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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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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
Posted by McPac on June 30, 2003, at 20:16:24
In reply to re: Bad Lex SEs for FREAKED OUT CAT!, posted by lil' jimi on June 29, 2003, at 21:44:25
I'm trying to switch from Zoloft to Lexapro.....my GP has instructed me to START OUT on the Lexapro at 20 mg/day........from reading a few posts on the Babble board, THAT dosage sounds too high!!!! I've read a few posts saying to start out slowly, like 5 mg/day.........also, reading about these crummy panic-type feelings that many get makes me leary....okay, question please, what is the equivalent Lexapro-to-Celexa dose? (Is it 10 mg of Lexapro = 40 mg of Celexa??)........I took ONE Celexa pill (20 mg, it was one of my mom's) about a week ago just to see what kind of reaction I might get from Celexa; it made me a little tired, if anything...is THAT any indication of what Lexapro may be like also for me, since Lex is really the same thing as Celexa? THANK YOU to any and all that responds!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by BLKVETTES on June 30, 2003, at 20:37:42
In reply to Just Starting on Lexapro....20 mg/day to START????, posted by McPac on June 30, 2003, at 20:16:24
> I'm trying to switch from Zoloft to Lexapro.....my GP has instructed me to START OUT on the Lexapro at 20 mg/day........from reading a few posts on the Babble board, THAT dosage sounds too high!!!! I've read a few posts saying to start out slowly, like 5 mg/day.........also, reading about these crummy panic-type feelings that many get makes me leary....okay, question please, what is the equivalent Lexapro-to-Celexa dose? (Is it 10 mg of Lexapro = 40 mg of Celexa??)........I took ONE Celexa pill (20 mg, it was one of my mom's) about a week ago just to see what kind of reaction I might get from Celexa; it made me a little tired, if anything...is THAT any indication of what Lexapro may be like also for me, since Lex is really the same thing as Celexa? THANK YOU to any and all that responds!!!!!!!!!!
Hi there, glad your doing your homework on the meds. The patient needs to be very involved and educate ones selve. Also you know everyone reacts differently to the meds. My opinion is that doctor would never get me start any med but at a low dose. You start low and as you get comfortable with the med you move up slowly. But thats between you and the doc. I guess you could say the celexa and lex are similar. Some switch from the celexa and like it better and some dont. Being tired and having an upset stomach are the 2 biggest complaints. Are you still taking the zoloft? If not did you just quit? There may be some withdrawl that you will go through. Its best to come off it slowly. Sometimes this board gets slow but questions do get answered. TAKE CARE!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by McPac on June 30, 2003, at 20:46:10
In reply to Re: Just Starting on Lexapro....20 mg/day to START????, posted by BLKVETTES on June 30, 2003, at 20:37:42
Hi Wayne!
"Are you still taking the zoloft?"
>>>>>>>>Yes, I haven't started the Lex yet nor have I begun the Zoloft taper.
"There may be some withdrawl that you will go through. Its best to come off it slowly".
>>>>>>>>>>>Wayne, will I STILL get Zoloft withdrawal IF I take the Lex at the same time that I'm tapering the Z (will the Lex NEGATE the Z withdrawal)?
Posted by lil' jimi on June 30, 2003, at 20:58:47
In reply to Just Starting on Lexapro....20 mg/day to START????, posted by McPac on June 30, 2003, at 20:16:24
hi McPac,
what do you think your gp is thinking? ... SOP is to start 10mg , which as you mention is pretty steep for a lot of folks here, me included ... .. ... would your gp have a reason to believe your med resistant ... or something?
as you have probably read, starting off slow is believed (around here anyway) to lessen the impact of those potential lex start-up SEs ... .... ... my way of looking at it is your md's rx is a target, suggestion and we work our way up to it any way we can .... If we can ... .... Everybody is so different with this stuff; each of us has to just feel our way through .... some folks do best on 2 1/2 mg, a lot of folks like 5mg ..... i've been at 10 for 2 mos. now, and we can expect some people need 30 or 40mg ...
.... ... so how does a doc know before you try? ... ... they can't! ... ...... and, yes siree, be prepared for the POSSIBILITY (probablity?) of lex-induced initial anxiety SE ... ... it can happen ... .... if you're prone to anxiety, the standard treatment is to use benzo supplementation to get you over the adaptaion SEs ... heh! ... like i know what the heck "standard" treatment is! ... ....let's try: "i have read about this often here" ... (that's more like it!)
and i read all of the old posts debating the celexa-to-lex equivalency .... i seem to remember the pharm rep post that 10 to 40 exchange rate .. never had any AD other than lex ...
so what happened with your zoloft?
i have read some of your posts, but i can't recall your dx / sx / history / story / other meds?
TAKE CARE !!! ! ! !!!!! (hey! to wayne o' the 'vettes!)
~ jim> I'm trying to switch from Zoloft to Lexapro.....my GP has instructed me to START OUT on the Lexapro at 20 mg/day........from reading a few posts on the Babble board, THAT dosage sounds too high!!!! I've read a few posts saying to start out slowly, like 5 mg/day.........also, reading about these crummy panic-type feelings that many get makes me leary....okay, question please, what is the equivalent Lexapro-to-Celexa dose? (Is it 10 mg of Lexapro = 40 mg of Celexa??)........I took ONE Celexa pill (20 mg, it was one of my mom's) about a week ago just to see what kind of reaction I might get from Celexa; it made me a little tired, if anything...is THAT any indication of what Lexapro may be like also for me, since Lex is really the same thing as Celexa? THANK YOU to any and all that responds!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by prodgirl on June 30, 2003, at 21:03:53
In reply to Just Starting on Lexapro....20 mg/day to START????, posted by McPac on June 30, 2003, at 20:16:24
20mg seems a little high...I started out at 10mg. Other than the initial "buzz" I got when my body was getting used to Lexapro, I never felt anything. It was great, until it pooped out on me.
Good Luck!
Posted by vandy on June 30, 2003, at 21:12:58
In reply to re: 20 mg/day to START? » McPac, posted by lil' jimi on June 30, 2003, at 20:58:47
Hi, All!
I've noticed all the dossage discussion and thought to myself, "I was give an initial of 20mg from the get-go." But I'm 6' 4" and weigh 270 pound and the doc mentioned those numbers when he wrote the script.
Posted by BBoo on June 30, 2003, at 21:26:01
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects for me, posted by Office_LB on June 29, 2003, at 15:42:54
Hi, I'm new and have enjoyed reading all the support y'all give to each other. I was trying to quit Lexapro over the last 2 weeks because my insurance quits paying for it tomorrow. (I also take 3 other meds.) I have felt so horrible-dizzy, "floaty," panicky, fuzzy, just strange-that I finally called my dr. back and asked him to put me back on it today. I'll figure out something about the $$ or try to come off V-E-R-Y slowly. I only take 10mg. The things we do just to survive!... Thanks for listening.
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