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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by BLKVETTES on July 24, 2003, at 19:16:51
In reply to Re: First few days on Lexapro, posted by mph-speedy on July 24, 2003, at 18:49:29
> Have been reading Lexapro thread with interest. First time user of AD - have been on 10mg Lexapro for one month. Minor side effects (thirst, insomnia) do not outweigh benefits so far. Almost immediate positive effect being lifted out of overwhelming anger, depression, and paranoia. Where to go from here? Any thoughts?
Hi there, glad the lex is working for you and those side effects should go away in time. Do you feel you should be getting more out of it. Is that what you mean by any thoughts? POST BACK IF YOU DO!!!! TAKE CARE!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by Dissociative Jane on July 25, 2003, at 10:19:59
In reply to Re: First few days on Lexapro, posted by BLKVETTES on July 24, 2003, at 19:16:51
I was prescribed Lexapro because when I was tapering off Effexor, I developed some "strange feelings" (dizziness, and more). My pdoc had me take it for 2 weeks. During the 2 weeks I felt fabulous almost instantly...but when the Lexapro RX ran out my pdoc said just to continue taking my Wellbutrin which I take 2 x's per day.
I must admit,
I was feeling a little dissapointed about not taking Lexapro, but didn't want to sound a like a "Med Lover" to my pdoc so, I never said anything further until about 1 month later.
I had my appointment with my pdoc and told him that there was something about Lexapro that really made me feel GOOD...."awake, alert,mentally energized"....so, he prescribed it to me. I now take Wellbutrin SR 150mg 2x's per day and Lexapro 10mg every day. I'm on day 3 of Lexapro and feel like I'm on speed....I love this feeling.
Posted by Heidi8 on July 25, 2003, at 11:07:20
In reply to Re: First few days on Lexapro...Feel Good!, posted by Dissociative Jane on July 25, 2003, at 10:19:59
I am glad you are doing well. I sent an earlier post and it did not appear, so apologize if ultimately this is a duplicate.
I would appreciate some advice. I also began Lexapro 2 days ago ( 11pm dosage), starting with a quarter pill- 2.5mg. I barely slept and woke with a sick, heavy, headache and dizziness that would not abate, despite taking some Aleve late in the afternoon. I cut the dose to 1.2 last night ( took about 7 pm) . I slept, but woke with that same headache, almost like a post concussion headache I once head, where I felt like my head was 10 lbs. heavier on one side and twisted around.
I have a terrible track record with trying SSRI's and am very concerned. I have tried the SSRI's to deal with a depression precipitated by high dose progesterone to treat hyperplasia.
I would welcome any advice or thoughts whether the headaches will abates. The progesterone side effects are barely manageable and I do not think I can deal with the headache on top of it. I don't want the cure to be worse than the problem...if you know what I mean. thanks in advance...
Posted by BLKVETTES on July 25, 2003, at 11:12:14
In reply to Re: First few days on Lexapro...Feel Good!, posted by Dissociative Jane on July 25, 2003, at 10:19:59
> I was prescribed Lexapro because when I was tapering off Effexor, I developed some "strange feelings" (dizziness, and more). My pdoc had me take it for 2 weeks. During the 2 weeks I felt fabulous almost instantly...but when the Lexapro RX ran out my pdoc said just to continue taking my Wellbutrin which I take 2 x's per day.
> I must admit,
> I was feeling a little dissapointed about not taking Lexapro, but didn't want to sound a like a "Med Lover" to my pdoc so, I never said anything further until about 1 month later.
> I had my appointment with my pdoc and told him that there was something about Lexapro that really made me feel GOOD...."awake, alert,mentally energized"....so, he prescribed it to me. I now take Wellbutrin SR 150mg 2x's per day and Lexapro 10mg every day. I'm on day 3 of Lexapro and feel like I'm on speed....I love this feeling.Hi there, glad your feeling good on the lexapro. It does affect some people that way that speed feeling. I used to take speed years and years ago. Are you able to sleep at night? Just be aware in the coming weeks if your still feeling good. Cant argue with feeling good!! Im happy for you!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by lil' jimi on July 25, 2003, at 11:13:49
In reply to First few days on Lexapro, posted by bookgurl99 on July 24, 2003, at 7:49:26
hi books,
which other meds have you used, besides celexa?
... glad to read that lex has worked for you so far ... ... usually it takes a while before it gets so helpful ... looking forward to your updates ... ... please keep us posted.
TAKE CARE!!!
~ jim
Posted by lil' jimi on July 25, 2003, at 11:31:03
In reply to Re: First few days on Lexapro...Feel Good!, posted by Heidi8 on July 25, 2003, at 11:07:20
hi Heidi8,
certainly, you want to check with your doctor about these SEs to see what is suggested ...
although your possible med interactions are completely beyond me (i have only taken lex and all of my SEs went away in less than 2 weeks),
let me ask,
"How much water do you drink a day?"
and
"Can you drink more water? ...
... or that sport drink, electrolyte enhancing drink type stuff ...i have found i get thirsty since i have been on lex, and learned this is a CLUE (!) that i am dehydrating and should drink more water ... i like mine with a slice of lime, mmmmmmm!
this has helped my headaches ... .. ... i think it's helping my sinuses ... ... which helps my head ...
just a thought ... hope it might help ...
TAKE CARE !@!!
~ jim
Posted by lil' jimi on July 25, 2003, at 11:43:26
In reply to Re: First few days on Lexapro...Feel Good!, posted by Dissociative Jane on July 25, 2003, at 10:19:59
hi Dissociative Jane,
... thanks for your post!
.. .. love these encouraging positive lex posts!ah, yes, the Lexapro Speed Buzz ... ... i had that some at first .. ... still get a little of it ... some folks have compared this to the "hyper mania" that the BP folks suffer ...
... and again we have you guys getting these nearly instantaneous benefits from lex ... .. ... for Months, Wayne and i have been telling the new lex users that it takes so long for the lex benefits to kick in ... now y'all come along and ruin everything!!
HA!
NOT!.... ... really trying to kid us there ...
it really is wonderful that you are benefiting from lex so soon ... please, please keep us (me?) posted!TAKE CARE !!!
~ jim
Posted by maxumus on July 25, 2003, at 11:53:07
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
has anyone tried valium instead of anti-depresents for anxiety? i'm looking for an alternative because of the sexual side effect.I've been taking paxil and Zanax for over a month.It seems paxil has taking away my anxiety but also zap other emotions like sense of humor,motivation ect.ect.Is Lexapro that much different than paxil?
Posted by BLKVETTES on July 25, 2003, at 12:12:57
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by maxumus on July 25, 2003, at 11:53:07
> has anyone tried valium instead of anti-depresents for anxiety? i'm looking for an alternative because of the sexual side effect.I've been taking paxil and Zanax for over a month.It seems paxil has taking away my anxiety but also zap other emotions like sense of humor,motivation ect.ect.Is Lexapro that much different than paxil?
Hi there, valium is in a sense kind if like xanax. Some people get by just taking xanax or another benzo. A month on paxil is not very long. A lot of times those side effects go away. I could not handle the paxil or zoloft but have done great on lexapro. You just dont know what might work until its tried. GOOD LUCK!!!
WAYNE
Posted by mph-speedy on July 25, 2003, at 12:13:02
In reply to Re: First few days on Lexapro, posted by BLKVETTES on July 24, 2003, at 19:16:51
Background is did not even realize it was depression until almost had a "melt down". On the Lexapro have started feeling like my old happy self and recognize that the behavior I was attibuting to others either didn't exist (on their part) or was in reaction to my own disfunction. Where do I go from here is - am I to stay on ADs forever, or should I just go with the flow and not worry about it for now? Family history is - grandmother institutionalized for pychotic behavior after post partum depression. Father alcoholic. Son is bi-polar.
Looking back, I believe I've had bouts of depression before but was untreated.
Posted by BLKVETTES on July 25, 2003, at 12:22:13
In reply to lexapro w/ progesterone for hyperplasia » Heidi8, posted by lil' jimi on July 25, 2003, at 11:31:03
> hi Heidi8,
>
> certainly, you want to check with your doctor about these SEs to see what is suggested ...
>
> although your possible med interactions are completely beyond me (i have only taken lex and all of my SEs went away in less than 2 weeks),
>
> let me ask,
> "How much water do you drink a day?"
> and
> "Can you drink more water? ...
> ... or that sport drink, electrolyte enhancing drink type stuff ...
>
> i have found i get thirsty since i have been on lex, and learned this is a CLUE (!) that i am dehydrating and should drink more water ... i like mine with a slice of lime, mmmmmmm!
>
> this has helped my headaches ... .. ... i think it's helping my sinuses ... ... which helps my head ...
>
> just a thought ... hope it might help ...
>
> TAKE CARE !@!!
> ~ jimHi Jim, glad to see you posting. Since my disorder I have been drinking a lot more water than I ever have. Im also a soda drinker which I have cut back on since this started. But somedays I wake up feeling like crap and realize I have been neglecting the water and also a vitamin I take. This water thing I believe is very important also. TAKE CARE!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by BLKVETTES on July 25, 2003, at 12:32:22
In reply to Re: First few days on Lexapro, posted by mph-speedy on July 25, 2003, at 12:13:02
> Background is did not even realize it was depression until almost had a "melt down". On the Lexapro have started feeling like my old happy self and recognize that the behavior I was attibuting to others either didn't exist (on their part) or was in reaction to my own disfunction. Where do I go from here is - am I to stay on ADs forever, or should I just go with the flow and not worry about it for now? Family history is - grandmother institutionalized for pychotic behavior after post partum depression. Father alcoholic. Son is bi-polar.
>
> Looking back, I believe I've had bouts of depression before but was untreated.Hi there, sorry about your family!!! Must have been hard growing up and it must be hard dealing with your son. But its great that your feeling good. I read about statistics and one shows that someone who quits their meds in the 1st 3 years 2 out of 3 will relapse. With your family history its one heck of a risk if the lexapro continues to work for you. I have no plans whatsoever in quitting my med. Its to much of a risk for me. As long as you dont feel drugged and your on the right dose why risk it. You feel normal right? You just take something to feel that way. Nothing wrong with that!!!! TAKE CARE!!!
WAYNE
Posted by lil' jimi on July 25, 2003, at 12:42:18
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by maxumus on July 25, 2003, at 11:53:07
hi maxumus,
my wife-sweetie took paxil for a few years about a decade ago ... bad, very bad ... no one ever mentioned side-effects at all to her ... ... now we are still trying to find her libido! .... very hard on us ... especially because we had no idea about paxil SEs ... sad ...
whereas, i have been on lex 4 1/2 months now ...
... zero weight gain ...
... **improved** sexual satisfaction ... (hey, my lil' wifey!) ...... ... and i am much less depressed ... did have some start-up SEs, but they went away ...
personally, IMHO, i would not even compare lex to paxil ...
and as Wayne says,
TAKE CARE!!!!
~ jimp.s. thanks for your post ... post back soon!
~ j
Posted by lil' jimi on July 25, 2003, at 13:06:49
In reply to Re: First few days on Lexapro, posted by mph-speedy on July 25, 2003, at 12:13:02
hi mph-speedy,
you posted:
> Background is did not even realize it was depression until almost had a "melt down". On the Lexapro have started feeling like my old happy self and recognize that the behavior I was attibuting to others either didn't exist (on their part) or was in reaction to my own disfunction. Where do I go from here is - am I to stay on ADs forever, or should I just go with the flow and not worry about it for now? Family history is - grandmother institutionalized for pychotic behavior after post partum depression. Father alcoholic. Son is bi-polar.
>
> Looking back, I believe I've had bouts of depression before but was untreated... ... .. again, it is wonderful to read here about folks getting good relief from lexapro ... ... love your "Benefits out-weigh the SEs" attitude .... .... great to hear it is working for you!
... ... and i hear you about the where do you go now ... ... like, do i take this from now on? ... ...
(i have read that the average time of ssri use is 11 months ... ... more recently i read it is 3 years ...)
for my part, these are non-issues for me ... (unless "poop out" occurs) .... .... since it is working for us now, i recommend enjoying the new perspective ... and learning about ourselves,
("Hey, is this what it's like to not be depressed?") ... ... and accepting that we may need help from meds ... for however long ...... diabetics need meds ... ... epileptics need meds ... and our depression(s) may be biochemical or neurochemical dysfunctions for which we may need meds ... ... Especially, if they can make life worth living ... ... hang in there ... and try to let us know how you are doing, Please ...
TAKE GOOD CARE OF YOURSELF!!
~ jim
Posted by lil' jimi on July 25, 2003, at 13:46:38
In reply to Re: lexapro w/ progesterone for hyperplasia, posted by BLKVETTES on July 25, 2003, at 12:22:13
hey Wayne!
> > hi Heidi8,
> >
> > certainly, you want to check with your doctor about these SEs to see what is suggested ...
> >
> > although your possible med interactions are completely beyond me (i have only taken lex and all of my SEs went away in less than 2 weeks),
> >
> > let me ask,
> > "How much water do you drink a day?"
> > and
> > "Can you drink more water? ...
> > ... or that sport drink, electrolyte enhancing drink type stuff ...
> >
> > i have found i get thirsty since i have been on lex, and learned this is a CLUE (!) that i am dehydrating and should drink more water ... i like mine with a slice of lime, mmmmmmm!
> >
> > this has helped my headaches ... .. ... i think it's helping my sinuses ... ... which helps my head ...
> >
> > just a thought ... hope it might help ...
> >
> > TAKE CARE !@!!
> > ~ jim
>
> Hi Jim, glad to see you posting. Since my disorder I have been drinking a lot more water than I ever have. Im also a soda drinker which I have cut back on since this started. But somedays I wake up feeling like crap and realize I have been neglecting the water and also a vitamin I take. This water thing I believe is very important also. TAKE CARE!!!!
> WAYNE
>
>i'm thinking that the folks with the dizziness SE may also benefit from more water too ... ... for me, lexapro really demands a LOT of good liquids (less soft drinks) for it to realize its maximum benefits ... ... LOTS of water ... and of course a good diet (lots of fruit and vegetables!) and outdoor exercise with that *SUNSHINE* you recommended before ... ...
... and patiencethanks for your welcome back ... good to be back and great to hear you there, ol' pal!
***TAKE CARE*** !!!
~ jim
Posted by mph-speedy on July 25, 2003, at 14:15:52
In reply to Re: First few days on Lexapro, posted by BLKVETTES on July 25, 2003, at 12:32:22
Wayne -
That's a helpful statistic, and of course you're right - feeling normal is a great thing! Thanks..will be in touch.
Posted by vandy on July 25, 2003, at 15:17:36
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by maxumus on July 25, 2003, at 11:53:07
Of course, I can't speak for others but for me Paxil took away the spark. I was considerably less depressed but I was also flat as a pancake. No up and no downs make for a dull boy. Lex seems to let me be me but skip the lion's share of my depression.
Posted by Capri on July 25, 2003, at 18:10:06
In reply to Re: First few days on Lexapro...Feel Good!, posted by Heidi8 on July 25, 2003, at 11:07:20
Hi,
From my experience....Lexapro gave me a tremendous headache for the first 10 days (in fact all SSRI's I've tried do). I also could not sleep at night. I took a Klonopin to offset that problem.
I'm on Lex now 4 weeks. I just increased my dosage from 5 mg to 7.5 mg. I have an awful headache today just from that mild increase. I know if will go away though. I sleep fine at night without any Klonopin. Just noticed though that I'm getting an increased appetite which I'm not liking at the moment.
Hang in there. I'm sure the headache and dizziness will go away in a few more days!
Capri
Posted by Viv on July 25, 2003, at 18:14:21
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
Anyone taking Lexapro for bi polar? Results?? Just started it today. I have turned into the B&^$# from H#%% the last few months. My 7 year old granddaughter won't even hug my neck! I don't blame her. I don't really like my self either!
Posted by Doug in PA on July 25, 2003, at 19:20:17
In reply to Re: First few days on Lexapro...Feel Good!, posted by Capri on July 25, 2003, at 18:10:06
When I first started Lexapro, my Dr started me on 10 mg of Lex from 30mg of Paxil. Straight switch from one to the other the next day. I thought that he gave me a placebo at first because I had no noticable side effects other than my depression seemed to be getting much worse. I did go through a stage of severe tingling skin a few weeks into the treatment. Now after a couple of months on Lex I think that I feel a little better (for the last few days.)
Doug in PA=======================================
> Hi,
>
> From my experience....Lexapro gave me a tremendous headache for the first 10 days (in fact all SSRI's I've tried do). I also could not sleep at night. I took a Klonopin to offset that problem.
>
> I'm on Lex now 4 weeks. I just increased my dosage from 5 mg to 7.5 mg. I have an awful headache today just from that mild increase. I know if will go away though. I sleep fine at night without any Klonopin. Just noticed though that I'm getting an increased appetite which I'm not liking at the moment.
>
> Hang in there. I'm sure the headache and dizziness will go away in a few more days!
>
> Capri
Posted by vandy on July 25, 2003, at 20:06:02
In reply to New to Lexapro, posted by Viv on July 25, 2003, at 18:14:21
Patience is the word. If you experience Lex as I did you'll see the light at the end of the tunnel one day soon. And it won't be an onrushing train for a change. You'll hug you and I'm certain that seven year old granddaughter will be close behind. Hang in and take care.
Posted by carla on July 25, 2003, at 20:50:30
In reply to Re: First few days on Lexapro, posted by BLKVETTES on July 25, 2003, at 12:32:22
i have been takin paxil for 2 years.. didnt seem to be working as well as it was. dr switched me to lexapro 10.. i am worried about switching and having withdrawal from paxil.. dr said i should be fine because i am going from one right into the other.. anyone have any comments on switching from paxil to lex.. sure looking for some words of wisdom.. please email me direct if you have a comment..cvest601@aol.com
thanks everyone
Posted by trucker on July 26, 2003, at 0:38:13
In reply to re: Aloha amiga! from Texas to your Catskill Mts » trucker, posted by lil' jimi on July 12, 2003, at 15:26:32
> hi trucker!
>
> you wrote:
> > in case you aren't aware of the location of the catskill mountains, they are in upstate new york... south of albany, ny
>
> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
> ... .. ... i knew the catskill mts were in new york ... ... i hadn't realized they were in the south east corner of ny ... ...
> ... two of my closest friends live in easthampton, mass ... ... i miss them ... ...
>
> >
> > i am leaveing in a hour or so just thought i'd catch my final e-mails before i go.
> >
> > take care all and i hope and pray that you all have a good experience with lex. see i alwways had a bubbly, happy go lucky attitude. even in the worst times. then i had a dead baby and a whole bunch of other horrible things that over loaded my circuits. i was also told that under heavy stress(which i can't imagine what it could be-ha! ha!) you should take sublingle b vitimins.
> > i have started this regimin as well, maybe this is the reason my side effects are good ones...if you are interested try this. TRIVITA (FROM THE HEALTHY LIVING COMPANY) TO ORDER 1-800-991-7116
> > to your health!
> > trucker
>
> .... .... i have been taking lots of supplements ... and my SEs weren't very bad either ... ... larry hoover convinced me (he wouldn't know this) to try the omega-3 oils ... now i'll check out your sublingual Bs too .... thanks ...
>
> ... ... i admire your bubbliness ... ... and grieve for your tragedies you've suffered ... ... my wife and i suffered, she says 6 and i say 7, miscarriages during our fight with infertility ... ... our 4 year-old is the happy ending to our long futility ... ....
>
> bless you trucker
> and
> BE CAREFUL OUT THERE!!!!
> ~ jim<
<
<
then i take it you know what i mean about the "new you" as they say. after such a tragity and such greif you emerg into a different being, yet there are some charicteristics of the old you however few they are. i see things thru a much different light.take care
trucker
ps just back from putting on 5800 + miles this week. california etc...
Posted by trucker on July 26, 2003, at 0:51:39
In reply to re: lexapro urination » bruce_w6, posted by lil' jimi on July 14, 2003, at 20:44:58
> hi bruce_w6,
>
> i have been thinking about these posts we exchanged a while back:
> > > 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
> >
> > I started having these same symptoms shortly after starting Lexapro in December 2002. I am still having them. I had my prostate checked and it is ok. I urinate frequently and it is kind of an effort to empty my bladder.
> >
> > Any other feedback would be appreciated.
>
> ... ... and i got to thinking that your situation is unusal enough that you should have your doctor check it out and if need be refer you to a urologist ... ... there could be any number of conditions that be contributing to your symptoms and you should try to get the professional to make the call ... ... if this does turn out to be the lex, then you may get their opinion on whether this justifies switching away from lexapro ... ...
>
> ... ... my advice: see the doc.
>
> TAKE CARE !!!!
> ~ jim
><
<
<
as to the above post
i to am having this imbarrassing problem, however i noticed that if i have sex that this goes almost completely away, is it possible that our senses are confused and that we should try making love think about it, can you pee when it is standing up saying hello baby??? and also after sex don't most men in general have a problem there? just a thought. mine i noticed is more intence on some days and less on others. there seems to be corolation to heavy stress days as well, i seem to have these problems on the days that i get paniky. which i was having the last couple days. to where if people get in my air space i feel traped and vulnerable. i hate that feeling.
good luck
trucker
Posted by lil' jimi on July 26, 2003, at 2:39:19
In reply to re: Aloha amiga! from Texas to your Catskill Mts » lil' jimi, posted by trucker on July 26, 2003, at 0:38:13
> > hi trucker!
... .... ...
> > BE CAREFUL OUT THERE!!!!
> > ~ jim
>
> <
> <
> <
> then i take it you know what i mean about the "new you" as they say. after such a tragity and such greif you emerg into a different being, yet there are some charicteristics of the old you however few they are. i see things thru a much different light.
>oh, i'd have to give that a great big, Yes, mam
... yes, mam, indeed ... ... thank you> take care
> trucker
> ps just back from putting on 5800 + miles this week. california etc...great to have you back safe ...
... how's you're lexapro treating you ?... ... and how's America looking out there?
peace,
~ jim
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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