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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by handmemymidol on March 6, 2003, at 9:26:20
In reply to WHEN TO TAKE LEXAPRO, posted by blkvettes on March 6, 2003, at 8:27:55
Hi there!
It has been pretty much the same for me. Way sleepy and then can't sleep at night. I saw a previous post that said it best. The sleepiness hits around 7 hours or so after taking it, so I have tried to make that work for me in kicking the insomnia. I take the pill around 6 or 7 pm that way I am sleepy by bedtime (around midnight). By the time I get up in the morning the sleepiness has worn off and I am energetic throughout the day.
Hope this helps! Just keep plugging along. I too am optimistic that lexapro will work in time. Just gotta play with it and figure out what works. I know that my panic attacks have left completely at least and that was my main goal.
Good luck!
Posted by handmemymidol on March 6, 2003, at 9:35:44
In reply to TEETH CLENCHING JAW CLENCHING?, posted by blkvettes on March 6, 2003, at 8:45:29
Hi again!
Hmmm, I don't know about what you're experiencing with feeling every step in your teeth??!!?
I experience it more like just holding my mouth shut and my teeth together very very tightly. Try it, like you can almost feel the pressure pulsing through your jaw bone. Thats how it is for me. Everyone else???
I notice it most at night when I am falling asleep. I dunno if I do it as well during the day and I just don't notice it. When I notice myself doing it, I make a conscious effort to hold my tongue between my teeth so I relax my jaw.
What do you guys think about this side effect? You think this is a pretty harmless thing or is there a possibilty of long term damage to teeth, tmj or something?
Posted by blkvettes on March 6, 2003, at 9:37:14
In reply to Re: WHEN TO TAKE LEXAPRO » blkvettes, posted by handmemymidol on March 6, 2003, at 9:26:20
> Hi there!
>
> It has been pretty much the same for me. Way sleepy and then can't sleep at night. I saw a previous post that said it best. The sleepiness hits around 7 hours or so after taking it, so I have tried to make that work for me in kicking the insomnia. I take the pill around 6 or 7 pm that way I am sleepy by bedtime (around midnight). By the time I get up in the morning the sleepiness has worn off and I am energetic throughout the day.
> Hope this helps! Just keep plugging along. I too am optimistic that lexapro will work in time. Just gotta play with it and figure out what works. I know that my panic attacks have left completely at least and that was my main goal.
> Good luck!My panic attacks have gone away also. I take the lexapro about 6:00pm and fall asleep around midnight a little later than I would like. I guess I will try a little earlier to see if that works. THANKS!!!!!!!!!
Posted by jarr25 on March 6, 2003, at 10:04:47
In reply to Re: WHEN TO TAKE LEXAPRO, posted by blkvettes on March 6, 2003, at 9:37:14
> > Hi there!
> >
> > It has been pretty much the same for me. Way sleepy and then can't sleep at night. I saw a previous post that said it best. The sleepiness hits around 7 hours or so after taking it, so I have tried to make that work for me in kicking the insomnia. I take the pill around 6 or 7 pm that way I am sleepy by bedtime (around midnight). By the time I get up in the morning the sleepiness has worn off and I am energetic throughout the day.
> > Hope this helps! Just keep plugging along. I too am optimistic that lexapro will work in time. Just gotta play with it and figure out what works. I know that my panic attacks have left completely at least and that was my main goal.
> > Good luck!
>
> My panic attacks have gone away also. I take the lexapro about 6:00pm and fall asleep around midnight a little later than I would like. I guess I will try a little earlier to see if that works. THANKS!!!!!!!!!
My panic attacks have gone away also. I did have insomnia, but now I can sleep very well. All my side effects have gone away. I hope yours go away soon also.
Posted by caribbean on March 6, 2003, at 12:47:56
In reply to Re: WHEN TO TAKE LEXAPRO, posted by jarr25 on March 6, 2003, at 10:04:47
How long did it take for you to no longer have any of the side effects? I've been on 5mg for about 2 weeks and I don't think that I am as tired but I still feel anxious. I started with 10mg and I felt like I was gonna freak out or something. Not sure when I'll give it another shot.
Posted by jarr25 on March 6, 2003, at 13:01:22
In reply to Re: WHEN TO TAKE LEXAPRO, posted by caribbean on March 6, 2003, at 12:47:56
> How long did it take for you to no longer have any of the side effects? I've been on 5mg for about 2 weeks and I don't think that I am as tired but I still feel anxious. I started with 10mg and I felt like I was gonna freak out or something. Not sure when I'll give it another shot.
I started on Lexapro at the end of January 10mg/day for a week. The second week I went up to 20mg. My side effects lasted a little over a month. Actually, I forgot something. I do have 1 side effect still; the tension in my shoulders is still there, but when I exercise regularly it's barely noticeable if even there. The worse I guess was the diarrhea. But at least it was not like regular diarrhea, where you have to keep running to the bathroom; it was just when I went to the toilet, my stool was mostly liquid, but that's all back to normal. Every now and then I still get some anxieties, and my Dr. will consider adding 10mg more to my daily dosage; but that'll be decided in a couple of weeks at my next visit with her. I also go to therapy once a week, make sure I exercise regularly and eat very healthy. All that I believe contributes to my getting out of depression in addition to the meds.
Posted by wharfrat on March 6, 2003, at 14:16:52
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
Patient decription:
Male, Physical age: 42 Mental age: 21 Married 18 Years. Kids: 14 year old boy and 10 year old boy
Diagnosis: General Anxiety DisorderWell, it's been 5-1/2 months since I started Lexapro. For all you newbies out there, fear not. Headaches, stiff necks, clenched teeth, nausea, diarrhea, trippy out of body feelings etc. should go away after about 2 weeks. (I'm on 10 mg.) Have always taken my dose in a.m. about 8:00. Ready to crash everynight by at least 10:00 if not earlier. Sleep like a baby but it's very hard to get out of bed. Never used to know what a good nights sleep was. Can't recall ever sleeping more than 4 hours a night before Lex.
About a month after I started as a Lex Lab Rat, the big bad side effect hit "SEXUAL SIDE EFFECTS"!!!!!!. Now, this is the first antidepressant I've ever used and I've read and heard that all SSRI's are notorius for their sexual se's. And I've read the post about how lex is nothing compared to zoloft or paxil or prozac or celexa or whatever.
The one question that keeps popping up is about the wellbutrin mix. But nobody ever really answers if it's working or it's not. Well, it's not working for me and I've been on the wellbutrin since mid December. I figure if it hasn't worked yet it's probably not going to.
So, Here I am 5-1/2 months later. Feeling much better, not stressed, not angry, not worried all the time. Just can't have an orgasm that's all. I mean, I could wear a pornstar out. It's ridiculous.
And to think I wasted all that money and went thru the pain of a vasectomy. I could have just started taking antidepressants instead.Oh well, they came up with a pill to help you get it up. Maybe they can come up with one that will help you get it off. (for at least $10.00 a pill I'm sure)
Good Luck to all
Wharf
Posted by Donia on March 6, 2003, at 17:37:59
In reply to Re: 5-1/2 months and alls well???, posted by wharfrat on March 6, 2003, at 14:16:52
Hi all, havent jumped in for a while so thought I would try to catch up. As for side effects, they usually last about a month or a little longer. Side effects with lexapro have not been near as bad as the ones I had with zoloft. As for the sexual side effect, I had it with zoloft. It went away within about 2 months and with lexapro it was a little over a month and it went away. I am a 30 year old female and this side effect really bothers my hubby, but now with a little extra help from him, I can finally have an orgasism. I dont know if it effects men more, but it seems to wear off for me. I have been on lexapro for almost
two months and I take it at around 10:00pm. I really think I need to change my time. I am sleeping way to long into the day. I had a few week period where I felt really good and had tons of energy, now I am back to odd sleeping patterns. I may also need to up it. My anxiety is gone, but I still drag around a bit, not real depressed but can tell I am not doing as well as I would like on the med. Thank you all for updates and help with questions.
Donia
Posted by NOTINSANEJUSTPPMD on March 6, 2003, at 19:18:39
In reply to Re: 5-1/2 months and alls well???, posted by wharfrat on March 6, 2003, at 14:16:52
Hi Wharf
I am a 32 Female married for 8.5 2 kids 6 and 2 and I suffer from Major Depression and Aniexty.
I have been on the Lexapro/Wellbutrin Sr 150 (twice a day) I am now on 30 mgs of Lexapro. And actually for the first time in about two years I am having better sex. My libdo is finally kicking in. The big O's are a little harder to recieve it but it is getting alittle easier. How much of the wellbutrin were you taking and was it the SR?
Anyway good luck! :)
Posted by Shan on March 6, 2003, at 22:39:19
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
Was on Lexapro for 4 weeks and my family almost kicked me off the island!! I turned into my old miserable self, got PCP to take me off Lexapro and give me 60mg Prozac-God I hope I'm not immune-Good Luck with the Lexapro everyone! It's good to know we're not alone.
Posted by Tigger on March 7, 2003, at 8:11:42
In reply to Re: TEETH CLENCHING JAW CLENCHING? » blkvettes, posted by handmemymidol on March 6, 2003, at 9:35:44
I have the exact same symptoms, also when trying to fall asleep,and in the evening before bed. I wake up with my jaw tight and teeth clenched. It has gotten worse lately and my sadness has returned. Has anyone noticed that the previously wonderful, almost miraculous effects seem to wear off after a few (6) months? Has anyone had to increase dosage? And if so, does the teeth clenching get worse?
Posted by blkvettes on March 7, 2003, at 10:15:24
In reply to Re: TEETH CLENCHING JAW CLENCHING?, posted by Tigger on March 7, 2003, at 8:11:42
Things were going pretty good until yesterday. Layed down to relax during the afternoon and fell asleep. I awoke to a flash going up and down my body. It happened so quick dont know if it was hot or cold. Of course this scared me, have not had anything like this in awhile. I get up and have what feels like heartburn and lump in my throat and chest hurts. Cant be heart trouble my heart has been checked many times. This goes on until nightime and I puke my guts out. I go to sleep and wake up every hour. I get up take a nexium and back to taking LEX in the morning. Took it at night for 6 days and sleep got worse. Take it during the day and I turn into a zombie. So we shall see what happens this time. I am tired of these muscles spasms, muscle pains, chest pains etc. One week on 5mg and 3 weeks on 7.5 or 10. I am so frustrated right now, this 1 bad day has wrecked confidence. I dont know whats physical and whats mental anymore. I have gotten some results but just dont know!!!!!!!!
Posted by blkvettes on March 7, 2003, at 10:59:51
In reply to SCARED TO DEATH!!!!!!!, posted by blkvettes on March 7, 2003, at 10:15:24
I just drove the car for the 1st time in 5 months. I have not been out of the house by myself in same time. Us panic attack people have some strange issues to work through. I only drove 1 mile to put gas in it, check the tire pressure, then drive back. The drive was ok, but getting out to pay for the gas was a whole different deal. My legs were shaking, I started getting dizzy. Paid for the gas, now time to pump it. Same thing going on with legs and dizziness. Now we still have to check tire pressure and off we go. The drive back was ok. I put it back in the garage and rush into the house. It took me awhile to calm down. But it was the first time I felt human in 5 months. I also know I could not right now go into a big store and buy something. I know it was a baby step!!!!!! But I also know I have a long way to go!!!!!!!!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by kara lynne on March 7, 2003, at 16:35:03
In reply to JUST DROVE THE VETTE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by blkvettes on March 7, 2003, at 10:59:51
Posted by male34 on March 7, 2003, at 17:18:01
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by okpolosi on March 6, 2003, at 8:04:54
im on lex 6 wks, 10 mg's, it takes at least 10mg or more , but im finaly feeling good, the itching and jaw clinching and sleepy effects are normal on lex give it time on 10mgs it working for me ,good luck
Posted by Okpolosi on March 7, 2003, at 19:45:32
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by male34 on March 7, 2003, at 17:18:01
Into week 6, have gone from 5mg to 10mg, 4th day on 10mg. Didn't feel like Lex was working like it had been, controlling terrible anger not as easy and I got another customer complaint, and the boss wrote me up for it.
For me jaw clenching is just that, biting down and clamping up, and just holding jaw and mouth real tight. At first my teeth hurt, now not so much. I also make a concious effort not to clench when I catch myself. Am sure I do it while I sleep as well.
Diahrea has subsided. But last couple of nights I have had trouble sleeping. Wake up and can't go back to sleep.
Have been taking dose at 10:00AM and get sleepy around 7 or 8, so Today I took it at 2:00PM. Will see how that works for me.
Had some of the "Zombie" feeling when I first started taking Lex, but that seemed to go away after 3rd week.
Posted by KrissyP on March 7, 2003, at 22:17:46
In reply to TEETH CLENCHING JAW CLENCHING?, posted by blkvettes on March 6, 2003, at 8:45:29
Hey there,
I clench a lot, but I'm trying to learn to relax my jaw. But, what I do get is at night if I close my jaw to much I can "feel" the every heartbeat in my brain-if you know what I mean?
Very weird...........
Kristen> I get this strange feeling when I walk around the house. It is like I can feel every step in my teeth and jaw. Is this what everyone is talking about with the clenching? THANKS!!!!!!
Posted by KrissyP on March 7, 2003, at 22:21:26
In reply to Re: TEETH CLENCHING JAW CLENCHING? » blkvettes, posted by handmemymidol on March 6, 2003, at 9:35:44
Hi blkvettes,
I'm wondering the exact same thing-Heard anything? I thought I was alone in feeling these VERY WEIRD feelings in my jaw. I notice it most at night when I am falling asleep too. I do it as well during the day and I'm noticing it more in the day lately.
Keep me posted will ya:-)
Kristen
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Hmmm, I don't know about what you're experiencing with feeling every step in your teeth??!!?
> I experience it more like just holding my mouth shut and my teeth together very very tightly. Try it, like you can almost feel the pressure pulsing through your jaw bone. Thats how it is for me. Everyone else???
> I notice it most at night when I am falling asleep. I dunno if I do it as well during the day and I just don't notice it. When I notice myself doing it, I make a conscious effort to hold my tongue between my teeth so I relax my jaw.
> What do you guys think about this side effect? You think this is a pretty harmless thing or is there a possibilty of long term damage to teeth, tmj or something?
>
Posted by KrissyP on March 7, 2003, at 22:25:38
In reply to SCARED TO DEATH!!!!!!!, posted by blkvettes on March 7, 2003, at 10:15:24
Hi,
I am so sorry you are feeling this way. May I ask what you are taking? You said LEX-Lexapro? Any other new meds? Do you have an eating disorder?-just a simple question.
I hope you feel better-Please reply I want to try to help you, I can relate a little
but I have never been on Lexapro.
All the best, Kristen
-------------------------------------------------> Things were going pretty good until yesterday. Layed down to relax during the afternoon and fell asleep. I awoke to a flash going up and down my body. It happened so quick dont know if it was hot or cold. Of course this scared me, have not had anything like this in awhile. I get up and have what feels like heartburn and lump in my throat and chest hurts. Cant be heart trouble my heart has been checked many times. This goes on until nightime and I puke my guts out. I go to sleep and wake up every hour. I get up take a nexium and back to taking LEX in the morning. Took it at night for 6 days and sleep got worse. Take it during the day and I turn into a zombie. So we shall see what happens this time. I am tired of these muscles spasms, muscle pains, chest pains etc. One week on 5mg and 3 weeks on 7.5 or 10. I am so frustrated right now, this 1 bad day has wrecked confidence. I dont know whats physical and whats mental anymore. I have gotten some results but just dont know!!!!!!!!
Posted by KrissyP on March 7, 2003, at 22:28:42
In reply to JUST DROVE THE VETTE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by blkvettes on March 7, 2003, at 10:59:51
Hey!
YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am happy for you-you felt human again:-)after 5 months? GOOD FOR YOU:-)
It may have been a baby step-but ya know what they lead to- Walk on my friend:-)
Congrats,
Kristen> I just drove the car for the 1st time in 5 months. I have not been out of the house by myself in same time. Us panic attack people have some strange issues to work through. I only drove 1 mile to put gas in it, check the tire pressure, then drive back. The drive was ok, but getting out to pay for the gas was a whole different deal. My legs were shaking, I started getting dizzy. Paid for the gas, now time to pump it. Same thing going on with legs and dizziness. Now we still have to check tire pressure and off we go. The drive back was ok. I put it back in the garage and rush into the house. It took me awhile to calm down. But it was the first time I felt human in 5 months. I also know I could not right now go into a big store and buy something. I know it was a baby step!!!!!! But I also know I have a long way to go!!!!!!!!!!!
> WAYNE
Posted by blkvettes on March 7, 2003, at 22:33:26
In reply to Re: TEETH CLENCHING JAW CLENCHING? » blkvettes, posted by KrissyP on March 7, 2003, at 22:17:46
> Hey there,
> I clench a lot, but I'm trying to learn to relax my jaw. But, what I do get is at night if I close my jaw to much I can "feel" the every heartbeat in my brain-if you know what I mean?
> Very weird...........
> Kristen
>
> > I get this strange feeling when I walk around the house. It is like I can feel every step in my teeth and jaw. Is this what everyone is talking about with the clenching? THANKS!!!!!!
>
>
Kristen, I get that to and your the first person I have heard from that has said that they get this. I have been on all kinds of boards but no one could relate to this. I also get this sometimes when I walk. It is a very strange feeling. Before I even realized I was getting panic attacks my teeth would chatter and my heart felt like it was in my head. Thanks for posting this has been bugging me a long time. TAKE CARE!!!
WAYNE
Posted by KrissyP on March 7, 2003, at 22:38:31
In reply to Re: TEETH CLENCHING JAW CLENCHING?, posted by blkvettes on March 7, 2003, at 22:33:26
Hiya!:-)
YEP-"my heart felt like it was in my head".
EXACTLY-weird I don't want to worry about it BUT I kinda do-not terribly though;)
Kristen
> > Hey there,
> > I clench a lot, but I'm trying to learn to relax my jaw. But, what I do get is at night if I close my jaw to much I can "feel" the every heartbeat in my brain-if you know what I mean?
> > Very weird...........
> > Kristen
> >
> > > I get this strange feeling when I walk around the house. It is like I can feel every step in my teeth and jaw. Is this what everyone is talking about with the clenching? THANKS!!!!!!
> >
> >
> Kristen, I get that to and your the first person I have heard from that has said that they get this. I have been on all kinds of boards but no one could relate to this. I also get this sometimes when I walk. It is a very strange feeling. Before I even realized I was getting panic attacks my teeth would chatter and my heart felt like it was in my head. Thanks for posting this has been bugging me a long time. TAKE CARE!!!
> WAYNE
>
Posted by blkvettes on March 7, 2003, at 22:42:28
In reply to Re: SCARED TO DEATH!!!!!!! » blkvettes, posted by KrissyP on March 7, 2003, at 22:25:38
> Hi,
> I am so sorry you are feeling this way. May I ask what you are taking? You said LEX-Lexapro? Any other new meds? Do you have an eating disorder?-just a simple question.
> I hope you feel better-Please reply I want to try to help you, I can relate a little
> but I have never been on Lexapro.
> All the best, Kristen
> ---------------------------.
>
>
Hello Kristen, I just had a very bad day. I take lexapro and about .5mg of xanax. I eat great now!!!!!! I have suffered panic attacks, but it has been awhile. I do get chest pains etc. But have had many heart tests done and all is ok. I also realized later it was a bad case of heartburn. I hope!!!!! THANKS FOR CARING!!!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by KrissyP on March 7, 2003, at 22:48:59
In reply to Re: SCARED TO DEATH!!!!!!!, posted by blkvettes on March 7, 2003, at 22:42:28
Hi, I was just telling someone else in a post that I had a busy day too, not necessarily bad.
I'm so glad to hear that your heart tests were ok and that it was just a bad case of heartburn. I know how that feels. I take Prevacid and after years of stomach pain-It helps tremendously. May I ask your age? I ask because you said you had "many" heart tests. I was wondering if they did the heart tests for the chest pain only? Does that sound stupid for me to ask?
Keep us posted, buddy!Kristen:-)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Kristen
Hello Kristen, I just had a very bad day. I take lexapro and about .5mg of xanax. I eat great now!!!!!! I have suffered panic attacks, but it has been awhile. I do get chest pains etc. But have had many heart tests done and all is ok. I also realized later it was a bad case of heartburn. I hope!!!!! THANKS FOR CARING!!!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by Sadsack on March 7, 2003, at 22:59:24
In reply to Re: Bozeman.....Sadsack, posted by IfOnly on March 5, 2003, at 21:36:54
Hey, we all have sad stories, that's why we need each other. The tiredness wore off for me, and if you check out alot of other posts, that seems like a common side effect that eventually gets better. Hope so and it begins working better for you! Take Care,
Sadsack
> Hi,
> This may sound sad, but I am taking Lexapro for Bipolar II, and I can only handle 5mg w/o being tired. I have been cutting them in half. I am prescibed 10mg a day and tried that for the first 4 days but could not even function. I have been taking it for about a month now (started during a down phase), but scared to up it. I have never really had a good "up" phase, but I just have had no energy!! I feel great as far as anxiety goes...but scared if I go to 10mg I will be sleepy. Do you think this is just a side effect that goes way?
>
> If Only
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