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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 3217 to 3241 of 8406. Go back in thread:
Posted by MikeBC on June 9, 2003, at 8:27:04
In reply to Re: remedies for Lex SE's?, posted by Ninki on June 9, 2003, at 7:42:37
Hey y'all, just wanted to check in-been reading the posts for the last couple of days and wanted to contribute my $0.02. I started lexapro on 6/6/03 (stupidly technically 2 am on 6/7 because I was out with friends til then), so this is day 3. My doc had me at 5mg because I am only very mildly depressed (says he-I felt ok on my own). Woke up 6/7 with a headache and free-floating anxiety and dopeyness. Since then I dropped dose to around 2.5-3.5mg and still wake up dopey and headachey but anxiety is gone. I have also noticed a remarkable slowdown in growth of my facial hair (anyone else have that?) I also have the sexual s/e of taking longer to get to ejaculate. If that continues I'm dropping the lexapro-anyone know if that effect diminishes over time? I'm not taking any other meds unless you count coffee in the am.
Posted by 2beornot2benuts on June 9, 2003, at 9:17:10
In reply to Re: Lexapro Update - Please comment, posted by pumpkin on June 7, 2003, at 20:10:51
Hello, It's Jackie, I just read your letter, post, whatever you callit, in regards to drying out. Are you really doing that? If so, I say GO FOR IT!!! Find out who you are without the meds! I want to give that a shot as well... but, before I do, I'm going to visit a doctor who actually tests your blood for hormone levels and has an extensive consult with you PRIOR to any treatment!! I pray&hope that you can deal with this transition, I think you are very brave for trying...Good luck and all that.... Jackie
Posted by Mariposa on June 9, 2003, at 10:07:12
In reply to Re: remedies for Lex SE's?, posted by MikeBC on June 9, 2003, at 8:27:04
> Hey y'all, just wanted to check in-been reading the posts for the last couple of days and wanted to contribute my $0.02. I started lexapro on 6/6/03 (stupidly technically 2 am on 6/7 because I was out with friends til then), so this is day 3. My doc had me at 5mg because I am only very mildly depressed (says he-I felt ok on my own). Woke up 6/7 with a headache and free-floating anxiety and dopeyness. Since then I dropped dose to around 2.5-3.5mg and still wake up dopey and headachey but anxiety is gone. I have also noticed a remarkable slowdown in growth of my facial hair (anyone else have that?) I also have the sexual s/e of taking longer to get to ejaculate. If that continues I'm dropping the lexapro-anyone know if that effect diminishes over time? I'm not taking any other meds unless you count coffee in the am.
Am female so I can't comment on facial hair, but the other SE's you mention are common for Lex, and will diminish, most SE's are about gone by week 4 or 5. You should give it at least that long before you decide, some people (myself included) do not get results or feel different (better) until week 8 or 9.
Many posters have mentioned that Wellbutrin helps w/ sex SE, something to discuss w/doc.
Hang in there and keep us posted on your progress.~~~8|8
Posted by thatgirl on June 9, 2003, at 12:05:38
In reply to Re: remedies for Lex SE's? » MikeBC, posted by Mariposa on June 9, 2003, at 10:07:12
I took the 10mg of lexapro ONCE and that was all it took to scare me into never taking it again. I woke up in the middle of the night with cold sweats, shaking uncontrollably, and I could not go back to sleep no matter how hard I tried. I felt like I was on speed or something until the next afternoon. I was very excited about this new drug so the side effects were a huge dissapointment. Did anyone else have this happen to them??
Posted by MB on June 9, 2003, at 12:48:54
In reply to Re: remedies for Lex SE's? » MikeBC, posted by Mariposa on June 9, 2003, at 10:07:12
I found that Mirapex *obliterated* the sexual side effects of Lexapro. Unfortunately, it paradoxically exacerbated the akathisia I get from the SSRI so I couldn't continue it. I'm not joking, though: on the Mirapex, the orgasm issue was *not* a problem.
> Many posters have mentioned that Wellbutrin helps w/ sex SE, something to discuss w/doc.
>
> Hang in there and keep us posted on your progress.~~~8|8
>
Posted by Peter S. on June 9, 2003, at 13:16:14
In reply to Re: remedies for Lex SE's?, posted by thatgirl on June 9, 2003, at 12:05:38
The deal with side effects is that many times they go away in time. If you take one full dose and get unpleasant side effects, you can always start really low (Lexapro maybe even 2.5 mg) and slowly move up in dosage. This is the approach my pdoc uses and it makes a lot of sense. Based on people's experiences on this board with Lexapro it can really pay off.
Peter S.
> I took the 10mg of lexapro ONCE and that was all it took to scare me into never taking it again. I woke up in the middle of the night with cold sweats, shaking uncontrollably, and I could not go back to sleep no matter how hard I tried. I felt like I was on speed or something until the next afternoon. I was very excited about this new drug so the side effects were a huge dissapointment. Did anyone else have this happen to them??
Posted by thatgirl on June 9, 2003, at 14:13:16
In reply to Re: remedies for Lex SE's? » thatgirl, posted by Peter S. on June 9, 2003, at 13:16:14
First off, i would like to thank you for responding to my posting. I came across this site by mistake this morning and it was almost like a god-send. I really thought I was alone in this whole "mental health battle". I am so glad to see that there are others out there like me. I have kept my therapy a secret from friends and family, even my own husband because I was afraid of what they might think of me. I was starting to think that it was all in my head. My doctor is now suggesting I go back to celexa which has worked for me in the past. I am so confused as to why I have adverse reactions to the lexapro and not the celexa. Does anyone have an explanation for this?
thatgirl
The deal with side effects is that many times they go away in time. If you take one full dose and get unpleasant side effects, you can always start really low (Lexapro maybe even 2.5 mg) and slowly move up in dosage. This is the approach my pdoc uses and it makes a lot of sense. Based on people's experiences on this board with Lexapro it can really pay off.
>
> Peter S.
>
> > I took the 10mg of lexapro ONCE and that was all it took to scare me into never taking it again. I woke up in the middle of the night with cold sweats, shaking uncontrollably, and I could not go back to sleep no matter how hard I tried. I felt like I was on speed or something until the next afternoon. I was very excited about this new drug so the side effects were a huge dissapointment. Did anyone else have this happen to them??
>
>
Posted by DC on June 9, 2003, at 15:36:31
In reply to Re: remedies for Lex SE's?, posted by thatgirl on June 9, 2003, at 14:13:16
> First off, i would like to thank you for responding to my posting. I came across this site by mistake this morning and it was almost like a god-send. I really thought I was alone in this whole "mental health battle". I am so glad to see that there are others out there like me. I have kept my therapy a secret from friends and family, even my own husband because I was afraid of what they might think of me. I was starting to think that it was all in my head. My doctor is now suggesting I go back to celexa which has worked for me in the past. I am so confused as to why I have adverse reactions to the lexapro and not the celexa. Does anyone have an explanation for this?
>
> thatgirl
>
>
I was the same way and I guess I am still a little
bit. I guess I thought that if I went to a doctor
than I was admitting that there was something "wrong"
with me. I have joked around with others, but they
usually don't know that I am actually serious.
Someone will make a comment like "Wow, you're in a
good mood today" and I just tell them that the
medication must be kicking in. Then again I have
always had a sarcastic sense of humer and the comment
is usually taken that way. Or I wear my favorite
shirt that reads "People like you are the reason
People like me need medication" :-)I guess you could say that I am somewhat partial in
music too. Love my Bon Jovi LOL. But, if you
listen mainly to the chorus of the song "Someday I'll
Be Saturday Night" you'll know what like about that
song. I know the words by heart if needed LOL.A little off course, but hey......
DCP.S. Like this one also; just remember "Failure isn't
falling down, it's staying down"
Posted by sme on June 9, 2003, at 23:06:31
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro, posted by jaycee on January 10, 2003, at 6:09:33
I'm so glad I found this site! The relief I feel is tremendous. I take Lexapro....
#1 - I sweat more than a cold beer in a hot room every night. Soaked!!! Every one was telling me I was going through premature menapause. I'm only 31.
#2 - I do have the tremors but not as bad as with the celexa.
#3 - The first few weeks, I felt like I was jumping out of my skin. Seriously hyper!
#4 - short term memory pretty poor.
#5 - I itch so bad! My legs and arms the most. I get little bumpy hives. Its so bad I'm scarring my legs from scratching all the time. I think I will start an antihistamine like benadryl to help it. Hopefully it will work.
#6 - Sleep. I don't sleep well. It's very difficult to fall asleep because my legs are restless and sweating profusely at night is probably not helping.Although all of this may seem a bit much, it's actually the best tolerated effects that I have ever experienced than from any other med I have taken. I took Prozac - I wanted to kill people and jump in front of moving vehicles. I took Paxil - I gained 30 pounds and was still depressed. I took Effexor - Panic attacks about every 3 minutes. I took serezone - spoke and walked like a drunkard. My eyes would shaked back and forth in my head, so my vision was also blurred. I tried Remeron - a bad day at work would be a vacation than to deal with me.
I take .50 mgs of xanax to help me sleep at night. It takes the edge off, but it does not gaurantee a good night sleep by no means. Good luck with all of you, and if any one has any suggestions to help the side effects, please let me know! Thanks
Posted by blkvettes on June 10, 2003, at 0:40:38
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro, posted by sme on June 9, 2003, at 23:06:31
> I'm so glad I found this site! The relief I feel is tremendous. I take Lexapro....
> #1 - I sweat more than a cold beer in a hot room every night. Soaked!!! Every one was telling me I was going through premature menapause. I'm only 31.
> #2 - I do have the tremors but not as bad as with the celexa.
> #3 - The first few weeks, I felt like I was jumping out of my skin. Seriously hyper!
> #4 - short term memory pretty poor.
> #5 - I itch so bad! My legs and arms the most. I get little bumpy hives. Its so bad I'm scarring my legs from scratching all the time. I think I will start an antihistamine like benadryl to help it. Hopefully it will work.
> #6 - Sleep. I don't sleep well. It's very difficult to fall asleep because my legs are restless and sweating profusely at night is probably not helping.
>
> Although all of this may seem a bit much, it's actually the best tolerated effects that I have ever experienced than from any other med I have taken. I took Prozac - I wanted to kill people and jump in front of moving vehicles. I took Paxil - I gained 30 pounds and was still depressed. I took Effexor - Panic attacks about every 3 minutes. I took serezone - spoke and walked like a drunkard. My eyes would shaked back and forth in my head, so my vision was also blurred. I tried Remeron - a bad day at work would be a vacation than to deal with me.
> I take .50 mgs of xanax to help me sleep at night. It takes the edge off, but it does not gaurantee a good night sleep by no means. Good luck with all of you, and if any one has any suggestions to help the side effects, please let me know! Thanks
Hi there, welcome to the board!!! Sorry you have had no luck with other meds. The sweating usually goes away after awhile. Dont know what your taking meds for, but if its for anxiety the tremors could be from that. Very hyper huh, as in bad anxiety. That should pass after awhile. I had problems with itchy legs. Have you tried an anti itch cream or maybe a doctor can give you something stronger. Sleep should get better after awhile. I sometimes take real hot bath before sleep and it really helps. Also hot tea helps some people. Always check with your doc about the side effects!!! Good luck and welcome!!!
WAYNE
Posted by raven22 on June 10, 2003, at 8:19:09
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
i just wanted to say lexapro was a life saver for me and i want you to know if you are having iit rough hang in there because it takes a while to feel better but you will be yourself again soon. i also take zyprexa at night it really helps me sleep.i only experience one side effect and hat is sweating profusely.
Posted by 2beornot2benuts on June 10, 2003, at 15:47:33
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by raven22 on June 10, 2003, at 8:19:09
Hi guys+gals, I'm having a terrible time adjusting to the lex. I'm still taking 10mg at night, and I wake up with what feels like discontinue symptoms, (very weak, out of breath after taking two steps, dizzy, nauseous, and let's not forget my favorite, Freaky Brain Zaps!!) I can't make it through the morning (let alone 5 minutes) that way. I have to take care of the kids, can't just curl up into a ball and curse my pdoc! So, I take 50 or 100mg of tramadol, and the symptoms go away.. for a while. I'm trying to read up on the med (tramadol) and there's not alot of useable info. Sure are alot of advertisements to sell the stuff, in many different languages too! And there's this one site, opiods.com (whoa mamma!) that guy is TRIPPIN'!!! Anyhow, what I did learn is that it is a serotonin reuptake inhibitor. Which is probably why it's helping the SE's. If anyone has experience,info, a good joke, whatever, please respond... Thanks, Jackie
Posted by blkvettes on June 10, 2003, at 16:43:55
In reply to Re: anyone using tramadol?, posted by 2beornot2benuts on June 10, 2003, at 15:47:33
> Hi guys+gals, I'm having a terrible time adjusting to the lex. I'm still taking 10mg at night, and I wake up with what feels like discontinue symptoms, (very weak, out of breath after taking two steps, dizzy, nauseous, and let's not forget my favorite, Freaky Brain Zaps!!) I can't make it through the morning (let alone 5 minutes) that way. I have to take care of the kids, can't just curl up into a ball and curse my pdoc! So, I take 50 or 100mg of tramadol, and the symptoms go away.. for a while. I'm trying to read up on the med (tramadol) and there's not alot of useable info. Sure are alot of advertisements to sell the stuff, in many different languages too! And there's this one site, opiods.com (whoa mamma!) that guy is TRIPPIN'!!! Anyhow, what I did learn is that it is a serotonin reuptake inhibitor. Which is probably why it's helping the SE's. If anyone has experience,info, a good joke, whatever, please respond... Thanks, Jackie
Hi Jackie, so sorry your still having a rough time. Below are 3 links with some info. If you cant find something useful let me know and I will look some more. Tramadol is also called ultram for more searches. Cant tell any jokes here because the ones I know would get me in trouble. But I will share one of my darkest days. Its funny now but not then. About 4 months ago I was asleep and woke up sweating and not feeling well. I took my temperature and it was in the 96. something range. I freaked because it was so low. I jumped up and got on the internet and could find nothing to ease my mind. I did not know that when you sleep your temperature can go this low. So I woke everyone up in the house and started taking their temperature. Their temperatures were lower than mine. I started yelling were all dying. They told me I was crazy and to go back to sleep. I refused and had someone drive me to a store that was open 24 hours and bought a half dozen thermometers. Come to find out my thermometer was fine. But for a couple of weeks I took my temperature every 15 minutes with a different thermometer each time. I also had this thing about scales. Yes I have 6 of them, not mentioning the few I threw away because they did not give the weight I was looking for. My problem was I was losing weight real fast over a months time. Over 20lbs to be exact. So suffering from panic attacks I thought I was dying. I have since gained all the weight back. Hang in there!!!! Report to your doc!!! GOOD LUCK!!! GOD BLESS!!!
WAYNE
http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/tramadol.htm
http://mbsearch.web.aol.com/sindex.adp?p=1&dateType=0&res=1&lang=English&dateBegin=dd%2fmm%2fyy&sFormat=concise&sAll=1&dateEnd=dd%2fmm%2fyy&sLang=English&sType=quick&metaDone=1&dateCurrent=0&mbid=0&sSpec=and&query=TRAMADOL&sOrder=1&timeout=50
http://mbsearch.web.aol.com/sindex.adp?p=1&dateType=0&res=1&lang=English&dateBegin=dd%2fmm%2fyy&sFormat=concise&sAll=1&dateEnd=dd%2fmm%2fyy&sLang=English&sType=quick&metaDone=1&dateCurrent=0&mbid=0&sSpec=and&query=ULTRAM&sOrder=1&timeout=50
Posted by 2beornot2benuts on June 10, 2003, at 19:53:12
In reply to Re: anyone using tramadol?, posted by blkvettes on June 10, 2003, at 16:43:55
Hey Wayne, Thanks for sharing your "life threatening temp. drop story" pretty funny now, but I'm sure no one was laughing then. I did report to my pdoc, who didn't even ask what problems I was having, just told me I shouldn't change my lex dose until it's been 30 days (I'm at 20 days now). Easy for him to say, I doubt he wakes up every morning feeling as horrible as I do. It seems as though he doesn't really care. He and his collegues at his office are participating in clinical trials regarding lex. So, he wanted me to wean completely off of 150mg of effexor xr (impossible for me because I can't function during complete withdrawl) I feel because I didn't follow his instructions, he can't be bothered with me and my SE's. I must have messed with his clinical trial, so, It's time for me to find yet another pdoc through my HMO. Pickin's are slim, and I hate to do this without a recommendation. I mean, it's only my brain function here, no biggie right? Sorry I'm ranting, but it's been too long to feel so bad. I just can't take much more. But, I'm hanging in till I consult with a neuroendocinologist out of state, and out of pocket "ka-ching"!! That happens this tuesday. To say I can't wait is super sized understatement!! Thanks for being there Wayne, your a real pal....Jackie
Posted by Sabina on June 10, 2003, at 20:25:56
In reply to Re: anyone using tramadol?, posted by blkvettes on June 10, 2003, at 16:43:55
Hi there,
I've been on Lexapro (somewhat reluctantly and with many side effects, as per my other posts of today) for only a week and am not altogether comfortable with mixing in those drugs that fall into the "Tell your doctor if you are taking..." category. I refer specifically to: Ultram, Vicodin, Darvon, and Valium, which I need occasionally and take rarely. Physicians are awfully liberal with painkillers, huh? I thought that Ultram or Valium might help with some of the twitchy, skin crawling anxiety until the Lexapro thing (hopefully) starts to even out in a month or so. Still, the worrisome, racing thoughts part of me is afraid to add in stuff that could cause convulsions and such, so I'd love to hear if you decide to take it as well as anyone else's "cocktail" experiences.
Posted by blkvettes on June 10, 2003, at 20:33:34
In reply to Re: Thanks Blkvettes, posted by 2beornot2benuts on June 10, 2003, at 19:53:12
> Hey Wayne, Thanks for sharing your "life threatening temp. drop story" pretty funny now, but I'm sure no one was laughing then. I did report to my pdoc, who didn't even ask what problems I was having, just told me I shouldn't change my lex dose until it's been 30 days (I'm at 20 days now). Easy for him to say, I doubt he wakes up every morning feeling as horrible as I do. It seems as though he doesn't really care. He and his collegues at his office are participating in clinical trials regarding lex. So, he wanted me to wean completely off of 150mg of effexor xr (impossible for me because I can't function during complete withdrawl) I feel because I didn't follow his instructions, he can't be bothered with me and my SE's. I must have messed with his clinical trial, so, It's time for me to find yet another pdoc through my HMO. Pickin's are slim, and I hate to do this without a recommendation. I mean, it's only my brain function here, no biggie right? Sorry I'm ranting, but it's been too long to feel so bad. I just can't take much more. But, I'm hanging in till I consult with a neuroendocinologist out of state, and out of pocket "ka-ching"!! That happens this tuesday. To say I can't wait is super sized understatement!! Thanks for being there Wayne, your a real pal....Jackie
Hi Jackie, thats a good part of your problem the effexor I bet. I hope you can get off it completely at some point. I know you have talked of getting off all meds. I would hope you would quit the effexor and at least give the lex a shot before you quit. As far as changing your dose I guess thats between you and your doctor. I dont really like the idea of you taking 2 meds at one time. Also throw in the tramadol to the mix. Im tied into one group of pdocs here. Ive been through 4 of them. The current one I decided to educate myself and do my own experimenting. I even paid $250 for a second opinion out of the insurance network. The jerk tried to put me back on a med that was slowly killing me. So now I just show up and get my pills filled and do my own thing. I hope you get a good pdoc!!! Good luck with the doc your going to meet with and let us know what you find out. I dont care if you get prescribed popcicles as long as you get better!!! Were all pulling for you!!!
WAYNE
Posted by blkvettes on June 10, 2003, at 20:39:27
In reply to Re: anyone using tramadol?, posted by Sabina on June 10, 2003, at 20:25:56
> Hi there,
>
> I've been on Lexapro (somewhat reluctantly and with many side effects, as per my other posts of today) for only a week and am not altogether comfortable with mixing in those drugs that fall into the "Tell your doctor if you are taking..." category. I refer specifically to: Ultram, Vicodin, Darvon, and Valium, which I need occasionally and take rarely. Physicians are awfully liberal with painkillers, huh? I thought that Ultram or Valium might help with some of the twitchy, skin crawling anxiety until the Lexapro thing (hopefully) starts to even out in a month or so. Still, the worrisome, racing thoughts part of me is afraid to add in stuff that could cause convulsions and such, so I'd love to hear if you decide to take it as well as anyone else's "cocktail" experiences.
Hi there, I understand your fear completely. I have just about quit taking my xanax all together. It mixed well with my lexapro though. I use it now for the emergency type situation. But even taking a tylenol or aspirin I only take half. You would not believe some of the stuff Ive seen people mix together. But for some it works, but for me I could not handle the fear!!
WAYNE
Posted by Aspen on June 10, 2003, at 22:05:50
In reply to Re: Lexapro, posted by Jennings on January 11, 2003, at 20:33:01
>My Dr. is switching me to Lexapro, and claims it's even better than Celexa(wich I have been taking for approx. 9 months.) Celexa has been great for me. Allot that I have read about Lexapro, has been negative and mentions bad headaches/migraines, and insomnia. I am very prone to those already. Can anyone tell me if they have taken Celexa and made the swith over to Lexapro, without any of these horrible side effects???
Posted by oldhand on June 10, 2003, at 22:08:46
In reply to alcohol versus lexapro » DC, posted by lil' jimi on June 3, 2003, at 15:01:26
> hi DC!
>
> you wrote:
> >> I am curious about the drinking thing also. I was never really a heavy drinker, just when out in social situations (my liquid courage LOL). But, since starting meds it seems as if I don't even like the taste of alcohol as much these days. I still sort of force a few Corona's down if I am forced to attend something socially that is out of my normal VERY SMALL (LOL) group of those I know.
>
>
> ... you know, Someone, not blkvettes, but somebody, a long time ago, posted about this and i got confused and thought it was Wayne (blkvettes) .... i only remember that they felt one of the effects of Lexapro for them was their desire/interest/need for alcohol had decreased and they gave up drinking as a result ....
>
> because alcohol is a major depressant, i understand that we, as anti-depressant users are advised to curtail our alcohol consumption ..... anyway.
>
> so your Lexapro should work better, the less you drink.
>
> TAKE CARE!!!
> ~ jim
>Hi all! I am one of those people who no longer have the desire to drink alcohol since starting Lexapro. I have been taking it since November, 10 mg and I really have lost the desire to drink. Oh, it occurrs to me that I want beer but then it passes very quickly. I was seriously abusing alcohol for a long time, probably self medicating. Now I barely miss it and have lost 40 pounds!!!
I began with a new shrink yesterday and she increased my Lex from 10 to 20mg at my request. I have felt pretty good on the Lex at 10mg but not as well as I would like to. I am living with the elderly parents at age 53 after going on disability and letting my house go. It is quite a change for an independant like me. But I am very thankful not to have that NEED for alcohol anymore.
Posted by blkvettes on June 10, 2003, at 22:50:18
In reply to Re: Lexapro, posted by Aspen on June 10, 2003, at 22:05:50
> >My Dr. is switching me to Lexapro, and claims it's even better than Celexa(wich I have been taking for approx. 9 months.) Celexa has been great for me. Allot that I have read about Lexapro, has been negative and mentions bad headaches/migraines, and insomnia. I am very prone to those already. Can anyone tell me if they have taken Celexa and made the swith over to Lexapro, without any of these horrible side effects???
Hi there, if your doing great on celexa why change? To get an answer to your question it would be quicker to do a search on this site. Good luck with the change if you go that route. TAKE CARE!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by blkvettes on June 10, 2003, at 22:53:56
In reply to Re: alcohol versus lexapro » lil' jimi, posted by oldhand on June 10, 2003, at 22:08:46
> > hi DC!
> >
> > you wrote:
> > >> I am curious about the drinking thing also. I was never really a heavy drinker, just when out in social situations (my liquid courage LOL). But, since starting meds it seems as if I don't even like the taste of alcohol as much these days. I still sort of force a few Corona's down if I am forced to attend something socially that is out of my normal VERY SMALL (LOL) group of those I know.
> >
> >
> > ... you know, Someone, not blkvettes, but somebody, a long time ago, posted about this and i got confused and thought it was Wayne (blkvettes) .... i only remember that they felt one of the effects of Lexapro for them was their desire/interest/need for alcohol had decreased and they gave up drinking as a result ....
> >
> > because alcohol is a major depressant, i understand that we, as anti-depressant users are advised to curtail our alcohol consumption ..... anyway.
> >
> > so your Lexapro should work better, the less you drink.
> >
> > TAKE CARE!!!
> > ~ jim
> >
>
> Hi all! I am one of those people who no longer have the desire to drink alcohol since starting Lexapro. I have been taking it since November, 10 mg and I really have lost the desire to drink. Oh, it occurrs to me that I want beer but then it passes very quickly. I was seriously abusing alcohol for a long time, probably self medicating. Now I barely miss it and have lost 40 pounds!!!
> I began with a new shrink yesterday and she increased my Lex from 10 to 20mg at my request. I have felt pretty good on the Lex at 10mg but not as well as I would like to. I am living with the elderly parents at age 53 after going on disability and letting my house go. It is quite a change for an independant like me. But I am very thankful not to have that NEED for alcohol anymore.
Hi there, sorry about your house!!! Glad you dont drink anymore. Please come back and share how the 20mg works out either good or bad. Its good to see you post again!! TAKE CARE!!!
WAYNE
Posted by JudyN on June 11, 2003, at 0:12:07
In reply to Re: Lexapro, posted by Aspen on June 10, 2003, at 22:05:50
> >My Dr. is switching me to Lexapro, and claims it's even better than Celexa(wich I have been taking for approx. 9 months.) Celexa has been great for me. Allot that I have read about Lexapro, has been negative and mentions bad headaches/migraines, and insomnia. I am very prone to those already. Can anyone tell me if they have taken Celexa and made the swith over to Lexapro, without any of these horrible side effects???
Yes,, I was on celexa for about a year and swited to Lexapro last September, started on 10mg & then went to 20. I've had no problem with migraines & I tend to be headache prone also, actually I've had only a couple fo mild headaches since I went on it, and that is unusual for me to have so few.
Insomnia hasn't been a big problem for me either. I posted another thread (On lexapro for nine months) and detailed some of the other side effects I've had, but in general, Lexapro has been better than Celexa for me.
Posted by Valerie on June 11, 2003, at 6:57:51
In reply to Re: Lexapro, posted by Aspen on June 10, 2003, at 22:05:50
> >My Dr. is switching me to Lexapro, and claims it's even better than Celexa(wich I have been taking for approx. 9 months.) Celexa has been great for me. Allot that I have read about Lexapro, has been negative and mentions bad headaches/migraines, and insomnia. I am very prone to those already. Can anyone tell me if they have taken Celexa and made the swith over to Lexapro, without any of these horrible side effects???
I was taking Celexa for a few years before I had to switch; I loved celexa until it stopped working for me. I am now on 10mg of Lexapro a day and I do suffer from dizzy spells and sleeplessness and intense dreaming when I do sleep. I am just tired all of the time because I am not sleeping well. But it has helped with my depression and mood swings. I guess tiredness is a small price to pay to feel normal. Good luck.
Posted by Napaba on June 11, 2003, at 8:06:55
In reply to Re: Thanks Blkvettes, posted by blkvettes on June 10, 2003, at 20:33:34
Hi Jackie,
I went form 75 mgs of Effexor to Lexapro. I had no side effects. The side effects I was expereincing with Effexor are totally gone and it's only been two weeks. And believe me I had a lot of side effects. So far the Lexapro is fine. The only side effect (which kicked in today) is tiredness, but that could be from a restless night, kids getting up, dog barking in the middle of the night, and husband out of town.
I think Effexor is really being pushed. It's a bad drug. I am so GREATFUL to be off it.
Good luck.
> > Hey Wayne, Thanks for sharing your "life threatening temp. drop story" pretty funny now, but I'm sure no one was laughing then. I did report to my pdoc, who didn't even ask what problems I was having, just told me I shouldn't change my lex dose until it's been 30 days (I'm at 20 days now). Easy for him to say, I doubt he wakes up every morning feeling as horrible as I do. It seems as though he doesn't really care. He and his collegues at his office are participating in clinical trials regarding lex. So, he wanted me to wean completely off of 150mg of effexor xr (impossible for me because I can't function during complete withdrawl) I feel because I didn't follow his instructions, he can't be bothered with me and my SE's. I must have messed with his clinical trial, so, It's time for me to find yet another pdoc through my HMO. Pickin's are slim, and I hate to do this without a recommendation. I mean, it's only my brain function here, no biggie right? Sorry I'm ranting, but it's been too long to feel so bad. I just can't take much more. But, I'm hanging in till I consult with a neuroendocinologist out of state, and out of pocket "ka-ching"!! That happens this tuesday. To say I can't wait is super sized understatement!! Thanks for being there Wayne, your a real pal....Jackie
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> Hi Jackie, thats a good part of your problem the effexor I bet. I hope you can get off it completely at some point. I know you have talked of getting off all meds. I would hope you would quit the effexor and at least give the lex a shot before you quit. As far as changing your dose I guess thats between you and your doctor. I dont really like the idea of you taking 2 meds at one time. Also throw in the tramadol to the mix. Im tied into one group of pdocs here. Ive been through 4 of them. The current one I decided to educate myself and do my own experimenting. I even paid $250 for a second opinion out of the insurance network. The jerk tried to put me back on a med that was slowly killing me. So now I just show up and get my pills filled and do my own thing. I hope you get a good pdoc!!! Good luck with the doc your going to meet with and let us know what you find out. I dont care if you get prescribed popcicles as long as you get better!!! Were all pulling for you!!!
> WAYNE
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Posted by 2beornot2benuts on June 11, 2003, at 9:35:26
In reply to Lexapro comments, posted by wally on January 9, 2003, at 2:22:56
Hey Wayne, I haven't had a dose of Effexor xr for 21 days! Just the lex, synthroid (for hypothyroidism},klonopin for anxiety, tramadol(my Husbands pain med for a broken leg) for the SE's, and caffiene(several cups of hot tea) to get me moving. The last time I took two serious A/D's together, I came as close as I ever want to being completely psychotic. That was when I was trying to wean off Zoloft and my pdoc at the time gave me prozac to take along with the zoloft (Brilliant!!)I had one of those "I understand the meaning of life,the universe..ect." episodes. A very scary time to say the least. Chat with ya later...Jackie
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