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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by ednababish on April 21, 2004, at 8:51:24
In reply to I started Lexapro on Sunday!!, posted by aspensm0mmy on April 20, 2004, at 18:13:22
I think you feel great first because you feel like a huge burden has been lifted and you feel relief--as for me, when I made that switch I felt great as first too, then I did hit a bump, sort of bottomed at about three weeks before I really noticed a full effect. Paxil made me careless, numb, forgetful and dopey. Good Luck and keep us posted.
Edna
Posted by TexasChic on April 21, 2004, at 8:59:52
In reply to RE::: Hey texaschix, posted by mystic on April 20, 2004, at 18:17:57
Wow, I didn't know anybody remembered me or anything – thanks! I had not been doing so well for a while there, what with being in the black pit of depression that I was. But the Prozac has kicked in, and although I'm not 100% yet, I'm feeling so-o-o much better. I just hope my experience can be of help to someone. A different SSRI can make all the difference in the world!
Posted by mystic on April 21, 2004, at 18:29:19
In reply to Re: I started Lexapro on Sunday!!, posted by ednababish on April 21, 2004, at 8:51:24
Hey edna how are you doing..You havent posted lately and you havent posted in social babble...But anyway..How are the meds what are you on now????...Did you stay with the lexapro??...Hope you are doing well...Take care Mystic
Posted by ednababish on April 21, 2004, at 18:44:51
In reply to RE::: Edna, posted by mystic on April 21, 2004, at 18:29:19
I'm fine, thanks for asking. Went up to 20mgs last Sunday, so I'm a little tired. It's the end of the semester so I am incredibly busy right now. And tomorrow is my daughter's first birthday. But I'm thinking about you all and I'll be back around after the madness. Take care!
Edna
Posted by modeljenn on April 22, 2004, at 11:54:00
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I just started on 20mg of lexapro Sunday to treat my depression and last night I had a horrible headache, so I took a tylenol and went to bed. While I was trying to fall asleep I started to feel like I couldn't breathe, then I got pains in my chest and my arms and hands, I was sweating all over, and I felt like I was going to throwup. This happened for a few minutes at a time, then went away for a few minutes. It happened a total of 4 or 5 times. I called my doctor and she told me that lexapro is supposed to get rid of panic attacks not bring them on. But I've never had anything like this before. I thought I was dying or something...it was horrible! Has this happened to anyone else? What can I do to prevent this? I had to stay home from work today cause I feel all shaky and weak...and I'm afraid I'll have another one.
Jenn
Posted by Shelbynan on April 22, 2004, at 11:59:38
In reply to PANIC attacks! =(, posted by modeljenn on April 22, 2004, at 11:54:00
Hi. Yes, My first experience with a panic attack was so bad that I thought I was having a stroke. My body became so rigid, I could not talk or move. it was very frightening. That was before celexa and then lexapro. I have had some similar to what you describe while on the medication. I think you should discuss it with your dr. Maybe she will want to increase your dose, or add clonopin (spell?-it's like a mild valumn). If she does add the clonopin, take it regularly. I tried to save it for when I felt I needed it because it was so suttle, but it works better on a regular dose. good luck
Posted by KathrynLex on April 22, 2004, at 12:01:05
In reply to RE::: Edna, posted by ednababish on April 21, 2004, at 18:44:51
Hi Edna,
Good luck finishing up the end of your semester. I'm up to 20 mgs now too...don't worry, the tiredness goes away for most people after just a couple of weeks.
K.
Posted by KathrynLex on April 22, 2004, at 12:16:04
In reply to PANIC attacks! =(, posted by modeljenn on April 22, 2004, at 11:53:43
Hi Jenn,
I would suggest dropping down to 10 mgs for about 2 weeks, then going up to 15 mgs for 2 weeks and finally up to 20 mgs. Increasing your dose gradually will really help minimize the side effects and 20 mgs is a pretty high starting dose. (I began with 10 mgs, some people prefer to go as low as 5 mgs.)
It sounds like 20 mgs is a little too high for you right now. Talk to your doctor about decreasing your dose and going up to 20 mgs more slowly. This gives your body time to adjust to the new medication you're giving it.
The Lexapro can cause increased anxiety for the first few weeks that you take it. At the lower doses, it's a little more tolerable. Also, ask your doctor about getting some Xanax or Klonopin so you can take it if you start having another panic attack. I recommend the Xanax on an as needed basis. It really does stop panic attacks dead in their tracks.
Lexapro can also cause night sweats (i.e. waking up with your body covered in sweat.) It happened to me a lot during the first 3 weeks I was on Lexapro. It was a little odd and uncomfortable, but tolerable.
So, to answer your question, yes what happened to you happens to a lot of people who are starting out on Lex. To prevent it, lower your dose and get a bottle of Xanax to keep next to your bed. (That's where I've got mine, but I didn't have to use it past the first month on Lexapro.) I can understand wanting to stay home and being afraid of having another panic attack. That's why I started taking the Lexapro in the first place.
Lex is terrific for panic attacks if you can hang in there and get past the first few weeks. If it's too awful for you, then stop taking it. There are a lot of other meds you can take to help with anxiety/panic attacks.
Oh, one more word of advice. If you're getting your meds from your regular doctor I strongly recommend going to a psychiatrist for meds. They're more informed about medications and are well versed on their side effects. When I called my psychiatrist and told him I was having panic attacks with Lexapro he said, "Well, that happens sometimes. They should go away in the next couple of weeks but in the meantime let me give you some Xanax."
I hope some of this information is useful. Please keep me posted on your progress. Best of luck!
K.
Posted by aspensm0mmy on April 22, 2004, at 12:44:51
In reply to Re: PANIC attacks! =(, posted by KathrynLex on April 22, 2004, at 12:16:04
How do you get to the Social area??
Posted by Gator on April 22, 2004, at 14:21:01
In reply to Social Spot, posted by aspensm0mmy on April 22, 2004, at 12:44:51
> How do you get to the Social area??
>
> http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20040305/msgs/323847.htm
Posted by Gator on April 22, 2004, at 14:22:20
In reply to Re: Social Spot, posted by Gator on April 22, 2004, at 14:21:01
> > How do you get to the Social area??
> >
> > http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20040305/msgs/323847.htm
>
>
Sorry, that one doesn't work.Gator
Posted by bride2be on April 22, 2004, at 15:14:00
In reply to Re: Social Spot, posted by Gator on April 22, 2004, at 14:22:20
does anyone else do this cobination? i have been on lex 20 for a month and started well. yesterday. please let me know what you guys think if that if your on it. i think lexy is, but anyone elses advice is welcome. does it take long for the well. to start working? she added well. and said it would take away the bad sexual side effects.
Posted by mystic on April 22, 2004, at 18:50:39
In reply to PANIC attacks! =(, posted by modeljenn on April 22, 2004, at 11:53:43
Hey Panic attacks/anxiety are common on the beginning of taking the lex you need to just stay calm and focused and remember that it will go away but the depression usually lifts before the anxiety ...Maybe you should go back and read some old posts that talk about that..I know I posted a lot of them and it is very common...Maybe your dr can give you something for it..It the beginning I had to take xanax every day to just calm me from the attacks and now I dont take it at all..So just a suggestion but you are in the right place all these people can help you..>Be patient you really need to be patient...Take care..Mystic
Posted by KathrynLex on April 22, 2004, at 19:02:49
In reply to Re: wellabutrin and lex, posted by bride2be on April 22, 2004, at 15:14:00
Hi Bride,
Until two days ago I was taking 20 mgs of Lex and 150 mgs of Wellbutrin. It takes about 2-3 weeks before you notice any positive changes, but overall I thought it was a good combo. My pdoc changed me Ritalin instead of Wellbutrin because I've been having such a difficult time concentrating.
The side effects are pretty minimal if you start the Wellbutrin slowly. I began with 50 mgs of SR for a week, then went up to 100 mgs for a week until I got to 150 mgs.
Best of luck, let me know how it goes.
K.
Posted by Escher Dementian on April 23, 2004, at 5:08:31
In reply to PANIC attacks! =(, posted by modeljenn on April 22, 2004, at 11:53:43
I am suprised that no caught the addition of Tylenol that you mentioned. Some of your symptoms are typical of an overtaxed liver reaction. i have had exactly the same, including the "yellow flush" to my skin tone. Tylenol is a fierce compromise to the liver. It has been said in many forums by many professionals that if Tylenol/acetaminaphen were to come up for health approval nowadays, it would never make it to the shelves. (And the kicker is, pharmaceudical companies know this).
If you have not had thorough liver testing, it would be a good time to insist on it now, before you go any further with ANY medications. A poorly functioning liver can also _cause_ a predisposition and tendency toward panic attacks, with an inability to handle medications. AND it is very very serious.
Posted by ednababish on April 23, 2004, at 9:35:32
In reply to Re: PANIC attacks! =(, posted by Escher Dementian on April 23, 2004, at 5:08:31
Escher Dementian--
Love the name by the way! If this reaction were from an overtaxed liver, is it possible that starting the drug could also overtax the liver? I had been sick with persistant sinus infection and then the flu for about three weeks when I started lex. Thinking it must be mono, I had some tests done and the tests did reveal my liver function was high (I was then tested for hepatitis, which I did not have). Granted I had been taking bactrim also, but is it possible that an overtaxed liver upon initial introduction to lex causes so many of us to react with physical anxiety? And that the elevated liver function was related to starting lex?
Posted by nicky847 on April 23, 2004, at 13:06:23
In reply to Re: PANIC attacks! =(, posted by KathrynLex on April 22, 2004, at 12:16:04
Jenn-
I second this post..20 mg is alot to start on without slowly cycling up...increased anxiety is a common side effect when first starting Lexapro, I had it on 10 mg so I can only imagine what 20 mg would do...you should probably start off with 5 mg for a week, then 10 the next, 15 week 3, then 20..but talk to your doc about a schedule to get up to 20 mg it should be alot easier for you to adjust that way.> Hi Jenn,
>
> I would suggest dropping down to 10 mgs for about 2 weeks, then going up to 15 mgs for 2 weeks and finally up to 20 mgs. Increasing your dose gradually will really help minimize the side effects and 20 mgs is a pretty high starting dose. (I began with 10 mgs, some people prefer to go as low as 5 mgs.)
>
> It sounds like 20 mgs is a little too high for you right now. Talk to your doctor about decreasing your dose and going up to 20 mgs more slowly. This gives your body time to adjust to the new medication you're giving it.
>
> The Lexapro can cause increased anxiety for the first few weeks that you take it. At the lower doses, it's a little more tolerable. Also, ask your doctor about getting some Xanax or Klonopin so you can take it if you start having another panic attack. I recommend the Xanax on an as needed basis. It really does stop panic attacks dead in their tracks.
>
> Lexapro can also cause night sweats (i.e. waking up with your body covered in sweat.) It happened to me a lot during the first 3 weeks I was on Lexapro. It was a little odd and uncomfortable, but tolerable.
>
> So, to answer your question, yes what happened to you happens to a lot of people who are starting out on Lex. To prevent it, lower your dose and get a bottle of Xanax to keep next to your bed. (That's where I've got mine, but I didn't have to use it past the first month on Lexapro.) I can understand wanting to stay home and being afraid of having another panic attack. That's why I started taking the Lexapro in the first place.
>
> Lex is terrific for panic attacks if you can hang in there and get past the first few weeks. If it's too awful for you, then stop taking it. There are a lot of other meds you can take to help with anxiety/panic attacks.
>
> Oh, one more word of advice. If you're getting your meds from your regular doctor I strongly recommend going to a psychiatrist for meds. They're more informed about medications and are well versed on their side effects. When I called my psychiatrist and told him I was having panic attacks with Lexapro he said, "Well, that happens sometimes. They should go away in the next couple of weeks but in the meantime let me give you some Xanax."
>
> I hope some of this information is useful. Please keep me posted on your progress. Best of luck!
>
> K.
Posted by KathrynLex on April 23, 2004, at 15:20:15
In reply to Re: PANIC attacks! =(, posted by ednababish on April 23, 2004, at 9:35:32
Hi Edna,
Chances are high that the elevated liver function is related to the Lex. I'm not sure what causes the initial anxiety.
Like you, I got a sinus infection/cold during my first 3 wks on Lex. Other people call it the Lex flu. My doctor and my psychiatrist said it was a coincidence that I got sick right as I started Lex. But a lot of people here have experienced it.
K.
Posted by trucker on April 23, 2004, at 15:51:34
In reply to Re: wellabutrin and lex, posted by bride2be on April 22, 2004, at 15:14:00
yes it takes away the s/e and i am on welbutrin 150 mg and 20 mg lex, good combination.. takes two weeks to feel good after ya start welbutrin.. then its good...don't drink.. cause it will make ya tired for days...
trucker
///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
> does anyone else do this cobination? i have been on lex 20 for a month and started well. yesterday. please let me know what you guys think if that if your on it. i think lexy is, but anyone elses advice is welcome. does it take long for the well. to start working? she added well. and said it would take away the bad sexual side effects.
Posted by bride2be on April 23, 2004, at 16:56:45
In reply to Re: wellabutrin and lex » bride2be, posted by trucker on April 23, 2004, at 15:51:34
that is exactly what i am on. i am glad i am not the only one. so you think it will take about 2 weeks. i fell much better and i have only been on the wellabutrin for 2 days now. why are you on both, if you dont mind me asking.
Posted by trucker on April 23, 2004, at 17:23:43
In reply to Re: wellabutrin and lex, posted by bride2be on April 23, 2004, at 16:56:45
my pdoc i s trying to get me active in the energy level.. sex too but i am lathargic. and she is trying to help me loose weight
trucker
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
> that is exactly what i am on. i am glad i am not the only one. so you think it will take about 2 weeks. i fell much better and i have only been on the wellabutrin for 2 days now. why are you on both, if you dont mind me asking.
Posted by bride2be on April 23, 2004, at 17:26:53
In reply to Re: wellabutrin and lex » bride2be, posted by trucker on April 23, 2004, at 17:23:43
is it helping with the weight loss? i have not gained any on lex, thank god. but i could stand to loose about 10 pounds. is it helping you? also, does it help with the orgasms? lex put that to a complete stop for me, that is why she added 150 of wellabutrin. i feel alot better knowing that i can ask you questions b/c we are on the dosages of both. do you feel happier? what was your initial reason for starting lex and well.?
Posted by trucker on April 23, 2004, at 17:31:02
In reply to Re: wellabutrin and lex--trucker, posted by bride2be on April 23, 2004, at 17:26:53
depression and post traumatic stress syndrom... i was a mess . i haven't been on it long enough to tell about the weight... i hope so i need all the help i can get.. i am several weeks ahead of you i think on the welbutrin...
i am feeling better.. don't drink.. its worthless.
trucker
////////////////////////////////////////
> is it helping with the weight loss? i have not gained any on lex, thank god. but i could stand to loose about 10 pounds. is it helping you? also, does it help with the orgasms? lex put that to a complete stop for me, that is why she added 150 of wellabutrin. i feel alot better knowing that i can ask you questions b/c we are on the dosages of both. do you feel happier? what was your initial reason for starting lex and well.?
Posted by bride2be on April 23, 2004, at 17:33:22
In reply to Re: wellabutrin and lex--trucker » bride2be, posted by trucker on April 23, 2004, at 17:31:02
I HAD ONE PINA COLADA LAST NIGHT BUT THATS IT! I AM NOT REALLY A DRINKER ANYMORE. I HOPE YOU LOOSE WEIGHT, I BET YOU REALLY DONT NEED TO! I AM SORRY ABOUT YOUR DEPRESSION, I KNOW WHAT THAT FEELS LIKE. THANKS FOR HELPING ME ANSWER QUESTIONS ABOUT MY NEW COMBO. IF I THINK OF ANYMORE I WILL SHOOT THEM YOUR WAY!
Posted by Morree on April 23, 2004, at 20:47:46
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I've just quit Lexapro cold turkey a few days ago after just five months at 10mg daily. Withdrawal didn't occur to me but I decided to do a little research today when I felt extremely light-headed and strange. From what I've read many have weeks of fairly severe side effects. Am I one of the lucky ones or might I have weeks of hell ahead of me? I did not consult my doctor before quitting.
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