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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Dr. Jill on November 18, 2003, at 16:16:55
In reply to Re: Lexapro Sexual Side effects, posted by LynneDa on November 18, 2003, at 16:01:40
Hi Everyone: Thanks to everyone for sharing your thoughts regarding Lexapro. I have been checking in daily since starting this medication. I am on day 16 and started off on 5mg and then increased to 10mg after a week. I put myself back on 5mg three days ago because the side effects were so bad. I have had major insomnia, my throat feels tight, cannot concentrate, feeling jittery, sweats, and constant nasal drip. How long did it take for your se's to go away? I figured that I stuck it out this far and I am not going to quit now. I have not even tried to have sex. Do not want to add another se onto the list. LOL. It seems like as one se goes away, another one appears. I had major tummy "issues" the first week. Thanks in advance for any information you can give me. Jill
Posted by anonymous13 on November 18, 2003, at 17:04:22
In reply to Re: Lexapro for Anxiety? » anonymous13, posted by Esmarelda on November 17, 2003, at 10:53:15
I took lexapro for one day and did not like the feeling of being on it. It felt like I was literally high. Instead of taking the 10 mg dosage that the doctor gave me- I cut it in half and only took half of it. I wasn't able to sleep at night. I took it around 2:00 in the afternoon and have been having problems in sleeping. I was up for about 3 days with only 3 hours of sleep. Last night I was able to sleep for about 6 hours. (Thank you Lord!) My doctor didn't want to give me any sleep aids cause it's hard for me to breathe on it and and my heart beats way to fast on it. If I continuesly take this lexapro for anxiety will my body get used to it and how long would that take? Will I be able to sleep like everyone else that post on this site? I would love to sleep alot. Cause it seems the more I sleep the better I feel. I just dont like the feeling of being "high". I can't think straight and it trips me out.
Posted by Esmarelda on November 18, 2003, at 17:12:49
In reply to Re: Lexapro for Anxiety? » Esmarelda, posted by anonymous13 on November 18, 2003, at 17:04:22
I have always had trouble sleeping so I didn't know if it was lexapro or just me. I take 2 Benadryl at night to sleep. It is the ingredient in Tylenol P.M. that makes you sleepy. Listen to your doctor because they know what is good for you. Someone on here once recommended Badger Sleep Balm. I just plugged it into the internet and ordered some. I think it helped relax. It smells good, at the very least. It has lavender and some other herbs in it. Try taking the Lexapro in the A.m. instead of in the afternoon. Good luck!
Posted by BarbaraEL on November 18, 2003, at 17:18:48
In reply to Everyone - Interested in when these darn SE's stop, posted by Dr. Jill on November 18, 2003, at 16:16:55
> Hi Everyone: Thanks to everyone for sharing your thoughts regarding Lexapro. I have been checking in daily since starting this medication. I am on day 16 and started off on 5mg and then increased to 10mg after a week. I put myself back on 5mg three days ago because the side effects were so bad. I have had major insomnia, my throat feels tight, cannot concentrate, feeling jittery, sweats, and constant nasal drip. How long did it take for your se's to go away? I figured that I stuck it out this far and I am not going to quit now. I have not even tried to have sex. Do not want to add another se onto the list. LOL. It seems like as one se goes away, another one appears. I had major tummy "issues" the first week. Thanks in advance for any information you can give me. Jill
Hi Jill -Yes, it seems like as soon as one side effect subsides a new one creeps in! I've been taking 10 mg Lexapro daily for six months -- up until 2 weeks ago. My side effects included nausea, dizziness, loss of appetite, extreme sleepiness, sweats, that tightness in the throat you mentioned and the inability to concentrate, too.
I also noticed my short term memory seemed to be adversely affected - my brain was very foggy!
Most of these SE's subsided within the first 6 to 8 weeks. Occasionally, one of the above would pop up again -- maybe just for a day or two and to a lesser degree than initially. All in all, the side effects were tolerable and I was content in exchanging the depression for these random annoyances.My doctor told me that Lexapro might stimulate my appetite and that maybe I'd have the urge to snack more but this never manifested itself. I had quit smoking three months before starting Lex and have managed to stay off cigs and not put on any post-smoking weight either.
I slept better while on Lex, felt more relaxed and better equipped emotionally to handle the stresses in my life.
The least pleasing side effect for me was the change in my libido and ability to orgasm - which happened gradually over a period of a few months. I began to sense an overall numbness that I felt was induced by the medication and so now am in the process of weening myself from it to see how I feel with less of it in my system.
Despite what I've stated above, I'd encourage you to stick it out and see if most of the side effects don't subside within the next 14 days. Lex helped me quite a bit - even though I'd like NOT to take it anymore.
My doctor said I should use Lexapro for a minimum of six months - that it would take at least that long to reap the benefits. I don't know if agree with that -- for myself, anyway.
Best of luck! Keep posting...
BarbaraEL
Posted by anonymous13 on November 18, 2003, at 17:19:28
In reply to Re: Lexapro for Anxiety? » anonymous13, posted by Esmarelda on November 18, 2003, at 17:12:49
So even if I had no sleep at all. I would be able to take the lexapro in the morning without freaking out? I tried taking the benadryl but it makes me sweat big time and like I said hard to breathe, heart beats way faster and and really really dizzy. If I fall asleep with it I am only able to sleep for like 15 to 30 minutes.
Have you ever heard of 5 htp? I heard you can take this supplement to help boost the serontonin in the brain which reduces the anxiety attacks. I also heard that you need certain amino acids, etc.
Posted by Erin1679 on November 18, 2003, at 17:20:13
In reply to Re: Lexapro for Anxiety? » anonymous13, posted by Esmarelda on November 18, 2003, at 17:12:49
I have been taking Lexapro for about 2 months. I was given it for anxiety and stress. I have taken 10mg everyday. I dont feel any different, and I havent really had side effects (just loss of appetite, but I had that from being stressed out to begin with) Should I tell the doctor it isnt affecting me and that maybe I should stop this and take something else...or up the mg....? Thanks for help
Posted by Esmarelda on November 18, 2003, at 17:27:05
In reply to Lack of Everything, posted by Erin1679 on November 18, 2003, at 17:20:13
It took some people 8 weeks or so before it started working. I would think it would work by now. What dosage are you on? Maybe you could try upping that.
Posted by Esmarelda on November 18, 2003, at 17:28:21
In reply to Re: Lexapro for Anxiety?, posted by anonymous13 on November 18, 2003, at 17:19:28
Never heard of it. I feel for you that you are having such a bad time of it. I hope you feel better soon!
Posted by BarbaraEL on November 18, 2003, at 17:37:46
In reply to Lack of Everything, posted by Erin1679 on November 18, 2003, at 17:20:13
> I have been taking Lexapro for about 2 months. I was given it for anxiety and stress. I have taken 10mg everyday. I dont feel any different, and I havent really had side effects (just loss of appetite, but I had that from being stressed out to begin with) Should I tell the doctor it isnt affecting me and that maybe I should stop this and take something else...or up the mg....? Thanks for help
Erin -
Two months seems too long to me - I think you oughtta go to your doctor. If you're not getting relief from your anxiety and stress AND you're not experiencing any side effects from the medication? - then Lexapro probably ain't gonna do it for you - you might require something entirely different. I wouldn't up the dosage without talking with your doctor either - that doesn't seem like a good idea.
Hope you make an appoinment soon - you shouldn't have to be waiting so long to feel better!
Good luck!
BarbaraEL
Posted by Scribbler on November 18, 2003, at 19:07:23
In reply to Re: Lexapro for Anxiety? » anonymous13, posted by Esmarelda on November 18, 2003, at 17:12:49
> Someone on here once recommended Badger Sleep Balm. I just plugged it into the internet and ordered some. I think it helped relax. It smells good, at the very least. It has lavender and some other herbs in it.<
Greetings -- I'm the one who suggested Badger Sleep Balm. So glad to know you've given it a try! I use it every night and it does help me drift off to dreamland. Sometimes I also take 2.5 mg of Valium, or 5 mg of Ambien if I have to get up really early the next morning (which I always somehow anticipate and then wake up about 3 a.m. and lie there waiting for the alarm to go off).
I'm now on Week #6 and all my SE's are gone, I think. Had trouble eating in Week #1 after nausea first day, regained my appetite about Week #3. Can't comment on the orgasm problem as my husband had prostate surgery about 5 years ago and our sex-life has become more imaginative and less orgasm-focused. I'm not thinking about it right now, anyway; I'm just trying to relax and feel less anxious.
Which brings me to the problem that I DO have, and wonder if anyone else does: It's taking me a while to let Lexapro do what it's supposed to ("Let Go & Let Lexapro," there's a slogan for their ad agency to try!) What I mean is, I will now encounter an occasion when I would ordinarily have felt anxious and/or panicky (that must definitely be spelled wrong) and had used Valium to try and counteract it...So now when I encounter that same situation I still feel like I should take some Valium, just in case. I don't quite trust the Lex to do its thing. When I remind myself to do the above ("Let Go, and...") it usually does, but I still have to get myself over that habit of projecting what might happen if I don't supplement it with the same old Valium. Any ideas? Does it just take time and experience to build up that confidence and trust?
Posted by sapphira on November 18, 2003, at 19:16:31
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
has anyone noticed a change in the frequency and the amount of urine they produce? i'm on my third week and seemed to be urinating less both in frequency and amount, but then today i've intentionally started drinking more fluids and things have improved.
sapphira
Posted by Dr. Jill on November 19, 2003, at 5:29:17
In reply to Lexapro and urination??, posted by sapphira on November 18, 2003, at 19:16:31
Sapphira: You asked about the frequency of urination. Actually, my situation is the opposite - I go far more than I used to. In addition, I also feel as if I am coming down with an (UTI), I often feel pressure when I go. Hang in there! I am on day 17 and most of the side effects are still with me - but I do not want to give up! I just wish I could sleep and my throat stopped hurting. Jill
Posted by LynneDa on November 19, 2003, at 9:12:55
In reply to sapphira , posted by Dr. Jill on November 19, 2003, at 5:29:17
Hi! I am having more frequency in urination too. Also, have you tried Melatonin for sleep? It helps me tremendously. It's OTC at health food stores, generally.
I just hit my one month yesterday. I still have slight nausea occasionally (not bad), can't orgasm and am a little sleepy. My anxiety and obsessive thinking has diminished, but I'm hoping for even more relief in the next month or so before I can say I'm better. I'm definitely more functional at work and the crying jags have stopped.
Good luck and hang in there everyone! Thanks for all the info. and support out there, it is so helpful!
~ Lynne
Posted by ginger C on November 19, 2003, at 10:24:11
In reply to Lexapro and urination??, posted by sapphira on November 18, 2003, at 19:16:31
I have been on Lexapro for a year now and I have noticed an increase in urination rather than a decrease. I thought it was just my bladder capacity diminishing and never thought about it possibly being one of my drugs.
Posted by COOP on November 19, 2003, at 12:03:18
In reply to Re: What is anxiety?, posted by tm on October 24, 2003, at 16:08:26
What is anxiety? What kind of pain or effects do you have?
I started with chests and ended up in the emergency room and had a stress test and everything checked out. I am on Lex for 4 weeks now and I able able to blow off most of my anxiety attacks bust still get 2 or 3 really bad ones a week. I mind keeps working overtime thinking about dying or rushing to the hospital. It only when I get the chest pains that seem to trigger the bad attacks. For peace of mind my doctor is sending me for a test to check for a clacked arttery. They also told me to increase my Lex to 20mg day.
Please let me know if you have simlar exsperance.
Thanks
Posted by COOP on November 19, 2003, at 12:27:09
In reply to Re: What is anxiety?, posted by COOP on November 19, 2003, at 12:03:18
I am sorry about the massage posted before for the spelling mistakes but my mind is not working and I am in a middle of an attack. I am trying to keep my mind off of it by sending these posts.
What is anxiety? What kind of pain or symptoms do you have?
I started with chests pains and ended up in the emergency room and had a stress test done and everything checked out ok. I am on Lex for 4 weeks now and I am able to blow off most of my anxiety attacks but still get 2 or 3 really bad ones a week. I mind keeps working overtime thinking about dying or being rushing to the hospital. It only seems to happen when I get the chest pains that trigger the bad attacks. For peace of mind my doctor is sending me for a test to check for a clacked artery. They also told me to increase my Lex from 10 to 20mg day.
Please let me know if you have similar experience.
Thanks
Posted by artgirl on November 19, 2003, at 12:57:21
In reply to Re: What is anxiety?, posted by COOP on November 19, 2003, at 12:03:18
I have been on lexapro for about 10 months. I started taking it for anxiety induced IBS. I have been able to find relief from my IBS, but I think the lexapro has caused some weight gain --about 10lbs by the third to fourth week of taking it. I know this probably doesn't sound like that much for most people, but I'm only 5'1", so it's significant for me. I can't seem to be able to drop the weight & my therapist suggested it might be the lexapro. The additional weight is causing a whole new set of anxiety and stress. I was wondering if anyone else has experienced a similar problem?
Posted by Esmarelda on November 19, 2003, at 14:00:25
In reply to weight gain and lexapro?, posted by artgirl on November 19, 2003, at 12:57:21
I actually lost weight on Lexapro. I don't know if it is a SE or not.
Posted by Erin1679 on November 19, 2003, at 15:04:49
In reply to Re: weight gain and lexapro? » artgirl, posted by Esmarelda on November 19, 2003, at 14:00:25
I have also lost weight while taking it. I dont know if it is just from being stressed, or from the medicine itself.
Posted by sfmom on November 19, 2003, at 15:36:23
In reply to Re: What is anxiety?, posted by COOP on November 19, 2003, at 12:03:18
Hi Coop,
I have major depression, GAD and panic disorder and am on my third week of Lex. I started at 10mg and am now on 20. The Lex seems to be working okay for the depression but I've been taking Klonopin for the anxiety. Yes, I too have been to the hospital for blood tests, etc. because I thought there surely must be something physically wrong with me. But it turns out I'm fine except for the above mentioned disorders. The Klonopin really helps for the anxiety, but I still wasn't able to sleep so my doc just gave me an rx for some sleeping pills (I can't remember what they're called). Hang in there. That's what I'm trying to do. My doc said to try the Lex for 6 weeks before we re-evaluate my meds. She really wants me to go on Paxil but I've heard such scary things about it that I really don't want to try it. Besides, except for the fatigue, dry mouth and anorgasmia, I'm finally over the Lex side effects!
Posted by Dr. Jill on November 19, 2003, at 16:32:54
In reply to weight gain and lexapro?, posted by artgirl on November 19, 2003, at 12:57:21
I am only into the 17th day of taking it, but I have lost 13 pounds, which I am happy about. It is also because I stopped drinking and have no appetite. I am curious as to what the deal is with others. I am 5'7" and am back to my wedding weight of 123 pounds. It is the first time in my life that I have to force myself to eat! That is the only se I like. Jill
Posted by sapphira on November 19, 2003, at 16:49:01
In reply to Re: weight gain and lexapro?, posted by Dr. Jill on November 19, 2003, at 16:32:54
i've also lost weight and i've only been on it for three weeks. like Jill i have no apetite and literally force myself to eat. it's the only s/e i like too!!
sapphira
Posted by Dr. Jill on November 19, 2003, at 17:13:48
In reply to Re: weight gain and lexapro?, posted by sapphira on November 19, 2003, at 16:49:01
> i've also lost weight and i've only been on it for three weeks. like Jill i have no apetite and literally force myself to eat. it's the only s/e i like too!!
>
> sapphiraSapphira: You are too funny! My husband and I are going on a cruise in March and he was saying last night that he needs to drop a few pounds beforehand. I had the solution - Lexapro. However, I also told him that he will sweat like a pig, his throat will feel like it is swolen, he will not be able to sleep, and everything he eats (when he does) will go right through him. He nicely said - no thanks. LOL I just cannot wait to sleep again - I can deal with the other se's for now. Jill
Posted by Esmarelda on November 19, 2003, at 17:26:44
In reply to Re: weight gain and lexapro?, posted by Dr. Jill on November 19, 2003, at 17:13:48
Jill - the sweating goes away after a while too!
Posted by curly1 on November 19, 2003, at 17:35:14
In reply to weight gain and lexapro?, posted by artgirl on November 19, 2003, at 12:57:21
> I have been on lexapro for about 10 months. I started taking it for anxiety induced IBS. I have been able to find relief from my IBS, but I think the lexapro has caused some weight gain --about 10lbs by the third to fourth week of taking it. I know this probably doesn't sound like that much for most people, but I'm only 5'1", so it's significant for me. I can't seem to be able to drop the weight & my therapist suggested it might be the lexapro. The additional weight is causing a whole new set of anxiety and stress. I was wondering if anyone else has experienced a similar problem?
I'm 5'1" and already 30 lbs overweight so I'm scared to death this is going to make me gain. Do you seem to be eating more or just putting it on?
I've been on lex for 22 days. The only se I have is in the sex dept. I have also noticed myself to start itching when I try to go to sleep. Is that an SE? It usually lasts 15-40 minutes.
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