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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Romulus on March 17, 2003, at 20:52:54
In reply to Re: Lexapro and depression, posted by blkvettes on March 16, 2003, at 13:42:08
I experienced something similar to this, starting with 10mg and going up to 30mg at one point. Not only was I completely sapped of energy, I felt the most extreme depression I've ever felt. Now I'm down to 10mg again and feel terrific, so it may be a matter of finding the right dose.
Also, my psychologist pointed out an interesting possibility...if the drug causes more loneliness, it could be that it's not working properly. Or it COULD be getting me more in touch with buried feelings, thus motivating improvement.
Good luck!
Robert
> > Hello,
> >
> > I'm new to this site and wondered if anyone can give me some input. I'm been on lexapro about three weeks (5 mg because I'm sensitive to meds) and just upped it 10 mg the last few days. The anxiety has lessened but I feel more depressed. Has anyone else had that effect? I'm not sure if it's just me because I am still fighting the idea of having to take meds, or if I should try something else. Thanks for your help.
Posted by Hollygirl on March 17, 2003, at 23:02:54
In reply to Re: Lexapro and depression, posted by Romulus on March 17, 2003, at 20:52:54
I have been taking Lexapro for a little over a month now and I am completely exhausted all the time. Like you, I have less anxiety, but now I just want to sleep 24/7! Does it get better?
Posted by Krissy P on March 17, 2003, at 23:15:09
In reply to Re: Thanks again, posted by Dr. Bob on March 17, 2003, at 20:43:18
Well:-) I was thinking.............
Sorry if it's confusing here, but the focus on this particular board is medication. That at Psycho-Babble Faith is, however, religious faith.
>
> > Before I sign off, does anyone know anything
> > about digital camera's?
>
> And at Psycho-Social-Babble there's general discussion...
>
> > My thanks to Dr. Bob and his associates for
> > a job well done on the quiz at the beginning
>
> You're welcome, but last but not least, there's Psycho-Babble Administration for administrative issues.
>
> > I pray that I haven't crossed the web site
> > guidelines, since I've written about other things
> > besides my med.!
>
> Well... :-)
>
> Bob
>
> PS: Follow-ups regarding posting policies should also go to Psycho-Babble Administration, thanks.
Posted by Brutus on March 18, 2003, at 0:00:33
In reply to Re: Thanks again » Dr. Bob, posted by Krissy P on March 17, 2003, at 23:15:09
What time of day do most of you take your lexapro?
I was on Paxil CR for a while, I took it at night and found myself drowsy in the mornings very unproductive.
I was on zoloft for awhile and had the opposite reaction. I was very anxious in the morning and almost felt too aggressive driving to work, like I was mad at everybody.
Posted by blkvettes on March 18, 2003, at 8:34:42
In reply to When do you take lexapro, posted by Brutus on March 18, 2003, at 0:00:33
> What time of day do most of you take your lexapro?
> I was on Paxil CR for a while, I took it at night and found myself drowsy in the mornings very unproductive.
> I was on zoloft for awhile and had the opposite reaction. I was very anxious in the morning and almost felt too aggressive driving to work, like I was mad at everybody.Hi there, I think you will find most people on the board take it at different times. There has been much discussion on this subject. You will have to experiment to find the best time. GOOD LUCK!!!!!!
Posted by blkvettes on March 18, 2003, at 8:41:07
In reply to Re: Lexapro and depression » Romulus, posted by Hollygirl on March 17, 2003, at 23:02:54
Hi there, I have read a lot of posts on lexapro. It may take a little longer for your body to adjust. I have seen people say everything came together at 8 weeks. Have you tried changing the time on when you take it. Or maybe the doc will adjust your dose, this helped for me. TAKE CARE!!!!
Posted by pumpkin on March 18, 2003, at 11:54:33
In reply to There is a GOD:-) (nm), posted by Krissy P on March 16, 2003, at 21:18:21
Have been reading the latest posts. My mornings
haven't been the best lately. I guess I need to
be uped on the med.Has anyone had any problems with headaches on
this Lexapro? They are mild- but can be bother-
some.I have the same trouble with getting to sleep
as others do, but once I'm asleep- I don't want
to get up! Bad for the family! I think that I
would rather have my med. uped, before I change
dosage times though. Again, one step at a time.We've been blessed with a beautiful day, so I'm
going to get some more excercise - (good for the
brain), and enjoy it!
Posted by blkvettes on March 18, 2003, at 12:07:51
In reply to RE: Hey guys!, posted by pumpkin on March 18, 2003, at 11:54:33
> Have been reading the latest posts. My mornings
> haven't been the best lately. I guess I need to
> be uped on the med.
>
> Has anyone had any problems with headaches on
> this Lexapro? They are mild- but can be bother-
> some.
>
> I have the same trouble with getting to sleep
> as others do, but once I'm asleep- I don't want
> to get up! Bad for the family! I think that I
> would rather have my med. uped, before I change
> dosage times though. Again, one step at a time.
>
> We've been blessed with a beautiful day, so I'm
> going to get some more excercise - (good for the
> brain), and enjoy it!
>
>
>
>
Hi there, this is a side effect that should go away with a little time. Try to be patient!!!!!! If you up your dose to soon your headaches may get worse!!!!!!! I think you just started lexapro at 5mg. I believe. GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!
Posted by REGIS188 on March 18, 2003, at 12:13:08
In reply to Re: Thanks again, posted by Edgefield on March 17, 2003, at 18:04:01
I have read all the posts.. I know I have been taking Lexapro for only one week but don't feel to good. I do not feel like myself at all and I have been real anxiety ridden. I feel it is because of the way I am thinking and the way the medicine is making me feel. I dwell on it and then I start to think that maybe it isn't the medicine but maybe I am going crazy and will never feel the same. I wake up in the mornings and my arms are tired and my stomach really hurts, I usually feel like I have to throw up. I am taking it in the morning, but bout an hour after I wake up and get going. I like reading the posts about how it is working and you have to wait, but I am worried what if I stick with it and I get worse? can that happen or is my body just adjusting?
Posted by Krissy P on March 18, 2003, at 12:18:41
In reply to RE: Hey guys!, posted by pumpkin on March 18, 2003, at 11:54:12
Hi, you sound in a great mood-that's wonderful! We have been blessed with a beautiful day here too, and I intend to ride my new bike again tonight:-) I wish I could comment on the Lexapro-I have never taken it-sorry.
Yep, it's one step at a time.
God Bless, Kristen
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Have been reading the latest posts. My mornings
haven't been the best lately. I guess I need to
be uped on the med.
Has anyone had any problems with headaches on
this Lexapro? They are mild- but can be bother-
some. I have the same trouble with getting to sleep as others do, but once I'm asleep- I don't want to get up! Bad for the family! I think that I would rather have my med. uped, before I change dosage times though. Again, one step at a time.
We've been blessed with a beautiful day, so I'm
going to get some more excercise - (good for the
brain), and enjoy it!
Posted by baracuda on March 18, 2003, at 12:19:46
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Lexi on March 17, 2003, at 16:23:21
im at day 7 with lexapro - weaning off prozac by taking one 20 mg every other day for the last week and taking 10 mg of lexapro. im battling depression and the obsessing about my hair getting thinner is back ( all my friends say im bugging out cus they dont see it but i swear its falling out!!)
i was taking prozac for 7 months and it never worked well for me - i would have maybe a couple of hours a day without depression, gained about 20 lbs and my blood pressure skyrocketed in those 7 months.
i wish i could say that lexapro is working but so far the only thing i know about it is that i have to take it at night because it makes me sleepy. so far no relief from any depression :(
Posted by blkvettes on March 18, 2003, at 12:31:27
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by baracuda on March 18, 2003, at 12:19:46
> im at day 7 with lexapro - weaning off prozac by taking one 20 mg every other day for the last week and taking 10 mg of lexapro. im battling depression and the obsessing about my hair getting thinner is back ( all my friends say im bugging out cus they dont see it but i swear its falling out!!)
>
> i was taking prozac for 7 months and it never worked well for me - i would have maybe a couple of hours a day without depression, gained about 20 lbs and my blood pressure skyrocketed in those 7 months.
>
> i wish i could say that lexapro is working but so far the only thing i know about it is that i have to take it at night because it makes me sleepy. so far no relief from any depression :(Hi there, I am a male and have long hair. But I also insisted my hair was falling out. I now realize that it was not. Just trying to help with the hair thing. Dont know anything about prozac, but others on this board do. The only thing I can say is give the lexapro some time. Good luck and take care!!!!!!
Posted by jarr25 on March 18, 2003, at 12:34:18
In reply to RE: Hey guys!, posted by pumpkin on March 18, 2003, at 11:53:49
I too have been having headaches, but I only have them on the weekends. I just came back from my Dr. and she suggested that it might be because I had to do and my system was not adjusting yet to the lower level of stress. I must say that after exercising though on those days the headache goes away.
Good luck with sleeping. I finally can sleep well and wake up just fine; even if I didn't get a whole eight-hour sleep. But I still have ups and downs, so my Dr. just upped my dosage to 30mg/day. We'll see if that levels my system.> Have been reading the latest posts. My mornings
> haven't been the best lately. I guess I need to
> be uped on the med.
>
> Has anyone had any problems with headaches on
> this Lexapro? They are mild- but can be bother-
> some.
>
> I have the same trouble with getting to sleep
> as others do, but once I'm asleep- I don't want
> to get up! Bad for the family! I think that I
> would rather have my med. uped, before I change
> dosage times though. Again, one step at a time.
>
> We've been blessed with a beautiful day, so I'm
> going to get some more excercise - (good for the
> brain), and enjoy it!
>
>
>
>
Posted by blkvettes on March 18, 2003, at 14:28:42
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by Theona on February 5, 2003, at 13:37:27
Hello lexapro users!!!!! First of all I am not recommending or asking anyone to eat chocolate. Any site you go to will say avoid chocolate, coffee, sodas, etc. I quit eating lots of chocolate and cut down on my sodas a few months before I went nuts. I am 45 male and wanted to eat better and get in a little better shape and thought this would also help with insomnia. I have had panic attacks, anxiety and depression for 5 months. I have been on paxil, zoloft and now lexapro for 5weeks. I was on one of those chats as I said before and they started talking about chocolate. I started researching and sure enough it raises serotonin and a couple of other chemicals affect the mood. So I have been eating 3oz of chocolate a day for 6 days and taking my lexapro. The first 3 days I was very tired for some reason. But also noticed the muscle pains in my back and neck had gone away 90%. I had these pains for 6 months. I used heating pad, bengay etc and nothing would make the pain go away. Chocolate has a natural muscle pain reliever chemical in it. I cut my dose of lex a little and I am no longer tired. This weekend I enjoyed watching my sports for the 1st time in months. Sunday night my wife fell off the wagon and came home drunk. In the past few months I would have been devastated. Dont get me wrong it did depress me. Monday morning my daughter and wife left for the day. This was the 1st day I felt good about being alone. The same goes for today also. 7 days ago I was sitting on the edge of my bed watching tv with no sound and crying all day. Yesterday and today I have been driving and stopping at stores. I could not think of doing this a week ago. I drove 10 miles on a highway to see someone today. She was not there and I drove home. I was not really prepared for her not to be there. I got some anxiety but got myself together by taking deep breaths. When I got home she called and said she had gone to the store. This was ok because it put me in a stressful situation that I got past. On a scale of 1 to 10 I am at a 6 which is good because my low to me was 0. I have had times in the last couple of days where I felt like a 7. Before this week the best I felt was a 3 or 4. I still have insomnia which I have had since I was a kid. But dont really care as long as I keep feeling this good. I dont know if it is the lex or chocolate or both helping me get better. I just hope it continues!!!!!!!!! I heard today from Forest labs and they will have a chocolate covered lex or chocolate filled lex for their 1st anniv. NOT!!!!!! EVERYONE TAKE CARE!!!!
Posted by baracuda on March 18, 2003, at 15:26:57
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by blkvettes on March 18, 2003, at 12:31:27
ohh im a female - i had beautiful long thick hair and then when i had my 'breakdown' my hair fell out in clumps. now its thicker than it was when it fell out, but it seems to be thinning out again. but then again im extremely vain and i realize this is problematic...
im gonna give lex a month...lets hope it works! thanks for the positivity!
Posted by baracuda on March 18, 2003, at 15:28:42
In reply to FIRST WEEK USER, posted by REGIS188 on March 18, 2003, at 12:13:08
thats how i felt on the first few days on lexapro - so i switched and started taking it right before bedtime - that way i would be asleep when all the bad feelings happened... it has seemed to work so far... except for im real lazy in the morning now...hope that helps!
Posted by Okpolosi on March 18, 2003, at 16:17:58
In reply to Re: FIRST WEEK USER, posted by baracuda on March 18, 2003, at 15:28:42
I'm about to start week 8, 10mg Lex. I also had a rough start - stomach aches, nausea, fatigue, anxiety, depression, I could go on....
Not sure but my headaches seemed to come on if I ate sugar of any kind, and that includes chocolate.
Began taking dose in the AM and found I was sleepy right after dinner. Have now switched to taking it at 2:00PM and go to sleep at around 11:00PM.
I used to be quite the insomniac, rarely getting a good night's sleep. With Lex, I fall asleep easier and stay asleep, no more waking up at 3:00AM and not being able to go back to sleep.Have not yet experienced the good Lex has given others, not quite as angry as I used to be, but still fighting depression, take it one day at a time....
Posted by Hollygirl on March 18, 2003, at 18:12:45
In reply to LEXAPRO AND CHOCOLATE UPDATE, posted by blkvettes on March 18, 2003, at 14:28:42
blkvettes- I am glad you are feeling better and able to get out more. I absolutely LOVE chocolate so thanks for giving me the justification to chow down even more on it :)
Posted by annlanka on March 18, 2003, at 20:08:35
In reply to LEX wieght gain anybody,or not?, posted by male34 on February 12, 2003, at 15:29:25
hi- i hav e been on lexapro about 3 months now and the first week i started taking it i had an immediate increase in energy. I could feel my heart beating at times. I felt that it sped my metabolism up but also increased my appetite and craving for junk food- does anyone else seem to have these effects?
Posted by blkvettes on March 18, 2003, at 20:26:50
In reply to Re: LEX wieght gain anybody,or not?, posted by annlanka on March 18, 2003, at 20:08:35
> hi- i hav e been on lexapro about 3 months now and the first week i started taking it i had an immediate increase in energy. I could feel my heart beating at times. I felt that it sped my metabolism up but also increased my appetite and craving for junk food- does anyone else seem to have these effects?
Hi there, After starting lexapro I ate like crazy and still do. But I lost a lot of weight and need to gain it back. TAKE CARE!!!!!!
Posted by oldhand on March 18, 2003, at 21:03:45
In reply to LEXAPRO AND CHOCOLATE UPDATE, posted by blkvettes on March 18, 2003, at 14:28:42
I am so glad you are feeling better, blkvettes, and able to leave the house. I am so pleased for your progress as a week or so ago you were having such a difficult time. It's great to hear.
And now about the chocolate covered Lexapro.......think you should contact the makers and suggest it and get a huge sum of money for such a good idea!! He, He, He.
Posted by handmemymidol on March 19, 2003, at 7:26:26
In reply to LEXAPRO AND CHOCOLATE UPDATE, posted by blkvettes on March 18, 2003, at 14:28:42
Hi Wayne!
I may know the answer to the chocolate vs no chocolate mystery :)
When my dr first suggested meds to me, I was very anxious about it. I wanted to know what they would do, how they worked, etc. She told me about the serotonin levels being imbalanced, blah, blah, blah, I didn't like the idea that it was all hit or miss. I wanted to know if I made too much serotonin or too little. She said that docs didn't really know, there were no tests to measure. That is why they experiment with different kinds, different doses to see what works for the individual.
Perhaps you make too little so the chocolate boosting serotonin is good for you. And perhaps the people who make too much should avoid chocolate because they already have an overabundance. I dunno. Just a thought that occurred to me :)
Have a great day all!
Posted by blkvettes on March 19, 2003, at 8:51:57
In reply to Re: LEXAPRO AND CHOCOLATE UPDATE » blkvettes, posted by handmemymidol on March 19, 2003, at 7:26:26
> Hi Wayne!
>
> I may know the answer to the chocolate vs no chocolate mystery :)
> When my dr first suggested meds to me, I was very anxious about it. I wanted to know what they would do, how they worked, etc. She told me about the serotonin levels being imbalanced, blah, blah, blah, I didn't like the idea that it was all hit or miss. I wanted to know if I made too much serotonin or too little. She said that docs didn't really know, there were no tests to measure. That is why they experiment with different kinds, different doses to see what works for the individual.
> Perhaps you make too little so the chocolate boosting serotonin is good for you. And perhaps the people who make too much should avoid chocolate because they already have an overabundance. I dunno. Just a thought that occurred to me :)
> Have a great day all!
>I have read about people having to much serotonin and people not having enough. I have also read some bad things about the meds we take. But dont want to share because it may scare someone. I hope your doing well. TAKE CARE!!!!!!!!!
Posted by newuser2 on March 19, 2003, at 9:51:21
In reply to Re: Lexapro and depression, posted by blkvettes on March 18, 2003, at 8:41:07
I have been taking Lexapro since November(10 mg). It is my understanding that Lexapro is a "weight neutral" medication, meaning that it does not cause weight gain or loss. However, for me, I believe that I have gained weight from taking the lexapro. Even worse, I can't get the weight off. I have joined Weight Watchers and exercise 5-6 times a week (usually 45 minutes of cardio per workout). I am really nervous because I am diligently trying to get the weight off and nothing is working. It has been more than 3 weeks and I have not lost one pound. Is it possible that Lexapro has an impact on ability to lose weight? Please help!
Thank you.
Posted by annlanka on March 19, 2003, at 9:59:39
In reply to Lexapro and weight, posted by newuser2 on March 19, 2003, at 9:51:21
Hi newuser2- i too have trouble losing weight with lexapro- i find i have food cravings all the time! i have gained about 15 pounds since being on it and am starting to change my eating habits now and lost about 10 pounds. I am an athlete and exercise a lot- like 2hrs a day - and it is very frustrating when you feel like you wrok to lose the weight but nothing happens. I guess my best advice- the way i lost weight- is to eat mainly vegetables- steamed, grilled, stir fried and then only a little meat, dairy and fruit. I know i should cut out a lot of th ecrap i eat, but it is just so hard- esp when you are feeling bad and your serotonin levels are screwed up and calling out- feed me bundles of chocolate and bread.
good luck!
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