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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by nicky847 on April 23, 2004, at 13:06:23
In reply to Re: PANIC attacks! =(, posted by KathrynLex on April 22, 2004, at 12:16:04
Jenn-
I second this post..20 mg is alot to start on without slowly cycling up...increased anxiety is a common side effect when first starting Lexapro, I had it on 10 mg so I can only imagine what 20 mg would do...you should probably start off with 5 mg for a week, then 10 the next, 15 week 3, then 20..but talk to your doc about a schedule to get up to 20 mg it should be alot easier for you to adjust that way.> Hi Jenn,
>
> I would suggest dropping down to 10 mgs for about 2 weeks, then going up to 15 mgs for 2 weeks and finally up to 20 mgs. Increasing your dose gradually will really help minimize the side effects and 20 mgs is a pretty high starting dose. (I began with 10 mgs, some people prefer to go as low as 5 mgs.)
>
> It sounds like 20 mgs is a little too high for you right now. Talk to your doctor about decreasing your dose and going up to 20 mgs more slowly. This gives your body time to adjust to the new medication you're giving it.
>
> The Lexapro can cause increased anxiety for the first few weeks that you take it. At the lower doses, it's a little more tolerable. Also, ask your doctor about getting some Xanax or Klonopin so you can take it if you start having another panic attack. I recommend the Xanax on an as needed basis. It really does stop panic attacks dead in their tracks.
>
> Lexapro can also cause night sweats (i.e. waking up with your body covered in sweat.) It happened to me a lot during the first 3 weeks I was on Lexapro. It was a little odd and uncomfortable, but tolerable.
>
> So, to answer your question, yes what happened to you happens to a lot of people who are starting out on Lex. To prevent it, lower your dose and get a bottle of Xanax to keep next to your bed. (That's where I've got mine, but I didn't have to use it past the first month on Lexapro.) I can understand wanting to stay home and being afraid of having another panic attack. That's why I started taking the Lexapro in the first place.
>
> Lex is terrific for panic attacks if you can hang in there and get past the first few weeks. If it's too awful for you, then stop taking it. There are a lot of other meds you can take to help with anxiety/panic attacks.
>
> Oh, one more word of advice. If you're getting your meds from your regular doctor I strongly recommend going to a psychiatrist for meds. They're more informed about medications and are well versed on their side effects. When I called my psychiatrist and told him I was having panic attacks with Lexapro he said, "Well, that happens sometimes. They should go away in the next couple of weeks but in the meantime let me give you some Xanax."
>
> I hope some of this information is useful. Please keep me posted on your progress. Best of luck!
>
> K.
Posted by KathrynLex on April 23, 2004, at 15:20:15
In reply to Re: PANIC attacks! =(, posted by ednababish on April 23, 2004, at 9:35:32
Hi Edna,
Chances are high that the elevated liver function is related to the Lex. I'm not sure what causes the initial anxiety.
Like you, I got a sinus infection/cold during my first 3 wks on Lex. Other people call it the Lex flu. My doctor and my psychiatrist said it was a coincidence that I got sick right as I started Lex. But a lot of people here have experienced it.
K.
Posted by trucker on April 23, 2004, at 15:51:34
In reply to Re: wellabutrin and lex, posted by bride2be on April 22, 2004, at 15:14:00
yes it takes away the s/e and i am on welbutrin 150 mg and 20 mg lex, good combination.. takes two weeks to feel good after ya start welbutrin.. then its good...don't drink.. cause it will make ya tired for days...
trucker
///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
> does anyone else do this cobination? i have been on lex 20 for a month and started well. yesterday. please let me know what you guys think if that if your on it. i think lexy is, but anyone elses advice is welcome. does it take long for the well. to start working? she added well. and said it would take away the bad sexual side effects.
Posted by bride2be on April 23, 2004, at 16:56:45
In reply to Re: wellabutrin and lex » bride2be, posted by trucker on April 23, 2004, at 15:51:34
that is exactly what i am on. i am glad i am not the only one. so you think it will take about 2 weeks. i fell much better and i have only been on the wellabutrin for 2 days now. why are you on both, if you dont mind me asking.
Posted by trucker on April 23, 2004, at 17:23:43
In reply to Re: wellabutrin and lex, posted by bride2be on April 23, 2004, at 16:56:45
my pdoc i s trying to get me active in the energy level.. sex too but i am lathargic. and she is trying to help me loose weight
trucker
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
> that is exactly what i am on. i am glad i am not the only one. so you think it will take about 2 weeks. i fell much better and i have only been on the wellabutrin for 2 days now. why are you on both, if you dont mind me asking.
Posted by bride2be on April 23, 2004, at 17:26:53
In reply to Re: wellabutrin and lex » bride2be, posted by trucker on April 23, 2004, at 17:23:43
is it helping with the weight loss? i have not gained any on lex, thank god. but i could stand to loose about 10 pounds. is it helping you? also, does it help with the orgasms? lex put that to a complete stop for me, that is why she added 150 of wellabutrin. i feel alot better knowing that i can ask you questions b/c we are on the dosages of both. do you feel happier? what was your initial reason for starting lex and well.?
Posted by trucker on April 23, 2004, at 17:31:02
In reply to Re: wellabutrin and lex--trucker, posted by bride2be on April 23, 2004, at 17:26:53
depression and post traumatic stress syndrom... i was a mess . i haven't been on it long enough to tell about the weight... i hope so i need all the help i can get.. i am several weeks ahead of you i think on the welbutrin...
i am feeling better.. don't drink.. its worthless.
trucker
////////////////////////////////////////
> is it helping with the weight loss? i have not gained any on lex, thank god. but i could stand to loose about 10 pounds. is it helping you? also, does it help with the orgasms? lex put that to a complete stop for me, that is why she added 150 of wellabutrin. i feel alot better knowing that i can ask you questions b/c we are on the dosages of both. do you feel happier? what was your initial reason for starting lex and well.?
Posted by bride2be on April 23, 2004, at 17:33:22
In reply to Re: wellabutrin and lex--trucker » bride2be, posted by trucker on April 23, 2004, at 17:31:02
I HAD ONE PINA COLADA LAST NIGHT BUT THATS IT! I AM NOT REALLY A DRINKER ANYMORE. I HOPE YOU LOOSE WEIGHT, I BET YOU REALLY DONT NEED TO! I AM SORRY ABOUT YOUR DEPRESSION, I KNOW WHAT THAT FEELS LIKE. THANKS FOR HELPING ME ANSWER QUESTIONS ABOUT MY NEW COMBO. IF I THINK OF ANYMORE I WILL SHOOT THEM YOUR WAY!
Posted by Morree on April 23, 2004, at 20:47:46
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I've just quit Lexapro cold turkey a few days ago after just five months at 10mg daily. Withdrawal didn't occur to me but I decided to do a little research today when I felt extremely light-headed and strange. From what I've read many have weeks of fairly severe side effects. Am I one of the lucky ones or might I have weeks of hell ahead of me? I did not consult my doctor before quitting.
Posted by aspensm0mmy on April 23, 2004, at 21:14:05
In reply to lexapro withdrawal, posted by Morree on April 23, 2004, at 20:47:46
This is my day six on a swap from Paxil 37.5 CR to Lexapro 10mg. . .It has been a week, I'll tell ya!! Why didn't you contact your Dr and what made you decide to just up and quit??
Posted by Morree on April 23, 2004, at 23:03:42
In reply to Re: lexapro withdrawal, posted by aspensm0mmy on April 23, 2004, at 21:14:05
I felt different when I was on it- mostly good changes- but I felt just having learned what I could be like might be enough to change myself without it. The doctor I've been seeing is a college campus doctor. It was easy to get lost in weekly work and not go to the appointment or get a prescription renewal. Lexapro is a bit costly for me as well. My problem is not depression but general anxiety disorder. It became a more pressing problem when I began to lose weight and was very tired all the time. I was tested for everything under the sun and then sent to the psychiatrist. I feel like now maybe I can combat it myself. School and work are stressful, there are ups and downs. I feel that when I graduate this May a lot of that stress will be gone.
Posted by Escher Dementian on April 24, 2004, at 7:20:16
In reply to Re: PANIC attacks! =(, posted by ednababish on April 23, 2004, at 9:35:32
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
Posted by bride2be on April 24, 2004, at 13:52:22
In reply to Re: wellabutrin and lex, posted by bride2be on April 23, 2004, at 16:56:45
i have been on the lex for over a month, and i still yawn alot throughout the day. will the wellabutrin take that away? i thought the yawning should be gone by now, does it ever go away. i read alot of other notes and people said the wellabutrin gives you a burst of energy. i kinda feel that way. does anyone have any input? thanks
Posted by Dr. Bob on April 26, 2004, at 7:35:30
In reply to Social Spot, posted by aspensm0mmy on April 22, 2004, at 12:44:51
> How do you get to the Social area??
The social offshoot of this thread is at:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20040305/msgs/323847.html
And the board as a whole is at:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social
Bob
Posted by Shelbynan on April 26, 2004, at 9:07:40
In reply to lexapro withdrawal, posted by Morree on April 23, 2004, at 20:47:46
I think you lucked out. Maybe it was because you were only on lexapro for 5 months. When I tried to take myself off it, I noticed that I became very snappy and out-of-sorts after just 2-3 days off it. I also notice this if I forget to take it a couple days. I am on 10mg-20mg. If you still feel ok, then I, personally, think you are out of the woods. What I suggest is to take note of how you are feeling and see if you notice any subtle negative changes. If not, you are free,
Shelly> I've just quit Lexapro cold turkey a few days ago after just five months at 10mg daily. Withdrawal didn't occur to me but I decided to do a little research today when I felt extremely light-headed and strange. From what I've read many have weeks of fairly severe side effects. Am I one of the lucky ones or might I have weeks of hell ahead of me? I did not consult my doctor before quitting.
Posted by Shelbynan on April 26, 2004, at 9:30:45
In reply to Re: PANIC attacks! =(, posted by Escher Dementian on April 24, 2004, at 7:20:16
I've been on lexapro & wellbutrin for some time. When I try to go off the lexapro, I get really anxious, irritable and out-of-sorts and I feel a dark cloud over me that I must fight (really feels terrible). Does this mean I will need to be on this medication for the rest of my life?
Posted by bride2be on April 26, 2004, at 16:45:41
In reply to re:are lexapro wellbutrin such drugs forever?, posted by Shelbynan on April 26, 2004, at 9:30:45
i dont think it means you will need to be on it for the rest of your life.l it may be really bad in the beginning of the quitting process, but it should get better. you may want to talk to you doc about it, are you quitting cold turkey or what? alot of people try to ween themselves off and it seems to work better. also, ask you doc about giving you xanax for the anxiety. i heard that really helps.
Posted by Morree on April 27, 2004, at 0:01:23
In reply to re:are lexapro wellbutrin such drugs forever?, posted by bride2be on April 26, 2004, at 16:45:41
I've never heard of xanax- maybe this is good for general anxiety? I'll look it up. Lexapro was nice but the sexual side effects were a bummer.
Posted by bride2be on April 27, 2004, at 11:52:56
In reply to re:are lexapro wellbutrin such drugs forever?, posted by bride2be on April 26, 2004, at 16:45:41
i have read alot of past posts and my social lex group has some girls that take lex and when they get really bad anxiety they take a xanax to help. also, i am on a lex and wellabutrin combo now, your doctor has to find the right combo to best suit you. the lex may not work on its own. you should talk to your doc, they will understand and be able to find the right med to make you feel better. good luck
Posted by shelbynan on April 27, 2004, at 17:24:02
In reply to re:are lexapro wellbutrin such drugs forever?, posted by bride2be on April 27, 2004, at 11:52:56
which works better for anxiety? lexapro or buspar? I am on lexapro and welbutrin together, but I still feel ansious. I read that buspar can cause weight gain. don't want that. Any opinions? thanks
Posted by BLKVETTES on April 28, 2004, at 2:32:39
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by hope2003 on February 7, 2003, at 16:12:49
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 <:-)
Posted by mystic on April 28, 2004, at 6:50:43
In reply to LEXAPRO 15 MONTHS, posted by BLKVETTES on April 28, 2004, at 2:32:39
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
Posted by Shelbynan on April 28, 2004, at 8:26:02
In reply to Re: PANIC attacks! =(, posted by Escher Dementian on April 24, 2004, at 7:20:16
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 SK> 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
>
Posted by nicky847 on April 28, 2004, at 11:10:35
In reply to Re: LEXAPRO 15 MONTHS, posted by mystic on April 28, 2004, at 6:50:43
Wayne-
Wow..you have such a wonderful attitude...I am sincerely sorry for your loss, I have not experienced that yet in my lifetime but will keep in mind the strength and hope you are displaying now when I do. Thanks.Nick
> 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
Posted by BLKVETTES on April 28, 2004, at 12:25:56
In reply to PANIC attacks! =(, posted by modeljenn on April 22, 2004, at 11:54:00
> I just started on 20mg of lexapro Sunday to treat my depression and last night I had a horrible headache, so I took a tylenol and went to bed. While I was trying to fall asleep I started to feel like I couldn't breathe, then I got pains in my chest and my arms and hands, I was sweating all over, and I felt like I was going to throwup. This happened for a few minutes at a time, then went away for a few minutes. It happened a total of 4 or 5 times. I called my doctor and she told me that lexapro is supposed to get rid of panic attacks not bring them on. But I've never had anything like this before. I thought I was dying or something...it was horrible! Has this happened to anyone else? What can I do to prevent this? I had to stay home from work today cause I feel all shaky and weak...and I'm afraid I'll have another one.
>
> Jenn
Why do I get the feeling your seeing a family doctor for meds. Even the company that makes lexapro wouldnt suggest 20mgs to start. Sorry but that seems ignorant to me.
WAYNE <:-)
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