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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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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.
Posted by Mariposa on November 29, 2003, at 19:02:13
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects - CSWIFE pls read, posted by Okpolosi on May 24, 2003, at 11:43:46
> > I have been reading posts here for a month or so and decided I should share my Lex experiences, too. What I have read has been so helpfull and thank you all for sharing.
> > I'm in week 5 on 5mg and I take it late morning, around 10:00AM. Female 47, diagnosed with PMDD and depression, have never taken any meds before. Just haven't felt like my usual self for a couple of years it seems. Thought I was peri-menopausal, but Dr says it's PMDD. Was having terrible fights w/husband and fits of rage at work, while having to deal with customers, NOT good! Recently lost Mother-in-Law, we were pretty close, and both me and husband were hit pretty hard. Inherited a big house that needs a lot of work.
> > Week 1 - Nausea for a few hours after taking, mild diahrea, REALLY bad Headaches in the evening. Felt tired and foggy headed in the afternoon. Noticed some mild anxiety. No trouble sleeping. Towards end of week started feeling like I was getting the flu. Noticed my teeth hurt and realized I was clenching. Didn't want to eat at all, no appetite.
> > Week 2 - People at work have the flu, I called in sick all week, really felt terrible and don't know for sure if it was Lex or flu, had no fever, but had headaches, congestion, runny nose, chills, diahrea, slept A LOT, day and night. Eat like a pig but actually lost a pound or two, realy crave carbs ( Potatoe chips, Chex mix, etc. ). Occasional anxiety. Got an itchy rash all over my back and top of my arms. Head feels "big" and spacey. Have to tell self not to clench teeth.
> > Week 3 - "Flu" symptoms going away, feel very tired, no energy, short of breath if I do anything. Head still feels funny - spacey. Sweaty armpits on some days, blurry vision, a few mild night sweats, but in general no trouble sleeping. Still have mild diahrea. Had one day of bad lower back pain. Anxiety seems to occur less often. Gained back the pounds I lost.
> > Week 4 - Feel better physically, not mentally - still very angry and irritable, period is coming. A little trouble sleeping, want to blame husband for keeping me awake. Sweaty pits seem to have gone away, head doesn't feel funny any more, still have mild diahrea (not really a problem, just different than usual). Energy returning, able to do a lot more at work without feeling out of breath. Still clenching some but not as bad.
> > Week 5 - Actually haven't finished week 5, only half way through. Got a customer complaint at work because I was such a BITCH! Supposed to be having period but hasn't actually started yet. Snapped at husband for no reason. Blurry vision improved slightly. Still don't want to get out of bed in the morning. Am starting to wonder if I should take 7.5mg or even 10 as I don't feel "better", but then figure I should still give it another week or 2, not sure I have given Lex long enough to help.
> > I will update, and again want to thank everyone for your input, it helps to know you are not alone!!!
>
> This is one of my old posts. Save you some trouble, hope it helps!~~~8|8
Posted by C.Burton on November 29, 2003, at 20:31:58
In reply to I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro, posted by Bill435 on November 27, 2003, at 14:27:41
Well, my husband has been on Lexapro for almost a week now and this is all new for us anyway. So, he takes it once a day and within 2 hours after taking it, his irritability goes away(main part of his depression is anger). He takes it at night so I can tell he is better until the next afternoon and then he starts getting his symptoms again. Also, he has had trouble falling asleep and reaching climax during sex. Has anyone else had these experiences? Will they go away?
Posted by nemo kitty on November 29, 2003, at 20:56:20
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects - FLU!, posted by Mariposa on November 29, 2003, at 19:02:13
hi
just read your "old" post~did you ever get your period?? I am 2 weeks late (not pregnant) and on about week 5. My vision is still blurry and I am very tired in the mornings. All I do is eat crap now too. I don't know what to do. Are you on it still? Do you like it? thanks!
Posted by Mariposa on November 29, 2003, at 22:27:38
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects - FLU!, posted by nemo kitty on November 29, 2003, at 20:56:20
> hi
> just read your "old" post~
>
> did you ever get your period?? I am 2 weeks late (not pregnant) and on about week 5. My vision is still blurry and I am very tired in the mornings. All I do is eat crap now too. I don't know what to do. Are you on it still? Do you like it? thanks!I skipped a couple, but now back to normal cycle. Still taking Lex 20mg, and for the most part it's working. Few days are downers but nothing like they used to be. Tiredness also got better after a WHILE.
Posted by Erin1679 on November 30, 2003, at 0:47:12
In reply to Re: I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro, posted by C.Burton on November 29, 2003, at 20:31:58
I've been taking Lexapro for a little over two months because of my anxiety and constant worry.
Just a question...when you take the pill...what exactly does it do? Does it take a while for it to build up in your system or something? Or is it like asprin or something that wears off. Is it doing something to my brain? (If anyone knows a website where I can educate myself on this, please let me know)
I am taking 10mg, and I dont know if it is doing anything. Is it because I am not suffering from depression? I thought that I was supposed to feel better than I ever felt, but I still have the same stress, I'm still snappy at times, and I still worry about the same irrational things. (sorry...just started rambling)
Posted by jane47 on November 30, 2003, at 7:06:05
In reply to Questions, posted by Erin1679 on November 30, 2003, at 0:47:12
Lexapro increases the serotonin levels in your brain. Serotonin effects mood. I too am on 10 mg of lexapro. It's been 5 weeks. I was put on this by my doc because of anxiety and constant worrying. It has helped me tremendously. It does take a while to feel the full effects. (between 4-6 weeks). Like any drug there are side effects. They vary from person to person. These postings really help you learn about the effects of meds from a laymans perspective. Talk to your doctor. Get as much info as you can so you can make informed decisions. If it is not helping you might need more or it may not be the drug of choice for you. Good luck
...Jane
Posted by ddev99 on November 30, 2003, at 13:12:13
In reply to Questions, posted by Erin1679 on November 30, 2003, at 0:47:12
> I've been taking Lexapro for a little over two months because of my anxiety and constant worry.
> Just a question...when you take the pill...what exactly does it do? Does it take a while for it to build up in your system or something? Or is it like asprin or something that wears off. Is it doing something to my brain? (If anyone knows a website where I can educate myself on this, please let me know)
> I am taking 10mg, and I dont know if it is doing anything. Is it because I am not suffering from depression? I thought that I was supposed to feel better than I ever felt, but I still have the same stress, I'm still snappy at times, and I still worry about the same irrational things. (sorry...just started rambling)Hello, Erin... here is a link that may answer some of your questions about Lexapro. Keep in mind, this is THE Lexapro site, and so will paint the rosiest picture it can. Still good for addressing your basic questions, though. My thought is, if you haven't noticed improvement after 8 weeks, this may not be the drug you need.--ddev
http://www.lexapro.com/about_lexapro/faqs.asp
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