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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Cherie on February 8, 2003, at 15:04:19
In reply to Re: New lex user-Theona --Anyone!!!!, posted by Theona on February 8, 2003, at 12:18:56
Need advice-just stopped Celexa 20 mg. 6wks ago after being on for 15 months. Did great on it, felt great. Why did I stop? Went for annual dr. visit and had gained 20 lbs in one year! Dr. suggested Lexapro immediately implying it would be answer to low libido and weight gain. I have been VERY intolerant and edgy and unmotivated recently and believe depression is creeping in. Any ideas on the weight gain?
Posted by Charlotte Groce on February 8, 2003, at 16:43:46
In reply to Re: lexapro need help--Charlotte, posted by jodie on February 2, 2003, at 21:38:19
Thank you Jodie for the encouragement.
My doctor told me to continue taking the medication. I decided on my own to stop. I have an appointment to see him this Monday.
Charlotte
Posted by Charlotte Groce on February 8, 2003, at 16:58:38
In reply to Re: lexapro need help,users » Charlotte Groce, posted by lcg4 on February 2, 2003, at 22:32:54
Thank you Linda for sharing your story about your son with me.
It hurts to know we can not have a normal life. Your son, like me I'm sure, cherishes his intellect. Even as I respond to you now I can not find the words in my head to express what I mean. Something that use to be so easy for me is so hard now.
I extend my love and understanding to both of you during this tough time.
Charlotte
Posted by Charlotte Groce on February 8, 2003, at 17:31:57
In reply to Re: Lexapro has been very good for me, posted by sussus on February 4, 2003, at 14:09:18
Sussus:
I too experienced demotivation with Lexapro and Paxil (more so with Lexapro). Things that make me happy and keep my attention no longer do. I have always been a multi-task person who could handle anything, but now I can not find the concentration that it takes.
At work, I always accepted difficult task and projects...always finishing before deadline. But now, I can't even seem to get started on my assignments.
I too just want to lay around, sleep, or just think.
Hang in there.
Charlotte
Posted by Charlotte Groce on February 8, 2003, at 17:43:27
In reply to Re: lexapro need help--Charlotte, posted by jodie on February 2, 2003, at 21:38:19
Jodie:
Thank you for the encouragement.
I have an appointment with my doctor this Monday.
Charlotte
Posted by bridgette on February 9, 2003, at 9:59:48
In reply to Re: No appetite????-daily run through, posted by Chuck2112 on February 6, 2003, at 15:40:15
Is anyone on the combination of Lexapro AND Wellbutrin SR/ I am on 10mg Lexapro and 150 mg os Wellbutrin Sr. I like combining them because of the sexual side effects of the SSRI and I think Wellbutrin enhances it---anyone else trying this???
Posted by Leo Bostar on February 9, 2003, at 13:48:24
In reply to Re: Now on 20mg, still no therapeutic effect, posted by EGR on February 7, 2003, at 20:18:20
One month.
> Just give it time. It affects some of us quicker than others. They told me to wait 4 weeks to see how it would work. How long has it bee since you doubled your dose?
>
> EGR
Posted by Leo Bostar on February 9, 2003, at 14:15:46
In reply to Re: Now on 20mg, still no therapeutic effect, posted by Theona on February 8, 2003, at 10:55:37
It was prescribe for relief of depression and migraines.
Here's the litany of negative experiences with anti-depressants, starting in 1995 and proceeding to the present with Lexapro:
Prozac - Initial relief, then increased depression, fatigue
Zoloft - No change in depression
Zoloft + Wellbutrin - No change in depression
Paxil - Initial relief, then severe depression,
alcohol relapse
Wellbutrin + Neurontin - Alcohol rehab, no change in depression
Desipramine - No change in depression
Desipramine + Buspar - Increased depression, increased Migraines, nightmares
Celexa - Initial relief, then increased depression, fatigue
Effexor - Increased depression, extreme illness, fatigue
Prozac + Lithium - Increased depression, illness, extreme confusion
Amytriptaline - Increased depression, fatigue
Serzone - Initial relief, then increased depression, fatigue
Serzone + Wellbutrin - Increased depression, exhaustion, illness, alcohol binging
Lexapro - Initial discomfort (night sweats, anxiety, headaches) then nothingAs you can see, I've had no luck at all with medications.
I've been told that I must "keep trying" and that I "WILL" find the right medication. Maybe, maybe not. The one certain thing is that I've been lining the pockets of the drug industry and behavioural health folks for the last eight years, and they haven't done a damn thing for me in return.
At the moment, it looks as though Lexapro is just another con.
> Hi Leo,
>
> Maybe you've written here before. I'm new here. I am wondering what your symptoms are - the reason you are on Lexapro? For depression?
> > Does this drug actually do anything? If so, what? Have you been on an SSRI before?
>
> It can talk a while for them to work, and for your doctor to get the dose right for you. Are you feeling any relief yet at all? Did you take other SSRIs in the past and have them work?
Posted by Leo Bostar on February 9, 2003, at 16:10:05
In reply to Lexapro and Wellbutrin SR, posted by bridgette on February 9, 2003, at 9:59:48
Wellbutrin never did anything for me when taken alone. In combination with other drugs, it amplified the negative side effects.
If it works for you and you have a health plan that covers some of the expenses, count your blessings.
> Is anyone on the combination of Lexapro AND Wellbutrin SR/ I am on 10mg Lexapro and 150 mg os Wellbutrin Sr. I like combining them because of the sexual side effects of the SSRI and I think Wellbutrin enhances it---anyone else trying this???
Posted by Theona on February 9, 2003, at 16:27:06
In reply to Re: Now on 20mg, still no effect Theona, posted by Leo Bostar on February 9, 2003, at 14:15:46
> It was prescribe for relief of depression and migraines.
>
> Here's the litany of negative experiences with anti-depressants, starting in 1995 and proceeding to the present with Lexapro:
>
> Prozac - Initial relief, then increased depression, fatigue
> Zoloft - No change in depression
> Zoloft + Wellbutrin - No change in depression
> Paxil - Initial relief, then severe depression,
> alcohol relapse
> Wellbutrin + Neurontin - Alcohol rehab, no change in depression
> Desipramine - No change in depression
> Desipramine + Buspar - Increased depression, increased Migraines, nightmares
> Celexa - Initial relief, then increased depression, fatigue
> Effexor - Increased depression, extreme illness, fatigue
> Prozac + Lithium - Increased depression, illness, extreme confusion
> Amytriptaline - Increased depression, fatigue
> Serzone - Initial relief, then increased depression, fatigue
> Serzone + Wellbutrin - Increased depression, exhaustion, illness, alcohol binging
> Lexapro - Initial discomfort (night sweats, anxiety, headaches) then nothing
>
> As you can see, I've had no luck at all with medications.
>
> I've been told that I must "keep trying" and that I "WILL" find the right medication. Maybe, maybe not. The one certain thing is that I've been lining the pockets of the drug industry and behavioural health folks for the last eight years, and they haven't done a damn thing for me in return.
>
> At the moment, it looks as though Lexapro is just another con.Goodness, Leo, you must be very discouraged. I'm not sure it's so much of a con as you seen to be at the end of a spectrum of people for whom SSRI's don't work. I remember on commentator on SSRIs saying a few years ago that we really were so elementary in our use of these things that it was like trying to do surgery with a machete. Manipulating our neurochemistry is so young in the history of man. You and I are living through it's infancy. I seem to be having some better luck than some.
I too have a drinking history, but after AA for 4 years, was dry for 15 years. A life crisis and no health coverage brought a return to it for anxiety relief, but use of it is much more manageable now. Mostly 2 glasses of wine a night, none for several nights in a row, maybe quitting altogether once the Lexpro is at 20mg.
I am going to try to get myself out exercising through walks to try to augment my treatment. I'm not a very physical person, but know I feel better days I work, so I think the increased activity during the week may be part of my feeling better then, than on the weekends. Really, really hard to push into some exercise when you are depressed. I'm sure you understand. I'd rather augment with exercise than another drug. I want one simple one like Lexapro work.
I'm sure you have tried everything. Have you encorporated any exercise? Any luck?
Posted by Theona on February 9, 2003, at 16:31:58
In reply to Re: New lex user-Theona --Anyone!!!!, posted by Cherie on February 8, 2003, at 15:04:19
> Need advice-just stopped Celexa 20 mg. 6wks ago after being on for 15 months. Did great on it, felt great. Why did I stop? Went for annual dr. visit and had gained 20 lbs in one year! Dr. suggested Lexapro immediately implying it would be answer to low libido and weight gain. I have been VERY intolerant and edgy and unmotivated recently and believe depression is creeping in. Any ideas on the weight gain?
I have to confess, Cheri, if I'd have felt so good on Celexa, I wouldn't have given it up, because if you feel good, it's easier to follow a diet program. I'm going to Weight Watchers with some success, but I sure wouldn't manipulate SSRIs to control weight. Getting your head feeling good is step one, then go with the rest.
Theona
Posted by MaryZee on February 9, 2003, at 20:33:52
In reply to Re: lexapro need help--Charlotte » jodie, posted by Charlotte Groce on February 8, 2003, at 16:43:46
Hi Charlotte: My doctor also put me on Lexapro.
I took it two weeks (l0 mg) and felt awful. I have cut the pills in half and am taking 5mg at night. Plan to discontinue completely. Seeing the doctor on the 24th (he's on vacation). After ten years on Prozac and now the Lexapro, I have decided that I am going to stop all the medication. I want to know how I feel without any of these drugs in my system. If I start acting "weird" my family will tell me and then I can always ask the doctor to put me back on the Prozac. Have not liked the Lexapro at all. I hope it helps you to read posts - it sure helps me. Before finding this place I thought I was very alone in my depression and panic attacks.
Twenty years of suffering - ten on med's - life get's tiring sometimes. But I always try to think that maybe tomorrow will be better. Lost my best friend/older sister to cancer three years ago. She made me promise that I would not commit suicide after she died (we knew she was dying).
She made me promise over and over. I wanted to after she died - but did not. Am glad now that she made me promise. So is my husband. He is supportive though he does not really "understand" what is going on with me. Let us know how you do off the meds, o.k.? Thanks for listening.
Posted by male34 on February 10, 2003, at 12:54:52
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by male34 on February 8, 2003, at 9:43:07
i f youve been on lexapro for a decent time now ,whats your comments basic question do you like it? is it working is it good??
ps-anxiety gone? ??
Posted by male34 on February 10, 2003, at 13:06:15
In reply to Re: Now on 20mg, still no effect Theona, posted by Theona on February 9, 2003, at 16:27:06
> > It was prescribe for relief of depression and migraines.
> >
> > Here's the litany of negative experiences with anti-depressants, starting in 1995 and proceeding to the present with Lexapro:
> >
> > Prozac - Initial relief, then increased depression, fatigue
> > Zoloft - No change in depression
> > Zoloft + Wellbutrin - No change in depression
> > Paxil - Initial relief, then severe depression,
> > alcohol relapse
> > Wellbutrin + Neurontin - Alcohol rehab, no change in depression
> > Desipramine - No change in depression
> > Desipramine + Buspar - Increased depression, increased Migraines, nightmares
> > Celexa - Initial relief, then increased depression, fatigue
> > Effexor - Increased depression, extreme illness, fatigue
> > Prozac + Lithium - Increased depression, illness, extreme confusion
> > Amytriptaline - Increased depression, fatigue
> > Serzone - Initial relief, then increased depression, fatigue
> > Serzone + Wellbutrin - Increased depression, exhaustion, illness, alcohol binging
> > Lexapro - Initial discomfort (night sweats, anxiety, headaches) then nothing
> >
> > As you can see, I've had no luck at all with medications.
> >
> > I've been told that I must "keep trying" and that I "WILL" find the right medication. Maybe, maybe not. The one certain thing is that I've been lining the pockets of the drug industry and behavioural health folks for the last eight years, and they haven't done a damn thing for me in return.
> >
> > At the moment, it looks as though Lexapro is just another con.
>
> Goodness, Leo, you must be very discouraged. I'm not sure it's so much of a con as you seen to be at the end of a spectrum of people for whom SSRI's don't work. I remember on commentator on SSRIs saying a few years ago that we really were so elementary in our use of these things that it was like trying to do surgery with a machete. Manipulating our neurochemistry is so young in the history of man. You and I are living through it's infancy. I seem to be having some better luck than some.
>
> I too have a drinking history, but after AA for 4 years, was dry for 15 years. A life crisis and no health coverage brought a return to it for anxiety relief, but use of it is much more manageable now. Mostly 2 glasses of wine a night, none for several nights in a row, maybe quitting altogether once the Lexpro is at 20mg.
>
> I am going to try to get myself out exercising through walks to try to augment my treatment. I'm not a very physical person, but know I feel better days I work, so I think the increased activity during the week may be part of my feeling better then, than on the weekends. Really, really hard to push into some exercise when you are depressed. I'm sure you understand. I'd rather augment with exercise than another drug. I want one simple one like Lexapro work.
>
> I'm sure you have tried everything. Have you encorporated any exercise? Any luck?****************
sounds like youve done a lot, this may sound easy but here goes, sunshine, tanning salon, exercise,oxygen flowing,b vitamens, calcium, magnese,magnesium, omega fish oil large amounts,dont dwell positive thoghts strong minded and pray to whom ever you pray to pray ,anxiety is anxious energy so release it by exercise get out and walk now! start to day and put all negative thoughts to postiive thoughts , make sure your taking youe MED. at correct time sometimes with certain foods it doesnt absorb , stay strong and stay busy dont think about pass it on start something new,good luck ill ptray fro you,you WILL get better, start today
Posted by Chuck2112 on February 10, 2003, at 13:58:49
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I know these SSRI's help increase? or let your brain get the most out of the serotonin. Do it actually raise the level of serotonin?
and whats the process? i mostly want to know why it takes several weeks for the meds to kick in. what is going on in the several weeks??
does it take your body a while to produce the product or something??
Posted by djmmm on February 10, 2003, at 16:09:28
In reply to How do these meds work?, posted by Chuck2112 on February 10, 2003, at 13:58:49
> I know these SSRI's help increase? or let your brain get the most out of the serotonin. Do it actually raise the level of serotonin?
> and whats the process? i mostly want to know why it takes several weeks for the meds to kick in. what is going on in the several weeks??
> does it take your body a while to produce the product or something??
Thats a fairly loaded question...and can only be answered in terms of "theory"SSRIs block the reuptake transport (pump) on serotonin neurons. They are "selective" because they have a higher affinity for serotonin neurons than the neurons of dopamine, norepinephrine, acetylcholine, etc. All SSRIs effect a myriad of neurotransmitter systems, they differ in potency and degree of selectivity.
Under normal conditions, the reuptake pumps "recycle" serotonin that has been "used" after binding to specific post-synaptic receptors. By blocking the reuptake pumps, SSRIs help allow synaptic serotonin to remain in an active state, binding to receptors.
initially, when you are exposed to SSRIs, your neurons adapt to the increased presense of serotonin, by actually decreasing serotonin synthesis...this response is fleeting, soon serotonin turnover returns to "normal" thus the varying delay in response rates. When synthesis stabilizes, and the neuron begins to function more normally, the SSRI allows the now INCREASED leves of synaptic serotonin to activate post synaptic receptors.
*the initial decrease in serotonin has been connected to suicide
*the constant presense of serotonin in the synapse causes downregulation of specific post synaptic receptors
*SSRIs only allow you to better utilize the serotonin; a supplement called 5-HTP can increase serotonin levels
Posted by ayuda on February 10, 2003, at 16:39:31
In reply to LEX users ? comments?, posted by male34 on February 10, 2003, at 12:54:52
> i f youve been on lexapro for a decent time now ,whats your comments basic question do you like it? is it working is it good??
> ps-anxiety gone? ??
>I've been on it for about 3 or 4 months now (can't remember). I feel that it is working for the depression, but that is since I went up to 20 mg. in December. When I was on 10mg, I became tired and weepy and lethargic after about 2 months, but on the 20mg, I am feeling almost like my old normal self (without the edginess).
As for anxiety, I wish it worked a little better. I had my first MRI the other night, and I could feel an anxiety attack come on, and I wished I had taken some lorazepam before I went. The panic attack did not surface, but that was because I had to work to suppress it, which I've done in the past, pre-AD. However, I am functioning a whole heck of a lot better than without the medication. And the feeling of a panic attack coming on happens only in rare situations, like the one above, rather than on a daily basis when I'm doing normal, every-day things, which is how it usually is without this medication.
It's not perfect, but I am doing a lot better, with a LOT less side effects, than any other AD I've been on recently (zoloft, celexa, effexor xr). I can see taking this long term and not hating that idea, which is not the way I usually feel about these meds.
Posted by jrbecker on February 10, 2003, at 17:51:56
In reply to Re: LEX users ? comments? » male34, posted by ayuda on February 10, 2003, at 16:39:31
Well it's been four months on Lexapro. And I can't say it was all peaches and ice cream. In terms of the positive side though, it was great for curbing atypical symptoms like hunger issues and helping to battle hypersomnia... better than any of the other SSRIs. And sexually, it's by far the most benign of the ADs I've been on in terms of anorgasmia.
But the down side was that the mood effect was just never as good as what I had experienced on Effexor and Celexa. Moreover, there always seemed to be this underlying anxiety that I seemed to never be able to shake, even after lowering the dosage and waiting it out for months.
So after four months of Lex, I'm going on a one month trial of celexa again. My idea is to keep the dosage low enough -- most likely around 10mg since I'm quite sensitive anyways --- so that a lot of the side effects (e.g., somnloscence, increased appetite, sexual dysfunction) remain tolerable.
It's only been four days into the switch but here's what I have to report:
definitely feeling better in terms of mood effect.
More cheerful and social again. Feel like I have my witty side again. Anxiety is definitely lower. Side-effect wise: a tad more sluggish, but not much. For instance, I've had a little more trouble getting out the door in the morning as well as trying to get motivated to run around the track at the gym. My appetite has increased a bit as well, but nothing intolerable yet. As for sexual side effect, my libido is actually back, but I think the sexual dysfunction part remains a slight problem. For the most part so far, I'm fairing a little better than I was on the Lex. If I can keep the side effects in check, I plan to stick with it. If not, I guess Lex will have to be the compromise I'll have to live with.Just thought I'd give you all the update.
JB
Posted by male34 on February 10, 2003, at 20:38:53
In reply to How do these meds work?, posted by Chuck2112 on February 10, 2003, at 13:58:49
> I know these SSRI's help increase? or let your brain get the most out of the serotonin. Do it actually raise the level of serotonin?
> and whats the process? i mostly want to know why it takes several weeks for the meds to kick in. what is going on in the several weeks??
> does it take your body a while to produce the product or something??
****your seratonin receptors are like tubes on the left and right we (us people) dont get enough seratonin shooting over from one side into the other so we take meds to help our seratonin levels become correct why it takes weeks is a good question im guessing its just an adsjutment thing ,but it does kick in and work give it time
Posted by EGR on February 10, 2003, at 21:19:25
In reply to Re: Lexapro and Wellbutrin SR » bridgette, posted by Leo Bostar on February 9, 2003, at 16:10:05
I recently added 100 mg of Wellbutrin to my 20 mgs of Lexapro. I have to skip a day or two every 5 or 6 days because of the buzzing in my head. So far I haven't noticed any increase in my sex drive, but I'll keep you all posted.
EGR
> Wellbutrin never did anything for me when taken alone. In combination with other drugs, it amplified the negative side effects.
>
> If it works for you and you have a health plan that covers some of the expenses, count your blessings.
>
> > Is anyone on the combination of Lexapro AND Wellbutrin SR/ I am on 10mg Lexapro and 150 mg os Wellbutrin Sr. I like combining them because of the sexual side effects of the SSRI and I think Wellbutrin enhances it---anyone else trying this???
>
>
Posted by EGR on February 10, 2003, at 21:22:39
In reply to Re: Now on 20mg, still no therapeutic effect EGR, posted by Leo Bostar on February 9, 2003, at 13:48:24
That would be frustrating. Try asking if you can go to 30... I know that I went through 4 meds before landing on Lexapro. I am not 100% pleased because of the sse, but I'd rather spend my life feeling like this than being suicidal and acheiving orgasms easily.
Hang in there... we care.
EGR
> One month.
>
> > Just give it time. It affects some of us quicker than others. They told me to wait 4 weeks to see how it would work. How long has it bee since you doubled your dose?
> >
> > EGR
>
>
Posted by Chuck2112 on February 11, 2003, at 16:05:36
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
still waiting.....
anxiety is still diminishing, but slowly....
i have had tight neck, shoulder, and arm muscles since sat night..... i still have the detached feeling, i still dont feel like my old self, and still dont feel much like doing the things is usually enjoy....but, i am determined.....although i feel closer to feeling like that than before the lexapro...so we will see
Posted by handmemymidol on February 11, 2003, at 17:49:14
In reply to Re: Lexapro and Wellbutrin SR » Leo Bostar, posted by EGR on February 10, 2003, at 21:19:25
I have been diagnosed and dealing with panic disorder and agorophobia for 5 years now. Zoloft did nothing for me. Paxil made my stomach hurt. Serzone worked great, but of course, can't take that anymore with the liver scare and all. Now I am on Lexapro. I can't decide what I think of it. On the plus side, I am living a "normal" life, work, etc. All panic symptoms have subsided. I did have the loss of apetite that others are mentioning but after the first 2 weeks or so, apetite is back. The biggest problems I am having are sexual. I have no interest at all anymore in sex. And when I do have sex, forget about an orgasm. I have taken to faking it so my husband doesn't feel bad. I am at the 10 mg dose and that is working well so I don't think the doc will be upping it. Will this symptom fade away too like the loss of apetite? How long might it take? It has also made me really sleepy. I have been experimenting with taking it at different times to eliminate that. Also, does anybody else experience itching? Geez, when I try to go to sleep at night, I itch like crazy! The more I try to ignore it, the more I itch! It is making me nuts! Doesn't bother me much during the day when I am busy, only when I am lying around, watching tv, etc., so I don't think it is an allergic thing. What say ye?
Posted by ayuda on February 11, 2003, at 22:07:10
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
Has anyone seen this: http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/lexapro_ad.htm
It concerns Lexapro side effects in controlled studies. Reads like a list of everything we've complained about here.
Posted by male34 on February 12, 2003, at 15:29:25
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by ayuda on February 11, 2003, at 22:07:10
my paxil quitting reason was gaining weight has anyone been on LEXAPRO long enough to say it does or doesn't make you gain weight? please thanks!
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