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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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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?
>
Posted by Dr. Bob on May 4, 2003, at 10:56:46
In reply to Re: Weight gain on LExapro - Help!!!, posted by Suziq4 on May 2, 2003, at 14:55:20
> 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'd just like to plug the double double quotes feature at this site:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#amazon
The first time anyone refers to a book without using this option, I post this to try to make sure he or she at least knows about it. It's just an option, though, and doesn't *have* to be used. If people *choose* not to use it, I'd be interested why not, but I'd like that redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20020918/msgs/7717.html
Thanks!
Bob
Posted by Luziluna on May 4, 2003, at 14:15:18
In reply to Weight gain on LExapro - Help!!!, posted by sussus on May 2, 2003, at 7:41:32
I'm curious to know several things about the issue of Lexapro and weight gain. Number one, what doses are people on? Second, has everyone in this group had weight gain on Lexapro!!!???? I am on 5 mgs and am getting kind of anxious reading about this issue. I have a condition known as body dysmorphic disorder ( similar to OCD- I obsess about perceived defects in my appearance), and I have also had problems with eating disorders in the past. I haven't experienced weight gain on 5 mgs, which has worked well for me and I have been really happy with the results of the Lex....But I don't want to start inexplicable gaining weight either!! I walk almost everyday, lift some weights and take boxing classes 1-2 times per week. I'v always been pretty lean and athletically built, I hope this is enough to ward of any unwanted weight gain, I don't need anything more to obsess about....!!!
So, curious to know if there are those of you who haven't had weight gain on Lexapro...!!
thanks for letting me share...
Posted by fanni on May 4, 2003, at 15:52:54
In reply to Re: New user, posted by Roger Santiago on November 22, 2002, at 0:25:20
has anyone else gotten a rash from lexapro?ive only just started it recently,and got a rassh on my forehead after the first two weeks,so my shrink told me to stop it for a week and go back on it.just curious does it normally do this sorta thing,or does it sound like an adverse reaction?
Posted by blkvettes on May 4, 2003, at 19:15:41
In reply to lexapro causing rashes, posted by fanni on May 4, 2003, at 15:52:54
> has anyone else gotten a rash from lexapro?ive only just started it recently,and got a rassh on my forehead after the first two weeks,so my shrink told me to stop it for a week and go back on it.just curious does it normally do this sorta thing,or does it sound like an adverse reaction?
Hi there, this is a possible side effect and dont know if it will go away in time. The company would know give them a call. Do you have a fever when this happens
Posted by mkvelocity on May 5, 2003, at 7:46:51
In reply to Is everyone gaining weight on the Lexapro!!!!!????, posted by Luziluna on May 4, 2003, at 14:15:18
> I'm curious to know several things about the issue of Lexapro and weight gain. Number one, what doses are people on? Second, has everyone in this group had weight gain on Lexapro!!!???? I am on 5 mgs and am getting kind of anxious reading about this issue. I have a condition known as body dysmorphic disorder ( similar to OCD- I obsess about perceived defects in my appearance), and I have also had problems with eating disorders in the past. I haven't experienced weight gain on 5 mgs, which has worked well for me and I have been really happy with the results of the Lex....But I don't want to start inexplicable gaining weight either!! I walk almost everyday, lift some weights and take boxing classes 1-2 times per week. I'v always been pretty lean and athletically built, I hope this is enough to ward of any unwanted weight gain, I don't need anything more to obsess about....!!!
>
> So, curious to know if there are those of you who haven't had weight gain on Lexapro...!!
>
> thanks for letting me share...
I didn't gain on Lex. I take 30 mg. I seem to take a lot more than everyone else here.....that seems weird to me...
Posted by BridgetteK on May 5, 2003, at 8:44:06
In reply to Re: Is everyone gaining weight on the Lexapro!!!!!????, posted by mkvelocity on May 5, 2003, at 7:46:51
I am new to lexapro as well. I started taking it about a month and a half ago. I am now up to 20mgs and will probably go up I Still have anxiety not as bad tho. The side effects i've been having is the non stop yawning and no period. It has tho helped my depression tremedously but I do start seeing a therapist next month. No weight gain tho. My weight is always up and down anyways.
Posted by EGR on May 5, 2003, at 8:46:42
In reply to Re: Is everyone gaining weight on the Lexapro!!!!!????, posted by mkvelocity on May 5, 2003, at 7:46:51
I haven't gained on Lexapro. I gained while I was depressed and on Effexor and haven't necessarily lost it all. I was taking 20 mgs. of Lex, but now am down to 15.
Re:mkvelocity... I wouldn't worry about seemingly taking more than others... I know of one person who posted here several months ago who was on 80 mgs a day.
EGR
> > I'm curious to know several things about the issue of Lexapro and weight gain. Number one, what doses are people on? Second, has everyone in this group had weight gain on Lexapro!!!???? I am on 5 mgs and am getting kind of anxious reading about this issue. I have a condition known as body dysmorphic disorder ( similar to OCD- I obsess about perceived defects in my appearance), and I have also had problems with eating disorders in the past. I haven't experienced weight gain on 5 mgs, which has worked well for me and I have been really happy with the results of the Lex....But I don't want to start inexplicable gaining weight either!! I walk almost everyday, lift some weights and take boxing classes 1-2 times per week. I'v always been pretty lean and athletically built, I hope this is enough to ward of any unwanted weight gain, I don't need anything more to obsess about....!!!
> >
> > So, curious to know if there are those of you who haven't had weight gain on Lexapro...!!
> >
> > thanks for letting me share...
>
>
> I didn't gain on Lex. I take 30 mg. I seem to take a lot more than everyone else here.....that seems weird to me...
Posted by Okpolosi on May 5, 2003, at 9:44:40
In reply to lexapro causing rashes, posted by fanni on May 4, 2003, at 15:52:54
> has anyone else gotten a rash from lexapro?ive only just started it recently,and got a rassh on my forehead after the first two weeks,so my shrink told me to stop it for a week and go back on it.just curious does it normally do this sorta thing,or does it sound like an adverse reaction?
I had a rash on my back and arms, 2nd and into 3rd week of taking Lex. It did go away along with all the other SE's.
Posted by DC on May 5, 2003, at 10:08:52
In reply to Re: Is everyone gaining weight on the Lexapro!!!!!????, posted by mkvelocity on May 5, 2003, at 7:46:51
> > I'm curious to know several things about the issue of Lexapro and weight gain. Number one, what doses are people on? Second, has everyone in this group had weight gain on Lexapro!!!???? I am on 5 mgs and am getting kind of anxious reading about this issue. I have a condition known as body dysmorphic disorder ( similar to OCD- I obsess about perceived defects in my appearance), and I have also had problems with eating disorders in the past. I haven't experienced weight gain on 5 mgs, which has worked well for me and I have been really happy with the results of the Lex....But I don't want to start inexplicable gaining weight either!! I walk almost everyday, lift some weights and take boxing classes 1-2 times per week. I'v always been pretty lean and athletically built, I hope this is enough to ward of any unwanted weight gain, I don't need anything more to obsess about....!!!
> >
> > So, curious to know if there are those of you who haven't had weight gain on Lexapro...!!
> >
> > thanks for letting me share...
>
>
> I didn't gain on Lex. I take 30 mg. I seem to take a lot more than everyone else here.....that seems weird to me...I am on 20mg of Lexapro daily and it seems as if I have actually lost weight. I am fitting into shorts that were getting tight and no longer are. But, I guess you could say that I am also OCD with my weight and have had past eating disorders. I joke that I am just a walking eating disorder. LOL I probably wouldn't still be taking Lexapro if I had started gaining weight. I haven't been working out as much as I used to either. So, if you are still walking and working out you shouldn't have any problems with weight gain. Best of Luck. DC
Posted by valerie on May 5, 2003, at 10:26:48
In reply to Is everyone gaining weight on the Lexapro!!!!!????, posted by Luziluna on May 4, 2003, at 14:15:18
> I'm curious to know several things about the issue of Lexapro and weight gain. Number one, what doses are people on? Second, has everyone in this group had weight gain on Lexapro!!!???? I am on 5 mgs and am getting kind of anxious reading about this issue. I have a condition known as body dysmorphic disorder ( similar to OCD- I obsess about perceived defects in my appearance), and I have also had problems with eating disorders in the past. I haven't experienced weight gain on 5 mgs, which has worked well for me and I have been really happy with the results of the Lex....But I don't want to start inexplicable gaining weight either!! I walk almost everyday, lift some weights and take boxing classes 1-2 times per week. I'v always been pretty lean and athletically built, I hope this is enough to ward of any unwanted weight gain, I don't need anything more to obsess about....!!!
>
> So, curious to know if there are those of you who haven't had weight gain on Lexapro...!!
>
> thanks for letting me share...
I gained weitght when I was depressed but now I seem to have stabalized and I anticipate losing it when the vertigo subsides. I am currently taking 5mg.
Posted by brandij on May 5, 2003, at 11:31:53
In reply to Re: Is everyone gaining weight on the Lexapro!!!!!????, posted by valerie on May 5, 2003, at 10:26:48
no weight gain here, i've actually lost several pounds due to not eating for comfort.
Posted by lil' jimi on May 5, 2003, at 12:15:56
In reply to Re: Is everyone gaining weight on the Lexapro!!!!!????, posted by mkvelocity on May 5, 2003, at 7:46:51
> > I'm curious to know several things about the issue of Lexapro and weight gain. Number one, what doses are people on? Second, has everyone in this group had weight gain on Lexapro!!!???? I am on 5 mgs and am getting kind of anxious reading about this issue. I have a condition known as body dysmorphic disorder ( similar to OCD- I obsess about perceived defects in my appearance), and I have also had problems with eating disorders in the past. I haven't experienced weight gain on 5 mgs, which has worked well for me and I have been really happy with the results of the Lex....But I don't want to start inexplicable gaining weight either!! I walk almost everyday, lift some weights and take boxing classes 1-2 times per week. I'v always been pretty lean and athletically built, I hope this is enough to ward of any unwanted weight gain, I don't need anything more to obsess about....!!!
> >
> > So, curious to know if there are those of you who haven't had weight gain on Lexapro...!!
> >
> > thanks for letting me share...
>
>
> I didn't gain on Lex. I take 30 mg. I seem to take a lot more than everyone else here.....that seems weird to me...
i have not gained any weight .... maybe lost a little.
been taking 5mg since march 6 and upped to 10mg april 9 ....
30mg seems a little high, but i have read here of folks taking that much before.
seems like at least one was taking more.take care!!!! (hey! to blkvettes)
~ jim
Posted by Dysfunk on May 5, 2003, at 12:21:32
In reply to Is everyone gaining weight on the Lexapro!!!!!????, posted by Luziluna on May 4, 2003, at 14:15:18
Luziluna, Hi! I have the same disorder, body dismorphic...but I have never had eating disorders. Needless to say, I too was freaking out by my Lexapro weight gain. I gained about 8 lbs. Part of me thinks it is constipation. Anyway, I broke my leg and can't work out and was panicky that I would blow up. It hasn't happened! I actually have lost weight (7 lbs). I attribute it to muscle loss, but I think also what happens is that the carb cravings and other unpleasant side effects of Lexapro subside in time. I noticed I am not sweating as much, which is much more pleasant on crutches. Don't worry, try to be aware of what you eat and why. Don't give in to the cravings, and try and stay regular (if you are constipated).
Posted by Dysfunk on May 5, 2003, at 12:22:49
In reply to lexapro causing rashes, posted by fanni on May 4, 2003, at 15:52:54
I went out in the sun recently for the first time since the fall, and I got a rash only on the right side of my body- arms, legs, stomach. It was strange. I wondered if it was the medicine???
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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