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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by okagain on March 20, 2003, at 11:32:24
In reply to looking for advice, posted by REGIS188 on March 19, 2003, at 14:00:48
After having panic attacks and feeling extremely stressed, I was put on 10 mg of lexapro. The first few days I wanted to cry and sleep and complain it was miserable. It took 4 1/2 weeks for the medicine to kick in and I had a few mild attacks which I also got a xanax prescription which works immediately when needed. I just woke up one day and all of a sudden had more energy and was back to "normal" again, but it was 4 1/2 weeks of is this ever gonna work and some days made you more depressed. But I feel great now. Good Luck!
Posted by ayuda on March 20, 2003, at 13:04:10
In reply to Lexapro and weight, posted by newuser2 on March 19, 2003, at 9:51:21
> 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.How do your clothes fit, though? Sometimes you don't lose any weight from exercise, you might actually gain it because of muscle mass, but judge by how your clothes are fitting, not what the scale says. If you are doing 45 minutes of cardio 5x a week, you should be toning up. It's not entirely implausible that the Lexapro is messing with your metabolism, but don't just measure this side effect by the scale. Are you feeling better? Healthier? I don't just mean emotionally, but physically? Now, if you are really not toning up, and your clothes are getting smaller, then that would be a sign that the Lexapro is seriously defeating your exercise routine.
But even if you aren't particularly losing weight, don't stop exercising, because exercise can actually help against the depression, too.
Good luck!
Posted by meadowlark on March 20, 2003, at 14:40:41
In reply to Re: Lexapro and weight » newuser2, posted by ayuda on March 20, 2003, at 13:04:10
I have been taking Lexapro for a little over a week now after my doctor prescribed it for my depression and anxiety. I'm so glad I found this message board. My doctor didn't spend any time discussing side effects with me, so I wasn't sure what to expect with these meds. Reading all of your posts has been very helpful--I now know what I can expect and/or what is common. Thanks!!!
Posted by blkvettes on March 20, 2003, at 14:43:34
In reply to new Lexapro user, posted by meadowlark on March 20, 2003, at 14:40:41
> I have been taking Lexapro for a little over a week now after my doctor prescribed it for my depression and anxiety. I'm so glad I found this message board. My doctor didn't spend any time discussing side effects with me, so I wasn't sure what to expect with these meds. Reading all of your posts has been very helpful--I now know what I can expect and/or what is common. Thanks!!!
Hi there, I hope the lex works for you and keep coming back and sharing with updates!!! TAKE CARE
Posted by Nisa on March 20, 2003, at 14:58:22
In reply to Re: new Lexapro user, posted by blkvettes on March 20, 2003, at 14:43:34
Is this normal? I just don't understand why I am so exhausted. I mean, I can barely stay awake right now, which is making me more depressed. I can't even force myself to smile right now. Does this pass? And, having recently lost 26 pounds (which NEEDED to be lost) I am frightened that I am going to balloon back up again...and I don't have the strength to exercise right now.
If anyone has any information to share, can you send it to me at thegoddess_cher@yahoo.com?
Thanks. Good luck to all.
Posted by meadowlark on March 20, 2003, at 15:35:30
In reply to Re: new Lexapro user, posted by blkvettes on March 20, 2003, at 14:43:34
I really feel like the lexapro is helping my anxiety, but since I haven't been on it that long, I wonder if it isn't just the placebo effect. Either way, I'm glad I feel better. I began taking Lexapro because I've been having trouble dealing with my impending layoff from my job. It has been devastating. It is so hard to go to work knowing that in a month or two you won't have a job anymore. Trying to keep up with your responsibilities is very hard when you feel like the rug has been pulled out from under you. I have been experiencing some side effects--sleepiness, yawning, jaw clenching and sometimes I just seem to zone out. Is this common?
Posted by lil' Jimi on March 20, 2003, at 15:44:28
In reply to day two on lex...and im so tired., posted by Nisa on March 20, 2003, at 14:58:22
> Is this normal? I just don't understand why I am so exhausted. I mean, I can barely stay awake right now, which is making me more depressed. I can't even force myself to smile right now. Does this pass? And, having recently lost 26 pounds (which NEEDED to be lost) I am frightened that I am going to balloon back up again...and I don't have the strength to exercise right now.
>
> If anyone has any information to share, can you send it to me at thegoddess_cher@yahoo.com?
>
> Thanks. Good luck to all.Hi Nisa and all of our posters,
I'm a new poster, but I've read every post since summer of '02, just before Lexapro became available in the US. I'm a 52 yr-old guy. My wife and my GP think I'm depressed and I have been on 5 mg of lex since March 6th. One thing we learn from our posters here is that Lex, like all other SSRIs, can take from 4 to 8 weeks to show their benefits and overcome the most severe side effects. And the 1st week or 3 is usually the hardest. The catch phrase at this message board seems to be "Hang In There!" It can be very hard at first, but it usually gets better.
Reading the past posts has really, REALLY helped me. Because each of us is unique, we each experience every side-effect in the book. It is "normal". Day 2 for me was my worst. I'd never knew what an anxiety attack was, but I had one. Scared me. Then I found this message board/ support site. Nisa, these folks are the best. Reminds me of the line from the movie "Starman", when our alien hero says about human beings: "When things are at their worst, you are at your best."
have hope,
~ Jim
Posted by Okpolosi on March 20, 2003, at 18:20:05
In reply to Lexapro and weight, posted by newuser2 on March 19, 2003, at 9:51:21
2 mos. on 10mg Lex, have lost 6 pounds and have been eating normally.
Posted by Donia on March 20, 2003, at 20:44:59
In reply to Re: Lexapro and weight, posted by annlanka on March 19, 2003, at 9:59:39
I have lost weight on lexpro. Been on it for a little over two months.
Posted by Donia on March 20, 2003, at 20:51:59
In reply to looking for advice, posted by REGIS188 on March 19, 2003, at 14:00:48
I was on zoloft before and my panic and anxiety was way worse the first month. The doc put me on xanax for the first two months. After that I was fine and the zoloft helped alot. I quit taking meds for a while and my depression/anxiety came back and started lexapro. The panic and anxiety was worse the first few weeks of taking this also but subsided fairly quickly. This is a side effect of these meds. After about a month or two most side effects go away and they begin working.
Posted by Dysfunk on March 21, 2003, at 9:51:07
In reply to Lexapro and weight, posted by newuser2 on March 19, 2003, at 9:51:21
I believe I have also gained weight on Lexapro. I work out regularly and have maintained my weight for at least 6 years- until lately. The only difference: the medication! I have put on about 7 pounds in 2 months. I do crave carbs and chocolate more. It takes a lot of self control to not want to eat. AND, I am more hungry than usual. I asked a doctor how a medicine can make you can weight, and she said that it can effect the metabolism. I had read on this board that some Lexapro symptoms ease in time. I can only hope this weight thing doesn't get any worse, and will reverse itself.
Posted by Dysfunk on March 21, 2003, at 9:51:30
In reply to Lexapro and weight, posted by newuser2 on March 19, 2003, at 9:51:21
I believe I have also gained weight on Lexapro. I work out regularly and have maintained my weight for at least 6 years- until lately. The only difference: the medication! I have put on about 7 pounds in 2 months. I do crave carbs and chocolate more. It takes a lot of self control to not want to eat. AND, I am more hungry than usual. I asked a doctor how a medicine can make you can weight, and she said that it can effect the metabolism. I had read on this board that some Lexapro symptoms ease in time. I can only hope this weight thing doesn't get any worse, and will reverse itself.
Posted by Dysfunk on March 21, 2003, at 9:58:08
In reply to Re: LEXAPRO AND CHOCOLATE UPDATE » blkvettes, posted by kb on March 20, 2003, at 8:19:15
I heard that chocolate and cheese have some type of perservative and when you eat them you get a high similar to a boost in seratonin. That is why if you are on a MAOI, it is dangerous to eat those foods.
Posted by Dysfunk on March 21, 2003, at 10:01:41
In reply to Re: Lexapro and weight, posted by Dysfunk on March 21, 2003, at 9:51:30
Sorry about the mulitple posts......my computer is acting up.
One more thing is that when I am tired, I crave carbs- they give me the temporary energy boost- sugar really. I have been craving carbs on Lex. I also have been feeling more tired on the medicine. I think it is all connected.
I was suprised to see someone gained weight on Prozac. It made me so energized I was really active and lost weight.
It is apparent these medicines effect each metabolism differently.
Posted by handmemymidol on March 21, 2003, at 10:27:02
In reply to Re: Lexapro and weight, posted by Dysfunk on March 21, 2003, at 10:01:41
Now Dysfunk, you're making me think I am crazy, or at least seeing doubles! LOL
I hadn't thought about the carbs before until you said something. I NEVER eat bread. Don't dislike it, just not very interested. Seldom even eat sandwiches. Now I find myself eating rolls and biscuits and such alot lately. Things that make you go hmmmmmmm . . .
Have a great day!P.S. Glad my name made you laugh. My full name is handmemyf***ingmidold***head but I shortened it as I didn't want to offend anybody. LOL
Posted by lil' jimi on March 21, 2003, at 11:49:53
In reply to Re: Lexapro and weight » Dysfunk, posted by handmemymidol on March 21, 2003, at 10:27:02
> P.S. Glad my name made you laugh. My full name is handmemyf***ingmidold***head but I shortened it as I didn't want to offend anybody. LOL
Ha, Ha, Ha, HA, HA, HAA, HAAAA! That is Great!
Keep this up and they'll take me off this lex!
Thank you!
Laughs be with You,
~ Jim
Posted by oldhand on March 21, 2003, at 11:54:24
In reply to Re: Lexapro and weight » Dysfunk, posted by handmemymidol on March 21, 2003, at 10:27:02
Posted by baracuda on March 21, 2003, at 18:49:47
In reply to Re: Lexapro and weight, posted by Dysfunk on March 21, 2003, at 10:01:41
today i had my first couple of hours of relief with lexapro - this afternoon i just felt like going for a drive (something i have NEVER felt compelled to do!)
anyway. my appetite is finally settling down, i dont clench my jaw as much (sometimes i do it still in my sleep) and the nightmares are slowing down.
so far so good -the first week was really hard but the last couple of days have been SO much easier than the first week.
i finally also have energy to clean my house and keep up with work.
im feeling much better effects in only 9 days of lexapro than in the 7 months on prozac.
Posted by Donia on March 21, 2003, at 20:05:06
In reply to LEX day 9, posted by baracuda on March 21, 2003, at 18:49:47
Hi all, I think the carb craving thing is a side effect. I had that on zoloft, after being on it for about 4 months, I started craving Lucky Charms cereal. My hubby would stop on the way home from work and get me a box. A box would last me about 21/2 days. It was crazy, I would carry the stupid box around in the living room! He told his work buddy about it and he didnt believe him until he walked in our house and there were the lucky charms beside of me. I went from 102lbs to 125lbs in 5 to 6 months on zoloft. I saw a little booklet in the grocery store by the counter about SSRI's and carb craving but didnt pick it up as I was already off the zoloft when I saw it. I also believe I read these meds can affect our sugar levels and it seems I read they may even cause a temporary type of diabetes. I didnt pay much attention to the info because I thought I would never take these meds again. I guess the craving and eating too much sugar might alter our sugar levels. I am hoping the cravings dont hit with lexapro. I have been on a little over two months and so far, so good. I am sleeping too much but am not anxious or as depressed.
Posted by SLM on March 21, 2003, at 20:55:14
In reply to Re: day two on lex...and im so tired. » Nisa, posted by lil' Jimi on March 20, 2003, at 15:44:28
I have been on Lexapro for about 3 months now. At first I was so tired all of the time. I absolutely could not stay awake past 9:00 p.m. I was like a zombe. It was hard to tell if the Lexapro was helping because I was just so tired. I am glad that side effect has gotten MUCH better. I have energy now and I really feel good. I sleep very well at night, no more waking up 2-3 times a night. I still feel really tired when I first wake up but that goes right away. My friends tell me that they have noticed a big change in my moodiness and I feel really good about myself. The only thing that really has me worried is that I've notice I have been gaining weight. I have cut back on what I eat and have been exercising but I feel like I am bloated all of the time.
Has anyone else noticed a change in their weight? Is it temporary?
Posted by lil' jimi on March 22, 2003, at 0:54:25
In reply to Re: day two on lex...and im so tired. » lil' Jimi, posted by SLM on March 21, 2003, at 20:55:14
> I have been on Lexapro for about 3 months now. At first I was so tired all of the time. I absolutely could not stay awake past 9:00 p.m. I was like a zombe. It was hard to tell if the Lexapro was helping because I was just so tired. I am glad that side effect has gotten MUCH better. I have energy now and I really feel good. I sleep very well at night, no more waking up 2-3 times a night. I still feel really tired when I first wake up but that goes right away. My friends tell me that they have noticed a big change in my moodiness and I feel really good about myself. The only thing that really has me worried is that I've notice I have been gaining weight. I have cut back on what I eat and have been exercising but I feel like I am bloated all of the time.
>
> Has anyone else noticed a change in their weight? Is it temporary?S, (may i call you ‘S’ ?)
you got me beat .. by comparison, i’ve been on lex only 2 weeks. … spent a few days with flu-like SEs that left me dragging... 1st week felt like i was going tripping after i’d take my 5 mg. ... still does some ... but I don’t feel tired now ... and sleeping hasn’t been a problem if i wouldn’t stay up past me bedtime…
i haven’t noticed any weight change, but i can tell my appetite’s been affected ... on the one hand food seems more ‘optional’, as if i can let myself go hungry (although if i do i get Real cranky) ... on the other, food tastes better, a lot better .. i could see going with either feeling and weight becoming an issue ... what’s different is how much more aware i am of my appetite; i never noticed food so much before ... hmmmmmm: food tastes better and puts me in a good mood .... that could be an inviting combination ... you have forewarned me ... thanks. ... i haven’t weighed myself, but my clothes fit the same ...
i’ve also noticed that going to pee isn’t the same ... the autonomic ‘point-and-shoot’ now requires a more deliberate approach ... and more frequency ... i’m thirstier, too ...
haven’t meant to be self-involved here, only trying to share for comparison’s sake ... hope i’ve helped ... these postings have helped me ...
may every sentient being suffer less ... may we all endure the current events the best we can ... don’t watch the news
Thanks,
~ jim
Posted by annlanka on March 22, 2003, at 10:46:02
In reply to Re: Lexapro and weight, posted by Okpolosi on March 20, 2003, at 18:20:05
hi -
i was wondering if any of you have been diagnosed with atypical depression. If so, are you taking lexapro for it? I think i may hae atypical depression and was wondering if i should be on an MAOI instaed of an SSRI?
annlanka
Posted by Leo BoStar on March 22, 2003, at 13:37:24
In reply to atypical depression, posted by annlanka on March 22, 2003, at 10:46:02
My personal experience is that medication (including Lexapro) and therapy do not work. When this happens, the patient is described as having "atypical depression." You can't blame the medical professionals for taking this approach. The alternative would be to describe themselves as "useless." Better to let the patient take the heat for being "atypical".
As far as MAOI antidepressants are concerned: even the medical folks advise caution here. They tend to characterise these medications as "very involved." That's face-saving jargon for "dangerous." Here's what this all means: the next time you're in a drugstore, check the warnings about drug interactions on various over-the-counter medications. Often you will find that the product should not be used if you are taking MAOI antidepressants. When there are so many contraindicated non-prescription drugs and other potential interaction problems with foods, such drugs earn the epithet "involved".
This web site has a very well-done grid of MAOI interactions:
http://holisticonline.com/Remedies/Depression/dep_interactions_MAOI.htm
Bottom line: unless you want to be constantly watching what you eat and/or what over-the-counter meds you take, steer clear of the dangerous MAOI drugs.
Another personal vent: be very careful in your dealings with mental health professionals, especially in the area of medications. When it comes to predicting the outcome of drug treatments, they really have no clue. They play the odds. If they're lucky, you win. If not, you lose, big time.
Good luck to you. Good luck to all of us. We need it.
Posted by Krissy P on March 22, 2003, at 15:13:14
In reply to Re: atypical depression, posted by Leo BoStar on March 22, 2003, at 13:37:24
Posted by daizy on March 22, 2003, at 16:19:24
In reply to Re: atypical depression, posted by Leo BoStar on March 22, 2003, at 13:37:24
> My personal experience is that medication (including Lexapro) and therapy do not work. When this happens, the patient is described as having "atypical depression." You can't blame the medical professionals for taking this approach. The alternative would be to describe themselves as "useless." Better to let the patient take the heat for being "atypical".
>
> As far as MAOI antidepressants are concerned: even the medical folks advise caution here. They tend to characterise these medications as "very involved." That's face-saving jargon for "dangerous." Here's what this all means: the next time you're in a drugstore, check the warnings about drug interactions on various over-the-counter medications. Often you will find that the product should not be used if you are taking MAOI antidepressants. When there are so many contraindicated non-prescription drugs and other potential interaction problems with foods, such drugs earn the epithet "involved".
>
> This web site has a very well-done grid of MAOI interactions:
>
> http://holisticonline.com/Remedies/Depression/dep_interactions_MAOI.htm
>
> Bottom line: unless you want to be constantly watching what you eat and/or what over-the-counter meds you take, steer clear of the dangerous MAOI drugs.
>
> Another personal vent: be very careful in your dealings with mental health professionals, especially in the area of medications. When it comes to predicting the outcome of drug treatments, they really have no clue. They play the odds. If they're lucky, you win. If not, you lose, big time.
>
> Good luck to you. Good luck to all of us. We need it.
>
>
>
>MAOI'S arent dangerous drugs if taken properly, as you'll see on this board a lot of people take them and have great results..... If you were faced with unbearable depression, would you not try taking these meds to get better? Isnt that what everyone wants?........ IMHO!
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