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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Billy P on January 20, 2004, at 9:26:04
In reply to Re: Lexapro Withdrawal Dizziness » arrianna, posted by micheke on July 27, 2003, at 21:01:32
It's nice to know I'm not alone dealing with the issues of lexapro or no lexapro.
I started with Celexa about 18 mos ago and due to side effects switched to Lexapro-- my hopes of less side effects were smashed because lex seemed very similar to celexa. The main problem for me was sexual side effects which you'll never understand until you have them. Also with lexapro I feel more spaced out at work and at home. Simple chores seem to take me longer than they used to unmedicated. I guess I've been on lexapro for almost a year. Everytime I have tried to quit my depression/ moodiness seem to return which is terrible for my relationship with my wife (and our son). My doctor has me on as much as 20mg/day which is quite a bit compared to what I'm seeing from most people on this thread.
My current status is that I've quit cold turkey for 7 days now. I know you're supposed to taper off which I've done in the past, but we are trying to have another baby right now and the pharmacist told me that Lex could cause a low sperm count or other problems in our quest to conceive. So here I am suffering all day at work from dizziness and nausea (like constant motion sickness). However my sex drive and personal motivation are much better. I'm still not sure if I will decide to go back on once we conceive.. It will all depend on how badly my depression will be if it returns. Just needed to vent; thanks for reading. Any advice or comments would be helpful.
-Billy
Posted by LynneDa on January 20, 2004, at 9:33:59
In reply to Re: Lexapro Withdrawal Dizziness » micheke, posted by Billy P on January 20, 2004, at 9:26:04
Hi Billy - It sounds like you made a good choice due to wanting to expand your family. I never thought about it affecting males, just about females quitting so as not to hurt the baby's development. Thanks for opening my eyes to that :-).
You may want to look at some alternative/herbal/vitamin remedies for depression in the meantime. Omega-3, 5htp, etc. There is an alternative section to this board and many other good websites, books and natural food stores you could turn to.
Good luck!!!!
~ Lynne
Posted by sexylexy on January 20, 2004, at 9:35:48
In reply to Re: Mornings are so hard on lexapro, posted by LynneDa on January 20, 2004, at 9:08:28
Hey Ya'll
I have an odd question. I have been fighting this spaciness stuff since I have been on about 4 1/2 weeks. Its odd because it seems to not be around until I go somewhere with non natural light (ie a mall, target, grocery store) has anyone else noticed this and does it go away eventually. It like when I go to these places the spacey feeling comes back. HELP?
Lexy
Posted by Billy P on January 20, 2004, at 9:45:22
In reply to Re: Lexapro update - sexual side effects, posted by tm on August 2, 2003, at 9:19:18
I'm with whoever it was that wrote he would buy up all the stock on any new SSRI that would not cause sexual disfunction. I would probably try to get a free sample as soon as possible to test it out for myself.
My problems are the same as most men (that admit it); I can go forever, but I have trouble with orgasm, and when it comes it is not the "old me". It makes for a tremendous workout! I've done the viagra thing, but I hate dealing with my problem using another pill. In general I think all anti-d's do one thing-- reduce my masculinity. It's good for the mood swings, but not the other thing guys like (you know). My most recent endeavor is to get off lexapro (20mg/day) cold turkey. Damn! My wife and I are trying to conceive and I think the meds could be a problem. It's been a week and my sexual drive is already back... but so are the withdrawal symptoms.
Posted by Billy P on January 20, 2004, at 9:51:02
In reply to weird lexapro ? please respond!, posted by sexylexy on January 20, 2004, at 9:35:48
I've been on Lex for the most part of this past year, and that "spaciness" is part of the reason I have wanted to get off so badly. I have recently gone off for other reasons, but, yes, I remember first starting and the spaciness was a drugged up feeling that was almost nice, however it soon became aggrivating because I could no longer do things as quickly at work or at home. It was like I was walking in slow motion. I'm not sure what the lighting has to do with it. I do prefer natural light, but I think that is only because when I'm outside I am less claustrophobic. Enclosed spaces and lexapro don't seem to go together well for me.
Posted by LynneDa on January 20, 2004, at 9:55:19
In reply to weird lexapro ? please respond!, posted by sexylexy on January 20, 2004, at 9:35:48
Lexy - That is so interesting! I feel much spacier at work than at home. At work I am under fluorescent lights. I thought it was just that I am bored with my job so am not focusing as well. Or that I'm more tired/spacey in the mornings due to when I take my meds. But, over the holidays I was home for a week and, now that I think of it, I didn't experience that spaciness early in the day. Wonder why!
~ Lynne
Posted by Billy P on January 20, 2004, at 9:59:31
In reply to Re: weird lexapro ? please respond!, posted by LynneDa on January 20, 2004, at 9:55:19
Lynne,
I'm beginning to wonder if fluorescent lights have anthing to do with it. Do you have incandescent or fluorescent bulbs at home? Fluorescent bulbs are a source of "pulsating" light which is different from incandescent which is closer to natural light. Personally I like the natural light, but as I replied earlier I think that is because I feel less "enclosed".
Posted by LynneDa on January 20, 2004, at 10:11:36
In reply to Re: weird lexapro ? please respond!, posted by Billy P on January 20, 2004, at 9:59:31
It's an interesting concept. At home, we have a lot of natural light - I crave it and am always opening window shades and turning on lights! They're all regular bulbs, no fluorescents at home, but certainly they are at work. Being on meds that have a tendency to make me sleepy just makes it all worse, I guess! Everyone teases me cuz I have a little Tiffany-style lamp I keep in the corner of my "cube" desk to add better light to my area!
~ Lynne
Posted by KathrynLex on January 20, 2004, at 10:33:33
In reply to weird lexapro ? please respond!, posted by sexylexy on January 20, 2004, at 9:35:48
Hi Lexy,
I've experienced a little bit of this. It's strange because I've noticed that I suddenly have a very strong preference for natural light and my levels of concentration aren't as high when I'm inside.
The "spaciness" has faded quite a bit though. Maybe you should look in to getting a sun lamp for your office/home if you keep having this problem. Have you discussed it with your pdoc? He/She might have some useful ideas.
K.
Posted by nicky847 on January 20, 2004, at 10:41:02
In reply to weird lexapro ? please respond!, posted by sexylexy on January 20, 2004, at 9:35:48
Lexy-
I did not have this side effect but I have read that some people report increased sensitivity to light when beginning Lexapro...the good news is I have also read that this is one of the side effects that goes away relatively quickly.
Hope that helps a little..
nick
> Hey Ya'll
> I have an odd question. I have been fighting this spaciness stuff since I have been on about 4 1/2 weeks. Its odd because it seems to not be around until I go somewhere with non natural light (ie a mall, target, grocery store) has anyone else noticed this and does it go away eventually. It like when I go to these places the spacey feeling comes back. HELP?
> Lexy
Posted by KathrynLex on January 20, 2004, at 10:57:02
In reply to Starting all over again..., posted by cocohoneynut on January 20, 2004, at 7:12:07
Hello,
I'm on day 32 of 10 mg lex. I take it between 10:30 and 11:00 pm. I was prescribed lex to help with anxiety and depression. Weight gain hasn't been an issue for me...quite the opposite in fact. The first few weeks I was on it I lost several lbs.
If you start taking lex again, give yourself more than a week to adjust. It's taken me 5 weeks to see a noticable improvement in side effects. The first weeks I was on it, I felt like a zombie and it's taken quite a while to shake that feeling. But, my mood has improved quite a bit and my anxiety has been reduced to almost nothing.
I hope this info has been useful. I know those feelings of lonliness, sadness etc... are very difficult to cope with. Lex might be able to help. Good luck!
K.
Posted by nicky847 on January 20, 2004, at 11:39:12
In reply to Week 5, posted by KathrynLex on January 19, 2004, at 21:30:37
Kathryn--
I hope you dont get the week 5 blues either! but if you do..I can attest to the fact that week 6 is much better...if it happens to you just ride it out and know that its just a temporary thing and you will resume making progress in a few days..
nick> I'm on day 31 of 10 mg lex. I've got my fingers crossed hoping that I don't encounter the "week 5 blues." For those of you who have experienced it, did it go away by week 6?
>
> K.
Posted by Steve3211 on January 20, 2004, at 12:12:03
In reply to Re: Mornings are so hard on lexapro, posted by hanging on on January 19, 2004, at 8:21:23
hanging on,
I am in the same boat. Mornings are awful and I am having a hard time bumping up from 5mg's because of se's. Anxiety is the worst and mostly caused by insomnia. Fears just seem to come in every type of disguise. Wake up around 4am most nights and then just doze, so I'm never feel fully at my best. I had a pretty good day however yesterday and do feel like I am slowly coming around. Do you find that the evenings are better? That you can eat and relax better then? Best-Steve
Posted by Steve3211 on January 20, 2004, at 12:26:35
In reply to weird lexapro ? please respond!, posted by sexylexy on January 20, 2004, at 9:35:48
> Hey Ya'll
> I have an odd question. I have been fighting this spaciness stuff since I have been on about 4 1/2 weeks. Its odd because it seems to not be around until I go somewhere with non natural light (ie a mall, target, grocery store) has anyone else noticed this and does it go away eventually. It like when I go to these places the spacey feeling comes back. HELP?
> LexyHey Lexy,
That is interesting. I always have a problem with light when I am depressed. I am similar to Kath in that I don't like artificial flurescent light very much or the light in malls and such. However I find that I feel better with a soft yellow light that you get from a regular bulb and a warm colored shade. I guess it just seems more cozy and secure to me. The first thing I do when I come down in the morning is turn on the lamps especially if it is cloudy or gloomy out. Best-Steve
Posted by hanging on on January 20, 2004, at 12:30:24
In reply to Re: Mornings are so hard on lexapro, posted by Steve3211 on January 20, 2004, at 12:12:03
Everyone,
Thanks for all your support. I continue to hang on and hope for improvement. The support is a big help.
Steve,
I have been at 10mg since day 5. On day 12 or so now. Past all the se's that I can tell. I take it at 5-6pm. I am better in the evening and can eat and relax then. In the morning I can't eat a thing.
C.
Posted by KathrynLex on January 20, 2004, at 12:34:03
In reply to Re: Mornings are so hard on lexapro, posted by Steve3211 on January 20, 2004, at 12:12:03
Hi Steve,
I just wanted to comment on some of the side effects you're experiencing. I'm on a slightly higher dose than you (10 mg of lex for 32 days now) but felt very similar to what you're describing when I first started on lex.
For the first 3 wks I woke up at 4 am every morning and had a great deal of trouble getting back to sleep. I had no appetite, and yes, it was impossible for me to wake up...I was constantly late for work.
Now that I'm in the middle of week 5, things have improved. I sleep through the night! I still wake up groggy, but it only takes me about half an hour to clear my head. I hope your mornings start to get better!
K.
Posted by tiredman on January 20, 2004, at 12:57:57
In reply to I'm just learning to do this..., posted by Missy K on January 18, 2004, at 7:16:39
I've posted a few times before, all about the same problem. I'm on my fourth
month of taking lexapro. It's been torture. I follow a pattern. I increase the
dose. Suffer the side effects for a week. Feel better for a week or so. Then it
stops working. I then increase the dose and the pattern repeats. I've done this
going from 2.5->5.0->7.5->10.0->15->20->25 (every time suffering a week of side
effects). It also feels like when it does poop out, I feel worse then I did in
the first place.I just started 25mg. My pdoc has said that if this doesn't work then we will
have to start experimenting with other drugs. I already take trazadone and
perphenazine to sleep.She says I am taking the largest dose of Lexapro of all her patients. Are any of
you taking over 25 mgs? I am getting scared.Thanks!
Posted by LynneDa on January 20, 2004, at 13:07:31
In reply to Getting desperate. What's the max lex I can take, posted by tiredman on January 20, 2004, at 12:57:57
Hi! Sorry to hear you are having such a time! Your body must be worn out from repeated side effect exposure!! Just to be sure I understand, are you upping the dosage then waiting 2 weeks to see if the new dosage is effective?
For personal reasons, I am curious as to how you gauge the new dosage's effectiveness? I upped to 20mg from 10mg about 4 weeks ago and I think I've improved, but am still having some feelings of depression and anxiety - not as bad as with no meds and not as bad as on 10mg. Part of my problem is lack of sleep - that makes everything seem worse!
I know this must be frustrating for you. It would be nice to find a solution that is not so hard on you!
~ Lynne
Posted by Missy K on January 20, 2004, at 13:27:03
In reply to Re: Mornings are so hard on lexapro, posted by KathrynLex on January 20, 2004, at 12:34:03
Hey,
I'm on day 11 and I've been experiencing the same problems, but they are getting a little better. I still can't eat in the morning, but I'm not dry heaving either. I still wake up at 4AM shaking, but I don't experience all out dread. I'm looking forward to the day I can sleep through the night again, but for now I just am thankful for each day I feel a little better. Stay as active as you can, and remember we're all here.
Posted by Steve3211 on January 20, 2004, at 13:32:50
In reply to Re: Mornings are so hard on lexapro, posted by hanging on on January 20, 2004, at 12:30:24
> Everyone,
>
> Thanks for all your support. I continue to hang on and hope for improvement. The support is a big help.
>
> Steve,
>
> I have been at 10mg since day 5. On day 12 or so now. Past all the se's that I can tell. I take it at 5-6pm. I am better in the evening and can eat and relax then. In the morning I can't eat a thing.
>
> C.Thats me all right. Cannot really eat well at all during the day and then ok in the evening. Sounds like we are on the same path. Stick with it and as was posted before as the depression lifts the mornings will improve. Best-Steve
Posted by Steve3211 on January 20, 2004, at 13:33:26
In reply to Re: Mornings are so hard on lexapro, posted by hanging on on January 20, 2004, at 12:30:24
> Everyone,
>
> Thanks for all your support. I continue to hang on and hope for improvement. The support is a big help.
>
> Steve,
>
> I have been at 10mg since day 5. On day 12 or so now. Past all the se's that I can tell. I take it at 5-6pm. I am better in the evening and can eat and relax then. In the morning I can't eat a thing.
>
> C.Thats me all right. Cannot really eat well at all during the day and then ok in the evening. Sounds like we are on the same path. Stick with it and as was posted before as the depression lifts the mornings will improve. Best-Steve
Posted by BobYuma on January 20, 2004, at 13:37:27
In reply to Week 5, posted by KathrynLex on January 19, 2004, at 21:30:37
> >I'm on day 31 of 10 mg lex. I've got my fingers crossed hoping that I don't encounter the "week 5 blues." For those of you who have experienced it, did it go away by week 6?
K. > > >
-------------------------------------------
Hi, K.
My week five went fine, after the first day. The first day was a real bummer, I was really lethargic and felt lousy, but after that, I really couldn't tell any difference
Good luck, and remember, the best is yet to come. BobYuma
Posted by Mariposa on January 20, 2004, at 13:38:24
In reply to Getting desperate. What's the max lex I can take, posted by tiredman on January 20, 2004, at 12:57:57
>
> I've posted a few times before, all about the same problem. I'm on my fourth
> month of taking lexapro. It's been torture. I follow a pattern. I increase the
> dose. Suffer the side effects for a week. Feel better for a week or so. Then it
> stops working. I then increase the dose and the pattern repeats. I've done this
> going from 2.5->5.0->7.5->10.0->15->20->25 (every time suffering a week of side
> effects). It also feels like when it does poop out, I feel worse then I did in
> the first place.
>
> I just started 25mg. My pdoc has said that if this doesn't work then we will
> have to start experimenting with other drugs. I already take trazadone and
> perphenazine to sleep.
>
> She says I am taking the largest dose of Lexapro of all her patients. Are any of
> you taking over 25 mgs? I am getting scared.
>
> Thanks!I currently take 20mg, but my pdoc told me I could go up if I felt I needed to. He said he had patients taking 30 and 40mg. The highest dose I have heard of is 100mg posted by *cletus2* on this board.~~~8|8
Posted by BobYuma on January 20, 2004, at 13:45:30
In reply to Getting desperate. What's the max lex I can take, posted by tiredman on January 20, 2004, at 12:57:57
> > I've posted a few times before, all about the same problem. I'm on my fourth month of taking lexapro. It's been torture. I follow a pattern. I increase the dose. Suffer the side effects for a week. Feel better for a week or so. Then it stops working. I then increase the dose and the pattern repeats. I've done this going from 2.5->5.0->7.5->10.0->15->20->25 (every time suffering a week of side effects). It also feels like when it does poop out, I feel worse then I did in the first place.
I just started 25mg. My pdoc has said that if this doesn't work then we will have to start experimenting with other drugs. I already take trazadone and perphenazine to sleep. She says I am taking the largest dose of Lexapro of all her patients. Are any of you taking over 25 mgs? I am getting scared. Thanks!
> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >You don't have to be afraid. I've been on five different antidepressants, and out of those five, only two worked for me. If one doesn't work, that's why the other types and brands are there, to try out. Don't worry, you'll find one that works fine for you. I've never heard of anyone who couldn't be helped by at least one antidepressant. Take care and hang in there, the best is coming.
BobYuma
Posted by ednababish on January 20, 2004, at 13:52:21
In reply to Re: weird lexapro ? please respond!, posted by Steve3211 on January 20, 2004, at 12:26:35
Lexy--I have noticed (and also read) that panic syptoms can be aggravated by fluorescent lights--as migraine headaches can be triggered by the same. I've noticed that sodium arc lights are pretty nasty as well. I just chalk it up the notion that we're really messing with our basic biological ability to process stimuli with everything that we use that isn't natural. I noticed it too at first--just hang in there and soon you won't notice it as much.
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