, at 18:39:35
In reply to Re: dosing, posted by Alice Anne on September 19, 2002, at 11:48:50
Posted by Lexy1 on September 19, 2002, at 22:35:14
In reply to Re: So Sensitive, posted by Alice Anne on September 19, 2002, at 15:43:21
I started taking Lexapro one week ago after being on Celexa for 3 weeks. The Celexa was horrible, I wasn't eating or sleeping, the Lexapro has been fabulous. My appetite has returned and I have no problems sleeping. The only real issue that I'm having with it is that it's not really working that great for my anxiety. I had an anxiety attack today at work after never having one while I was on Prozac for 6 years. I'm wondering if there's anything better for all of the anxiety disorders or if I should up my dosage of Lexapro.
Posted by anxiousgrrrl on September 20, 2002, at 0:14:51
In reply to Lexapro User, posted by Lexy1 on September 19, 2002, at 22:35:14
So far so good for me. My anxiety was worse with Effexor than Prozac, worse with Prozac than Zoloft.
I've been on Lexapro for 2 weeks or so, no panic attacks yet, but some twinges. I keep some klonopin around for periods of more acute anxiety and haven't felt the need to use it yet (since switching).
I'd recommend giving it more time, 4-6 weeks at least. Switching meds always involves a bit of time for adjustment. Don't give up yet!
But if you're having panic attacks, ask your pdoc for a benzodiazapene. Mine prescribed klonopin because it's longer-acting and has a more mellow efficacy curve.
You could take klonopin for a few weeks and then taper it off and see how the lexapro is doing.
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