![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 2502 to 2526 of 8406. Go back in thread:
Posted by oldhand on March 30, 2003, at 11:32:02
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl » susan b. anthony, posted by oldhand on March 30, 2003, at 11:25:43
> > Well, seems like a small little club here and no one wants to talk to me, so i sign off.
>
> Hi Susan B,
> You must forgive me, sometimes I do not get to this board as often as I want to, and some days I just don't feel like responding, though I think maybe I could contribute.
> I have been on ten mg. of Lexapro since mid-November. I found I have lost weight. I had gained 50 pounds over the course of my different meds so losing weight is a good thing. I was also drinking alot of beer which I have stopped too. It is not that I don't get hungry, it is that I can control it better now. I think that has to do with the reduction of my depression, not eating all the time for comfort. Before the Lexapro I was on a combination of Celexa and Remeron. I could not go to bed at night without taking a meal with me.
> The issues of weight gain and loss have been discussed quite a bit on this board and you might want to read some of the earlier posts to compare information.
> I reread the research info on Lexapro last night and it was my impression that it was neutral, neither gain nor loss but folks here have all had different experiences.
> Wishing you health.
Guess I was mixed up in addressing my post, but I hope it will be read by whoever asked the question and I hope SusanB. will stay with us.
Posted by blkvettes on March 30, 2003, at 11:56:17
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by oldhand on March 30, 2003, at 11:32:02
Hello, you people that give up after a short time on a med must understand it takes time. If you are tired drop the dosage this worked for me. You do not have to take 10mg to get results. Everyone is different, I have seen people get results on just 5mg. I have been up to 10 down to 5 and am at 7.5 with good results. I read posts on all kinds of boards where people give up in the first week and move to something else. Most side effects go away in time. As for weight in some people their metabolism slows down with these meds. I guess you have to watch what you eat and exercise. On this board alone I have read posts where people have gone through some terrible side effects and they go away with time and say they are doing great. I am not defending lexapro but all meds that people take. It takes time, if a person quits because of allergic reaction or some severe side effect as I did with paxil and zoloft that is one thing. Some people give up over a headache, upset stomach, they are tired etc. These are minor side effects where a simple dosage change would do the trick. Some people take one med and start a new one and blame all their side effects on the new med when they are withdrawling from the old med. A lot of shrinks try to start you out on the full dose. You do not have to take a full dose to get results. If you go lower you can always go back up when your body is ready. No matter what med you take give it a fair chance!!!!!!!! I could have easily gave up on lexapro but people on this board and other boards convinced me to give it time!!!!!! GOOD LUCK TO ALL!!!!! TAKE CARE!!!!!!!!
Posted by IfOnly on March 30, 2003, at 12:17:47
In reply to BEING TIRED!!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by blkvettes on March 30, 2003, at 11:56:17
You are exactly right!!! The doctors should be telling this to people. There is no automatic cure.
Posted by okpolosi on March 30, 2003, at 13:14:33
In reply to Re: BEING TIRED!!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by IfOnly on March 30, 2003, at 12:17:47
I just have to put in my 2 cents!!!
Week 9 10mg Lex.
In the first few weeks I had almost EVERY side effect associated w/Lex...debilitating Migraine-like headaches, nausea, dizziness, diahrea, extreme lethargy, feeling like a zombie, binge eating, anxiety, depression, clenching....I could go on and on!!!
The second week was by far the worst, called in sick for work the whole week and stayed in bed or on the couch sick as a dog.
By the 4th week I was starting to seriously doubt I would get any help or results...had several deep depressions.
I stuck with it though, mostly because of the many posts I read here encouraging me to give the meds a chance to work. And I am happy to say THEY ARE WORKING!!!
Have not had another deep depression in several weeks. Have not had a terrible fight w/husband (used to occur at least once a week, if not more). People at work have commented I don't seem so "manic" or "crazed" as one person put it.
The meds have brought back my "sense of balance", no more extremes of bad emotions, everything seems more "even" if that makes sense?
So, please do NOT give up so easily...the meds DO need some time to work for some people!!!
Posted by Hollygirl on March 30, 2003, at 13:35:39
In reply to Re: Re lexapro and hunger....Hollygirl, posted by KRM123 on March 30, 2003, at 10:36:38
> How has the Effexor been working for you?? I am also quitting Lexapro because of the tiredness.
I have only been on the Effexor for 3 days so it is hard to say. I definitely have energy, though...in fact, I don't sleep. One bad thing is that I am nauseated and have been throwing up. I assume that is just the initial side effect and will go away in time. Good luck
Posted by Chacha on March 30, 2003, at 13:56:26
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by oldhand on March 30, 2003, at 11:32:02
I have just started taking lexapro for about 3 days now. I have spent alot of time sleeping during the day, and I have also starting experiencing diahrea, which is not normal for me.
Will these things go away? or do I need to reduce my 10 mg to 5 mg? I called my pharmacy and they suggested that but if this goes away in a few days I would rather not.
Posted by leeran on March 30, 2003, at 14:05:34
In reply to BEING TIRED!!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by blkvettes on March 30, 2003, at 11:56:17
What an excellent message! Blkvettes, I wanted to tell you that, after reading one of your recent posts on Friday, I went back and did a search and followed your complete progress on Lexapro and even told my husband about your metamorphosis thus far on this medication.
Your most recent post (below) is full of such excellent, well-thought out advice and it's DEFINITELY something I needed to read this morning (I am on day 6 w/ Lexapro).
Like many people, one of my biggest fears is that I will gain back weight that I have lost (50 pounds gained in eight years - a combination of ADs, stress, early menopause and laziness/tiredness). I've lost 24 - 25 pounds of that 50 and am afraid of gaining it back and becoming MORE depressed because of the weight gain (such a vicious circle).
I'm curious - are you splitting a 10 mg. to get to 7.5 - or are there smaller dose pills available? I'm thinking I read that 10 mg. was the lowest dosage available in actual pill form.
I am also on 40 mg. per day of Adderall - so I feel like that will help with any weight gain and I've actually lost a few pounds this week taking the Lexapro (but I know that can be short-lived).
I do feel an even more drastic reduction in appetite with the Lexapro layered on top of the Adderall so we'll see what happens . . . I spent a few OCD hours last night combing the internet for posts about "Lexapro and weight gain" and it truly seems to be a mixed bag. It's amazing how completely different all of us are wired when it comes to metabolism and mood.
Magnesium seems to offer dramatic improvement for some people (according to posts I read on this board last night). I've taken it before then run out or didn't take it religiously but I do think it has helped in the past - so I plan on getting some of the Magnesium Glycine today.
Thank you SO much for your posts. You are so open and have been so kind to continue to post as you have improved. Your progress has been a true inspiration!
_---------
> Hello, you people that give up after a short time on a med must understand it takes time. If you are tired drop the dosage this worked for me. You do not have to take 10mg to get results. Everyone is different, I have seen people get results on just 5mg. I have been up to 10 down to 5 and am at 7.5 with good results. I read posts on all kinds of boards where people give up in the first week and move to something else. Most side effects go away in time. As for weight in some people their metabolism slows down with these meds. I guess you have to watch what you eat and exercise. On this board alone I have read posts where people have gone through some terrible side effects and they go away with time and say they are doing great. I am not defending lexapro but all meds that people take. It takes time, if a person quits because of allergic reaction or some severe side effect as I did with paxil and zoloft that is one thing. Some people give up over a headache, upset stomach, they are tired etc. These are minor side effects where a simple dosage change would do the trick. Some people take one med and start a new one and blame all their side effects on the new med when they are withdrawling from the old med. A lot of shrinks try to start you out on the full dose. You do not have to take a full dose to get results. If you go lower you can always go back up when your body is ready. No matter what med you take give it a fair chance!!!!!!!! I could have easily gave up on lexapro but people on this board and other boards convinced me to give it time!!!!!! GOOD LUCK TO ALL!!!!! TAKE CARE!!!!!!!!
Posted by blkvettes on March 30, 2003, at 14:30:29
In reply to Re: BEING TIRED!!!!!!!!!!!! » blkvettes, posted by leeran on March 30, 2003, at 14:05:34
Hi there, they do make a 5mg but I have 10,s. I split them up, if you look at the pill on one side there is a line to cut in half. My shrink has always said you can be creative. You dont even have to take a whole dose at one time. You could take some in the morning, then afternoon and then the evening. I have seen where some people did not get results for 8 weeks on the lex. There is another good post that someone just put up. In fact that person helped me at a low time on the lex. I get frustrated so easily. GOOD LUCK AND TAKE CARE!!!!!
Posted by Donia on March 30, 2003, at 14:34:51
In reply to BEING TIRED!!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by blkvettes on March 30, 2003, at 11:56:17
I agree that taking these meds for only two weeks is not enough time to tell if they are going to work. The first 2 weeks to a month is nothing but side effects. They usually do go away. I took zoloft and it has way worse side effects for me than lexapro has. I went back to the doc after two weeks and told him I was quitting the zoloft and he talked me into staying on it and it did help alot, but it took a few months. Also with the lexapro the first few weeks were side effects only which sometimes makes you feel worse, but it has been two and a half months and the only side effect that has lasted is being tired and sleeping too much, which I have anyway when I am depressed. I have been sticking it out and this week I was able to get up and wasnt so tired, so maybe the tired side effect is going away. It is a trade off. Feel bad or worse for a month or so and then get relief finally. As bad as I was feeling before I took lexapro, the side effects were worth feeling better. Stick with you guys!! If it does not work, try something else but give it time.
Posted by blkvettes on March 30, 2003, at 14:35:54
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Chacha on March 30, 2003, at 13:56:26
> I have just started taking lexapro for about 3 days now. I have spent alot of time sleeping during the day, and I have also starting experiencing diahrea, which is not normal for me.
> Will these things go away? or do I need to reduce my 10 mg to 5 mg? I called my pharmacy and they suggested that but if this goes away in a few days I would rather not.Hi there, they may go away with time. Please read a couple of the latest posts that have been put up by me and okpolosi. This may help you and good luck. Hang in there!!!!!
Posted by college_student on March 30, 2003, at 15:17:59
In reply to Re: Chacha, posted by blkvettes on March 30, 2003, at 14:35:54
Thanks for the support. This is a great source to learn about what people go through.
I am so far having success on lexapro. It has only been two weeks. I have been tired, but less tired then on paxil. I also think that the adderal that my doc has me on also helps with that. With paxil I could not get out of bed in the morning. I would sleep 10-18 hours a day. Now I only sleep like 9 hours. It is much better. I have had some anxiety spells maybe 2x per week, but overall I feel more balanced. I am hoping that with time the anxiety will go away.
I also realize that things in the world do make me upset, and I can't expect that taking an anti depressant will take away all of the natural anxiety that comes with life. It is the excessive and obsessive anxiety that I hope to combat.
We are humans, with hormones and emotions and some amount of fluctuation in the way we feel is normal. Just some thoughts.
Posted by KRM123 on March 30, 2003, at 16:09:28
In reply to BEING TIRED!!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by blkvettes on March 30, 2003, at 11:56:17
Thanks for your post blkvettes. I've decided to get off Lexapro because of the tiredness, but while weening off I will drop down to 5mg for this week and see if I feel better. Maybe that will alter my decision and not give up. Take care.
Posted by KRM123 on March 30, 2003, at 16:12:17
In reply to Re: Re lexapro and hunger....Hollygirl » KRM123, posted by Hollygirl on March 30, 2003, at 13:35:39
Well I hope you feel better Hollygirl. Throwing up is not fun! Did you start on the lowest dose? I was going to jump right into Effexor but I think I'll take my time to ween off Lexapro first. Take care and keep me updated on how you're doing.
Posted by blkvettes on March 30, 2003, at 16:29:19
In reply to Re: Chacha, posted by college_student on March 30, 2003, at 15:17:59
> Thanks for the support. This is a great source to learn about what people go through.
>
> I am so far having success on lexapro. It has only been two weeks. I have been tired, but less tired then on paxil. I also think that the adderal that my doc has me on also helps with that. With paxil I could not get out of bed in the morning. I would sleep 10-18 hours a day. Now I only sleep like 9 hours. It is much better. I have had some anxiety spells maybe 2x per week, but overall I feel more balanced. I am hoping that with time the anxiety will go away.
>
> I also realize that things in the world do make me upset, and I can't expect that taking an anti depressant will take away all of the natural anxiety that comes with life. It is the excessive and obsessive anxiety that I hope to combat.
> We are humans, with hormones and emotions and some amount of fluctuation in the way we feel is normal. Just some thoughts.
>GOOD LUCK TO YOU AND TAKE CARE!!!!!!
Posted by blkvettes on March 30, 2003, at 16:31:47
In reply to Re: BEING TIRED!!!!!!!!!!!!blkvettes , posted by KRM123 on March 30, 2003, at 16:09:28
> Thanks for your post blkvettes. I've decided to get off Lexapro because of the tiredness, but while weening off I will drop down to 5mg for this week and see if I feel better. Maybe that will alter my decision and not give up. Take care.
No matter what you do I hope you find whats best for you. TAKE CARE!!!!!
Posted by susan b. anthony on March 30, 2003, at 16:32:54
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl » susan b. anthony, posted by oldhand on March 30, 2003, at 11:25:43
> > Well, seems like a small little club here and no one wants to talk to me, so i sign off.
>
> Hi Susan B,
> You must forgive me, sometimes I do not get to this board as often as I want to, and some days I just don't feel like responding, though I think maybe I could contribute.
> I have been on ten mg. of Lexapro since mid-November. I found I have lost weight. I had gained 50 pounds over the course of my different meds so losing weight is a good thing. I was also drinking alot of beer which I have stopped too. It is not that I don't get hungry, it is that I can control it better now. I think that has to do with the reduction of my depression, not eating all the time for comfort. Before the Lexapro I was on a combination of Celexa and Remeron. I could not go to bed at night without taking a meal with me.
> The issues of weight gain and loss have been discussed quite a bit on this board and you might want to read some of the earlier posts to compare information.
> I reread the research info on Lexapro last night and it was my impression that it was neutral, neither gain nor loss but folks here have all had different experiences.
> Wishing you health.Thanks fr yr post. Many things over the past few yrs have comtributed to my attacks but i didn't see it clearly until last month when i had trouble getting ready for work. the thought of being late pushed me into major panic. I am terrified of walking on wet/snow and found myself calling in sick on snow days - this winter was brutal. then ofcourse is the ever lingering effects of 9/11 which i never got help for - my office was 2 blocks away and i thought i was dead when the 1st tower came down - never forget the grey - my clothes went in the garbage along with my purse.
I am not sure about being tired - i was before the lex - now on week 3 - but boy am i sleeping better and the horride PMS seems to have gotten better. i did have a whopper of a headache for 3 days - but again, not sure as i have always had them.
I finally told my husband about my panic attacks today but still have not mentioned that i started medication.I am interesed in other experiences with peoples headaches. Are you haveing mild ones - jsut aspirin or are they stay in bed types?
thanks
susan (my nickname)
Posted by blkvettes on March 30, 2003, at 16:47:31
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by susan b. anthony on March 30, 2003, at 16:32:54
> > > Well, seems like a small little club here and no one wants to talk to me, so i sign off.
> >
> > Hi Susan B,
> > You must forgive me, sometimes I do not get to this board as often as I want to, and some days I just don't feel like responding, though I think maybe I could contribute.
> > I have been on ten mg. of Lexapro since mid-November. I found I have lost weight. I had gained 50 pounds over the course of my different meds so losing weight is a good thing. I was also drinking alot of beer which I have stopped too. It is not that I don't get hungry, it is that I can control it better now. I think that has to do with the reduction of my depression, not eating all the time for comfort. Before the Lexapro I was on a combination of Celexa and Remeron. I could not go to bed at night without taking a meal with me.
> > The issues of weight gain and loss have been discussed quite a bit on this board and you might want to read some of the earlier posts to compare information.
> > I reread the research info on Lexapro last night and it was my impression that it was neutral, neither gain nor loss but folks here have all had different experiences.
> > Wishing you health.
>
> Thanks fr yr post. Many things over the past few yrs have comtributed to my attacks but i didn't see it clearly until last month when i had trouble getting ready for work. the thought of being late pushed me into major panic. I am terrified of walking on wet/snow and found myself calling in sick on snow days - this winter was brutal. then ofcourse is the ever lingering effects of 9/11 which i never got help for - my office was 2 blocks away and i thought i was dead when the 1st tower came down - never forget the grey - my clothes went in the garbage along with my purse.
> I am not sure about being tired - i was before the lex - now on week 3 - but boy am i sleeping better and the horride PMS seems to have gotten better. i did have a whopper of a headache for 3 days - but again, not sure as i have always had them.
> I finally told my husband about my panic attacks today but still have not mentioned that i started medication.
>
> I am interesed in other experiences with peoples headaches. Are you haveing mild ones - jsut aspirin or are they stay in bed types?
>
> thanks
> susan (my nickname)
>
>Hi Susan, I made sure to answer your post and welcome back. Sorry you were so close to 9/11 that would be very hard to overcome those images you must have in your mind. I am glad you spoke with your husband about your problems and hope he understands what you will go through. I have never had headaches on any med I guess I am fortunate there. I hope other people post for you. I do suggest like someone else said here you go back and look at old posts they can be helpful and will have answers for you. I assume you are on 10mg of lexapro if headaches continue and you think they are from the med you could drop your dose a bit and see if that helps. But some of the others say the headaches go away with time. GOOD LUCK!!!!
Posted by oldhand on March 30, 2003, at 17:01:36
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by susan b. anthony on March 30, 2003, at 16:32:54
I had insomnia for the first few weeks of the Lex but have Trazodone for sleeping. No wonder you have panic and anxiety, being so close to the 9/11 events. It is hard to imagine.
Like you I have always had headaches and Migraines. The ones with Lexapro seemed to be from tight neck muscles and jaw clenching at night. The clenching has gone away and getting some exercize has helped with the neck muscles. I have had more migraines on the med but just the visual disturbances with a mild headache rather than the full blown kick-yer-butt headache. Only had one of those and ended up in the ER. Really did not see it coming even after all my years of having them. I had a glass of wine the evening before and even though the info says there are no known problems and still advises not to drink, I am thinking this may have been a contributor.
Give the Lexapro more time to work as has been said here before and, with all due respect, wouldn't you husband be a support for you if he knew more of what is going on? Friends have been my lifeline through this journey. I would not be where I am now without them. I took a disability retirement from work two years ago because of the depression, lost my house to foreclosure in December and have moved back in with my (85 year-old) parents. It has been a struggle but is for the best. I have had an eerie peace about it all along.
Have you had counselling? I will be going back to it next week. It was very helpful before and I hope to benefit again. Surely there is help available for those in your circumstances, with 9/11 and all?
Let me know how you are doing.
Posted by oldwoodsman on March 30, 2003, at 17:04:35
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
When my doctor prescribed Lexapro to me, I had reservations. In fact, I checked into this website for several weeks reading everyone’s comments (thank you, everybody) before I decided that I would give in and try it (10 mg/day of Lexapro, together with my already taking 150 mg/day of Wellbutrin, both taken at night before bed). After all, it is a fairly new drug on the market and one never knows! I don't recall what it was that finally convinced me to give in and try it after all, but after 10 weeks on it, I felt I had to give it all up. My experiences were not all that positive.
Here’s the positives: Nail biting and weight gain. My nail biting seems to have slowed down. Oddly, I may not bite nails as much as I used to, but I am attacking my cuticles more, so I'm still biting something in that region. Another positive was
that over the 2 1/2 months I was on the Lexapro (from New Year's Day to the middle of March), I only gained an insignificant amount of weight -- 2 pounds (insignificant because two pounds, for a 200 pound guy, could be contributed to almost anything -- from a different set of clothes to having just eaten a meal, and I think it especially small considering that I would spend 10 -12 hours /day sleeping.) It seems my appetite was a bit diminished when I was on the Lexapro--I didn’t eat quite so much, yet still felt satisfied.The Negatives: Lethargy and Anxiety. Although I got on the medication to help with my depression, anxiety and OCD, I found that I was having worse anxiety attacks than I had beforehand. These attacks would come on for apparently no reason at all, and although not strong (totally debilitating) attacks, they were none-the-less annoying, particularly so considering that I was on the medication to help counter these. Perhaps because of these, I had difficulties facing life. I didn’t feel comfortable outside my bedroom, and travel was done only when I HAD to, not because I wanted to. I often couldn't think of things to do, seldom desired to do anything. Nothing turned me on. Nothing appealed to me.
There could be several, more organic, reasons for this, too. My wife and kids were very sick in the beginning of the year, and my doctor suggested that perhaps I, too, had contracted this years flu (a mild case of it) and, since it tends to hang on forever and makes one ill, I may have felt sleepy due to this. None-the-less, I often felt very tired every day. Either early in the morning, or if I was able to hold off, late in the afternoon, I would be so tired I couldn't keep my eyes open. Even if running errands or driving down the freeway (i.e., on the way to see my doctor), I would yawn
constantly. (Someone else mentioned this same yawning s/e). All this tiredness came after a good night’s sleep -- eight hours of solid deep restful sleep. When I'd finally give in to the urge, I'd fall asleep almost immediately (usually within 5 minutes, much faster than it takes me to fall asleep at night, even on meds). Naps would last 2 - 3 hours or so, and I'd feel very groggy afterwards, virtually taking another hour or more to be fully awake and functional, even if I was kept busy walking around. A last, but somewhat related s/e (with or without, before or after a nap) was that I wasn't quite as sharp as I used to be, sometimes shaking my head when I tried to remember what I was looking for, and I couldn't think of solutions as fast as before Lexapro.As far as the sexual S/Es, I really can't say. I've been on Wellbutrin so long (as well as sporting an enlarged prostate, even though I am taking the herb Saw Palmetto to help control that) I'm beginning to forget what it is to be interested in sex. The whole idea seems like so much work. (It must be hard on my wife, but sex just doesn't appeal to me).
My overall impression is that I didn't like being on Lexapro. I gave it ten weeks, but didn't like what it did to me. I have tapered off it and will be going on 2 - 3 tablets of Wellbutrin (150 mg each) per day to see what effect that has.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *Note: I came back to this “entry” after I’ve been totally off the Lexapro and on the 2 tabs/day of Wellbutrin regimen for about 10 days, and have found that I have a shorter temper than I did on the Lexapro (could that mean my OCDs have returned? or is it just a phase I'm going through). But I also feel I have some drive and desire to do a few things. I’m getting more things done and WANT to get more things done around the house and yard. In fact, I’m working on a project that I had set aside for the last few months (my Lexapro months). My interest in traveling has returned, and I feel like I would really like to get out to a few places in the next few weeks (on Lexapro, my attitude was more like “why bother”). I don’t know if it is an s/e of the 2 tabs/day of Wellbutrin, but I’ve not slept well the last 2 (or 3?) nights. I will lay in bed at night with my eyes closed, awaiting the sleep to come, and it won’t. In fact, as my wife woke up this morning, we talked until I finally admitted it to myself that I wasn’t going to be able to get any more sleep this night, and just got up and started my day, at about 6:30--highly unusual for me--highly!. I hope this new regimen of 2 Wellbutrin/day does not give me insomnia, as that isn’t good either (as of today, I’ve started taking one tablet in the morning, and a second with lunch, so that the effect could wear off before I try to sleep at night.) We'll have to wait and see!
Posted by Donia on March 30, 2003, at 18:50:13
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by susan b. anthony on March 30, 2003, at 16:32:54
Susan, I had horrible headaches with zoloft. Aspirin helped them and they went away after a few weeks. These meds can do that.
Posted by Hollygirl on March 30, 2003, at 20:48:52
In reply to Re: Re lexapro and hunger....Hollygirl, posted by KRM123 on March 30, 2003, at 16:12:17
> Well I hope you feel better Hollygirl. Throwing up is not fun! Did you start on the lowest dose? I was going to jump right into Effexor but I think I'll take my time to ween off Lexapro first. Take care and keep me updated on how you're doing.
I was only on 10mg of Lexapro so the very next day I started off with 37mg of Effexor. Next week I will be at 75mg of Effexor. Because Lexapro is a relatively mild antidepressant, most people do not experience severe withdrawals. With a drug like Effexor, however, you cannot just quit cold turkey, but need to stagger down. Let me know when you switch to Effexor so we can compare notes :)
Posted by pumpkin on March 30, 2003, at 20:58:03
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Donia on March 30, 2003, at 18:50:13
Hey Guys,
Reading the most recent posts.
I changed my med "schedule" from night (couldn't
get to sleep)to morning. This has helped when
on Lex 5mg.Taking 7.5 Lex (cut the 10's in half, then half
again)and now I'm having problems with getting
to sleep again.My depression is still bad (especially mornings).
When I take my med, I feel zombied for the day!With the uped dosage- I'm getting terrible
headaches again. Went to church, came home,
and was literally down on the couch a great deal
today. "Don't touch me"! My appetite is horrible,
and have lost weight.I keep thinking that I'm going to change med,
but maybe it's too soon. I just want to be "me"
again! Plus, I've been on so many anti-depressants. I really don't care about the weight
thing right now. My health means more to me than
a bikini.I would like to say that sometimes also, it may
be "symptoms" instead of "side effects" of med.
For example: Depression can involve confusion,
tiredness, anxiety, etc... And some "side effects"- which go away in time, may include
tiredness, anxiety, insomnia, etc... Is this
making sense? I don't know- I'm confused at this
time. LOL! Anyway, depending on what you are
going through, your brain has to have time to
adjust, and get back on track. We are all different. Another thing is that we don't know
until we have reached a "theraputic" range
according to our doctor. Symptoms and side
effects sometimes can go hand in hand.Susan, and all others. Want to say that I care
about you guys, but with the responsibilities
that I have at this time- plus what I'm going
through right now, it's been hard to "seperate"
people. I have to generally "talk" with
all of you, this is the best that I can do, with
the time I have. Susan (I hope I got your name
right),after 24 years of marriage- believe me!- talk with your husband-
if you haven't already. At 42, I've learned this
the hard way! Tomarrows the day for my doctors
appointment again. We'll see where the Lex is
taking me!
Posted by KRM123 on March 30, 2003, at 21:56:45
In reply to Re: Re lexapro and hunger....Hollygirl » KRM123, posted by Hollygirl on March 30, 2003, at 20:48:52
How long were you on the 10mg of Lex? I've only been for two weeks so I'll prob just let this next week get it out of my system. If I don't feel so tired on it I might stick with the lower dose but I doubt it will make a difference. I have never been so scared to try a drug more than Effexor. The horror stories people talk about during withdrawal seem like it wouldn't be worth it. I don't know- I am way too concerned about a little bit of weight gain (which is sad I know) so I'm gonna try other stuff before I go back and give Zoloft another chance. I hope you are in good spirits- keep me posted on your progress :)
> I was only on 10mg of Lexapro so the very next day I started off with 37mg of Effexor. Next week I will be at 75mg of Effexor. Because Lexapro is a relatively mild antidepressant, most people do not experience severe withdrawals. With a drug like Effexor, however, you cannot just quit cold turkey, but need to stagger down. Let me know when you switch to Effexor so we can compare notes :)
>
Posted by jdgal on March 31, 2003, at 8:20:27
In reply to Re: Re lexapro and hunger....Hollygirl, posted by KRM123 on March 30, 2003, at 21:56:45
I am now off Lexapro for 3 weeks, and STILL feeling side effects. I took Lexapro for 4 weeks and had a very strange things happen to me. Feelings were: Tired, Feeling VERY dissoriented, almost like lethgarthy ,forgetfulness, blurred vision.For instance I would know in my brain that I wanted to do everyday things like push a button on my remote control or put on makeup, but I couldnt see, and my hands would shake and I couldnt do those things, which led me to be even more depressed than before, I so badly wanted to perform day-to day things, anf couldnt. I cried hysterically, and didnt even want to move,I layed on the couch or in bed until I finally went toteh doctor and told him about these side effects, I stopped takign Lexapro a day before on my own, and the doctor told me to take Zoloft , I didnt because I JUST WANT TO FEEL NORMAL. I feel better, and the feelings arent soo intense, but I STILL feel dissorinted, and dont function like I used to, I have major headaches all day, and all I hope is that is Lexapro, and not something else. Has ANYONE had these things happen??? I feel crazy! And if it is, how long do I ahve to wait until I feel normal?
Posted by BarbaraS on March 31, 2003, at 9:06:21
In reply to strange things occured, posted by jdgal on March 31, 2003, at 8:20:27
I just stopped my Lexapro four days ago and have been having terrible cramping throughout the day and bizarre dreams. Has anyone else had these problems, and how long did it take until it went away?
Thanks,
Barbara
Go forward in thread:
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.