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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by mystic on May 23, 2004, at 16:22:35
In reply to Re: Lexapro and PMS, posted by Anjul on May 23, 2004, at 14:39:06
Anjul...A lot of people on the posts have problems with the pms part...I am on 15mgs now and not having a good time with it..Not sure if only a week would make a difference but it sure hasnt...My dr suggested the same thing to go up to the 15mgs at the time of my period but thought better of it since I get the s/e from going up and didnt see the point of yo yo ing like that when I already did..I was hoping that the 15mgs were going to do the trick all the way around so still waiting..Hopefully you will find your way as to what to do...Mystic
Posted by Mrs. C on May 23, 2004, at 18:39:41
In reply to Re: Weight gain, posted by sexylexy on May 23, 2004, at 10:22:36
Lexy, don't forget, when we are happy and content we tend to eat more. Just a thought that your weight gain is a sign of good mental health! Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs. C on May 23, 2004, at 18:47:51
In reply to Re: Lexapro and PMS, posted by Anjul on May 23, 2004, at 14:39:06
Anjul, I haven't tried that but I know all about PMS and Lexapro. Mine feels like it stops working the week before my period. I hope this works for you. Mrs. C
Posted by Mariposa on May 23, 2004, at 20:11:19
In reply to Re: Lexapro and PMS, posted by Mrs. C on May 23, 2004, at 18:47:51
Have been on Lex 15 mos. DX = PMDD and depression. Currently @ 30mg. Started period yesterday and have been *grouchy* about 5 days already. Today I'm feeling like I want to!!!!!!!AAAARRRRGGGGHHHH!!!!!! Seems like Lex quits working for me too this time of month.
As for all the comments on increasing.... started @ 5mg and have increased always on pdoc's advice. Doubled dose only gave me relief, had no bad side effects after initial bout.
Best of luck to all!~~~8|8
Posted by mystic on May 23, 2004, at 22:03:03
In reply to Re: Lexapro and PMS, posted by Mariposa on May 23, 2004, at 20:11:19
Mariposa...You said that you didnt have any s/e with increasing....How long did it take for you to feel the effects if they were positive...You also said that you had been on the lexapro for 15 months...have you had problems with your period for the whole six months or just recently..I have upped my dosage to 15mgs and it has been a week i have been on the lex 10mgs for hmmmm maybe 3 months and still waiting to see if this going to work for me ....and still very discouraged...Thanks for your input..Mystic
Posted by want info on May 24, 2004, at 9:22:06
In reply to Re: Weight gain, posted by sexylexy on May 23, 2004, at 10:22:36
hey lexy...i thought you went back to 15? i went from 20 to 15 and now i feel a bit funny...i may go back? what did you do?
thanks, emily
Posted by wanted:mind on May 24, 2004, at 10:43:25
In reply to Re: Lexapro update » pharmrep, posted by Anyuser on July 31, 2002, at 9:11:22
Has anyone noticed a connection between Lexapro and either blood sugar or blood pressure? I am not diabetic but noticed my glucose levels fluctuating significantly while on the drug. I gradually got off the Lexapro, stopping a few days ago. My bp has been unusually low as well the last week or so. It's likely that all this is due to other causes; I'm just trying to rule out the med as a cause.
Posted by Anjul on May 24, 2004, at 15:05:03
In reply to Re: Lexapro and PMS, posted by mystic on May 23, 2004, at 16:22:35
Mystic, thanks for you r response. you said you were not having a good time with 15mgs. Were you feeling better on 10? What are yo noticing with the increase?
Anjul
Posted by mystic on May 24, 2004, at 20:42:20
In reply to Re: Lexapro and PMS, posted by Anjul on May 24, 2004, at 15:05:03
Hey Anjul...I'm not really having a fun time with 15mgs..but I have only been on the 15mgs for about 1 1/2 weeks..I'm not sure what to do I really expected to have more relief from upping my dosage by now but maybe it take a little longer...Anyone out there have any ideas.??... I think that if the 15mgs doesnt work I'll quit the lex and see what happens not sure what else to do...Mystic
Posted by trucker on May 24, 2004, at 21:26:46
In reply to RE:: Hey anjul, posted by mystic on May 24, 2004, at 20:42:20
when this happens i hear that you should have went to 20 mgs because the inbetween makes ya feel yucky. either 10mg or 20 mg no inbetweentrucker
//////////////////////////////////////////////
> Hey Anjul...I'm not really having a fun time with 15mgs..but I have only been on the 15mgs for about 1 1/2 weeks..I'm not sure what to do I really expected to have more relief from upping my dosage by now but maybe it take a little longer...Anyone out there have any ideas.??... I think that if the 15mgs doesnt work I'll quit the lex and see what happens not sure what else to do...Mystic
Posted by want info on May 25, 2004, at 9:02:47
In reply to RE:: Hey anjul, posted by mystic on May 24, 2004, at 20:42:20
hey mystic. 15 isnt working for me either. 17.5 seems to though. just a thought. EM
Posted by LynneDa on May 25, 2004, at 11:25:23
In reply to Re: Any significant weight gain or loss on Lexapro????, posted by Surfurgerl on May 22, 2004, at 0:06:16
I too gained on Lex: 25 lbs in 5 months on 20 mg of Lex. I didn't gain anything on 10mg. I went up to 20mg after about 10 weeks at 10mg. I am not normally heavy & nor do I gain weight easily, so this has been a big shocker. My therapist said it's been her experience that it's a 3-way split: 1/3 gain, 1/3 stay the same & 1/3 lose.
Good luck!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Just wanted to add my 2 cents. I gained 40 pounds on Lexapro in about 5 months.
Posted by LynneDa on May 25, 2004, at 11:34:14
In reply to Lexapro - 10mg to 20mg, posted by chloe16 on May 12, 2004, at 7:31:51
Hi Chloe -
I haven't been on in a while so I'm just catching up on posts. I went from 10mg to 20 mg after 10 weeks on 10mg.I had some side effects, but not as bad as in the very beginning. In total most of them only lasted about 10 days - a bit of nausea, some anxiety, brain fog (trouble staying on task, coming up with words, etc.), definitely night sweats, a bit of a headache if I didn't take it at the right time, some insomnia & daytime sleepiness. The only s/e's I still have are the sleepiness/fogginess and occasional night sweats (but I'm pre-menopuasal).
I've been on 20mg since January. I still have depressive symptoms about 10 - 14 days before my period - but not as bad as I was on 10mg. Good luck to you!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>I have been on 10mg for two months and was just upped to 20 because it wasnt working like it had the past few weeks. I am now having major night sweats, anxiety, mental confusion and severe bruising. Has anyone experienced this. Maybe I should go back to 10 but I just wanted to feel as good as I had in my 6th week.
> Thank you!
Posted by LynneDa on May 25, 2004, at 11:37:01
In reply to Lexapro and blood sugar/pressure, posted by wanted:mind on May 24, 2004, at 10:43:25
Hi -
I've been wondering the same thing - about blood sugar. My BP is okay. I've been on Lex for 7 months (2 months at 10mg and 5 at 20mg). I think my blood sugar is off and need to have it checked. Let us know if you find anything that confirms Lex can effect it!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Has anyone noticed a connection between Lexapro and either blood sugar or blood pressure? I am not diabetic but noticed my glucose levels fluctuating significantly while on the drug. I gradually got off the Lexapro, stopping a few days ago. My bp has been unusually low as well the last week or so. It's likely that all this is due to other causes; I'm just trying to rule out the med as a cause.
Posted by Marilyn44 on May 25, 2004, at 12:10:26
In reply to Re: alcohol versus lexapro » lil' jimi, posted by oldhand on June 12, 2003, at 12:16:18
I have only been on Lexapro for 3 weeks, but am really hoping what you guys are saying is going to work. I am also an alcoholic so that would be incredible. I still want beer so it may just be too soon for me.
Posted by Mariposa on May 25, 2004, at 13:03:46
In reply to Re: Lexapro and PMS, posted by mystic on May 23, 2004, at 22:03:03
> Mariposa...You said that you didnt have any s/e with increasing....How long did it take for you to feel the effects if they were positive...You also said that you had been on the lexapro for 15 months...have you had problems with your period for the whole six months or just recently..I have upped my dosage to 15mgs and it has been a week i have been on the lex 10mgs for hmmmm maybe 3 months and still waiting to see if this going to work for me ....and still very discouraged...Thanks for your input..Mystic
Felt positive effects within a few days. The problems around period vary from month to month, but each time that I've had consectively worse problems for 3 months, my pdoc increased my dose. I think I agree w/trucker in that 5mg increases did NOT work for me, I went from 20 to 25 with no improvement for 3 months, and bumped up to 30 in March. Now I'm having trouble this month! But I also have switched from taking Yasmin to the patch (in Jan.) so not sure if that has something to do with it as well.
Hope this helps!~~~8|8
Posted by LynneDa on May 25, 2004, at 13:11:22
In reply to Re: Lexapro and PMS » mystic, posted by Mariposa on May 25, 2004, at 13:03:46
Hi Mariposa - Good to hear from you! I am curious to hear how the patch goes with you - to see if it changes your mental state around your period. That is still my troublesome time & I'm at 20mg. I'm on a low-dose pill, but the convenience of the patch sounds wonderful!
Thanks,
Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
> Felt positive effects within a few days. The problems around period vary from month to month, but each time that I've had consectively worse problems for 3 months, my pdoc increased my dose. I think I agree w/trucker in that 5mg increases did NOT work for me, I went from 20 to 25 with no improvement for 3 months, and bumped up to 30 in March. Now I'm having trouble this month! But I also have switched from taking Yasmin to the patch (in Jan.) so not sure if that has something to do with it as well.
>
> Hope this helps!~~~8|8
Posted by ednababish on May 25, 2004, at 13:18:56
In reply to Re: Lexapro and PMS » Mariposa, posted by LynneDa on May 25, 2004, at 13:11:22
Just so you know, I had hormonal related problems with the patch--swelling, headaches, gas and bloating. I looked forward to my period to take the thing off for a week!
Edna
Posted by LynneDa on May 25, 2004, at 13:25:42
In reply to Re: Lexapro and PMS, posted by ednababish on May 25, 2004, at 13:18:56
Thanks! I haven't spoken to many women who've used it so it's good to have your feedback!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Just so you know, I had hormonal related problems with the patch--swelling, headaches, gas and bloating. I looked forward to my period to take the thing off for a week!
> Edna
Posted by LynneDa on May 26, 2004, at 11:18:19
In reply to Re: lexapro withdrawal, posted by anonmom on May 21, 2004, at 16:57:33
Hi! I have a question for you if you don't mind. I've been on Lex for 5 months and have been pretty happy with it overall. But, my 2 issues are grogginess that won't go away & weight gain. Was grogginess your reason for going off of it?
The cold turkey method seems to create lots of weird effects from simple headaches, electrical flashes in the brain, dizziness, etc. I've not heard that shingles was one of them, but when your system is used to getting something regularly I guess you never know where the abrupt change will manifest. Do you think the hyperventilating was a panic attack? What were your reasons for going on Lex in the first place?
Thanks for your input!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>I, too, went off Lexapro cold turkey after 5 months. The nurse thought cold turkey would be OK because it takes a long time for the Lexapro to build up in one's system. I wanted to go off it because I started feeling groggy and like I couldn't wake up. After I quit it the grogginess did go away. Lexapro made me feel very competent. I got shingles a little over a month after I quit taking it and in the first few days of the shingles experience, I hyperventilated for the first time in my life. Any relationship(s) between all of this?
Posted by LynneDa on May 26, 2004, at 11:26:15
In reply to Re: Weight gain, posted by sexylexy on May 23, 2004, at 10:22:36
Hi Lexy -
I just found an article on the internet yesterday published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry in 1998. It said that the reason weight gain isn't mentioned as an s/e is that all the studies are done on s/e's starting immediately, in the first few weeks of SSRI usage. The weight gain seems to happen after a few months of usage in people who do gain weight. It also stated that an average of 18 - 30% will gain weight on an s/e.Not to scare you or depress you, but I have steadily gained 2 lbs per week since I upped to 20mg. My appetite has increased as well. (guess that goes together!) My doctor recommended that I only take the 20mg during the 10 days prior to my period when I get a little wacky, then stay at 10mg the rest of the month. I am trying that and will let you know how it goes. I've been on 10mg all this week and have lost 2 lbs. Don't know if it's coincidence or not.
Just thought it was interesting! How are you doing? Job-hunting yet or do you have something solid? Enjoy yourself, I'm glad you had time at the beach . . . you deserved it :-)
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Hey Ya'll
> After college I lost about 25 lbs. I kept the weight off for over a year. When I first got on Lex, I lost a good amount of weight. Now when I increased my dose to 20 I saw about a 5 lb weight gain and now am up to 8. Some of this is my fault because I have been vacationing and not working out. I feel like I am hungry more often and also can eat more...I just joined my new gym and am going to start working at it so I will let you know how it goes. Weight gain is AWFUL. yuck
> all the luck
> lexy
Posted by Nika on May 27, 2004, at 13:16:43
In reply to Re: Weight gain, posted by sexylexy on May 23, 2004, at 10:22:36
Oh my god, does Lexapro make you gain weight! I've been taking 10 mg a day for over a year and a half, and in the last year I've gained a solid TEN POUNDS. It's not going anywhere. The crazy periods I knew/felt were from the drug, and my therapist suggested upping the dosage--but admitted to being at a loss for a "good" suggestion. BUT ABOUT THOSE TEN POUNDS! The only thing that seems to help me maintain is rigorous diet and exercise. Pilates workouts have been phenomenal for all over toning, but I've got this little egg of a belly I can't seem to shake. Yoga's great for flexibility, but pilates helps build muscles so I at least LOOK more fit. I find going into these warmer months, snacking on predominately fruit really helps, too. You seem to develop quite the appetite as well.
--Nika
Posted by LynneDa on May 27, 2004, at 13:39:51
In reply to Re: Weight gain, posted by Nika on May 27, 2004, at 13:16:43
Nika - Thank you for your response, it's good to know others have experienced the weight gain and increased appetite (not that I'm happy you did, just that misery loves company!). It's just not like my pre-med self, so I feel there has to be a correlation, despite what my doc says!
I just ordered some Pilates tapes, so it's good to hear how well you feel it works. I need toning for sure, but I do wonder if I will ever lose that little belly either!!
In terms of your therapist suggesting you increase, I am doing 20mg just in the 10 days before my period - my worst time - and then 10mg the rest of the month. He said it wouldn't confuse or harm my body to go up and down since I've been on it for awhile now. I did do a 10/20 every other day before going down to 10mg. If you feel the need to increase due to your symptoms, maybe that would be an option for you.
Good luck, take care!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Oh my god, does Lexapro make you gain weight! I've been taking 10 mg a day for over a year and a half, and in the last year I've gained a solid TEN POUNDS. It's not going anywhere. The crazy periods I knew/felt were from the drug, and my therapist suggested upping the dosage--but admitted to being at a loss for a "good" suggestion. BUT ABOUT THOSE TEN POUNDS! The only thing that seems to help me maintain is rigorous diet and exercise. Pilates workouts have been phenomenal for all over toning, but I've got this little egg of a belly I can't seem to shake. Yoga's great for flexibility, but pilates helps build muscles so I at least LOOK more fit. I find going into these warmer months, snacking on predominately fruit really helps, too. You seem to develop quite the appetite as well.
> --Nika
Posted by ednababish on May 27, 2004, at 14:38:49
In reply to Re: Weight gain » Nika, posted by LynneDa on May 27, 2004, at 13:39:51
That stupid little belly! I've had it all my life, even when I weighed a skeletal 103 lbs (I'm 5'6). My niece has it and she's a twig in every other respect. I think we should all make peace with the silly thing--not necessarily welcome it per se, but just acknowledge it and begin to ignore it. Maybe then it will go away. Either that, or we should make the symbol of female empowerment. . . "Yeah, up with the tiny-pot!" "Hey girlfriend, pot's looking mighty good today! What you feeding that thing?"
Posted by Anjul on May 27, 2004, at 14:56:11
In reply to Re: Weight gain » Nika, posted by LynneDa on May 27, 2004, at 13:39:51
Lynne, my doc suggested 1 week of 15mg for the hellacious period. 1 havent tried it yet. Why did you skip 15mg and go straight to 20? why did you go back down? Thank you!!
Anjul
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