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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by blkvettes on April 1, 2003, at 15:55:31
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by susan b. anthony on April 1, 2003, at 13:34:41
> > 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.
>
> Hi - I had some group conselling given by by office but I didn't see it helping plus I stayed away from downtown for about 9 months - I am a field worker and don't have to go to the office that ofen (exept that day ofcourse). My office has moved a few months ago - still downtown but we no longer have a birds eye view of the"pitt" and i don't like going past it - last summer there were so many tourists it was gross - the NY Times called it "Disney on Death".
>
> I am home sick for the 2nd day. Sunday night got major attack of vomiting and the runs. I just started week 3 this past friday - could this have anything to do with my body adjusting to the Lex?
> I do feel better today and yesterday skipped my dose as I didn't eat anything all day.
> thanks
>
>Hi there, you have not complained of this in the past right. If not it could be just something you ate that made you sick. Just a thought. take care!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by jdgal on April 1, 2003, at 21:16:27
In reply to Re: Lexapro Withdrawl symptoms, posted by 88ivories on March 31, 2003, at 20:49:51
I feel better today, than before, but still there is a bit of haziness, and I still dont feel as "sharp" and quick as before I started taking Lexapro. I guess it is withdrawel sice I did go completly cold turkey.
Posted by college_student on April 1, 2003, at 21:28:28
In reply to Re: 1St Time Ever trying any drug for depression/a, posted by BridgetteK on April 1, 2003, at 8:17:40
I am in my second year of undergraduate school and I am studying environmental studies. I like it, but it can also be a depressing topic. My mom is a nurse and she finished nursing school while we were young:)
I take the lexapro with dinner, and I have noticed that I usually wake up feeling good. But by dinner time, I feel uneasy and anxiety comes back. After dinner I try to exercise, which usually eases the anxiety. Hopefully your headachs will go away.. Good luck!
Posted by leeran on April 1, 2003, at 23:54:16
In reply to Re: 1St Time Ever trying any drug for depression/a, posted by college_student on April 1, 2003, at 21:28:28
Hi,
I'm curious, when you take the Lexapro at dinner time, does it adversely affect your sleep? I'm thinking of switching to that time of day because I think taking it in the morning (even with a 20 mg. Adderall and another 20 mg. of Adderall at noon) makes me far too dopey all day long.
Have you been on Lexapro long? I'm on day 7 - 10 mg. but today I cut back to 5 mg.
It's definitely different (for me) than going on either Paxil, Prozac or Wellbutrin. I really feel like it's a more powerful medication (or maybe it's just because I haven't taken anything that targets serotonin for about a year).
Thanks for your post about the dinner time dosage! I'm looking for creative solutions with this med.
Best regards,
Lee
------------
> I am in my second year of undergraduate school and I am studying environmental studies. I like it, but it can also be a depressing topic. My mom is a nurse and she finished nursing school while we were young:)
>
> I take the lexapro with dinner, and I have noticed that I usually wake up feeling good. But by dinner time, I feel uneasy and anxiety comes back. After dinner I try to exercise, which usually eases the anxiety. Hopefully your headachs will go away.. Good luck!
Posted by college_student on April 2, 2003, at 2:23:43
In reply to Re: 1St Time Ever trying any drug for depression/a » college_student, posted by leeran on April 1, 2003, at 23:54:16
> Hi,
>
Hi, I have been on 5mg for the first week and on 10mg now for about 10 days. Taking it in the evening is fine for me. I also take a melatonin 1/2 hour before bedtime. I think that helps me fall as sleep. I have a really regimented sleep schedule so that I make sure that I get to sleep early so that I can wake up early and fall asleep again early. When I was on paxil I took it in the evening, and I could never fall asleep. Which was wierd because I could harldy stay awake in the day due to that dopiness that you spoke of. I am wondering why you are going to start taking 5mgs now. Is it to help combat the sleepiness?:) Hope this helps. Sierra
Posted by handmemymidol on April 2, 2003, at 7:57:06
In reply to Re: ALL LEXAPRO USERS, posted by dawne on April 1, 2003, at 15:18:14
Dawne, I do NOT think you are crazy at all and please do not belittle yourself because you feel that it is a silly vanity issue. If the weight gain makes you feel bad about yourself, then it is no longer about vanity IMHO.
I think one of the worst things about dealing with depression, anxiety, etc., is that it lowers our self esteem so much. I know it has for me and I suspect I am not alone in this.
Do what you need to do to feel good about being you and know there is no one else in the entire world as special as you are!!!
Posted by 88ivories on April 2, 2003, at 13:01:46
In reply to Re: ALL LEXAPRO USERS, posted by dawne on April 1, 2003, at 15:18:14
In the last week I have switched from 30mg of Celexa at dinner to 10mg of Lexapro. Wanted input from anyone who had been on Celexa (for more than 6 months) and had switched to Lexapro. How did your doc recalculate dosage and how do you think the 2 meds compare? He suggested I switch due to 10lbs of weight gain in 6-8 mths. Thanks.
Posted by KarenB on April 2, 2003, at 13:16:28
In reply to Re: ALL LEXAPRO USERS, posted by dawne on April 1, 2003, at 15:18:14
THE 30 LB WT. GAIN ON MY 4' 11'' BODY FRAME WAS NOT!!! I KNOW THAT ALOT OF YOU OUT THERE THINK IM CRAZY FOR QUITING A DRUG THAT WORKED FOR ME AND STARTING UP SOMETHING NEW ALL FOR VANITY. TRUST ME, IM NOT TOO PROUD OF IT EITHER. IF ANYONE HAS ANY INPUT ON THIS I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE IT.
Dawne,
I am 5'1" and gained 30 lbs in a little over a month on Zyprexa. I told my doctor that this was, in my opinion, completely unacceptable. I am not a fat person, nor do I want to be. The way I felt about myself and my body during that time was almost as bad as the depression itself.
A drug that is designed to improve your mental state need not destroy your self image...or your sex life - but that's another topic. Some may think it's vain or shallow but I have to look in the mirror - and I want to like what I see. Besides, who wants to buy that new "fat" wardrobe? What a depressing shopping experience that is!!
Karen
Posted by blkvettes on April 2, 2003, at 16:29:45
In reply to Re: ALL LEXAPRO USERS » dawne, posted by KarenB on April 2, 2003, at 13:17:04
Hi everyone, its been 7 weeks and no depression this week. I am still taking 7.5mg. I saw my shrink a few days ago and he wants me to start coming back every 3 months now. He also still insists I go up to 10mg in the next couple of weeks. Dont know if I will or not. I see things more clearly now. I still have my panic side to contend with. I am driving everyday but it is still some work instead of pleasure. I am having a slight balance problem when I walk. I guess due to leftover anxiety, it is not from the lex. I have had this since panic attacks started 6 months ago. Started walking alot and doing balance exercises to end this. So I wont go to big stores or any place that requires walking until this is better. I can take a few tests to determine if it is physical. But would rather not at this time due to the many times I have stayed in the hospital. I have gained a lot of weight that I lost and am getting close to my target weight. I am very satisfied with my progress on lex and hope it only gets better from here. If the balance problem goes away I will never complain again!!!!!! This is my last weekly update unless things get worse. But I will always answer posts on this board!!!! Everyone take care!!!!!
Posted by dawne on April 2, 2003, at 16:45:27
In reply to Re: ALL LEXAPRO USERS, posted by susan b. anthony on April 1, 2003, at 15:54:05
SUSAN,
HOPE THIS MESSAGE GETS TO YOU, I'M NOT THE GREATEST ON COMPUTERS. AS YOU ALREADY KNOW I ALSO AM NEW TO LEXAPRO. IM NOT SURE HOW ITS WORKING RIGHT NOW BECAUSE I HAVE AWFUL PMS. SO AS SOON AS I START MY PERIOD, I HOPE I'LL BE FEELING NORMAL AGAIN. I DONT THINK WT. GAIN FOR ME ON THIS DRUG IS AN ISSUE YET. I SEEM TO HAVE LOST MORE WT. SINCE QUITING PAXIL. I AM HOWEVER ON A DIET AND DIET PILLS, BUT IT SEEMS TO BE COMING OFF QUICKER NOW.
I CAN ALSO TELL YOU THAT I HAVE BEEN ON JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING FOR DEPRESSION FOR ABOUT 12 YEARS NOW, AND PAXIL WAS THE ONLY ONE I EXPERIENCED WT. GAIN WITH. READING ALL OF THE POSTS ON HERE REALLY HAS MADE ME REALIZE THAT MANY DIFFERANT SIDE EFFECT OCCUR FOR DIFFERANT PEOPLE. I GUESS WE WILL JUST ALL HAVE TO HANG IN THERE AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS.. KEEP ME POSTED ON HOW YOUR DOING.
Posted by 88ivories on April 2, 2003, at 21:14:58
In reply to 7 WEEKS LEXAPRO!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by blkvettes on April 2, 2003, at 16:29:45
I was told that Lexapro only comes in 10mg and higher...how were you taking 7.5mg? I switched 2 days ago from 30mgs of Celexa to 10mg of Lexapro. I feel like the correct amount should have been 5mg Lexapro due to some "adjustment" symptoms I am having. The 30 mgs of Celexa had worked wonderfully for me, however I had gained some unwanted weight. Comments on dosage? Thanks.
> Hi everyone, its been 7 weeks and no depression this week. I am still taking 7.5mg. I saw my shrink a few days ago and he wants me to start coming back every 3 months now. He also still insists I go up to 10mg in the next couple of weeks. Dont know if I will or not. I see things more clearly now. I still have my panic side to contend with. I am driving everyday but it is still some work instead of pleasure. I am having a slight balance problem when I walk. I guess due to leftover anxiety, it is not from the lex. I have had this since panic attacks started 6 months ago. Started walking alot and doing balance exercises to end this. So I wont go to big stores or any place that requires walking until this is better. I can take a few tests to determine if it is physical. But would rather not at this time due to the many times I have stayed in the hospital. I have gained a lot of weight that I lost and am getting close to my target weight. I am very satisfied with my progress on lex and hope it only gets better from here. If the balance problem goes away I will never complain again!!!!!! This is my last weekly update unless things get worse. But I will always answer posts on this board!!!! Everyone take care!!!!!
Posted by pumpkin on April 2, 2003, at 21:35:04
In reply to 7 WEEKS LEXAPRO!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by blkvettes on April 2, 2003, at 16:29:45
Thanks! You have been an inspiration to me.
Don't be a stranger!
Posted by blkvettes on April 2, 2003, at 21:38:15
In reply to Re: 7 WEEKS LEXAPRO!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by 88ivories on April 2, 2003, at 21:14:58
Hi there, if you look at the pill there is a line on one side. You cut the best you can, it is easy with sharp knife. My shrink says I could cut them as many times as I wanted and take doses at different times of day if I wanted to. I have been doing this all along nothing is written where you cant. TAKE CARE!!!!!!!!
Posted by blkvettes on April 2, 2003, at 21:42:05
In reply to Re: 7 WEEKS LEXAPRO!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by pumpkin on April 2, 2003, at 21:35:04
> Thanks! You have been an inspiration to me.
> Don't be a stranger!I wont be stranger and good luck to you, I know you have been through a hard time. GOD BLESS YOU!!!!!!
Posted by 88ivories on April 2, 2003, at 22:05:33
In reply to LEXAPRO 7.5mg QUESTION!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by blkvettes on April 2, 2003, at 21:38:15
> Hi there, if you look at the pill there is a line on one side. You cut the best you can, it is easy with sharp knife. My shrink says I could cut them as many times as I wanted and take doses at different times of day if I wanted to. I have been doing this all along nothing is written where you cant. TAKE CARE!!!!!!!!
Thanks for the reply...I have been taking Celexa for approx. 10 months. My doc pressured me to take 40 mg. The 20 mg. of Celexa had me stabalized, but to make him more comfortable I began scoring a 20mg tab to up my dose to 30mg. He suggested I switch to Lexapro. The 10 mg. seems to be giving me some headache, nausea, and some insomnia. I wonder if I should decrease the dose or just stick with the Celexa that was working just fine. I have a 5+yr history w/ some very bad experience with this type of medication and am at a point where I want to take the least potent possible and still function and deal with the wonderful world of anxiety and depression. I do know - and am almost proof :) - that it CAN be managed! Thanks for listening!
Posted by blkvettes on April 2, 2003, at 22:59:22
In reply to Re: LEXAPRO 7.5mg QUESTION » blkvettes, posted by 88ivories on April 2, 2003, at 22:05:33
Hello women, I saw this and maybe you can relate to it. TAKE CARE!!!!!!!!
http://www.lauralewis.com/asklaura_0700a.htm
Posted by jdgal on April 3, 2003, at 7:22:08
In reply to HORMONES, posted by blkvettes on April 2, 2003, at 22:59:22
Thak you, Sunlight? who ever knew? Gonna try it today. Still feeling very hazy, trying ginko gilaba today.
Posted by JaneB on April 3, 2003, at 9:53:15
In reply to Re: LEXAPRO 7.5mg QUESTION » blkvettes, posted by 88ivories on April 2, 2003, at 22:05:33
> > Hi there, if you look at the pill there is a line on one side. You cut the best you can, it is easy with sharp knife. My shrink says I could cut them as many times as I wanted and take doses at different times of day if I wanted to. I have been doing this all along nothing is written where you cant. TAKE CARE!!!!!!!!
>
> Thanks for the reply...I have been taking Celexa for approx. 10 months. My doc pressured me to take 40 mg. The 20 mg. of Celexa had me stabalized, but to make him more comfortable I began scoring a 20mg tab to up my dose to 30mg. He suggested I switch to Lexapro. The 10 mg. seems to be giving me some headache, nausea, and some insomnia. I wonder if I should decrease the dose or just stick with the Celexa that was working just fine. I have a 5+yr history w/ some very bad experience with this type of medication and am at a point where I want to take the least potent possible and still function and deal with the wonderful world of anxiety and depression. I do know - and am almost proof :) - that it CAN be managed! Thanks for listening!
>
>
WHY??? If you were doing fine at 20mg why did your dr. want you to up the dose. Why change to Lexapro?? Same thing happened to me with my doc. I switched and had some intolerable s/e with Lex. Lex is supposed to have fewer s/e and I found it to have many more. Watch out.
JaneB
Posted by jdgal on April 3, 2003, at 11:46:47
In reply to Re: HORMONES, posted by jdgal on April 3, 2003, at 7:22:08
Does ANYONE know how long is takes Lexapro to completly get out of your system? I took it for 4 weeks and have been off for 3 weeks, I feel very shakey , loss of concentration, and memory and still extremly hazy, I really need some advice before I lose my mind, I just want to be "me" again
Posted by 88ivories on April 3, 2003, at 13:46:23
In reply to Re: LEXAPRO 7.5mg QUESTION, posted by JaneB on April 3, 2003, at 9:53:15
The doctor said 40mg was considered the lowest thp'tic dose (you know that line, I'm sure). I am also taking 5-10mg Valium daily and I think he was hoping the extra Celexa was help get rid of the Valium. I am working on that myself. This Lexapro doesn't seem to be working well. I have only used it now 3 days. From reading all the talk back and forth on this thread between the "pharmrep" and "drdave" there definately seems to be some dispute regarding the equivalent effect of mg between the 2 drugs. I wonder what "drbob's" opinion would be on that. I may go back to the Celexa. I'm also having hot flashes and nausea with the lex. I was hoping it was a dosing issue vs the drug itself. The Celexa has caused some unwanted (but not excessive) weight gain. Thanks! 88ivories
Posted by 88ivories on April 3, 2003, at 13:52:42
In reply to Advice please...., posted by jdgal on April 3, 2003, at 11:46:47
> Does ANYONE know how long is takes Lexapro to completly get out of your system? I took it for 4 weeks and have been off for 3 weeks, I feel very shakey , loss of concentration, and memory and still extremly hazy, I really need some advice before I lose my mind, I just want to be "me" again
Hello...I can relate to withdrawals as I have been down this path several times in the last 7 years. I had to go cold turkey due to unexpected pregnancy and once for other reasons. Not with Lexapro, but with Luvox (another SSRI). Withdrawals are not fun and do take time. Your doc may be able to prescribe you a mild benzo to help - but ONLY use it short term - a week or less. Try to have someone for support and do light activities that don't stress you but take your mind off your feelings. Sometimes getting in bed with a good movie is great. When I went cold turkey off 200mg Luvox/can't remember how much Klonopin, I was in bed for almost 8 days. The GOOD NEWS: It will only get better! Regards..
Posted by jdgal on April 3, 2003, at 13:55:36
In reply to Re: Advice please.... » jdgal, posted by 88ivories on April 3, 2003, at 13:52:42
Thank you for your response, that makes me have some kind of hope at least
Posted by hok on April 3, 2003, at 14:05:12
In reply to Re: Advice please...., posted by jdgal on April 3, 2003, at 13:55:36
Would like to know who has taken Lexapro at night and still getting a good night's rest. I'm having problems with tiredness throughout the day and am considering taking it at night but am worried about sleep disruption. Any suggestions?
Posted by 88ivories on April 3, 2003, at 14:10:45
In reply to Re: Poll of when you're taking Lexapro (PM v. AM), posted by hok on April 3, 2003, at 14:05:12
I have taken several SSRI's over the last 7 years. They all seem to be less tiring if taken with dinner (5-8pm). I have always bundled a benzo (ex: Klonopin) with the SSRI to help w/ sleep. I am trying to kick the benzo off the menu and it hasn't been easy. My vote is early evening - that only from my personal experiences. This worked well with Celexa - my SSRI of choice now. But I have switched to Lexapro in the last several days and am having some trouble w/ it. Maybe temporary adjustment, dosage, or I may return to Celexa. I made an earlier post polling for switchers from Celexa to Lex, but haven't gotton any feedback yet. The interference with sleep will get getter with time with any SSRI.
Posted by JackD on April 3, 2003, at 14:21:20
In reply to Advice please...., posted by jdgal on April 3, 2003, at 11:46:47
Hey man, i've been there. Technically the drug leaves your system completely in less than a week i believe. The problem is that there is then a rebound depression from lack of a previously unnaturally hightened level of serotonin, which is then likely really low. It's more complex then than that, but you get the idea of rebound depression. That my friend, blows, and can last a month or sometimes a little more. Just telling you the cold hard facts. How do I cope? I usually end up drinking and smoking ALL the time until it goes away. Hang in there.
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