![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 3468 to 3492 of 8406. Go back in thread:
Posted by Capri on July 7, 2003, at 14:17:04
In reply to Re: Lexapro Dosing...10 mg or bust??????, posted by BLKVETTES on July 6, 2003, at 1:32:16
Hi Wayne,
I'm taking 5 mg of Lex at night for 10 days now (also 1/2 tab of Klonopin cause I can't sleep with the Lex). Just noticed today instead of being hyper all day I'm tired. Could this be the Lex turning a different side effect on me?! Would like to increase now to 7 mg now that the hyperness seems to be decreasing.
Posted by BLKVETTES on July 7, 2003, at 14:57:58
In reply to Re: Lexapro Dosing...10 mg or bust?????? » BLKVETTES, posted by Capri on July 7, 2003, at 14:17:04
> Hi Wayne,
>
> I'm taking 5 mg of Lex at night for 10 days now (also 1/2 tab of Klonopin cause I can't sleep with the Lex). Just noticed today instead of being hyper all day I'm tired. Could this be the Lex turning a different side effect on me?! Would like to increase now to 7 mg now that the hyperness seems to be decreasing.
>Hi there, I'll tell you this just when you think you have it figured out something changes. I am glad you started on a low dose. I have been everywhere from 5 to 10 so many times. I have stuck at the 7mg mark or so for awhile. To this day sometimes I get tired and dont know why. I stick to a certain diet and take a vitamin. If your not hyper I guess you could move it up. If you dont like the feeling go back down. But you have to give it time to see what happens when you change your dose. Im going by my personal experience, what worked for me may not work for you. You should always change your dose when the doc tells you to. But I gave up on the docs long ago. How is the lex working for you so far. Any side effects besides the hyper feeling. You may feel tired for weeks before that goes away. So changing your dose may make you more tired. Also remember your very early on the lex. 10 days is not long but glad your hanging in there on it. I hope it works for you!!! TAKE CARE!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by tm on July 7, 2003, at 17:00:06
In reply to Lexapro Dosing...10 mg or bust??????, posted by McPac on July 5, 2003, at 23:54:20
> The study I read says that there's very little difference between 10 and 20 mg of Lexapro.
> So if someone took the 10 mg dosage and that didn't do enough, then they're screwed? I mean, with other meds such as Zoloft for example, you try 50mg...if you don't feel enough effect, you could increase to 75....then 100....then 150 if need be...and so on. But with lex it's just take the 10 mg. and if that doesn't have enough anti-depressant effect or ocd effect, then there's nothing you can do???? One dosage either works or that's it? What the Hell? OCD'ers typically need a higher dose of a med than for depressives---so how is 10 lousy mg's going to do the job? Never heard of a 'one-dosage' med before, again, so if 10 mg isn't doing the job then that's it, nothing you can do but drop it and try another? Makes no sense. Anybody get a better effect at 20 mg than 10? Anybody taking MORE than 20 mg? Thanks!
I started at 10mg, then 15mg and I am now at 20mg. I also take .5 Xanax 4 times a day. I'm like Wayne I get a little anxiety every now and then, but with the med my mind is able to work through it. I feel like I'm back to normal. My process started the last week in April.
Best of luck Tim!
Posted by bruce_w6 on July 7, 2003, at 18:55:02
In reply to Re: Lexapro Dosing...10 mg or bust?????? » McPac, posted by tm on July 7, 2003, at 17:00:06
I remember seeing posts in the beginning about urination habits changing when on Lexapro. How do I find these posts? Has anyone noticed their urination habits changing since taking Lexapro?
Posted by BLKVETTES on July 7, 2003, at 19:30:03
In reply to Lexapro Urination, posted by bruce_w6 on July 7, 2003, at 18:55:02
> I remember seeing posts in the beginning about urination habits changing when on Lexapro. How do I find these posts? Has anyone noticed their urination habits changing since taking Lexapro?
Hi there, you can go to the bottom of the page and there are search options. Type in urinate or urinating or peeing etc.
WAYNE
Posted by dc75 on July 7, 2003, at 20:01:05
In reply to Re: Sweaty,clammy hands - will it go away?, posted by BLKVETTES on July 7, 2003, at 11:49:31
Thanks Wayne, I'm glad to hear that this problem went away for you, I guess I will just keep at it and hope for the best.
Cheers,
dc75
Posted by Capri on July 7, 2003, at 20:55:33
In reply to Re: Lexapro Dosing...10 mg or bust??????, posted by BLKVETTES on July 7, 2003, at 14:57:58
Hi Wayne,
The Pdoc I see isn't worth a dime but I have no choice until my insurance changes in the new year (sounds far off I know). He has no sensitivity whatsoever. If he knew I was only take 5 mg literally he would laugh at me. He tells me I think too much about side effects before I even take the meds which is so not true! I'm no stranger to these meds over the years. I am super sensitive. I don't know what kind of patients he sees but they all must tolerate meds well.Ok getting back to the side effects. I had a bad headache for the first 7 days, dry mouth, hyperness (panicky feelings), insomnia. I can't believe that this med did 180 turn on me and now make me exhausted. I guess I won't be able to increase the dose until the tiredness goes away right? If I need to stay on 5 mg will that be a theraputic dose being 10mg is the starting dose??
Thanks,
Capri
Posted by BLKVETTES on July 7, 2003, at 21:41:22
In reply to Re: Lexapro Dosing...10 mg or bust?????? » BLKVETTES, posted by Capri on July 7, 2003, at 20:55:33
> Hi Wayne,
>
>
> The Pdoc I see isn't worth a dime but I have no choice until my insurance changes in the new year (sounds far off I know). He has no sensitivity whatsoever. If he knew I was only take 5 mg literally he would laugh at me. He tells me I think too much about side effects before I even take the meds which is so not true! I'm no stranger to these meds over the years. I am super sensitive. I don't know what kind of patients he sees but they all must tolerate meds well.
>
> Ok getting back to the side effects. I had a bad headache for the first 7 days, dry mouth, hyperness (panicky feelings), insomnia. I can't believe that this med did 180 turn on me and now make me exhausted. I guess I won't be able to increase the dose until the tiredness goes away right? If I need to stay on 5 mg will that be a theraputic dose being 10mg is the starting dose??
>
> Thanks,
> Capri
>Hi there, I have had 4 pdocs in 8 months. I have seen people get results on 5mg before. I got results on 7mg. There really is no hurry for you to move up. Do it when you feel comfortable I guess. Thats what I did. You can do it a little at a time. I think pdocs are trained to get your mind off side effects like they dont exist. Just go at your own pace if your doing it your self. You take care and be patient. Here is a link!!!
WAYNE
http://panicdisorder.about.com/features/blmed1.htm
Posted by trucker on July 7, 2003, at 21:42:06
In reply to Re: Lexapro Dosing...10 mg or bust?????? » BLKVETTES, posted by Capri on July 7, 2003, at 20:55:33
thanks folks! i now know why i am tired all the time. occationally i have an energenic day but they are rare. i was on 10 mg of lex for 2 wks. now i have been bumped up to 20 mg of lex. the anxiety is better managed, the depression too. just don't get a lot done in a days time. ya give ya take. at least i am closer to my normal self..... if i ever was normal!!! thanks ya'll for the info... how long does this tiredness usually last???i have been on the 20mg now for a week or so.
trucker!
Posted by nitowl17 on July 7, 2003, at 22:21:11
In reply to Re: Lexapro Dosing...10 mg or bust?????? » BLKVETTES, posted by Capri on July 7, 2003, at 20:55:33
I can so relate to your e-mail it's not funny.
Posted by MikeBC on July 7, 2003, at 22:47:59
In reply to Re: Lexapro Dosing...10 mg or bust??????, posted by nitowl17 on July 7, 2003, at 22:21:11
I have been taking 2.5 mg lexapro for about 3 or 4 weeks now and definitely notice side effects and therapeutic value so don't let anyone tell you you need 10 mg minimum. Side effects for me are insomnia in the morning (waking up at 5 am and not able to get back to sleep) and the typical male sexual side effects. I take it at night an hour or two after I eat dinner.
Posted by oldhand on July 8, 2003, at 0:13:02
In reply to Lexapro Dosing...10 mg or bust??????, posted by McPac on July 5, 2003, at 23:54:20
> The study I read says that there's very little difference between 10 and 20 mg of Lexapro.
> So if someone took the 10 mg dosage and that didn't do enough, then they're screwed? I mean, with other meds such as Zoloft for example, you try 50mg...if you don't feel enough effect, you could increase to 75....then 100....then 150 if need be...and so on. But with lex it's just take the 10 mg. and if that doesn't have enough anti-depressant effect or ocd effect, then there's nothing you can do???? One dosage either works or that's it? What the Hell? OCD'ers typically need a higher dose of a med than for depressives---so how is 10 lousy mg's going to do the job? Never heard of a 'one-dosage' med before, again, so if 10 mg isn't doing the job then that's it, nothing you can do but drop it and try another? Makes no sense. Anybody get a better effect at 20 mg than 10? Anybody taking MORE than 20 mg? Thanks!Hello!
I went from 10mg to 20mg of Lexapro and feel better than I did on 10mg. Can you cite the study you read? I would be interested in reading it. This is the first I've heard of any such limitation to the medication and it has been used (what will be) a year in September. Thanks.
Posted by oldhand on July 8, 2003, at 0:22:19
In reply to LEXAPRO UPDATE, posted by BLKVETTES on July 7, 2003, at 12:04:03
> I guess its been over 5 months on the lexapro. I thought I was recently going through some kind of poop out stage. I was really scared for over a week. But Im doing fine again. I think it was because of a busy week and a lot of bad things happening all at once. So I guess I passed the test. No panic attacks or depression, but I do get some anxiety time to time, this from going somewhere new or just a real busy day. Its not bad anxiety, just enough to get my attention. I only take xanax at night now to relax. I also have been sleeping really well the last week. I have had life long insomnia so this is a welcomed change. Im sure the insomnia will come back so I better rest up. Anyone suffering from panic attacks or anxiety I will say this takes a long time to overcome. I kept getting a little better each week. Once the med works if it does you have to change your thoughts and face your fears. Repetition is the key. Take care everyone!!!!
> WAYNEHi Wayne! I am so glad to hear you are doing so well. I remember some of your first posts, when I first came on board and you have come such a long way since then. Anyone who needs encouragement should go back and read all your posts. Your patience and strength are a wonderful example. Keep posting your encouragements!
Posted by BLKVETTES on July 8, 2003, at 9:04:45
In reply to Re: Lexapro Dosing...10 mg or bust?????? » McPac, posted by oldhand on July 8, 2003, at 0:13:02
> > The study I read says that there's very little difference between 10 and 20 mg of Lexapro.
> > So if someone took the 10 mg dosage and that didn't do enough, then they're screwed? I mean, with other meds such as Zoloft for example, you try 50mg...if you don't feel enough effect, you could increase to 75....then 100....then 150 if need be...and so on. But with lex it's just take the 10 mg. and if that doesn't have enough anti-depressant effect or ocd effect, then there's nothing you can do???? One dosage either works or that's it? What the Hell? OCD'ers typically need a higher dose of a med than for depressives---so how is 10 lousy mg's going to do the job? Never heard of a 'one-dosage' med before, again, so if 10 mg isn't doing the job then that's it, nothing you can do but drop it and try another? Makes no sense. Anybody get a better effect at 20 mg than 10? Anybody taking MORE than 20 mg? Thanks!
>
> Hello!
> I went from 10mg to 20mg of Lexapro and feel better than I did on 10mg. Can you cite the study you read? I would be interested in reading it. This is the first I've heard of any such limitation to the medication and it has been used (what will be) a year in September. Thanks.Hi there, here is a little bit of what I read about 10 versus 20. I have read other articles but they mean nothing since we are so different. Like oldhand said 20 was better than 10 and that has worked.
http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/lexapro_ids.htm
Posted by vandy on July 8, 2003, at 21:14:45
In reply to Re: Lexapro Dosing...10 mg or bust??????, posted by trucker on July 7, 2003, at 21:42:06
I sure can't tell you about how it may affect you but I just stopped being exhausted and it's been about 9 weeks for me. You can possibly do better. Others have.
Posted by vandy on July 8, 2003, at 21:17:27
In reply to Re: Lexapro Dosing...10 mg or bust??????, posted by BLKVETTES on July 8, 2003, at 9:04:45
10 mg. did nothing for me. Twenty is helpful.
Posted by trucker on July 8, 2003, at 22:33:02
In reply to Re: Lexapro Dosing...10 mg or bust??????, posted by vandy on July 8, 2003, at 21:14:45
> I sure can't tell you about how it may affect you but I just stopped being exhausted and it's been about 9 weeks for me. You can possibly do better. Others have.
hey thanks, glad to hear there is hope. i do like the control of the anxiety and the depression. i look forward to being not lazy. this is so different for me. i feel worthless because i am so lazy on it. i have things that need done and i am only able to acomplish about half before i am so week and exhausted. i do have good naps in the afternoon. better than my nite sleep. thanks again for the info.trucker
Posted by Donia on July 9, 2003, at 19:18:40
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
hello all, its been a while since I have been here. I am on month 6 or 7 now of lexapro. I am feeling really good. I dont know if it is all from the lexapro or the weather or the great vacation I just got back from. Probably all three. Thanks Wayne!! Check your mail, your real mail. Well I will try to catch up here a little.
Posted by McPac on July 9, 2003, at 23:26:47
In reply to Re: Lexapro Dosing...10 mg or bust?????? » McPac, posted by tm on July 7, 2003, at 17:00:06
Thanks for ALL responses! Much appreciated!
So it DOES seem like some (perhaps many?) DO get better results at doses greater than 10 mg.
Been on Lex now 9 days (still at 10 mg's) and I have been getting the "panicky" feelings from the med........I get them strong when I first wake up...once I've been up for a while, and have eaten, they seem to subside....hopefully that panicky feeling will go away someday soon......I was wondering if Celexa caused those same panicky feelings? Thanks!
Posted by joebob on July 9, 2003, at 23:40:15
In reply to My experience with Lexapro, posted by Tama on December 27, 2002, at 21:26:20
i was told to try a 2 week predose of depakote prior to starting lexapro...........
and then read all this horrible stuff about the depakote..........
will neurontin do the same thing, i.e. prepare the brain for the ssri rush..........?
i had a mild manic break on the 3rd day of trying lexapro at a very low dose...........
any advice or experience
Posted by lil' jimi on July 10, 2003, at 2:51:44
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by trucker on July 6, 2003, at 17:38:52
hi trucker,
thank you for your post ...
you wrote:
> i switched from zoloft 200mg to lexapro 20 mg.
>
> i wasn't informed of the way it would affect me.
>
> this thing is screaming feed me all of a sudden and before i had NO desire at all. now its almost out of control. my other half is still use to no not interested and i am trying to get him to give me some. if you catch my drift. i am more like my younger years at this point. hope i stay like this. this is my experience!and i'm writing this:
i hear what you are saying ... i have had similiar experience with lexapro ... .. ... i have asked our lex posters before if anyone else experienced beneficial sexual side effects with lex and a few responded positively ... ... i initially suffered anorgasmia as a SE from lex, but after about a week that went away and things changed for the better ... ... well, and even better ...how long we're you on zoloft?
how long have you been on lex?
how was your transition like?
how has your other half adjusted? yet?thanks again for the positive post ... never get enough of those here ...
good luck !
take good care!!!
~ jim
Posted by lil' jimi on July 10, 2003, at 3:36:02
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by billk on July 6, 2003, at 19:27:57
hi billk,
> Now that this thread is over a year old, I am wondering if any consensus has been reached about Celexa vx. Lexapro.
>
> Is there an improvement in effectiveness and/or side effects or is it all just marketing hype?i don't know about celexa ... never taken any.
but IMHO, if my experience with lexapro is just marketing hype, i'll have some more, please ... ... it's working fine for me ...
thanks,
~ jim
Posted by lil' jimi on July 10, 2003, at 3:49:59
In reply to Lexapro Urination, posted by bruce_w6 on July 7, 2003, at 18:55:02
hi bruce_w6,
> I remember seeing posts in the beginning about urination habits changing when on Lexapro. How do I find these posts? Has anyone noticed their urination habits changing since taking Lexapro?
this is another initial side-effect i had that went away in a little more than a week ... i have posted about this, but i can't remember what subject line i used and i don't recall that anyone responded ...
when this was happening to me i had to take a very deliberate appraoch to peeing .... ... whereas it was an autonomic point and shoot before, it became a much more elaborate challenge, which sometimes caused a series of attempts to get my bladder really empty ... ... after a about 2 weeks this problem was completely gone ... .... but it had me a little worried there for a while ...
take care,
~ jim
Posted by lil' jimi on July 10, 2003, at 4:06:44
In reply to Re: Lexapro Dosing...10 mg or bust??????, posted by BLKVETTES on July 7, 2003, at 21:41:22
hi Wayne,
hi Capri!i'm so glad you met Wayne, Capri ... he's great ...
... ... i just wanted to say that that link Wayne's posted is great too ... ... information our doctors should be telling us, but unless they're reading these boards, they don't know ... !> > Hi Wayne,
> >
> >
> > The Pdoc I see isn't worth a dime but I have no choice until my insurance changes in the new year (sounds far off I know). He has no sensitivity whatsoever. If he knew I was only take 5 mg literally he would laugh at me. He tells me I think too much about side effects before I even take the meds which is so not true! I'm no stranger to these meds over the years. I am super sensitive. I don't know what kind of patients he sees but they all must tolerate meds well.
> >
> > Ok getting back to the side effects. I had a bad headache for the first 7 days, dry mouth, hyperness (panicky feelings), insomnia. I can't believe that this med did 180 turn on me and now make me exhausted. I guess I won't be able to increase the dose until the tiredness goes away right? If I need to stay on 5 mg will that be a theraputic dose being 10mg is the starting dose??
> >
> > Thanks,
> > Capri
> >
>
> Hi there, I have had 4 pdocs in 8 months. I have seen people get results on 5mg before. I got results on 7mg. There really is no hurry for you to move up. Do it when you feel comfortable I guess. Thats what I did. You can do it a little at a time. I think pdocs are trained to get your mind off side effects like they dont exist. Just go at your own pace if your doing it your self. You take care and be patient. Here is a link!!!
> WAYNE
> http://panicdisorder.about.com/features/blmed1.htm
>thanks, Wayne! ... ... and Please keep bringing us the good stuff!
TAKE CARE !!!!
~ jim
Posted by lil' jimi on July 10, 2003, at 4:21:50
In reply to Re: Lexapro Dosing...10 mg or bust??????, posted by trucker on July 7, 2003, at 21:42:06
hi trucker,
> thanks folks! i now know why i am tired all the time. occationally i have an energenic day but they are rare. i was on 10 mg of lex for 2 wks. now i have been bumped up to 20 mg of lex. the anxiety is better managed, the depression too. just don't get a lot done in a days time. ya give ya take. at least i am closer to my normal self..... if i ever was normal!!! thanks ya'll for the info... how long does this tiredness usually last???i have been on the 20mg now for a week or so.
> trucker!i have been trying something for my afternoon fatigue that Wayne and Bill L suggested a while back:
Dark Chocolate (NOT milk chocolate, says brother Bill and so say i)i have been eating an ounce between 2 and 4 in the afternoon ... .. ... if i was getting sleepy-tired i'd maybe eat 2 ounces ... .. ... however, i have found that if i eat that much at 4, it interferred with my appetite for dinner ... so lately i'm doing a half ounce after lunch, like dessert ..?
and i have been losing some weight ... some of the 5 lbs i gained in april maybe ... ... but i think that i'm getting my bioflavinoids from the chocolate to help satisfy my hunger better and i am eating less.
take good care of yourself!
~ jim
Go forward in thread:
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.