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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by ednababish on February 2, 2004, at 22:00:40
In reply to low on lexapro, posted by sexylexy on February 2, 2004, at 13:51:20
Lexy--I don't know everything, but here's what I do know. The results are pretty gradual--it seems that you have to come out of your depression gradually, just like you became depressed gradually. First you will find yourself feeling less tense; you'll notice your neck isn't tight, or you feel sleepy at night, or you're not obsessively worried about something you used fret about a lot. Then you find yourself laughing at something funny on TV. Then you notice that you have bigger or better fish to fry than the ones you used to worry about, so your feelings aren't hurt as easily as they had been. You find yourself just going ahead and finishing tasks that used to paralyze you with indecision, and you're not worried about failure or looking particularly stupid because the job you did is not perfect. Then you start wanting to do the things you used to enjoy but somehow lost the zest for. Then one day you get up and you say--gee, that's who I am! I'm glad to have me back. I was on celexa for a whole year at 20-30mgs before I had that moment when I said Hey! that's me--I remember me. I was on it for a year when I sat down and finished my dissertation--a task I put off for five years because my depression had me paralyzed with insurmountable fear and indecision that kept me from even doing any real work. And I was on it for a year when I made the decision I put off for years because I didn't want to deal with it--to have a baby, because I didn't feel as if I could take care of myself, let alone an infant. It took me a year, but it only took me about four months to get to a point where I stopped dwelling on all the bad feelings and get down to some brass tacks--that is also when I increased my dose from 20 to 30. And I will tell you that you should look at how far you've come, give yourself at least four months, and then be concerned.
I'll pray for you if you pray for me. Edna Babish
Posted by sexylexy on February 2, 2004, at 22:08:55
In reply to Re: low on lexapro, posted by ednababish on February 2, 2004, at 22:00:40
Hey Ya'll,
Thanks so much for all of your support. I feel like I have a bunch of angels looking out for me. I had a bad day today but talked to my boyfriend and parents for a while, I feel like I have pulled out of it well. I am definitly going to keep my faith up and pray for God to help me continue to improve. I am so thankful for you all and wish you all the luck in the world!
Lexy
Posted by Nemo2 on February 2, 2004, at 22:44:34
In reply to Re: low on lexapro, posted by ednababish on February 2, 2004, at 22:00:40
Thank you Edna,
I'm just into this for about 3 weeks now and your message to Lexy gives us all a shot of hope. God bless you.
Nemo2
Posted by Mrs C. on February 3, 2004, at 8:57:49
In reply to my update, posted by lepus on February 2, 2004, at 18:53:49
Hi Lepus,
I am not BP but I do sympathize with how you are feeling. I guess all that you can do right now is trust in your doctor and wait. It does take some time to feel improvement. Alot of us have been feeling a little "manic" on this drug. But in my case it was okay. I got my entire house organized; closets, cupboards, drawers, even my computer files are clean! I hope that you feel better soon and remember that we will be here to support you. Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs C. on February 3, 2004, at 9:01:26
In reply to Re: low on lexapro, posted by ednababish on February 2, 2004, at 22:00:40
Dear Edna Babish,
What you posted was wonderful. You hit the nail on the head! What great advice to give. Congratulations on finding yourself again and I hope all of us can do the same. Mrs. C
Posted by panicman on February 3, 2004, at 9:53:06
In reply to Re: Anyone feeling more agitated on Lexapro? » looking for a life, posted by Ward on December 4, 2002, at 16:40:50
> Looking: 40mg. of Lexapro a day is a huge dose. I think your doctor made a mistake. One of the comparisons I've seen on this board is that 10 mg.of Lexapro is comprable in effectivness to 40 mg. of Celexa. I started with 10mg. of Lexapro for three weeks, then went up to 15 mg. for 5 weeks, and have been on 20 mg for the last 3 weeks. Side effects I experienced early on included night sweats, increased anxiety, and trouble sleeping. The sweats diminished after about a month (but are not completely gone). The anxiety has diminished, and I take 50 mg. of Trazodone at night for sleep. My most troublesome side effect right now is jaw clenching - this got worse when I went up to 20 mg.
> I suggest you call your doctor immediately and verify your dosage - I can't believe that 40 mg. is correct! Remember that the first 2 to 3 weeks on any SSRI is usually rough. Hang in there and keep us posted.
>
> I started Lexapro 40mg last week. I was on Celexa 20mg. I have noticed that I have been more agitated and more "bitchy". My father was switched to Lexapro as well 10mg from 40mg of Celexa. He is experiencing the same snappy feeling. My patience is so much shorter.
> > I also noticed that getting to sleep and staying asleep is getting more difficult as well.
> > Another side effect that has increased with Lexapro is the sweating. I sweat befoe on Celexa but now it's horrible. I break into a massive sweat just doing the dishes or light housework. I'll have sweaqt dripping off my face and soaking my clothes. This is a horrible thing to experience. It is greatly affecting my daily life. It's embarrasing as well. Any input on this would be greatly appreciated.
> > I was told that it was supposed to increase your energy as well. I have not really noticed that much of an increase in energy. I take Adderall to atleast get me through the day. Without it I would be a total slug. My energy level is next to nothing. Without the Adderall it would take me 3 days to get motivated enough to go to the store for milk.
> > I am unsure if this is related to the med but I have had chest pains. I am pretty sure it's muscular but it's right in the middle of my chest. It's new since last week. Haven't experienced it before either.
> > The only positive effect I have had is a small increase in sexual desire . It's not enough to really be happy about though.
> > Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. I feel like I am going out of my mind with the increased stress!
> > Thanks so much!
> >
> >
>
>This message may be late getting to you but your Dr. went the wrong way with your prescription. He should have taken you down to about 10 mg of lexapro.
Posted by panicman on February 3, 2004, at 10:01:55
In reply to Re: Night sweats and Lexapro, posted by happyK on February 2, 2004, at 20:48:21
I have been on Lexapro for about 7 weeks and started having night sweats. Oddly the sweats are from the waist down with most of the sweat on my thighs. It is so uncomfortable. This morning I woke up from the sweating and then dropped back off to sleep only to have it happen again.
If you go to web md and read about night sweats it tells you you could have a serious infection or disease. Can realy scare the hell out of you and those of us taking this for panic really don't need that. Thanks to all of you for posting about your sweating side effects. I'm sorry it is happening but I'm glad to know I'm not "crazy".
Panicman
Posted by KathrynLex on February 3, 2004, at 10:44:07
In reply to my update, posted by lepus on February 2, 2004, at 18:53:49
Hi Lepus,
I'm not BP, but I have experienced some of what you describe. It's unpleasant, that's for sure. But I only have breif moments where I'm wired or want to jump out of my own skin. Have you discussed it with your pdoc?
I've increased from 10 mg to 15 mg and haven't had many additional side effects...if anything I'm feeling a little better. So, don't be too worried about increasing from 5 mg to 10 mg. And you never know, it might even help you have an easier time with your menstrual cycle.
K.
Posted by sexylexy on February 3, 2004, at 10:50:35
In reply to Re: my update, posted by KathrynLex on February 3, 2004, at 10:44:07
Hey Guys!
Thanks again for all the support, my spirits are a little higher than yesterday. I am just getting frusterated with not feeling good but I know that this medication will work as it has for so many others. I am just going to pray and wait it out.
Speaking of wait or in this case weight, I am happy to report that I have started to work out and eat better. This has allowed me to easily drop two of the 5 lbs I have gained. Looks like I may escape the ssri weight gain! Whewwwwwwww
Praying for ya'll
Lexy
Posted by KathrynLex on February 3, 2004, at 10:54:34
In reply to Re: Night sweats and Lexapro, posted by panicman on February 3, 2004, at 10:01:55
Hi Panicman,
If you go to lexapro.com "increased sweating" is listed as one of the side effects of lex. Night sweats are not uncommon on this med. I've gotten them. I'm taking lex for panic/depression and it terrified me the first time I woke up covered in sweat. Many people have been through it so you're definately not crazy.
K.
PS For Lepus - I haven't tried to get off lex, but it's something I've discussed with my pdoc. He says it is VERY important to taper off gradually because you can go through withdrawl if you stop suddenly. You might try going down to 15 mg for 2 wks, then 10 mg and see how you feel.
Posted by KathrynLex on February 3, 2004, at 10:56:03
In reply to Re: Night sweats and Lexapro, posted by KathrynLex on February 3, 2004, at 10:54:34
Ooops. The PS in my above post is for Happy K who asked about getting off Lex.
K.
Posted by jake97tx on February 3, 2004, at 21:20:03
In reply to Re: Night sweats and Lexapro, posted by KathrynLex on February 3, 2004, at 10:56:03
Hi...
I have pretty bad panic disorder with agoraphobia. I say 'bad' because I'm anxious throughout the day even at home. I've been on Paxil for 8 years and am currently battling withdrawal from that crap. PDoc put me on 10 mg of Lexapro a little over 5 weeks ago. I've noticed I am less prone to Panic Attacks (in fact I haven't had one!), but I'm still anxious throughout the day. So my question is, should I give it a little more time to kick in or increase my dosage? Or...is Lex even effective for anxiety?
I am currently down to 2.5 mg of Paxil (the end of that nighmare is almost in sight!)Current Cocktail:
10 mg Lex
2.5 mg Pax
.25mg x 3 XanaxThanks. ;)
Posted by vandy on February 3, 2004, at 22:58:34
In reply to Re: Night sweats and Lexapro, posted by panicman on February 3, 2004, at 10:01:55
Well, I'm shocked! Shocked, I say! Why did it take 7 weeks? I got night sweats right away. I thought I had TB or some other upper respiratory thing that caused those type of reactions.
But then I read in the SE's on this site.....It's normal. It goes away... So I calmed down. I was frightened at first. Ok, so I'm a big dummy. It did go away. The sheets did dry out. I'm fine now. I wish the same for you.> I have been on Lexapro for about 7 weeks and started having night sweats. Oddly the sweats are from the waist down with most of the sweat on my thighs. It is so uncomfortable. This morning I woke up from the sweating and then dropped back off to sleep only to have it happen again.
>
> If you go to web md and read about night sweats it tells you you could have a serious infection or disease. Can realy scare the hell out of you and those of us taking this for panic really don't need that. Thanks to all of you for posting about your sweating side effects. I'm sorry it is happening but I'm glad to know I'm not "crazy".
>
> Panicman
Posted by vandy on February 3, 2004, at 23:04:04
In reply to Re: my update, posted by sexylexy on February 3, 2004, at 10:50:35
That's so nice! You're praying for me. And I bet you are hurting. God bless you! It's people like you that make this world fit for human life. Thank you. And you're on the right track with exercise and stuff. I found that exercise is a great boost to the good things in Lex. Those endorphins caused by exercise add to the positive effect and good feelings caused by a regamin of SSRI's. The exercise gives you a bonus. You not only feel super but your bod looks snazzy. Keep it up. Keep the faith. You're on the right track.
> Hey Guys!
> Thanks again for all the support, my spirits are a little higher than yesterday. I am just getting frusterated with not feeling good but I know that this medication will work as it has for so many others. I am just going to pray and wait it out.
> Speaking of wait or in this case weight, I am happy to report that I have started to work out and eat better. This has allowed me to easily drop two of the 5 lbs I have gained. Looks like I may escape the ssri weight gain! Whewwwwwwww
> Praying for ya'll
> Lexy
Posted by Yogi on February 3, 2004, at 23:05:17
In reply to Re: Ladies on lex. please respond!, posted by sip on January 23, 2004, at 13:35:05
I have read alot about Lexapro causing men sexual side effects. How about women? I read a few on this post. I just wondered if it causes just as much trouble for women?
Posted by Yogi on February 3, 2004, at 23:08:23
In reply to Re: Need info - pleeeaaassseee, posted by LynneDa on January 23, 2004, at 14:05:21
Anyone out there feel that Lexapro helped their OCD? Or has Prozac or anything else helped anyone significantly with OCD?
Posted by vandy on February 3, 2004, at 23:10:26
In reply to Lexapro dosage for anxiety?, posted by jake97tx on February 3, 2004, at 21:20:03
Been there. Done that. Got the tee shirt.
But that doesn't help you. I hope this does. When the Paxil works its way out of your system things will be a lot easier. I wish I could tell you honestly when that will be. Unfortunately, the thing that makes us absolutely unique and extremely unduplicatable makes it impossible to predict how we will react to chemical compounds or anything else for that matter.
It will pass. If I knew what it was I would recommend a nice natural substance that you could run through your body to wash out the Pax. I don't. Maybe someone on this board does. It doesn't matter. Time will take care of it. I beg you to be patient until it does. Listen to your bod as it processes things. It's a good practice to listen to the inner voice with respect to what your body processes. When it's done you'll feel much better, I promise.
> Hi...
> I have pretty bad panic disorder with agoraphobia. I say 'bad' because I'm anxious throughout the day even at home. I've been on Paxil for 8 years and am currently battling withdrawal from that crap. PDoc put me on 10 mg of Lexapro a little over 5 weeks ago. I've noticed I am less prone to Panic Attacks (in fact I haven't had one!), but I'm still anxious throughout the day. So my question is, should I give it a little more time to kick in or increase my dosage? Or...is Lex even effective for anxiety?
> I am currently down to 2.5 mg of Paxil (the end of that nighmare is almost in sight!)
>
> Current Cocktail:
> 10 mg Lex
> 2.5 mg Pax
> .25mg x 3 Xanax
>
> Thanks. ;)
Posted by T34 on February 4, 2004, at 4:21:33
In reply to women on Lex, any sexual side effects?, posted by Yogi on February 3, 2004, at 23:05:17
I have not had good experiences with Lexapro and the sexual side effects. I am rarely ever interested in sex, then when we are together, it is a workout with no big finish. No matter how hard I concentrate, nothing. It's like Lexapro takes out all of the highs and lows from my life.
Posted by Anjul on February 4, 2004, at 6:52:25
In reply to Lexapro dosage for anxiety?, posted by jake97tx on February 3, 2004, at 21:20:03
I have been on Lex for 4 1/2 months. I have had a life-long anxiety disorder (ranges from ill-at-ease to naked terror). The Lexapro at 10 mg's REALLY helps alot. I also take 1/8 mg of Klonopin at bedtime (started off taking 1 mg a day in October). Good Luck!!! Anjul
Posted by Anjul on February 4, 2004, at 6:56:16
In reply to women on Lex, any sexual side effects?, posted by Yogi on February 3, 2004, at 23:05:17
For me, even 5 mgs killed the orgasm reflex. On 10, its not even a remote possibility. Once or twice I really really tried, and it was so weak it wasn't even worth it. I guess everything has its price.
Posted by Mrs C. on February 4, 2004, at 8:17:13
In reply to Anyone happy with Lexapro for OCD?, posted by Yogi on February 3, 2004, at 23:08:23
Yogi, I think that I have posted before about my OCD so I won't go into the details. But, yes, I have noticed an improvement with mine. Good luck, Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs C. on February 4, 2004, at 8:19:20
In reply to Re: women on Lex, any sexual side effects?, posted by T34 on February 4, 2004, at 4:21:33
I have not noticed any sexual side effects. Everything has been working fine in that area. Mrs. C
Posted by LynneDa on February 4, 2004, at 10:03:26
In reply to Lexapro dosage for anxiety?, posted by jake97tx on February 3, 2004, at 21:20:03
Hi! Glad to hear you haven't had a Panic Attack in 5 weeks! I don't have severe anxiety, but the Lex did take that away. I did have to up to 20 mg after about 10 weeks to get rid of more of my PMDD symptoms - anger, sadness, obsessive thoughts mainly, some anxiety was still left before I upped to 20 mg.
Good luck to you! Lex has been the answer for many of us here and I hope it is for you too!
~ Lynne
Posted by LynneDa on February 4, 2004, at 10:18:37
In reply to women on Lex, any sexual side effects?, posted by Yogi on February 3, 2004, at 23:05:17
Yes, I have to agree that Lex has had sexual s/e's that still have not gone away completely. My interest level is still the same, but the ability to "get there" has diminished. It takes forever and sometimes we just give up. This was not at all the case for me before Lex. But, I have to say it's improving (after 10 weeks at 10 mg and then 6 weeks at 20 mg - so I had to start over again just a bit)!
Good luck!
~ LynneI have read alot about Lexapro causing men sexual side effects. How about women? I read a few on this post. I just wondered if it causes just as much trouble for women?
Posted by sexylexy on February 4, 2004, at 11:11:44
In reply to women on Lex, any sexual side effects?, posted by Yogi on February 3, 2004, at 23:05:17
Hey Yogi,
Seems to take me longer to get there if you know what I mean. I am on 10 mg for almost 7 weeks. It seems to be starting to "kick in" and helping out some. The main this for me with the sex side effects was concern of lack of libdo. I still have desire and want to be active, just takes me a little longer to orgasm, it does seem to be getter better though.
Lexy
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