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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by pallas on December 2, 2002, at 23:21:12
In reply to Re: Nausea, and no zip after 19 days. Why? » pharmrep, posted by dr. dave on December 2, 2002, at 3:27:22
> > > I have been Lexapro for 19 days. I just came off of effexor. Had been on it for about a year at 175mgs.
> > > I have no energy, don't care about tomorrow, and the nausea is something I fight everyday. I don't know what to do, and very tired of fighting to find medication. It seems hopeless, and I have tried most evertyhing in the past 12 years. Am I doomed to be one that slips through the crack and cannot find medication. I hate to go back to effexor or tofranil.
> > > Thanks, NeptuneDear Neptune,
I am so sorry you're having such trouble with the meds. I want to tell you that my first couple weeks on Lexapro were miserable, too, I had everything you do except the nausea. I was about as down as down can go. My doc added Wellbutrin for one week to perk me up while the Lexapro and my body got acquainted. This plan totally worked. I'm off Wellbutrin now and have been on Lexapro for a total of one month. I feel fine. I daresay I'm starting to feel really good. So you may just have to hang in there (I know, seems awful). Talk to your doc, see if what worked for me might work for you.I wish you all the best.
Posted by pallas on December 2, 2002, at 23:28:34
In reply to Lump in Throat, posted by new user2 on December 2, 2002, at 9:41:14
> I have been on lexapro (10mg)for 13 days today. I have managed to wait out the headaches, and nausea, but I have been experienceing a lump-like feeling in my lower throat (5 days)- is this from the anxiety s/e? I am actually taking lexapro for anxiety, but never had the lump feeling before taking this med. Also, I have hand tremors, especially at night (even keeps my spouse awake), is this normal or should these s/e have subsided by now? Any information would be helpful.
> Thank you!Having a lump in the throat is a classic symptom of plain ol' anxiety under normal circumstances, but since you've never had this sensation before, and you're also having what sound like significant tremors, I'd recommend phoning your doctor right away. Perhaps you could get something like Trazodone or even Xanax to help relax you at night. You might have your thyroid checked as well. Best of luck to you.
Posted by pharmrep on December 3, 2002, at 1:00:32
In reply to Re: complete certainty?/see bottom » pharmrep, posted by Geezer on December 2, 2002, at 11:34:34
> And "maybe" if she had tried Prozac instead of Lexapro she wouldn't have the problem at all....just a guess.
>
> Geezer
>
**come on geezer...be more sensitive or constructive...she has described discontinuation/withdrawal syndrome...anything taken after the effexor would still have similar issues...prozac might work, but will most likely create bigger problems, like jitters, a compromised p450 system for any other meds in the liver, variance issues with the over 14 companies producing a generic, and way too many other issues.
Posted by Geezer on December 3, 2002, at 9:13:27
In reply to Re: bigger problems » Geezer, posted by pharmrep on December 3, 2002, at 1:00:32
>
> > And "maybe" if she had tried Prozac instead of Lexapro she wouldn't have the problem at all....just a guess.
> >
> > Geezer
> >
> **come on geezer...be more sensitive or constructive...she has described discontinuation/withdrawal syndrome...anything taken after the effexor would still have similar issues...prozac might work, but will most likely create bigger problems, like jitters, a compromised p450 system for any other meds in the liver, variance issues with the over 14 companies producing a generic, and way too many other issues.Sure don't mean to be disrespectful, insensitive, or lacking in constructive comments. All I have to offer is my own anecdotal experience, that combined with the total absence of empirical proof of ANYTHING in the field of psychiatry, should count for something. There seem to be some reports of discontinuation/withdrawal syndrome from Lexapro showing up here on the board lately. I have done the SSRI promenade (haven't tried Lexapro....unless you think that would add something to my Parnate and ECT treatments). You stick with marketing and "spliting isomers", think I will hang out here in the "no spin zone".
Cheers,
Geezer
Posted by Ritch on December 3, 2002, at 9:31:15
In reply to Is lump in the throat dystonia?????, posted by bluedog on December 2, 2002, at 22:58:33
> Every ssri I have been on gives me this lump in the throat.
>
> What I would like to know is whether this lump is dystonia ( expressed in my body as laryngeal spasm) or whether it is more likely to be some sort of allergic reaction?
>
> thanks
> bluedog
Hi, Pallas' response below about "lump-in-throat" being an anxiety symptom is true. No allergic reaction. Perhaps an SSRI (at least by itself) would not be the optimal means to treat anxiety if someone experiences this and finds it especially annoying. Different serotonin reuptake inhibitors are associated with different muscle/motor phenomena in many people. I found the "lump-in-throat" thing to be the most pronounced with Prozac and to a lesser extent Celexa. Zoloft caused a lot of jaw clenching and some teeth grinding and restless legs (no lump in throat, though). Effexor (which I take a tiny bit now), causes a little jaw clenching but tends to cause my upper back and neck muscles to stiffen up the most.
Posted by FredPotter on December 3, 2002, at 13:48:24
In reply to Re: Lump in Throat » new user2, posted by Ritch on December 2, 2002, at 22:15:31
I've had a lump in my throat for about 30 years. Nothing has ever made it dissappear or even diminish. I just got used to it
Posted by panicbutton on December 3, 2002, at 19:43:42
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects » pharmrep, posted by dr dave on September 1, 2002, at 8:46:58
I recently began taking Lexapro. I had been on Paxil for a long time, stopped in April 2002, but have had significant increase in panic attacks after discontinuation. The discontinuation itself was hellish, even with tapering off it. With Lexapro, the panic attacks have markedly decreased; however, I've noticed some weight gain without eating any more than usual. Has anyone else noticed this. I also gained a lot of weight while taking Paxil and had lost some of it since stopping. It is disheartening to think that this drug may have the same negative side effect, even though it seems to be helping me with anxiety. Has anyone else noticed weight gain with this drug? Is there any way to combat it?
Posted by indigo bunting on December 3, 2002, at 22:48:57
In reply to Anyone feeling hot?, posted by new user2 on November 25, 2002, at 6:31:54
Yes, I have "burning patches on my arms, hands, spine" that feel as though I had been shocked electrically, or sunburnt badly. These sensations are as difficult to ignore as real sunburn. I have them with all SSRIs, and Lexapro (5 mg) is no exception. After 4 weeks I also still have the dull & relentless headaches that do not respond to medication. I am also very, very despondent and unable to anticipate positive things for my life.
Posted by pharmrep on December 3, 2002, at 23:44:47
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by panicbutton on December 3, 2002, at 19:43:42
> I recently began taking Lexapro. I had been on Paxil for a long time, stopped in April 2002, but have had significant increase in panic attacks after discontinuation. The discontinuation itself was hellish, even with tapering off it. With Lexapro, the panic attacks have markedly decreased; however, I've noticed some weight gain without eating any more than usual. Has anyone else noticed this. I also gained a lot of weight while taking Paxil and had lost some of it since stopping. It is disheartening to think that this drug may have the same negative side effect, even though it seems to be helping me with anxiety. Has anyone else noticed weight gain with this drug? Is there any way to combat it?
*** glad to hear lexapro is working better for you...as for the weight, lexapro is considered weight neutral (celexa is too)...however, on the bell-curve...most people do respond without a weight change...there are of course a few who will gain a little, and some will lose a little...I am hearing the same info from the dr's I see too. Hopefully your weight isnt more than you can work with...good luck during the holidays (and keep us posted)
Posted by Jaycee on December 4, 2002, at 5:22:35
In reply to Lexapro and weight change » panicbutton, posted by pharmrep on December 3, 2002, at 23:44:47
I have noticed some weight gain and am not eating as much. I too weaned myself from paxil onto lexapro. I really like lexapro but the paxil was helping my migraines and now they are back full force so I am considering a switch back. Not sure what to do...any suggestions anyone???
Posted by pharmrep on December 4, 2002, at 9:10:19
In reply to Re: Lexapro and weight change, posted by Jaycee on December 4, 2002, at 5:22:35
> I have noticed some weight gain and am not eating as much. I too weaned myself from paxil onto lexapro. I really like lexapro but the paxil was helping my migraines and now they are back full force so I am considering a switch back. Not sure what to do...any suggestions anyone???
** glad to hear lex is working...how long you been on now? as for headaches...I have heard of the 1st wk or 2 being the roughest along with maybe nausea and dizziness..not enough to discontinue...but there...then by the 3rd wk or so it gets a lot better. I suggest riding it out if you can...if it persists beyond 1 month or your next visit with your dr...then maybe a mg change or your dr will help you with alternatives...good luck and keep posting
Posted by looking for a life on December 4, 2002, at 12:07:57
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl (nm), posted by looking for a life on December 3, 2002, at 13:21:04
I started Lexapro 40mg last week. I was on Celexa 20mg. I have noticed that I have been more agitated and more "bitchy". My father was switched to Lexapro as well 10mg from 40mg of Celexa. He is experiencing the same snappy feeling. My patience is so much shorter.
I also noticed that getting to sleep and staying asleep is getting more difficult as well.
Another side effect that has increased with Lexapro is the sweating. I sweat befoe on Celexa but now it's horrible. I break into a massive sweat just doing the dishes or light housework. I'll have sweaqt dripping off my face and soaking my clothes. This is a horrible thing to experience. It is greatly affecting my daily life. It's embarrasing as well. Any input on this would be greatly appreciated.
I was told that it was supposed to increase your energy as well. I have not really noticed that much of an increase in energy. I take Adderall to atleast get me through the day. Without it I would be a total slug. My energy level is next to nothing. Without the Adderall it would take me 3 days to get motivated enough to go to the store for milk.
I am unsure if this is related to the med but I have had chest pains. I am pretty sure it's muscular but it's right in the middle of my chest. It's new since last week. Haven't experienced it before either.
The only positive effect I have had is a small increase in sexual desire . It's not enough to really be happy about though.
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. I feel like I am going out of my mind with the increased stress!
Thanks so much!
Posted by Jaynee on December 4, 2002, at 12:46:58
In reply to Lump in Throat, posted by new user2 on December 2, 2002, at 9:41:14
Wow, lump in throat feeling. That feeling is awful. I got that sensation just before my last nervous breakdown this time last year. I can tell you anything you want to now about "lump in the throat feeling". There are many medical conditions that can cause this. I got so freaked out looking up what it could be that I am sure I brought on my breakdown. I had a ultra-sound of my thyroid, to check for nodules, I had an x-ray done to see if I had anything stuck in my throat, I had blood work done to see if I was lacking B-12, since that can cause the sensation. I had an endoscopy, which showed I didn't have reflux or anything else. I was checked for H-pylori, etc, etc, etc. Being on Celexa change it from a lump in my throat to feeling like a had a rope tied around my neck. The only time the pressure released was when I burped. I don't have the lump in the throat feeling anymore, but I can still get the excess gas that builds up in my throat and isn't release until I make myself burb or when I burp naturally. I am no longer on Celexa, but I still get this pressure feeling in my throat.
Good luck.
Posted by Ward on December 4, 2002, at 16:40:50
In reply to Anyone feeling more agitated on Lexapro?, posted by looking for a life on December 4, 2002, at 12:07:57
Looking: 40mg. of Lexapro a day is a huge dose. I think your doctor made a mistake. One of the comparisons I've seen on this board is that 10 mg.of Lexapro is comprable in effectivness to 40 mg. of Celexa. I started with 10mg. of Lexapro for three weeks, then went up to 15 mg. for 5 weeks, and have been on 20 mg for the last 3 weeks. Side effects I experienced early on included night sweats, increased anxiety, and trouble sleeping. The sweats diminished after about a month (but are not completely gone). The anxiety has diminished, and I take 50 mg. of Trazodone at night for sleep. My most troublesome side effect right now is jaw clenching - this got worse when I went up to 20 mg.
I suggest you call your doctor immediately and verify your dosage - I can't believe that 40 mg. is correct! Remember that the first 2 to 3 weeks on any SSRI is usually rough. Hang in there and keep us posted.I started Lexapro 40mg last week. I was on Celexa 20mg. I have noticed that I have been more agitated and more "bitchy". My father was switched to Lexapro as well 10mg from 40mg of Celexa. He is experiencing the same snappy feeling. My patience is so much shorter.
> I also noticed that getting to sleep and staying asleep is getting more difficult as well.
> Another side effect that has increased with Lexapro is the sweating. I sweat befoe on Celexa but now it's horrible. I break into a massive sweat just doing the dishes or light housework. I'll have sweaqt dripping off my face and soaking my clothes. This is a horrible thing to experience. It is greatly affecting my daily life. It's embarrasing as well. Any input on this would be greatly appreciated.
> I was told that it was supposed to increase your energy as well. I have not really noticed that much of an increase in energy. I take Adderall to atleast get me through the day. Without it I would be a total slug. My energy level is next to nothing. Without the Adderall it would take me 3 days to get motivated enough to go to the store for milk.
> I am unsure if this is related to the med but I have had chest pains. I am pretty sure it's muscular but it's right in the middle of my chest. It's new since last week. Haven't experienced it before either.
> The only positive effect I have had is a small increase in sexual desire . It's not enough to really be happy about though.
> Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. I feel like I am going out of my mind with the increased stress!
> Thanks so much!
>
>
Posted by looking for a life on December 4, 2002, at 16:51:27
In reply to Re: Anyone feeling more agitated on Lexapro? » looking for a life, posted by Ward on December 4, 2002, at 16:40:50
I am sorry I made a mistake. I am on 20mg of Lexapro. I also take 300mg of Wellbutrin, 100mg of Seroquel ( for sleep) and 45 mg of Adderall ( for energy). Shows you how good my memory is.:o)
I have tried so many anti depressants with little effect or ended up pooping out on others. I have been on Effexor, Paxil, Celexa, Prozac, just to name a few. I have had depression since I was 14 I am 28 now.
I am going to be starting a new job and I wish I could get the sweating side effect to diminish. I sweat with minimal exertion.
I also worry about the agitation and lack of patience I have had since beginning this medication. I snap at my family and they feel horrible about it and get in a depressed mood. God I wish I could find something that would make me feel more alive and into life.
Thanks so much for your help:o)
Posted by dragonfly on December 4, 2002, at 18:34:34
In reply to Re: Anyone feeling more agitated on Lexapro?, posted by looking for a life on December 4, 2002, at 16:51:27
I have been on 10mg Lexapro for a little over two weeks. From what I have been reading I guess I have been pretty lucky as far as side effects. The last few days I have felt really good about everything and laugh very easily again. My energy level has increased and I am now able to concentrate on my job. I haven't been snappy or bitchey but I have noticed being impatient.Last night I got so impatient eating crab legs my husband laughed! Every now and then I get that detatched feeling which is kinda weird. My mouth still stays dry. At night I sleep more soundly.I don't lay there for hours trying to fall asleep, I am still waking at 4am but I have also tried to watch my fluid intake after 7pm to see if it helps. I feel like I have gotten rest instead of feeling more tired than when I went to bed. The dryness I was having during sex has gone away!!!! BUT I talk alot more now! I also don't think about food all the time and my appetite has decreased =) Good luck to everyone
Posted by ayuda on December 4, 2002, at 22:41:51
In reply to Lexapro and weight change » panicbutton, posted by pharmrep on December 3, 2002, at 23:44:47
I switched from Effexor XR -- which had increased my appetite immensely -- to Lexapro, and I am eating a lot less, like once a day now, and that is usually in the early evening. And even then I'm not really hungry, just get a headache from not eating. I gained about 10 pounds in the 3 months I was taking Celexa, but 30 in the 6 months I was on Effexor. I am hopeful that the Lexapro will continue to take care of the appetite problems. And I hope that you start to have some relief in that area -- it's good to hear that the Lexapro is helping with your anxiety, though.
> > I recently began taking Lexapro. I had been on Paxil for a long time, stopped in April 2002, but have had significant increase in panic attacks after discontinuation. The discontinuation itself was hellish, even with tapering off it. With Lexapro, the panic attacks have markedly decreased; however, I've noticed some weight gain without eating any more than usual. Has anyone else noticed this. I also gained a lot of weight while taking Paxil and had lost some of it since stopping. It is disheartening to think that this drug may have the same negative side effect, even though it seems to be helping me with anxiety. Has anyone else noticed weight gain with this drug? Is there any way to combat it?
>
> *** glad to hear lexapro is working better for you...as for the weight, lexapro is considered weight neutral (celexa is too)...however, on the bell-curve...most people do respond without a weight change...there are of course a few who will gain a little, and some will lose a little...I am hearing the same info from the dr's I see too. Hopefully your weight isnt more than you can work with...good luck during the holidays (and keep us posted)
Posted by ayuda on December 4, 2002, at 22:47:32
In reply to Re: Lexapro and weight change » pharmrep, posted by ayuda on December 4, 2002, at 22:41:51
I will be having major surgery in a couple of weeks (nothing serious, purely elective). My intake of prescriptions and OTC drugs is being limited. My question is, do you know if the Lexapro would interfere with my ability to have surgery? I have to be off drugs such as aspirin and Alleve. I was just wondering, because my doctor isn't familiar with ADs, and though he will probably be doing the research himself, I thought I would ask here since you are knowledgeable about this drug in particular. Thanks!
Posted by IsoM on December 5, 2002, at 0:37:08
In reply to Re: Lexapro and weight change » pharmrep, posted by ayuda on December 4, 2002, at 22:41:51
It's not understood yet why one medication will have one side effect & yet a completely opposite effect for others. I've noticed that some SSRIs can either cause weight gain or weight loss in persons taking them. You gained weight on Effexor - I couldn't give it a long enough trial to see if it would've helped for me as within a week of taking it daily, I had lost all appetite & the thought of eating became repugnant. I had to quit it before I starved to death. I couldn't force more than a few spoonsful of food into me through a day.
Posted by Jaycee on December 5, 2002, at 4:53:45
In reply to Re: Lexapro and headaches » Jaycee, posted by pharmrep on December 4, 2002, at 9:10:19
> > I have noticed some weight gain and am not eating as much. I too weaned myself from paxil onto lexapro. I really like lexapro but the paxil was helping my migraines and now they are back full force so I am considering a switch back. Not sure what to do...any suggestions anyone???
>
> ** glad to hear lex is working...how long you been on now? as for headaches...I have heard of the 1st wk or 2 being the roughest along with maybe nausea and dizziness..not enough to discontinue...but there...then by the 3rd wk or so it gets a lot better. I suggest riding it out if you can...if it persists beyond 1 month or your next visit with your dr...then maybe a mg change or your dr will help you with alternatives...good luck and keep posting
I have been on Lexapro for about 3 months and have added topamax in hope of some relief from these migraines. I really don't want to d/c the lexapro but the paxil really helped my migraines. the combination lex/topamax are not helping at all. I suggested an increase in my lexapro to my doc but she said that it is not used for migraines and would not help. I take Amerge prn but since on the lexapro it does not even help. I really like lexapro and do not want to stop taking it, I have an appt with a neurologist next week and will decide after that I guess.
Posted by looking for a life on December 5, 2002, at 10:26:02
In reply to question for pharmrep, posted by ayuda on December 4, 2002, at 22:47:32
> I will be having major surgery in a couple of weeks (nothing serious, purely elective). My intake of prescriptions and OTC drugs is being limited. My question is, do you know if the Lexapro would interfere with my ability to have surgery? I have to be off drugs such as aspirin and Alleve. I was just wondering, because my doctor isn't familiar with ADs, and though he will probably be doing the research himself, I thought I would ask here since you are knowledgeable about this drug in particular. Thanks!
I just had surgery on my wrist and was able to take all of my medications. I have had a couple surgeries and have been on anti depressants every time. It should not be a problem.
Good luck with your surgery:o)
Posted by pharmrep on December 5, 2002, at 11:15:59
In reply to Anyone feeling more agitated on Lexapro?, posted by looking for a life on December 4, 2002, at 12:07:57
> I started Lexapro 40mg last week. I was on Celexa 20mg. I have noticed that I have been more agitated and more "bitchy". My father was switched to Lexapro as well 10mg from 40mg of Celexa. He is experiencing the same snappy feeling. My patience is so much shorter.
> I also noticed that getting to sleep and staying asleep is getting more difficult as well.
> Another side effect that has increased with Lexapro is the sweating. I sweat befoe on Celexa but now it's horrible. I break into a massive sweat just doing the dishes or light housework. I'll have sweaqt dripping off my face and soaking my clothes. This is a horrible thing to experience. It is greatly affecting my daily life. It's embarrasing as well. Any input on this would be greatly appreciated.
> I was told that it was supposed to increase your energy as well. I have not really noticed that much of an increase in energy. I take Adderall to atleast get me through the day. Without it I would be a total slug. My energy level is next to nothing. Without the Adderall it would take me 3 days to get motivated enough to go to the store for milk.
> I am unsure if this is related to the med but I have had chest pains. I am pretty sure it's muscular but it's right in the middle of my chest. It's new since last week. Haven't experienced it before either.
> The only positive effect I have had is a small increase in sexual desire . It's not enough to really be happy about though.
> Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. I feel like I am going out of my mind with the increased stress!
> Thanks so much!
>
> *** wow...40mg of celexa should be more like 10 mg of lexapro...did you type that right?..lexapro comes in 10 and 20mg...10mg is starting dose...and 75%+ people stay there...if you are taking 40mg of lex, i would say it's a mistake (and would explain the s/e since that would be like taking about 160mg of celexa/paxil/or prozac)...call you dr and confirm.
Posted by atlrunner2002 on December 5, 2002, at 18:08:52
In reply to Re: Anyone feeling more agitated on Lexapro?, posted by dragonfly on December 4, 2002, at 18:34:34
Sounds like you and I have had similar experiences with Lexapro. I am always glad to hear when it's working well for others, too. The dry mouth was one of the longest lasting side effects for me; it took a good 6 weeks to go away completely. I started on 10 mg, then bumped up to 15 to see if it would help w/my anxiety as well as the depression (which was completely gone in 2 weeks!) and then to 20. At 15 I felt like a million bucks, and at 20 I felt "flat." So I am back to 15 and feel great again.
It's funny that you said you talk a lot now; I find that I am much more chatty, and not only that, I have my sense of humor and even my quick wit (if I do say so myself) back. I love that - I love to make people laugh!! And now I laugh all the time too - I had forgotten how great that feels!
Posted by Peter S. on December 5, 2002, at 19:31:11
In reply to Anyone feeling more agitated on Lexapro? » dragonfly, posted by atlrunner2002 on December 5, 2002, at 18:08:52
Anyone had a response to Lexapro after having tried many different anti-depressants? All the others have not worked or have pooped out on me and I'm wondering if Lex is worth a try.Thanks!
Peter
Posted by ggt on December 5, 2002, at 20:25:17
In reply to Re: Lexapro in Europe, posted by pharmrep on July 31, 2002, at 10:00:08
I find the SE's of Lexapro worse than Celexa, including fatigue, disociated feeling and sexually. I have been with it for 4 weeks at 3.3mg (1/3rd of a tablet). Two weeks ago I started with Wellbutrin 37.5mg to offset some of the sluggishness; its an improvement with alertness during day, seems to improve sleep at night, and my mood has been a bit better, however, I am struggling with dizziness. Is dizziness common with Wellbutrin?
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