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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by DC on April 30, 2003, at 7:43:34
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro, posted by JLGMMG on April 29, 2003, at 17:37:50
I am on 20mg of Lexapro and 300mg of Wellbutrin daily. I take the Lexapro and 150mg of Wellbrutrin in the morning before work around 6:30am to 7am and the other 150mg of Wellbutrin in the evening between 6pm & 8pm. But the Lexapro is the only thing I take for the anxiety. I do plan on finding out a few things at my next appointment. My sister-in-law who is a pharmacist thinks maybe I might be bi-polar. I do know that certain medications are not good to take if you are bi-polar. I have heard that Paxil shouldn't be taken by those that are bi-polar and would explain why I disliked Paxil so much. Between the wacked out dreams and the TERRIBLE night sweats when trying to quit taking it.
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I have been taking Lexapro for anxiety attacks and have been on it for about a month now. I had a few major ones the first week of taking the medication, but now things are a little more settled. Do have some weird side effects, and trying to deal with those. I have seen no different in energy level. What time of day do you take it? I also take xanax .25 a day. What does the other medication do for you in regards to anxiety? I could be curious to know...
>
>
> > I myself am taking Lexapro for anxiety attacks. If I didn't "have" to work or "have" to walk the dogs, I probably wouldn't leave my house. But, quite honestly
> > once the weekends roll around I still don't pretty much want to leave the house due to being to nervous or "scared" to deal with other people. But, like you said
> > my family seems to making the calls lately LOL. I guess they see more of a difference that I do myself. I am also on 300mg of Wellbutrin daily. I am 33 and just
> > now realizing that I might have a "problem" LOL. But, I have been hearing PMS in quite a few postings. Is anyone else taking Lexapro for anxiety attacks like
> > myself? Cause my energy level hasn't really risen. So confused LOL.
>
>
Posted by Dysfunk on April 30, 2003, at 14:41:08
In reply to Re: Lexapro side effects switching, posted by blkvettes on April 29, 2003, at 11:25:17
I know it doesn't make sense, that is why I posted my message. In the past posted about other side effects and low and behold, others are experiencing it too. I can't find any other reason why this is happening, and I know that these drugs do effect the bowels.
I also decreased my sweating, but the lump in my throat that I initially had has returned. Again it could be something else, like allergies. It is very hard to tell.
Posted by Dysfunk on April 30, 2003, at 14:47:33
In reply to Re: Lexapro side effects switching, posted by Luziluna on April 29, 2003, at 13:50:30
I have not had yeast infections, but keep in mind that dry mouth is a side effect, and any other mucus membranes can be effected. How can I put this so that I don't offend anyone....If you are dry and having sex, you could be getting irritated, which can be creating yeast infections. Try extra lubricant!
;^)
Posted by Dysfunk on April 30, 2003, at 14:50:32
In reply to Lexapro, not jaw clenching but . . . , posted by leeran on April 29, 2003, at 15:14:08
Pecs, breasts...same thing right? I had breast tenderness when I first started the medication.
???????????????
Posted by brandij on April 30, 2003, at 14:59:20
In reply to Re: Lexapro, not jaw clenching but . . . » leeran, posted by Dysfunk on April 30, 2003, at 14:50:32
I had breast tenderness as well, i didn't connect it to the Lexapro at the time, but now tht you mention it, it makes sense, i actually thought i was pregnant for a short time from the irregular cycle and tenderness put together. I love knowing i am not the only one with these weird things going on...this is a great resource.
Posted by leeran on April 30, 2003, at 15:02:43
In reply to Re: Lexapro, not jaw clenching but . . . » leeran, posted by Dysfunk on April 30, 2003, at 14:50:32
Well, I guess I was differentiating the actual fleshy part of the breast from the muscular structure between the top of the breast and the area near the arm pit.
LOLOL!!!! Oh boy, I suppose if gravity hadn't taken a bit of a toll those areas would be in closer proximity! That's pitiful (for me).
I used to have breast tenderness with Prozac, but that's because both breasts seemed swollen on that medication. This is different.
This is way too much information. Sorry! Just hearing that it goes away is the important thing.
Thanks so much for sharing your experience!
Posted by Dysfunk on April 30, 2003, at 15:07:41
In reply to Re: Lexapro, not jaw clenching but . . . » Dysfunk, posted by leeran on April 30, 2003, at 15:02:43
Don't be embarrassed-that is what this board is all about. I wasn't sure if you were male or female, so I wanted to differentiate the location. I guess since I am muscular it feels like the same place. But, I definitely feel more of a bloat in my breasts.
Posted by leeran on April 30, 2003, at 16:38:03
In reply to Re: Lexapro, not jaw clenching but . . . » leeran, posted by Dysfunk on April 30, 2003, at 15:07:41
Well, I've bared my soul in other ways on these boards so it's starting to seem like old hat :)
I don't have a bloated feeling (in the breasts). At least not yet - not like I did on Prozac (which was always a factor in deciding to go off of Prozac).
I guess the pectoral muscles are divided into two areas. I'm feeling this in the region of the pectoralis minor, which comes up from the ribs and attaches to something called the coracoid process. Who knows, it might be completely unrelated and I'm just attributing it to Lexapro.
Thanks for your input!
Posted by dr. dave on May 1, 2003, at 7:40:29
In reply to Re: LEXAPRO NEWSFLASH, posted by vandy on April 27, 2003, at 10:11:16
> > Authorities in the UK have ruled that the claim that Lexapro is more effective than Celexa in treating depression is not justified. This claim can no longer be made as there is not seen to be adequate data supporting it.
> >
>
> "Authorities" = "They" (As in 'They say!') Do you have a link to a specific citation?Here's the story
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,3604,946370,00.html
There should be a story in the British Medical Journal soon too.
Posted by brandij on May 1, 2003, at 10:45:33
In reply to Re: LEXAPRO NEWSFLASH » vandy, posted by dr. dave on May 1, 2003, at 7:40:29
> > > Authorities in the UK have ruled that the claim that Lexapro is more effective than Celexa in treating depression is not justified. This claim can no longer be made as there is not seen to be adequate data supporting it.
> > >
> >
> > "Authorities" = "They" (As in 'They say!') Do you have a link to a specific citation?
>
> Here's the story
>
> http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,3604,946370,00.html
>
> There should be a story in the British Medical Journal soon too.
>
You know what, i read the article, and all it is saying is the advertisment may be misleading, it can't tell me the difference i have felt is false. I know my body, i know my reactions to Lex are much better, with fewer hassles, than when on Celexa. It says nothing of the effectivness being the same or less than Celexa, in fact, it supports that Lex is more effective. I know Lex is more expensive, we all do, but the difference in our lives is worth it to most of us. The price will go down, just as Celexa did after a while on the market. New products always cost more at first, then a generic is developed and it becomes more affordable. This is not a scientific study by a medical authority, in fact it is not a authority at all, just a report on the advertisment. I don't base my life on advertisment rights and wrongs, but facts and research and my individual experience.
Posted by vandy on May 1, 2003, at 12:30:37
In reply to Re: LEXAPRO NEWSFLASH, posted by brandij on May 1, 2003, at 10:45:33
> > > > Authorities in the UK have ruled that the claim that Lexapro is more effective than Celexa in treating depression is not justified. This claim can no longer be made as there is not seen to be adequate data supporting it.
> > > >
> > >
> > > "Authorities" = "They" (As in 'They say!') Do you have a link to a specific citation?
> >
> > Here's the story
> >
> > http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,3604,946370,00.html
> >
> > There should be a story in the British Medical Journal soon too.
> >
> You know what, i read the article, and all it is saying is the advertisment may be misleading, it can't tell me the difference i have felt is false. I know my body, i know my reactions to Lex are much better, with fewer hassles, than when on Celexa. It says nothing of the effectivness being the same or less than Celexa, in fact, it supports that Lex is more effective. I know Lex is more expensive, we all do, but the difference in our lives is worth it to most of us. The price will go down, just as Celexa did after a while on the market. New products always cost more at first, then a generic is developed and it becomes more affordable. This is not a scientific study by a medical authority, in fact it is not a authority at all, just a report on the advertisment. I don't base my life on advertisment rights and wrongs, but facts and research and my individual experience.
>
On reading the article I don't see it as being either for or against the merits of Lexapro. The company that developed the drug made a "Better than" claim. The law prohibits a "Better than" claim whether it's true or false.The nice thing about the internet is the increased skepticism it arrouses. Since I've seen so many posts that represent partial truths I've started looking for the same type of junk in the standard media. Guess what? It's everywhere. And everyone has an agenda.
Posted by Dysfunk on May 1, 2003, at 17:52:07
In reply to Re: Lexapro, not jaw clenching but . . . » Dysfunk, posted by leeran on April 30, 2003, at 16:38:03
I will have to check a model of the human body to see if we are speaking of the same thing. Either way, he has gone away.
Posted by Dysfunk on May 1, 2003, at 17:55:12
In reply to Re: LEXAPRO NEWSFLASH, posted by brandij on May 1, 2003, at 10:45:33
Just a comment on pricing of meds: my pharmacist says that until this drug is officially approved by my insurance company, it will be a higher price. I guess that is how all new drugs are. Once they become more commonly subscribed, the price drops. But then, there is always a new one that dr's are pushed by their pharmaceutical reps to subscribe for their patients. It is a business.
Posted by Dysfunk on May 1, 2003, at 17:58:25
In reply to Re: Lexapro and Bruising » DC, posted by Dysfunk on April 29, 2003, at 9:50:32
Last night, I accidentily took Lexapro instead of my allergy medication. They look alike and I wasn't concentrating I guess. Well, that meant that in 12 hrs. I had 40 mgs. vs the usual 20 mgs. I delayed this morning's dosage, and I am happy to report that nothing majorly bad happened to me. I was sweating more and my stomach felt queazy, but I am ok. Phew.
Posted by dr. dave on May 2, 2003, at 5:56:24
In reply to Re: LEXAPRO NEWSFLASH, posted by brandij on May 1, 2003, at 10:45:33
> > > > Authorities in the UK have ruled that the claim that Lexapro is more effective than Celexa in treating depression is not justified. This claim can no longer be made as there is not seen to be adequate data supporting it.
> > > >
> > >
> > > "Authorities" = "They" (As in 'They say!') Do you have a link to a specific citation?
> >
> > Here's the story
> >
> > http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,3604,946370,00.html
> >
> > There should be a story in the British Medical Journal soon too.
> >
> You know what, i read the article, and all it is saying is the advertisment may be misleading, it can't tell me the difference i have felt is false. I know my body, i know my reactions to Lex are much better, with fewer hassles, than when on Celexa. It says nothing of the effectivness being the same or less than Celexa, in fact, it supports that Lex is more effective. I know Lex is more expensive, we all do, but the difference in our lives is worth it to most of us. The price will go down, just as Celexa did after a while on the market. New products always cost more at first, then a generic is developed and it becomes more affordable. This is not a scientific study by a medical authority, in fact it is not a authority at all, just a report on the advertisment. I don't base my life on advertisment rights and wrongs, but facts and research and my individual experience.
>This was a ruling by an official body after extensive review of the scientific data. If you want reviews by medical authorities, here are several
http://www.ukmi.nhs.uk/NewMaterial/html/docs/escitalopram.pdf
http://www.htbs.co.uk/smc/press/index.asp?did=1148
The US Department of Defense Pharmacoeconomic Center and the Canadian Co-ordinating Office for Health Technology Assessment have both concluded there is no compelling evidence Lexapro is more effective than Celexa.
For individuals, obviously some will feel better on one than the other - but the idea Lexapro is GENERALLY more effective than Celexa is generally agreed, in independent scientific reviews of the data, to be wrong.
Posted by dr. dave on May 2, 2003, at 6:04:06
In reply to Re: LEXAPRO NEWSFLASH, posted by vandy on May 1, 2003, at 12:30:37
> > > > > Authorities in the UK have ruled that the claim that Lexapro is more effective than Celexa in treating depression is not justified. This claim can no longer be made as there is not seen to be adequate data supporting it.
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > > "Authorities" = "They" (As in 'They say!') Do you have a link to a specific citation?
> > >
> > > Here's the story
> > >
> > > http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,3604,946370,00.html
> > >
> > > There should be a story in the British Medical Journal soon too.
> > >
> > You know what, i read the article, and all it is saying is the advertisment may be misleading, it can't tell me the difference i have felt is false. I know my body, i know my reactions to Lex are much better, with fewer hassles, than when on Celexa. It says nothing of the effectivness being the same or less than Celexa, in fact, it supports that Lex is more effective. I know Lex is more expensive, we all do, but the difference in our lives is worth it to most of us. The price will go down, just as Celexa did after a while on the market. New products always cost more at first, then a generic is developed and it becomes more affordable. This is not a scientific study by a medical authority, in fact it is not a authority at all, just a report on the advertisment. I don't base my life on advertisment rights and wrongs, but facts and research and my individual experience.
> >
>
>
> On reading the article I don't see it as being either for or against the merits of Lexapro. The company that developed the drug made a "Better than" claim. The law prohibits a "Better than" claim whether it's true or false.
>
> The nice thing about the internet is the increased skepticism it arrouses. Since I've seen so many posts that represent partial truths I've started looking for the same type of junk in the standard media. Guess what? It's everywhere. And everyone has an agenda.
>The regulations in the UK allow 'better than' claims as long as you can show that they're true. The problem here was that the data don't support the claim.
Clearly Lexapro is a good antidepressant but thousands of people are being convinced it's significantly better than Celexa when the evidence just isn't there. I just don't like people being misled.
Posted by DC on May 2, 2003, at 6:41:31
In reply to Re: LEXAPRO NEWSFLASH » brandij, posted by Dysfunk on May 1, 2003, at 17:55:12
> Just a comment on pricing of meds: my pharmacist says that until this drug is officially approved by my insurance company, it will be a higher price. I guess that is how all new drugs are. Once they become more commonly subscribed, the price drops. But then, there is always a new one that dr's are pushed by their pharmaceutical reps to subscribe for their patients. It is a business.
I am not sure what the normal price is for Lexapro, but I can tell you that my insurance does cover the prescription and I pay $25.00 per refill.
Posted by sussus on May 2, 2003, at 7:41:32
In reply to Lexapro side effects switching, posted by Dysfunk on April 29, 2003, at 9:54:33
Help! I have always had a very high metabolism and have maintained the same weight for the last 15 years. I started Lexapro about 3 months ago and immediately gained 10 pounds. The weight gain seems to have stopped but I cannot lose the pounds. Of course, I have never really dieted either but I do have healthy eating habits, sleep enough, exercise, etc. What do I do? I love the medecine and what it has done for me but as a recovering food addict it is very hard for me to to handle uncontrolled weight gain. PS I was a healthy weight before the meds. Now what????
Posted by Valerie on May 2, 2003, at 7:43:43
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro, posted by Donia on April 28, 2003, at 20:07:29
I too am new to Lexapro.
I started on Paxil 10 years ago and it was a constant roller coaster. I then was switched to Celexa and that has worked wonders for that last few years. However, recently I had to go in for surgery and after leaving the hospital I fell into a depression that Celexa could not get me out of. My doctor recently switched me to Lexapro. I have been taking Lexapro for about 10 days now. Last night I was noticing that when ever I rolled over in bed my head would spin terribly, I just fell back to sleep each time and think anymore of it. Until this morning I tried to get out of bed and fell over. I could not stand up. The room was spinning and I physically could not stand. I am assuming this was vertigo. I sat up slowly and waited for about an hour trying to move every 10-15 minutes. Finally about an hour later I was able to get up and shower. I am now at work but I still feel out of sorts but at least I can function.
Could this be the Lexapro causing vertigo?
It was a very frightening experience and I am concerned that it may occur again.
Can anyone offer some insight? Thank you so much.
Posted by handmemymidol on May 2, 2003, at 10:25:19
In reply to New to Lexapro - Vertigo, posted by Valerie on May 2, 2003, at 7:43:43
Valerie, have you ever had panic attacks? I get extreme vertigo feelings when I have attacks and that is why I started the meds in the first place. Many posters have reported increased anxiety when they started Lex. Maybe that is what is happening to you and you just had your first panic attack? Just a thought. An upbeat is, the increased anxiety appears to pass after a short while. Hang in there :)
Posted by Luziluna on May 2, 2003, at 10:40:20
In reply to New to Lexapro - Vertigo, posted by Valerie on May 2, 2003, at 7:43:43
I have had off and on vertigo for years, way before I ever started on any SSRI- your experience sounds just like what I have experienced. It's very disconcerting isn't it? I am on Lexapro- 5 mgs- and had a bit of dizziness with it early on- not actual vertigo, but enough to make me sit down for a minute or so. That has pretty much subsided now- what dose are you on? If you think it's related to the Lexapro- call your doctor- it may be your dosage needs to be adjusted. The one thing I've learned about these meds is that they have very different effects for everyone, it seems!
Also my vertigo was most definitely related to stress and anxiety. I have made many life style changes in my life in the last year- namely leaving a very stressful job situation- and I have seen a marked difference in my vertigo attacks! So, it may be that the temporary increase in anxiety that often accompanies SSRI's contributed to the vertigo.......but definitely call your doctor to check it out... Good luck
Posted by Valerie on May 2, 2003, at 10:49:55
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro - Vertigo, posted by Luziluna on May 2, 2003, at 10:40:20
Yes, I have had anxiety attacks in the past, but nothing severe. I am taking 5mg a day of the levapro.
I just got back from the doctor because the room has been spinning off and on all morning. He is putting me on Valume for the next few days and if it isn't better by tomorrow he is going to stop the levapro. I don't want to stop the levapro because it has been doing so well for me but I can't take this spinning. He had me spinning in his office so badly I almost hurled on him :o)
Thanks for the advise.
Posted by Suziq4 on May 2, 2003, at 14:49:47
In reply to Re: LEXAPRO NEWSFLASH » Dysfunk, posted by DC on May 2, 2003, at 6:41:31
> > Just a comment on pricing of meds: my pharmacist says that until this drug is officially approved by my insurance company, it will be a higher price. I guess that is how all new drugs are. Once they become more commonly subscribed, the price drops. But then, there is always a new one that dr's are pushed by their pharmaceutical reps to subscribe for their patients. It is a business.
>Just to let you know, my insurance picks up I guess you could say most of the cost, but I am still responsible for $17 co-pay or difference. I think that is alot of money!!!
> I am not sure what the normal price is for Lexapro, but I can tell you that my insurance does cover the prescription and I pay $25.00 per refill.
Posted by Suziq4 on May 2, 2003, at 14:55:20
In reply to Weight gain on LExapro - Help!!!, posted by sussus on May 2, 2003, at 7:41:32
> Help! I have always had a very high metabolism and have maintained the same weight for the last 15 years. I started Lexapro about 3 months ago and immediately gained 10 pounds. The weight gain seems to have stopped but I cannot lose the pounds. Of course, I have never really dieted either but I do have healthy eating habits, sleep enough, exercise, etc. What do I do? I love the medecine and what it has done for me but as a recovering food addict it is very hard for me to to handle uncontrolled weight gain. PS I was a healthy weight before the meds. Now what????
>
> Hello-I started Lexapro in January of this year and have been doing great. At about the same time I started the lex, I started working out like crazy! I read the Billy Philips book, "Body for Life" and started to follow the workout agenda in the book, but add more to it. I also followed the weight watchers eating agenda and lost weight. I lost about 10lbs and have maintained it. My workout included, running in the morning 5 days a week on an empty stomach. Then weigh lifting 3 days a week with 20 min of stairmaster. Then, 3 days a week of horsebackriding for 1 hour per day and then on my days off walking at least 30min to 45min. I think I should have lost alot more weight considering everything I have done. Let me know if this helps you & good luck!
Posted by sussus on May 2, 2003, at 17:25:48
In reply to Re: Weight gain on LExapro - Help!!!, posted by Suziq4 on May 2, 2003, at 14:55:20
> > Help! I have always had a very high metabolism and have maintained the same weight for the last 15 years. I started Lexapro about 3 months ago and immediately gained 10 pounds. The weight gain seems to have stopped but I cannot lose the pounds. Of course, I have never really dieted either but I do have healthy eating habits, sleep enough, exercise, etc. What do I do? I love the medecine and what it has done for me but as a recovering food addict it is very hard for me to to handle uncontrolled weight gain. PS I was a healthy weight before the meds. Now what????
> >
> > Hello-I started Lexapro in January of this year and have been doing great. At about the same time I started the lex, I started working out like crazy! I read the Billy Philips book, "Body for Life" and started to follow the workout agenda in the book, but add more to it. I also followed the weight watchers eating agenda and lost weight. I lost about 10lbs and have maintained it. My workout included, running in the morning 5 days a week on an empty stomach. Then weigh lifting 3 days a week with 20 min of stairmaster. Then, 3 days a week of horsebackriding for 1 hour per day and then on my days off walking at least 30min to 45min. I think I should have lost alot more weight considering everything I have done. Let me know if this helps you & good luck!
>
Suziq4 - Thanks for the feedback; it does help to hear that weight gain isn't necessary on this drug. You are working out a tremendous amount. I will check out Body For Life. Did you start the regimen because of fears about Lex/weight gain?
>
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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