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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 5770 to 5794 of 8406. Go back in thread:
Posted by vonnie on January 6, 2004, at 21:07:29
In reply to Re: Excessive Sleepiness - morning or night?, posted by John2222 on January 5, 2004, at 10:15:20
> Are you taking the Lexapro in the evenings or mornings? I'm wondering the same thing though--when should you take it? I thought morning was supposed to be best so you could sleep easier at night, but I've also heard of others taking it in the evening.
>
> Any opinions here?
>
> > I am starting week four of Lexapro. I have been taking 5mg but have started taking 10mg every other day. I am so lethargic and sleepy even during the day, but yet feel speedy at the same time. Does this go away and when will the anxiety attacks lessen they seem to be worse at the moment?
>
>
My doctor had originally prescribed me to take lex at bedtime. However, I was having a really hard time sleeping, which was not unusual for me but seemed to be worse on Lex at night..so I asked a pharmacist and he said that these meds are usually taken in the morning. I just switched on my own, my sleeping is slightly better, still wake up with night sweats but my days have gotten weirder..terrible mood swings. I see the doc on Friday and will ask about this.
Posted by reluctant on January 6, 2004, at 21:49:16
In reply to Re: here it is . . . » reluctant, posted by Journeyman on January 6, 2004, at 15:05:12
Posted by Journeyman on January 6, 2004, at 21:52:40
In reply to I replied on the social board (nm) » Journeyman, posted by reluctant on January 6, 2004, at 21:49:16
r-
I'm missing something. "I replied on the social board."(?)
Richard
Posted by reluctant on January 6, 2004, at 21:54:40
In reply to Re: steve's eating again! hooray!, posted by Steve3211 on January 6, 2004, at 16:34:52
I don't know where you live, but - were it me - I'd be more likely to guess that it's typical winter dry-skin itch . . . I'll let you know if I get any rashes. So far, so good, though I've got a weird neck tightness - sort of a strychnine feeling. otherwise I'm doing pretty well.take care,
-r.
Posted by Journeyman on January 6, 2004, at 21:56:25
In reply to I replied on the social board (nm) » Journeyman, posted by reluctant on January 6, 2004, at 21:49:16
Nevermind - I got it. Didn't realize there was one. I'll be there.
Posted by reluctant on January 6, 2004, at 22:01:04
In reply to Re: I replied on the social board » reluctant, posted by Journeyman on January 6, 2004, at 21:52:40
"Psycho-Social-Babble". If you scroll to the top of the page, and the bottom too I think, there's a link to it. It's where people are supposed to post when they stray too far for too long from the topic of medications, near as I can tell - I've seen Dr. Bob redirect people's conversations there. It seems a little odd to me since I would not have found this board were it not for questions about medication, and the subject of medication is tied in with everything else - the seperate boards thing is strange, but I guess I understand that all these posts can get unwieldy. How Dr. Bob keeps on top of it all, I can't imagine (since it does appear that he reads it all)
anyway, that's where my response is.-r.
> r-
>
> I'm missing something. "I replied on the social board."(?)
>
> Richard
Posted by sip on January 7, 2004, at 1:17:23
In reply to Re: steve's eating again! hooray! » Steve3211, posted by Mariposa on January 6, 2004, at 16:44:24
So I've been on here long enough to know that some people lose their appetite as a s/e of Lexapro. I hadn't experienced that. In my fifth week though and for the past few days I have not been eating much nor have I been very hungry. I have been on 10 mg for about 10 days (after being on 5 mg for four weeks). Last night I was WIRED so I guess the Lex is doing something a litle different now. No question here, just felt like babbling a little about latest changes. Good luck everyone.
Posted by Dr. Bob on January 7, 2004, at 1:28:24
In reply to Re: here it is . . . » reluctant, posted by Journeyman on January 6, 2004, at 15:05:12
> Have you ever read 'Speak?' by Laurie Halse Anderson?
I'd just like to plug the double double quotes feature at this site:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#amazon
The first time anyone refers to a book without using this option, I post this to try to make sure he or she at least knows about it. It's just an option, though, and doesn't *have* to be used. If people *choose* not to use it, I'd be interested why not, but I'd like that redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20020918/msgs/7717.html
Thanks!
Bob
Posted by melley on January 7, 2004, at 5:39:51
In reply to hey where did my appetite go?, posted by sip on January 7, 2004, at 1:17:23
I too have the same loss of appetite. And that occurred when I bumped up to 10mg. Esp with sweets. Just no desire for them and I was a sweet tooth kinda gal.
> So I've been on here long enough to know that some people lose their appetite as a s/e of Lexapro. I hadn't experienced that. In my fifth week though and for the past few days I have not been eating much nor have I been very hungry. I have been on 10 mg for about 10 days (after being on 5 mg for four weeks). Last night I was WIRED so I guess the Lex is doing something a litle different now. No question here, just felt like babbling a little about latest changes. Good luck everyone.
Posted by Neatfreak on January 7, 2004, at 9:21:54
In reply to Re: hey where did my appetite go?, posted by melley on January 7, 2004, at 5:39:51
This is my 28th day for Lexapro I have had no side effects, no appetite before Lex nor now so that is a wash, but now my mood swings are not extreme where it was from hate to love for my wife it is now love to indifference I will be ok with her or without her. Not sure that is from the Lex or the support I have received.
Posted by nicky847 on January 7, 2004, at 9:28:05
In reply to Re: Lexapro - Expectations-Steve , posted by Steve3211 on January 6, 2004, at 17:15:44
Steve-
Yeah the heaves are awful but I had them when starting Celexa too so it wasnt totally unexpected..I will say though that Lexapro seems to reduce my appetite and I dont remember that happening with Celexa...not complaining though I still get hungry at meal times, esp. dinner so as long as I'm eating OK I will take not having weight gain..
> Thanks guys I find this board to be so helpful. Mariposa you are awesome - Really puts my mind at ease to know that rash should go away.
> Nick the heaves are insane (perhaps an inappropriate term) in the morning for about 3 - 4 minutes then I feel actually quite a bit better. I am always most anxious in the morning, beginning of the day so maybe this is a reaction to the anxiety.
Posted by LynneDa on January 7, 2004, at 10:14:25
In reply to Re: hey where did my appetite go?, posted by Neatfreak on January 7, 2004, at 9:21:54
Neatfreak - You touched on something I've been feeling recently and feared maybe it was a *bad* result of getting rid of my anxiety and depression? Maybe it's okay.
I've been on Lex for about 2 1/2 months. Part of my anxiety issues were about keeping my husband happy so he doesn't leave me and does he really love me, etc. I was beginning to worry cuz now I am not so worried about losing him and what he thinks of me. Maybe it's not indifference, but just finally feeling comfortable and not worried that I'll lose him or that he doesn't love me, etc. Maybe this is NORMAL? I don't know if I'd recognize that :-). Just thought I'd share that result of being on meds to see if it struck a chord with you!!
~ Lynne
Posted by Anjul on January 7, 2004, at 10:47:20
In reply to Re: hey where did my appetite go?, posted by LynneDa on January 7, 2004, at 10:14:25
Lynne
Me, too! I was ALL worried about the same issue. On 10 mg I didn;t really care if he left or not. It made me a little nervous, but it was kinda fun,too! I lowered my dose to 7.5 cuz of excessive weight loss and no sleep. Now
i care more and am aware of the fear but I don't spend much time there. And, I'm sleeping!
Posted by KathrynLex on January 7, 2004, at 10:51:49
In reply to Re: Lexapro - Expectations [Shelly], posted by BobYuma on January 6, 2004, at 20:32:37
I like Bobs idea, then at least I'd have a use for the repeating song lyrics.
Posted by Neatfreak on January 7, 2004, at 10:55:30
In reply to Re: hey where did my appetite go?, posted by LynneDa on January 7, 2004, at 10:14:25
Oh yes more than a chord sheleft in Aug but really we have been seperated for over two years, in the same house only. a two year struggle for any sign that would point towards a reconciliation. I have reached indifference and am very relived . not sure this is normal but it is much preferred to where I have been.
The happier Neatfreak
Neatfreak - You touched on something I've been feeling recently and feared maybe it was a *bad* result of getting rid of my anxiety and depression? Maybe it's okay.
>
> I've been on Lex for about 2 1/2 months. Part of my anxiety issues were about keeping my husband happy so he doesn't leave me and does he really love me, etc. I was beginning to worry cuz now I am not so worried about losing him and what he thinks of me. Maybe it's not indifference, but just finally feeling comfortable and not worried that I'll lose him or that he doesn't love me, etc. Maybe this is NORMAL? I don't know if I'd recognize that :-). Just thought I'd share that result of being on meds to see if it struck a chord with you!!
> ~ Lynne
Posted by LynneDa on January 7, 2004, at 11:38:21
In reply to Re: hey where did my appetite go?, posted by Anjul on January 7, 2004, at 10:47:20
Anjul - I think that is where we want to be - not in worry-mode all the time. Hooray!
~ Lynne
Posted by LynneDa on January 7, 2004, at 11:42:25
In reply to Re: hey where did my appetite go?, posted by Neatfreak on January 7, 2004, at 10:55:30
NF - Yes, indifference is a GOOD thing for you - since you are separated and need to feel that way in order to sort things out and put things in perspective. I am happy for you if the Lex makes that part of your life easier to deal with! Keep feeling healthy!!
~ Lynne
Posted by KathrynLex on January 7, 2004, at 12:05:08
In reply to Re: hey where did my appetite go?, posted by Anjul on January 7, 2004, at 10:47:20
About my second week of taking 10 mg of Lex I came down with horrible flu symptoms. My doc said it was a coincidence that I came down with something right as I started taking the drug. But a lot of people on this board have had a similar experience. Why haven't doctors heard of this if it is so common?
Posted by LynneDa on January 7, 2004, at 12:09:16
In reply to Lex Flu - Why Haven't Doctors Heard of It?, posted by KathrynLex on January 7, 2004, at 12:05:08
I'll have to pull the insert, but I think I remember it saying one of the s/e's of Lex could be upper respiratory problems. I had a horrible sinus infection, cough and then ear infection at about 8 weeks. It lasted 2 or 3 weeks. I am prone to sinus infex, but they usually don't last that long! Maybe it was related?
~ Lynne
Posted by nicky847 on January 7, 2004, at 12:11:36
In reply to Lex Flu - Why Haven't Doctors Heard of It?, posted by KathrynLex on January 7, 2004, at 12:05:08
I havent experienced the "Lex Flu" but I think it can be explained in 1 of 2 ways...
1. The body's immune system is weakened due to the shock of adjusting to the Lex..(many people also experience flu-like systems when coming OFF of an SSRI so I think this is the most likely explanation)..making it less able to fight off viruses..and there is alot of flu going around right now..
or
2. The body reacts to Lex as a pathogen and releases an immune response (fever, histamine, etc.)
to me either explanation makes sense..
> About my second week of taking 10 mg of Lex I came down with horrible flu symptoms. My doc said it was a coincidence that I came down with something right as I started taking the drug. But a lot of people on this board have had a similar experience. Why haven't doctors heard of this if it is so common?
Posted by Forbidden on January 7, 2004, at 13:04:02
In reply to Re: Lex Flu - Why Haven't Doctors Heard of It?, posted by nicky847 on January 7, 2004, at 12:11:36
I have found on other websites about how Lex does give flu like symptoms as well. I had mild forms of this too.
> I havent experienced the "Lex Flu" but I think it can be explained in 1 of 2 ways...
>
> 1. The body's immune system is weakened due to the shock of adjusting to the Lex..(many people also experience flu-like systems when coming OFF of an SSRI so I think this is the most likely explanation)..making it less able to fight off viruses..and there is alot of flu going around right now..
>
> or
>
> 2. The body reacts to Lex as a pathogen and releases an immune response (fever, histamine, etc.)
>
> to me either explanation makes sense..
>
>
> > About my second week of taking 10 mg of Lex I came down with horrible flu symptoms. My doc said it was a coincidence that I came down with something right as I started taking the drug. But a lot of people on this board have had a similar experience. Why haven't doctors heard of this if it is so common?
>
>
Posted by KathrynLex on January 7, 2004, at 14:40:00
In reply to Re: Lex Flu - Why Haven't Doctors Heard of It?, posted by nicky847 on January 7, 2004, at 12:11:36
Both of nicky's suggestions make sense to me. I just can't help but wonder why my doc didn't draw the same conclusions. But I was told that the Lex and flu symptoms were completely unrelated. The doc never even suggested that my flu could be explained in either way nicky mentioned. I'm wondering if my doc is horribly uninformed or if it was simply coincidence that I got sick right as I started taking Lex.
> I havent experienced the "Lex Flu" but I think it can be explained in 1 of 2 ways...
>
> 1. The body's immune system is weakened due to the shock of adjusting to the Lex..(many people also experience flu-like systems when coming OFF of an SSRI so I think this is the most likely explanation)..making it less able to fight off viruses..and there is alot of flu going around right now..
>
> or
>
> 2. The body reacts to Lex as a pathogen and releases an immune response (fever, histamine, etc.)
>
> to me either explanation makes sense..
>
>
> > About my second week of taking 10 mg of Lex I came down with horrible flu symptoms. My doc said it was a coincidence that I came down with something right as I started taking the drug. But a lot of people on this board have had a similar experience. Why haven't doctors heard of this if it is so common?
>
>
Posted by vonnie on January 7, 2004, at 15:17:41
In reply to Re: Lex Flu - Why Haven't Doctors Heard of It?, posted by KathrynLex on January 7, 2004, at 14:40:00
>Kathryn, if its a coincidence for you then it is for me too! I really thought I had the flu for two weeks, but then it dawned on me after reading some postings that other people were feeling the same way. It just so happened that the "flu" came on once my dosage was upped from 5mg to 10mg p/day. I havent asked my doc about it yet, but I will see what he says. I dont have the flu anymore...thank goodness!
Both of nicky's suggestions make sense to me. I just can't help but wonder why my doc didn't draw the same conclusions. But I was told that the Lex and flu symptoms were completely unrelated. The doc never even suggested that my flu could be explained in either way nicky mentioned. I'm wondering if my doc is horribly uninformed or if it was simply coincidence that I got sick right as I started taking Lex.
>
> > I havent experienced the "Lex Flu" but I think it can be explained in 1 of 2 ways...
> >
> > 1. The body's immune system is weakened due to the shock of adjusting to the Lex..(many people also experience flu-like systems when coming OFF of an SSRI so I think this is the most likely explanation)..making it less able to fight off viruses..and there is alot of flu going around right now..
> >
> > or
> >
> > 2. The body reacts to Lex as a pathogen and releases an immune response (fever, histamine, etc.)
> >
> > to me either explanation makes sense..
> >
> >
> > > About my second week of taking 10 mg of Lex I came down with horrible flu symptoms. My doc said it was a coincidence that I came down with something right as I started taking the drug. But a lot of people on this board have had a similar experience. Why haven't doctors heard of this if it is so common?
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by KathrynLex on January 7, 2004, at 17:13:13
In reply to Re: Question for Forbidden, posted by Forbidden on January 6, 2004, at 17:25:26
Hi Forbidden,
I thought I'd check in and see how day 19 is treating you. I know exactly what you mean about feeling like it takes you a bit longer to process information. It could start creating problems for me at work if it lasts much longer.
How were your fist few weeks on the drug? Mine were awful. I thought I was going crazy the second week...but that seems to have let up. Have you tried other drugs for anxiety? This is my first one for long term use. (I've taken Klonopin, Lorazempam and Xanax for short term use and the pdoc recently recommended Lex.)
K
> Hi K,
>
> I actually mistyped when I said how long I have been on Lex, I have been on it exacty 18 days as well! Crazy eh?
>
> Anyway, I am feeling better I can tell - I still have bad days, or hours like today. I am getting these off/on headaches, some nasuea. I still feel some lightheadedness, but that was a big reason I started taking this. I do at times feel a bit out of it, as though it takes a bit longer for me to process information, you know what I mean?
>
> I also have started waking up 2 or 3 times every night, but usually get back to sleep fairly quickly.
>
> I never really felt depressed, but my Dr. told me that I am suffering from a type of depression fueled by anxiety, a type of depression that does not have the typical signs.
>
> Nice speaking with you.....let's keep up the chat.
>
> > Forbidden,
> >
> > I have been taking 10 mg of Lex for about as long as you have (18 days). I'm wondering, how are you feeling? Less depressed/anxious? Noticing any change in side effects?
> >
> > I feel really out of it, muddled thinking. My anxiety is letting up a bit though, and that's nice. I can't sleep through the night yet, but I don't feel quite as depressed. :)
> >
> > K
>
>
Posted by Bali on January 7, 2004, at 17:23:14
In reply to Re: hey where did my appetite go?, posted by Neatfreak on January 7, 2004, at 10:55:30
Neatfreak and others: I have the same feeling of not worrying (obsessing?) about things as much as I used to. For example, I was so hard on myself about my body, weight, and the fact that I am aging...duh--everyone is!. I now feel that I look damn good for a woman of my age and enjoy the compliments from other people about how young and active I am. Before when people would compliment me on the above, in my head (and sometimes out loud to family) I'd say, "Yeah, okay, but I am older, heavy, and feel like I could be so much better." Despite what others would say, I wouldn't really believe inside myself that I was attractive or worthy of the compliments. I think the relationship issues you discussed, Neatfreak, and your new response to them maybe just means you are approaching things in a much healthier way and not "obsessing" about them.(?) You are seeing things in a new perspective without insecurities [about your relationship] getting in the way of your perception. Just a thought...what do you all think? Bali
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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