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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1419 to 1443 of 8406. Go back in thread:
Posted by markmn on November 26, 2002, at 13:39:11
In reply to Re: Forest » Mr.Scott, posted by maririp on October 10, 2002, at 7:31:03
Hi all,
I've been on Lexapro(10mg)(10mg 5 in the morning and 5 with dinner)for about two and a half weeks now. Problem is that for about a 4 or 5 hour period in the middle of the day my brain is so foggy. My eyes feel super heavy and I don't feel with it. Is my dosage to high on the Lex, my doctor started me at 10, not the usual 5? Should I just take it at night? I've also been weening myself off of Paxil (15mg). I'm currently at 5mg. I know this could all be withdrawal, but have any of you had this s/e starting Lexapro?
-markmn
Posted by mills on November 26, 2002, at 13:47:28
In reply to Anyone else foggy on Lexapro?, posted by markmn on November 26, 2002, at 13:39:11
foggy is not the word for it; more like demented, but i'm on 30 mg, and it is worse in the morning (I take at night) and subsides 'somewhat' by the end of the day; i went through a similar thing with paxil and one day realized it was gone, but it was hard as hell riding it out, but i was very very glad i did; i can only hope the same thing happens with lexapro because it is very unsettling
> Hi all,
>
> I've been on Lexapro(10mg)(10mg 5 in the morning and 5 with dinner)for about two and a half weeks now. Problem is that for about a 4 or 5 hour period in the middle of the day my brain is so foggy. My eyes feel super heavy and I don't feel with it. Is my dosage to high on the Lex, my doctor started me at 10, not the usual 5? Should I just take it at night? I've also been weening myself off of Paxil (15mg). I'm currently at 5mg. I know this could all be withdrawal, but have any of you had this s/e starting Lexapro?
> -markmn
Posted by Alan on November 26, 2002, at 14:45:37
In reply to Re: 5 Days on Lexepro = Efficacy side effects, posted by Rich B on November 26, 2002, at 7:26:52
> OK, When I started this thread, somebody got off the subject right away and it turned into some heated debate. So, I am going to repost my previous message to see if I actually get responces that are relevant.
>
>
> I have been on Lexapro for 5 days (including today) for Anxiety. So far, it has done nothing for the anxiety. If anything, it has made it worse. I grind my teeth allot and when I am working on something, I do it very intensely and the anxiety is even worse than it was before. When I am not doing much, am often tired. The tiredness is on and off and I get very tired early in the evening. I have not had insomnia, but when I get up at night to go to the bathroom, I have a hard time getting back to sleep. I have dry mouth and this very light constant headache in the back of my head. This is caused by a tightness in my neck and the back of my head that I believe Lexepro is causing. Can anyone shed some light on my situation? I know I need to give it more time, and I plan on it, but so far, it doesn’t look to good. I am trying to work on my anxiety problem (GAD) through therapy and I was hoping this medication would help bring me down a little and relax. Its hard to work on when the physical systems act as this counterproductive force holding me back.
> Thanks in advance.
> Rich
===========================================
I think I responded directly after you posted:Many docs include a "start - up" benzo like ativan or xanax to counteract the start-up side effects of AD's - increased anxiety, etc....especially when you are doing this very important "head" work with a psychologist or other type of therapy.
Has your doctor offered you bzd monotherapy on an equal footing with the AD - considering your DX?
If not, why not?
Alan
Posted by wharfrat on November 26, 2002, at 15:14:45
In reply to Light sensitivity, posted by new user2 on November 26, 2002, at 11:33:22
> Just wondering if anyone experienced sensitivity to bright lights during the first week of taking lexapro. Any info would be helpful.
>
> Thank you!Newuser2
I don't really remember light sensitivity because I've always been light sensitive, but about the first 2 weeks on lexapro, colors really seemed vivid and at times my vision was just really screwed up, could'nt focus my eyes etc. But that has pretty much gone away.
Good luck and hang in there.
Wharf
Posted by wharfrat on November 26, 2002, at 15:39:55
In reply to Anyone else foggy on Lexapro?, posted by markmn on November 26, 2002, at 13:39:11
Hi markmn,
I'm on 10 mg for 8 weeks now. My doctor told me to take it in the morning and I don't have any problems during the day. At the time I started though, I was borderline insomniac, get 3 maybe 4 hours of sleep a night. Doc told me that after taking lexapro for about 2 weeks, I should start sleeping thru the night. By taking it in the morning, any fogginess that I had or occasionally still have occurs around bedtime. And that's a good thing because I sleep like a baby all night long and am fully rested in the morning and thru the day. You might just take the whole 10 mg in the morning and see what happens. It might kind of hammer you at first since your not used to taking a full dose at once, but hey, I've never taken antidees before and I stuck out all the little inconvenient side effects with lexapro and glad I did. Good luck.
Wharf
Posted by wharfrat on November 26, 2002, at 16:07:45
In reply to Re: 5 Days on Lexepro = Rich B » wharfrat, posted by iomasters on November 26, 2002, at 10:05:35
> > Rich,
> > It's not uncommon to feel that you've been ignored on this board. I'm suprised Dr. Bob did'nt request a redirect on that "Fiery Rhetoric"
> > Anyway, back to you. 5 days on lexapro and your feeling exactly like I did, dull headaches, clenched jaw, trippy feeling. Don't worry, that should all go away after a couple of weeks. It did with me anyway. I never have been on an antidee before, but I was determined to go thru whatever it took to try and get better(by the way I've been on it for 8 weeks now and feeling better than I can remember ever feeling). I don't remember if you said this is your first experience with anti's or not, but hang in there. There are some other SSRI's that I've seen on this board that I believe (though I've never been on them), that the side effects sound hellacious compared to Lexapro. So good luck and keep posting.
> > Regards,
> > Wharf
>
>
> Rich and Wharf,
> Thanks for your thoughts. I have been on Lexapro for 3 days now (today included), and every day I have said that I'm not going to take it the next.
> But, I am 'desperate' to overcome the feelings I had before I started.
>
> I have had the EXACT same side effects that you described. I really don't like the 'antsy' feeling I have all day, but I am hoping that
> -with time- it will subside. Thanks for writing. It has encouraged me to hang in there.
>
> Rich, please keep me posting as the side effects fade ;)
>
> iomasters
>iomasters,
the other wierd side effect I remember early on was a kind of metallic taste in my mouth and a feeling that I was starting a psychedelic trip. Have you felt that way?
Wharf
Posted by syringachalet on November 26, 2002, at 16:22:20
In reply to Re: Taking pill morning vs. night? , posted by Phyl on November 26, 2002, at 6:31:58
Hi Phyl, I have had clients that tell me similar scenarios to yours above: Being too anxious/wakefull to sleep at bedtime whe taking the Lexapro at h.s. (hour of sleep).
Phyl, my personal and professional experience is that because the med seems to be helping with your anxiety/depression and most of us will need these SSRIs until our own brain deceieds they dont need them anymore( which could be a very long time), we need to help make our medication regimes just another part of OUR lifestyles.
If taking your Lexapro fits your lifestyle better in the morning, by all means take it then. The emphasis is on regualar DAILY dose.
For me, I have gotten to the point that I usually take my Lexapro at h.s. but if I have the chance to go out with friends and want a glass of white wine with my dinner(that is ONE 4 ounce glass ONLY), I take my Lexapro the next morning.
All of these drugs have half-lives and for me
and most anyone, it would be safer and better
for me to incorporate my medication as just another part of my daily life..like eating, showering or anything else I do every day.So Phyl, if taking your Lexapro works better in the AM, great...MAKE YOUR MEDS REALLY WORK FOR YOU!!!(they ought to.. they cost enough :o)
syringachalet
Posted by oldhand on November 26, 2002, at 16:25:55
In reply to Re: 5 Days on Lexepro = Efficacy side effects, posted by Rich B on November 26, 2002, at 7:26:52
Hi Rich:
I have been on Lexapro since Nov. 12th. I too feel tense, clench my jaws at night and carry a slight headache but after a nasty trial of Effexor I am going to go with this. I feel much less depressed but have very little energy (maybe from the tension as mentioned). I am looking at major changes within the next two weeks so I don't know what to credit the tension to, life stressors or medication. I also have terrible insomnia but again am waiting for things to settle down before seriously addressing this. One good thing is I do not feel like drinking alcohol which I have used excessively in the past.
I am sensitive to alot of meds and have had bad reactions or had them poop out on me all too often. I think it was George Carlin who said "side effects" are only side effects if you are the doctor. If you are the patient they are major effects.
I say hang in there and keep us posted.
Posted by rscrvc on November 26, 2002, at 16:34:26
In reply to Re: Another question and statement, posted by Phil on August 1, 2002, at 11:21:26
> SSRI sexual problems are about 70% according to people in your field. I'll try to find the info.
> Read the archives on this board. I think Celexa is better but it's not to me.
>
> Anyway, I like Forest Labs for what I know about them. Lilly strikes me as operating from Billy Bob Gates book of ruthless business practice. Sarafem, please.
>
> Here's my combo, give me your thoughts, if you will.
> Celexa 60mg
> Wellbutrin 400mg
> Clonazepam 3mg
> Adderall XR 60-90mg
>
> In the last few days, I dropped Celexa to 40mg to see if: a. My unit would work...no. b. See if I could wake up. I've talked to others on this board about Celexa sleepiness which is horrendous.
> I went to 90mg of Adderall and have been guzzling coffee! I've taken Clonazepam with a lot of drugs and it's not the culprit. When I dropped Celexa to 40mg the first day, while at 90mg Adderall, I stayed up till 3 a.m.
> A lady here, can't remember who, took Dex for years. After starting Celexa, her once steady dose had to be escalated several times to no avail. What up? It has been the worst for me in that area.
>
> I know you aren't a shrink but appreciate your input. How long have you been in that business?Hiya! I'm not a rep or anything in the industry, but I do want to mention that I know 2 men who have had trouble, um, raising their flags, ahem, while on Adderall. My shrink says it's unheard of, but well, I heard it, and they weren't just making it up for fun, now, were they? One is on 400mg Wellbutrin, as well, and the other isn't on anything else.
The solution for one (with good prescrip coverage) was to go to Concerta for the ADHD (another salt, same brain effect, time release, etc.) and the other went to the generic Methylphenidate ER- generic time-release Ritalin, shorter-acting, less consistent time-release than the Concerta, about 1/20th the cost.
Both report fine flag-waving, and while there isn't any explanation for the difficulty, there must be something to the Adderall that isn't being spoken of much. You may give that a shot!
Good luck!
Posted by oldhand on November 26, 2002, at 16:37:31
In reply to Re: Anyone else foggy on Lexapro? » markmn, posted by wharfrat on November 26, 2002, at 15:39:55
Wharf,
Thanks for the encouragement on the insomnia end of Lexapro. I LOVE to sleep and like you am only getting about 4-6 hours, if any, a night now. Feel so wakeful but so tired at the same time. Trazodone at 100mg does not help, so I am hoping that the insomnia fades for me as it did for you.
Posted by pharmrep on November 26, 2002, at 20:01:29
In reply to Re: anybody have withdrawal s/e with paxil or effexor?, posted by neptune on November 25, 2002, at 14:23:41
> It is about to kill me. I just went from 150mg a day of Effexor to Lexapro. The first 14 days were a horror movie, about a C level movie. I went one effexor per day and one lexapro for 3 days, and then all to Lexzpro. I was very sick, did not throw up but could not stay out of the bathroom, immodium may help, I just did not try it because I was taking enough stuff. I have no energy, and my mood is very bleek. I have been in bed for the past 6 days with a brutal "cold". I didn't know my head could hurt so much. This is my first day out. So, I still don't know if I will be able to take the lexapro, or have to fall back to the effexor. I have severe stomach problems anyway, But Effexor seemed to work fine on the stomach, not much on Depression, and before that was tofranil, did not have any stomach problems for about 10 years, and before that I had problems with my stomach for 27 years.
>
> I am just gritting my teeth.
>
> Neptune
>
> Let me know how you do. O.K.*** sorry so rough...do go back...you are through the worst part..hopefully you can stick with lexapro...it works
Posted by pharmrep on November 26, 2002, at 20:02:03
In reply to Re: anybody have withdrawal s/e with paxil or effexor?, posted by neptune on November 25, 2002, at 14:23:41
> It is about to kill me. I just went from 150mg a day of Effexor to Lexapro. The first 14 days were a horror movie, about a C level movie. I went one effexor per day and one lexapro for 3 days, and then all to Lexzpro. I was very sick, did not throw up but could not stay out of the bathroom, immodium may help, I just did not try it because I was taking enough stuff. I have no energy, and my mood is very bleek. I have been in bed for the past 6 days with a brutal "cold". I didn't know my head could hurt so much. This is my first day out. So, I still don't know if I will be able to take the lexapro, or have to fall back to the effexor. I have severe stomach problems anyway, But Effexor seemed to work fine on the stomach, not much on Depression, and before that was tofranil, did not have any stomach problems for about 10 years, and before that I had problems with my stomach for 27 years.
>
> I am just gritting my teeth.
>
> Neptune
>
> Let me know how you do. O.K.*** sorry so rough...dont...i repeat...dont go back...you are through the worst part..hopefully you can stick with lexapro...it works
Posted by pharmrep on November 26, 2002, at 20:16:13
In reply to Re: Taking pill morning vs. night? , posted by Phyl on November 26, 2002, at 6:31:58
> It seems that if I take Lexapro in the morning, I can sleep pretty well at night. But if I take it in the late afternoon,I have difficulty falling asleep and need to take a Lorezepam to help me. Does it really make a difference what time you take the med? When I remember to take it in the morning, my energy level is fine. Could it be that taking it at the end of the day, the energy thing kicks in and that is what is keeping me awake? Or is it just some odd coincidence?
*** yes...i am hearing the same with my dr's...taking it in the morning is better for some (especially if you switched from celexa, or a med that might have helped you "relax" and probably took it at night)
Posted by pharmrep on November 26, 2002, at 20:22:06
In reply to 5 Days on Lexepro = Efficacy side effects, posted by Rich B on November 25, 2002, at 14:06:58
> I have been on Lexapro for 5 days (including today) for Anxiety. So far, it has done nothing for the anxiety. If anything, it has made it worse. I grind my teeth allot and when I am working on something, I do it very intensely and the anxiety is even worse than it was before. When I am not doing much, am often tired. The tiredness is on and off and I get very tired early in the evening. I have not had insomnia, but when I get up at night to go to the bathroom, I have a hard time getting back to sleep. I have dry mouth and this very light constant headache in the back of my head. This is caused by a tightness in my neck and the back of my head that I believe Lexepro is causing. Can anyone shed some light on my situation? I know I need to give it more time, and I plan on it, but so far, it doesn’t look to good. I am trying to work on my anxiety problem (GAD) through therapy and I was hoping this medication would help bring me down a little and relax. Its hard to work on when the physical systems act as this counterproductive force holding me back.
> Thanks ahead of time.
>** sorry you are having a rough start...i hear from my dr's that these side effects are not that uncommon for a new med, but as for lexapro....for those that have s/e it tends to persist in the 1st wk, and get better the 2nd wk...the anxiety will get much better in the 2nd wk too....i know everyone reacts differently, but 2 wks seem to be a common average i am hearing out there...give it a good trial..maybe a month, then decide for yourself.
Posted by pharmrep on November 26, 2002, at 20:29:01
In reply to Will the anxiety s/e evenually fade?, posted by new user2 on November 26, 2002, at 6:32:53
> I have been on Lexapro for 7 days for anxiety disorder (panic attacks). So far I have increased anxiety and feel almost hyperactive. Will this anxiety s/e evenually disappear as I continue with the medication?
** i have heard many drs say that for those that do experience s/e...they tend to be in the 1st wk or so...and then go away in the 2nd wk or so.....give it a fair trial...and your body a chance to adjust to a new med...it will get better
Posted by pharmrep on November 26, 2002, at 20:39:16
In reply to Anyone else foggy on Lexapro?, posted by markmn on November 26, 2002, at 13:39:11
> Hi all,
>
> I've been on Lexapro(10mg)(10mg 5 in the morning and 5 with dinner)for about two and a half weeks now. Problem is that for about a 4 or 5 hour period in the middle of the day my brain is so foggy. My eyes feel super heavy and I don't feel with it. Is my dosage to high on the Lex, my doctor started me at 10, not the usual 5? Should I just take it at night? I've also been weening myself off of Paxil (15mg). I'm currently at 5mg. I know this could all be withdrawal, but have any of you had this s/e starting Lexapro?
> -markmn*** 10mg is the starting dose (why are you splitting am/pm?)...try 10mg in morning...i have heard of the "foggy" feeling from drs who have patients that are switching ssri's and are still taking the old one....once your are done with paxil...wait a couple weeks to see what lexapro can really do for you, then you can make an more objective/informed decision
Posted by iomasters on November 26, 2002, at 20:44:36
In reply to Re: 5 Days on Lexepro = Rich B » iomasters, posted by wharfrat on November 26, 2002, at 16:07:45
> iomasters,
> the other wierd side effect I remember early on was a kind of metallic taste in my mouth and a feeling that I was starting a psychedelic trip. Have you felt that way?
> Wharf
>
Wharf,
I haven't had the metallic taste, but it does feel very surreal, and like the beginning of a 'psychedelic trip'.
Day 3 has been better than the other two. I didn't grind my teeth near as much, and no nausea. But, I have had a headache most of the day, and my shoulders are tense unless I make a conscious effort to relax them.
Thank goodness I have convinced my husband to rub out the tension ;) I will keep you posted. Thanks for your support - it is driving me to keep taking the pill (10mg in the AM).
iomasters
Posted by dragonfly on November 26, 2002, at 21:07:54
In reply to Re: 5 Days on Lexepro = Rich B » iomasters, posted by wharfrat on November 26, 2002, at 16:07:45
I have been on lexapro for almost 2 weeks. My doctor told me to expect "flushing" It has been very mild,like I was really emmbarrassed about something. I have been experiencing the tightness in my upper back and neck but being a cabinet builder I tend to use those muscles alot. My anxiety attacks are getting milder. I wake up once a night instead every 3 hours. I have also been talking alot more than usual. The crying spells have stopped. I do have a dry mouth all the time with a slight metalic taste but nothing I can't deal with. I don't feel as down about things as I did. This is the first time I have ever been treated for clinical deppression.
Posted by iomasters on November 27, 2002, at 3:49:06
In reply to Re: 5 Days on Lexepro = Rich B, posted by dragonfly on November 26, 2002, at 21:07:54
> I have been on lexapro for almost 2 weeks. My doctor told me to expect "flushing" It has been very mild,like I was really emmbarrassed about something. I have been experiencing the tightness in my upper back and neck but being a cabinet builder I tend to use those muscles alot. My anxiety attacks are getting milder. I wake up once a night instead every 3 hours. I have also been talking alot more than usual. The crying spells have stopped. I do have a dry mouth all the time with a slight metalic taste but nothing I can't deal with. I don't feel as down about things as I did. This is the first time I have ever been treated for clinical deppression.
Rich,
This is also my first time to be treated for depression. Mine is actually for post-partum depression. I have a 4 month old daughter, who is the most wonderful thing in the world - but, I was feeling so blue that it was hard to see that at times.
I do feel better - already. I have so much energy that it is hard not to. But, here I am at almost 4 in the morning - wide awake.
Thanks for the encouragement. I plan to ride this out.
Did you have any 'mind racing'? Sometimes I get a theme song, or a thought in my mind, and it plays over and over again. It drives me nuts! It may be part of the anxiety. I hope it fades soon.
The tightness in my jaw is fading, and my nausea is very mild.
iomasters
Posted by iomasters on November 27, 2002, at 3:55:12
In reply to Re: Taking pill in morning » Phyl, posted by pharmrep on November 26, 2002, at 20:16:13
> > It seems that if I take Lexapro in the morning, I can sleep pretty well at night. But if I take it in the late afternoon,I have difficulty falling asleep and need to take a Lorezepam to help me. Does it really make a difference what time you take the med? When I remember to take it in the morning, my energy level is fine. Could it be that taking it at the end of the day, the energy thing kicks in and that is what is keeping me awake? Or is it just some odd coincidence?
>
> *** yes...i am hearing the same with my dr's...taking it in the morning is better for some (especially if you switched from celexa, or a med that might have helped you "relax" and probably took it at night)__________
I too think that taking the pill in the morning works best for me. It has some sort of 'uper' in it that makes it hard to relax at night - if taken too late in the day.
I take it around 8:30 AM, and feel good until early evening. Then, I start to wind down for the night. But here I am at almost 4 - wide awake. I'm hearing from others that this will pass with time. I am only on day 3 (technically 4).
Hang in there...
iomasters
Posted by iomasters on November 27, 2002, at 4:04:12
In reply to Re: Light sensitivity » new user2, posted by wharfrat on November 26, 2002, at 15:14:45
> > Just wondering if anyone experienced sensitivity to bright lights during the first week of taking lexapro. Any info would be helpful.
> >
> > Thank you!
>
> Newuser2
> I don't really remember light sensitivity because I've always been light sensitive, but about the first 2 weeks on lexapro, colors really seemed vivid and at times my vision was just really screwed up, could'nt focus my eyes etc. But that has pretty much gone away.
> Good luck and hang in there.
> Wharf___________
I haven't noticed light sensitivity, but I have noticed that my vision is more blurry than usual.
I wear glasses to drive at night - basically for distance. Lately, I have been needing them to see the TV. It is odd. I'm hoping it goes away with time. Hang in there, as I am...
iomasters
Posted by Rich B on November 27, 2002, at 8:12:37
In reply to Re: 5 Days on Lexepro = Rich B » wharfrat, posted by iomasters on November 26, 2002, at 20:44:36
> > iomasters,
> > the other wierd side effect I remember early on was a kind of metallic taste in my mouth and a feeling that I was starting a psychedelic trip. Have you felt that way?
> > Wharf
> >
> Wharf,
> I haven't had the metallic taste, but it does feel very surreal, and like the beginning of a 'psychedelic trip'.
> Day 3 has been better than the other two. I didn't grind my teeth near as much, and no nausea. But, I have had a headache most of the day, and my shoulders are tense unless I make a conscious effort to relax them.
> Thank goodness I have convinced my husband to rub out the tension ;) I will keep you posted. Thanks for your support - it is driving me to keep taking the pill (10mg in the AM).
> iomasters
>
>Hey iomasters, You asked me to keep you up to date on my progress because I am a few days ahead of you. I am now on day 7 and I think the headache situation is just about gone, which is a sign that the tension may be finally letting up. I did not take anything for a headache yesterday. I will know in a few days if I feel less anxious. I'll keep you informed.
Rich
Posted by markmn on November 27, 2002, at 8:51:32
In reply to Re: Anyone else foggy ? » markmn, posted by pharmrep on November 26, 2002, at 20:39:16
> > Hi all,
> >
> > I've been on Lexapro(10mg)(10mg 5 in the morning and 5 with dinner)for about two and a half weeks now. Problem is that for about a 4 or 5 hour period in the middle of the day my brain is so foggy. My eyes feel super heavy and I don't feel with it. Is my dosage to high on the Lex, my doctor started me at 10, not the usual 5? Should I just take it at night? I've also been weening myself off of Paxil (15mg). I'm currently at 5mg. I know this could all be withdrawal, but have any of you had this s/e starting Lexapro?
> > -markmn
>
> *** 10mg is the starting dose (why are you splitting am/pm?)...try 10mg in morning...i have heard of the "foggy" feeling from drs who have patients that are switching ssri's and are still taking the old one....once your are done with paxil...wait a couple weeks to see what lexapro can really do for you, then you can make an more objective/informed decisionHi Pharmrep,
Thanks for the advice, I do plan on sticking with Lexapro, I just didn't know where the fogginess was coming from. Hopefully I can get off this Paxil and let Lex do it's work.
markmn
Posted by Phyl on November 27, 2002, at 8:57:19
In reply to Re: Taking pill in morning » Phyl, posted by pharmrep on November 26, 2002, at 20:16:13
Thanks for your replies. I have never taken any oher meds other than something to help me sleep at night. I have found that if I take Lex first thing in the morning, I can barely stay awake at 6 p.m. If I take it closer to 10:00 a.m. I can make it to 9:00 and sleep pretty well (for me). But if I take it at 4 o 5:00, then I need the Lorazepam. So, for me, late morning seems to do the trick and that will be my routine.
Thanks again.
EVERYONE, HAVE A HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
Posted by ANXIETY ANN on November 27, 2002, at 9:34:09
In reply to Re: 5 Days on Lexepro = Efficacy side effects » Rich B, posted by Alan on November 26, 2002, at 14:45:37
> > OK, When I started this thread, somebody got off the subject right away and it turned into some heated debate. So, I am going to repost my previous message to see if I actually get responces that are relevant.
> >
> >
> > I have been on Lexapro for 5 days (including today) for Anxiety. So far, it has done nothing for the anxiety. If anything, it has made it worse. I grind my teeth allot and when I am working on something, I do it very intensely and the anxiety is even worse than it was before. When I am not doing much, am often tired. The tiredness is on and off and I get very tired early in the evening. I have not had insomnia, but when I get up at night to go to the bathroom, I have a hard time getting back to sleep. I have dry mouth and this very light constant headache in the back of my head. This is caused by a tightness in my neck and the back of my head that I believe Lexepro is causing. Can anyone shed some light on my situation? I know I need to give it more time, and I plan on it, but so far, it doesn’t look to good. I am trying to work on my anxiety problem (GAD) through therapy and I was hoping this medication would help bring me down a little and relax. Its hard to work on when the physical systems act as this counterproductive force holding me back.
> > Thanks in advance.
> > Rich
> ===========================================
> I think I responded directly after you posted:
>
> Many docs include a "start - up" benzo like ativan or xanax to counteract the start-up side effects of AD's - increased anxiety, etc....especially when you are doing this very important "head" work with a psychologist or other type of therapy.
>
> Has your doctor offered you bzd monotherapy on an equal footing with the AD - considering your DX?
>
> If not, why not?
>
> Alan
>
> Hi Rich,I too had the same s/e that your talking about when I first started taking Lexapro. I've been on it now for about two months and feel MUCH better! Hang in there, the s/e should go away soon. Ann
>
>
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