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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by winterbluez on January 20, 2004, at 15:25:30
In reply to Re: Mornings are so hard on lexapro, posted by KathrynLex on January 20, 2004, at 12:34:03
hello can anyone relate to this here?? besides seasonal depression and anxiety{winter and fall}
i have this thing going on where i feel like i always have to think positive thoughts and protect them by performing some sort of task or mental challenge. this cycle just goes on all day
and more and more anxiety results as the day goes on.i have to think of my newborn son or my family which makes me feel good, but in return i have to then verify in my mind somehow either by
reaffirming with a task or some compulsion that everything will be okay. i know this is some form of ocd but i don't have certain rituals or things i do,it's just like anytime i feel good or have a good thought i have to protect it with a compulsion or i feel like i've let myself and all the good in me down!!! i take paxil and xanax and these things help some but this just doesn't go away... can anybody relate?? sorry this is so long but this stuff is driving me crazy!!
Posted by KathrynLex on January 20, 2004, at 15:35:39
In reply to Re: Anxious after 25 days? - Lexy, posted by Mrs C. on January 20, 2004, at 15:10:41
Hi Mrs. C,
I'm sorry to hear that you're having trouble with lex right now. Have you discussed it with your pdoc, he might suggest adding something to your drug cocktail to help with the "wired" feeling. Or maybe your dose is too high.
Is there something else that might be causing you to feel "wired" like a change in your caffeine intake or unusually high stress levels? I only ask because I'm wondering if there wasn't something to trigger the "wired" feeling, or if it came on suddenly.
It's possible that you will start feeling normal again in a few days and what you're experiencing now is just a small glitch. I hope that's the case. In the meantime, call your pdoc to put your mind at rest. Please keep us posted on how you're doing, we all want you to be well.
K.
Posted by Mrs C. on January 20, 2004, at 15:42:18
In reply to Re: Anxious after 25 days? - Lexy, posted by LynneDa on January 20, 2004, at 15:20:25
Lynne, You have no idea how glad I am to hear from somebody! I still feel great and the "wired" feeling has subsided. It was around for a couple of days. I am expecting my period any day so maybe that has something to do with it! You're such an angel, you were the first person to ever reply to me when I first started on this board and you are always so welcoming to everyone who posts! Hope things are going okay with you too. Mrs. C
Posted by LynneDa on January 20, 2004, at 15:43:38
In reply to Re: Anxious after 25 days? - Lexy, posted by Mrs C. on January 20, 2004, at 15:42:18
Posted by Mrs C. on January 20, 2004, at 15:45:17
In reply to anyone relate to this??, posted by winterbluez on January 20, 2004, at 15:25:30
> hello can anyone relate to this here?? besides seasonal depression and anxiety{winter and fall}
> i have this thing going on where i feel like i always have to think positive thoughts and protect them by performing some sort of task or mental challenge. this cycle just goes on all day
> and more and more anxiety results as the day goes on.i have to think of my newborn son or my family which makes me feel good, but in return i have to then verify in my mind somehow either by
> reaffirming with a task or some compulsion that everything will be okay. i know this is some form of ocd but i don't have certain rituals or things i do,it's just like anytime i feel good or have a good thought i have to protect it with a compulsion or i feel like i've let myself and all the good in me down!!! i take paxil and xanax and these things help some but this just doesn't go away... can anybody relate?? sorry this is so long but this stuff is driving me crazy!!Yes, I can definetly relate! I am taking lex for OCD as well. My problem is always having to look up symptoms I have in fear of a serios illness. I would spend hours per day doing this when I was worried about something. Keep hanging on and taking your meds. You will get better, I have! Mrs. C
Posted by Steve3211 on January 20, 2004, at 16:05:23
In reply to Re: Anxious after 25 days? - Lexy, posted by Mrs C. on January 20, 2004, at 15:10:41
> > Hey Guys,
> > I have a question for you. Has anyone experienced a return of side effects once in awhile. Today and yesterday I have felt that old "wired" feeling that I had in the beginning. I have been on Lex now for three months and this is unexpected. Has anyone else had this happen? I'm worried about it so if anyone could reply I would be so grateful. Thanks. Mrs. C
>
> Hi, it's me again. I was really hoping for a response from someone but I guess no one has experienced this. That scares me because usually there is someone who can relate. Bye for now. Mrs. CMrs. C,
I can relate. I am only on 5 mg's for almost 4 weeks now and although the s/e's are not the same I still get some of them. I am having gastro intest problems and headaches and a little spacey. I think it just takes a while for our bodies to adjust. Anyone else experience different s/e's after being on Lexapro for a while? Thanks guys-Steve
Posted by Gator on January 20, 2004, at 16:28:52
In reply to Re: Anxious after 25 days?Mrs. C., posted by Steve3211 on January 20, 2004, at 16:05:23
Mrs. C,
I've been on Lex for 3 1/2 months and now and then I feel some small s/e's reappear too. Nothing real bad but my thought is that my body is readjusting. Usually a day or two later I feeling good again. So, I just let my body recallibrate itself and I'm ready for another 3000 miles!
Good Luck!
Gator
Posted by emiliacole on January 20, 2004, at 16:31:25
In reply to Lexapro Withdrawal Dizziness/Tingling/Numbness?!, posted by CR on January 8, 2004, at 16:16:47
i stopped lexapro 10 days ago and in just the past 5 days i have gone through the WORST withdrawal EVER! same symptoms, aching in my head left side, dizziness, nausea..it's horrible, like the flu.
this happened to me before when i forgot to take my meds for a few days and then figured, well, i feel fine, i'll just stop...i was out of work for a week with what i thought was the flu..after i didn't get better, i started the lexapro again, and of course felt better.... i also kept gaining weight......
i quit lexapro because i gained 35 pounds from it in just 8 months!
YES, LEXAPRO CAN MAKE YOU FAT!
i went to three different docs trying to figure out how i could possibly gaining weight so rapidly while my eating habits never changed...they even go better, and i was going to the gym 5 days a week..... no one could figure it out.
my pysch meds doctor even confirmed that she had gained weight on it...even though she backed the drug by saying it was rare...rare my ass! just search lexapro side effects and you will get HUNDREDS of people telling their horror stories of this drug.
i am so bummed i never researched this in the first place.
even though i feel sick as a dog and none of my clothes fit, thanks to lexapro, i'll never take an anti'D again...i'm on a quest for a natural solution. pharmaceutical drugs are poison.
Posted by Gaza on January 20, 2004, at 16:59:20
In reply to Re: Lexapro Withdrawal Dizziness/Tingling/Numbness, posted by emiliacole on January 20, 2004, at 16:31:25
Not so. Most people, by far, have less of an appetite on lex, and therefore, most people loose weight. Getting fat from it IS rare.
I have less of an appetite also, and it's great.
> i stopped lexapro 10 days ago and in just the past 5 days i have gone through the WORST withdrawal EVER! same symptoms, aching in my head left side, dizziness, nausea..it's horrible, like the flu.
>
> this happened to me before when i forgot to take my meds for a few days and then figured, well, i feel fine, i'll just stop...i was out of work for a week with what i thought was the flu..after i didn't get better, i started the lexapro again, and of course felt better.... i also kept gaining weight......
>
> i quit lexapro because i gained 35 pounds from it in just 8 months!
>
> YES, LEXAPRO CAN MAKE YOU FAT!
>
> i went to three different docs trying to figure out how i could possibly gaining weight so rapidly while my eating habits never changed...they even go better, and i was going to the gym 5 days a week..... no one could figure it out.
>
> my pysch meds doctor even confirmed that she had gained weight on it...even though she backed the drug by saying it was rare...rare my ass! just search lexapro side effects and you will get HUNDREDS of people telling their horror stories of this drug.
>
> i am so bummed i never researched this in the first place.
>
> even though i feel sick as a dog and none of my clothes fit, thanks to lexapro, i'll never take an anti'D again...i'm on a quest for a natural solution. pharmaceutical drugs are poison.
Posted by KathrynLex on January 20, 2004, at 17:09:43
In reply to Re: Lexapro Withdrawal Dizziness/Tingling/Numbness, posted by emiliacole on January 20, 2004, at 16:31:25
Your experience with lexapro sounds awful. Gaining weight can be very discouraging, hopefully you will be able to loose it now that you've stopped taking lex. Best of luck to you in finding the right natural remedy.
K.
Posted by Mariposa on January 20, 2004, at 17:36:43
In reply to Re: Lexapro Withdrawal Dizziness/Tingling/Numbness, posted by emiliacole on January 20, 2004, at 16:31:25
> i stopped lexapro 10 days ago and in just the past 5 days i have gone through the WORST withdrawal EVER! same symptoms, aching in my head left side, dizziness, nausea..it's horrible, like the flu.
>
> this happened to me before when i forgot to take my meds for a few days and then figured, well, i feel fine, i'll just stop...i was out of work for a week with what i thought was the flu..after i didn't get better, i started the lexapro again, and of course felt better.... i also kept gaining weight......
>
> i quit lexapro because i gained 35 pounds from it in just 8 months!
>
> YES, LEXAPRO CAN MAKE YOU FAT!
>
> i went to three different docs trying to figure out how i could possibly gaining weight so rapidly while my eating habits never changed...they even go better, and i was going to the gym 5 days a week..... no one could figure it out.
>
> my pysch meds doctor even confirmed that she had gained weight on it...even though she backed the drug by saying it was rare...rare my ass! just search lexapro side effects and you will get HUNDREDS of people telling their horror stories of this drug.
>
> i am so bummed i never researched this in the first place.
>
> even though i feel sick as a dog and none of my clothes fit, thanks to lexapro, i'll never take an anti'D again...i'm on a quest for a natural solution. pharmaceutical drugs are poison.Most posters who have successfully stopped Lexapro did it by tapering off slowly so as to minimize the withdrawl agony.
Sorry to hear you had such a rough time of it, but your poison is a potion to many of us....I lost 10 pounds on Lex and have had good results.
Good luck to you.~~~8|8
Posted by Mariposa on January 20, 2004, at 17:47:11
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects - CSWIFE pls read, posted by Okpolosi on May 24, 2003, at 11:43:46
> > I have been reading posts here for a month or so and decided I should share my Lex experiences, too. What I have read has been so helpfull and thank you all for sharing.
> > I'm in week 5 on 5mg and I take it late morning, around 10:00AM. Female 47, diagnosed with PMDD and depression, have never taken any meds before. Just haven't felt like my usual self for a couple of years it seems. Thought I was peri-menopausal, but Dr says it's PMDD. Was having terrible fights w/husband and fits of rage at work, while having to deal with customers, NOT good! Recently lost Mother-in-Law, we were pretty close, and both me and husband were hit pretty hard. Inherited a big house that needs a lot of work.
> > Week 1 - Nausea for a few hours after taking, mild diahrea, REALLY bad Headaches in the evening. Felt tired and foggy headed in the afternoon. Noticed some mild anxiety. No trouble sleeping. Towards end of week started feeling like I was getting the flu. Noticed my teeth hurt and realized I was clenching. Didn't want to eat at all, no appetite.
> > Week 2 - People at work have the flu, I called in sick all week, really felt terrible and don't know for sure if it was Lex or flu, had no fever, but had headaches, congestion, runny nose, chills, diahrea, slept A LOT, day and night. Eat like a pig but actually lost a pound or two, realy crave carbs ( Potatoe chips, Chex mix, etc. ). Occasional anxiety. Got an itchy rash all over my back and top of my arms. Head feels "big" and spacey. Have to tell self not to clench teeth.
> > Week 3 - "Flu" symptoms going away, feel very tired, no energy, short of breath if I do anything. Head still feels funny - spacey. Sweaty armpits on some days, blurry vision, a few mild night sweats, but in general no trouble sleeping. Still have mild diahrea. Had one day of bad lower back pain. Anxiety seems to occur less often. Gained back the pounds I lost.
> > Week 4 - Feel better physically, not mentally - still very angry and irritable, period is coming. A little trouble sleeping, want to blame husband for keeping me awake. Sweaty pits seem to have gone away, head doesn't feel funny any more, still have mild diahrea (not really a problem, just different than usual). Energy returning, able to do a lot more at work without feeling out of breath. Still clenching some but not as bad.
> > Week 5 - Actually haven't finished week 5, only half way through. Got a customer complaint at work because I was such a BITCH! Supposed to be having period but hasn't actually started yet. Snapped at husband for no reason. Blurry vision improved slightly. Still don't want to get out of bed in the morning. Am starting to wonder if I should take 7.5mg or even 10 as I don't feel "better", but then figure I should still give it another week or 2, not sure I have given Lex long enough to help.
> > I will update, and again want to thank everyone for your input, it helps to know you are not alone!!!
>
> This is one of my old posts. Save you some trouble, hope it helpsThis is in answer to your step by step question in another thread~~~8|8
Posted by cocohoneynut on January 20, 2004, at 20:14:02
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects - COCOHONEYNUT pls read, posted by Mariposa on January 20, 2004, at 17:47:11
Mariposa...thank you for the information!! Seems as if you had a rough time, but hanging in there!! As I type this email, my head is throbbing a little, not much. What time of day do you take your Lex?? Let's keep in touch, okay? I need someone to relay my symptoms to and this way we can "compare-notes"!! Don't be a BITCH to no one else at work...easy does it (smile) :-)
> > > I have been reading posts here for a month or so and decided I should share my Lex experiences, too. What I have read has been so helpfull and thank you all for sharing.
> > > I'm in week 5 on 5mg and I take it late morning, around 10:00AM. Female 47, diagnosed with PMDD and depression, have never taken any meds before. Just haven't felt like my usual self for a couple of years it seems. Thought I was peri-menopausal, but Dr says it's PMDD. Was having terrible fights w/husband and fits of rage at work, while having to deal with customers, NOT good! Recently lost Mother-in-Law, we were pretty close, and both me and husband were hit pretty hard. Inherited a big house that needs a lot of work.
> > > Week 1 - Nausea for a few hours after taking, mild diahrea, REALLY bad Headaches in the evening. Felt tired and foggy headed in the afternoon. Noticed some mild anxiety. No trouble sleeping. Towards end of week started feeling like I was getting the flu. Noticed my teeth hurt and realized I was clenching. Didn't want to eat at all, no appetite.
> > > Week 2 - People at work have the flu, I called in sick all week, really felt terrible and don't know for sure if it was Lex or flu, had no fever, but had headaches, congestion, runny nose, chills, diahrea, slept A LOT, day and night. Eat like a pig but actually lost a pound or two, realy crave carbs ( Potatoe chips, Chex mix, etc. ). Occasional anxiety. Got an itchy rash all over my back and top of my arms. Head feels "big" and spacey. Have to tell self not to clench teeth.
> > > Week 3 - "Flu" symptoms going away, feel very tired, no energy, short of breath if I do anything. Head still feels funny - spacey. Sweaty armpits on some days, blurry vision, a few mild night sweats, but in general no trouble sleeping. Still have mild diahrea. Had one day of bad lower back pain. Anxiety seems to occur less often. Gained back the pounds I lost.
> > > Week 4 - Feel better physically, not mentally - still very angry and irritable, period is coming. A little trouble sleeping, want to blame husband for keeping me awake. Sweaty pits seem to have gone away, head doesn't feel funny any more, still have mild diahrea (not really a problem, just different than usual). Energy returning, able to do a lot more at work without feeling out of breath. Still clenching some but not as bad.
> > > Week 5 - Actually haven't finished week 5, only half way through. Got a customer complaint at work because I was such a BITCH! Supposed to be having period but hasn't actually started yet. Snapped at husband for no reason. Blurry vision improved slightly. Still don't want to get out of bed in the morning. Am starting to wonder if I should take 7.5mg or even 10 as I don't feel "better", but then figure I should still give it another week or 2, not sure I have given Lex long enough to help.
> > > I will update, and again want to thank everyone for your input, it helps to know you are not alone!!!
> >
> > This is one of my old posts. Save you some trouble, hope it helps
>
> This is in answer to your step by step question in another thread~~~8|8
>
Posted by Journeyman on January 20, 2004, at 22:19:38
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects - COCOHONEYNUT pls read, posted by Mariposa on January 20, 2004, at 17:47:11
Mrs. C
You're not alone. Tomorrow marks two months that I've been taking 5 mg. of Lexapro and side effects are not a significant problem for me, but they are there, nonetheless.
They include:
Weight gain -(I don't know where everybody's missing socks have gone, but the weight they've lost has been found. By some technological quirk, I seem to have absorbed it through digital contact with my laptop's keyboard). Am thinking of offsetting med. costs by securing sponsorship from Michelin.
Lightheadedness - it's almost a pleasant 'buzz,' but since it isn't normally there, I'd prefer not to have it.
Napmongoring - I don't experience any of the morning drowsiness that many folks mention, or clouded thinking. In fact, I'm pretty chipper until the early afternoon, at which point I often want nothing more than to drift off to lala land for an hour or two.
Wired for Business - Whether I nap or not, I'm running on high octane from about 4 pm to around midnight.
Upset stomach - not bad, but it comes around every once in a while, and since I basically have a cast-iron quality stomach, I know it's not from something I've eaten.
Diarrhea - Ditto.
It's just a reminder that people have different physical responses to the drug (no surprise there).
I'll take the mild on-again/off-again medicine symptoms over the oppressive heaviness of depression anyday (or night).
Peace to you and all,
Richard
Posted by KathrynLex on January 20, 2004, at 22:45:27
In reply to Special Effects, posted by Journeyman on January 20, 2004, at 22:19:38
"Weight gain -(I don't know where everybody's missing socks have gone, but the weight they've lost has been found. By some technological quirk, I seem to have absorbed it through digital contact with my laptop's keyboard). Am thinking of offsetting med. costs by securing sponsorship from Michelin."
He, he, he! Thank you for the laugh before bed Richard. I'll be giggling about that one as I lay under the covers tonight.K.
Posted by Journeyman on January 20, 2004, at 22:49:34
In reply to Special Effects, posted by Journeyman on January 20, 2004, at 22:19:38
And speaking of side effects, this little gem is from a book called "Disorder in the Court," a collection of actual court transcriptions.
I imagine the defendant as someone who's taking Lexapro, with less than satisfactory results in the sex dept.Q: Are you sexually active?
A: No, I just lie there.
Laughter's the best medicine. Lightheartedness to us all.Journeyman
Posted by Journeyman on January 20, 2004, at 23:07:40
In reply to Re: Special Effects, posted by KathrynLex on January 20, 2004, at 22:45:27
Dear K,
I'm so pleased that my ever-increasing girth could bring you such delight and maybe even help you sleep better!
I'll be jiggling about that one as I lie under the covers tonight. (BTW, I'm being totally facetious):-)
PS Want to make a run to Costco's with me and see if they sell Krispy Kremes in bulk?
Posted by Yogi on January 21, 2004, at 5:37:00
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects - COCOHONEYNUT pls read » Mariposa, posted by cocohoneynut on January 20, 2004, at 20:14:02
I have OCD and I have to get some kind of help. I went to a DR today and he prescribed Lexapro. I have looked at it twice and put it away. I don't mind telling anyone, I'm scared. I'm so very scared and confused. Tonight I read a lot of the posts on this thread. It seems to me that Lexapro can be pretty rough. I just got out of the shower and I just stood in there crying. I had bad side effects years ago with Paxil. I had side effects with Prozac but nothing as bad as Paxil and as some of you are describing with Lexapro. I want to be rid of the OCD so very much or at least be able to live a somewhat normal life day to day. I just wish there was a more natural way. Some of these side effects can really mess a person up. It's almost overwhelming if one thinks about it. To try a new drug is a big gamble. If it presents bad side effects then one has to gradually stop taking it. That can cause a person to be screwed up for months. I'm so scared and so confused.
Posted by emiliacole on January 21, 2004, at 6:40:36
In reply to Re: How much longer until... » KathrynLex, posted by muddled on January 8, 2004, at 14:20:00
yup, you won't want to eat for the first few weeks...and then all of a sudden you'll eat like a cow and eventually gain lots of weight, like me, 35 pounds in 8 months...
i just went off lexapro and now have the worst withdrawal ever...very BAD drug..
good luck
Posted by Gator on January 21, 2004, at 8:16:51
In reply to Re: How much longer until..., posted by emiliacole on January 21, 2004, at 6:40:36
emiliacole,
I'm sorry that Lexapro did not work for you. Yes, the side effects were rough in the begining, but I am 150% happier now. I am really starting to feel like myself 10 years ago.I wish you well in your search for happiness!!
Good Luck,
Gator
Posted by LynneDa on January 21, 2004, at 9:03:44
In reply to The Joy of Lex, posted by Journeyman on January 20, 2004, at 22:49:34
Richard - you are so clever . . . thanks for the smiles in your last 2 posts! Actually, your quote sounds like something Woody Allen would say.
I hope everyone finds something to smile about today, it sure helps!
~ Lynne
Posted by Mrs C. on January 21, 2004, at 9:07:11
In reply to Re: Anxious after 25 days?Mrs. C., posted by Gator on January 20, 2004, at 16:28:52
Thanks Gator, I already feel better. I just wanted to know if this was a common thing. I'm so relieved to know that I am not alone. You guys are so wonderful and I am lucky to have found such a great group of supportive "e-friends". Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs C. on January 21, 2004, at 9:13:48
In reply to Special Effects, posted by Journeyman on January 20, 2004, at 22:19:38
Thank you Richard for your enlightening post. I realize now after hearing from you and others that I still may feel some side effects from time to time. They are certainly not as strong as they were in the early weeks but still seem to come and go. With my personality, even on Lex, I tend to worry about things that aren't "normal" for me. But I guess this is "normal" now. You have been an inspiration to me over the past few months and I thank you! Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs C. on January 21, 2004, at 9:17:17
In reply to Re: Special Effects » KathrynLex, posted by Journeyman on January 20, 2004, at 23:07:40
You two are so funny! I am enjoying my entertainment for the day! I too, have gained weight since taking Lex but I blame it on my taste for Christmas cookies! I have since lost 10 pounds! Keep up the humor, we all need it from time to time. Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs C. on January 21, 2004, at 9:22:39
In reply to Re: How much longer until..., posted by emiliacole on January 21, 2004, at 6:40:36
I'm sorry but I have to speak up. I realize that you are having an awful time but some of us have been saved by this drug! While I appreciate your feelings I do think that it is unfair to scare people with your negative comments. Try to think of something positive that has come from your Lex use. This could be realizing that SSRIs are not for you. How long were you taking Lex? And why did you quit cold turkey? Hope you are not offended by my comments but I'm thinking of the new people on this board who may not try lex and who could be helped by it. The s/e's are short lived and manageable for most of us. Thanks for listening. Mrs. C
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