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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by nicky847 on December 28, 2003, at 13:53:43
In reply to Re: Lexapro - a TRUE test - and I passed!, posted by Mariposa on December 27, 2003, at 10:50:03
Mariposa-
First of all thank you for all of your posts..your updates on your progress are a great comfort and inspiration to me!I have a question for you though can you please outline what the "timetable" for your progress on Lexapro has been? I took 5 mg for one week..and have been taking 10 mg for 3 1/2 weeks since...I notice that I feel better kind of in fits and starts..kind of a 2 steps forward one step back kind of thing..like I feel better and then kind of plateau for a while..get frustrated and feel a little worse...but then move to a new and better plateau..what was your experience like in your first couple of months on Lexapro?
A second question at my point in where I am I kind of look at it as the "halfway there" point (4 1/2 weeks)...is that an accurate assessment?
Nick
> Brief background - started Lex in Feb after years of fighting depression, PMDD, insomnia, and after a death in the family. We spent last Dec. moving into Mom-in-law's house to try to take better care of her, and then she went and passed away on my birthday as hubby and I tried to give her CPR while waiting on EMS...tuely TRAUMATIC! Currently @20mg. Work in retail, customer service.
>
> X-mas time as we all know is the most hectic and stressful time for us in retail, VERY busy and lots of upset customers. And I got through it all with no customer complaints (on me). Was able to deal w/any problem with a smile and a good attitude, made a lot of people feel better, and got compliments on my *x-mas spirit*! What a difference when compared to last year when I had NO LEX and I was a miserable mess.
>
> THANK YOU LEXAPRO for allowing me to get through this stressful time....I could NOT have done it without you!!!!
>
> HAPPY HOLIDAYS to everyone!~~~8|8
Posted by Journeyman on December 28, 2003, at 14:21:07
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro?, posted by KenK on December 27, 2003, at 20:46:41
Hi KenK:
Glad to hear there's been some improvement lately.
There's lots of helpful anecdotal information here. If you read through a few weeks of postings, you'll see that people have vastly different reactions to various medications.
I think the best approach for you to take, if you're considering switching/modifying medication(s), would be to discuss it with your doctor.
Doctors, as infallible as they are, are the only ones legally qualified to help you with those decisions.
Good health to you now and in the new year.
Journeyman
Posted by Journeyman on December 28, 2003, at 14:31:17
In reply to Lexapro, posted by Neatfreak on December 28, 2003, at 7:04:11
Neatfreak:
Those up and down feelings about such an important relationship really take a toll on your energy and psyche. I hope you find peace soon.
A couple of thoughts: you've been on Lex for a very short time - give it a chance (at least two months) to do its work.
Also, feelings such as those you're having are very serious and have lifelong consequences. They probably didn't come into being in a very short time, and if they go away, they won't go away in a short time either. You're probably already seeing a counselor. If not, there's lots of evidence that indicates you're more likely to find the relief you so badly want, if you have some talk therapy to help, along with what the Lex might achieve.
Good luck with your situation. It's a really good sign that you're taking care of yourself enough to get help from Lex and this wonderful on-line community.
Journeyman
Posted by Journeyman on December 28, 2003, at 14:39:31
In reply to Re: Lexapro - a TRUE test - and I passed!, posted by Mariposa on December 27, 2003, at 10:50:03
Mariposa:
I'm so pleased to hear that things have gone so much better for you this year.
I want to add my voice to the others who have mentioned how helpful your postings are. While I don't write everyday, checking in with this board has been pretty much a daily event for me since I started taking Lexapro 5 weeks ago, and it's something I've really come to look foward to. That's in no small part because of your encouraging words.
Have a wonderful New Year.
Richard
Posted by theo on December 28, 2003, at 15:09:55
In reply to Switching from Paxil CR to Lexapro, posted by ednababish on December 28, 2003, at 10:34:02
Welcome to the world of Lexapro, for panic and anxiety it made things 3x worse, but like all meds, some people have success with it.
Posted by KathrynLex on December 28, 2003, at 16:10:09
In reply to Switching from Paxil CR to Lexapro, posted by ednababish on December 28, 2003, at 10:34:02
I have been on 10 mg of Lex for about a week and a half and have encountered very similar side effects to the ones you are describing. (Including a sinus infection. The doc tells me that it has nothing to do with Lex, not sure if I believe her.) I'm on it for depression and anxiety. Feelings of panic fluctuate and are the worst at night. I don't feel nautious as much as I did the first few days and my appetite is coming back a little bit. I have noticed that since taking the Lex I've had an easier time calming myself down when I feel a panic attack coming on, and that's huge for me. After reading so many encouraging posts on this board, I'm inclined to stick with the Lex for another 2 or 3 weeks to give it a fair chance. Hang in there!
Posted by KathrynLex on December 28, 2003, at 18:06:59
In reply to Re: Switching from Paxil CR to Lexapro, posted by KathrynLex on December 28, 2003, at 16:10:09
I'm on day 9 of 10 mg Lex and feel like I have the flu. Runny nose, sinus infection, sore throat, pressure in my ears...but no fever. This started when I began the Lex and has gotten progressively worse. Doc says I must have come down with something right as I started the Lex, but I'm skeptical. Did anyone else experience this when they first started? And how long did it take for that to go away?
Posted by Mariposa on December 28, 2003, at 18:49:17
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. Like to bring it back from time to time!Lets me see how far I have progressed.Went to 10mg shortly after this post, about the end of week 5. Was doing well until 5th month, that's when I went to 20mg.
Happy Holidays to all and thank you everyone for all your responses. I owe SO much to this board, you guys are THE BEST!!!~~~8|8
Posted by LynneDa on December 28, 2003, at 20:06:10
In reply to Re: Lexapro - a TRUE test - and I passed!, posted by Mariposa on December 27, 2003, at 10:50:03
Mariposa - Congratulations!!! Dealing with the public during Christmas is indeed a true test. I can so emphathize with your excitement over your "test results". I'm very happy for you!!
I just went up to 20 mg. this week, after 10 weeks on 10 mg. I have some of the same side effects again (stomach upset, tired, jaw clenching, some insomnia), but all very mild. I'm hoping to find more relief and be able to deal with things better.
Thanks for all your posts along the way, they sure have helped!
Happy New Year to all!!
~ Lynne
Posted by nicky847 on December 29, 2003, at 10:48:07
In reply to Re: Lexapro - a TRUE test - and I passed! » Mariposa, posted by LynneDa on December 28, 2003, at 20:06:10
Here is something I have noticed from personal experience with both Celexa and Lexapro and was seconded by reading Mariposa's post..and I wanted to see if anyone else experiences this...
When I was taking Celexa I began to notice real improvement around week 4...then seemed to feel a little worse in week 5, maybe not so much worse as it is frustrated with hitting a plateau..I have experienced this same thing with Lexapro...with Celexa around week 7-8-9 the med puts on its "2nd act" where I finally feel like I have fully turned the corner....from reading Mariposa's post it seems that she had this same experience with Lexapro and I certainly hope to have the same...has anyone else experienced something similar to this??
> Mariposa - Congratulations!!! Dealing with the public during Christmas is indeed a true test. I can so emphathize with your excitement over your "test results". I'm very happy for you!!
>
> I just went up to 20 mg. this week, after 10 weeks on 10 mg. I have some of the same side effects again (stomach upset, tired, jaw clenching, some insomnia), but all very mild. I'm hoping to find more relief and be able to deal with things better.
>
> Thanks for all your posts along the way, they sure have helped!
> Happy New Year to all!!
> ~ Lynne
Posted by Esmarelda on December 29, 2003, at 10:51:08
In reply to Lexapro Week 5 Blues, posted by nicky847 on December 29, 2003, at 10:48:07
I did not have very bad side effects, but definitely felt a lot worse rather than better until about week 5 when it seemed I started to feel a little better. It was definitely week 8 before I felt the full affect.
Posted by sip on December 29, 2003, at 15:36:30
In reply to Lexapro Week 5 Blues, posted by nicky847 on December 29, 2003, at 10:48:07
This is interesting. I am on Week 5 of Lexapro and starting last week I got a little blue (but not depressed). I also was visiting my parents for Xmas last week -- always hard for me -- so I am sure I was affected by the situation. I have been on 5 mg and my doctor wanted me to go up to 10 mg. I have been ambivalent about meds but decided if I am doing this I might as well do it fully. So this is Day 2 of 10 mg.
Thankfully because Lexapro was already in my system for four weeks, the side effects of doubling the dose has not been bad at all -- just a little drowsy and spacey but NOTHING like the fogginess of my initial week on Lexapro.
It seems I have skipped my period this month. I'm generally very in tune with my menstrual cycle because I get such bad PMS. I am totally thrown and have no idea what is going on in that department anymore and don't know whether I should attribute this to Lexapro. But my blue feelings could be a sign of PMS -- not sure. I don't know my body anymore which I guess is normal and will change as I adjust to the medication.
Posted by Esmarelda on December 29, 2003, at 15:46:08
In reply to Re: Lexapro Week 5 Blues, posted by sip on December 29, 2003, at 15:36:30
I never had any irregularity in my cycle as a result of Lex.
Posted by nicky847 on December 29, 2003, at 16:00:40
In reply to Re: Lexapro Week 5 Blues, posted by sip on December 29, 2003, at 15:36:30
It is certainly interesting that a few people have gone thru the same thing...like I said earlier it is the same pattern I had when starting celexa..my theory is that after about 3 or 4 weeks the subsiding of the S/E's in itself feels so good that it results in some improvement before the meds really take effect around week 7 or 8...after all sleeping 8 or 9 hours a night like i am now makes all the difference in the world compared to the 3 or 4 hours i was getting around week 2 and 3...and around the 5 to 6 week period is kind of the "in between" stage..
> This is interesting. I am on Week 5 of Lexapro and starting last week I got a little blue (but not depressed). I also was visiting my parents for Xmas last week -- always hard for me -- so I am sure I was affected by the situation. I have been on 5 mg and my doctor wanted me to go up to 10 mg. I have been ambivalent about meds but decided if I am doing this I might as well do it fully. So this is Day 2 of 10 mg.
>
> Thankfully because Lexapro was already in my system for four weeks, the side effects of doubling the dose has not been bad at all -- just a little drowsy and spacey but NOTHING like the fogginess of my initial week on Lexapro.
>
> It seems I have skipped my period this month. I'm generally very in tune with my menstrual cycle because I get such bad PMS. I am totally thrown and have no idea what is going on in that department anymore and don't know whether I should attribute this to Lexapro. But my blue feelings could be a sign of PMS -- not sure. I don't know my body anymore which I guess is normal and will change as I adjust to the medication.
Posted by Erin1679 on December 29, 2003, at 20:42:04
In reply to Lexapro Week 5 Blues, posted by nicky847 on December 29, 2003, at 10:48:07
Hi everyone. I took 10 mg of Lexapro for 3 months. My doc just put me on Zoloft...I am taking my first pill tonight. Anyone try this? I am worried about weight gain...I am getting married in October and don't want to gain too much :) Is there a discussion board someone can direct me to for Zoloft? Thanks in advance
Posted by orlando on December 29, 2003, at 20:52:10
In reply to Switched to Zoloft, posted by Erin1679 on December 29, 2003, at 20:42:04
Erin, I took Zoloft several years ago and did not experience any weight gain. In fact the only reason I switched to another med was because of the sexual s/e. I've since learned most of the meds have the same s/e (except Wellbutrin). So, best of luck to you with the Zoloft and with your upcoming wedding.
> Hi everyone. I took 10 mg of Lexapro for 3 months. My doc just put me on Zoloft...I am taking my first pill tonight. Anyone try this? I am worried about weight gain...I am getting married in October and don't want to gain too much :) Is there a discussion board someone can direct me to for Zoloft? Thanks in advance
Posted by Erin1679 on December 29, 2003, at 20:57:42
In reply to Re: Switched to Zoloft, posted by orlando on December 29, 2003, at 20:52:10
> Erin, I took Zoloft several years ago and did not experience any weight gain. In fact the only reason I switched to another med was because of the sexual s/e. I've since learned most of the meds have the same s/e (except Wellbutrin). So, best of luck to you with the Zoloft and with your upcoming wedding.
>
>
Thanks Orlando. May I ask, are you male or female. (just wondering in reference to the sexual s/e) Did it make you feel any better? I have GAD (generalized anxiety disorder) I dont have panic or anxiety attacks, just feel anxious all the time, and worry about nonsense things. I hope the Zoloft will work.
Posted by Mariposa on December 29, 2003, at 21:00:10
In reply to Re: Lexapro Week 5 Blues, posted by sip on December 29, 2003, at 15:36:30
>
> It seems I have skipped my period this month. I'm generally very in tune with my menstrual cycle because I get such bad PMS. I am totally thrown and have no idea what is going on in that department anymore and don't know whether I should attribute this to Lexapro. But my blue feelings could be a sign of PMS -- not sure. I don't know my body anymore which I guess is normal and will change as I adjust to the medication.I had this problem also...I skipped twice and twice I was late, but things went back to normal after that.
I was expecting period at 5th week of Lex, that's when I started to feel *worse* and doc upped dose from 5mg to 10mg.
Hang in there!~~~8|8
Posted by bluesfan on December 29, 2003, at 21:09:13
In reply to Re: Switched to Zoloft, posted by Erin1679 on December 29, 2003, at 20:57:42
Was the Lexapro not working for you.....is that why you switched?
> > Erin, I took Zoloft several years ago and did not experience any weight gain. In fact the only reason I switched to another med was because of the sexual s/e. I've since learned most of the meds have the same s/e (except Wellbutrin). So, best of luck to you with the Zoloft and with your upcoming wedding.
> >
> >
> Thanks Orlando. May I ask, are you male or female. (just wondering in reference to the sexual s/e) Did it make you feel any better? I have GAD (generalized anxiety disorder) I dont have panic or anxiety attacks, just feel anxious all the time, and worry about nonsense things. I hope the Zoloft will work.
>
Posted by Erin1679 on December 29, 2003, at 21:19:59
In reply to Re: Switched to Zoloft, posted by bluesfan on December 29, 2003, at 21:09:13
No, the Lexapro apparently wasnt working for me. I gave it three months, and didnt feel any different. I didn't even feel any side effects. I have just had a loss of appetite for about a month, don't know if it was from the Lex or not...
Posted by orlando on December 29, 2003, at 21:21:34
In reply to Re: Switched to Zoloft, posted by Erin1679 on December 29, 2003, at 20:57:42
> > Erin, I took Zoloft several years ago and did not experience any weight gain. In fact the only reason I switched to another med was because of the sexual s/e. I've since learned most of the meds have the same s/e (except Wellbutrin). So, best of luck to you with the Zoloft and with your upcoming wedding.
> >
> >
> Thanks Orlando. May I ask, are you male or female. (just wondering in reference to the sexual s/e) Did it make you feel any better? I have GAD (generalized anxiety disorder) I dont have panic or anxiety attacks, just feel anxious all the time, and worry about nonsense things. I hope the Zoloft will work.> Erin...I am female and the meds just prevent me from reaching orgasm (did I say "just"? HA). Zoloft did make me feel better - was taking it for depression. I have never had any anxiety problems and am not a worrier. But I was chronically depressed and it helped me quite a bit. The one thing I have learned is that there are many different meds and they all react differently. If zoloft does not do the trick, don't give up. I had to try many before finding the right ones for me. Best of luck to you!
Posted by Mrs C. on December 29, 2003, at 21:25:27
In reply to Lexapro and Flu Symptoms, posted by KathrynLex on December 28, 2003, at 18:06:59
From what I've read on this board lots of people have also experienced these symptoms. A virus should only last about ten days though, so you'll know if it goes away soon. Good luck!
Posted by Mrs C. on December 29, 2003, at 21:33:02
In reply to Switched to Zoloft, posted by Erin1679 on December 29, 2003, at 20:41:49
Hi there,
My aunt has taken Zoloft for about six months now and has lost over 25 pounds. My husband is also taking it. He is very thin but has also had a decreased appetite. I wish I could say the same. I"ve gained six pounds on lex.
Posted by Erin1679 on December 30, 2003, at 10:44:22
In reply to Re: Switched to Zoloft, posted by Mrs C. on December 29, 2003, at 21:33:02
> Hi there,
> My aunt has taken Zoloft for about six months now and has lost over 25 pounds. My husband is also taking it. He is very thin but has also had a decreased appetite. I wish I could say the same. I"ve gained six pounds on lex.I lost weitght while on Lex. I just didnt have any appetite.
Posted by Patient on December 30, 2003, at 15:23:57
In reply to Switched to Zoloft, posted by Erin1679 on December 29, 2003, at 20:42:04
Hi,
Read the links about gaining weight from antidepressants here:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031208/msgs/287741.html
Zoloft can cause weight gain as well:
http://www.rxlist.com/rxboard/zoloft.pl
I was curious; did Lexapro increase your appetite, or did you gain weight without any change in diet? Are you switching because of weight gain?
There's less of a chance of weight gain from Wellbutrin antidepressant. It has stimulating effects, which can cause anxiety in some, as well as insomnia. Trazodone (Desyrel) is an older antidepressant that isn't likely to cause weight gain. It helps greatly with sleep, but can cause lightheadedness when taken during the day-an effect that may wear off after you've been taking it for a while.
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