![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 3764 to 3788 of 8406. Go back in thread:
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
Posted by guyndenver on August 1, 2003, at 19:04:19
In reply to Re: Lexapro update, posted by theump on August 1, 2003, at 18:46:55
Really? And, you have direct experience with this? Because a whole year after Paxil CR and it's still there - the same with any anti-d I have ever been on. I have never taken any anti-d that the sexual side effects ever went away. I have not ever taken Lexapro, and based upon the info on their website, the sexual side effects don't go away in 9% of all men. And, they admit that this number is probably artifically low due to men's lack of willingness to discuss sexual issues with their docs. Can anyone else confirm this assurtion?
> 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 19:06:23
In reply to Re: where are you getting this melatonin dosage info » joebob, posted by jrbecker on August 1, 2003, at 11:18:08
> > 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.
>
*************************************************I have also read and heard that lower doses are much better and more effective. By low dose, I mean 0.3 mg or less. I have not seen any brands available in that strength, so you'll have to get a pill cutter. I don't have any literature citations immediately available to back this up, but you might want to do a Medline search under the names of Norman Rosenthal, M.D., Thomas Wehr, M.D. and Michael Terman, M.D. All three have done extensive research in circadian phase shifts, seasonal affective disorder, melatonin, etc.
Bekka
Posted by theump on August 2, 2003, at 0:32:10
In reply to Re: Lexapro update, posted by guyndenver on August 1, 2003, at 19:04:19
Well, I'm a woman so I can't say for men but I have read on this message board that sexual side effects do dissipate on Lex. As for myself I would say it lasted a little over a week, almost would get there but couldn't, I think other posters here called it anorgasmic. Now things are fine if not better. I think Jim or Wayne have had good postings about this.
If you type "sexual side effects" into the search for this site you should come up with past posts dealing with that subject.
I hope this helps and hopefully someone else will speak up from the male point of view.
> Really? And, you have direct experience with this? Because a whole year after Paxil CR and it's still there - the same with any anti-d I have ever been on. I have never taken any anti-d that the sexual side effects ever went away. I have not ever taken Lexapro, and based upon the info on their website, the sexual side effects don't go away in 9% of all men. And, they admit that this number is probably artifically low due to men's lack of willingness to discuss sexual issues with their docs. Can anyone else confirm this assurtion?
>
> > 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 guyndenver on August 2, 2003, at 2:20:25
In reply to Re: Lexapro update - sexual side effects, posted by theump on August 2, 2003, at 0:32:10
Thanks for your input. But, I think I will wait until Lex has been out for a bit longer. I read an interesting article I found on webmd about SSRI's and sexual side effects in general. It states that overall, in men, SSRI's create some sort of sexual side effect, whether it be E.D. or "delayed orgasm" in around 10% of those taking them. But, they are now finding that that 10% number isn't even close to the actual number of those effected. They blame the false findings in the clinical trials and post trials to the fact that most men are uncomfortable discussing these problems with their docs. This is not a direct quote, but the jist of the article. So, if on average, SSRI's in general show 10%, and Lexapro (according to their own documentation) shows 9%, I aint gonna hold my breath.
My doc tried the viagra route with me and thus the other issue. I can now go for 4 hours straight and no orgasm. Might sound great to some, but, trust me, it is pure hell! If any company out there actually ever is successfull in figuring this one out, I hope I know someone on the inside because I will mortgage my home to buy their stock! It will out sell all other SSRI's out there.
> Well, I'm a woman so I can't say for men but I have read on this message board that sexual side effects do dissipate on Lex. As for myself I would say it lasted a little over a week, almost would get there but couldn't, I think other posters here called it anorgasmic. Now things are fine if not better. I think Jim or Wayne have had good postings about this.
>
> If you type "sexual side effects" into the search for this site you should come up with past posts dealing with that subject.
>
> I hope this helps and hopefully someone else will speak up from the male point of view.
>
>
> > Really? And, you have direct experience with this? Because a whole year after Paxil CR and it's still there - the same with any anti-d I have ever been on. I have never taken any anti-d that the sexual side effects ever went away. I have not ever taken Lexapro, and based upon the info on their website, the sexual side effects don't go away in 9% of all men. And, they admit that this number is probably artifically low due to men's lack of willingness to discuss sexual issues with their docs. Can anyone else confirm this assurtion?
> >
> > > 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 lil' jimi on August 2, 2003, at 3:58:57
In reply to re: your contributions, i.e., dirurnal variation » lil' jimi, posted by jrbecker on August 1, 2003, at 11:07:43
hi JrBecker,
i agree with BekkaH.
at the risk of re-direction for inadequate med-related-ness for this forum, i would like to extend the praise-for-JB chorus for at least this one post, although it is med-related, insofar as your command of the efficiency, benefits, side-effects and reactions of the meds we all must depend upon, so astonishingly exceeds that of our doctors ... and sharing information about the varying degrees of knowledge about our meds is important to our med-related community.
so, with that failed attempt at a disclaimer, i am exercising the temerity to offer my humble, unsolicited, gentle suggestions:
if it is within your vision, reach for it.
if it within your reach, grab it.
if it within your grasp,
hold on
with all your might.
then
do what you must
to bring this vision
into our world.
please.exercise dogged, tenacious determination
to make this a reality.
pull
with all your might.
set your sights on the aim,
but set your heart on enduring
for the long haul.
exercise the discipline
to pace yourself
so your strength
will see you to the finish line.
obstacles and set backs happen:
expect them; overcome them.
endure.
survive.
achieve this goal.
you have a rare combination:
intelligence;
compassion;
intuition;
coupled with excellent communication/people skills.
the world would be a better place if you were a physician here.
or a research scientist.
go for it.
give it your best shot.
i dare say every poster here would be blessed to be your patient ... someday.
make it possible.
use every opportunity,
benefit,
chance,
option,
credit,
hope,
to fulfill this dream.
make it a reality.try
hard.
grow into the strength to succeed.26 ?
26 is a fantastic age for you to be !
use it
now.
don’t let yourself be twice as old as you are now and wonder,
what happened to the last 26 years?anyway that’s the opinion of this 52 year old man ... who admires you very much.
i just felt i should let you know.thanks for your contributions here and
TAKE CARE !
~ jim
Posted by pollymk on August 2, 2003, at 4:42:06
In reply to Re: Changing to Lexapro from Paxil, posted by reichdon on July 17, 2003, at 10:51:31
Thanks for the posts.
I think I will change from Paxil to Lexpro. When people have changed can you stop the Paxil one day and start the Lexpro the next? Has anyone got the speedy feeling from the Lexpro? I have tired to stop the Paxil before without taking another drug and had withdrawal anxiety that was horrible.
Posted by lil' jimi on August 2, 2003, at 5:35:15
In reply to Re: Lexapro update - sexual side effects, posted by guyndenver on August 2, 2003, at 2:20:25
hi guyndenver,
and my thanks for covering for us there, theump .. ... .. sorry i'm so late ...
guy, i certainly understand your feelings ... frustration can have few sharper definitions ... past posters have shared the misery of the folly of viagra for anorgasmia, the inability to have orgasms ... ... to have endured this as long as you have is infuriating and hardly seems a relief for depression ... all of which you have stated very well.
there have been a number of posts about sexual side effects (hardly "side" effects) on this lexapro thread ... many have been prompted by inquiries by me ... .. ... there would seem to me to be a concensus that lex has less sexual SEs than paxil or effexor ... which i would say is damning lex with faint praise due to paxil's and effexor's notorious reputations for sexual dysfunction of many types, notably decreased libido ... the posts to this thread have mentioned almost no lexapro related loss of libido (of those that have mentioned this, almost all were using other meds as well) and there have been no mentions of erectile dysfuntion.
and all of this information is from my distillation of reading the entire lex thread which extends back more than a year ... not exactly science, especially with my memory for a data base! ... ...
... ... nevertheless, there are consistencies which would suggest some validity to these observations ...my wife was on paxil maybe 15 years ago now and we have regreted it everyday since ... we still struggle to recover her libido, but the greater tragedy was not knowing or ever being told about paxil side effects until very recently ...
i have been on lexapro since march ... ... i had some intense SEs the first few days, but by 2 weeks they all went away ... ...
... ... one of my side effects was anorgasmia ... ... frankly it was frightening, but _within_ that first week i went from a total inabilty to have an orgasm or ejaculate, despite full libido and erectile function ... ... back to orgasmic functon.
... ... in total, this lasted less than a week ... ...actually, i have had to restrain myself posting about sexual function here because i am among a (small?) number of lex users who have had beneficial sexual experience since taking lex ... ... on a message board about meds for anxiety and depression, it isn't really considerate to be celebrating sexual benefits from the drugs you're taking too loudly ... ...
... ... since my anorgasmia went away my oragasms have changed for the better, but i am only giving details if requested, out of respect for the folks suffering who don't need to hear this.... ... so guyndenver, that's my story ... ... after all the studies are done and all the posts posted, there will remain a wide range of possibilities of how lexapro could effect your anorgasmia .... and all of the probabilites won't mean a thing compared to your own, unique, risky experience of trying lexapro for yourself ...
... ... stories i tell don't matter compared to direct experiencei have not taken any other ADs ... but i believe the SSRIs are different from each other, even celexa from lexapro by a great deal, i would say, and that each ssri effects the user differently, but individual variation of the users overwhelms any value from the statistics from studies ... stats can kind of guide you before you take, say, an ssri, but you're on your own after you do take an ssri ...
... ... except we have this forum here (Thanks, Dr. Bob!) to share our experiences, offer information, and to support each other ... ... i am indebted to the people who have posted here ... i have benefitted greatly. ... my thanks to every one.
i wish you the best and i would hope you would keep posting here whether you take any meds or not ... ... it would be great to hear how you are doing ...
...and as my pal Wayne has taught me, we sign out with, his classic ...
TAKE CARE !!!
~ jimp.s. your paxil SEs have endured so long since you quit paxil, i'd wonder if lexapro Could overcome such an established condition ... what does your doc say about your persistent anorgamia?
~ j> Thanks for your input. But, I think I will wait until Lex has been out for a bit longer. I read an interesting article I found on webmd about SSRI's and sexual side effects in general. It states that overall, in men, SSRI's create some sort of sexual side effect, whether it be E.D. or "delayed orgasm" in around 10% of those taking them. But, they are now finding that that 10% number isn't even close to the actual number of those effected. They blame the false findings in the clinical trials and post trials to the fact that most men are uncomfortable discussing these problems with their docs. This is not a direct quote, but the jist of the article. So, if on average, SSRI's in general show 10%, and Lexapro (according to their own documentation) shows 9%, I aint gonna hold my breath.
>
> My doc tried the viagra route with me and thus the other issue. I can now go for 4 hours straight and no orgasm. Might sound great to some, but, trust me, it is pure hell! If any company out there actually ever is successfull in figuring this one out, I hope I know someone on the inside because I will mortgage my home to buy their stock! It will out sell all other SSRI's out there.
>
> > Well, I'm a woman so I can't say for men but I have read on this message board that sexual side effects do dissipate on Lex. As for myself I would say it lasted a little over a week, almost would get there but couldn't, I think other posters here called it anorgasmic. Now things are fine if not better. I think Jim or Wayne have had good postings about this.
> >
> > If you type "sexual side effects" into the search for this site you should come up with past posts dealing with that subject.
> >
> > I hope this helps and hopefully someone else will speak up from the male point of view.
> >
> >
> > > Really? And, you have direct experience with this? Because a whole year after Paxil CR and it's still there - the same with any anti-d I have ever been on. I have never taken any anti-d that the sexual side effects ever went away. I have not ever taken Lexapro, and based upon the info on their website, the sexual side effects don't go away in 9% of all men. And, they admit that this number is probably artifically low due to men's lack of willingness to discuss sexual issues with their docs. Can anyone else confirm this assurtion?
> > >
> > > > 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!
> > > > >
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