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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by male34 on June 25, 2003, at 18:34:38
In reply to Re: I'm Done With Lexapro! (any side effects now?), posted by BBoo on June 25, 2003, at 15:31:46
I STOPPED LEX FOR 4 DAYS AFTER 5 MONTHS MY EARS WERE RINGING OFF THE WALL AND MY ANXIETY LEVEL WAS RISING,ETC,,,,I WENT BACK ON TILL I GET A HANDLE ON WHATS UP WITH MY ANXIETY ,GO OFF SLOWLY!!!!!!!
Posted by theump on June 25, 2003, at 19:27:30
In reply to Re: I'm Done With Lexapro! (any side effects now?), posted by male34 on June 25, 2003, at 18:34:38
A friend of mine's mother just switched from Paxil to Lex and is having a VERY rough time, nausea, headaches, etc. From reading previous posts it sounds like the way the switch happened may be the problem. She went right from paxil to lex. No weening off the paxil at all. She has started at 10 of Lex. I don't know how much Paxil she was on.
Anything I can tell her to make her stick with the Lex change? The Paxil had stopped working.
Thank you
Posted by CarrieL on June 25, 2003, at 20:28:22
In reply to Re: Ooops...I think I did something wrong there, posted by Sabina on June 25, 2003, at 18:06:01
Gingko Biloba is actually quite inexpensive. You can buy it at any CVS or Rite-Aid pharmacy for like $6 per bottle. And, in reference, to the "Oops" comment previously posted by Sabina, the only reason the FDA hasn't approved herbs is because the pharmaceutical companies would not make money off of them, nor would doctors make (as much) money if people are trying to treat themselves with herbs. But, we need to realize that the drugs prescribed today didn't just appear out of nowhere... they all originated, in some way or another, from herbs/nature. Okay, enough of my babbling. Best wishes !!!
Posted by Dr. Bob on June 26, 2003, at 7:29:10
In reply to Re: Ooops...I think I did something wrong there, posted by Sabina on June 25, 2003, at 18:06:01
> http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#illegal
>
> I guess the above applies to what I did since gingko hasn't been approved by the FDAAs CarrieL said, herbs aren't considered medication, so that was fine. But thanks for paying attention to the FAQ. :-)
Bob
Posted by blondegirl47 on June 26, 2003, at 7:55:23
In reply to Re: Gingko Biloba...good price link. » blondegirl47, posted by Sabina on June 25, 2003, at 16:22:53
Thanks! I will check it out.
Blondegirl
Posted by blondegirl47 on June 26, 2003, at 7:57:39
In reply to Gingko pricesblondegirl87, posted by CarrieL on June 25, 2003, at 20:28:22
Thanks CarrieL
I will check out these places too. :)
Blondegirl
Posted by BLKVETTES on June 26, 2003, at 8:21:21
In reply to Re: I'm Done With Lexapro!, posted by 2beornot2benuts on June 25, 2003, at 13:25:14
> Hello Everyone, I just got back from my appointment w/ my Psydoc, He asked me how I was feeling after 4 weeks, I told him,"Horrible!" I just don't remember feeling this bad on Zoloft,unless I skipped a dose or tryed tapering off. So, back on Zoloft I go! for now anyway...Thank You for being here...You are like ANGELS!!! I Wish Everyone Happiness and Peace...Jackie
Hi Jackie, sorry the lexapro did not work for you. I get the feeling you are a fighter and wont quit until you fugure everything out. Just wondering though if you are going to come off the lexapro slowly before starting the zoloft. I took my first 2 meds back to back with my xanax and became what you have been going throught the last month or so. The pdoc wanted me to start a new med and I told him no way. I said I wanted to get all the crap out of my system first to see where I was at. It was a tough 30 days but everything got much better each day. After the 30 days I decided a new shrink was in order. I never went on the other med and started the lexapro with a new shrink. I took complete control of my doses and began to keep track of everything on paper. The bottom line if I felt bad I knew it was the lexapro and not any side effects of coming off another med. I feel the next 30 days are going to be very trying for you as you come off lex and take the zoloft. I wish you luck and please let us know how you are doing. GOD BLESS!!!!
Posted by theo on June 26, 2003, at 9:54:50
In reply to Re: alcohol versus lexapro, posted by tim47 on June 24, 2003, at 17:34:07
Yes I'm still on 10mg. I go to doc this Tuesday and am going to get his input. I've never taken an SSRI that I've had to evaluate on a daily basis, I've got other things like a job to think about and this daily question of "how am I going to feel on Lex today" is getting kind of old. I've been so consious of this drug where before when taking Paxil or Prozac by now I would just take it every morning and forget about it. Some days no side effects and others that slight nausea and headache are back. They haven't really "gone away." Anyway I'm still holding with my Lexapro relationship till at least July 1 when I see doc.
Posted by theo on June 26, 2003, at 9:57:45
In reply to Re: Lexapro, posted by thindon1 on June 25, 2003, at 12:44:53
Yes, ten weeks ago I switched. My experience was feeling faint and paranoid and shaky all at once for a couple of days and then it would come and go for about 3 weeks. Why are you quitting Paxil???
Posted by thindon1 on June 26, 2003, at 10:05:07
In reply to Re: Lexapro » thindon1, posted by theo on June 26, 2003, at 9:57:45
I quit paxil because of side effects. Weight gain, and extremely tired. I was just on 20 mg of paxil, and went to 10 mg of lexapro right now.
Posted by theo on June 26, 2003, at 10:21:54
In reply to Re: Lexapro, posted by thindon1 on June 26, 2003, at 10:05:07
That's exactly what I did. The Lex is high maintence but has some good benefits but you need to wait about 10 weeks before you can give Lex a true read. I have to admit when talking in a group of people my anxiety is through the roof on Lex and on Paxil I could walk up to a podium and speak with no fear, like I almost enjoyed it. Hope Lex works better for you.
Posted by 2beornot2benuts on June 26, 2003, at 11:34:22
In reply to Re: I'm Done With Lexapro!, posted by BLKVETTES on June 26, 2003, at 8:21:21
Hello Everyone, I took 50mg of Zoloft last night <instead> of lexapro(15mg) and so far so good, yesterday, and a few days prior, I had this wierd, achy, numb, pulled muscle feeling in my right hand going up to my elbow (and guess what?!) today it's gone!! I seriously feel Lex did more harm than good to me. I just couldn't hang in with this med any more, Zoloft never gave me this much grief, until after taking it for years, it started to poop out. In the meantime, I'm waiting for insurance paperwork to get done, so I can start doing the tests that the neuroendocrinologist ordered. I'll keep checking in with you guys, and hope your all feeling swell!...Hugs,Jackie
Posted by Paxiltaker on June 27, 2003, at 10:09:32
In reply to Re: about insomnia side effect » pharmrep, posted by .tabi.T.ha. on August 3, 2002, at 3:28:08
I am currently taking Paxil CR/have been some form of Paxil for about 5 years and have noticed a drop off in the benefits. If I changed to lexapro would i have the same problem in a few years? also i would probably have to "wean" myself off of paxil and what i have read about lexapro you have to not take any MOAI stuff for 14 days, what do i do in the meantime???
Posted by tim47 on June 27, 2003, at 11:54:27
In reply to Re: alcohol versus lexapro » tim47, posted by theo on June 26, 2003, at 9:54:50
I noticed an immediate drop in aggitation, tension headaches and insomnia when I went from 10mg to 7.5. Like you said, Theo, I now have no attention on myself. A bit of a nuisance to cut with a razor, but it seems to work for me without all the fuss (I hear) of switching to another ssri.
Tim
Posted by prodgirl on June 27, 2003, at 18:33:09
In reply to Re: Lexapro » thindon1, posted by theo on June 26, 2003, at 10:21:54
I have been taking Lexapro for 15 weeks. At first, I felt great. Then I couldn't sleep...then I plateaued at about 7 weeks. My dr doubled the dosage. Again, another 7 weeks passed and I found myself damn near square one. My dr decided to switch me to Effexor XR and I'm in the process of the gradual change. Has anyone else gone from one to the other? Will this "poop out" like Lexapro did?
Posted by lil' jimi on June 27, 2003, at 19:17:57
In reply to Re: I'm still done with Lexapro!, posted by 2beornot2benuts on June 26, 2003, at 11:34:22
hi jackie,
great to hear your latest update ... ... wonderful that you're doing better ....
... ... ... but no titration down from your 15mg of lexapro?
... ... and directly on to 50mg of zoloft, boom ?sounds rough to me ... .. ... hoping it's smooth for you!!!
good luck with the insurance ... and keep us posted!
and ... ... T-TAAAAAAKKEEEEEEE CCCAAAAAAAARRRRRRRREEEE!!!!!!!! !!
~ jim
Posted by Doug in PA on June 29, 2003, at 9:44:02
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by dr. dave on June 19, 2002, at 4:41:27
I switched from Paxil (30mg)to Lexapro (10 mg) 3 weeks ago.
During that time my "condition" seems to have worsened. I spend a lot of time in bed and have gained 10 pounds. On Paxil my mood was consistantly at a 7 out of 10 scale (10 being happy) on Lexapro I am down to a 4 with occasional non-intentional suicide thoughts. Other than that no serious side effects sexual or otherwise.
Posted by Doug in PA on June 29, 2003, at 10:57:12
In reply to Gingko Biloba and Fogginess2BorNot2B..., posted by CarrieL on June 24, 2003, at 16:54:24
> One thing I have found to really help with "the fogginess" is Gingko Biloba, a natural herb that you can buy at any drug store. What it does is increases blood flow to the brain and helps you think much more clearly. It really does work... and a lot of people use it, particulary students. For example, the first time I used it, I accidentally took 2 capsules at once (rather than just the one), and I found myself lying there, creating mathematical equations in my head and then solving them over and over.. lol. (I was taking an algebra class at the time). But, to be sure, the NORMAL dose of it will have no such effect. Also, for anxiety, the herbs "Kava Kava" or "Valerian Root" may help. Valerian Root is actually what the drug Valium is derived from. (hence, the "Val.."). I would talk to your doctor about the possiblities of using herbs to counteract the side effects of Lexapro. They've done wonders for me :) Best wishes !!! (sorry for such a long post)
HEART PATIENTS BEWARE! I am taking blood thinners for heart desease and high blood pressure and my doctor told me to NOT TAKE Gingko Biloba since it would be like overdosing on my thinners. If you are taking simular meds you may want to think twice before taking Gingko.
Posted by BLKVETTES on June 29, 2003, at 11:48:04
In reply to Lexapro side-effects for me, posted by Doug in PA on June 29, 2003, at 9:44:02
> I switched from Paxil (30mg)to Lexapro (10 mg) 3 weeks ago.
> During that time my "condition" seems to have worsened. I spend a lot of time in bed and have gained 10 pounds. On Paxil my mood was consistantly at a 7 out of 10 scale (10 being happy) on Lexapro I am down to a 4 with occasional non-intentional suicide thoughts. Other than that no serious side effects sexual or otherwise.Hi there, do you think some of the problem is getting the paxil out of your system and the initial side effects of the lexapro. Going by my experience this has to be at least a 4 week adjustment. I hope things improve soon for you. TAKE CARE!!!!
Posted by Doug in PA on June 29, 2003, at 12:44:38
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects for me, posted by BLKVETTES on June 29, 2003, at 11:48:04
Thanks for the support. Living alone I don't get much of that. You try and hide it from the world. If only I could get motivated. My house looks like crap and I just cant get off my butt to clean it even though I hate it. It is like I am handcuffed to the chair or bed. Hopefully this will pass.
Doug in PA
Posted by BLKVETTES on June 29, 2003, at 13:03:42
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects for me » BLKVETTES, posted by Doug in PA on June 29, 2003, at 12:44:38
> Thanks for the support. Living alone I don't get much of that. You try and hide it from the world. If only I could get motivated. My house looks like crap and I just cant get off my butt to clean it even though I hate it. It is like I am handcuffed to the chair or bed. Hopefully this will pass.
>
> Doug in PAHi there, I hope you feel better soon. When in bed do you watch tv. I had this routine when things were bad that I would do one thing during the commercials. Like just load the dishwasher or something like that. Just do a little at a time and dont let everything overwhelm you. In fact I still do things during the commercials. I know its hard when your not motivated and you feel like crap. A shower does wonders if you can. Makes you feel a little better. Just try to do one or two things a day until you get the place cleaned up. Hang in there!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by Freaked Out Cat on June 29, 2003, at 15:09:17
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects for me, posted by BLKVETTES on June 29, 2003, at 13:03:42
I've been on 10 mg. Lex since mid May, 2003. I experience daily migrane-like headaches, mostly at the base of my head...sometimes on top of head. I walk in my sleep CONSTANTLY, and broke my toe two weeks ago. I sleep over 12 hours a day, mostly to compensate for the nightly walking episodes. I have very little energy...feel like a slug. Also, I have tremors so bad that I can barely write. Otherwise, things are going better with my panic attacks and depression. I still do not leave my house much, so it's hard to tell.
Hope someone else is doing better!
Posted by Office_LB on June 29, 2003, at 15:42:54
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects for me, posted by BLKVETTES on June 29, 2003, at 13:03:42
> > Thanks for the support. Living alone I don't get much of that. You try and hide it from the world. If only I could get motivated. My house looks like crap and I just cant get off my butt to clean it even though I hate it. It is like I am handcuffed to the chair or bed. Hopefully this will pass.
> >
> > Doug in PA
>
> Hi there, I hope you feel better soon. When in bed do you watch tv. I had this routine when things were bad that I would do one thing during the commercials. Like just load the dishwasher or something like that. Just do a little at a time and dont let everything overwhelm you. In fact I still do things during the commercials. I know its hard when your not motivated and you feel like crap. A shower does wonders if you can. Makes you feel a little better. Just try to do one or two things a day until you get the place cleaned up. Hang in there!!!!
> WAYNE
>
>
That's great advice. I do this to this day. Especially on Sundays when I am watching NASCAR or Football. THat is my day to just lay on the couch but I try to get the odd household chore done too.
Posted by BLKVETTES on June 29, 2003, at 17:43:00
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects for me, posted by Freaked Out Cat on June 29, 2003, at 15:09:17
> I've been on 10 mg. Lex since mid May, 2003. I experience daily migrane-like headaches, mostly at the base of my head...sometimes on top of head. I walk in my sleep CONSTANTLY, and broke my toe two weeks ago. I sleep over 12 hours a day, mostly to compensate for the nightly walking episodes. I have very little energy...feel like a slug. Also, I have tremors so bad that I can barely write. Otherwise, things are going better with my panic attacks and depression. I still do not leave my house much, so it's hard to tell.
>
> Hope someone else is doing better!Hi there, your post concerns me greatly. Did you have any of these problems before the lexapro. The tremors sound like me on another med. I suggest a trip to see your pdoc and really have a good talk with them. GOOD LUCK!!!
WAYNE
Posted by lil' jimi on June 29, 2003, at 21:44:25
In reply to Re: FREAKED OUT CAT, posted by BLKVETTES on June 29, 2003, at 17:43:00
hey Freaked Out Cat,
woo, and i thought i'd heard of every lex SE! ... a broken toe!! .. ... Ouch!! .. can you walk in shoes yet? .. .... ... i broke my big toe once ... ... that hurts .. .. i feel for you ...
... ... and i agree with Wayne, your SEs are as severe as any i've read here .... they defintely need to be checked out by your md ... ... and if Wayne is right about other meds being involved, you should also check with your pharmacist, too .. ... ...
so you've been on 10mg for about a month ... ... ...
> > I've been on 10 mg. Lex since mid May, 2003. I experience daily migrane-like headaches, mostly at the base of my head...sometimes on top of head. I walk in my sleep CONSTANTLY, and broke my toe two weeks ago. I sleep over 12 hours a day, mostly to compensate for the nightly walking episodes. I have very little energy...feel like a slug. Also, I have tremors so bad that I can barely write. Otherwise, things are going better with my panic attacks and depression. I still do not leave my house much, so it's hard to tell.
> >
> > Hope someone else is doing better!
>
> Hi there, your post concerns me greatly. Did you have any of these problems before the lexapro. The tremors sound like me on another med. I suggest a trip to see your pdoc and really have a good talk with them. GOOD LUCK!!!
> WAYNE
>between the tremors and migraines, you are way due to shake down your doc for some help / suggestions/ treatment ... .... ... that combination of ses just implies neurology to me in a way that demands expert assessment ... ... if i were you i'd call tonight, but at least 1st thing in the morning ... ... .... if it is the lexapro, you are going to want to have your case followed Very closely ... ... don't mean to scare you, but it sounds that serious ...
please continue to post and let us know how you are doing ... .... hang in there ... and
TAKE CARE !!!
~ jim
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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