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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Roman on November 20, 2002, at 15:23:36
In reply to Re: switch from Celexa to Lexapro? » Roman, posted by pharmrep on November 20, 2002, at 12:46:25
Thanks for the info pharmrep. Is it more common to switch straight away or cross-taper from Cel to Lex?
Cheers,
Roman
Posted by pharmrep on November 20, 2002, at 18:03:20
In reply to Re: switch from Celexa to Lexapro? » pharmrep, posted by Roman on November 20, 2002, at 15:23:36
> Thanks for the info pharmrep. Is it more common to switch straight away or cross-taper from Cel to Lex?
>
> Cheers,
>
> Roman** no taper needed...next day is fine...same was true for celexa (even from prozac with it's long half-life)
the only concerns with tapering come from paxil and effexor (short half-lifes)...with that said...I have heard of some dizziness/nausea/vomitting/g.i. disturbances, etc in the 1st week or 2 when switching from either paxil or effexor to another antidepressant, Lexapro included. As long as a person knows about the "discontinuation syndrome" with paxil and effexor, and doesnt blame the new med for any "withdrawal side effects" that occur...just give it some time and it should get better with time.
******* anybody out there experience paxil's or effexor's "discontinuation syndrome?" How long did it take for the old meds side effects go away?
Posted by oldhand on November 20, 2002, at 19:36:44
In reply to Re: switch from Celexa to Lexapro » Roman, posted by pharmrep on November 20, 2002, at 18:03:20
I had horrible withdrawal from Effexor. Electric sinews, headache, nausea, anxiety attack, shakes. itches, sleeplessness and on and on. Only place I was comfortable was in the shower. It was worst thing I've ever experienced
Posted by pharmrep on November 20, 2002, at 19:40:28
In reply to Re: switch from Celexa to Lexapro » Roman, posted by pharmrep on November 20, 2002, at 18:03:20
> > Thanks for the info pharmrep. Is it more common to switch straight away or cross-taper from Cel to Lex?
> > Cheers,
> > Roman> ** no taper needed...next day is fine...same was true for celexa (even from prozac with it's long half-life)
> the only concerns with tapering come from paxil and effexor (short half-lifes)...with that said...I have heard of some dizziness/nausea/vomitting/g.i. disturbances, etc in the 1st week or 2 when switching from either paxil or effexor to another antidepressant, Lexapro included. As long as a person knows about the "discontinuation syndrome" with paxil and effexor, and doesnt blame the new med for any "withdrawal side effects" that occur...just give it some time and it should get better with time.
> ******* anybody out there experience paxil's or effexor's "discontinuation syndrome?" How long did it take for the old meds side effects go away?
Posted by ANXIETY ANN on November 20, 2002, at 20:45:03
In reply to anybody have withdrawal s/e with paxil or effexor?, posted by pharmrep on November 20, 2002, at 19:40:28
> > > Thanks for the info pharmrep. Is it more common to switch straight away or cross-taper from Cel to Lex?
> > > Cheers,
> > > Roman
>
> > ** no taper needed...next day is fine...same was true for celexa (even from prozac with it's long half-life)
> > the only concerns with tapering come from paxil and effexor (short half-lifes)...with that said...I have heard of some dizziness/nausea/vomitting/g.i. disturbances, etc in the 1st week or 2 when switching from either paxil or effexor to another antidepressant, Lexapro included. As long as a person knows about the "discontinuation syndrome" with paxil and effexor, and doesnt blame the new med for any "withdrawal side effects" that occur...just give it some time and it should get better with time.
>
>
> > ******* anybody out there experience paxil's or effexor's "discontinuation syndrome?" How long did it take for the old meds side effects go away?
>
> Hi,I took Effexor for about 3 years and discountined taking it about a year ago. I had a hard time getting off it because of the discontinuation syndrome. Weird head twitches, upset stomach, headaches. It took about 3 months to completely get off of the effexor and feel normal again. I tapered down each week and it was still hard.
Anxiety Ann
Posted by ayuda on November 20, 2002, at 20:52:51
In reply to all-in-1 info for my lexapro friends, posted by pharmrep on November 20, 2002, at 12:03:07
Thanks for the all-in-one answer.
I do take my ADs in the morning, first thing after I get up (I take all my meds in the a.m. except, of course, Ativan). Still have complete insomnia (without the Ativan, I don't sleep more than 3 hours a night). With the Ativan, I am up and down all night but get at least 5-6 hours, and have been having those vivid dreams many have discussed (some are quite pleasant, actually). I don't know that I want to take another AD in addition to the Lexapro -- do you recommend another non-habit-forming drug that would help with the insomnia and would work well with the Lexapro? I used to take Neurontin as a mood stabilizer, and one of the s/e's is sleepiness, though I don't recall if it made me sleepy or not (took it at night time). Also, just info on me in particular, I am a 37-yr-old female, and not particularly worried about any s/e other than insomnia and weight gain. Oh, and nausea/GERD (caused by the Effexor and still not gone).
> 1-...for those not sleeping well... do you take lex at night or in morning? I would suggest taking in morning, it might help.
>
> 2-...trazodone....might help if your dr says ok (lowest dose possible should do fine).
>
> 3-...possible probs w/ trazodone...only 1 in 10000, but look up priapism for the guys...it might look ok, but not a fun s/e.
>
> 4-...breaking pills...good news and bad...bad=they are scored, but are pretty small and sometimes crumble...try a razor/non-serated knife on the score-line on a flat surface (press slowly/lightly until broken)
> good= there are plans to make a 5mg pill (also scored) so titrating up will be easier (15mg vs going all the way to 20mg, and of course not having to chop up the 10mg, and also, for those who are very sensitive...getting a 2.5mg without having to use a microscope...hang in there folks and keep posting)
Posted by ayuda on November 20, 2002, at 21:07:35
In reply to anybody have withdrawal s/e with paxil or effexor?, posted by pharmrep on November 20, 2002, at 19:40:28
> > > Thanks for the info pharmrep. Is it more common to switch straight away or cross-taper from Cel to Lex?
> > > Cheers,
> > > Roman
>
> > ** no taper needed...next day is fine...same was true for celexa (even from prozac with it's long half-life)
> > the only concerns with tapering come from paxil and effexor (short half-lifes)...with that said...I have heard of some dizziness/nausea/vomitting/g.i. disturbances, etc in the 1st week or 2 when switching from either paxil or effexor to another antidepressant, Lexapro included. As long as a person knows about the "discontinuation syndrome" with paxil and effexor, and doesnt blame the new med for any "withdrawal side effects" that occur...just give it some time and it should get better with time.
>
>
> > ******* anybody out there experience paxil's or effexor's "discontinuation syndrome?" How long did it take for the old meds side effects go away?
>
>I am still coming off the Effexor -- my first week on the Lexapro, I took 5mg Lex (and my pill cutter did pretty good on them) and 150 mg Effexor (had been up to 225 mg Effexor), the following week 10 mg Lex and 75 mg Efexor, and this week 10 mg Lex and 37.5 Effexor.
S/e's: dizziness mostly. Some mental confusion with the dizziness. Blurred vision. The g.i. problems were much worse when I was on the Effexor -- I really developed an ulcer (though Effexor caused an increase in my appetite, which made life hell). The GERD is still pretty bad, I'm taking OTC Pepcid complete 2x every day -- but at least it is working. When I was on the full dose of Effexor, nothing worked.
About Celexa withdrawal, though: I went off Celexa at the end of 2000 (the first time I was on it) after I could not afford the doctor or Rx (changed jobs, worse benefits). I had to taper over a 2 month period. I tried a shorter taper, but dizziness was massive. I got down to where I was cutting the 10 mg tablets into 2.5 (approx), needing some Celexa in my system to not have the dizzy spells. I think it's easier to switch from one AD to another than to quit altogether. When I switched from Zoloft to Celexa (the first time -- I've done both Rx's 2 times), I tapered over one day, then off the Zoloft, no s/e's. I had gone into Seratonin shock at 50 mg of Zoloft at that time, so my shrink had to get me off it fast, and onto Celexa at the same time.
Speaking of the difference between Effexor and Lex, though -- I am enjoying the decrease in my appetite. I hope it stays around. I can't afford to have the appetite and g.i. problems of the Effexor.
Posted by samenewme on November 20, 2002, at 21:22:26
In reply to Should I suggest a switch from Celexa to Lexapro?, posted by Roman on November 20, 2002, at 12:23:36
> I'm planning on talking with my doc about the switch due to daytime fatigue on Celexa 40 mg. I tried taking it a night, but it caused insomnia.
>
> What do you all think? Is the switch a smart move?
It COULD be a smart move. One thing I'd suggest, though, before switching, is taking the Celexa in the afternoon instead of at night. Maybe it'll be cleared out enough that you can sleep, without giving you daytime fatigue.
Posted by Roman on November 20, 2002, at 22:36:38
In reply to Re: Should I suggest a switch from Celexa to Lexapro?, posted by samenewme on November 20, 2002, at 21:22:26
I tried taking it in the afternoon and in the evening. The daytime drowsiness was the same, the difference was my ability to sleep soundly.
Thanks for the suggestion.
Posted by syringachalet on November 21, 2002, at 9:18:06
In reply to Re: for people taking Lex for anxiety » Brandymac26, posted by Ritch on November 5, 2002, at 12:50:15
Hello Ritch,
One of the reasons I was sold on SSRIs was that after many years of off and on tricyclics medications and sedative hyponotics, I was starting to have Parkinsonian-like dyskenic events.
Mostly eye twitching/blinking and unconcisous foottaping that exacerbated when I was tired or very anxious.Try to consciously try to control these just made them worse.
With SSRIs almost none of these have occured in me. I do not take anyother psycoactive meds.
For most people I have talked to that have had neg. side effects from SSRIs, these were related to taking the med on empty stomach(nausea) or increased blood pressure( dehydration) or dystonia( interactive with other prescribed medications).
Also be ware that most any allergy med or cold med can had interaction issues with SSRIs too...
Posted by BuzzLightyear on November 21, 2002, at 18:27:39
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I'm new to the AD thing, and was given my first script last week of Wellbutrin. It gave me a terrible itch and some intermittent slight rashes. So my doc switched me to Lexapro two days ago.
First, I did like the none SEs of Wellbutrin. I was feeling better than I have in months, too bad I had an allergic reaction.
Lexapro is kind of strange. I feel reasonably well mentally, but also feel a bit high. I find myself clinching my teeth, or feeling a slight dizziness. I also sense a slight tightness around the front of the top of my head, not painful though. It is though I am coming down off a pot of coffee.
Even with these SEs thus far I am able to concentrate on my work.
Posted by ayuda on November 21, 2002, at 19:38:53
In reply to New user, posted by BuzzLightyear on November 21, 2002, at 18:27:39
> I'm new to the AD thing, and was given my first script last week of Wellbutrin. It gave me a terrible itch and some intermittent slight rashes. So my doc switched me to Lexapro two days ago.
>
> First, I did like the none SEs of Wellbutrin. I was feeling better than I have in months, too bad I had an allergic reaction.
>
> Lexapro is kind of strange. I feel reasonably well mentally, but also feel a bit high. I find myself clinching my teeth, or feeling a slight dizziness. I also sense a slight tightness around the front of the top of my head, not painful though. It is though I am coming down off a pot of coffee.
>
> Even with these SEs thus far I am able to concentrate on my work.
I've read that one of the s/e's of Lexapro is jaw clenching -- I don't know if that lasts or subsides. I suffer from it all the time anyhow, but I have noticed that it has gotten worse.What mg of Lex are you taking?
Posted by Scit on November 21, 2002, at 19:41:47
In reply to Wish I could, posted by JaneB on June 11, 2002, at 13:12:29
> I am still waiting for Lexapro to be available. Anyone know when that will be?
> JaneBLexapro is already available, it's been out for a few weeks. I got it just last week from my doctor.
-Scit
Posted by Roger Santiago on November 21, 2002, at 20:54:00
In reply to Re: really crazy » Roger Santiago, posted by Mr.Scott on November 20, 2002, at 12:28:23
> Obviously I don't know your history, but have you considered another diagnosis such as bipolar II?
>
> Frequently people with BP II become variously activated with AD's. Some develop agitation or anxiety while others develop a more clear manic activation. Regardless BP II's are generally depressed most of the time. Check out this one guys site www.psycheducation.org for more info.
Thank you, for your observation(s)Mr. Scott. Sincerely appreciated. will go to sight now.
Roger
Posted by Mr.Scott on November 21, 2002, at 23:55:12
In reply to Re: switch from Celexa to Lexapro » pharmrep, posted by oldhand on November 20, 2002, at 19:36:44
Any SSRI or Effexor will substitute perfectly for one another. You should be able to go right from Effexor or Paxil to Lexapro without any withdrawal or uneasiness. And then I suspect but have not confirmed Lexapro is easier to taper than Effexor or Paxil. It's all about short half life and the brain experiencing too rapid a change. Prozac withdrawal in minimal only because it lasts sooo long.Scott
Posted by ayuda on November 22, 2002, at 0:10:39
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I was just wondering if anything definitive has been figured out here about Lexapro and anxiety. I suffer greatly from GAD, and the Effexor took care of it well (better than the Celexa or Zoloft did). How well it took care of it is obvious to me now that I am coming off it and onto Lexapro -- I feel completely unprotected from my severe anxiety. My doctor (as I've noted in other postings) is not happy about me on the Ativan, an attitude that bothers me because she is not the one suffering.
I was thinking that I can increase my Lexapro to 15mg from 10 (I only have two more doses of Effexor to take) and see if that helps. I can't afford to experience this anxiety -- I fly off the handle too quickly, and it pains me spiritually to be as agitated as I've been. I just can't live like this. So if anyone who has been taking the Lex for more than a month has an opinion about anxiety -- not it causing anxiety but if it effectively treats anxiety, and at what dosage -- I would appreciate the info, so I can present my doctor with a little bit of knowledge about this. Thanks!
Posted by Roger Santiago on November 22, 2002, at 0:25:20
In reply to Re: New user » BuzzLightyear, posted by ayuda on November 21, 2002, at 19:38:53
> > I'm new to the AD thing, and was given my first script last week of Wellbutrin. It gave me a terrible itch and some intermittent slight rashes. So my doc switched me to Lexapro two days ago.
> >
> > First, I did like the none SEs of Wellbutrin. I was feeling better than I have in months, too bad I had an allergic reaction.
> >
> > Lexapro is kind of strange. I feel reasonably well mentally, but also feel a bit high. I find myself clinching my teeth, or feeling a slight dizziness. I also sense a slight tightness around the front of the top of my head, not painful though. It is though I am coming down off a pot of coffee.
> >
> > Even with these SEs thus far I am able to concentrate on my work.
>
>
> I've read that one of the s/e's of Lexapro is jaw clenching -- I don't know if that lasts or subsides. I suffer from it all the time anyhow, but I have noticed that it has gotten worse.
>
> What mg of Lex are you taking?
Hello BuzzLightYear:
I am new here and was not sure if you were asking me (santiago). Anyhow, I did read your experiences
with Wellbutrin and presently with Lexapro. I was
taking CELEXA 40mg., either day or night but once daily. I have been reading good things about LEXAPRO, but have not taken this AD. As a non-medical person, it seems the jaw tension maybe
causing the forehead tension/sensation. It seems to be a good sign that you feel comfortable with mental ability/faculties. However, please check with the Dr., you think best to provide you with
a satisfactory answer you feel good with. I noticed "AYUDA" I speak SPA., Is that what that was? Sincerely, Santiago>
Posted by Mr.Scott on November 22, 2002, at 0:32:29
In reply to So what's the scoop on anxiety and Lexapro?, posted by ayuda on November 22, 2002, at 0:10:39
I wouldn't expect it to work any better than Celexa for anxiety. It may have fewer side effects, but it's no miracle drug.
I am much like you in some ways. I always thought I had an anxiety disorder (which I do) and I have been taking Effexor which has been the best so far. I also have found out conclusively in the last year I have Bipolar typer II. In the last week I have switched to Lexapro (doc gave me samples) and noticed the first couple days I felt great, now I'm not doing so hot. My appetite is dramatically increased and my face is swelling a little bit as it does on all the newer AD's except Effexor. It's from water mostly.
Since it's supposed to work faster than other AD's I'm only going to give it two weeks. At that point I'm going back to Effexor and a benzodiazepine which has been the kindest to me so far.
Are you still taking Effexor with the Lexapro? I had NO PROBLEM just dropping the Effexor and having the Lexapro fill in for it. Maybe the combo is too much for you?
Keep us posted. And tell your doctor to relax on the Ativan if she wants to keep a patient. It's not your fault these 'wonder drugs' fail you and Ativan is helpful.
Scott
Posted by Kairos on November 22, 2002, at 2:16:28
In reply to Re: Should I suggest a switch from Celexa to Lexapro? » samenewme, posted by Roman on November 20, 2002, at 22:36:38
>Ok - is anyone havingtroubles sleeping soundly with Lexapro? I find I'm waking about every two hours - IF I can even FALL asleep?
Thanks for any tips -
Kairos
I tried taking it in the afternoon and in the evening. The daytime drowsiness was the same, the difference was my ability to sleep soundly.
>
> Thanks for the suggestion.
Posted by Atlrunner2002 on November 22, 2002, at 5:46:49
In reply to So what's the scoop on anxiety and Lexapro?, posted by ayuda on November 22, 2002, at 0:10:39
> I was just wondering if anything definitive has been figured out here about Lexapro and anxiety. I suffer greatly from GAD, and the Effexor took care of it well (better than the Celexa or Zoloft did). How well it took care of it is obvious to me now that I am coming off it and onto Lexapro -- I feel completely unprotected from my severe anxiety. My doctor (as I've noted in other postings) is not happy about me on the Ativan, an attitude that bothers me because she is not the one suffering.
>
> I was thinking that I can increase my Lexapro to 15mg from 10 (I only have two more doses of Effexor to take) and see if that helps. I can't afford to experience this anxiety -- I fly off the handle too quickly, and it pains me spiritually to be as agitated as I've been. I just can't live like this. So if anyone who has been taking the Lex for more than a month has an opinion about anxiety -- not it causing anxiety but if it effectively treats anxiety, and at what dosage -- I would appreciate the info, so I can present my doctor with a little bit of knowledge about this. Thanks!I have been on Lexapro for 2+ months now for both depression and anxiety. It "lifted" the depression within a few days, but the anxiety stuck around. After 3 weeks I increased my dose from 10 mg a day (in the a.m.) to 15 (added half a pill at night) and it made a huge difference in the anxiety. I do still have some anxiety occasionally - but it's nothing that 1/2 a .25 mg Xanax can't handle (which is such a low dose it's probably more psychological than anything.)
Posted by ayuda on November 22, 2002, at 10:07:37
In reply to Re: So what's the scoop on anxiety and Lexapro? » ayuda, posted by Mr.Scott on November 22, 2002, at 0:32:29
First of all, I'd like to apologize for the previous post appearing several times. Actually, my computer crashed as soon as I clicked the confirm button, so I had no idea it even went through -- I had to reboot, and didn't log back in to this site. I'm ordering a new computer next week, because this one is so bad especially on the web.
Anyhow, Scott and Altrunner, thanks so much for your responses, they help a lot. The more info I can take into my doctor the better. I'll have to 1) go ahead and increase my Lexapro (I increase my dosage on my own often, since I only have med checks once a month) and 2) pin her into an Rx for something to help me sleep, whether it's Ativan or something she "approves" of. But you are right, she needs to make sure I am not suffering just because she has an ethical problem with treating my s/e's.
I was tapering off the Effexor, but am done with it now -- after reading your post and Altrunner's, I realized that it was ridiculous to hold myself strictly to the taper regimen, and that I should go ahead and increase to 15 mg today and stop the Effexor.
I find it interesting that you are on Lexapro for Bipolar -- I thought that was treated differently. Do you see a shrink or an internist for your meds? Did you not have the g.i. problems that I did with the Effexor? I was so sick that I could not think straight -- but then again, I suffer from g.i. problems naturally. That -- and the massive weight gain -- are the only reasons I stopped the Effexor. I find it interesting also that you've had an increase in appetite from the Effexor to the Lexapro -- I've had just the opposite. I could barely stop eating with the Effexor (despite the acid reflux -- I was miserable), and now I'm back to two meals a day, and I don't feel starved in between.
Good luck on whatever combo works good for you.
> I wouldn't expect it to work any better than Celexa for anxiety. It may have fewer side effects, but it's no miracle drug.
>
> I am much like you in some ways. I always thought I had an anxiety disorder (which I do) and I have been taking Effexor which has been the best so far. I also have found out conclusively in the last year I have Bipolar typer II. In the last week I have switched to Lexapro (doc gave me samples) and noticed the first couple days I felt great, now I'm not doing so hot. My appetite is dramatically increased and my face is swelling a little bit as it does on all the newer AD's except Effexor. It's from water mostly.
>
> Since it's supposed to work faster than other AD's I'm only going to give it two weeks. At that point I'm going back to Effexor and a benzodiazepine which has been the kindest to me so far.
>
> Are you still taking Effexor with the Lexapro? I had NO PROBLEM just dropping the Effexor and having the Lexapro fill in for it. Maybe the combo is too much for you?
>
> Keep us posted. And tell your doctor to relax on the Ativan if she wants to keep a patient. It's not your fault these 'wonder drugs' fail you and Ativan is helpful.
>
> Scott
Posted by ayuda on November 22, 2002, at 10:13:27
In reply to Re: New user, posted by Roger Santiago on November 22, 2002, at 0:25:20
Santiago -- I am the only person in South Florida who doesn't speak Spanish, however I am learning because I am studying (in part) Latin American history, so I tend to try to work the language into my daily life. In figuring a name to use for this site, that this was supposed to help, I chose the handle "ayuda".
Posted by syringachalet on November 22, 2002, at 10:15:16
In reply to New user, posted by BuzzLightyear on November 21, 2002, at 18:27:39
Hello Buzz,(I like that name..:o) )
I have known several other people who just started Lexapro(< 10 days) tell me roughly the same kind of symptomology. (runners high..sugar high...)
In reading the literature and in my own personal experience it was the inhibitation/decrease of seratonin that my body was getting adjusted to that gave me a similar feeling. As time went by, it did 'level out' and although I was no longer as depressed as before the Lexapro, my reasoning/concentration was not clouded like when I was on tricyclics meds like Elavil or even a sleeper my shrink prescribed PRN, Sonata.($3.each)
That is why it is so important that you not just stop the SSRIs 'cold turkey'; the flood of returning seratonin (I have been told "is almost as much Hell as going through withdrawal from meth").
A chemical imbalance of seratonin, a naturally occuring body substance, is not that much different than the chemical imbalance of insulin to a diabetic. No diabetic I have ever known woke up one morning and said to himself, "you know what I think I will stop taking my insulin and I will be fine"....that kind of denial would have some diabetics dead in 72 hours without some intervention.Hang on, Buzz, I think you sound like things will be geting 'brighter' for you soon...LOL syringachalet
Posted by new user2 on November 22, 2002, at 10:28:43
In reply to New user, posted by BuzzLightyear on November 21, 2002, at 18:27:39
I too am a new user 4 days. I felt great for day 1-3, but today I had an intense feeling that I was on fire thoughout my body. (Lasted 20 minutes)Even my hair folicles expeienced a burning feeling. Is this normal?
Posted by Mr.Scott on November 22, 2002, at 11:01:46
In reply to Re: So what's the scoop on anxiety and Lexapro? » Mr.Scott, posted by ayuda on November 22, 2002, at 10:07:37
Individual differences are truly amazing with these drugs... Everyone has a totally different response...
Regarding Bipolar. I'm Type II which means I'm mostly depressed and occassionally hypomanic or very happy & excited considering I may have been morbidly depressed the day before, but nothing crazy on the manic side. I agree that it is usually treated differently. No one sees or addressss my hypomanias, and then they get mad at me because the AD's don't work for some reason?!?!?
Scott
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