Posted by Ame Sans Vie on August 26, 2003, at 10:10:45
In reply to Help me help my mother - LEXAPRO ..., posted by Janelle on August 23, 2003, at 22:16:36
Oh wow... we've talked about your mother being on Lexapro before, but I wasn't aware she was in her 70s. With such a high dose (said to be equivalent to 120mg Celexa!!!), it's not the least bit surprising that she feels awful. You said she experiences no joy -- unless this was a prominent symptom of hers before beginning treatment, I'd hazard a guess that she may be experiencing thymoanesthesia ("emotional anesthesia") from the Lexapro.
You know, I've heard great things about using methylphenidate (preferably a long-acting formulation like Ritalin LA, Metadate CR, or Concerta) to treat depression in the elderly. Perhaps this should be discussed with her doctor, whether it's used simply to augment the Lexapro (which is very common) or as an antidepressant on its own.
poster:Ame Sans Vie
thread:253492
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030823/msgs/254289.html