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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 7745 to 7769 of 8406. Go back in thread:
Posted by BLKVETTES on April 28, 2004, at 12:54:38
In reply to Re: PANIC attacks! =(, posted by Escher Dementian on April 24, 2004, at 7:20:16
> IMHO the elevated liver enzymes or decreased functionality would not be _caused_ by that dose beginning Lexapro, in a healthy liver. It would have to be a preexisting "challenged" condition. But make no mistake, Tylenol/acetaminaphen is a serious challenge in and of itself, and can be cumulative and synergistic, especially with alcohol or other compromises present, even days after ingesting the T/acet'n. It lasts longer in your liver than alcohol/coffee/other meds, and also poses a bigger challenge for your liver to clear/cleanse.
>
> I agree with K. ~ It is correct that Lexapro has been known to trigger anxiety in many people, as same Zoloft and Effexor(other SSRIs). But there may be reasons for, this non-related to liver issues. "Normally", a healthy balanced system/liver can handle and process a small to moderate chemical stress so that introducing a new substance does not cause an immediate panic attack, but rather a manageable discomfort when our body tells us that we have introduced a substance that is a bad fit.
> Chemicals and SSRIs can be tricky, though, in the brain & glands, especially in conjunction with other factors.
>
> Thanks for the compliment re: my name 8-)
> Hope i've helped with my 0.02 worth,
>
> Escher
>I suffered panic attacks and went through the ER thing many times while they tried to figure out what was wrong with me. I finally ended up in the mental ward for 24 hours. They did a lot of tests that night. They did blood tests and one of the tests they did was the liver function test. I think there were 3 different enzyme counts and they were all normal. I got diagnosed by a psychiatrist the next morning. I started paxil and was on that for about 8 days or so. It made me very sick so we switched to zoloft and I was on that for about 3 weeks. Well I was still very sick and truly thought I was dying. I called my psychiatrist and decided to stop taking the zoloft. I ended up in the ER with severe stomach pain. They did the liver tests again. They were sky high. They were talking hepatitis or liver tumor. I even ended up having a liver biopsy done. Everything came back negative. My family doctor and I got all my tests from 3 different hospitals. She saw the before meds test of my liver and the after. It was the meds causing my problems. It is a rare side effect. I am fine on the lexapro!!! Reading some of the other posts about tylenol. Tylenol can be very dangerous as can aspirin. People dont realize how dangerous they can be.
WAYNE <:-)
Posted by BLKVETTES on April 28, 2004, at 13:03:32
In reply to Re: LEXAPRO 15 MONTHS, posted by mystic on April 28, 2004, at 6:50:43
> Wow Wayne thanks for sharing that...I hope that it helped...I'm soooo sorry about your father that is so terrible..I'm glad that the meds have helped and you know the difference between what is expected and what happens without a reason...I hope that you will take care of yourself and please post if you need it we have a social place that is better to talk about these things and maybe it would help...Redirected Lexaproers please come over and talk...God bless you Wayne and my heart truely goes out to you...Your a lucky person to have such great memories and fondness for your father...Keep ahold of the watch and remember...Take care Mystic
Thanks Mystic and Nick!!!! Actually last night, I was looking at some of my old posts from last year. There are close to 700 of them lol. I still post on lots of boards (depression and anxiety) in fact I send people to this board. I have a great circle of online friends that know all about my recovery. Two of them can tell how I am feeling just by how I write ;-) TAKE CARE!!!
WAYNE <:-)
Posted by mystic on April 28, 2004, at 19:59:20
In reply to Re: PANIC attacks! =(, posted by BLKVETTES on April 28, 2004, at 12:25:56
Jenn...I think that you should definately check out exactly why you are on such a high dose..I have never heard of anyone starting at 20mgs I have usually heard of 10 then maybe 15 then to 20mgs..I does cause anxiety as you can read in most posts...It is temporary but if you are not used to it then it is really really scaring trying to figure out what is anxiety and what is real...So call your doctor and try to get some help...This can be an adjustment getting on the meds but shouldnt be dangerous...Take care keep posting and god bless you...Mystic
Posted by mystic on April 28, 2004, at 20:00:26
In reply to Re: PANIC attacks! =(, posted by BLKVETTES on April 28, 2004, at 12:25:56
Hey wayne...Where are these other postings that you talked about for anxiety/depression i would be interested...thanks take care Mystic
Posted by BLKVETTES on April 29, 2004, at 0:09:09
In reply to RE:: Wayne, posted by mystic on April 28, 2004, at 20:00:26
> Hey wayne...Where are these other postings that you talked about for anxiety/depression i would be interested...thanks take care Mystic
The boards are AOL boards. This board wont let me pull them from my favorites and paste them here. They dont have an address, so I cant give that either. You have to have an aol screen name to use them also. But if you like email me at THECLOWNCRIED@AOL.COM I can cut and paste in an email. TAKE CARE!!!
WAYNE <:-)
Posted by lil' jimi on April 29, 2004, at 1:02:44
In reply to LEXAPRO 15 MONTHS, posted by BLKVETTES on April 28, 2004, at 2:32:39
hey wayne,
it's been just over a year on lexapro for me ... still at 10 mg a day ...
wayne, i am so sorry about your dad, man ... ...
my dad was 83 and my mom 81 when they both died in an auto accident in june of 2002 ... ... i know how hard it can be ...lexapro let me look at how i felt about things in a way that i couldn't before ... ...
i am glad you're getting through it so well ... ... and grateful that i caught you when i happened to drop by just now ... ... i haven't been here in a while either ... ... glad to read you man
TAKE CARE !!!
~ jimp.s. anytime you want ... my yahoo account is yellowdogjim ... any time
~ j
Posted by rvanson on April 29, 2004, at 5:38:58
In reply to LEXAPRO 15 MONTHS, posted by BLKVETTES on April 28, 2004, at 2:32:39
> I have not been here in awhile. I am recovering from panic disorder and depression. I have pretty much recovered and have no complaints. I just got through a rough period in my life. My dad was diagnosed with colon and liver cancer in January. He died March 4th, 2004, I have his watch and it quit working the same day. It has the date, the day of the week the works. I shall keep it that way. I have never dealt with losing a loved one before. Grandparents, everyone died before I was five basically. Because of divorce I didnt know many relatives anyways. Watching my dad die was horrible!!!!! I never had panic attacks but felt some anxiety, but not until he actually died. I could feel dizziness but nothing that really concerned me. Yea I was freaking depressed, who wouldnt be. But I wasnt suffering depression, I know the difference between the two. This last week I have been feeling pretty good. Maybe everything I felt would be considered normal for anyone. I dont have past experiences to go by. Bad things are going to happen and I will get depressed again. Everyone breathing suffers anxiety time to time. I guess I am going to be ok!!! If I got through this I can get through anything!!! My dad was always my hero and he always will be. TAKE CARE!!!
> WAYNE <:-)I am very sorry to hear about the death of your Father, Wayne.
The death of a loved one is a very hard time to live through, even for normal people.
For people with mental illness it can push one over the edge. The grief is overwelming.
Take good care yourself, Wanye.
Posted by cpallen79 on April 29, 2004, at 8:52:42
In reply to re: lexapro vs buspar, posted by shelbynan on April 27, 2004, at 17:24:02
I've actually never heard of Buspar causing weight gain. i've actually heard that you can take Buspar /w an SSRI to enhance it's effects. Any thoughts on this??
Posted by Shelbynan on April 29, 2004, at 9:30:27
In reply to re: lexapro vs buspar, posted by cpallen79 on April 29, 2004, at 8:52:42
> I've actually never heard of Buspar causing weight gain. i've actually heard that you can take Buspar /w an SSRI to enhance it's effects. Any thoughts on this??
I saw weight gain as a side effect when I researced some sights on buspar. I'm on lexapro (10mg) and clonpin (not sure how to spell)(.5), and I was doing good for a long time, but now I feel too stressed and anxious. My mom passed away in February. I was a tough year that has torn my family apart. Now, trying to work with my sisters to take care of her things is a nightmare. The anxiety keeps getting worse, despite my meds. A counselor mentioned buspar. I'm not sure that I want to change meds, maybe just increase? I don't know what to do. I'm so frustrated, anxious and feeling sorry for myself. It sucks
Posted by BLKVETTES on April 29, 2004, at 12:07:29
In reply to re: lexapro vs buspar, posted by Shelbynan on April 29, 2004, at 9:30:27
>
> I saw weight gain as a side effect when I researced some sights on buspar. I'm on lexapro (10mg) and clonpin (not sure how to spell)(.5), and I was doing good for a long time, but now I feel too stressed and anxious. My mom passed away in February. I was a tough year that has torn my family apart. Now, trying to work with my sisters to take care of her things is a nightmare. The anxiety keeps getting worse, despite my meds. A counselor mentioned buspar. I'm not sure that I want to change meds, maybe just increase? I don't know what to do. I'm so frustrated, anxious and feeling sorry for myself. It sucks
>What your feeling may be part of the grieving process. Plus I guess your talking about legal matters (her estate or whatever). I lost my dad March 4th and it was very hard. I have let my siblings take care of all the legal matters. They call me and I ok everything. I didnt want any part of it. I am getting past it!!!! Someone I know also takes lexapro. She went through a hard time and was losing it. She increased her dose to 15mg and got things back together. That may be all you need!!! You may just need some more time to pass. If the klonopin helps when you take it, tell the doc and he or she can increase your daily dosage until you get past this stressful time in your life. More than once I have thought my lexapro was pooping out in the last year. Each time I have rebounded!!! TAKE CARE!!!!
WAYNE <:-)
Posted by BLKVETTES on April 29, 2004, at 12:14:24
In reply to re: LEXAPRO 15 MONTHS » BLKVETTES, posted by lil' jimi on April 29, 2004, at 1:02:44
> hey wayne,
>
> it's been just over a year on lexapro for me ... still at 10 mg a day ...
>
> wayne, i am so sorry about your dad, man ... ...
> my dad was 83 and my mom 81 when they both died in an auto accident in june of 2002 ... ... i know how hard it can be ...
>
> lexapro let me look at how i felt about things in a way that i couldn't before ... ...
>
> i am glad you're getting through it so well ... ... and grateful that i caught you when i happened to drop by just now ... ... i haven't been here in a while either ... ... glad to read you man
>
> TAKE CARE !!!
> ~ jim
>
> p.s. anytime you want ... my yahoo account is yellowdogjim ... any time
> ~ jHi Jim, I was hoping you would still be around. I may just email ya!!! Glad your hanging in there!!! I am hanging in there despite the loss of my dad!!! Bought a new vette lol!!! Its not black so I may have to change my user name. I am still taking 7.5mg and have been at that dose for a long time. I miss your humor!!! TAKE CARE!!!!
WAYNE <:-)
Posted by lil' jimi on April 29, 2004, at 13:04:14
In reply to re: LEXAPRO 15 MONTHS, posted by BLKVETTES on April 29, 2004, at 12:14:24
> > hey wayne,
> >
> > it's been just over a year on lexapro for me ... still at 10 mg a day ...
> >
(that's my "med page" disclaimer there ... ... ha!)
> Hi Jim, I was hoping you would still be around. I may just email ya!!!... i AM going to email you, dude ...
Glad your hanging in there!!!
... you too, man ...
I am hanging in there despite the loss of my dad!!!
... i know it can be rough ...
here's one for you:
for as hard as losing a parent can be, it is easy to see that losing a child would be worse ...
and we have spared our folks that grief because they died before we did ... and in this small way we did our duty and honor them by outliving them ...
they want it this way ... we must also ...Bought a new vette lol!!!
... YEAH! ... way to go man!
Its not black so I may have to change my user name.
... WHAAAAA ??????? not black?
well, man, what is your color? ... is it a '04?I am still taking 7.5mg and have been at that dose for a long time. I miss your humor!!! TAKE CARE!!!!
> WAYNE <:-)... as i have been at 10 milligrams for more than a year now ... and i have missed you too .. email on the way
TAKE CARE !!!!
~ jimp.s. i built an open yahoo group you might post to me at ... it's not real active and suffers yahoo's server service (poor) and yahoo's ad sludge ... ...
... oh, i put in an age-restricted area so the language police wouldn't bug anyone ...
try
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/psychoSchmabble~ j
Posted by shadows721 on April 29, 2004, at 18:53:13
In reply to re: lexapro vs buspar, posted by cpallen79 on April 29, 2004, at 8:52:42
I have read that about the weight gain too, but I have never heard anyone report it. It does cause an increase in appetite about 30 min after taking it. It does pass. I have also heard that it helps the sexual side effects with Prozac, but not the other ssri's.
Posted by Escher Dementian on April 30, 2004, at 5:09:27
In reply to Re: PANIC attacks! =(, posted by Shelbynan on April 28, 2004, at 8:26:02
> Escher,
> I did not see the post previous to yours. Can you tell me more about the problems with tylenol/acetaminaphen? Is it bad by itself, or just with lexapro? Can anyone else offer any info? thanks SKHi SK,
Sorry for taking so long to get back to you~Tylenol is a challenge and/or compromise to the liver in and of itself. Rule of thumb: Think of it as same as alcohol; taken on occasion and in small doses, a healthy liver can process it without taking on damage. Think of continuous or large doses like an alcoholic's threat to the liver using alcoholic beverages. And especially consider it's 'long-remaining' presence as unhealthfully synergistic with other liver challenges.
Lexapro i do not think of as a compromise...
It's side-effect profile is amazingly clean. But then, i also take any USA phamaceudical company's profile info. to both MDs or to public in general with a very cautious guard. i tend to look at anecdotals and non-USA pharmaceudical company research results more and more, these days.A post of interest:
BLKVETTE's anecdotal experience:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040423/msgs/341004.htmlPersonally, i am one who cannot take Tylenol/acetaminaphen anymore without actual liver _pain_ and swelling, because of all the times/years taking the med before knowing the damage it was causing. i was taking Tylenol as opposed to Aspirin/ibuprofen groups of meds because i have an anaphalactic shock reaction to the 'aspirin' and anti-inflammatory groups.
My personal research of above is necessarily vast and informed. (At least, the last time i updated) ;-)Hope this helps~
Escher
Posted by Escher Dementian on April 30, 2004, at 5:22:53
In reply to Re: TYLENOL/acetaminaphen ! =( » Shelbynan, posted by Escher Dementian on April 30, 2004, at 5:09:27
Sorry, try this one, instead:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040423/msgs/341008.htmlAnd just in case i get it wrong again(i can be a techno-tard):
BLKVETTES said
>>I suffered panic attacks and went through the ER thing many times while they tried to figure out what was wrong with me. I finally ended up in the mental ward for 24 hours. They did a lot of tests that night. They did blood tests and one of the tests they did was the liver function test. I think there were 3 different enzyme counts and they were all normal. I got diagnosed by a psychiatrist the next morning. I started paxil and was on that for about 8 days or so. It made me very sick so we switched to zoloft and I was on that for about 3 weeks. Well I was still very sick and truly thought I was dying. I called my psychiatrist and decided to stop taking the zoloft. I ended up in the ER with severe stomach pain. They did the liver tests again. They were sky high. They were talking hepatitis or liver tumor. I even ended up having a liver biopsy done. Everything came back negative. My family doctor and I got all my tests from 3 different hospitals. She saw the before meds test of my liver and the after. It was the meds causing my problems. It is a rare side effect. I am fine on the lexapro!!! Reading some of the other posts about tylenol. Tylenol can be very dangerous as can aspirin. People dont realize how dangerous they can be.
>>WAYNE <:-)
Posted by want info on May 4, 2004, at 12:13:30
In reply to Re: Paxil VS Lexapro, posted by ednababish on April 12, 2004, at 10:15:56
hi all. i need some advice. i just spoke to my pdoc...as a reminder ive been on lex for 3 months total, a month on 20mg after building up. prior to this i was on 20mg paxil very successfully. my anxiety is better but i feel spaced out and "foggy" a lot of the time. she suggested i go back to 15, which i didn't feel was really working before. i was only on it for 2 weeks though. i really need advice!
thanks
emily
Posted by Mariposa on May 4, 2004, at 20:41:17
In reply to lex REDUCING dosage...HELP??, posted by want info on May 4, 2004, at 12:13:30
> hi all. i need some advice. i just spoke to my pdoc...as a reminder ive been on lex for 3 months total, a month on 20mg after building up. prior to this i was on 20mg paxil very successfully. my anxiety is better but i feel spaced out and "foggy" a lot of the time. she suggested i go back to 15, which i didn't feel was really working before. i was only on it for 2 weeks though. i really need advice!
> thanks
> emilySpacey/foggy feeling goes away, have been on Lex 15mos, currently at 30mg. I don't remember how long it took, but all se's did go away.
Are you a coffee drinker? I found coffee really helped a lot.~~~8|8
Posted by want info on May 5, 2004, at 8:52:16
In reply to Re: lex REDUCING dosage...HELP?? » want info, posted by Mariposa on May 4, 2004, at 20:41:17
thank you. doesn't 3 months seem like a long time to not have had this side effect go away?
Posted by Mariposa on May 5, 2004, at 16:51:44
In reply to Re: lex REDUCING dosage...HELP??, posted by want info on May 5, 2004, at 8:52:16
> thank you. doesn't 3 months seem like a long time to not have had this side effect go away?
Not necessarily, seems like jaw clenching lasted a long time for me, and occasionally I still feel a little *vertigo* after taking dose, but not nearly as bad as the beginning. It may just take a little longer, for me I think it was 6 mos. befor my body really adjusted to the Lex. Hang in a while longer, but if you feel too uncomfortable, you should discuss w/pdoc.~~~8|8
Posted by BLKVETTES on May 6, 2004, at 11:33:09
In reply to lex REDUCING dosage...HELP??, posted by want info on May 4, 2004, at 12:13:30
> hi all. i need some advice. i just spoke to my pdoc...as a reminder ive been on lex for 3 months total, a month on 20mg after building up. prior to this i was on 20mg paxil very successfully. my anxiety is better but i feel spaced out and "foggy" a lot of the time. she suggested i go back to 15, which i didn't feel was really working before. i was only on it for 2 weeks though. i really need advice!
> thanks
> emily
I bet I changed doses 50 times before I hit the right dose. Work with your doc on the dosing and you might hit it just right. A few mgs. can make a huge difference.
WAYNE <:-)
Posted by mystic on May 9, 2004, at 18:16:03
In reply to Re: lex REDUCING dosage...HELP??, posted by BLKVETTES on May 6, 2004, at 11:33:09
Hey quiet in here where is everyone??...this will be an voided post pretty soon if there isnt any activity...man..oh..man...I'm just trying to figure out how many people are helped by 15mgs from 10mgs and if they had any s/e or weigth gain..but I wont hold my breath waiting for people to answer this is like a dessert...(spelling)...Take care everyone..Mystic
Posted by want info on May 10, 2004, at 9:15:27
In reply to Re: lex REDUCING dosage...HELP??, posted by BLKVETTES on May 6, 2004, at 11:33:09
thanks wayne...what dose are you on now? im trying 17.5
Posted by silvertonguejen on May 11, 2004, at 8:40:12
In reply to RE:: wow quiet in here, posted by mystic on May 9, 2004, at 18:16:03
I have been on Paxil for about 7 years, went from 20mg to 40mg a few years ago. The side effects of continual weight gain, extreme fatigue and lack of a sex drive brought me to my doctor yesterday to see if there is an alternative with less side effects. She is weaning me off Paxil and then I will start Lexapro in about 2 weeks, starting at 10mg. How does 40mg of Paxil compare to 10mg of Lexapro? And does anyone have info on comparing the two SSRI's? I am nervous about going thru the "Paxil withdrawls". My doc said to cut my dosage in half for the first week, then cut that in half (to 10mg) for the week after that, then begin the Lexapro. Why can't you start on one while cutting down on the other to reduce withdrawl symptoms? Any advice is greatly appreciated!
Posted by want info on May 11, 2004, at 9:03:30
In reply to Switching from Paxil to Lexapro, posted by silvertonguejen on May 11, 2004, at 8:40:12
i switched from paxil to lex after 8 years. i was on 20mg paxil with no problems. i weaned off it like your doc suggested and gradually added lex. ive been on lex alone now for 3 months. i was at 10mg and found it wasnt enough. it seems to be the consensus on this board and other places that lower doses of lex (5 or 10 mg) are effective for depression and higher doses (15 or 20) for anxiety. i was on 20 but was feeling foggy, so i'm now on 17.5. hope it helps!
emily
Posted by aspensm0mmy on May 11, 2004, at 11:50:19
In reply to Switching from Paxil to Lexapro, posted by silvertonguejen on May 11, 2004, at 8:40:12
Hi!!
I was taking PaxilCR 37.5 for 14 months. I had the same type is side effects that you've described plus some! I was extremely tired all day, had difficulty sleeping or difficulty waking up, excessive sweating (eeewwww), absolutely no sex drive. . .I was a walking side effect list! About a month ago I just swapped out my Paxil for 10mg of Lex. LOVE IT!!! I don't know if it is from withdrawing from Pax or adding Lex but the libido hasn't been better! Less sweating (thank heavens), normal sleepiness. I did experience a foggy feeling on Paxil and didn't really care about things that I should have cared about. With Lex I care about missing appointments. . .it's a good thing. I just jumped over and I did experience some "brain shocks" but no more than when I was on Paxil and missed a day or took my dose late. Hope that all goes well!!!
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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