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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Shandra on November 6, 2003, at 11:09:59
In reply to No warning - why?, posted by MissB on November 6, 2003, at 10:29:54
Could it be that they don't have all the facts themselves?
Posted by Dinah on November 6, 2003, at 11:14:54
In reply to No warning - why?, posted by MissB on November 6, 2003, at 10:29:54
I suspect that my pdoc thinks I'm suggestible. I think he thinks if he mentions the side effects, I'll be sure to show them.
But he also neglects to mention the blood glucose side effects, which I think is unwise in a diabetic.
Posted by LynneDa on November 6, 2003, at 11:15:06
In reply to Re: No warning - why?, posted by Shandra on November 6, 2003, at 11:09:59
I asked my therapist about this. She suspects that they don't want to put the thoughts in your head in case the s/e's would manifest as a result of the telling. Go figure! The most important info. I think we need is to know that for most people, the s/e's do go away after awhile & we should be encouraged to tolerate them to a certain point. I plan to "advise" my doctor that he needs to be more forthcoming with his next patient he puts on meds about the s/e's!
~Lynne
Posted by MissB on November 6, 2003, at 12:18:44
In reply to Re: No warning - why?, posted by vandy on November 6, 2003, at 10:40:08
Sorry, but the "They're only human" defense doesn't fly for me. We're talking people's mental health. I've been freaked out the last couple of days of SE's I never experienced with Celexa. If they don't know, then say it, but to not fully inform a patient of the effects of a drug is wrong and irresponsible.
> Be kind to the Doc! In the early part of the thread there was a doctor who slammed Lexapro because he claimed it was just an attempt to get around a patent expiration. Everybody has an agenda. Unfortunately, we all forget that. Here's a guess about your Doc: She heard that point of view about the patent expiration and gave it some credibility. Lexapro is about 50% less dosage than Celexa. Logic told her that she could cut your dosage and the side effect should be identical, since it was the same drug in different clothing. Hey, despite the fact that we frequently deify them, doctors are only human. Besides, if they knew everything we wouldn't need each other and I would never have had the chance to meet you! I like this way better. ;)
>
>
> > Why do Dr's do this? No explanation of the SE's and as a result we get scared, stressed out, and possibly end up making decisions about our meds that are quick and wrong. I was given a bag full of Lexapro samples to take - there was no inserts. I did ask my Dr. about the SE's - her response was that since I've been on Celexa I shouldn't have to deal with any. I never had these SE's with Celexa. I'm very angry. We go to our Dr. in trust looking for answers on living a healthier life only to have information withheld. Why? Don't they think we need to know?
>
>
Posted by Bali on November 6, 2003, at 12:22:26
In reply to Re: No warning - why?, posted by LynneDa on November 6, 2003, at 11:15:06
I'd like to know if anyone has ever taken Wellbutrin by itself for depression. My doctor has never suggested this drug for me even though he knows the main reason I've stopped taking various antidepressants in the past (Paxil, Prozac, Celexa) is because of the sexual se/s. I am now taking Lexapro.....same scenario. I've read in the last few days that Wellbutrin has just the opposite effect (ie: increases libido and intensifies orgasm), and that it also has an appetite suppressing effect. Anyone know anything from personal experience?
Posted by Shandra on November 6, 2003, at 13:22:03
In reply to Why not Wellbutrin?, posted by Bali on November 6, 2003, at 12:22:26
Hi - I have taken Wellbutrin and I found that the side effects were a little bit different than I'd expected. I was on 300mg per day (150mg twice a day, EXACTLY 12 hours apart, this is important evidently). I had absolutely no sex drive, but couldn't tell whether that had to do with just being depressed. The Wellbutrin at 300mg daily helped a very small amount, but I didn't gain weight with it, mostly because it made food taste like metal so I didn't eat much (it didn't cause an increase in appetite). However at 300mg a day it did not take care of the depression - it impacted it positively about 5-10% but that was about it. I convinced my pdoc that 300mg was NOT a therapeutic dose because it was in fact *not* taking care of the depression, so he increased me to 400mg per day (200mg in the morning, 200mg exactly 12 hours later) and the depression went away in about 4 days. Bad news was that I started experiencing high levels of aggitation / irritation / ANGER. If you up the dosage to get better depression relief, be aware that I and others have had this surprising side effect. So - is it better to feel like a doormat or is it better to be p-o'd at people around you that wouldn't bother you before. It was a real tradeoff. Good side effect, I didn't feel the need to smoke cigarettes as much. That was secondary, but it was good. So I guess it also helped some with some of my anxiety on that front. But again, I had absolutely no sex drive, and it was hard to tell whether it was chicken-v.-egg syndrome, since because of the previous depression I had little then. No effect on orgasm when I actually felt like being sexual (2 days before my period, like clockwork, my hormones kicked up enough to make me interested). - All that just for whatever it's worth. :)
Posted by Esmarelda on November 6, 2003, at 13:38:56
In reply to Why not Wellbutrin?, posted by Bali on November 6, 2003, at 12:22:26
I have taken Wellbutrin alone. It didn't have an appetite decreasing or libido increasing effect for me nor did it work as well as Lexapro. Lexapro actually decreased my appetite.
Posted by Bali on November 6, 2003, at 13:57:40
In reply to Re: Why not Wellbutrin? » Bali, posted by Esmarelda on November 6, 2003, at 13:38:56
Thank you for your response.
Posted by vandy on November 6, 2003, at 16:01:47
In reply to Re: No warning - why?, posted by MissB on November 6, 2003, at 12:18:44
If that's the way you need to process, so be it. A word of warning from personal experience: The only one who ever felt or was injured by my anger was me.
Posted by MissB on November 6, 2003, at 16:38:37
In reply to Re: No warning - why?, posted by vandy on November 6, 2003, at 16:01:47
Look, obviously there was no intention to hurt anyone's feeling here, but I believe my anger with DOCTORS are justified. We put our lives in their hands. I would have felt alot better had my Dr said that this is a new drug and its effects are realtively unknown. Then I would have been able to decide for myself about the risk. But not telling me takes that choice out of my hands and I'm left to deal with the side effects and no where to go. Ask any of these people if they aren't at least a little upset over not being told that they could forget about having orgasims, gaining weight, throwing up everyday or suicidal thoughts. I've spent all day reading postings and I'm not the only one. Thank the Goddess for sites like this because I do feel better and not so alone, but please don't ask me not to be angry about being lied to by a person of "trust".
Posted by royalscrewup on November 6, 2003, at 16:51:02
In reply to Re: Why not Wellbutrin?, posted by Bali on November 6, 2003, at 13:57:40
I'm 15 and have been on meds for a year now. i switched from effexor because it had no effect on me. my doctor said that it's very abnormal. now i switched to lexapro. there is somewhat of an effect but i am not sure. i've been on it for... almost a month, when will i be able to see signs? i mean i forgot to take it a c ouple days and there was automatic dizziness, like a bad drunk.what's the normal dosage for elxapro... i'm on 20mg, and although i feel no side effects i can only tell it's doing something when i forget to take it. what does this mean?... will it start working?
Posted by Shandra on November 6, 2003, at 16:58:46
In reply to Re: No warning - why? - Anger is OK, posted by MissB on November 6, 2003, at 16:38:37
I agree that you have every right to be angry. It's one thing to take advice from someone off the street, quite another to be misled by qualified professionals who we are assured (by virtue of their professional qualifications) know what they're doing. We would all naturally take unprofessional advice (like what we share with each other here) with a grain of salt. If it were me, I would be angry. I also then try to figure out a way to express my feelings and expectations with the care provider, and see how responsive (ie let's fix this) that person was. This might give you a feel for whether this was a one-time slip in judgement or knowledge, or if you might want to find other resources if you felt it was due to a more general sloppiness or lack of genuine concern. I've certainly been angry (furious?) with some of my care providers, and then I try to do something productive with that anger. They say we vote with our money - voting with our money AND any insurance benefits we might have works too! I'm sure I'm preaching to the choir here, just trying to agree in a positive way. Good luck to you!
Posted by MissB on November 6, 2003, at 19:21:05
In reply to Re: No warning - why? - Anger is OK, posted by Shandra on November 6, 2003, at 16:58:46
Thank you so much for the support. Needless to say my emotions are not what they should be and to say I've been stressed lately would be putting it mild. I was laid off four months ago and my insurance ran out at the end of October. I decided to take my remaining perscription for Celexa and head to Canada. Well, through an online pharmacy anyway. I found that buying Celexa from this Canadian pharmacy is going to cost half of what I would pay out of pocket here. Drastic measures maybe, but I have to say I feel better with the prospect of going back to Celexa. All in all I guess it frightens me that Dr. are allowed to give pills to people without knowing the full effects. Is it their fault or the FDA's?
Posted by theo on November 6, 2003, at 19:38:38
In reply to Why not Wellbutrin?, posted by Bali on November 6, 2003, at 12:22:26
I was taking Wellbutrin XL and Lexapro together. Stopped Lex because even after weeks I felt like a slowed down zombie. Now that I'm on Wellbutrin by itself I feel more emotion and actually feel sexual again.
Posted by sfmom on November 6, 2003, at 20:13:53
In reply to Re: lexapro side effects, posted by MissB on November 5, 2003, at 22:54:04
> I was on Celexa for a while and was fine then I got laid off. My insurance ran out at the end of October and my doctor gave me Lexapro samples to get me through the next few months. I've had nausea and then today I noticed that food is tasting different. It sounds weird, but something is up with my lips too. My smile is crooked and when I was drinking pop it was dribbling out. Reminds me of when you do to the dentist and they numb you, but my face isn't numb - its just the muscles. Help, I'm kind of freaking out.
I've been having a similar side effect. My lips always feel half numb, like I've just eaten really spicy food or something. It's that kind of pins and needles numb. But whatever it is, it's probably caused by or related to the same thing you're having. At least we know we're not alone or making things up!
Posted by maxamillion on November 6, 2003, at 20:50:44
In reply to Re: Lexapro clinical data, posted by dr. dave on August 23, 2002, at 8:21:18
I am now on prozac. I have tingling in my head, anxiety, and dizziness. ( 2 years)I just stopped taking effexor 75 (2) and nurotin 200mg per day. I went cold turkey instead of weaning off. I thought I was going to die from the withdrawal. I've tried lexapro, doesn't work, serzone, ok for depression, not anxiety. Wellbutin, didn't work. I work everyday, and run a multi-million dollar corp. Still can't seem to get a grip. I can take a xanax and it kills it for a short while, as we all know that that is all it can do. Any suggestions as to what may be a good blend, mix or substitute? I don't exercise, I weigh 200 and I'm 6 foot. I have been an athlete all my life and now I don't do much. I am on and off the atkins diet to maintain weight. No vitamins. mid 40's. wow what a mouth full...sorry Have a great day. Thanks
Posted by MissB on November 6, 2003, at 21:10:48
In reply to Re: lexapro side effects - numbness » MissB, posted by sfmom on November 6, 2003, at 20:13:53
Oh, thank goodness! Not that we're going through this obviously, but I thought I was going nuts. I've been debating all day about going to see a Dr. I should I know, but with no insurance and no job the money thing really is a problem. I've really been scared so I WILL go to the Dr., but where do you go when you have no health insurance?
>
> I've been having a similar side effect. My lips always feel half numb, like I've just eaten really spicy food or something. It's that kind of pins and needles numb. But whatever it is, it's probably caused by or related to the same thing you're having. At least we know we're not alone or making things up!
>
>
Posted by oldhand on November 6, 2003, at 22:58:21
In reply to Re: lexapro side effects - numbness, posted by MissB on November 6, 2003, at 21:10:48
> Oh, thank goodness! Not that we're going through this obviously, but I thought I was going nuts. I've been debating all day about going to see a Dr. I should I know, but with no insurance and no job the money thing really is a problem. I've really been scared so I WILL go to the Dr., but where do you go when you have no health insurance?
> >
> > I've been having a similar side effect. My lips always feel half numb, like I've just eaten really spicy food or something. It's that kind of pins and needles numb. But whatever it is, it's probably caused by or related to the same thing you're having. At least we know we're not alone or making things up!
> >
> >
>
>
Hi you two!
Please call a pharmacist or doctor about your side effect of numbness, perhaps you have an allnight pharmacy in your town?
Also check about help with prescriptions with your Community Mental Health System. There are also prescription programs from pharmaceutical companies to help. Contact the local Department of Job and Family Services (formerly Human Services here in Ohio). A good way to start is to call a local resource line. They may be able to send you directly where you need to go rather than making alot of calls or trips. Just a word from an old social worker who can't help but send resources and good thoughts your way.
PS-I am taking 20mg Lexapro and added Wellbutrin XL about two months ago. I am doing well with this combo and encourage all the "newbies" to take heart, the SE's do diminish or disappear.
Posted by BLKVETTES on November 6, 2003, at 23:08:33
In reply to lexapro isn't working!, posted by royalscrewup on November 6, 2003, at 16:51:02
> I'm 15 and have been on meds for a year now. i switched from effexor because it had no effect on me. my doctor said that it's very abnormal. now i switched to lexapro. there is somewhat of an effect but i am not sure. i've been on it for... almost a month, when will i be able to see signs? i mean i forgot to take it a c ouple days and there was automatic dizziness, like a bad drunk.what's the normal dosage for elxapro... i'm on 20mg, and although i feel no side effects i can only tell it's doing something when i forget to take it. what does this mean?... will it start working?
Between 4 and 8 weeks you should start getting results. You got dizzy because you might have started going through withdrawal. Sometimes that can happen after just missing a dose after just one or two days. You might get a pill box with days on it. You never forget that way!!!!!!! They are only about a $1.00 at the pharmacy. GOOD LUCK
Posted by carolee on November 7, 2003, at 8:12:44
In reply to Re: Lexapro clinical data, posted by maxamillion on November 6, 2003, at 20:50:44
> I am now on prozac. I have tingling in my head, anxiety, and dizziness. ( 2 years)I just stopped taking effexor 75 (2) and nurotin 200mg per day. I went cold turkey instead of weaning off. I thought I was going to die from the withdrawal. I've tried lexapro, doesn't work, serzone, ok for depression, not anxiety. Wellbutin, didn't work. I work everyday, and run a multi-million dollar corp. Still can't seem to get a grip. I can take a xanax and it kills it for a short while, as we all know that that is all it can do. Any suggestions as to what may be a good blend, mix or substitute? I don't exercise, I weigh 200 and I'm 6 foot. I have been an athlete all my life and now I don't do much. I am on and off the atkins diet to maintain weight. No vitamins. mid 40's. wow what a mouth full...sorry Have a great day. Thanks
>
> maxamillion -
what are your symptoms, what type of anxiety/panic, is it depression. what were you diagnosed with? you really should never just quit cold turkey on any type of meds., because of the withdrawal effects. do you have a PCP that you are seeing?
Posted by LynneDa on November 7, 2003, at 9:21:22
In reply to lexapro isn't working!, posted by royalscrewup on November 6, 2003, at 16:51:02
Hi! Hang in there and give the meds a chance to start working, sometimes it takes a while. Keep in touch with your doctor about it too.
There is a 16-year old who's been posting. She is very fearful of starting the whole process of getting on meds, doesn't know where to go to for information, etc. Since you are 15 and have been on meds a year, maybe you can find that thread and drop her a line? The thread is "im i depressed" and her name is geri122. If you can find it, I bet you'd be of great help to her!!
~Lynne
Posted by sfmom on November 7, 2003, at 10:12:20
In reply to Re: lexapro side effects - numbness » MissB, posted by oldhand on November 6, 2003, at 22:58:21
> > Oh, thank goodness! Not that we're going through this obviously, but I thought I was going nuts. I've been debating all day about going to see a Dr. I should I know, but with no insurance and no job the money thing really is a problem. I've really been scared so I WILL go to the Dr., but where do you go when you have no health insurance?
> > >
> > > I've been having a similar side effect. My lips always feel half numb, like I've just eaten really spicy food or something. It's that kind of pins and needles numb. But whatever it is, it's probably caused by or related to the same thing you're having. At least we know we're not alone or making things up!
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
> Hi you two!
> Please call a pharmacist or doctor about your side effect of numbness, perhaps you have an allnight pharmacy in your town?
> Also check about help with prescriptions with your Community Mental Health System. There are also prescription programs from pharmaceutical companies to help. Contact the local Department of Job and Family Services (formerly Human Services here in Ohio). A good way to start is to call a local resource line. They may be able to send you directly where you need to go rather than making alot of calls or trips. Just a word from an old social worker who can't help but send resources and good thoughts your way.
> PS-I am taking 20mg Lexapro and added Wellbutrin XL about two months ago. I am doing well with this combo and encourage all the "newbies" to take heart, the SE's do diminish or disappear.oldhand,
Thanks for the advice. I'll call my pharmacy to see what they have to say. But since my pdoc doesn't seem to know much about Lex, I doubt the pharm will. I'll post what I find out.
Also, I'm thinking of adding Wellbutrin to my Lex because of anorgasmia. How have you found the combination to be? I have GAD and panic disorder so I'm afraid of anything that will make me more anxious but I'm really sick of the anorgasmia and being a zombie all the time. I just went up to 20 mg of Lex yesterday and am having a terrible time with the side effects again. Had to take two Klonopin last night just to calm myself down.
>
Posted by TerryS on November 7, 2003, at 13:01:21
In reply to Re: Lexapro clinical data, posted by maxamillion on November 6, 2003, at 20:50:44
Hey Max,Do you have anxiety problems? or depression? Not sure what to suggest.
I highly recommend you seeing a good pDoc. It is somewhat dangerous to just keep trying different meds.
The best result comes from mixing exercise, good nutrition, and the right med. My husband had food allergies that caused many of his problems. Read up on taking magnesium, Omega 3 oils, and vitamins. This helped my husband tremendously.
Posted by Esmarelda on November 7, 2003, at 14:14:19
In reply to lexapro isn't working!, posted by royalscrewup on November 6, 2003, at 16:51:02
Talk to your doctor and your parents about your medicine. It takes some people a month or more to get the beneficial side effects. Keep taking your medicine on a regular basis and it will work a lot better. The dizziness was a withdrawal side effect that others have mentioned. Take care.
Posted by oldhand on November 7, 2003, at 14:35:49
In reply to Re: lexapro side effects - numbness » oldhand, posted by sfmom on November 7, 2003, at 10:12:20
> > > Oh, thank goodness! Not that we're going through this obviously, but I thought I was going nuts. I've been debating all day about going to see a Dr. I should I know, but with no insurance and no job the money thing really is a problem. I've really been scared so I WILL go to the Dr., but where do you go when you have no health insurance?
> > > >
> > > > I've been having a similar side effect. My lips always feel half numb, like I've just eaten really spicy food or something. It's that kind of pins and needles numb. But whatever it is, it's probably caused by or related to the same thing you're having. At least we know we're not alone or making things up!
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> > Hi you two!
> > Please call a pharmacist or doctor about your side effect of numbness, perhaps you have an allnight pharmacy in your town?
> > Also check about help with prescriptions with your Community Mental Health System. There are also prescription programs from pharmaceutical companies to help. Contact the local Department of Job and Family Services (formerly Human Services here in Ohio). A good way to start is to call a local resource line. They may be able to send you directly where you need to go rather than making alot of calls or trips. Just a word from an old social worker who can't help but send resources and good thoughts your way.
> > PS-I am taking 20mg Lexapro and added Wellbutrin XL about two months ago. I am doing well with this combo and encourage all the "newbies" to take heart, the SE's do diminish or disappear.
>
> oldhand,
> Thanks for the advice. I'll call my pharmacy to see what they have to say. But since my pdoc doesn't seem to know much about Lex, I doubt the pharm will. I'll post what I find out.
> Also, I'm thinking of adding Wellbutrin to my Lex because of anorgasmia. How have you found the combination to be? I have GAD and panic disorder so I'm afraid of anything that will make me more anxious but I'm really sick of the anorgasmia and being a zombie all the time. I just went up to 20 mg of Lex yesterday and am having a terrible time with the side effects again. Had to take two Klonopin last night just to calm myself down.
> >
>
>
Hello again
Orgasims became somewhat easier on the Well/Lex combo than without though I find the Wellbutrin makes me somewhat tense, not anxious, but physically I have to consciously unclasp my fists, relax my arms and legs. I think I can overcome that but simple relaxation techniques.Also, if you have not already, go back and read posts re: side effects. Very imformative and comforting in knowing we are not alone. You will also find links to the clinical data and the Package insert for Lexapro. I have been very fortunate to have listening doctors. They may not have told me what to expect in the way of side effects, but if I mentioned something they would be reassuring or, if serious add or change meds. I think there must be some of us who are able to get anxious about or actually "get" every side effect we read about, hence some caution from docs about " the power of suggestion".
Hope all is well, and give Lexapro time to work for you. Many have mentioned that the sexual side effects go away with time.
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