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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by FRND4LF on July 30, 2003, at 14:01:21
In reply to Re: Lexapro Withdrawal Dizziness, posted by Rich B on July 28, 2003, at 15:12:19
Hello,
I was put on 10 mg of Lexapro in Sept. 2002. I do not think there is such a term, but I believe I had situational depression. My marriage experienced the darkest part of it's 12 years. For the first time in my life I was going back to bed in the daytime. The Lexapro did not get rid of the problems, but it helped me handle them. I never intended to be on Lexapro forever. The prescribing Dr. said a year would be all I needed. My marriage may not be perfect but it is healing. I have a new doctor (we moved across country) and at my request he gave me instructions for going off this medication. For 5 days I took 5mg and then off completely. It is day 4 of no Lexapro and emotionally I feel better than I have in a while.....but physically I am coming un-glued. The electric shocks, big head feeling, dizziness and distance perception are horrible. I called my new Dr. and was told these symptoms are because I really do need to be on the drug. He wants me to stay on the 10 mg a day. Huh?????
Did I miss something or am I being led to believe once on an anti-depressant, always on an anti-depressant? This means that any time you experience a withdrawal symptom it means you really need the drug, be it Lexapro...cigarettes...alcohol etc? Yes, I am usually this sarcastic when I am mad! I called the office back and told them, no...I am not going back on Lexapro. I have not gone through 4 days of hell just to start over again down the road. All I wanted was a suggestion for making this transition a bit less uncomfortable. The office told me they could not help, and if the symptoms continued to go to the ER. So here I am, feeling pretty horrible, with no one to say hey...try this or do this. My husband is in the medical field. He believes that my new Dr. may be a bit worried about potential legal issues. I made it clear that I feel emotional strong, just physically falling apart. If there is nothing that can help this, so be it. Just don't make me stay on a drug I really don't feel I need anymore. Any words of wisdom or encouragement would be greatly appreciated. Prayers are always good too!
Posted by Micheke on July 30, 2003, at 15:39:32
In reply to Re: Lexapro Withdrawal Dizziness, posted by FRND4LF on July 30, 2003, at 14:01:21
I am appalled at the answer that your doctor's office gave you. Please get a new doctor quickly! I am finding out rapidly that many of us experience the same withdrawal symptoms - that does not mean that we need the the drug. It is the physiological changes our brains are making trying to adjust to life without it. How dare your doctor give you this information & now basically tells you that you're on your own?? I do not know how long the withdrawal symptoms last since I am not through my withdrawal either but believe me - you are not alone! If it gets too bad, go back up and then taper slowly. That's the best I've got right now. Keep in touch, this is a great forum for support. Good luck!
-Michele
Posted by tm on July 30, 2003, at 17:05:30
In reply to Loss of emotion, posted by Just Wondering on July 30, 2003, at 11:22:48
> Doc wants to put me on Lex-only considering if someone can tell me if it helps the emotional state of mind and the sex life. Feel no emotion but anger and irritability on Celexa as well as horrible sexual side effects (lack of). Please advise if anyone knows if the Lex might help or will everything stay the same-read that the Lex is a "better" Celexa any comments on this???
I had problems with sexual side effects with Paxil. I switched to Lex. and the side effect went away. At the same time I had to get my confidence back, it was kind of scary, but it worked out. Remember we all act diifferent to the meds. My state of mind was touchy with the Lex, but it went away. Good Luck Tim! I would switch.
Posted by Capri on July 30, 2003, at 19:36:12
In reply to Re: Wayne..Question, posted by BLKVETTES on July 30, 2003, at 10:19:00
Hi Wayne,
Thank you for taking the time to share all of that info with me! It's much appreciated.
I've been suffering from anxiety since I was about 10 (not kidding). I never knew what it was back then. I finally was diagnosed when I was 22. I just want to find a med that is the "magic" pill I guess. I've tried so many over the years. I had a great therapist way back when I was first diagnosed. I felt great for a number of years but then the anxiety returned again. I haven't found a therapist I liked since then. I seem to have a really hard time with the AD's. The Klonopin is great but I take it on a as needed basis. I think I will cut back the Lex to 5 mg and maybe add Klonopin. I take a 1/2 of Klonopin here and there and I'm good to go. I'll see my clown doctor this Friday and ask him his opinion...just for the heck of it.
I'm disappointed because most of the AD's I try do not help my anxiety (and sometimes panic). I can't tolerate the theraputic doses it seems. This Pdoc has Remeron lined of for me next. Have you had experience with Remeron?
Thanks again!
Posted by BLKVETTES on July 30, 2003, at 19:58:55
In reply to Re: Wayne..Question » BLKVETTES, posted by Capri on July 30, 2003, at 19:36:12
> Hi Wayne,
>
> Thank you for taking the time to share all of that info with me! It's much appreciated.
>
> I've been suffering from anxiety since I was about 10 (not kidding). I never knew what it was back then. I finally was diagnosed when I was 22. I just want to find a med that is the "magic" pill I guess. I've tried so many over the years. I had a great therapist way back when I was first diagnosed. I felt great for a number of years but then the anxiety returned again. I haven't found a therapist I liked since then. I seem to have a really hard time with the AD's. The Klonopin is great but I take it on a as needed basis. I think I will cut back the Lex to 5 mg and maybe add Klonopin. I take a 1/2 of Klonopin here and there and I'm good to go. I'll see my clown doctor this Friday and ask him his opinion...just for the heck of it.
>
> I'm disappointed because most of the AD's I try do not help my anxiety (and sometimes panic). I can't tolerate the theraputic doses it seems. This Pdoc has Remeron lined of for me next. Have you had experience with Remeron?
>
> Thanks again!Hi Capri, dont give up on the lex yet it is still early. Dont feel bad about moving back to 5mg if you do. At one time I could only tolerate 2.5mg of lexapro. I was on zoloft and paxil and know nothing about Remeron. I can understand your frustration bouncing from med to med. I could not handle klonopin when I tried it. Just did not like the feeling. I settled on the xanax. But the klonopin is stronger, did you ever try xanax instead of klonopin. Some people take 4 or 5 mgs of klonopin a day and say they are doing fine. I had 4 docs in like a 5 month span. Calling them clown doctors is an injustice to clowns if you know what I mean. At least the clowns cheer you up. Ive read exercise is very helpful for anxiety. Ever try jogging? I hope the lex works and wish I had an answer to the magic pill for you. TAKE CARE!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by Capri on July 30, 2003, at 20:38:11
In reply to Re: Wayne..Question, posted by BLKVETTES on July 30, 2003, at 19:58:55
Hi,
I also tried Zoloft. I hated it!
I took Xanax about 20 years ago. A family physician had prescribed it (when I first found out I had anxiety). I LOVED Xanax. I had absolutely no anxiety and good take the world on. This doc never told me to taper off. I took it for about 3 months .25, 3x a day. I stopped it cold turkey and boy did I have major withdrawals. Felt like I was totally losing my mind, etc. Only lasted about a day and I was fine. I chalk it up to an MD who prescribed it but really knew nothing about it. I have learned so much about meds since then. I'm sure if I had tapered off of Xanax I would of been fine.
I like Klonopin. I've done a lot of homework on it. However I do not take it on a regular basis. I think a 30 day supply lasts me about 4 months. I would love to try it on a regular basis. In my opinion nothing beats the Benzo's for anxiety. The whole problem is the "habit forming" question.
Capri
Posted by BLKVETTES on July 30, 2003, at 21:27:11
In reply to Hi Wayne... » BLKVETTES, posted by Capri on July 30, 2003, at 20:38:11
> Hi,
>
> I also tried Zoloft. I hated it!
>
> I took Xanax about 20 years ago. A family physician had prescribed it (when I first found out I had anxiety). I LOVED Xanax. I had absolutely no anxiety and good take the world on. This doc never told me to taper off. I took it for about 3 months .25, 3x a day. I stopped it cold turkey and boy did I have major withdrawals. Felt like I was totally losing my mind, etc. Only lasted about a day and I was fine. I chalk it up to an MD who prescribed it but really knew nothing about it. I have learned so much about meds since then. I'm sure if I had tapered off of Xanax I would of been fine.
>
> I like Klonopin. I've done a lot of homework on it. However I do not take it on a regular basis. I think a 30 day supply lasts me about 4 months. I would love to try it on a regular basis. In my opinion nothing beats the Benzo's for anxiety. The whole problem is the "habit forming" question.
>
> CapriHi Capri, I think you have the experience to take the klonopin in a responsible manner. The lex starts working and then cut back. If the lex does not work move on. I think you know the game you have educated yourself on these disorders and meds and thats very important. Like someone posted the other day cant worry about the future got to worry about today. GOOD LUCK!!!
WAYNE
Posted by bookgurl99 on July 30, 2003, at 21:36:13
In reply to Re: Lexapro Withdrawal Dizziness, posted by FRND4LF on July 30, 2003, at 14:01:21
Hello --
This 'withdrawal' syndrome does not necessarily mean you _need_ the lexapro. Some doctors believe that the 'symptoms' are due to anxious symptoms causing physical symptoms, but the 'ssri withdrawal syndrome' is pretty well known in medical lit.
If your dr. is a conventional doc, he may consider prescribing a benzo (like Ativan) to help you ride this frightening time out.
If you don't want to use any drugs, then my advice is to do relaxing activities and ride this time out. The dizziness _is_ temporary, usually wearing off after less than a week. And you may have some mild symptoms that will wear out after about another few weeks.
Remember, you are getting better, even if you fear that you are not at the moment.
Posted by Donia on July 30, 2003, at 23:13:40
In reply to Re: Wayne..Question, posted by BLKVETTES on July 30, 2003, at 10:19:00
It too took many months for me to be "normal" on the lexapro. I was slowly improving, but it was slow. I had concentration problems for at least 4 months, but also had that while I was not on the med. I can say now at I think 7 months, I feel as if I am getting the full benefits of the med. It took me about 4 months on the zoloft to feel really good again too when I took it. These side effects are no worse than how I felt before the med and they do go away with time.
Posted by Donia on July 30, 2003, at 23:16:18
In reply to Re: Wayne..Question » BLKVETTES, posted by Capri on July 30, 2003, at 19:36:12
I have also had anxiety and depression since I was 10. That is my first memory of feeling this way. Please remember these meds can make you more anxious at first. They do this to me. My doc told me it is at least 4 weeks of side effects only until the med starts kicking in.
Posted by Rich B on July 31, 2003, at 15:02:48
In reply to Re: Lexapro Withdrawal Dizziness, posted by bookgurl99 on July 30, 2003, at 21:36:13
OK, time for another update. After taking a quarter of a pill on Thurs-Sunday, I started taking less than a quarter pill on Monday. I do this by chopping pieces off the quarter of the pill. I still have not gotten dizzy so I am encouraged. Tomorrow when I take it, I will hardly take anything at all and then maybe stop totally on Saturday. I have another weekend getaway next weekend (Aug 9th & 10th) so I would like to be over the dizziness by then. Therefore, I can't wait too long to stop completely because I may need time for withdrawal, IF I have any, which I bet I will. Once I stop, that is it! I am not going back on at all. If I am still dizzy by next Saturday, then I am not going on that trip. I want this over with! While I am not dizzy, I am very tired and grouchy and I need caffeine to keep me going. I want to get off the Lex and caffeine and just feel healthy again.
How are you doing Micheke?
Rich B
Posted by lil' jimi on July 31, 2003, at 15:27:28
In reply to Re: dirurnal variation » Bela, posted by jrbecker on July 28, 2003, at 23:18:20
hi JrBecker,
i just wanted to express my appreciation for your posts ... you are startlingly knowledageable and informed ... ... you are a very valuable resource ... and so usefully insightful and deeply considerate ... i am impressed, to say the least ... i hope you know that you are helping a LOT people here ... ... in fact, you are so adept and good at making useful suggestions ... shouldn't you consider this skill as a career path?
... ... i have tried to give folks support and encouragement here, but man, you give us an education!
THANKS and TAKE CARE !!
your fan,
~ jim
Posted by cleopatra on July 31, 2003, at 22:09:41
In reply to Re: Lexapro update, posted by pharmrep on July 31, 2002, at 10:42:52
> NO...only 10-15% less...since it is a rather new
> technology, it does cost some money, however it is
> less than Celexa. In California, you can get 20mg of
> Celexa for about $55/month, and 40mg is about $60 (notice
> you are not charged double...no penalty for needing a higher
> therapeutic dose. Celexa is the least expensive of the
> branded antidepressants out there)..Lexapro is even less.This information is correct I just switched from 60 mg of Celexa to 20 mg of Lexapro and the lexapro was half the cost. Still having dizziness withdrawls from the celexa hoping lexapro will hurry up and help them.
Posted by FRND4LF on July 31, 2003, at 22:22:46
In reply to Re: Lexapro Withdrawal Dizziness » FRND4LF, posted by Micheke on July 30, 2003, at 15:39:32
Thank you Micheke. Your message made my day! It is day five and I believe I may be getting a bit better. I visited the ER today, so far the only Dr. willing to listen and help. He admitted to not being knowledgable about SSRI withdrawal symptoms, but was very open to hear everything both my husband and I found on the internet. He wanted me to go back on to 5 mg and do a slower wean, but I refused. My feeling is the last five days has been hell. If this is close to being over I will deal with it. I never ever, ever, ever, ever want to go through this again. The Dr. seemed to undersatnd my fear. The ER Dr. gave me a prescription for Lorazepam. 1 MG of the Lorazepam seems to have mellowed my symptoms to almost tolerable. Too bad my regular Dr. couldn't have done the same. I have decided to send a package to my regular Dr. (who will not be my Dr. for long) with all of the information I found on the subject of SSRI Withdrawal. Yes I was mad a him, but at this point I feel he needs to be more prepared for the next patient to come his way going through the same thing. Some people coming off these drugs have had it a lot worse than I. Some have been violent, suicidal. How can the medical community not address this potentially dangerous situation. The drug companies don't want to announce it, I am sure $$$$$$$$$. My Dr. just got lucky with me. I am not violent or suicidal, just a hot headed Irish woman who is not afraid to let the Dr. know he has some things to learn. If he does not take the information I send him and keep it in the back of his head, someday he may be explaining to the medical board why he allowed his patient to go at this terrible withdrawal on his or her own. The press is catching on.
This was horrible, and I pray it is almost over, so does my family. My son just wants to play with Mommy, ya know! I also pray that all of you going through the same thing find your way. Perhaps our job is to now educate the Dr's we encounter that haven't a clue. Thank God we all have this forum! Thanks Dr. Bob
Carolyn
Posted by joebob on July 31, 2003, at 22:45:08
In reply to Re: melatonin questions - jrbecker » BekkaH, posted by jrbecker on July 30, 2003, at 11:26:52
Posted by jrbecker on August 1, 2003, at 11:07:43
In reply to re: your contributions, i.e., dirurnal variation » jrbecker, posted by lil' jimi on July 31, 2003, at 15:27:28
Jim, thanks so much for the very kind words. I really do learn just as much from you guys as vice versa though.
Funny, I have occasionally given some thought to the whole MD career thing. But at 26, it definitely seems like an arduous academic career path to make. I still have so many career interests, I just don't have a solidified vocational idea yet -- especially for the fortitude it would take to maintain focus through med school. Perhaps the notion needs some more pondering though. Thanks again.
> hi JrBecker,
>
> i just wanted to express my appreciation for your posts ... you are startlingly knowledageable and informed ... ... you are a very valuable resource ... and so usefully insightful and deeply considerate ... i am impressed, to say the least ... i hope you know that you are helping a LOT people here ... ... in fact, you are so adept and good at making useful suggestions ... shouldn't you consider this skill as a career path?
>
> ... ... i have tried to give folks support and encouragement here, but man, you give us an education!
>
> THANKS and TAKE CARE !!
> your fan,
> ~ jim
Posted by jrbecker on August 1, 2003, at 11:18:08
In reply to where are you getting this melatonin dosage info (nm) » jrbecker, posted by joebob on July 31, 2003, at 22:45:08
Joebob,
Sorry, I can't seem to locate a good link on line for you that shows the recommended dosage for melatonin is starting at .25mg, but I do remember reading this numerous times and have also heard this from one of my past docs.
Now this is not to say that this dose will work for you or that frankly any dose will work for you. Secondly, since .25mg is the recommended starting dose for most people, perhaps depression sufferers need a different dosage altogether. But I think the idea behind too high a dosage is that it might lead to more sleep disruption. For instance, some people complain of nightmares when taking melatonin. And since many store brands start at 3-5 mg, professionals have tried to warn people about this possible interaction.
Maybe shoot a message to Larry on this, he's sure to be a much more reliable source.
Posted by jemma on August 1, 2003, at 11:23:43
In reply to where are you getting this melatonin dosage info (nm) » jrbecker, posted by joebob on July 31, 2003, at 22:45:08
I find that the 3 mg tablets of melatonin sold by health food stores give me hangovers and leave me groggy the next day. I use a pill splitter to chop them into 8 pieces, roughly .375 mg. Believe it or not, this small dose is the difference between mild insomnia and a good night's sleep. And it's cheap too! :)
Jemma
Posted by lil' jimi on August 1, 2003, at 12:26:03
In reply to Re: melatonin dosage , posted by jemma on August 1, 2003, at 11:23:43
hi Jemma,
> I find that the 3 mg tablets of melatonin sold by health food stores give me hangovers and leave me groggy the next day. I use a pill splitter to chop them into 8 pieces, roughly .375 mg. Believe it or not, this small dose is the difference between mild insomnia and a good night's sleep. And it's cheap too! :)
>
> Jemma... and that's exactly what my experience with 5mg of melatonin was several years ago ... ... i'd feel drunken all day long ... very unpleasant ... however, i wasn't fighting insomnia ... i was trying it as a nutritional supplement ... ... still have most of the melatonin i bought then ... .. ... guess it'd be best to throw it out and get fresh, if i needed it again ...
my Point (so many people ask me!)?
... i agree with you, Jemma... thanks for your post and ... ...
Take Care!!
~ jim
Posted by pollymk on August 1, 2003, at 17:20:08
In reply to re: Back at ya! » trucker, posted by lil' jimi on July 28, 2003, at 9:24:11
Hi--
Has anyone switched from Paxil to Lexapro? I have been on Paxil about 5 years and sometimes I wonder if it is not as affective as it once was. I have heard a lot about Lexapro in treatment of anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorders and am considering switching. Previously I tried Wellburtin and Serzon (sp?) and couldnot tolerate them. Any info or experiences would be helpful.
Posted by Dr. Bob on August 1, 2003, at 17:26:57
In reply to Re: Lexapro Withdrawal Dizziness, posted by FRND4LF on July 31, 2003, at 22:22:46
Posted by carla on August 1, 2003, at 17:37:15
In reply to re: Back at ya!, posted by pollymk on August 1, 2003, at 17:20:08
i just switched from paxil to lexapro one week ago.. everyone says is is a good drug.. i have been very sleepy but hopefully it will wear off..i have had no other side effects.. good luck in what ever you decide.
carla
Posted by guyndenver on August 1, 2003, at 17:43:21
In reply to Re: Lexapro update, posted by pharmrep on July 31, 2002, at 2:04:24
I just don't get it. Can't anyone out there make an anti-d that doesn't mess with your sexlife? I have tried them all! I am currently on Paxil CR, 12.5mg, for treatment of anxiety. It helps, but it's not worth it any more! I finally got over most of the side effects (been on it for nearly a year) but there is one nagging side effect that I will not tolerate any more and that is the problem with the so-called "delayed ejaculation". I can have sex for hours and never ejaculate without a lot of "manual intervention" and at that, it is very unsatisfying. I was so excited when my doc told me about lexapro and about the reduced side effects. I decided to research it before I switched and I am glad I did. Sounds to me like there is absolutely no difference between lexapro, paxil, celexa - you name them. It is really sad that they have drugs that make you feel good about yourself, make you want to live your life to it's fullest, but takes so much away in the area of one of lifes most basic of activities. Sheesh! Can't somebody do something? I think I will be stopping all anti-d's and dealing with the anxiety on my own - at least then I will not have the added performance anxiety during sex!
> I am a Celexa rep, and will be marketing Lexapro once the FDA gives final approval (sometime in August is what we've been told). I have gone to extra training to know the differences between Celexa and Lexapro, and when the samples go to the Dr's, so will the studies (very impressive.)
> As far as efficacy...yes it will be more effective than Celexa or any antidepressant available...it will also be more tolerable with "side-effects and discontinuation due to adverse events comparable to placebo." That last quote is being allowed by the FDA...awesome. And most importantly...Lexapro is replacing Celexa because the technology to separate the isomers is just now available...so Ritch, you are partially right, but re-patent? Wrong...Celexa will still be available for 3 years before going generic. Dont lump Forest in with some other unethical pharm companies who get FDA approval years in advance, and then don't offer the new drug til the old one goes generic. Forest is moving to Lexapro because studies show Lexapro is better, and all our efforts will be in promoting the better drug. Hard to believe a company is giving up over $5 billion over the next 3 years...I guess the message Forest is sending is that it that sure Lexapro is that good.
Posted by theump on August 1, 2003, at 18:46:55
In reply to Re: Lexapro update, posted by guyndenver on August 1, 2003, at 17:43:21
The sexual side effects go away after a week or so. How long have you been taking the Lex?
> I just don't get it. Can't anyone out there make an anti-d that doesn't mess with your sexlife? I have tried them all! I am currently on Paxil CR, 12.5mg, for treatment of anxiety. It helps, but it's not worth it any more! I finally got over most of the side effects (been on it for nearly a year) but there is one nagging side effect that I will not tolerate any more and that is the problem with the so-called "delayed ejaculation". I can have sex for hours and never ejaculate without a lot of "manual intervention" and at that, it is very unsatisfying. I was so excited when my doc told me about lexapro and about the reduced side effects. I decided to research it before I switched and I am glad I did. Sounds to me like there is absolutely no difference between lexapro, paxil, celexa - you name them. It is really sad that they have drugs that make you feel good about yourself, make you want to live your life to it's fullest, but takes so much away in the area of one of lifes most basic of activities. Sheesh! Can't somebody do something? I think I will be stopping all anti-d's and dealing with the anxiety on my own - at least then I will not have the added performance anxiety during sex!
>
Posted by BekkaH on August 1, 2003, at 18:56:19
In reply to re: your contributions, i.e., dirurnal variation » lil' jimi, posted by jrbecker on August 1, 2003, at 11:07:43
> > Funny, I have occasionally given some thought to the whole MD career thing.
>
************************************************jrbecker,
I agree with all the compliments sent your way. We are very fortunate to have you here. By the way, I thought you were already an M.D. or an M.D./Ph.D. You should give serious thought to a medical and/or research career. Are you really only 26? Ah -- so young, yet so wise. . .
Bekka
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