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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by BLKVETTES on January 16, 2004, at 2:06:46
In reply to Long Term Side Effects of Lex?, posted by KathrynLex on January 15, 2004, at 13:20:38
> Has anyone read anything about the long-term side effects of lexapro? I feel a little uncomfortable about taking a drug without knowing what it will do to me in the long run.
>
> K.There is nothing to read its to new. But you can look at the older antidepressants. But it will probably take a generation or two for your answer. But everyone is so different. They still disagree about aspirin. Regular checkups with your family doctor will help warn you of complications. A simple blood test for liver problems should done at least once a year. Some family doctors wont even prescribe antidepressants unless they have this test done.
WAYNE
Posted by BLKVETTES on January 16, 2004, at 2:09:30
In reply to Re: Long Term Side Effects of Lex?, posted by BLKVETTES on January 16, 2004, at 2:06:46
HEY GOOD TO SEE YOU POST!!!!!! TAKE CARE!!!!!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by BLKVETTES on January 16, 2004, at 2:17:37
In reply to Re: someone help!, posted by vandy on January 15, 2004, at 21:06:45
>>>>>>>And let your body tell you when you need to taper off the meds. By no means should you rush it. The meds are like any other tool. I never saw a mechanic try to wean himself off a screwdriver or hammer!
OH YES THAT WAS GOOD VANDY!!!!!! I LIKE THIS THAT I READ BELOW AWHILE BACK. THIS IS WHY I STILL TAKE MY MED!!!!!!!!
WAYNE8. DO THE SSRIs WORK, AND FOR HOW LONG?
The big questions for people with depression are do the drugs really work and, if so, how long do you need to keep taking them for?In people who have had more than two episodes of "major" depression, and got better with antidepressants, research has now shown that over the next three years;-
Less than 1 in 4 people who carry on taking an antidepressant become depressed again
Nearly 9 out of 10 people who do not take an antidepressant become depressed again
If you stop your antidepressant after you have got better, you are six times as likely to become depressed again within three years2 out of every 3 people who stop their antidepressant after three years become depressed again within the next two years
Only 1 in 20 people who carry on with an antidepressant become depressed again
We do not know for certain what happens after five years. Many people may be advised to carry on with an antidepressant for longer but that is a decision for you and your doctor to make.
http://www.nmhct.nhs.uk/pharmacy/moa-ssri.htm
Posted by Missy K on January 16, 2004, at 7:30:58
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful -- Dana, posted by Danab on January 15, 2004, at 18:58:39
Hi everyone. I started Lexapro a week ago to treat SAD. My second day I started having trouble sleeping and I've woken up every day this week with horrible anxiety attacks and nausea. I've read a few posts here and see that anxiety is a side effect? Will it go away quickly? I'm not sobbing anymore but I almost preferred that to the anxiety and nausea. I always feel better by late afternoon, but I need to know this is not going to last...I've never taken antidepressants before, this is a very new experience for me.
Posted by BobYuma on January 16, 2004, at 7:56:24
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful -- Dana, posted by Danab on January 15, 2004, at 18:58:39
> Hi Dr Bob,>
> Thanks so much for the insight. I think you are absolutely right--I will stop reading anything about side effects until I actually have reason to. As I said, last night was my first dose and I did not have any side effects yet that would seem extreme. ALthought from some post I've read, sometimes the worst side effects take a few weeks to raise their ugly heads. I am VERY tired and almost feel fluish ( that sort of dull headache--nothing extreme though). The only other thing I've noticed is a sort of "flat" feeling, just a kind of lack of any emotion except a vague anxiousness. I guess I just have not realized how I'm perceive by other people lately. Today, two people told me that they never see me smile or look happy anymore. I was stunned---had it become that noticable??
Anyway, thanks to all who shared their thoughts with me and gave encouragment---Hanging On, Kathyrn ( Negative Thinking Patterns---thats me too!), Gaza and Mariposa.
I'll keep ya'll posted on my experience with Lexapro---hopefully I'll find the true me again.
And Dr Bob, the weather here is so so. Too hot as far as I'm concerned--mid 60's today and 70's tomorrow and raining...ugh! A very bad hair weekend (not good for someone who's hair causing a lot of anxiety :) ) I'll trade you....
Dana in New Orleans > > > >Hello again, Dana. Thanks for the weather report. Sorry I can't trade places with you, but I'd send you some lower temps and less rain if I could (just for the bad-hair days).
First, let me clarify something if I may: I'm not Dr. Bob, I'm BobYuma. Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD, the gentleman who owns and runs the website (but thanks for the compliment).
You mentioned having a dull type of headache. That seems to be a normal side effect with Lex. I've had that one off and on since shortly after starting Lex. Most of us have found that it's easily taken care of if it becomes too bothersome. Just take whatever you normally take for headaches and it should dissipate.
That tired feeling you mentioned is also a side effect. But guess what, most of us agree that it's only the brain telling us that we're tired. If you go ahead and make yourself get up and go, and do whatever activity you want or need to do, the feeling goes away. It seems that all we need to do is let the brain know that the body isn't tired, and somehow we no longer have the tired feeling (most of the time).
About Smiling: Just do it. It's that simple. Remember, you don't need a reason to smile. Plus, smiling can lead to laughter, and laughter is good for anything that ails us, no kidding.
Next, you may not believe it, but you actually "sound" better in your last message than you did in the first one. I hope part of that stems from all the positive messages you received here. Just know that everyone on the message board is here for you, and we'll be here anytime you have questions or just want to rant. We rant too.
Take care, God Bless, and hang in there -- it gets better.
BobYuma
Posted by BobYuma on January 16, 2004, at 8:16:13
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful -- Dana, posted by Missy K on January 16, 2004, at 7:30:58
>>>Hi everyone. I started Lexapro a week ago to treat SAD. My second day I started having trouble sleeping and I've woken up every day this week with horrible anxiety attacks and nausea. I've read a few posts here and see that anxiety is a side effect? Will it go away quickly? I'm not sobbing anymore but I almost preferred that to the anxiety and nausea. I always feel better by late afternoon, but I need to know this is not going to last...I've never taken antidepressants before, this is a very new experience for me.>>>>
Hello, Missy.
If you're really having anxiety attacks, I think you should notify your doctor. Whether it's stemming from the Lexapro or not, your doc can give you something to help that. I found that Lexapro makes me feel very wired, almost hyper at times. I hate that feeling, so I take Lorezapam, usually at night, which allows me to "calm" down before going to sleep.
Perhaps you should also ask your doctor about something to help you sleep. Sleep is imperative when your body is in stress.As far as the feeling of nausea, that's also a side effect that some have. I never had that one, so I can't really relate to it, but I'm sure that some others on the message board can help you with it. I believe I've read that some people take Benedryl for that, but you may want to wait to see what others say about it, or even ask your doctor about it.
I'd be interested in knowing the amount of Lexapro your doctor has you taking. It seems that poeple have fewer and less bothersome side effects if they start off with just 5 mgs. Also, what time of day do you take the Lex?
By the way, all the side effects will go away. It's just a matter of coping until they do.
Remember, we're all here for you anytime of day or night.Take care and God Bless.
BobYuma
Posted by Gaza on January 16, 2004, at 8:30:32
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful -- Dana, posted by BobYuma on January 16, 2004, at 7:56:24
Hey Bob Yuma, you said;
"About Smiling: Just do it. It's that simple. Remember, you don't need a reason to smile."A friend of mine smiles all the time. I asked him why. He said that he usually doesn't feel like smiling, but he does anyway, and when he does, it makes him feel so much better, that he feels like smiling anyway.
So, he forces himself to smile, and it makes him cheerful. He doesn't first smile because he's cheerful.
Posted by LynneDa on January 16, 2004, at 9:06:52
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful, posted by Gator on January 15, 2004, at 14:28:19
You're welcome! I'm glad you felt better after sharing. You deserve lots of hugs back for all you've been through and especially because you came out of it in one piece!!
{{{{{Gator}}}}}
Hope you have a good weekend!
~ Lynne
Posted by BobYuma on January 16, 2004, at 9:08:38
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful -- Dana, posted by Gaza on January 16, 2004, at 8:30:32
> Hey Bob Yuma, you said;
> "About Smiling: Just do it. It's that simple. Remember, you don't need a reason to smile."
"A friend of mine smiles all the time. I asked him why. He said that he usually doesn't feel like smiling, but he does anyway, and when he does, it makes him feel so much better, that he feels like smiling anyway.
So, he forces himself to smile, and it makes him cheerful. He doesn't first smile because he's cheerful.>>>>Hi, Gaza. Smart friend you have there.
Take care, BobYuma
Posted by LynneDa on January 16, 2004, at 9:18:00
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful -- Dana, posted by Missy K on January 16, 2004, at 7:30:58
Hi Missy - Welcome to the club! What you are feeling has been felt by many others. It generally seems to take about 2 weeks for the worst of the side effects (s/e's) to abate. Just take it easy for the first couple of weeks. If anxiety & nausea get too bad, call your doc and see if you can get something to help you through it.
You can do it! So many of us have found an easing of our anxiety and/or depression and some peacefulness from this med. It will allow you to look at the world in a whole new (better!) way, it can improve your personal relationships and just make you more productive in general.
Keep your thoughts on the end goal - it may take 4 weeks or it may take 10 before you truly feel yourself again, but after 2 weeks, I can promise you will see a big difference :-)
Have a good weekend and try to do some relaxing things for yourself over the next week. We're glad to have you here!
~ Lynne
Posted by BobYuma on January 16, 2004, at 9:56:51
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful » Missy K, posted by LynneDa on January 16, 2004, at 9:18:00
Hi, Guys.
Gotta question for anyone who can answer it. By the way, thanks for all the answers and information you've given me in the past, I truly don't know what I would have done without you. Let's face it, the doctors can't honestly answer our questions unless they've "been here" and it seems not many have.My question concerns the amount of Lex we take. My doc started me on 10 mgs six weeks ago. It was prescribed for depression. Since the first week on Lex I haven't experienced any real feelings of depression. At this point, I feel that depression is completely out of my system, so to speak. I have to say that Lexapro was no less than a gift from God in that respect.
Now the only problem I have is the constant "wired" feeling and hyperness that I have. I also still have the headaches almost every day, of course I take something for them, but would rather not have them at all.
My question is: Have any of your ever switched from 10 to 5 mgs and if so, what did you experience? Of course, I don't want the depression to come back, but would love to feel normal again in the other areas mentioned. Actually I've already taken the 5 mgs for two days now, but so far can't tell any difference at all.
I know it's possible that all of the side effects will go away around the two months mark, but frankly, I'm just sick of these SE's (call me Mr. Impatient), and I think it's a possibility that 5 mgs will do the job, and hopefully lessen the intensity of the side effects. And my theory is, why take it if you don't need it. I'm sure I'll find out in time if the 5 mgs are doing the job, but still, I'd like to hear the experiences off anyone has done this before.
Thanks, BobYuma
Posted by Esmarelda on January 16, 2004, at 10:09:31
In reply to Question: Lexapro 5 and 10, posted by BobYuma on January 16, 2004, at 9:56:51
I can't remember which one, but either Wayne or Lil Jimi is on a 7.5 mg dose which they cut back from the original prescribed dosage. Everyone has their different level that works for them. If 5 mg works, go for it! Less is better.
Posted by BobYuma on January 16, 2004, at 10:14:49
In reply to Re: Question: Lexapro 5 and 10 » BobYuma, posted by Esmarelda on January 16, 2004, at 10:09:31
> >I can't remember which one, but either Wayne or Lil Jimi is on a 7.5 mg dose which they cut back from the original prescribed dosage. Everyone has their different level that works for them. If 5 mg works, go for it! Less is better.>>>
Thanks, Esmarelda, that's exactly what I think.
Bob Y
Posted by Gator on January 16, 2004, at 10:21:57
In reply to Gator, posted by Bali on January 15, 2004, at 19:13:10
Thank you Bali and Lynne for the hugs. I will accept all of them. I am feeling really good today. Maybe because I am back among friends that care about me! You guys are awesome!!!
Have a good weekend!Gator
Posted by BLKVETTES on January 16, 2004, at 10:47:18
In reply to Question: Lexapro 5 and 10, posted by BobYuma on January 16, 2004, at 9:56:51
> Hi, Guys.
> Gotta question for anyone who can answer it. By the way, thanks for all the answers and information you've given me in the past, I truly don't know what I would have done without you. Let's face it, the doctors can't honestly answer our questions unless they've "been here" and it seems not many have.
>
> My question concerns the amount of Lex we take. My doc started me on 10 mgs six weeks ago. It was prescribed for depression. Since the first week on Lex I haven't experienced any real feelings of depression. At this point, I feel that depression is completely out of my system, so to speak. I have to say that Lexapro was no less than a gift from God in that respect.
>
> Now the only problem I have is the constant "wired" feeling and hyperness that I have. I also still have the headaches almost every day, of course I take something for them, but would rather not have them at all.
>
> My question is: Have any of your ever switched from 10 to 5 mgs and if so, what did you experience? Of course, I don't want the depression to come back, but would love to feel normal again in the other areas mentioned. Actually I've already taken the 5 mgs for two days now, but so far can't tell any difference at all.
>
> I know it's possible that all of the side effects will go away around the two months mark, but frankly, I'm just sick of these SE's (call me Mr. Impatient), and I think it's a possibility that 5 mgs will do the job, and hopefully lessen the intensity of the side effects. And my theory is, why take it if you don't need it. I'm sure I'll find out in time if the 5 mgs are doing the job, but still, I'd like to hear the experiences off anyone has done this before.
>
> Thanks, BobYumaI did experimenting with my med which of course I dont recommend. I take 7.5mg and have been there for a long time. But anytime I went as high as 10mg I would get anxiety. If I went down to 5 mg I was slightly depressed. I changed doses about 50 times until I came up with 7.5mg A few mgs. either way can make a huge difference in some people according to things I have read. I have read more than once on other boards about people messing with their dose. They have lowered it for different reasons. The main reason was they thought it would stop weight gain. They became depressed and after raising the dose back the depression did not go away.
WAYNE
Posted by Anjul on January 16, 2004, at 11:09:33
In reply to Re: Question: Lexapro 5 and 10, posted by BLKVETTES on January 16, 2004, at 10:47:18
I went from 10 to 5 because I was wired (no sleep, losing weight). I crashed something wicked! I wish I had gone down to 7.5. Now I am on 7.5 but want to go to 10 mg every other day (7.5 on alternate days). HAs anyone thried that? Anjul
Posted by lil' jimi on January 16, 2004, at 11:54:08
In reply to HI LIL JIMI, posted by BLKVETTES on January 16, 2004, at 2:09:30
Posted by Steve3211 on January 16, 2004, at 12:00:51
In reply to Question: Lexapro 5 and 10, posted by BobYuma on January 16, 2004, at 9:56:51
> Hi, Guys.
> Gotta question for anyone who can answer it. By the way, thanks for all the answers and information you've given me in the past, I truly don't know what I would have done without you. Let's face it, the doctors can't honestly answer our questions unless they've "been here" and it seems not many have.
>
> My question concerns the amount of Lex we take. My doc started me on 10 mgs six weeks ago. It was prescribed for depression. Since the first week on Lex I haven't experienced any real feelings of depression. At this point, I feel that depression is completely out of my system, so to speak. I have to say that Lexapro was no less than a gift from God in that respect.
>
> Now the only problem I have is the constant "wired" feeling and hyperness that I have. I also still have the headaches almost every day, of course I take something for them, but would rather not have them at all.
>
> My question is: Have any of your ever switched from 10 to 5 mgs and if so, what did you experience? Of course, I don't want the depression to come back, but would love to feel normal again in the other areas mentioned. Actually I've already taken the 5 mgs for two days now, but so far can't tell any difference at all.
>
> I know it's possible that all of the side effects will go away around the two months mark, but frankly, I'm just sick of these SE's (call me Mr. Impatient), and I think it's a possibility that 5 mgs will do the job, and hopefully lessen the intensity of the side effects. And my theory is, why take it if you don't need it. I'm sure I'll find out in time if the 5 mgs are doing the job, but still, I'd like to hear the experiences off anyone has done this before.
>
> Thanks, BobYuma
Hi Bob,I can tell you this! I have been having an awful time with s/e's since I bumped up from 5mg to 7.5mg 3-4 days ago. Again I am not sleeping and my appetite is suppressed and anxiety is driving me through the ceiling especially in the morning. I am getting pretty sick of this. The first day on 7.5mg was great after that all down hill. Got 5 hrs sleep last night, woke up at 4am and could not get back to sleep. Night before that 3 hrs sleep. This is making me nuts and I really feel like quitting right now. This after 24 days. After not dry heaving in the shower for a week I am right back at it every morning and feel now on top of these have upset stomach, nausea again and dizziness too. Oh and shaky as well. Has anyone else felt these? So pissed off and frustrated about this. Sorry to vent. Thanks Steve
Posted by BobYuma on January 16, 2004, at 12:21:42
In reply to Re: Question: Lexapro 5 and 10, posted by BLKVETTES on January 16, 2004, at 10:47:18
> > I did experimenting with my med which of course I dont recommend. I take 7.5mg and have been there for a long time. But anytime I went as high as 10mg I would get anxiety. If I went down to 5 mg I was slightly depressed. I changed doses about 50 times until I came up with 7.5mg A few mgs. either way can make a huge difference in some people according to things I have read. I have read more than once on other boards about people messing with their dose. They have lowered it for different reasons. The main reason was they thought it would stop weight gain. They became depressed and after raising the dose back the depression did not go away.
WAYNE >>>>>Thanks, Wayne.
You guys are making me think maybe I should go to 7.5 mgs before I crash on 5. Don't want that to happen. Thanks for your input.
BobYuma
Posted by BobYuma on January 16, 2004, at 12:33:54
In reply to Re: Question: Lexapro 5 and 10, posted by Steve3211 on January 16, 2004, at 12:00:51
>>> Hi Bob, I can tell you this! I have been having an awful time with s/e's since I bumped up from 5mg to 7.5mg 3-4 days ago. Again I am not sleeping and my appetite is suppressed and anxiety is driving me through the ceiling especially in the morning. I am getting pretty sick of this. The first day on 7.5mg was great after that all down hill. Got 5 hrs sleep last night, woke up at 4am and could not get back to sleep. Night before that 3 hrs sleep. This is making me nuts and I really feel like quitting right now. This after 24 days. After not dry heaving in the shower for a week I am right back at it every morning and feel now on top of these have upset stomach, nausea again and dizziness too. Oh and shaky as well. Has anyone else felt these? So pissed off and frustrated about this. Sorry to vent. Thanks Steve >>>
Thanks, Steve. It's a dilemma for sure. Good luck, God bless, and thanks for your input.
BobYuma
Posted by KathrynLex on January 16, 2004, at 13:31:36
In reply to For you all and the new gal, posted by sexylexy on January 15, 2004, at 17:27:40
Hi Lexy,
I'm glad to hear that you're feeling better. It's interesting that your depression is the result of taking birth control pills. Do you mind if I ask what kind you were taking and how long you took them for?
I read one of your posts below about not being able to pick out bread at the grocery store. Last weekend when I tried to purchase some clothes, it was impossible for me to count out my money at the check out! After about 4 minutes, I had to ask someone if I had counted out the right amount and all I had to do was come up with two 20's and a 10!
I'm on day 28 now and I have to say things are getting better. The spacey feeling is almost gone. It's not nearly as bad as it was a little while ago...I really hope you start seeing a huge improvement soon. Let us all know how you're doing.
K.
Posted by sexylexy on January 16, 2004, at 13:58:32
In reply to Hi Lexy, posted by KathrynLex on January 16, 2004, at 13:31:36
K~
Thanks for your concern. I was taking Alesse 28 (Im not sure if I spelled that correct?). Since I had never had any symptoms of depression before, I really did not even know what was happening, I thought I was just homesick, then when I went home, things just got worse. Finally I just cold turkey stopped taking everything (bc pill, vitamins ect). Within 24 hours of not taking the pill I felt like a new girl, like me again.
As the pill left my system (We believe the progersterone was the main culprit) I continued to feel better. However 10 days later, by un-luck, I had a friend die suddenly. My body went straight from normal happy,then I started to get sad. My body was so terrified of how it felt to become depressed again that I had overwhelming anxiety. After this I flew home for a long weekend and was able to pull out of the anxiety/depression.
I was again fine for 21 day and again had some un-luck of getting into a huge fight with my boyfriend. After this I crashed with the anxiety which turned into depression b/c I could not pull out of it. I then began Zoloft which made me feel like a drooling zombie. I stayed with that for about 2 weeks and absolutley could not take it.
Now I am on lexapro day 25. I have been feeling pretty sick due to a sinus infection so I am just kind out of it anyway. At this point I think that I am passed the "depression" but almost have like PTSD symptoms very strange. I am just hoping to get better. Thus far today, I have had no spacey feeling and it had been decreasing untill my epidode yesterday at the grocery store.
Can you tell me a little more about how you said you were feeling a little anxious after not feeling that way for some time? I had been pretty mellow on Lex but for the past day or so been having some anxiety, I would love to hear your story.
Thanks!
Lexy
Posted by Missy K on January 16, 2004, at 14:19:27
In reply to Re: Question: Lexapro 5 and 10, posted by Steve3211 on January 16, 2004, at 12:00:51
Hi Steve,
I've only been on this for a week, and my doctor put me on 10, but I'm feeling those exact same s/e's. When I'm not anxious I'm wired, I'm dry heaving all morning, really uncomfortable. I'm going to give it a couple of weeks (assuming I can take it that long) and then I'll ask my doctor about decreasing the dosage. I told him about the anxiety (the worst part) and he gave me another prescription to help me relax. For a woman who has never been on any sort of drug, this is getting insane. And it's especially bad since I have a 1-year old who is extremely sensitive to my sleeping patterns. Anyway, I hope you feel better...
Posted by KathrynLex on January 16, 2004, at 14:21:58
In reply to Re: Hi Lexy, posted by sexylexy on January 16, 2004, at 13:58:32
Lexy,
It's good to know that some birth control pills can "teach" your body to be depressed. It sounds like you were having a very rough time of it with the death of your friend followed by anxiety and then depression. None of those things are very easy to deal with. (A friend of mine died a couple of years ago and it has been one of the most difficult things I've ever faced.)
I'm glad to hear that you're starting to feel happier on Lex. My mood has been considerably better lately.
One odd thing that I've noticed, and it sounds like it might be happening to you too, is I'll feel fine for several days and then I'll have one or two days where I'll feel anxious. I think this will go away over time. My guess is that the days of feeling anxious will become further and further apart, until they disapper. That's my hope anyway.
This message board has been a life saver. It's so nice to know that other people are going through the same things we are! Keep me posted on your progress. It will be nice when we're both back to our "old selves."
K.
Posted by KathrynLex on January 16, 2004, at 14:28:15
In reply to Re: Question: Lexapro 5 and 10, posted by Missy K on January 16, 2004, at 14:19:27
Hi Missy,
The first few weeks on lex are the most difficult, but worth waiting out. Most of the side effects I was experiencing tapered off at the end of the third week. I'm on day 28 of 10 mg lex and feeling pretty good. It was definately worth waiting out those first weeks! Good luck to you.
K.
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