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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Alain on January 13, 2004, at 14:09:55
In reply to Re: I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro » Bill435, posted by Mariposa on November 27, 2003, at 15:16:25
Hi everyone, Just started lexapro 4 days ago. Started with 5mgs. I take it at night. Gives me real bad headaches. Wake up feeling spacey and full of anxiety. Is anxiety a side effect of Lexapro? Does it go away? I was on Lexapro before and within 5 weeks I was feeling pretty good. I don't remember it making me anxious. Would appreciate any advice...
Posted by hanging on on January 13, 2004, at 14:22:07
In reply to Re: I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro, posted by Alain on January 13, 2004, at 14:09:55
> Hi everyone, Just started lexapro 4 days ago. Started with 5mgs. I take it at night. Gives me real bad headaches. Wake up feeling spacey and full of anxiety. Is anxiety a side effect of Lexapro? Does it go away? I was on Lexapro before and within 5 weeks I was feeling pretty good. I don't remember it making me anxious. Would appreciate any advice...
Hi, well I'm not the voice of experience on day 7 of lex, but I had bad headaches at the start. Took ibuprofen (2-200mg) and that helped alot. Not having them much at all anymore. Did have the morning anxiety real bad too. Don't know if it was due to the lex because I have had that before on and off effexor.
On day 7 and feeling a little better except for extreme gastro problems that I think are going a little away (with some immodium-ad). I guess the only thing to do is treat the symptoms until we get over the hump... and support each other. :-)
Posted by hanging on on January 13, 2004, at 14:24:54
In reply to Re: Loosing my mind on Lex? - HELP , posted by KathrynLex on January 13, 2004, at 11:12:20
> Hi Hanging On,
>
> I lost several pounds the first few weeks I took Lex. I'm on day 25 of 10 mg of Lex and my appetite has slowly started coming back. Don't be too concerned with your upset stomach unless it's causing you pain for an extended period of time. If it does, you might want to check with your doc.
>
> How long did you say you've been on Lex? For me, the first two weeks were very difficult (made easier with the support of the wonderful people on this board!) and I noticed a significant improvement in side effects/mood by week 3. Hang on for a few weeks to give your body time to adjust. Even though it's difficult, it is worth it!
>
> K.
only been on lex for 7 days... very much in need of the support from this forum and thankful for it. Its difficult not to hope for a miracle with this drug when you feel so bad.C.
Posted by Esmarelda on January 13, 2004, at 14:25:18
In reply to Re: I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro, posted by hanging on on January 13, 2004, at 14:22:07
I have been on Lex for 7 months. I did not really have any side effects except for some loss of appetite and nausea. I did feel more depressed and anxious before I got better. At week 5 or so, the Lex really kicked in and I felt a lot better. Hang in there!
Posted by Gaza on January 13, 2004, at 14:28:17
In reply to Re: I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro, posted by Esmarelda on January 13, 2004, at 14:25:18
7 months?! Can you answer the orgasm question from the previous post. It sure would be nice to know what to expect 7 months out. Please?
> I have been on Lex for 7 months. I did not really have any side effects except for some loss of appetite and nausea. I did feel more depressed and anxious before I got better. At week 5 or so, the Lex really kicked in and I felt a lot better. Hang in there!
Posted by Gaza on January 13, 2004, at 14:32:26
In reply to Re: Loosing my mind on Lex? - HELP , posted by hanging on on January 13, 2004, at 14:24:54
Esmarelda, hang in there. What I did was take 30 mg my first day. Man, did I think that was a mistake, I really suffered for 3 days. But you know what? That seems to have made it very noticably kick in within 8 days. Man was that a relief! I was at the very very end of my rope!
> only been on lex for 7 days... very much in need of the support from this forum and thankful for it. Its difficult not to hope for a miracle with this drug when you feel so bad.
>
> C.
Posted by Kim B. on January 13, 2004, at 14:33:27
In reply to Re: Lexapro SLEEP problems ??, posted by John2222 on January 13, 2004, at 11:25:40
> Is Lexapro (and other SSRI's) a cause of sleep problems? I'm only taking 5mg of Lexapro and yet like clockwork, I go to sleep easily at 10pm, then wake up 4 hours later. I read or watch tv for an hour, then get sleepy again, and sleep for another 4 hours. Net effect is 8 hours/night.
>
> I think I read somewhere that SSRI's affect REM sleep patterns (not sure what that is exactly).
>
Hi,I also experience the 4 hour sleep cycle but it doesn't seem too hard to fall back to sleep so I just go with it. I have noticed in the mornings though that I feel very groggy or spacy and nauseated, does anyone know if this would still be a side effect of the Lexapro this would be week 5 for me. ( I have just switched to 10mg vs the 5 mg a week ago) Thanks to any one who can help.
Posted by Jayslace on January 13, 2004, at 14:35:49
In reply to Re: I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro, posted by Gaza on January 13, 2004, at 14:28:17
I'm having excellent luck with my Lex. I was on the 10mg for at least 4 months. Now on 20mg since Jan 1st. That took me for a loop by making me so tired and feeling like a robot. But for the last few days I have been doing lots better. And , just the 10mg itself pulled me out of a deep, suicidal ideation depression. I don't feel anxiety so much, I feel more energetic I would call it. All in all, I'm all for the Lex. And we're all here to help us all get past these side effects.
Stick with it if you can.
Ruthie
Posted by sexylexy on January 13, 2004, at 14:44:45
In reply to Re: I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro, posted by Alain on January 13, 2004, at 14:09:55
Welcome to Lexapro~
No just kidding, I can tell you that Lexapro is not the most fun thing to get over side effects of but little by little they will begin to go away. I was so spacey the other day that I wanted to quite and now its cleared up some.... I am only 22 days in but I think you should stick it out. Use the board for support these people are wonderful and offer inspiring stories which make the wait worth it!
Good luck
Lexy
Posted by Esmarelda on January 13, 2004, at 14:46:36
In reply to Re: I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro, posted by Gaza on January 13, 2004, at 14:28:17
I am not sure that I can really be helpful, Gaza. I have noticed that it is more difficult, but during this time period, I have also broken up with my significant other and I don't have much drive if you know what I mean so it's hard to tell whether it's me or the Lex. I wish I could help you. I didn't notice it affecting my drive or the big O at first.
Posted by Esmarelda on January 13, 2004, at 14:47:41
In reply to Re: I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro, posted by sexylexy on January 13, 2004, at 14:44:45
I think it will be worth it to you, lexy.
Posted by KathrynLex on January 13, 2004, at 15:14:30
In reply to Re: I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro, posted by Alain on January 13, 2004, at 14:09:55
Hi Alain,
The first few days I took Lexapro it made me fairly anxious. (I'm on day 25 of 10 mg of Lex) The anxiety went away by the beginning of the third week. I felt extremely out of it, very "spacey" until just recently.
I would give it 5 weeks, since that is how long it took for you to feel good when you were on it before. So far, the side effects you have experienced are fairly common. Yes, they're unpleasant, but worth getting through so you can feel better. Good luck!
K.
Posted by KathrynLex on January 13, 2004, at 15:21:35
In reply to Re: Loosing my mind on Lex? - HELP , posted by Gaza on January 13, 2004, at 14:32:26
It's unfortunate that these drugs take so long to kick in, especially when you are so depressed. When I first started on Lex my pdoc prescribed risperdal and said it can help Lex kick in faster. It was too intense for me, but you might want to look into it.
K.
Posted by mopey on January 13, 2004, at 15:26:47
In reply to Re: I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro, posted by Alain on January 13, 2004, at 14:09:55
For the first week or two i was taking lex at bedtime and woke up a couple of hours later really anxious and thoughts racing, all from one disaster scenario to another.
I switched ot taking it in the morning and that helped, as I was distracted with other things, but still felt a bit spacy after taking it.
Yesterday I tried 6 p.m. and that worked the best. I'm certainly feeling way less anxious during the day too.
Good luck!
Posted by Mariposa on January 13, 2004, at 16:42:12
In reply to Re: Long term Lex users - please comment, posted by Mariposa on January 13, 2004, at 8:26:32
> In Feb. I'll have been on Lexapro one year. Currently at 20mg, and I'm starting to get that *feeling* that Lex isn't quite working. Had 3 days off and just sat on the couch not feeling quite right. I know I should probably increase my dosage again.
>
> My question is....will this continue, will I need an increase again in 4-5 months? I would appreciate any comments from long term users on how much you are taking, and how long has that dosage worked, how long did it take between raising your dose?
>
> Any comments would be appreciated!~~~8|8ANYBODY OUT THERE??? Don't mean to *scare* any newbies, but I worry about this A LOT!!!~~~8|8
P.S. Have pdoc appt. in Feb.
Posted by workerbee on January 13, 2004, at 16:46:00
In reply to Re: Orgasms on the side of milk cartons, posted by Gaza on January 13, 2004, at 13:50:18
YES!! Thank you all for this website! You have helped tremendously!
I too have experienced trouble with Orgasms and being on 10mg of Lex for a few months now, I can happily say that the side effects, although they can be a pain, are getting better. I used to wake up very groggy and had a pounding headache. After the first few weeks this has diminished. Reaching orgasm, initially was also a big problem for me and disappointing because I had always reached them easily. They too have gradually come back. At first i thought i would never get there. But little by little they would take shorter time and now i am *almost* back to normal and am feeling GREAT! Also bear in mind that while you are in the act, you may also be convincing yourself that you cant reach orgasm therefore won't. Just try not to think about it.For those of you struggling with the side effects of Lexapro..i strongly recommend you try to muscle through them. I know it is tough!! I have been there! Trust me - reaping the rewards of this is well worth the pain of the side effects.
You should all be proud of yourselves for being strong enough and brave enough to improve the quality of your lives! I am rootin for you all!
Keep your spirits up and have faith that you will feel better!!
Posted by Esmarelda on January 13, 2004, at 16:50:08
In reply to Re: IS IT THE DREADED *POOP-OUT*???, posted by Mariposa on January 13, 2004, at 16:42:12
I responded earlier. I am having same experience only sooner.
Posted by Bali on January 13, 2004, at 17:07:42
In reply to Re: IS IT THE DREADED *POOP-OUT*??? » Mariposa, posted by Esmarelda on January 13, 2004, at 16:50:08
Hi Mariposa. I'm sorry that so far no one has responded. It may be due to the fact that once a person has started to feel better, they don't check the posts as often, or it may also be that mostly "newbies" come to this site. I am not a newbie nor an old hand, but I've been on Lex since October 23rd. I'm on 10MG and have begun to think that maybe I need to go up in dosage. Some of the negative thoughts that I was battling pre-Lex are seeping through. I have not had any significant upset in my life, it's just that I don't feel as positive as I did just a short week ago. From my past posts you may have read that I was almost euphoric with the good feelings I was having. So maybe it is "pooping out" on me too. I do know that is still doing something for my mood and attitude because I am smiling more than I used to but not as much as I did a month ago. I wish I could help you. Maybe someone will see our posts who has been on Lex for more than 7 months.
Posted by BLKVETTES on January 13, 2004, at 17:53:22
In reply to Re: IS IT THE DREADED *POOP-OUT*???, posted by Bali on January 13, 2004, at 17:07:42
I to will be on lexapro for a year in february. I take it for panic attacks, anxiety and depression. In the last year I thought maybe I have been going through the poop out thing several times. Each time After a week or so Im fine again. Ive been on 7.5mgs for over 6 months thats just guessing. Being depressed or suffering from anxiety time to time is normal for anyone breathing. Sometimes a simple cold or not getting enough sleep triggers these thoughts of poop out. Cant honestly say anyone is having poop out or not. But time to time everyone is going to be depressed with really no reason. Thats just a fact and thats just the way it is!!!!!! Dont dwell on it if possible and see if it passes. The worst thing you can do is just lay around. I find going for a drive or shopping or just getting out of the house does wonders for me. Sometimes I will just sleep and that does the trick. I dont exercise much but hear from others that say that helps so much. DRINK LOTS OF WATER!!!!!!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by KathrynLex on January 13, 2004, at 17:56:18
In reply to Re: IS IT THE DREADED *POOP-OUT*???, posted by Mariposa on January 13, 2004, at 16:42:12
Hi Mariposa,
I've only been on Lex for a little under a month. But I do have a few thoughts on "the dreaded poop-out."
Feeling inactive for only 3 days might have been a temporary slump, it might not mean you need to increase your meds. You should keep an eye on it for a few more weeks and see if your mood improves. Hopefully it will.
While I am a Lexapro "newbie" I do have some experience with other meds. When I was on Prozac I had a similar experience to yours. I took 10 mg for a year and noticed that it wasn't working as well so my pdoc increased my dose to 20 mg. That stopped being effective after about 6 mo, and I started taking 40 mg. I was horribly worried that this was the beginning of a cycle where I would have to increase my dose every six months. However, my mood was great at 40 mg for the next three years that I took it.
It's entirely possible that you simply haven't found an ideal dosage yet. Also, there are probably other drugs you can take in addition to the Lex that increase its effectiveness.
Having a drug poop-out on you is frustrating, not to mention disappointing. I hope that your mood slump is temporary.
K.
Posted by Bali on January 13, 2004, at 18:28:06
In reply to Re: IS IT THE DREADED *POOP-OUT*???, posted by BLKVETTES on January 13, 2004, at 17:53:22
Wayne, Thanks for your response. I actually exercise a whole lot, but only drink water during the time I'm exercising. I don't drink water at all at other times. I drink Crystal Light and caffeine free Diet Coke (I know, really bad, huh?). I am going to make a conscious effort to drink water, though. Anything to get this drug to work as it did a couple of weeks ago. I hate the dark thoughts I am having again. I actually hide them very, very well, but I'm having them again. (To much lesser extent, though.) Any thoughts from anyone? Bali
Posted by Vandy on January 13, 2004, at 20:08:23
In reply to Re: I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro, posted by Gaza on January 13, 2004, at 14:28:17
10 months here! I'll give that question a shot. (Ooops, does everything have more than one meaning. Darn, I'm just going to let it happen.)
It will come. (See what I mean!) But you have to relax. It's just like any other orgasm, or waiting for Santa Claus or your team to win the super bowl. If you get all aprehensive it won't come as fast. Just relax. (Yeah, Vandy is a man, in case you didn't know.) Now for the distaff side of things. I'm married to a wonderful lady who's been taking Lex for over a year. She's very honest. Couldn't lie if she had to do it. I made her promise never to fake it. She promised. She says it comes back, too. For both of us it's just like before only better. Amazing how depression and anxiety can inhibit good sex. It's also amazing how great sex can be without anxiety and depression.
> 7 months?! Can you answer the orgasm question from the previous post. It sure would be nice to know what to expect 7 months out. Please?
>
> > I have been on Lex for 7 months. I did not really have any side effects except for some loss of appetite and nausea. I did feel more depressed and anxious before I got better. At week 5 or so, the Lex really kicked in and I felt a lot better. Hang in there!
>
>
Posted by Vandy on January 13, 2004, at 20:16:26
In reply to Re: IS IT THE DREADED *POOP-OUT*???, posted by Bali on January 13, 2004, at 17:07:42
Started ten months ago on 20 mg. from the beginning. Never increased. Never decreased. The only variations I've tried is to do 10 mg. A.M. and 10 mg. P.M. No noticable effect so I went back to 20 all at once. I'm taking it in the evening now. That's something the good people in this thread suggested. It worked for me.
No poop out yet.
My wife is a 10 mg. Lex person. Never complained of side effects, been on it a year and shows no poop out signs.
> Hi Mariposa. I'm sorry that so far no one has responded. It may be due to the fact that once a person has started to feel better, they don't check the posts as often, or it may also be that mostly "newbies" come to this site. I am not a newbie nor an old hand, but I've been on Lex since October 23rd. I'm on 10MG and have begun to think that maybe I need to go up in dosage. Some of the negative thoughts that I was battling pre-Lex are seeping through. I have not had any significant upset in my life, it's just that I don't feel as positive as I did just a short week ago. From my past posts you may have read that I was almost euphoric with the good feelings I was having. So maybe it is "pooping out" on me too. I do know that is still doing something for my mood and attitude because I am smiling more than I used to but not as much as I did a month ago. I wish I could help you. Maybe someone will see our posts who has been on Lex for more than 7 months.
Posted by Journeyman on January 13, 2004, at 21:06:24
In reply to Re: IS IT THE DREADED *POOP-OUT*???, posted by Mariposa on January 13, 2004, at 16:42:12
Hi Mariposa,
I've been on Lex only since Nov. 21, so can't address your particular question, so I'll stick with what I can talk about.
Your presence on this board has helped a number of us significantly. In fact, whether you've written to us directly, or we've just enjoyed the benefits of gathering knowledge from your experience - your encouragement, support, good-heartedness, and helpful suggestions have helped every one of us. (Who among us hasn't learned from the Mariposa Chronicles?)
Vandy's post was helpful (as always), so reread it at least 5 times.
When the blue meanies come back to haunt us, however briefly, it's scary. However, as unsettling as that is, it doesn't necessarily mean that we've suddenly reverted to some earlier state where all we could see was pain, isolation, desperation, and no escape.
To be honest, I think it would be a much more troublesome situation, if we didn't have days when we felt a little sad. That's part of life, and a healthy response to some of the things that go on around (and in) us. Stop for a moment to think about the kind of job you have. (okay, that's long enough! You don't need to bring it ALL back). You spend virtually all of your time dealing with people who need something from you, and give you little or nothing in return for it. Even the healthiest of people, with no environmental or genetic causes for depression, would have moments, days, phases where they would feel 'down' because of circumstances. In a way, your current feelings may just be a very healthy response.
I in no way wish to diminish the potential serousness of your feelings, or deny they aren't real. Of course they are. But to an extent, I think we're all like butterflies (to borrow from your name), in that some of the flowers we land on won't be as pleasant as others (that would be impossible), so we'll keep going and find others that give us what we need. That's just part of the journey.
Thank you for responding to the questions I had when I first posted on this site. It really helped.
May your flight be winged with beauty and grace, and take you where you wish to go.
Journeyman/Richard
Posted by Mariposa on January 13, 2004, at 21:52:29
In reply to Mariposa, posted by Journeyman on January 13, 2004, at 21:06:24
Thank you to all who resonded, I came home and found all these wonderful encouraging messages - JUST WHAT I NEEDED!!! You all have very good advice, and I'm going to try to stay positive (as I have encouraged many of you to do also). My hope is that I have not yet found my *ideal* dosage, and better times are ahead.
This is why I find myself coming back, the Best Support Group I have found in all my searching the Internet!! THANKS AGAIN TO EACH OF YOU!!!~~~8|8
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