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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by MaryZee on February 15, 2003, at 23:35:33
In reply to Re: Switch from Prozac to Lexapro - » MaryZee, posted by Dysfunk on February 15, 2003, at 14:39:31
Hi! After 11 years I have gone for 48 hours without any anti-depressant medicine. Am off the Prozac; am off the Lexapro. I do not know if it is physical or psychological - but I have not been this "awake" in years. Oh, also meant to say I have been off my Premarin (hormones) for six weeks). When the Prozac (which was wonderful) stopped working I was put on the Lexapro. I could not function on the Lex. I was so tired I could not stand it. I also would just sit and stare - nothing "got through". That is why I weaned myself off of it. I do find myself getting crabby - but stop myself, take a deep breath and tell myself that I am fine and to stay calm. I hope what I learned while on the Prozac will stay with me. I cannot believe that after all this time I have actually not taken the meds.
Know it has not been a long time at all - but still it is out of my system!! If I get the old symptems back I will not hesitate to go back to the Prozac - maybe being off it for awhile it will work again. But I hope that wil not be necessary! I have not had any withdrawal. (Hope I'm not talking to soon). If I can get off the medicines maybe I can do other things too!! Like start exercising and stop smoking!! I don't drink. I do have a prescription for Valium - but take them maybe a couple times a week. But I have not been taking them for the last week either!! I so want off all meds!! Let me know if anyone else has stopped them and how you have done!!! I really needed them and the Prozac changed my life!! I am so grateful that there are such medications. But I want to know what I am like without any of the meds!!! I'll let you know how I feel during the next week - wish me luck!! And I'm praying for everyone who has the problems we all do !!!!
Posted by Psychonaut on February 16, 2003, at 6:56:58
In reply to Re: Lexapro has been very good for me, posted by Sussus on February 13, 2003, at 9:59:17
I've been on Lexapro about 6 weeks. What a difference it's made! The meds did what I hoped they would do, they even me out. No more huge mood swings. I'm more relaxed and cheerful. Even the sexual side effects are beneficial, as I was a sex-addict before. I would get angry if I had to go longer than three days without sex, and project that my husband didn't love me. Now I'm just as happy to cuddle.And it helps the PMS, which was a most welcome discovery. I'm sure most of my improvement is due to the Jungian analysis I underwent over the last year, but the meds help keep the complexes from taking over. Yes, my dreams are pretty weird, and sometimes unpleasant, but if I'm not acting out of the unconscious in waking life all of that energy is naturally going to come in the dream state.
The only drawback is that I crave carbs, and have to pay even more attention to how I eat.
Posted by winchester on February 16, 2003, at 10:05:48
In reply to Re: lexapro need help,users, posted by male34 on February 3, 2003, at 13:35:59
I just took my first Lexapro 5 mg. yesterday morning. I was so wired up by bedtime, had to take klonepin to fall asleep and then ambien at 3:00 a.m. to fall back to sleep. I started Lexapro because of anxiety and for middle of the night insomnia. Hate to think that now because of Lex. I'll start having insomnia at the beginning of bedtime. I know some of you have experienced insomnia. Do you think that with the tiny amount of lex. I took and the fact that I'm experiencing initial insomnia now that it might be a hopeless case to eventually not have insomnia while on Lexapro. Aren't SSRI's suppose to correct your seratonin levels-then why insomnia on SSRI's. How long does the insomnia last caused by Lexapro?
Posted by Donia on February 16, 2003, at 10:42:17
In reply to Re: Lexapro has been very good for me, posted by Psychonaut on February 16, 2003, at 6:56:58
This is my fourth week of lexapro. Started the first week at 5mgs to test side effects and 2nd week started the 10mg. I am feeling much better. My husband said this past week that he is getting his wife back. My story is I have always had depression and anxiety somewhat but always fought it myself. I was generally functional. I am a 30 year old female and 2 years ago my youngest son developed a disease. I had to do therapy with him 3 times a day for a year. It knocked me down. I got down to 102lbs and a depression and panic I could not control or get out of so started zoloft. It helped with alot of side effects. Had to take xanax a few months also. Well I weaned myself off of zoloft after 6 months when horrible night sweats started. I was fine for about 6 months without the meds and then my youngest son got sick again with a weird ailment. I spent two months in bed and miserable again. Chest pains from the panic and I could not get myself out of it so I started the lexapro. I had very few side effects from it. I was a little more anxious at first and sleep was difficult, also have the sexual side effects but the anxiousness and sleep difficulties are subsiding. I feel so much better. I dont know if I will need to be on these meds for life now or not. I worry about the "poop" out of these meds. So far I like the lexapro although it took about 4 weeks.
Posted by Donia on February 16, 2003, at 10:44:05
In reply to DOES INSOMNIA GO AWAY?, posted by winchester on February 16, 2003, at 10:05:48
This side effect usually goes away although my doctor said sometimes it is one of the last side effects to go. Talk to him about adding a sleeping pill to help. When I was on zoloft I took xanax to help anxiety and insomnia.
Posted by Dysfunk on February 16, 2003, at 14:29:04
In reply to Re: Switch from Prozac to Lexapro -, posted by MaryZee on February 15, 2003, at 23:35:33
Congratulations Mary Zee! I hope things continue to go well for you.
-Dysfunk
Posted by Dysfunk on February 16, 2003, at 14:30:19
In reply to DOES INSOMNIA GO AWAY?, posted by winchester on February 16, 2003, at 10:05:48
Winchester, my insomnia went away. I am not sure how long it took...5 days or so.
Posted by MaryZee on February 16, 2003, at 18:38:55
In reply to Re: Switch from Prozac to Lexapro - » MaryZee, posted by Dysfunk on February 16, 2003, at 14:29:04
Thank you Dysfunk!! So far so good!! Other than being a little crabby everything is fine! And I realize when I am being crabby and stop myself! I say to myself "why are you snapping - he didn't do anything!" And then say I'm sorry and make a joke! Hubby is a good guy :) I know this is going to sound "weird": I seem to be breathing better!! Always felt like I was holding my breath before! Really have noticed a big difference! Could this all be in my mind or do the med's make you breathe more shallow?? And also have not had heart palpitations for two days!!! I just hate them!! So hope that this continues. Anyone else notice any of these things? Has anyone else thought that their heart palpitations might be coming from the medicine?
They are so scary!! Oh I hope they don't come back!!!
Posted by oldhand on February 16, 2003, at 21:21:10
In reply to DOES INSOMNIA GO AWAY?, posted by winchester on February 16, 2003, at 10:05:48
> I just took my first Lexapro 5 mg. yesterday morning. I was so wired up by bedtime, had to take klonepin to fall asleep and then ambien at 3:00 a.m. to fall back to sleep. I started Lexapro because of anxiety and for middle of the night insomnia. Hate to think that now because of Lex. I'll start having insomnia at the beginning of bedtime. I know some of you have experienced insomnia. Do you think that with the tiny amount of lex. I took and the fact that I'm experiencing initial insomnia now that it might be a hopeless case to eventually not have insomnia while on Lexapro. Aren't SSRI's suppose to correct your seratonin levels-then why insomnia on SSRI's. How long does the insomnia last caused by Lexapro?
Winchester,
I also had severe insomnia when first starting Lexapro. Doc gave me Trazodone to take at bedtime. The insomnia has now gone away and I can even nap if I want (I just love naps.) It took about two months for it to get better so I would not give up on the Lexapro quite so soon, especially if you are feeling well otherwise.
Now if I have a sleepless night I feel it is just a part of my life. Good health to us all and best wishes.
Posted by cwspunky on February 17, 2003, at 1:18:25
In reply to Re: Switch from Prozac to Lexapro -, posted by MaryZee on February 15, 2003, at 23:35:33
I have been weaning off of Zoloft for the past 2 weeks. I am pleasantly surprised at how relatively "normal" I am. I get a little agitated, but I dont think anymore than the usual suspects.
I had tried to do this before but went right back on when I broke apart...crying, screaming, angry for no reason.
I am going off because I wanted to try lexapro due to the lower side effects. I hope that they are true.
I expereinced insomnia, weight gain and loss of libido, although I was happy and calm.
Anyone have insight about the beneifts of Lexapro over zoloft?
Posted by cwspunky on February 17, 2003, at 1:35:47
In reply to Re: Lexapro has been very good for me, posted by Donia on February 16, 2003, at 10:42:17
I just weaned from zoloft. Ihad tried it 2 times before and had to go back on...I got angry and weapy...the Dr. says I became out "depressed" or potentially had Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder after a very scary time with my baby but it seems to be gone...so I say...but I apparently suffer from PMDD and have been told to take the zoloft for this.
I would like to try Lexapro because of the decreased side effects, such as, insomnia, weight gain (or at least the inability to lose) and low libido.
I am supposed to stay off all meds for another week and then try the Lexapro. But I am feeling well right now, but my "time of the month" is coming and who knows how I will feel then.
Any ideas about the above mentioned side effects and if they really go away?
I would like to go without anything
Posted by nhg on February 17, 2003, at 11:59:00
In reply to DOES INSOMNIA GO AWAY?, posted by winchester on February 16, 2003, at 10:05:48
Insomnia went away for me within about 2 weeks. See if you can get through it without sleeping pills, but anti-anxiety such as Xanax might help. (My friend found getting off sleeping pills caused more insomnia than the original insomnia caused by antidepressants.)
Posted by Dysfunk on February 17, 2003, at 12:42:12
In reply to Re: Switch from Prozac to Lexapro -, posted by MaryZee on February 16, 2003, at 18:38:55
Mary Zee:
It sounds like maybe cognitive therapy is working for you and you can rationalize and talk yourself out of your moods. That is great.
I think I may feel more shallowness of breath on this medicine. It is hard to tell cause I have the lump in my throat that makes me feel choked up. When I work out, I am pushing myself past the exhuastion I feel. Breathing is more difficult when I work out I think because my body feels more tired.
I too get palpatations. I have for years since being on the meds. They are scarey cause you can't breathe during them, but my heart is strong so I don't worry. Get checked to see if your heart is in good condition to be sure.
I have been experiencing the eye twitching too. Another nuisance that I hope isn't too noticeable. It usually happens when I haven't slept enough.
I don't feel that I am experiencing any positive effects yet from Lexapro. Ho-hum.
-Dysfunk
Posted by gimlet on February 17, 2003, at 15:07:11
In reply to Re: Switch from Prozac to Lexapro - » MaryZee, posted by Dysfunk on February 17, 2003, at 12:42:12
my therapist recently suggested lexapro. i'm dysthymic w/ episodic major depression and have had really bad past experience with medications, so i've avoided them for years. but it's been suggested to me that if i can knock out the episodes of major depression the dysthymia might be easier to deal with, so i'm considering trying medication again. lexapro was recommended because of its apparently less harsh side effects. i've been reading this board and it sounds like people are having just as bad a reaction to it than all the others. has anyone had a positive experience with it or any other SSRI? i'm trying to educate myself because i tend to generally mistrust psychiatry and i want to make an informed decision that isn't swayed by pharmacological hype.
Posted by sbh on February 17, 2003, at 16:54:08
In reply to Switch from Prozac to Lexapro - » MaryZee, posted by nails on February 12, 2003, at 17:21:50
I also switched to Lexapro. I couldnt stand the sexual side effects of Prozac although Buspar did help with those. I've also tried wellbutrin(anxiety), paxil(nausea), Zoloft (breast pain), Sezone (spaciness), Effexor (dry mouth, constipation, Celexa (spaciness) and Luvox (nausea). So far the Lexapro hasnt posed side effects and I think Im less anxious but its till too soon to tell. Id like to hear about others experiences on various meds.
Posted by Chuck2112 on February 18, 2003, at 9:39:54
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
i am doing much better than a week ago, i am going into week 5 here and feeling so much better and getting better every day...still a ways from the finish line though.....
i wanted to report a little on side effects....
i didnt have any nauseous feelings, but i have had trouble getting to sleep and taking naps during the day, that seems to be wearing off now, i am getting to sleep much easier.....the night sweats and sweaty palms and decreasing as well.....any kind of mind fogginess seems to be lifting as well...all in all...i think the meds need to be given the full 6 to 8 weeks before you know how you are really going to do with them..
Posted by skyeXX on February 18, 2003, at 10:57:35
In reply to Re: Lexapro worked but still sad sometimes » bozeman, posted by ayuda on January 10, 2003, at 12:03:38
This is my first time on meds and IM kinda freaked out. This past year my mother died, my boyfriend almost got killed and due to depression/stress a lot of physical things happened to me.(back went out,rash etc) I havent been able to be "normal" since and have just started on lexapro. IM worried aobut having my personality changed and not being able to experiance emotions the same. Oh Also up until about 3 weeks ago I lived on coffee cigarettes and alcohol at night which I quit all at once on my own. Ive been on lexapro for 5 days now and the only side effect is being mildly dizzy. Does this drug hinder creativity, does it lame out emotions?
Posted by Dysfunk on February 18, 2003, at 11:19:24
In reply to 4 weeks and one day on lexapro, posted by Chuck2112 on February 18, 2003, at 9:39:54
Good for you Chuck! I can only hope I can say the same thing soon. Were you about to give up or were you told that it could take over 4 weeks to work? I am going into the 5th week also and so far nothing.
Posted by Chuck2112 on February 18, 2003, at 11:31:54
In reply to Re: 4 weeks and one day on lexapro » Chuck2112, posted by Dysfunk on February 18, 2003, at 11:19:24
> Good for you Chuck! I can only hope I can say the same thing soon. Were you about to give up or were you told that it could take over 4 weeks to work? I am going into the 5th week also and so far nothing.
no i was not about to give up just because it has helped, even if it has not been able to bring me where i was hoping it would....another thing that has helped me keep to it is reading all the different experiences of others on this med, i have read accounts of others whereas it took them 2 full months to really feel good....i think it just depends on how you felt going into the med...i mean if you were really kind of out of it, like i felt, its going to take more time, and i dont think that is just the medication, i think it has to do with your thinking habits.....the meds help change that, along with your help, and thinking habits dont change overnight....
no i was not told that it could take over 4 weeks, thats what all the SSRI medicine suggest 4 to 6 weeks for full affect...it says that on the lexapro website....it does say you may feel some relief by 2 week mark....but they say that only because it has happened that way for some, not because the drug was designed to work in that period
so going into your 5th week you nothing at all?? why are you taking it? what syptoms of anxiety are you suffering from? maybe i can help you get the most from this experience
Posted by Chuck2112 on February 18, 2003, at 11:35:00
In reply to Re: 4 weeks and one day on lexapro » Chuck2112, posted by Dysfunk on February 18, 2003, at 11:19:24
here is another message board that has a little more active members so alot more feedback
http://forums.about.com/ab-panicdisrdr/messages/?msg=5753&redirCnt=1
Posted by Hope Elisabeth on February 18, 2003, at 12:46:48
In reply to Re: 4 weeks and one day on lexapro » Chuck2112, posted by Dysfunk on February 18, 2003, at 11:19:24
Hi Chuck and Dysfunk. I too have been on Lexapro (first time on meds) for almost a month now, and I am feeling a little discouraged. The first few days were great, but now I am going back to how I felt before. I guess I should give it the full 6 weeks, even though they say it only takes 2? How do you know when it is working? I desperately want to feel happy again so any information would be much appreciated.
Posted by Chuck2112 on February 18, 2003, at 13:31:32
In reply to Re: 4 weeks and one day on lexapro, posted by Hope Elisabeth on February 18, 2003, at 12:46:48
> Hi Chuck and Dysfunk. I too have been on Lexapro (first time on meds) for almost a month now, and I am feeling a little discouraged. The first few days were great, but now I am going back to how I felt before. I guess I should give it the full 6 weeks, even though they say it only takes 2? How do you know when it is working? I desperately want to feel happy again so any information would be much appreciated.
hmmm how do you know when it is working? i guess that depends on what you are feeling now that you want to alleviate. is it depression, anxiety? how do these manifest themself for you?for me, i was having a hard time talking with people, just being present enough to get a conversation off the ground, its like my mind was stuck in no mans land, and i have slowly started to emerge, from that ever so slowly day by day....plus i am able to concentrate a little bit better....i actually felt like getting out this weekend and doing something...the moments are fleeting...and dont always stay...but i notice as time goes on...that gap between these moments get smaller and smaller...now there are still gaps...so i dont ever yet have full days when i feel like myself...just moments in between here and there...what gives me hope though is that i notice every day that there is a little more desire on my part to want to join in on normal daily life...every once in a while during the day...i will have a normal thought about something insignificant...and that is progress to me...that i what i remember being normal...
Posted by SLS on February 18, 2003, at 16:07:50
In reply to 4 weeks and one day on lexapro, posted by Chuck2112 on February 18, 2003, at 9:39:54
> i am doing much better than a week ago, i am going into week 5 here and feeling so much better and getting better every day...still a ways from the finish line though.....
Hi Chuck.Forgive me if you've already addressed this question, but which SSRIs have you tried in the past, and what were your experiences with them? What about Effexor, Wellbutrin, and MAOIs?
Thanks much!
- Scott
Posted by Dysfunk on February 18, 2003, at 16:23:24
In reply to Re: 4 weeks and one day on lexapro, posted by Chuck2112 on February 18, 2003, at 11:31:54
I am on 40 mgs of Prozac too, so the effects of Lex may not be that significant. I feel more tense, anxious and depressed than I did before I dropped my Prozac 10 mgs and added in Effexor. Who knows, maybe I should just stay on Prozac and realize that is as good as it gets for me.
Posted by Hope Elisabeth on February 18, 2003, at 16:23:49
In reply to Re: 4 weeks and one day on lexapro, posted by Chuck2112 on February 18, 2003, at 13:31:32
> > Hi Chuck and Dysfunk. I too have been on Lexapro (first time on meds) for almost a month now, and I am feeling a little discouraged. The first few days were great, but now I am going back to how I felt before. I guess I should give it the full 6 weeks, even though they say it only takes 2? How do you know when it is working? I desperately want to feel happy again so any information would be much appreciated.
>
>
> hmmm how do you know when it is working? i guess that depends on what you are feeling now that you want to alleviate. is it depression, anxiety? how do these manifest themself for you?
>
> for me, i was having a hard time talking with people, just being present enough to get a conversation off the ground, its like my mind was stuck in no mans land, and i have slowly started to emerge, from that ever so slowly day by day....plus i am able to concentrate a little bit better....i actually felt like getting out this weekend and doing something...the moments are fleeting...and dont always stay...but i notice as time goes on...that gap between these moments get smaller and smaller...now there are still gaps...so i dont ever yet have full days when i feel like myself...just moments in between here and there...what gives me hope though is that i notice every day that there is a little more desire on my part to want to join in on normal daily life...every once in a while during the day...i will have a normal thought about something insignificant...and that is progress to me...that i what i remember being normal...
>Wow thank you for the great details Chuck. I think I felt a lot like you did. I was nervous all the time to the point of not being able to think clear enough to have a conversation. I also just have a poor self-image in general, lots of feelings of worthlessness, occasional thoughts of death but never to the point where I would think of suicide itself. Since the month on Lexapro I have noticed that it seems to take the edge off my anxiety, but I am still having the occasional mild attacks I used to. It seems as if my depressive symptoms have gotten a little worse though, and that is what scares me. I have gotten these self-destructive impulses that I have never had before. I am not scared that I will hurt myself, but that does worry me to some extent, as it is just "not fun" to want to be dead ya know!! (I try to squeeze in a little humor if I can ;)
I am thinking of asking my MD to switch me to Effexor. Sorry so long, but any comment?
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