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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Shandra on October 31, 2003, at 1:23:20
In reply to What is anxiety?, posted by dmwilmoth on October 22, 2003, at 15:54:58
I haven't been on Lexapro but have been treated for anxiety so I thought I'd add some thoughts from my experience. Basically, I think if it's really anxiety, it sort of "hits" you - even if you can't put your finger on any one thing that "caused it", you notice sort of an internal jolt, an emotional wrenching of some kind, and this jolt or whatever it is, really gets your attention. In other words, in my humble layperson-type opinion, I don't think it's possible to have an anxiety or panic attack without knowing you're experiencing anxiety and panic.
I had been on Ritalin for several months with good results and started going through some serious job stress. Naturally, my overall health diminished. Well, one day, I had a physical experience which I swore was a heart attack. Long story short, I had several doctors tell me the problem was my ritalin and that I was just having anxiety from that and I should consider stopping the meds. Well, I knew this couldn't be wrong. (My pdoc person didn't think this was the issue at all!) FINALLY I got in to see a cardiologist for followup tests, and this was a good three weeks after the incident, and it turns out I had a severe case of pericarditis (inflamation of the lining of the heart), severe enough that even three weeks later it was still showing up on the diagnostics as if it were a real problem -- and by that time I was actually feeling 1000% better as far as chest pains went.
The thing is, there's still so much prejudice out there regarding psych meds, psych conditions, and even particular meds such as Ritalin. Compound this with the notion that when people (should I say when women) have chest pains and indications of heart trouble, particularly if they are young (I was 35 at the time), it seems unfathomable to some doctors (like ppl in emergency rooms!) that the woman who's on psych meds might actually ALSO have another, serious, entirely physical problem! If I hadn't pushed to find a good (and young, bright) cardiologist to get some real answers backed up by tests I could participate in and understand, I might actually have been tempted to buy the bogus notion that the problem was either not serious or it was a result of the meds that I actually needed. Hopefully these attitudes will change over time. But in the meantime, I would say we need to get our doctor's attention and not let them tell us that chest pains mean anxiety when we don't feel emotionally anxious at all, and we should not allow non-pdocs to tell us our psych meds are causing anxiety attacks when they don't know our history and individual needs. It's just too easy to head down the wrong path at the detriment of our overall mental, emotional and physcial health because we want answers so badly.
Just don't let some underinformed and overworked non-pdoc tell you that if you were fine one minute, got chest pains etc the next and then started feeling freaked - out that the chest pains are a *result* of anxiety. It's very possible that pain originating in your chest and moving rapidly and painfully to your arms and hands might be one of those things itself that *makes* a person anxious and could well indicate a purely physical issue that you deserve to have investigated seriously by the rest of your care providers. If it's anxiety or panic, you many very well not know WHY you feel anxious or panicky, but odds are you're going to FEEL ANXIOUS emotionally, and usually at least a split second before it hits you physically (for me the first physical sign of panic/anxiety is a quick, terrible sinking feeling in my stomach, and then other symptoms follow. But the emotion is always first.
Sorry to ramble. Just a hard thing to really describe in so many words. - Shandra
> I have been taking Lexapro for about 4 months and have been doing pretty good, but just wondering if any of you can explain your symptoms of anxiety.
>
> My doc said I have a pre-occupation with the fear of puking or passing out in public (true) and thought the Lexapro might calm me. Also I get nervous when I'm sitting in a crowd (like in bleachers at a concert) and I'm not on the aisle -- I don't like being penned in (and mostly have a fear that I might have to puke and can't get out).
>
> But the confusing part of my "anxiety" is that before anything happened to me to trigger an alarm that something might be wrong, I was fine. Then suddenly, out of nowhere, I felt like I was going to pass out, got really light headed, and had a hot flush throughout my whole body. I'm assuming it was a panic attack, but since I never had one I can't be for sure.
>
> Since takig Lexapro, I still have a nagging fear in the back of my head, but it is not foremost in my mind anymore. Also, I've stopped being so obsessive about house cleaning like I was before.
>
> Can anyone give me their experience with fear/panic attacks?
>
> Thanks!
Posted by Scribbler on October 31, 2003, at 8:09:38
In reply to Re: Weird Hot Flashes Prickly Arms, posted by BLKVETTES on October 31, 2003, at 0:18:30
Well, the hot firey flashes and prickly arms and neck persisted through the night. They began around 7 last night and were really bad for about an hour, then were less severe but still frequent. Didn't sleep well because I couldn't figure this out and then around 2 o'clock I remembered: after my shower, before dinner, I used (delicate subject here) some Preparation H in the appropriate place. Once when I'd used that before -- before I went on Lexapro -- I noticed that it made my arms and chest kind of prickly-feeling, like the effect of Immitrex when I took it for migraines, and that was because ( ! ) Prep. H. is a vasoconstrictor. So I got out of bed, checked the tube and it says "ask your doctor or pharmacist before use if you are presently taking a prescription drug for high blood pressure or depression." Well, duh. I sat at my computer for an hour and tried to find something about an interaction but I didn't have my glasses on and the cat on my lap wanted to go back to bed and the Valium I'd taken was beginning to kick in. So here's the question of the day: Anyone else used Prep. H. and noticed any side-effects like this? I can handle the burning/prickles if they're just once in a while...and hate to nit-pick because I've gone through much worse side effects than this BUT I'm mid-way through my 3rd week and didn't expect the surprise. Thanks to those of you who've said you've felt this, too.
Posted by sfmom on October 31, 2003, at 10:51:08
In reply to Re: SEXUAL SIDE EFFEECTS one more thing, posted by BLKVETTES on October 30, 2003, at 0:17:57
Well, what I had been fearing has finally happened. I'm finally getting my sex drive back and now cannot have an orgasm! I made a trip to Good Vibrations (thank goodness it's only two blocks away!) but even my new vib couldn't get me "over the bridge." Could this be only temporary or could this last the whole time I'm on meds??? I'm also taking Klonopin, could this be the culprit? It's also very difficult for my husband, even though he is very understanding he still can't help but to take it a little personally.
Posted by sfmom on October 31, 2003, at 10:53:40
In reply to 10 days on Lex. bye-bye orgasms, posted by sfmom on October 31, 2003, at 10:51:08
I forgot to add that I'm on 10 mg and am supposed to go to 20 in four days. Could that make it worse? better?
Posted by LynneDa on October 31, 2003, at 11:06:02
In reply to 10 days on Lex. bye-bye orgasms, posted by sfmom on October 31, 2003, at 10:51:08
Oh, I can relate! I too am on Lex 10mg at my 11 day mark and the drive is there, but the other part isn't. This is the worst side effect I have and my husband also has issue with it, which just adds stress. He has to work much harder at it for me than he normally does :-). But, I am hoping it will go away eventually? I'll be curious to hear from others.
~Lynne
Posted by Shandra on October 31, 2003, at 11:59:06
In reply to 10 days on Lex. bye-bye orgasms, posted by sfmom on October 31, 2003, at 10:51:08
Regarding Klonapin (clonazapam), I have not experienced any difficulty achieving orgasm, but also (due to the AD's?) had lower interest/drive, so it was less of an issue since I really didn't 'want it' anyway. Hmmmm.
Posted by almondjoy on October 31, 2003, at 17:53:42
In reply to P.S. 10 days on Lex. bye-bye orgasms, posted by sfmom on October 31, 2003, at 10:53:40
I also had problems w/ orgasm when first starting lex (been on it for more than 2 months) and more after an increase to 20mg...its not so bad now, give it time
Posted by sfmom on October 31, 2003, at 19:58:01
In reply to Re: P.S. 10 days on Lex. bye-bye orgasms » sfmom, posted by almondjoy on October 31, 2003, at 17:53:42
> I also had problems w/ orgasm when first starting lex (been on it for more than 2 months) and more after an increase to 20mg...its not so bad now, give it time
It got worse after upping dose? How long after going to 20mg did it start to get better? Sorry for asking such personal questions, you don't have to answer if you're not comfortable, but can you orgasm again? If so, are they "good" or just "okay?" I've heard of people being able to orgasm again but they just weren't the same. Thank you for your help.
Posted by faith on November 1, 2003, at 16:44:06
In reply to Re: stopped lexapro cold turkey (nm) » Dr. Bob, posted by faith on November 1, 2003, at 16:36:50
stopped lexapro after 10 months cold turkey.Some side effects.
Posted by stevez on November 2, 2003, at 15:22:32
In reply to Re: stopped lexapro cold turkey » faith, posted by faith on November 1, 2003, at 16:44:06
Posted by stevez on November 2, 2003, at 15:27:17
In reply to Re: stopped lexapro cold turkey » faith, posted by faith on November 1, 2003, at 16:44:06
> stopped lexapro after 10 months cold turkey.Some side effects.
> stopped lexapro after 10 months cold turkey.Some side effects.
I am considering stopping taking Lexapro. I've only been on it for 3.5 months, but I'd like to see how I feel when I'm not taking it. The se's weren't bad at all and to be honest, now I don't even feel like I'm taking anything.
Could you tell me what side effects you experienced when going cold turkey and if you would do the same again??? Thanks
Posted by faith on November 2, 2003, at 17:19:45
In reply to Re: stopped lexapro cold turkey » faith, posted by stevez on November 2, 2003, at 15:27:17
> > stopped lexapro after 10 months cold turkey.Some side effects.
>
> > stopped lexapro after 10 months cold turkey.Some side effects.
>
> I am considering stopping taking Lexapro. I've only been on it for 3.5 months, but I'd like to see how I feel when I'm not taking it. The se's weren't bad at all and to be honest, now I don't even feel like I'm taking anything.
>
> Could you tell me what side effects you experienced when going cold turkey and if you would do the same again??? Thanks
> today is the 8th day since i stopped lexapro after 10 months of use....cold turkey. sweats,dizziness,moodiness,still.but i think it will lessen as time goes by...am glad to be off this drug,would love to be drug free,but have diabetes and take avandamet for that....but am o.k. now. i can deal with these withdrawels.
Posted by carolee on November 2, 2003, at 17:51:37
In reply to 10 days on Lex. bye-bye orgasms, posted by sfmom on October 31, 2003, at 10:51:08
i am just about 1 month into lexapro(10mg) and still cant orgasm...its getting to the point that i dont even want to try cuz its frustrating, which i think also adds to the stress of not being able to. although, i have heard others that say to give it time, it will come back....okay...iam done waiting! i want my earth shattering orgasms back!! :)
Posted by sac on November 3, 2003, at 12:33:54
In reply to Weird Hot Flashes Prickly Arms, posted by Scribbler on October 30, 2003, at 20:05:35
I had the same thing on Lexapro . I liked it for the first 4 months and then I became extremely exhausted all the time and I couldn't think. I also remember the hot flashes and I was really bothered by this. I stopped Lexapro about six months ago mainly because of the mental fogginess it caused.
Posted by Diva Blue on November 3, 2003, at 22:17:15
In reply to Re: Weird Hot Flashes Prickly Arms » Scribbler, posted by sac on November 3, 2003, at 12:33:54
> I had the same thing on Lexapro . I liked it for the first 4 months and then I became extremely exhausted all the time and I couldn't think. I also remember the hot flashes and I was really bothered by this. I stopped Lexapro about six months ago mainly because of the mental fogginess it caused.
*** if you stopped lex, did you start taking something else? If yes, what? if no, have previous problems returned?
Posted by jane47 on November 4, 2003, at 11:17:52
In reply to Re: stopped lexapro cold turkey » stevez, posted by faith on November 2, 2003, at 17:19:45
i have been on 10 mgs of lexapro for 8 days. do the side effects go away. Hyperactivity is the worst. no stomach upsets or headaches.anxiety and sadness gone. need to know side effects will go away. thank you
Posted by LynneDa on November 4, 2003, at 11:28:27
In reply to Re: lexapro side effects, posted by jane47 on November 4, 2003, at 11:17:52
> i have been on 10 mgs of lexapro for 8 days. do the side effects go away. Hyperactivity is the worst. no stomach upsets or headaches.anxiety and sadness gone. need to know side effects will go away. thank you
Hi Jane - I've been on same for 14 days. My side effects were gone within the first 8 - 10 days. I'm still a little sleepy, but not bad - I can finally think clearly and make decisions! I'm glad to hear it's taken away your anxiety & sadness. It did for me too. Hang in there, from all I read on this site, the s/e's do go away!
~Lynne
Posted by Scribbler on November 4, 2003, at 11:36:34
In reply to Re: lexapro side effects, posted by jane47 on November 4, 2003, at 11:17:52
Hi -- I've just completed my third week of Lexapro and have no noticeable side effects any more...after struggling through several (nausea, loss of appetite, sleepiness). Feeling really good these days, actually! It IS worth the effort, as almost everyone on this Board assured me when I needed their help. So hang in there and know we're right there with you all the way, every day.
Posted by jane47 on November 4, 2003, at 11:43:58
In reply to Re: lexapro side effects » jane47, posted by LynneDa on November 4, 2003, at 11:28:27
Thanks for the input. it really helps. I never had the sleepiness or stomache upset. Does everyone have the sexual side effects. I hope not. Prozac was the worst for that. Thanks for your support.
Posted by LynneDa on November 4, 2003, at 11:54:10
In reply to Re: lexapro side effects, posted by jane47 on November 4, 2003, at 11:43:58
Yes, the sexual side effects are still there! Not as severe as when I was on Sarafem (prozac). The interest is still at a normal level, but I am fairly inorgasmic. However, many posters indicate this goes away after a couple of months. I've also read that adding Wellbutrin or other meds to the mix helps with that. I've not resorted to that yet, but am keeping it in mind!
~ Lynne
Posted by Gator on November 4, 2003, at 13:57:21
In reply to Re: lexapro side effects, posted by jane47 on November 4, 2003, at 11:17:52
I am finishing my fourth week on Lexapro and my side effects are almost completely gone. I am feeling much better about myself and everyone around me notices the difference. Hang in there and things will only get better for you.
Good Luck!!
Posted by jane47 on November 4, 2003, at 16:16:55
In reply to Re: lexapro side effects, posted by Gator on November 4, 2003, at 13:57:21
Thanks all of you for your info. its encouraging. how about weight gain. i was told it wouldn't be a problem. paxil seems to be the culprit for that. thanks again
Posted by almondjoy on November 4, 2003, at 21:47:38
In reply to Re: P.S. 10 days on Lex. bye-bye orgasms » almondjoy, posted by sfmom on October 31, 2003, at 19:58:01
Hey, s'ok...after my dosage increase, it was a couple of weeks until i noticed it was a bit easier to orgasm again...it seems like sex in general is better, probably because i'm more relaxed but orgasms aren't as great, just OK. (instead of going from 4 to a 10...i hang around 6 and 7) one thing is though, that i don't care as much, my guy prolly likes it that i don't bug him about sex as much since being on lex. i only think about sex half as much (actually about anything...cleaning, homework, my car, my parents, my hair, my weekend plans....half as much) a couple months ago i lost a bet that i would be alright with 5 days without sex, and more recently my guy and i went a week, and i didn't even realize (thats the longest in the past 11 months)!
I wouldn't worry about it too much, if you're really concerned, or its causing serious problems try talking to your doctor. In looking for the meds my doctor knows I have one major concern, and won't put me on a med if that side effect is likely. give it a chance, but if its not working out, theres alot of others that might
btw..most or all side effects on lex are "supposed" to eventually go away, i think i read. its just a matter of how long. i had nausea for a couple days, headaches for a couple weeks, and anorgasm for a few more. but i've been on it for about 2 months, and i don't think i have any anymore. other posters have had SE for longer than 2 months. i still don't feel well exactly but i really dont know
Posted by sapphira on November 4, 2003, at 23:09:42
In reply to Re: about insomnia side effect » KayJ, posted by Mariposa on September 9, 2003, at 12:01:23
> > I only just started Lex..after trying just about everything else...and could not sleep the first night..couldn't even lie still. I was only taking 5 mg and I had taken my one 10 mg Pamelor for sleep. I have now been on it three days and having much the same problem, but now along with that I am having irritable bowel. I just don't think I can take SSRIS. Has anyone else had similiar experience..any solutions????
> > I feel like there is something wrong with me as I can't seem to take anything due to side effects. Sometimes I think the doc thinks I'm making it up...aren't they told of the side effects?
> > Thanks for any help you may offer.
>
> You are not alone, many people complain about the same things. I have only been on Lex, and only for 6 mos. I had terrible se's in the beginning but I toughed it out and they all went away. My doc did NOT warn me about se's, and I only learned of them after I found this site and also started experiencing them. Some people are lucky and have minor se's or almost none at all. You and I are the unlucky ones!!! All I can add is that I am doing much better now and it was worth the 2 weeks of H**L, and I would do it all over again.
>
> Good luck to you!~~~8|8I just started with Lexapro and am happy to read that you said you would go through the two weeks of he** as you are now feeling so much better. I'm having a rough time with severe nausea (I feel like I have the stomach flu) and a bit of insomnia. You're right about the Drs. not mentioning the s/es to you, mine didn't and when the nausea hit I was surprised.
sapphira
Posted by jane47 on November 5, 2003, at 6:25:39
In reply to Re: about insomnia side effect, posted by sapphira on November 4, 2003, at 23:09:42
the insomnia gets better. hang in there. i am going on 2 weeks now (lex) and am feeling much better. anyone notice the inability to cry. i don't seem to be producing tears. take care everyone and be patient.
jane
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