![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 4271 to 4295 of 8406. Go back in thread:
Posted by galkeepinon on August 31, 2003, at 20:29:46
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects , posted by postpartum mama on August 31, 2003, at 12:02:44
Glad you posted! Also glad to hear you doing fairly well on Lexapro:-) Seems to be the consensus around here;)
Do you think the BC pills may be contributing to the headaches as well? Did you recently start them or switch brands? I know I can't take BC pills because of the side effects. For me, it's just immpossible. I also swear by eating little pieces of ginger to help nausea. (it kind of smells like handy wipes, but I swear it works like a charm)
Keep up the weight loss and I hope you reach your 10Lbs goal pre-pregnancy weight soon:-)
Peace to you too!> Hey everyone,
>
> This is my first post, but I've visited the site a few times, researching side effects and withdrawal symptoms for the various anti-depressants and anti-anxiety meds. Your comments were instrumental in my choosing to make a recent switch (3 weeks ago) from Zoloft to Lexapro.
>
> Just wanted to share that I am doing fairly well with the Lexapro. I was on Zoloft for 1 1/2 years (75 mg/day) for major postpartum depression & anxiety but recently switched to Lexapro because I couldn't stand the sexual side effects of the Zoloft (nonexistent libido, inability to achieve orgasm). I am still taking 1.5 mg/day of klonopin for anxiety.
>
> The most notable side effects I've experienced so far with Lexapro are nausea and severe headaches. The headaches improved when my pdoc reduced my dosage from 10 mg/day to 5 mg/day. Still struggling with nausea; however, I also take birth control pills which contribute to the nausea. The nausea "cure" seems to be eating a small snack in order to keep my belly full.
>
> No apparent issues with weight gain, though I have always had to work hard to keep weight off (I'm only 5'1", with a muscular build but a tendency to get a tummy pooch). I am dieting & exercising and have lost 15 pounds in the past few months (10 lbs to go to reach pre-pregnancy weight of 123!).
>
> Since the Lexapro, I feel less depressed than I have for a long time, and my husband says he really notices a positive difference in my personality--as if the "old me" is back. I have more energy and more interest in life, and am noticing a gradual return of my libido! Hooray!
>
> Hopefully I will continue to do well on Lexapro and will be able to start decreasing the Klonopin soon. Of course, someday I hope to be off EVERYTHING and be my old self again.
>
> Good luck to everyone in this terrible game of mood instability, drug cocktails, and intolerable drug side effects.
>
> Peace.
Posted by lil' jimi on August 31, 2003, at 21:43:06
In reply to Re: so sleepy, posted by hog80ci on August 31, 2003, at 14:34:54
hi Jim,
... i about fell out of my chair when i read you wrote:
> I'm retiring after 24+ years in the Air Force and there are a lot of feelings around that. >
last friday was my last day after 32 years working for the state of texas ... thirty at ut ..." ... lot of feelings around that," said a lot to me ...
i know what you mean ...
... how people don't understand what it is about it that is not all good ...
... they may think they know ... they mean well
... even though it's "great" ... ... ?keep in touch ...
~ jim
Posted by jc12578 on August 31, 2003, at 22:03:44
In reply to Re: Lexapro dosage questions? Why was I taking so much » jc12578, posted by galkeepinon on August 31, 2003, at 13:19:59
Well I live in a samll NM community...he is the only psych here. for the 1st two years of treatment I was seeing my family doctor...and he turned me over to a clinic about 120 miles away...I went there for almost a year and it was just getting hard to commute and while I was there I saw a different doctor every time I went so I decided to switch to the ONE that we have here cause, 1 it's more convinient and 2 I figured that at least I would see the same person every time ( I got tired of giving my history EVERY time I went for an appointment)....plus thats when I got put on every pill in the world at the same time(it was up to like 30 a day at it's peak)...and I should know better my father was a doctor...some of them are not good at communicating with one another...I have only been seeing this one for like 4 months...
My main reason for switching is that I think I am manic/bi-polar and thats why i am being affected the way I am...BElieve it or not I have never had any sort of tests other than blood work so no one actually knows why I am the way I am..I am also bullemic ( have been since I was about 10) but that is on and off...well I am taking 3 weeks off the drugs after I threw a temper tantrum last week (and took about 15 trazadone) to let my system clear out and going back to Celexa...starting at 20mg daily for a month then up to 40 for 2 months then if needed maybe 60...which what I was on before....surprisingly with celexa I wasn't experiencing really bad side effects....it was working really good at 60...I went into his office last week and I YELLED (actually I told him off) untill I got my way...as he wrote the scrip for the celexa all he could say was "you are certainly willful" and I could see that nurses look was "boy what a B****"...so we will see what happens over the next few weeks drugless....will have to keep posts on it...all I can say right now is the headaches are nearing unbarable and I have the shakes and constant chills...JC12578
> Whoooooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa-you started out at 30mg!!! That is a very high dose! What was your doc thinking?-I know that's what YOU'RE probably thinking!
> Wow. Without going into anymore-I truly believe for your sake, try finding another doc~or communicate to him how you are feeling first and tell him that you feel like he/she isn't listening to you~you deserve it, and his remarks are not helping you. Remember, this is your life, and your body, and you pay him (well insurance maybe)but still...........
> Also, what about going down to 5mg Lexapro again?
> Take care!!!
>
>
>
>
>
> > OK so I have been catching up after my week of torture(mostly self inflicted)...I am having horrible withdrawls from the lex...I have constant chills and my head is killing me...switching back to celexa...because I yelled at my psych till he said ok...not going to be on that poison..
> >
> >
> > ANYWAYS...as I am reading through these posts I am looking at the dosages that you all are on...and I am wondering if there is a reason why I got started out at 30 mgs of lex a day when I see that most of you are on from 5-20...I know I am fat I weigh like 250...does that have something to do with it or is there some other reasons that I get such high doses...maybe I am being paranoid but is my condition more serious then they tell me or something...I mean I went up to 120 on the prozac...and i can NEVER get a straight answer from my psych...He thinks he is too smart for the world even tho my IQ is over 190 (GEEZ!!! I really despise that man...every session he says stuff like it's so nice to see that people have IQ's close to his..he's given me an IQ test twice...I really don't care that I can take tests well I just want to be normal again and not wake up every morning thinking I should be dead...OK gotta stop getting angry)..thank god he is leaving soon...anyone have any advice answers...would really appreciate it
>
>
Posted by collegekid on August 31, 2003, at 22:19:21
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I went to the doctor on Friday and read him my list of side effects (insomnia, loss of appetite, teeth clenching, feeling like a zombie, the shakes). And considering the semester started last Monday for my senior year in college, I really want to get these side effects under control, especially the insomnia. He told me to stop taking the Lexapro, wait two weeks, and then start Zoloft. Anyone have any expeience with this? I'm also thinking of just not taking the medication and continue working with the school counselor. I have a hunch it might be better for me to talk though my problems (molested by the babysitter's husband when I was 8, and drugged and raped by my best friend Matt when I was 16) even though it will probably take longer and emotionally hurt a lot. I'm just really confused- it sometimes feels like being on an anti depressant is worse than just being depressed.
Posted by jc12578 on August 31, 2003, at 22:36:34
In reply to stopping Lexapro... doctor wants me to try Zoloft, posted by collegekid on August 31, 2003, at 22:19:21
I wish I could say something about your situation and what caused your condition but I have no advice for that..I do however think you are a really stong person to be able to make it through all of that...as for the getting off of the meds...it's not a wise idea...I am currently working on my Phd and I remember starting college and the pills are a big help...you just have to find the one that works for you...counseling is a definate and it will help a lot...my true advice is if you feel the pill isn't working..talk to your doctor about it...and you can also just stay on a low dose (from personal experience don't let them put you on a bunch of pills...stick to one maybe 2 AT MOST)...if they tell you to increase and you feel that that wouldn't be best for you...tell the doctor...just be firm and stick to your guns...and I wish you the best of luck
> I went to the doctor on Friday and read him my list of side effects (insomnia, loss of appetite, teeth clenching, feeling like a zombie, the shakes). And considering the semester started last Monday for my senior year in college, I really want to get these side effects under control, especially the insomnia. He told me to stop taking the Lexapro, wait two weeks, and then start Zoloft. Anyone have any expeience with this? I'm also thinking of just not taking the medication and continue working with the school counselor. I have a hunch it might be better for me to talk though my problems (molested by the babysitter's husband when I was 8, and drugged and raped by my best friend Matt when I was 16) even though it will probably take longer and emotionally hurt a lot. I'm just really confused- it sometimes feels like being on an anti depressant is worse than just being depressed.
Posted by hog80ci on August 31, 2003, at 23:51:12
In reply to Jim, posted by lil' jimi on August 31, 2003, at 21:43:06
Hey Jim
No kidding! 30 yrs at UT?? Congrats...that's quite an accomplishment. I was stationed at Bergstrom back in the 80s. I loved Austin. One of my favorite places ever.
I'm excited and have a good amount of fear at the same time. The AF has been good to me and it's been an honor to serve. I've seen a lot of changes in the world and even been a part of some of them. I've met some incredible people.
On the other hand, I was married and divorced twice, missed a good part of my kid's lives and I've launched out airplanes that didn't come back. I've learned not to get too close to anyone because they always go away.
When the serzone burned out and another round of depression set in, a lot of what I was feeling came out sideways...I was angry and acted out from that space. Words are awfully powerful and I said some things I regret now. Anyway...enough complaining. It's been my life and I will miss it but I think new doors will open.
Thanks for your support. I guess we'll be going through this retirement thing together, eh? Take care my friend.
Jim
Posted by trucker on September 1, 2003, at 1:05:27
In reply to Re: SHAY AND LEXAPRO, posted by BLKVETTES on August 31, 2003, at 8:09:44
> > > Hi Trucker, that must have been real hard dealing with all that on your own. Like you say we all have a story or two. None of them happy ones. My oldest daughter is due within 30 days and the baby is turned the wrong way. She will get the latest picture here soon. If the baby has not turned I guess they do a c-section. Of course I worry about everything that could go wrong. Just my nature I guess!!!!!! I notice a lot of us that suffer have humor. I guess its our way of masking pain. You take care TRUCKER!!!!!!!!!
> > > WAYNE
> >
> > //////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
> > I UNDERSTAND THIS WELL, FOR YEARS PEOPLE THOUGHT I WAS THE HAPPIEST INDIVIDUAL IN THE WORLD. YOU COULD BASICALLY HAND ME A PILE OF DOG SH-T AND I'D SMILE AT YA AND ASK WHERE YA WANTED IT. I DON'T HAVE ANY CLOSE FRIENDS DO TO OCCUPATION AND OF COURSE MY HANG UPS. PEOPLE GET TOO CLOSE AND REALIZE THERE IS SOMETHING DIFFERENT ABOUT ME. BECAUSE I'M LIKE A ROCK. NOT EASILY SHAKEN "SO THEY THINK." I DON'T ALLOW THEM TO GET CLOSE. BECAUSE I DON'T WANT HURT ANY MORE. IF YOU READ ABOUT MY CHILDHOOD YOU WOULD KNOW WHAT I MEAN. ONE THING AFTER A NOTHER. LEX MAKES ME FEEL MORE LIKE I USE TO BEFORE MY MIND AND BODY CRASHED. I CAN THINK AND FUNCTION. AND HAVE JOYFUL SEX TOO... WE JUST DON'T LET ANY ONE GET TOO CLOSE SO THEY CAN'T SEE OUR PAIN AND WEAKNESS. AND IN THE END WE HURT OURSELVES BECAUSE WE ARE ALWAYS LONLY.
> > TRUCKER
> > A VERY LONELY JOB... NOT FOR SEX OR DRUGS OR ANY THING. JUST SOME ONE TO TALK TO AND PEOPLE YOU ENJOY BEING NEAR.
>
> Hi Trucker, thats one of the things Im grateful for is the return of my sense of humor. Yes it does protect me. Yes Im afraid to let people get to close to me for reasons you explain. You dont let people get close you cant get hurt right. Thats kind of sad though. Even on the computer I feel myself connecting with someone and I have to push myself away. I think if we keep going back and forth like this we will be redirected to psycho babble search for a friend match. LOL
> WAYNE
>
>
//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
if i can figure out how to get there that will be ok too. as for your reply, i understand, i keep a distance too, but it the end it only hurts us because we are missing on possible friends etc... experienceing joy of life, not just pain of life. lex has giving me a fight i had lost. i was giving up. and now folks round here don't want to mess with me cause im not passive no more. i am starting to fight for me alittle. thats lex and counsoling. lex has put me in the how dare you mood, cross the line and get stomped....
vilent but in control, only vilent when pushed.
in control, so don't worry...
trucker
man what a rush when you get angry, talk about the best speed, i can't sleep, and my teeth do pay. ha! ha!
Posted by trucker on September 1, 2003, at 1:16:37
In reply to Lexapro dosage questions? Why was I taking so much, posted by jc12578 on August 31, 2003, at 9:43:38
i'd try a different pdoc, sounds like you have a self centered quack on your hands!!!
trucker///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////> OK so I have been catching up after my week of torture(mostly self inflicted)...I am having horrible withdrawls from the lex...I have constant chills and my head is killing me...switching back to celexa...because I yelled at my psych till he said ok...not going to be on that poison..
>
>
> ANYWAYS...as I am reading through these posts I am looking at the dosages that you all are on...and I am wondering if there is a reason why I got started out at 30 mgs of lex a day when I see that most of you are on from 5-20...I know I am fat I weigh like 250...does that have something to do with it or is there some other reasons that I get such high doses...maybe I am being paranoid but is my condition more serious then they tell me or something...I mean I went up to 120 on the prozac...and i can NEVER get a straight answer from my psych...He thinks he is too smart for the world even tho my IQ is over 190 (GEEZ!!! I really despise that man...every session he says stuff like it's so nice to see that people have IQ's close to his..he's given me an IQ test twice...I really don't care that I can take tests well I just want to be normal again and not wake up every morning thinking I should be dead...OK gotta stop getting angry)..thank god he is leaving soon...anyone have any advice answers...would really appreciate it
Posted by trucker on September 1, 2003, at 1:37:31
In reply to stopping Lexapro... doctor wants me to try Zoloft, posted by collegekid on August 31, 2003, at 22:19:21
acording to my pdoc she says zoloft and lexapro are the same thing there is one extra ingreident in lex though. i went straight from zoloft to lex... in fact i took zoloft and lex at a reduced dose for a month so i didn't have the mental anxiety of switching. even though she said it was the same thing. i liked zoloft, but it killed my sex life...
good luck and take care
trucker///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////> I went to the doctor on Friday and read him my list of side effects (insomnia, loss of appetite, teeth clenching, feeling like a zombie, the shakes). And considering the semester started last Monday for my senior year in college, I really want to get these side effects under control, especially the insomnia. He told me to stop taking the Lexapro, wait two weeks, and then start Zoloft. Anyone have any expeience with this? I'm also thinking of just not taking the medication and continue working with the school counselor. I have a hunch it might be better for me to talk though my problems (molested by the babysitter's husband when I was 8, and drugged and raped by my best friend Matt when I was 16) even though it will probably take longer and emotionally hurt a lot. I'm just really confused- it sometimes feels like being on an anti depressant is worse than just being depressed.
Posted by galkeepinon on September 1, 2003, at 1:41:43
In reply to Re: stopping Lexapro... doctor wants me to try Zoloft » collegekid, posted by trucker on September 1, 2003, at 1:37:31
........friend's sex life too;)
Please dear high one-I don't wanna end up on that med then..............
> acording to my pdoc she says zoloft and lexapro are the same thing there is one extra ingreident in lex though. i went straight from zoloft to lex... in fact i took zoloft and lex at a reduced dose for a month so i didn't have the mental anxiety of switching. even though she said it was the same thing. i liked zoloft, but it killed my sex life...
> good luck and take care
> trucker
>
>
>
> ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////> I went to the doctor on Friday and read him my list of side effects (insomnia, loss of appetite, teeth clenching, feeling like a zombie, the shakes). And considering the semester started last Monday for my senior year in college, I really want to get these side effects under control, especially the insomnia. He told me to stop taking the Lexapro, wait two weeks, and then start Zoloft. Anyone have any expeience with this? I'm also thinking of just not taking the medication and continue working with the school counselor. I have a hunch it might be better for me to talk though my problems (molested by the babysitter's husband when I was 8, and drugged and raped by my best friend Matt when I was 16) even though it will probably take longer and emotionally hurt a lot. I'm just really confused- it sometimes feels like being on an anti depressant is worse than just being depressed.
>
>
Posted by melley on September 1, 2003, at 9:12:17
In reply to Re: so sleepy, posted by hog80ci on August 31, 2003, at 14:34:54
Thanks, everyone, for the input. I will wait awhile and see if the sleepiness goes away. Sleeping 12 hours the other night is so unlike me. I couldn't keep my eyes open at dinner and went to bed at 7:30 and slept til actually almost 8 the next day. I have too much to do in my life for that stuff and nonsense...a job as an editor (need to keep my eyes open for that), two boys--12 and 14, one of whom has problems with anxiety and is on celexa, and my parents are in their 80s and need help. Anyway, I will hang in there. I will try taking it at night. I don't see my doctor for another month and a half. The feedback on here is great! Thanks again.
> I'm getting a lot done around my house too. That actually feels pretty good because I really let a lot of things slide when I was in the "hole". I've been on Lex for 11 days, just went up to 20mg last Weds. I tell myself over and over that the ends justify the means in this case.
>
> Sounds like you had a lot going on. It's good to know we can make it through stuff like that and not come apart at the seams. I'm retiring after 24+ years in the Air Force and there are a lot of feelings around that. It's really the only life I've ever known. Went through a divorce a while back then a pretty painful relationship. I don't do so well with abandonment. I agree with you...the support around here is great. I like reading about how people are "making it" every day. It also helps to know I'm not the only one who struggles, know what I mean?
> Take care
> Jim
Posted by postpartum mama on September 1, 2003, at 9:24:04
In reply to stopping Lexapro... doctor wants me to try Zoloft, posted by collegekid on August 31, 2003, at 22:19:21
Dear College Kid,
I have tried both Zoloft and Lexapro, and reported my list of side effects in another recent post. Go here to read my comparison of the two:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030828/msgs/255961.html3 questions:
(1) How much Lexapro are you taking?
(2) How long have you been on it?
(3) What time of day do you take it?I take 5 mg in the early morning so I don't have a problem with insomnia at night.
Everyone has a different reaction to all of the drugs, so a lot of times it takes a trial and error approach to finding the best drug at the best dosage for you. From personal experience, I like Lexapro better than Zoloft.
Whatever you decide, please do not go off the Lexapro cold turkey!!! Make sure you reduce the dosage very slowly over several days, even weeks. The last thing you need right as school starts is drug withdrawal symptoms.
It's a tough call as to whether you're better off depressed than being on anti-depressants. It depends on the severity of your depression. I doubt I would have survived postpartum depression w/o anti-depressants.
Good luck and keep us posted!
> I went to the doctor on Friday and read him my list of side effects (insomnia, loss of appetite, teeth clenching, feeling like a zombie, the shakes). And considering the semester started last Monday for my senior year in college, I really want to get these side effects under control, especially the insomnia. He told me to stop taking the Lexapro, wait two weeks, and then start Zoloft. Anyone have any expeience with this? I'm also thinking of just not taking the medication and continue working with the school counselor. I have a hunch it might be better for me to talk though my problems (molested by the babysitter's husband when I was 8, and drugged and raped by my best friend Matt when I was 16) even though it will probably take longer and emotionally hurt a lot. I'm just really confused- it sometimes feels like being on an anti depressant is worse than just being depressed.
Posted by Mariposa on September 1, 2003, at 11:22:15
In reply to stopping Lexapro... doctor wants me to try Zoloft, posted by collegekid on August 31, 2003, at 22:19:21
> I went to the doctor on Friday and read him my list of side effects (insomnia, loss of appetite, teeth clenching, feeling like a zombie, the shakes). And considering the semester started last Monday for my senior year in college, I really want to get these side effects under control, especially the insomnia. He told me to stop taking the Lexapro, wait two weeks, and then start Zoloft. Anyone have any expeience with this? I'm also thinking of just not taking the medication and continue working with the school counselor. I have a hunch it might be better for me to talk though my problems (molested by the babysitter's husband when I was 8, and drugged and raped by my best friend Matt when I was 16) even though it will probably take longer and emotionally hurt a lot. I'm just really confused- it sometimes feels like being on an anti depressant is worse than just being depressed.
How long have you been taking, and how much?
First 2-3 weeks can be rough w/se, but after week 3, they taper off and usually go away by week 4-5. The benefits I have received were worth the suffering I went through w/se, and believe me I REALLY suffered.
Second, starting off at 5mg until you get through the se's is the way to go, then raise dose after your body gets used to the med.
Third, if you are going to stop, DO NOT go cold turkey. Even if you've only taken the med a week or 2, you WILL have BAD SE's if you just quit. Better to taper of VERY SLOWLY.
Fourth, if you've already taken Lex for 2 weeks, you should strongly consider continuing, as you may already be almost through the worst of it (SE'S).
Best of luck to you!~~~8|8
Posted by sassyveg on September 1, 2003, at 16:13:46
In reply to Re: Teeth Grinding on Lex., posted by hog80ci on August 30, 2003, at 12:01:38
ahhhh, bless this message board!!! i've just joined to ask about withdrawals, and have now discovered that my sudden habit of clenching my teeth might be associated with the lexapro! i never even thought to associate the two. even more reason to get off of it (in addition to the sexual side effects =( )
> Just to throw in my two cents worth. I grind my teeth on Lex too. Only been on the med for about 10 days and just went up to 20 from 10 this past Thursday. I find myself clenching my jaw all the time. I'm having a mouth guard made to wear at night because my jaw is really sore in the morning. We all just need to hang in there. From what I've read here the end effect will be worth it. Take care all...
> Jim
Posted by trucker on September 1, 2003, at 21:59:34
In reply to Zoloft killed my................., posted by galkeepinon on September 1, 2003, at 1:41:43
on lex the thing screems feed me, i now have a sex drive. so lex may well be for you too. i feel more like my ole self on lex than on anything else i have tried. and i have used zoloft, welbutrin, and zanax, and lexapro and lex is by far my favorite. so please unless you have a alergic reaction or some thing, try it my other half is now happy in the sex department..... and it isn't becauase there is some one else!!!
trucker
//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
> ........friend's sex life too;)
> Please dear high one-I don't wanna end up on that med then..............
>
>
>
>
>
>
> > acording to my pdoc she says zoloft and lexapro are the same thing there is one extra ingreident in lex though. i went straight from zoloft to lex... in fact i took zoloft and lex at a reduced dose for a month so i didn't have the mental anxiety of switching. even though she said it was the same thing. i liked zoloft, but it killed my sex life...
> > good luck and take care
> > trucker
> >
> >
> >
> > ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////> I went to the doctor on Friday and read him my list of side effects (insomnia, loss of appetite, teeth clenching, feeling like a zombie, the shakes). And considering the semester started last Monday for my senior year in college, I really want to get these side effects under control, especially the insomnia. He told me to stop taking the Lexapro, wait two weeks, and then start Zoloft. Anyone have any expeience with this? I'm also thinking of just not taking the medication and continue working with the school counselor. I have a hunch it might be better for me to talk though my problems (molested by the babysitter's husband when I was 8, and drugged and raped by my best friend Matt when I was 16) even though it will probably take longer and emotionally hurt a lot. I'm just really confused- it sometimes feels like being on an anti depressant is worse than just being depressed.
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by gail_jo on September 2, 2003, at 1:20:49
In reply to re: Wellbutrin and Zyban » OceanMist, posted by lil' jimi on August 15, 2003, at 12:14:17
> hi OceanMist!
>
> > Hello again all,
> > My doctor gave me a script for Wellbutrin SR 150mg, to curb the side effects of the Lexapro, and said to take it in the evening....
> > My pharmasist gave me zyban, and said it was the same thing.
> > Can you all tell me....Is there a difference?
> > I heard there are major insomnia with this, bad enough I have it with my Lexapro, that is why I take it in the A.M. and here she wants me to take it in the Evening?
> > I am only on my 4th day on the "Zyban" and notice no difference at all, unlike with the Lexapro I notice big changes immediately.
> > Thanks
> >
>
> i have to hope other folks will let us in on their Wellbutrin experiences .... .... or we may have to go looking for them ... ... there are more than a few folks using lex with Wellbutrin .... this is such a common approach that it sometimes goes by its own name "WellLex" ... or something like that anyway ...
> ... ... however, i have no experience with wellbutrin, although my wife took it for a while a long time ago ....
>
> ... meanwhile, i looked up Zyban and found out it is the brand name for Bupropion labeled for smoking cessation, but not to worry ... looking up Wellbutrin reveals it is the brand name for, you guessed it, Bupropion, labeled for ... mental health .... so they are the same.
>
> take care!
> ~ jimHave been reading this thread for a while and learning a lot. I have been taking Wellbutrin SR 300mg/day for one year, mostly to help with what I thought was minor depression and to help with weight loss. In the meantime my daughters (21 and 18) have both been diagnosed (by a psychiatrist at my insistence)with ADD and depression. The youngest one also possibly with bipolar II. Well. That explained a lot - they are young adults and quite successful, but their paths have always been strewn with difficulties. After doing intensive research, I've come to realize that there is much familial contribution from both my husband's family (ADHD)and my own (depression and possibly bipolar stuff)
I discontinued the Wellbutrin during the discovery phases of my daughters' diagnoses, thinking I didn't really notice much of an effect so probably didn't need it. Wow! The stress of everything must have just tipped me over into a major depression. So I had a heart to heart with my family physician (not the psych doc - no mental health coverage with our medical plan) and he started me on Lexapro 10 mg/day in addition to resuming the Wellbutrin (150 mg once a day for the first week, then twice a day with a minimum of 8 hrs between doses thereafter.
Have had some SE's, but smooth sailing seems to be the case now. The Wellbutrin tends to help me focus and stay on top of my day while staying pretty calm, then I take the Lexapro in the early evening and sleep very well, much better than I have for a long time. I had been using Melatonin 3mg at the Rx of a naturopath which really did help get me to sleep, but didn't stay asleep all night. I've discontinued it as the Lexapro seems to be helping in that area.
I've gained some weight back, but attribute that to a knee injury that has sidelined my cardio/weight training program for a while.
Keep up the thread, it's so helpful to hear how others are handling their health/meds.
If anyone else has experience with lexapro and wellbutrin sr in combination, I would really like to hear from you.
Thanks!
gail_jo
Posted by koko on September 2, 2003, at 13:59:47
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects » postpartum mama, posted by galkeepinon on August 31, 2003, at 20:29:46
Today is day #9 on 10 mg. Day number 1-5 were HORRIBLE with SE's. I experienced Nausea, Dizziness, Fatigue, and feelings of hyperactivity. These feelings would come to me interchangeably and in waves. One moment I would feel absolutely fine and the next moment I would want to crawl right under my desk. On day 6, I thought that I might be noticing a very slight reduction in the SE's, however I questioned if it was wishful thinking or if I was building up a tolerance. But I can now report that the SE's, although are still here, have subsided drastically since the first few days. And I am becoming hopeful, if not down right excited, to be past this point all together and to begin reaping the benefits of Lex.
So, this post is to encourage anyone out there who is putting off starting Lex out of fear of the SE's to NOT be afraid. And anyone who may be in their first, second, or third day of Lex and feeling like the world may end; hang tough. The SE's do subside.
And mostly I want to extend my gratitude to all of you wonderful souls that come to this board everyday to encourage and support those of us who are just now embarking on the journey that you began months ago. You have been such a tremendous support for me during this transition. May you know that you have made a difference in the life of a total stranger. Thank you.
~Koko
Posted by Arrianna on September 2, 2003, at 15:22:56
In reply to Lexapro side-effects and UPDATE, posted by koko on September 2, 2003, at 13:59:47
Koko:
So happy to hear that it's getting better for you on the Lexapro! That's great.
I've been on 10mg. of Lex for 2 months now, and almost forgot about the awful side effects I had. Your post put in perspective for me how far I have come on the Lex. Thank You.
You'll reach the point, too, where you'll experience the full benefits of it, too!!
Thanks and wishing you continued success.
Arrianna
Posted by jdgjdg on September 2, 2003, at 18:13:44
In reply to Re: Teeth Grinding on Lex., posted by sassyveg on September 1, 2003, at 16:13:46
Wow...I feel so lucky. I have had no bad side effects on the Lexapro. I take 20 of Lex and 400 of Wellbutrin for OCD and depression. The only thing I've noticed about the Lexapro is increased sweating and night sweats. I used to grind my teeth at night without the Lexapro from so much anxiety. I'm sure it will go away soon. Hang in there, Lexapro is so much better than the others.
Posted by jdgjdg on September 2, 2003, at 18:19:27
In reply to Re: stopping Lexapro... doctor wants me to try Zoloft » collegekid, posted by Mariposa on September 1, 2003, at 11:22:15
I took Zoloft in high doses for OCD(500mg). I would try and stick out the Lexapro if you can. If you had bad side effects with the Lexapro, I don't want to think about what the Zoloft will do. Also, the withdrawl from the Zoloft is very bad. If you've only been taking it for a few weeks and you can tolerate the side effects, I'd try it for atleast another month considering the side effects generally taper off with time. Have you tried lowering your dose? Maybe you need to gradually build up. You can crush your pills. What did your doctor start you out on? Anything above 10mg would be too much. I'd ask your doctor if you can take half the dosage you were taking of the lexapro for a few weeks and try to build up to the normal starting dosage. I think it will be worth it for you.
Posted by jdgjdg on September 2, 2003, at 18:22:44
In reply to Re: Lexapro dosage questions? Why was I taking so much » jc12578, posted by trucker on September 1, 2003, at 1:16:37
Your doctor gave you too much to start with. I'm on 20mg now and had to drop from 30mg because of s/e. All of those drugs need to be gradually increased for everyone. I think 10mg is probably standard. Be careful next time. It sounds like your doctor is very aware that he made a mistake but doesn't want to admit it.
Posted by collegekid on September 2, 2003, at 21:19:25
In reply to Re: stopping Lexapro... doctor wants me to try Zoloft, posted by jdgjdg on September 2, 2003, at 18:19:27
I have gradually been weening myself off the Lexapro and I'm not noticing any side effects or problems from it. I started the Lexapro about four or five weeks ago. I started at 5mg and after 14 days went up to 10 mg as per my doctor's advice. I was taking them when I woke up in the morning, usually around 6 am (which was not fun since I usually couldn't fall asleep til 3 am). When I increased the dosage I didn't notice any change in side effects.
I think my biggest concern is that when I'm medicated, I feel like I don't have control over my emotions: I feel like a zombie. Granted, I'm generally in a good mood, but that's only because no other emotions seem like they are available. Example, while I was on the Lexapro, a friend of mine passed away, and I was physically not able to cry. I know it sounds silly to complain about not being able to cry. But there is a time and place for every emotion. I just feel like while I'm on any anti-depressant, I will not have a say in what emotions I experience. If I'm going to be happy, I want it to be for a reason, not because a pill is chemically reacting with my brain. I guess this is all me being stubborn. Regardless, I still haven't made up my mind as to whether I will start the Zoloft or not.
Posted by jc12578 on September 2, 2003, at 21:28:08
In reply to Re: Lexapro dosage questions? Why was I taking so much, posted by jdgjdg on September 2, 2003, at 18:22:44
well everyone jovially wrote off the suicide attempt on it...and the fact that i shoved my head through the wall...and for the SE's it's been about 2 years since I have been able to achieve climax...I have kind of put that aside to being sane...then i will worry about sex
Posted by lexaprofessional on September 3, 2003, at 10:36:59
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I started with lexapro about a month ago. I switched over from paxil, which among other things, caused me to gain about 15 pounds. I havnt seen any weight loss yet with lexapro. I wanted to know if anyone has gained or lost weight as a side effect of this drug or if they have any information on it. Thanks everyone.
Posted by Esmarelda on September 3, 2003, at 11:53:52
In reply to Questions about weight gain, posted by lexaprofessional on September 3, 2003, at 10:36:59
I lost a little weight with Lexapro probably because it decreased my appetite. Actually, it made me throw up a few times at first along with all the anxiety I was experiencing. All in all, I didn't lose that much and haven't gained any. I have been taking 10 mg on week 13 now.
Now - A question for someone, the past few days I have been experiencing a tinge of anxiety (barely what I used to before the Lex). Is this the beginning of "poop out" and do I need to consider upping the dosage a little, or, is this just normal? I still feel good - just a tad of anxiety which I have not had it awhile now.
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