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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by mel_light on March 22, 2004, at 9:43:58
In reply to Re: Does it get better to Lynne » linnie, posted by LynneDa on March 19, 2004, at 11:57:16
> Hi Linnie -
> I started at 10 mg, then upped to 20 mg after 10 weeks. I've now been on 20 mg for about 11 weeks. My worst times are right before my period and that is the reason I upped. That time is now much better, I get a little out of wack but not too bad. I still have insomnia and some inorgasmia that I would like to address. I'm tired of medicating myself to sleep, but if that is my only alternative I guess that's it. I'm not ready to go off the Lex!
> Take care,
> Lynne
> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>I also have problems worse rigt before my period. I've now been on lex for 5 weeks and feel better anxiety wise but have been having horrible nightmares...Has anybody else experienced this? I don't know if it's just because I'm pms'ing right now or if this is normal...HELP???
Posted by sexylexy on March 22, 2004, at 9:57:35
In reply to Re: Does it get better/ Nightmares on lex street, posted by mel_light on March 22, 2004, at 9:43:58
Hey Linnie,
When I took zoloft for 3 weeks, I had terrible vivid nightmares. Now on lex (20mg) I have really wild vivid dreams but there are not scary as were the other ones. My doctor told me to try to really relax before going to sleep. My father is a psychologist and he gave me some tapes to listen to which are really good for relaxation. This seems to help me forget the dreams I am having and put me in a better sleep. You may want to go to like barnes and noble and pick up a good relaxation tape. Listen to it before bed and see if it helps!
Good luck, God Bless,
Lexy
Posted by want info on March 22, 2004, at 10:39:04
In reply to Re: Does it get better/ Nightmares on lex street, posted by mel_light on March 22, 2004, at 9:43:58
the pms thing i think is normal...so many ppl on this board have felt out of whack before their periods. i feel that way myself right now. im at the end of my 6th week!! EM
Posted by ednababish on March 22, 2004, at 10:51:02
In reply to Re: Does it get better/ Nightmares on lex street, posted by mel_light on March 22, 2004, at 9:43:58
My dreams are certainly very vivid--but I take trazadone for insomnia and chronic pain associated with fibromyalgia. They were also vivid while I was pregnant. Could be either the meds OR the natural hormonal surges. Believe it or not it could also be considered a good thing--remembering dreams means that you are getting adequate REM sleep, which is necessary to physical as well as emotional healing. But a few good sleep rituals and talismans are probably in order as well: twenty pages of a good book or a dose of Nick at Night, flannel jammies, warm milk, a warm and fragrant bath with lavender, chamomile, vanilla (Bath and Body Works aromatherapy line is wonderful, especially the lavender and vanilla), soothing pillow spray, t-shirt sheets or flannel sheets, low lights. Just writing that made me feel relaxed! Just remember that your bed is your haven, not your battleground. Good luck and good night.
Posted by platinumbride on March 22, 2004, at 13:08:58
In reply to For those on lex and wellbutrin, posted by sexylexy on March 19, 2004, at 21:19:20
Although lexapro was not effective for depression, I am glad that I had some left when I first went on wellbutrin, for it did help some of that anxiety I had during the initial stages of my wellbutrin use.
Still and all, I DID have to use klonopin (still do...and did even without wellbutrin in the picture) so I don't imagine it would be a bad thing to have a benzo handy just in case you need it for the adjustment period you body will go through with wellbutrin.
Lex and wellb seems to be a good bet for a lot of people, so if you decide to go with it, I hope it will be a good cocktail for you too....
Diane
Posted by want info on March 22, 2004, at 13:28:44
In reply to Re: Hey Mrs C., posted by Mrs. C on March 21, 2004, at 21:59:30
hi mrs c...i just posted to her too...it's so hard, i feel awful too. i don't know what the point of this post is other than to say i feel awful and am thinking of her (and all of us!!) too...EM
Posted by Anjul on March 22, 2004, at 19:10:40
In reply to Re: Hey Mrs C., posted by mystic on March 21, 2004, at 22:11:32
Hi everyone. I'm on 10 Lex and still can;t get much sleep (since October). My pdoc gave me Remeron to take at night (15 mg). I'm wondering what to expect and whether to take the 15 mgs or just 7.5. HAs anyone tried this combo????
thanks, Anjul
Posted by sideorder on March 23, 2004, at 8:28:09
In reply to Re: Sexual Dysfunction and Lexapro? Need Feedback, posted by sltex on March 19, 2004, at 18:21:07
sltex- thanks for the reply. I've been on lex for about 6 days now and thankfully no ED---but as you stated, it does cause the delayed ejaculation...but hey---that's not all bad and my girlfiend and I can work around it. I'm just hoping over time that it doesn't cause any decreased libido. hoping it's all worth it.
Posted by sexylexy on March 23, 2004, at 20:07:55
In reply to Re: Lexy and Kathryn, posted by KathrynLex on March 19, 2004, at 12:30:02
K~
Where are you? I miss you. Hope you have not been around because you are feeling so good. Just know I am thinking of you and miss you.
Lexy
Posted by sltex on March 23, 2004, at 21:56:44
In reply to Re: Sexual Dysfunction and Lexapro? Need Feedback, posted by sideorder on March 23, 2004, at 8:28:09
Sideorder, after 6-7 weeks on Lex, I am feeling much better and it seems to be worth the working around the sexual s.e. No problem with libido here but the delay requires some patience and seems worse when I have had any alcohol, so you might give that some consideration. Good luck and hope Lex helps you.
Posted by KathrynLex on March 24, 2004, at 12:25:26
In reply to Kathrynlex, posted by sexylexy on March 23, 2004, at 20:07:55
Hey Lexy,
I've been a little out of it...that could be beacause my period is right around the coner. I see my pdoc on Thursday, so I'm hoping he can suggest something to help even out my mood around that time of the month.
How have you been? Did you go up to 20 mgs and/or add Wellbutrin? That's one of the things I plan on discussing with my pdoc tomorrow. I hope you've been doing well!
K.
Posted by mel_light on March 24, 2004, at 12:58:28
In reply to Re: Kathrynlex, posted by KathrynLex on March 24, 2004, at 12:25:26
sorry to chime in on your conversation but I've been having a really hard time the past 2 days and I think it's because I'm pms'ing Is it always like this? I don't know if I need to up my lexapro or just keep taking xanax while I'm on my period???
Posted by want info on March 24, 2004, at 13:07:24
In reply to Re: Kathrynlex, posted by mel_light on March 24, 2004, at 12:58:28
me too me too!
today is the first day of my period and i feel totally spaced out and weird. im finishing 2 wks on 15mg ... blah
Posted by want info on March 24, 2004, at 13:08:52
In reply to Re: Kathrynlex, posted by KathrynLex on March 24, 2004, at 12:25:26
hey k...ive said this 15 times to different people :) but today's the first day of my period and i feel totally spaced out and weird. it resembles my worst moments on lex...E
Posted by AzureBay on March 24, 2004, at 13:17:03
In reply to Sexual Dysfunction and Lexapro? Need Feedback, posted by sideorder on March 19, 2004, at 16:23:05
Well, I've taken both Lexapro and Celexa. I'll give you my honest opinion about Lexapro and sexual function. Btw, I'm male and 43. It actually does make you "last longer," which really isn't a bad thing. I would say it slightly decreases libido, but not all that much. My personal experience has been that Celexa/Lexapro are one of the few SSRIs that increase the intensity of orgasm. Again, maybe that's just me but they do seem to do something to make it more pleasurable in the end.
The KEY is your dosage. If you go above 5-10mg there is a good chance you'll have some problems. At least I did at higher doses. My personal philosophy is to take the lowest dose you can that relieves your symptoms - where you also have the least side-effects.
Good luck and let us know how it goes!
Azure
> I was just prescribed Lexapro by my doctor for general stress/anxiety reduction. I was told that the sexual side effects were minimal...primarily "ejaclatory delay" (and only happens to a small precentage).... I guess if it's "delayed", it wouldn't be that big of a deal---just so it eventually happens. Also wondering if it causes any erectile dysfunction or decreased libido. I really don't want to become sexually dysfunctional in any way. Any men out there taking Lexapro (or women who are with men taking Lexapro) that can give me the lowdown? I have a VERY healthy sex life with my girlfriend and hate to see it take a turn just because I'm taking an anti-anxiety drug. Any advice/comments or feedback would be appreciated. Also, don't even know if I'm "posting" in the right place...I'm totally new to this.
>
Posted by Mrs. C on March 24, 2004, at 14:03:06
In reply to Re: Kathrynlex, posted by mel_light on March 24, 2004, at 12:58:28
Hi Mel, Alot of us have had to increase our dosage because of the pms issue, me included. How much lex are you on? If your pms becomes intolerable (anxiety, worry, etc.) maybe talk to your doc about increasing. Ijust went up 5mgs to 15mgs and feel pretty good. Good luck, Mrs. C
Posted by KathrynLex on March 24, 2004, at 16:04:02
In reply to Re: Kathrynlex, posted by mel_light on March 24, 2004, at 12:58:28
Hi Guys,
My period is right around the corner and I've felt awful...depressed and anxious. I just don't think Lexapro is effective during PMS and my period. It's a drag.
I took .5 mgs of Klonopin last night and again this morning. It seems to have helped a little bit. Maybe I'll try increasing my dose or adding Wellbutrin...something has to work. I'll discuss all these things with my pdoc tomorrow and let you know what he says.
K.
Posted by KathrynLex on March 24, 2004, at 16:10:45
In reply to Re: Kathrynlex, posted by Mrs. C on March 24, 2004, at 14:03:06
Hi Mrs. C,
I'm really glad to hear you're doing well at 15 mgs. I'm debating increasing my dose or doing something...because the lex doesn't seem to work during my period or when I have PMS. How odd. (Not to mention frustrating.) I feel fine for 3 weeks out of 4, but my period hits and all my symptoms of anxiety and depression come back.
Again, I'm happy to hear you're doing well at 15 mgs. It sounded like you were having a little bit of a rough time before increasing. It's nice to see that you've found a solution.
K.
Posted by sexylexy on March 24, 2004, at 16:38:40
In reply to Re: Kathrynlex » Mrs. C, posted by KathrynLex on March 24, 2004, at 16:10:45
Ya'll
Spacey, grumpy and irritable seem to describe me around my time of the month. The lex seems to kinda go down during that time. Yuck! My cylces have gotten increasingly better as they go on. I am on month 3 and it is not nearly as bad as cycle one ( whew, I literally felt like someone was re-wiring my brain.) Good luck!! K let me know what your doc says, we will all be dying know!
God Bless,
Lexy
Posted by want info on March 24, 2004, at 16:58:58
In reply to Lex and PMS, posted by KathrynLex on March 24, 2004, at 16:04:02
hi k...you feel that way DURING your period as well as before? i'm right there with you...feeling horribly anxious and spacey (agreeing with lexy, it feels like someone's rewiring my brain)...but i am in the midst of day 1, so it's not really PMS per se. i love how literal i am when i'm like "is everyone having the EXACT same symptoms i am?" but if it's DURING your period as well, you definitely aren't alone. let us know what the doc says!
EM
Posted by mel_light on March 24, 2004, at 17:45:12
In reply to Re: Kathrynlex, posted by Mrs. C on March 24, 2004, at 14:03:06
I'm only on 5 mgs right now have been on for a little over 5 weeks now. But I had some pretty good days and then wham, fliiping out over nothing again. I can't stand it so I've been taking xanax to try and fight it. I was just wondering if it was going to be like this every month...Just when I feel like I'm getting better and back to normal.
Posted by bride2be on March 24, 2004, at 17:47:06
In reply to Re:lexapro good now going bad » male34, posted by NOTINSANEJUSTPPMD on February 19, 2003, at 10:19:41
third day on lexapro. headaches in the morning and at night. i feel discouraged b/c celexa only took a week to work for me. i guess all meds are different. i suffer from mild depression-mood swings and anxiety. any advice is welcomed!
Posted by KathrynLex on March 24, 2004, at 18:10:27
In reply to new lexapro girl!, posted by bride2be on March 24, 2004, at 17:47:06
Hi BridetoBe,
Welcome to the Lexapro family. I agree with you that it's discouraging having to wait so long before the Lex kickes in...but let me assure you, the results are worth the wait!
It just takes a while for your body to adjust to the new medication. This was my experience with the first few weeks on Lex: (Keep in mind yours might be different because meds effect everyone so differently.)
Week 1: Noticed a few uncomfortable side effects
Week 2: Side effects peaked and this was the most uncomfortable week for me
Week 3: Side effects began to decline
Week 4: I noticed positive changes in my mood
Week 5: Some people continue to see positive mood changes. Although, I hit a slump at week 5 and increased to 15 mgs.
Week 6: Adjustment to 15 mgs wasn't difficult. Felt tired, but no other side effects.
Week 7 and on: Continued positive changes in my anxiety/mood.A few words of advice:
- Note: Lexapro can cause anxiety for the first few weeks that you take it. Keep some Klonopin or Xanax nearby so you can have it if you start to feel overly anxious.
- If you start feeling any uncomfortable side effects that you're worried about, post them on this board. I can guarantee that other people have had the same symptoms and know what to do about them.
-Try taking advil for your headaches and just take it easy over the next couple of weeks while your body gets used to the Lexapro.Best of luck and keep us posted on how you're doing.
K.
Posted by bride2be on March 24, 2004, at 18:26:31
In reply to Re: new lexapro girl!, posted by KathrynLex on March 24, 2004, at 18:10:27
> Hi BridetoBe,
>
> Welcome to the Lexapro family. I agree with you that it's discouraging having to wait so long before the Lex kickes in...but let me assure you, the results are worth the wait!
>
> It just takes a while for your body to adjust to the new medication. This was my experience with the first few weeks on Lex: (Keep in mind yours might be different because meds effect everyone so differently.)
>
> Week 1: Noticed a few uncomfortable side effects
> Week 2: Side effects peaked and this was the most uncomfortable week for me
> Week 3: Side effects began to decline
> Week 4: I noticed positive changes in my mood
> Week 5: Some people continue to see positive mood changes. Although, I hit a slump at week 5 and increased to 15 mgs.
> Week 6: Adjustment to 15 mgs wasn't difficult. Felt tired, but no other side effects.
> Week 7 and on: Continued positive changes in my anxiety/mood.
>
> A few words of advice:
>
> - Note: Lexapro can cause anxiety for the first few weeks that you take it. Keep some Klonopin or Xanax nearby so you can have it if you start to feel overly anxious.
> - If you start feeling any uncomfortable side effects that you're worried about, post them on this board. I can guarantee that other people have had the same symptoms and know what to do about them.
> -Try taking advil for your headaches and just take it easy over the next couple of weeks while your body gets used to the Lexapro.
>
> Best of luck and keep us posted on how you're doing.
>
> K.
>thanks so much! i feel better already! very anxious, but better!
Posted by wantinfo on March 24, 2004, at 18:34:31
In reply to new lexapro girl!, posted by bride2be on March 24, 2004, at 17:47:06
hey bride...dont worry about the headaches, you'll be ok. i'm in my 6th/7th week and still get them now and then. the anxiety WILL get better though. welcome! em
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