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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Mike228 on November 25, 2003, at 21:37:52
In reply to re: Lexapro sexual side effects, posted by guyndenver on August 2, 2003, at 12:47:19
Got off Elavil and started taking Lexapro. Total loss of libido and difficulty reaching orgasm. I am very frustrated with this serious side effect and I am thinking about stopping this medication. I had NO Sexual Side Effects with the Elavil even though I was taking 187.50mg per day? What is wrong with these doctors? sexual arousal or performance is not part of the criteria when inventing new high tech medications. Anyone have any suggestions please?
Posted by Oldhand on November 25, 2003, at 22:12:22
In reply to Happy Thanksgiving to All, posted by Journeyman on November 25, 2003, at 21:05:46
> Wishing all of you a happy, healthy Thanksgiving (and life).
>
> I'm not sure whether I'll be able to get on for a few days - going to upstate NY. Will check in when I get back.
>
> Thanks for your message Lynne.
>
> RichardJust wanted to add my best Thanksgiving wishes to everyone out there in LexaproLand. I also will be giving thanks for the medication and the support found here.
Shelley
Posted by BLKVETTES on November 26, 2003, at 4:57:52
In reply to Re: Seems to be losing it's effect, posted by COOP on November 25, 2003, at 13:46:06
> After 5 weeks I think my meds kicked in. Had two very good days and than today not so good.
> Does it take more time on the meds for them to stay working longer? I started with 10mg for 3 weeks and now on 15mg
> Joel
Thats not uncommon, there are going to be some up and down days. After awhile things will be more consistent. Your still going to have bad days. EVERYONE DOES that breathes air. When I have a bad day now I can figure out the reasons why. Its usually normal stresses that everyone has.
WAYNE
Posted by BLKVETTES on November 26, 2003, at 5:04:17
In reply to Has anyone stopped taking Celexa/Lexapro? SE?, posted by orlando on November 25, 2003, at 13:56:44
> I have just located this board and actually wish I had found it earlier (10 years earlier). I have been on Lexapro (20mg) and am trying to discontinue it. I cut back to 10mg for 2 weeks and then 0. This is my 7th day without the medication and I am very dizzy. My doctor does not seem to think the discontinuance of the Lexapro has anything to do with my being dizzy. But this same thing happened when I quit taking Celexa. Does anyone know if this is a "normal" side effect that goes away with time? I have been on antidepressants since the early 90's and want to see what life is like without medication -- (I hate the sexual side effects). BUT I feel so bad today, the medicine cabinet keeps calling me. Any help would be most appreciated. I also saw an earlier message about 5HTP but cannot find it again. Has anyone had luck with that? Thanks!
>Hi your doctor is a dumb turkey. A little thanksgiving humor hehe. Sounds like you came off the meds just a little quick. Should have tapered off more slowly. What you describe is very normal and could last quite awhile. It varies person to person.
Posted by jane47 on November 26, 2003, at 6:09:03
In reply to Re: how's everyone doing??, posted by Scribbler on November 25, 2003, at 16:37:26
I just want to wish everyone a happy and peaceful Thanksgiving. Thanks to all of you for your input, concern and valuable information. I rely on your information so greatly. Have a wonderful holiday.Peace to all
....Jane
Posted by Wildflower on November 26, 2003, at 8:02:07
In reply to Has anyone stopped taking Celexa/Lexapro? SE?, posted by orlando on November 25, 2003, at 13:56:44
I've been trying to wean myself from Lexapro (20mg) and found that I'm extremly dizzy and lightheaded. I found that by taking 5mg, the symptoms lighten up a bit.
Posted by LynneDa on November 26, 2003, at 8:55:25
In reply to Re: how's everyone doing??, posted by Scribbler on November 25, 2003, at 16:37:26
Scribbler, so good to hear how you're doing and that you're looking forward to your trip. Your description of what you're NOT feeling is so apt. I'm a week behind you and that describes me to a T as well. Although I'm not 100% free of those things yet, I'm getting closer. Have a very happy and peaceful Thanksgiving!
Posted by LynneDa on November 26, 2003, at 9:00:39
In reply to Re: how's everyone doing??, posted by LynneLaf on November 25, 2003, at 21:24:36
Hi LynneLaf - another Lynne with an E! I can completely relate. My ex-husband was depressed for many years and until we divorced (not that I'm implying or recommending that!), I too did not realize how depressed I had been. It's taken me 6 years since that time to actually do something about it - and I do miss that old me! I've been on Lex for 6 weeks now and I am starting to see signs of her again. It is wonderful to realize you don't have to go through life feeling that way!
Good luck to you, hang in there thru any s/e's you're having, it's well worth it. Have a peaceful Thanksgiving!
~ Lynne D.
Posted by ginger C on November 26, 2003, at 9:52:02
In reply to Lexapro, posted by C.Burton on November 25, 2003, at 21:26:08
I have been on Lexapro for over a year and have had very good results from it as far as the antidepressant side of it goes. It has caused me to gain some weight but I feel it a small sacrafice for feeling good.
Posted by Bill435 on November 26, 2003, at 12:28:36
In reply to re: Lexapro sexual side effects, posted by Mike228 on November 25, 2003, at 21:37:52
Hello Mike and all –
I have switched from Celexa 20 mg to Lexapro 10 mg as a trial suggested by my MD. Trying to decide if changing is a good idea. Sex side effects will be a definite factor – can’t say one way or another so far. Mike, I had the problem of no climax with Celexa. One solution, although not that great, that worked for me: I skipped a dose or two when I thought sex might happen soon – and that solved the problem.
Although I have been on Lexapro only a week, have not noticed any change except maybe increased agitation and nerviousness. Anyone else noticed noticed this, or am I drinking too much coffee?Bill
Posted by Jane47 on November 26, 2003, at 12:34:22
In reply to re: Lexapro sexual side effects, posted by Bill435 on November 26, 2003, at 12:28:36
Bill, I have been on Lexapro for 6 weeks now.I am still hyper from it but it is much better now. Sexual side effects have passed-thank goodnesss. Hang in there it does get better. Anxiety comes and goes, mostly gone. Have a happy holiday.
jane
Posted by Mike228 on November 26, 2003, at 15:40:56
In reply to Why not Wellbutrin?, posted by Bali on November 6, 2003, at 12:22:26
Wellbutrin has had no sexual side effects for me. I've been taking it for 10 years! Recently started Lexapro in conjunction with Wellbutrin and I hate it. Headaches,severe nausea,insomnia, and the worst side effect is total loss of Libido. Wellbutrin may give you headaches and may cause sweating but nothing severe, and you can enjoy a normal sex life.
Posted by theo on November 26, 2003, at 17:47:58
In reply to Re: Why not Wellbutrin?, posted by Mike228 on November 26, 2003, at 15:40:56
Ten years wow! I just moved up to 300mg of the XL from 150mg. What dose and which version are you taking? I really don't feel much of an improvement after increasing the dose but it's only been 4 days. I'm sure after 10 years you've tried different dosing.
Posted by Mike228 on November 26, 2003, at 22:27:02
In reply to Re: Why not Wellbutrin? » Mike228, posted by theo on November 26, 2003, at 17:47:58
I take the original 75mg Tablets 2tablets 3x/day for a total of 45omg. 4 days is not enough obviously, every medication requires 3 weeks minimum to acheive the desired effect. I tried the SR version which came out before the XL and it didn't work at all for me! The only bad side effect I can complain about is headaches with Wellbutrin. Back to the Lexapro I tried for 3 weeks I suffered serious nausea, insomnia,more headaches, and total loss of sexual desire. Just say No to Lexapro for me!
Posted by Mike228 on November 26, 2003, at 22:39:12
In reply to re: Lexapro sexual side effects, posted by Bill435 on November 26, 2003, at 12:28:36
Thanks for your reply Bill! That is exactly what I am doing, taking a medication "holiday" with the Lexapro as sex is on the horizon. I got to tell you that it is a pleasure not having the nausea and dizziness all day, let alone the migraine headaches. I must admit that I am disappointed with Lexapro! Why is it so difficult to boost Serotonin Levels without screwing up the rest of your mind and body?
I will say that EVERY person reacts differently to EACH medication so those doing well on Lexapro good for you!
Posted by sapphira on November 27, 2003, at 11:27:32
In reply to re: Lexapro sexual side effects, posted by Mike228 on November 26, 2003, at 22:39:12
i am so thankful for all of you who have helped me and supported me through this time of getting started with lexapro. if it weren't for you, i would have quit the first day!! i'm feeling better and i'm hoping to feel better more each day as time goes on and the lex has a chance to fully 'kick in'.
i missed the post about you, SFmom and your engagement. best wishes for a lifetime of happiness.
my best to ALL of you.
hugs,
sapphira
Posted by LynneLaf on November 27, 2003, at 12:28:59
In reply to Happy Thanksgiving...., posted by sapphira on November 27, 2003, at 11:27:32
Lynne Da,
Thanks for the support, It's not often I find an E. I rather think that makes me special. I thank goodness for my friends and family who pointed out that I might need some help myself. I feel some difference in my temper with my kids. I am not looking foward to any of the side effects. The only one I have had is the leg jumping last night. We are leaving to have dinner with my sister and family and I hope all goes well. Hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving, and thanks for being their for support.
Posted by Bill435 on November 27, 2003, at 14:27:41
In reply to Re: Why not Wellbutrin?, posted by Mike228 on November 26, 2003, at 22:27:02
For several years I have been taking Wellbutrin 150mg and Celexa 20mg. That has been OK, except for the sexual side effect which I found a way to work around (see earlier post). My doctor suggested changing the Celexa to Lexapro 10mg. So far, (about a week) I'm not convinced. Some headache and a case of nerves, like the way too much caffiene feeling. So, unless things change, it will be back to Celexa for me.
Bill
PS - Happy Thanksgiving - tomorrow I turn 62, and exactly half those years have been spent taking, off and on, some kind of depresion medication.
Posted by Mariposa on November 27, 2003, at 15:16:25
In reply to I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro, posted by Bill435 on November 27, 2003, at 14:27:41
> For several years I have been taking Wellbutrin 150mg and Celexa 20mg. That has been OK, except for the sexual side effect which I found a way to work around (see earlier post). My doctor suggested changing the Celexa to Lexapro 10mg. So far, (about a week) I'm not convinced. Some headache and a case of nerves, like the way too much caffiene feeling. So, unless things change, it will be back to Celexa for me.
> Bill
> PS - Happy Thanksgiving - tomorrow I turn 62, and exactly half those years have been spent taking, off and on, some kind of depresion medication.Literature says it could take 6-8 weeks to get benefits from Lexapro....for me it was 9. One week is not nearly long enough to tell if it will work for you.
Posted by lonewolf91$ on November 27, 2003, at 20:42:58
In reply to Re: Lexapro Loss of Appetite » RRCarlo, posted by Journeyman on November 23, 2003, at 21:24:40
> Hi,
>
> And welcome to the neighborhood. My third day too, so I'm interested to see how this will go.
>
> Good luck.
>
> RichardI sure have had no problem with appetite. I think I have put on 15# since I started taking lex, I just seem to want to eat everything in sight. Maybe it slowed down my metabolism because I feel more tired than I used to.
Bill
Posted by mamacindy2000 on November 27, 2003, at 23:49:42
In reply to Happy Thanksgiving...., posted by sapphira on November 27, 2003, at 11:27:32
Ditto. I too am thankful for PB and Dr. Bob. Where would we be without you?
Posted by jeffconn on November 28, 2003, at 8:43:38
In reply to Re: Why not Wellbutrin?, posted by Mike228 on November 26, 2003, at 22:27:02
> I take the original 75mg Tablets 2tablets 3x/day for a total of 45omg. 4 days is not enough obviously, every medication requires 3 weeks minimum to acheive the desired effect. I tried the SR version which came out before the XL and it didn't work at all for me! The only bad side effect I can complain about is headaches with Wellbutrin. Back to the Lexapro I tried for 3 weeks I suffered serious nausea, insomnia,more headaches, and total loss of sexual desire. Just say No to Lexapro for me!
Hey Mike, hang in there for a few more weeks if you can. I cant say that I have had a complete loss of libido, unfortunately my normal libido is in HIGH gear 24/7 and I may have a loss of libido but it certainly has not gone away. Couple my high libido with a platonic marriage, and the depression and ~voila~ I havent a good sense to guide anyone on that SE. I can tell you that after just over 9 weeks on Lex, the other SEs have definately lessened. My belief is as soon as your body adjusts to the cocktail, you will come around in due time. I think the brain takes its own time to adjust to the new chemical stimulus and will find the balance after it adjusts to its new environment,.....so to speak. Give the Lex a chance and of course ask the Doc. too and perhaps all will return to normal very soon. Good luck Mike and keep us informed too. This site is ALOT of help to us all and not everyone who is being helped here, will post! Happy Holidays to all and ALL my best wishes for us ALL too!!!! After all, we need it and we DESERVE it!!!! :-)
Posted by orlando on November 28, 2003, at 11:03:44
In reply to Re: Has anyone stopped taking Celexa/Lexapro? SE? » orlando, posted by Wildflower on November 26, 2003, at 8:02:07
Thanks - that's exactly what I decided to do. I am currently on 10mg (1/2 of what I was taking) and the dizziness went away immediately. I'll drop to 5mg and go from there. Thanks for replying.
Posted by tiredman on November 28, 2003, at 20:47:56
In reply to re: Lexapro sexual side effects, posted by Bill435 on November 26, 2003, at 12:28:36
I've had major agitation/anxiety problems after taking Lexapro. I started at 2.5mg. and am up to 15 mg. now. My problem started as a trauma which lead to insomnia. I take lorazapam, trazadone and perhenazine (sp?) just to get a nights sleep.
Don't know about the sexual side effects. I've been married for 20 years :)
Posted by ddev99 on November 29, 2003, at 0:00:30
In reply to Re: Lexapro clinical data, posted by maxamillion on November 6, 2003, at 20:50:44
Hello everyone. First-time poster, long-time reader. Thank you all for providing "real life" reports on trying to manage depression and anxiety, two evils that have haunted me for close to 50 years now.
I have been taking SAMe since April, '03, when I lost my health insurance. I had been on Effexor XR and the usual SSRI trials for about 10 years prior to that. Never had more than a partial response from any prescribed AD, but still was scared to death to go without. The SAMe was awesome, at first. I felt better than I had for the previous 10 years! And no side-effects! Just felt clean and bright!
I've gradually gone from 400mg SAMe to 1400mg to maintain a decent mood. Seems my depression eventually adjusts to whatever I throw at it. It's getting too expensive to stay on SAMe and I'm just about at the suggested limit, anyway.
My new plan: I ordered Lexapro on-line without a 'scrip. Have been starting slowly: 5mg every other day. My hope is to find a balance between an affordable amount of SAMe and as little Lex as I can get away with. Just began this protocal on Monday. Would be happy to keep anyone who's interested informed on my progress and would love to hear any and all thoughts on this plan of mine. Thanks again for all the valuable info you provide.
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