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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by mills on November 11, 2002, at 10:21:20
In reply to How we're doing on Lexapro., posted by bridgette on November 10, 2002, at 15:09:09
I wish to god that in just one area of my life, for once, I could have experience that is not a reinvention of the wheel; sigh; anyway, that says it all for my 30 years of non-controllable obsessive introspection (cognitive compulsion vs. behavioral)/borderline schizoiditis (my words, as if I needed to say that);
anyway, my doc moved me from 20 mg up to 30 mg starting Friday, and there is good and bad; my mood improved almost immediately, for which I'm thankful, but my head feels just plain weird; I just feel "unreal;" does ANYONE have that experience or anything close to it; someone please tell me you do, but only if you really do, and please tell me if you don't as well. I just wish I could comiserate with someone on my symptoms that have isolated me in my experience for so f****** long; excuse my french
i hope to hear from some of you; thanks
> I have been on Lexapro for 6 weeks but I had Wellbutrin added 5 days ago and either the Lexapro really kicked in OR the Wellbutrin did the trick. I definately feel better---I'm guessing it's the addition of Wellbutrin, but the real question is is when you are on two drugs----how does one know which one???? I added 150mg of Wellbutrin SR----I have even thought about asking for more Wellbutin and cut out the Lexapro, but it's too earlt to do that and, maybe it's the combo that works. I do worry (not much) about the seizure risk w/Wellbutrin (though a small risk w/the SR) because I like a glass of wine at night. Any thoughts on any of this???
Posted by markmn on November 11, 2002, at 11:50:29
In reply to Paxil to Lexapro--Let's see, salvation or sex??, posted by mills on October 3, 2002, at 15:49:53
I am in the midst of switching from Paxil (15mg) to Lex (10mg). I'm certainly having withdrawal from the Paxil even though I was on such a low dose. I'm extremely irritable and foggy headed. I've also expirienced some facial numbness? Why the heck not? Any suggestions for dealing with these symptoms?
Anyway, it's been six days since I started the Lex and nothing yet. I suppose it hasn't kicked in. I've heard good things about it and hope that it will take effect soon. How is everyone else doing with the Paxil to Lex switch?-mark
Posted by mills on November 11, 2002, at 12:50:28
In reply to Re: Paxil to Lexapro--Let's see, salvation or sex??, posted by markmn on November 11, 2002, at 11:50:29
Well, I switched from 40 mg of Paxil (I'm crazier than most, you see), to, now, 30 mg of Lexapro. The most important thing about getting off of Paxil is go very very slowwwwwwwwwwwly; do not rush it; I would say if you experience the negative symptoms, you need to go slower, if that's possible;
as far as Paxil vs Lex, so far I'll take Paxil for efficacy; it saved my life, but the sexual side effects were unacceptable; I have just gone to 30 mg of lex and my mood has improved considerably, but my head is weird, and I hope it levels out; I'll let you know
> I am in the midst of switching from Paxil (15mg) to Lex (10mg). I'm certainly having withdrawal from the Paxil even though I was on such a low dose. I'm extremely irritable and foggy headed. I've also expirienced some facial numbness? Why the heck not? Any suggestions for dealing with these symptoms?
> Anyway, it's been six days since I started the Lex and nothing yet. I suppose it hasn't kicked in. I've heard good things about it and hope that it will take effect soon. How is everyone else doing with the Paxil to Lex switch?
>
> -mark
Posted by wharfrat on November 11, 2002, at 13:43:45
In reply to Re: Thanks Dr. Bob on Redirect, posted by Phyl on November 10, 2002, at 11:54:22
> > Thanks Dr. Bob, I kind of would like people to get back on the subject "Anyone switched to Lexapro" and take their FDA complaints elsewhere.No offense to anyone, I'm just tired of conspiracy theories that's all. I for one am more interested in how this med is working for people, be it good or bad and how everybody is doing.
> > So, my question to anybody out there is this.
> > Has anyone been "newly" diagnosed and been put on lexapro without ever having been on an antidepressant before and how is it working for them?
>
> I have never been on any medication other than for BP. I was put on Lexapro for anxiety -- i.e., worrying. I also am a "first class" insomniac. I have never been diagnosed as being depressed.
>
> I notice very little difference during the daytime on Lexapro, which I take in the morning. I take 7.5 mg. and will probably stay on this dosage. What I DO notice is that I am always very tired from about 6:00 p.m. on. My internist asked me to force myself to stay awake until normal bedtime for me (11:00 p.m.) but I am so sleepy, I just can't stay up. (Last night, I went to bed at 7 p.m!) I find that I fall asleep pretty quickly (which is most unusual for me) and sleep about four hours straight (also unusual for me). I might wake up several times after that, but I fall asleep again. I also notice that I feel tired in the morning and don't want to get up but, once up, I am fine. Lexapro seems to act as a "sleeping pill" for me, but it also seems to slow down my brain so that I am not constantly going over things in my head when I am trying to fall asleep. So far, so good.Phyl, I was diagnosed with depression, however I think it's general anxiety disorder. I too have always worried excessively about things, you know,"My wife's 10 minutes late from work, the hiways terrible this time of day!! What's the news helicopter hovering over the hiway for??? Do I hear sirens???!!!!" I never would say that I have insomnia but waking up at 3:00 AM to go to the bathroom, go back to bed and not be able to go back to sleep from thinking about all the things I've got to do at work and then falling asleep just about the time the alarm would go off at 6:30 was getting to be to much. Dr. put me on 10 MG Lex and after about 1-1/2 weeks I started sleeping all the way thru the night (I usually go to bed about 10:00). But I know what you mean about getting sleepy early, I've woken up on the couch several times with the last memory being the TV show that was on at 8:00. I just get up, go to bed and go straight to sleep. It's pretty cool!! I don't worry near as much either anymore, things just don't get to me like they used to.
Good luck
Posted by wharfrat on November 11, 2002, at 14:17:51
In reply to Thanks Wharfrat!, posted by dr. justin on November 8, 2002, at 17:01:49
> wharf,
>
> Totally off subject, but I had to thank you for the first good laugh I've had in a while. My best friend in college (Northern Arizona U.) was a Texan, and he had all sorts of sayings, including the classic, "I'm a Texan and it's my duty to drink." I can't count the times we were cut off at the bar and he'd loudly pronounce that one. Most of us here go too long without simply joys like a good laugh, plus your post forced some great memories to the surface. Thanks...
>
> justinGlad I could help with a laugh. Sounds like your college buddy is a good ole boy! What part of the great country of Texas is he from?
I read an earlier post from you about how you were going to start taking Lex and then went on to talk about your recipe which included wellbutrin. Have you started Lex yet? My Doc told me if sexual side effects (Difficulty pulling the trigger) don't go away he'll put me on Wellbutrin, said he heard it helps. I'm not having as bad a time now with the aforementioned side effects (after 7 weeks on lex) as I was at first. Just drink a few beers, get the wife a bottle of Chardonnay, get rid of the kids and things "work out" just fine.If you ah, get my drift.
Good luck Doctor
Posted by wharfrat on November 11, 2002, at 14:59:43
In reply to How we're doing on Lexapro., posted by bridgette on November 10, 2002, at 15:09:09
> I have been on Lexapro for 6 weeks but I had Wellbutrin added 5 days ago and either the Lexapro really kicked in OR the Wellbutrin did the trick. I definately feel better---I'm guessing it's the addition of Wellbutrin, but the real question is is when you are on two drugs----how does one know which one???? I added 150mg of Wellbutrin SR----I have even thought about asking for more Wellbutin and cut out the Lexapro, but it's too earlt to do that and, maybe it's the combo that works. I do worry (not much) about the seizure risk w/Wellbutrin (though a small risk w/the SR) because I like a glass of wine at night. Any thoughts on any of this???
Bridgette,
I play darts with a couple of girls taking Wellbutrin to quit smoking and they do their share of drinking and I've never seen either one of them have a seizure. I doubt seriously if a glass of wine is going to throw you into convulsions. Just my 2 cents.
Good luck
Posted by jaycee on November 11, 2002, at 17:03:46
In reply to Re: Paxil to Lexapro--Let's see, salvation or sex??, posted by mills on November 11, 2002, at 12:50:28
I agree that the paxil did a much better job for me as far as depression/anxiety. This is my third full week of 10mg lex and my anxiety feels as though it is getting worse and not better. I called my doc today and she said to give lex another week or two. Mentally I felt much better on paxil but feel better physically on lexapro, does that make sense to anyone else??
Posted by bridgette on November 11, 2002, at 18:31:01
In reply to Re: How we're doing on Lexapro., posted by wharfrat on November 11, 2002, at 14:59:43
Thanks for the reassurance about Wellbutrin and seizures. Another question is is it normal to have up days and then just ok days w/anti depressants (no matter which ones)? I guess I'm asking for alot to want to feel great everyday.
Posted by ANXIETY ANN on November 11, 2002, at 18:33:52
In reply to How ...; Different than everyone as usual., posted by mills on November 11, 2002, at 10:21:20
Hi Mills,
I understand you completely! You sound alot like me. Anyway, I've been on lexapro for alittle over a month and feel much better, hang in there. I haven't had that out of body fuzzy headed feeling with lexapro but I did have it with Prozac. Perhaps your dosage is too high. After I adjusted my Prozac levels down those weird feelings (and they are WEIRD)went away. If those feeling persist, call your doc.
keep in touch
Ann
Posted by Katarina on November 11, 2002, at 18:40:21
In reply to How ...; Different than everyone as usual., posted by mills on November 11, 2002, at 10:21:20
> I wish to god that in just one area of my life, for once, I could have experience that is not a reinvention of the wheel; sigh; anyway, that says it all for my 30 years of non-controllable obsessive introspection (cognitive compulsion vs. behavioral)/borderline schizoiditis (my words, as if I needed to say that);
>
> anyway, my doc moved me from 20 mg up to 30 mg starting Friday, and there is good and bad; my mood improved almost immediately, for which I'm thankful, but my head feels just plain weird; I just feel "unreal;" does ANYONE have that experience or anything close to it; someone please tell me you do, but only if you really do, and please tell me if you don't as well. I just wish I could comiserate with someone on my symptoms that have isolated me in my experience for so f****** long; excuse my french
>
> i hope to hear from some of you; thanks
>
>
> > I have been on Lexapro for 6 weeks but I had Wellbutrin added 5 days ago and either the Lexapro really kicked in OR the Wellbutrin did the trick. I definately feel better---I'm guessing it's the addition of Wellbutrin, but the real question is is when you are on two drugs----how does one know which one???? I added 150mg of Wellbutrin SR----I have even thought about asking for more Wellbutin and cut out the Lexapro, but it's too earlt to do that and, maybe it's the combo that works. I do worry (not much) about the seizure risk w/Wellbutrin (though a small risk w/the SR) because I like a glass of wine at night. Any thoughts on any of this???
>
>Hey there, not to worry...you are not alone in this. If I had to describe the way my head feels on Lexapro, I'd have to call it "Cartoon Head". Like when one of the cartoon characters gets squeezed and their heads balloon out, or if they get hit on the head and it just kind of throbs. Yep, that's me after 4 weeks on the stuff. The first week was the worst, I could actually hear my blood surging in my head, **ewww, yuk! Anyway, I don't think I can take it any longer and will see about switching AGAIN! Many of you have added Wellbutrin to your Lex, and it sounds like a good combo. Perhaps I'll suggest it. Good luck and keep talking about it, it seems to have helped me tremendously just to discuss it with those who are experiencing the same.
*Cheers,
--Kat
Posted by ANXIETY ANN on November 11, 2002, at 18:45:15
In reply to Re: How we're doing on Lexapro., posted by bridgette on November 11, 2002, at 18:31:01
Bridgette,
I think its normal for people to feel good some days and not so good others. I wouldn't know, but I hear thats how "normal" people feel.(Ha Ha)
I guess we can't feel good everyday, at least until they make a "legal" drug for that!
Ann
Posted by Bren on November 11, 2002, at 19:29:28
In reply to Re: How we're doing on Lexapro., posted by ANXIETY ANN on November 11, 2002, at 18:45:15
Hello! I have been taking Celexa for the past 30 days, my doctor switched me from Prozac, which I have been taking for over a year. The only difference that I see with Celexa is increased agitation, so I saw my dr today, and he recommended that I switch to Lexapro. I have read everyone's messages on this site, and I am scared to try it!! From night sweats to dizziness! I did not have any side effects from Prozac nor from Celexa, but I feel that maybe I have just been lucky! Am i just psyching myself out???
Posted by pharmrep on November 11, 2002, at 20:26:17
In reply to Lexapro and headaches, how long do they last?..., posted by charly on November 10, 2002, at 8:07:21
> Hi,
>
> I've been on 10mgs of Lexapro for over 3 weeks and am still getting daily headaches. From others experiences, how long before they go away?
> My depression has gone away, which is great, but headaches aren't fun.
> Thanks,
> charly*** I have heard the nausea/dizziness/headaches that have occurred for some happen usually in the 1st week...but usually go away in the 2nd week...the dr's say it's not uncommon for a new med in your body to do this.
Posted by ANXIETY ANN on November 11, 2002, at 20:42:17
In reply to Re: How we're doing on Lexapro., posted by Bren on November 11, 2002, at 19:29:28
> Hello! I have been taking Celexa for the past 30 days, my doctor switched me from Prozac, which I have been taking for over a year. The only difference that I see with Celexa is increased agitation, so I saw my dr today, and he recommended that I switch to Lexapro. I have read everyone's messages on this site, and I am scared to try it!! From night sweats to dizziness! I did not have any side effects from Prozac nor from Celexa, but I feel that maybe I have just been lucky! Am i just psyching myself out???
Hi,
One thing I've learned from reading everyone's posts is that we all react to meds differently. I am very meds sensitve and dread everytime I have to take a new one but am glad that I tried Lexapro. Give it a try and see how it works.
Good luck, Ann
Posted by Katarina on November 12, 2002, at 7:50:44
In reply to Re: How we're doing on Lexapro., posted by ANXIETY ANN on November 11, 2002, at 20:42:17
> > Hello! I have been taking Celexa for the past 30 days, my doctor switched me from Prozac, which I have been taking for over a year. The only difference that I see with Celexa is increased agitation, so I saw my dr today, and he recommended that I switch to Lexapro. I have read everyone's messages on this site, and I am scared to try it!! From night sweats to dizziness! I did not have any side effects from Prozac nor from Celexa, but I feel that maybe I have just been lucky! Am i just psyching myself out???
>
> Hi,
> One thing I've learned from reading everyone's posts is that we all react to meds differently. I am very meds sensitve and dread everytime I have to take a new one but am glad that I tried Lexapro. Give it a try and see how it works.
> Good luck, AnnRight, Bren, you should give it a try if your doc recommended it. I am quite sensitive to meds, as well, but as Ann said we all react differently. At least with Lexapro it takes so little time to become effective you should be aware of any side effects straight away. Best of luck!
*Cheers,
Kat
Posted by gardener on November 12, 2002, at 9:25:53
In reply to Re: How we're doing on Lexapro., posted by Bren on November 11, 2002, at 19:29:28
Bren, If you had no side effects with either Prozac or Celexa, you are one lucky duck. But it is unlikely tht the Lexapro will have side effects if the others didn't. I am on Celexa and I have night sweats and vivid dreams, although they seem to be dissipating with time. Everyone reacts differently and you seem to be very tolerant to drugs. Let me know how the switch goes, as I have been thinking about switching also.
Posted by mills on November 12, 2002, at 10:01:34
In reply to Re: How ...; Different than everyone as usual., posted by ANXIETY ANN on November 11, 2002, at 18:33:52
Thanks, Ann and Kat; "out of body fuzzy headed" and Cartoon Head are two new ways I can describe what I am feeling; I appreciate the support; the thing that scares me the most with the transition through getting on these meds (mainly Paxil and now Lexapro for me have been the hardest) is it feels like I am demented; my memory is not as good; it's well, sort of "out of body fuzzy headed;" that's the best I can come up with; I'm definitely sticking with it; I outlasted months of transition on Paxil until one day I realized I was no longer keeping daily journals on how hard it was, and it was such a huge relief to have a clear head and actually "happy" feelings for the first time in a long long long time
thanks
> Hi Mills,
> I understand you completely! You sound alot like me. Anyway, I've been on lexapro for alittle over a month and feel much better, hang in there. I haven't had that out of body fuzzy headed feeling with lexapro but I did have it with Prozac. Perhaps your dosage is too high. After I adjusted my Prozac levels down those weird feelings (and they are WEIRD)went away. If those feeling persist, call your doc.
> keep in touch
> Ann
Posted by wharfrat on November 12, 2002, at 11:20:41
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
THOV,
have'nt seen a post from you since the question about drinking. Are you O.K.?
Posted by wharfrat on November 12, 2002, at 14:51:11
In reply to Re: How we're doing on Lexapro., posted by ANXIETY ANN on November 11, 2002, at 18:45:15
> Bridgette,
> I think its normal for people to feel good some days and not so good others. I wouldn't know, but I hear thats how "normal" people feel.(Ha Ha)
> I guess we can't feel good everyday, at least until they make a "legal" drug for that!
> AnnBridgette,
I'm with Ann, I've heard these stories about "normal" people too. I wonder if these beings are real or just urban legend?
Wharf
Posted by mills on November 12, 2002, at 15:01:15
In reply to Re: How we're doing on Lexapro - Bridgette » ANXIETY ANN, posted by wharfrat on November 12, 2002, at 14:51:11
well, there's normal and then there's normal, and I guess you know whether you are or not
> > Bridgette,
> > I think its normal for people to feel good some days and not so good others. I wouldn't know, but I hear thats how "normal" people feel.(Ha Ha)
> > I guess we can't feel good everyday, at least until they make a "legal" drug for that!
> > Ann
>
> Bridgette,
> I'm with Ann, I've heard these stories about "normal" people too. I wonder if these beings are real or just urban legend?
> Wharf
Posted by wharfrat on November 12, 2002, at 15:10:06
In reply to The problem with normal, posted by mills on November 12, 2002, at 15:01:15
> well, there's normal and then there's normal, and I guess you know whether you are or not
Yeah, but who's normal, what's the real definition of being a "normal" person?
>
> > > Bridgette,
> > > I think its normal for people to feel good some days and not so good others. I wouldn't know, but I hear thats how "normal" people feel.(Ha Ha)
> > > I guess we can't feel good everyday, at least until they make a "legal" drug for that!
> > > Ann
> >
> > Bridgette,
> > I'm with Ann, I've heard these stories about "normal" people too. I wonder if these beings are real or just urban legend?
> > Wharf
>
>
Posted by mills on November 12, 2002, at 15:16:40
In reply to Re: The problem with normal » mills, posted by wharfrat on November 12, 2002, at 15:10:06
that I can't answer; I can only speak for myself, and I KNOW I ain't normal
> > well, there's normal and then there's normal, and I guess you know whether you are or not
>
> Yeah, but who's normal, what's the real definition of being a "normal" person?
>
> >
> > > > Bridgette,
> > > > I think its normal for people to feel good some days and not so good others. I wouldn't know, but I hear thats how "normal" people feel.(Ha Ha)
> > > > I guess we can't feel good everyday, at least until they make a "legal" drug for that!
> > > > Ann
> > >
> > > Bridgette,
> > > I'm with Ann, I've heard these stories about "normal" people too. I wonder if these beings are real or just urban legend?
> > > Wharf
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by wharfrat on November 12, 2002, at 15:19:27
In reply to Re: The problem with normal, posted by mills on November 12, 2002, at 15:16:40
> that I can't answer; I can only speak for myself, and I KNOW I ain't normal
I bet a "normal" person would be pretty boring, huh?
>
>
>
> > > well, there's normal and then there's normal, and I guess you know whether you are or not
> >
> > Yeah, but who's normal, what's the real definition of being a "normal" person?
> >
> > >
> > > > > Bridgette,
> > > > > I think its normal for people to feel good some days and not so good others. I wouldn't know, but I hear thats how "normal" people feel.(Ha Ha)
> > > > > I guess we can't feel good everyday, at least until they make a "legal" drug for that!
> > > > > Ann
> > > >
> > > > Bridgette,
> > > > I'm with Ann, I've heard these stories about "normal" people too. I wonder if these beings are real or just urban legend?
> > > > Wharf
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by mills on November 12, 2002, at 15:39:38
In reply to Re: The problem with normal, posted by wharfrat on November 12, 2002, at 15:19:27
Has anyone else experienced the s/e of Paresthesia with Lexapro(prickly feeling in hands sometimes with little red dots), and at what mg? I have just begun to experience it at 30 mg, which in a way is a good sign to me, as it makes me feel the lexapro is going "deep enough" or whatever to get to the areas needing attention; it was only after I got Paresthesia on Paxil that I began to see signs of improvement in my mood and relief from my obsessive introspection. So, anyway, I'm encouraged, and if you get the Paresthesia, don't worry about it; it's a fairly typical side effect, as I understand it, and it's not painful. It's only troublesome if you have no expectation of it and don't know what it is.
Posted by mills on November 12, 2002, at 15:41:10
In reply to Paresthesia anyone? » wharfrat, posted by mills on November 12, 2002, at 15:39:38
sorry, wharfrat, that last post was a general post intended for general dissemination, not just you
> Has anyone else experienced the s/e of Paresthesia with Lexapro(prickly feeling in hands sometimes with little red dots), and at what mg? I have just begun to experience it at 30 mg, which in a way is a good sign to me, as it makes me feel the lexapro is going "deep enough" or whatever to get to the areas needing attention; it was only after I got Paresthesia on Paxil that I began to see signs of improvement in my mood and relief from my obsessive introspection. So, anyway, I'm encouraged, and if you get the Paresthesia, don't worry about it; it's a fairly typical side effect, as I understand it, and it's not painful. It's only troublesome if you have no expectation of it and don't know what it is.
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