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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Napaba on June 4, 2003, at 14:54:16
In reply to Re: Lexapro Update - Please comment » 2beornot2benuts, posted by Mariposa on June 4, 2003, at 13:48:28
Hi I'm on day 6 of Lex. Yesterday I was so down I couldn't believe it. Today I'm way up. I feel great, I guess some would call it manic.
I was on Effexor, the side effects were numerous. I COULDN'T TAKE IT! The difference between Effexor and Lexapro is like night and day.
Some of you should check out the postings of those using Effexor. They are so down. The posting about Lex are so much more positve. I hope it works for me.
I have no aches and pains, nor have I experienced the teeth clenching. With Effexor when I got home from work I wanted to drink to forget about how auful it made me feel. I wasn't depressed, but all the side effects.......> > Hi Mariposa and everyone, I'm Jackie, or (2B), I'm taking 10mg of lexapro at bedtime 11-12pm for the past 16 days, and all I get is alot of jaw clenching (during the day) and aches in my legs when I wake up. No speediness or mood lift yet, i'll let you know when that happens. If anyone on lex is having the jaw clenching symptom too, please post about it! Pretty Please!! I want to call my pdoc about the jaw clenching and the aches, and I know he's gonna try to convince me it's not the lex. He's done that before with other A/D's. Hope the speedy thing resolves itself for you Mariposa. Type to ya later... Jackie
>
> The jaw clenching is a Lex SE, it's the only SE I still have, though it is much much milder now than it was initially. At first my jaw and teeth really hurt, I was clenching in my sleep. But this SE lessened and now I consider it a VERY VERY MINOR inconvenience if I think of it at all. I also had a little bit of the aches but that went away by end of 3rd week.
>
> Best of LUCK!!
Posted by lil' jimi on June 4, 2003, at 15:42:36
In reply to Re: Lexapro Update - Please comment » Ninki, posted by Mariposa on June 4, 2003, at 14:08:54
hi mariposa,
i'm going to go to the Social board to post something there ... because it is not really lex or med related .... and it is something of a more personal nature ....
and it is something we spoke of before ....i do Not intend to be so mysterious ..... this will just work better there for me, that's all ..... it's not like i would think there is like privacy .... anywhere ..... HA!
i wanted you (and anyone else, too) to know, epecially you ..... because of our previous discussion.
thanks,
~ jim
Posted by cswife on June 4, 2003, at 15:43:17
In reply to Re: Lexapro Update - Please comment, posted by Napaba on June 4, 2003, at 14:54:16
Well, after only two weeks on lexapro, the doctor took my husband off of it. Since my husband said he was feeling worse, the doctor said it wasn't right for him. So now he is taking nothing, but the gp told him to see a psychiatrist. So we will try that next. His problem is he is just generally depressed, feeling worthless, no motivation to do anything. The lex made him anxious on top of the depression. He had not had anxiety before that, just the depression.
***We are in the mid-Atlantic and I think if the sun would just shine a while everyone would feel better. It's rained here over 8 inches in the past month and we've only had about 6 days of sunshine. It's enough to depress anybody. Of course, I realize that's not his problem, but it (sunshine) sure would help me.
Good luck to all of you...
God Bless,
C's wife
Posted by Ninki on June 4, 2003, at 16:58:41
In reply to Re: Lexapro Update - Please comment, posted by cswife on June 4, 2003, at 15:43:17
> Well, after only two weeks on lexapro, the doctor took my husband off of it. Since my husband said he was feeling worse, the doctor said it wasn't right for him. So now he is taking nothing, but the gp told him to see a psychiatrist. So we will try that next. His problem is he is just generally depressed, feeling worthless, no motivation to do anything. The lex made him anxious on top of the depression. He had not had anxiety before that, just the depression.
> ***We are in the mid-Atlantic and I think if the sun would just shine a while everyone would feel better. It's rained here over 8 inches in the past month and we've only had about 6 days of sunshine. It's enough to depress anybody. Of course, I realize that's not his problem, but it (sunshine) sure would help me.
> Good luck to all of you...
> God Bless,
> C's wifePlease be sure you understand that depression has nothing to do with the weather...if your husband is truly suffering from depression it is a chemical imbalance in the brain and needs to be treated. Don't put off seeing a phsychiatrist and I hope the sun shines soon too. The sun does help but it's not the answer. Ninki
Posted by theo on June 4, 2003, at 17:00:44
In reply to Re: Lexapro Update - Please comment, posted by cswife on June 4, 2003, at 15:43:17
I'm no doctor but two weeks is not enough time unless your husband was experiencing some serious side effects. I think from personal experience if you don't give any SSRI at least four weeks, you'll never give anything a true read.
Posted by Mariposa on June 4, 2003, at 18:41:39
In reply to Re: Lexapro Update - Please comment, posted by cswife on June 4, 2003, at 15:43:17
> Well, after only two weeks on lexapro, the doctor took my husband off of it. Since my husband said he was feeling worse, the doctor said it wasn't right for him. So now he is taking nothing, but the gp told him to see a psychiatrist. So we will try that next. His problem is he is just generally depressed, feeling worthless, no motivation to do anything. The lex made him anxious on top of the depression. He had not had anxiety before that, just the depression.
> ***We are in the mid-Atlantic and I think if the sun would just shine a while everyone would feel better. It's rained here over 8 inches in the past month and we've only had about 6 days of sunshine. It's enough to depress anybody. Of course, I realize that's not his problem, but it (sunshine) sure would help me.
> Good luck to all of you...
> God Bless,
> C's wifeI agree that 2 weeks is much too soon to tell if the Lexapro would have worked or not.
I also experienced anxiety attacks initially (never had before) but like other SE's they went away.
Depression may seem like "no big deal" to some people, but for many like myself getting help from professionals has made all the difference!!! Please have "C" get help and best of luck to both of you!
Posted by cswife on June 4, 2003, at 18:57:58
In reply to Re: Lexapro Update - Please comment » cswife, posted by Mariposa on June 4, 2003, at 18:41:39
I'm certainly not blaming the weather for my husband's depression. It has been coming on for some time. I was only commenting that the rainy weather was enough to make me depressed!
But I agree with all of you, that two weeks was not enough. But I'm not the doctor and we will make an appointment with a psychiatrist. Maybe he will try another AD or he will prescribe the Lexapro. And with his help and with God's help, he will come through this and be stronger for it.
C's wife
Posted by theump on June 4, 2003, at 19:15:40
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
Hello all! I have been putting off feelings of depression for about 2 years now. The doctors I saw over that time never thought of it themselves. It wasn't till I saw the Zoloft commercials and said, "That sounds like me!" that I thought about asking about it. I also found out my best friend from high school is on an SSRI and I thought if she has dealt with it I can. However, reading this board is making me really nervous about having taken my first 10mg does of Lexapro today.
What am I in for in the next week?! I have a guy quitting next Friday and I'm going to have to have my act together the following week because I have to run the show.
I'm already very fatigued, have no motivation and cry very easily, I want to see these symptoms disappear over time. Can this happen? I'm seeing some postings contrary to this.
Any advice on how to deal with these coming weeks would be greatly appreciated!
Posted by Mariposa on June 4, 2003, at 19:35:43
In reply to 1st day today!, posted by theump on June 4, 2003, at 19:15:40
> Hello all! I have been putting off feelings of depression for about 2 years now. The doctors I saw over that time never thought of it themselves. It wasn't till I saw the Zoloft commercials and said, "That sounds like me!" that I thought about asking about it. I also found out my best friend from high school is on an SSRI and I thought if she has dealt with it I can. However, reading this board is making me really nervous about having taken my first 10mg does of Lexapro today.
>
> What am I in for in the next week?! I have a guy quitting next Friday and I'm going to have to have my act together the following week because I have to run the show.
>
> I'm already very fatigued, have no motivation and cry very easily, I want to see these symptoms disappear over time. Can this happen? I'm seeing some postings contrary to this.
>
> Any advice on how to deal with these coming weeks would be greatly appreciated!Hopefully you will be one of those for whom the side effects are not so bad, it's hard to tell unless you have past experience on how your body reacts to AD's, or until you actually have taken it for a week or 2.
Some of the initial side effects can be tough, vertigo, nausea, fatigue, if you start feeling bad, you need to try to relax, maybe sit down if you can, deep breaths, be sure to eat even if you don't feel like it (it HELPS!!), cold drink or coffee depending on your preference, anything that will get your mind off feeling bad.
On the fatigue/feeling tired - I had some trouble here because I have a physical job. I pushed myself to get up and get moving and the fatigue went away, that is except for a short period during weeks 4-5 where pushing myself left me winded, a little nauseous, and shaky.
I hope this is of help to you and BEST of Luck~~~8|8
Posted by Kathii on June 4, 2003, at 19:41:29
In reply to 1st day today!, posted by theump on June 4, 2003, at 19:15:40
Good luck on starting your treatment! Two years is a long time to have put it off.
The first day I took it was in the morning, and I couldn't do anything that day except be a slug in the recliner - I was sooo tired and felt doped up (this was at 10mg). I lowered my dose to 5mg, still had the fatigue, so changed the time to around 7pm. It worked much better for me, and after about 7-10 days I went up to 10mg.
Don't be afraid to change the time of your dose - everyone's been a little different on what time works best.
Posted by blkvettes on June 4, 2003, at 19:42:17
In reply to 1st day today!, posted by theump on June 4, 2003, at 19:15:40
> Hello all! I have been putting off feelings of depression for about 2 years now. The doctors I saw over that time never thought of it themselves. It wasn't till I saw the Zoloft commercials and said, "That sounds like me!" that I thought about asking about it. I also found out my best friend from high school is on an SSRI and I thought if she has dealt with it I can. However, reading this board is making me really nervous about having taken my first 10mg does of Lexapro today.
>
> What am I in for in the next week?! I have a guy quitting next Friday and I'm going to have to have my act together the following week because I have to run the show.
>
> I'm already very fatigued, have no motivation and cry very easily, I want to see these symptoms disappear over time. Can this happen? I'm seeing some postings contrary to this.
>
> Any advice on how to deal with these coming weeks would be greatly appreciated!Hi there, at one time I cried for 70 days straight. Had bad panic attacks and anxiety. I am a new person!!!!! The worst side effect I got was being very tired, upset stomach. You may get the same or something a luttle worse. You may see some results in as little as a week. But odds are it could take up to 8 weeks and at least one person on this board had to wait 12 weeks. As far as side effects, if they get to be to bad you can drop down to 5mg. There is a line on the pill just cut it in half. I went down to as low as 2.5mg to deal with the side effects. You can always move the dose back up as your body gets used to it. I still managed to get results at about week 5 and ut still gets better. I am on about 7mg and have not had to move to 10mg. lil jimi also went down on dose and moved back up when ready. Hope this helps and good luck!!!
WAYNE
Posted by Kathii on June 4, 2003, at 19:46:13
In reply to Re: Lexapro Update - Please comment, posted by cswife on June 4, 2003, at 15:43:17
Shame on your gp for not referring your husband to a psychiatrist in the first place.
{{getting off soapbox}}
Two weeks is not enough time to see how any med will work for a person -- I wouldn't be surprised if the pdoc decided to try him on it again, and give it more time.
The most important thing you can do is be supportive - it is very difficult the first time a person goes to the pdoc, I cancelled 3 appointments before I was able to go in and get my first Rx.
Posted by blkvettes on June 4, 2003, at 20:38:08
In reply to Re: Lexapro Update - Please comment » cswife, posted by Kathii on June 4, 2003, at 19:46:13
> Shame on your gp for not referring your husband to a psychiatrist in the first place.
> {{getting off soapbox}}
> Two weeks is not enough time to see how any med will work for a person -- I wouldn't be surprised if the pdoc decided to try him on it again, and give it more time.
> The most important thing you can do is be supportive - it is very difficult the first time a person goes to the pdoc, I cancelled 3 appointments before I was able to go in and get my first Rx.
Hi there, your right in what you say!!! But for some reason people take shame in going to see a pdoc and a lot of people dont have the insurance coverage. But it is always better to see someone in the mental health field. I have had 4 pdocs in 7 months because I did not feel they were very smart!!!! They did not know answers to simple questions that I had researched, that were basic and easily answered. My opinion the man should have cut his dose in half until he reached a comfort level and then moved back up when he was ready. For a 1st time user of meds they should be given the lowest dose possible and moved up slowly. MY OPINION!!!!!! The side effects would be minimal and they would not be scared off!!!! Why suffer the side effects if you dont have to. Your still going to get the same relief from the symptoms at about the same time. Someone who has been on meds thats a different story they know what to expect and can deal with what will happen. I AGREE WITH WHAT YOU SAY kATHII !!!! IM NOT ATTACKING YOU IN ANY WAY!!! IM ATTACKING THE SYSTEM!!!!!!!!! TAKE CARE!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by theump on June 4, 2003, at 21:04:38
In reply to Re: 1st day today! » theump, posted by Mariposa on June 4, 2003, at 19:35:43
Thank you for your posts in return to mine, mariposa, kathii and blkvettes. I'm so glad I found this site! I was looking for info on Lexipro when I happened across it.
Please keep the info coming! I sometimes have problems with meds, so knowing what to expect is helpful for knowing it's not just me. ;)
Thank you again!
Posted by Peter S. on June 4, 2003, at 22:13:30
In reply to Re: Lexapro Update - Please comment, posted by blkvettes on June 4, 2003, at 20:38:08
Hi Wayne,
Just a quick question- did you try other SSRIs before Lexapro? Were they at all effective? I ask because I've tried them all and the one's that worked pooped out on me, but I was thinking maybe I should give Lexapro another try. I didn't last long on it because of the side effects but maybe I should have been more patient.
Thanks!
Peter
> Hi there, your right in what you say!!! But for some reason people take shame in going to see a pdoc and a lot of people dont have the insurance coverage. But it is always better to see someone in the mental health field. I have had 4 pdocs in 7 months because I did not feel they were very smart!!!! They did not know answers to simple questions that I had researched, that were basic and easily answered. My opinion the man should have cut his dose in half until he reached a comfort level and then moved back up when he was ready. For a 1st time user of meds they should be given the lowest dose possible and moved up slowly. MY OPINION!!!!!! The side effects would be minimal and they would not be scared off!!!! Why suffer the side effects if you dont have to. Your still going to get the same relief from the symptoms at about the same time. Someone who has been on meds thats a different story they know what to expect and can deal with what will happen. I AGREE WITH WHAT YOU SAY kATHII !!!! IM NOT ATTACKING YOU IN ANY WAY!!! IM ATTACKING THE SYSTEM!!!!!!!!! TAKE CARE!!!!
> WAYNE
>
>
Posted by blkvettes on June 4, 2003, at 23:20:20
In reply to Re: Lexapro Update - Please comment » blkvettes, posted by Peter S. on June 4, 2003, at 22:13:30
> Hi Wayne,
>
> Just a quick question- did you try other SSRIs before Lexapro? Were they at all effective? I ask because I've tried them all and the one's that worked pooped out on me, but I was thinking maybe I should give Lexapro another try. I didn't last long on it because of the side effects but maybe I should have been more patient.
>
> Thanks!
>
> Peter
>Hi Peter, I was on paxil and had an allergic reaction. I was on zoloft and had a rare side effect of my liver enzymes going up 6 times normal and felt my body was on fire. I even had to have a liver biopsy done. So after a month of trying to get my body to function again I decided to try the lex. I was scared to death to try it. Because of the bad experiences the doc put me on 5mg. I did not like the way I was feeling after 3 days and went down to 2.5mg for a week and then back up to 5mg. Everything went smoothly until I went up to 10mg. It turned me into a zombie. So back down to 5mg. for awhile. Then I went to 7.5mg and have been there ever since. As far as meds the pdoc is using guess work based on other patients. They have no clue what will work with each one. So if you want you start at 2.5 and move up when you feel like it. I guess you really have nothing to lose. But at least keep trying to find the answer!!!! TAKE CARE!!!
WAYNE
Posted by blkvettes on June 4, 2003, at 23:26:05
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by teriwynn on January 8, 2003, at 10:50:37
Hi, ran across this today and found it interesting. I dont even drink tea, but it does have some good info about depression!!! GOD BLESS!
WAYNE
http://w3.trib.com/~kombu/konnection/depression.html
Posted by Peter S. on June 4, 2003, at 23:52:56
In reply to Re: Lexapro Update - Please comment, posted by blkvettes on June 4, 2003, at 23:20:20
Posted by lv2skf on June 5, 2003, at 0:07:13
In reply to Re: Lexapro Update - Please comment » cswife, posted by Kathii on June 4, 2003, at 19:46:13
> Shame on your gp for not referring your husband to a psychiatrist in the first place.
> {{getting off soapbox}}
> Two weeks is not enough time to see how any med will work for a person -- I wouldn't be surprised if the pdoc decided to try him on it again, and give it more time.
> The most important thing you can do is be supportive - it is very difficult the first time a person goes to the pdoc, I cancelled 3 appointments before I was able to go in and get my first Rx.**** I totally agree. I have had very good results with a couple of A/Ds over the past couple of years w/the exception of diminshed libido - but definitely stuck out a lot of taxing SEs. So even with the experience of sticking it out with several A/Ds over the past few years, I have to say I have been very encouraged by this message board given the G/I difficulties, massive headaches, weight gain, spacines, etc, on Lex. Into the 4th week and previously significant SEs are decreasing. It can be quite a challenge to find one that is a good fit. Good Luck!****
Kate
Posted by Napaba on June 5, 2003, at 8:20:03
In reply to Re: Lexapro Update - Please comment » blkvettes, posted by Peter S. on June 4, 2003, at 22:13:30
Hi everyone,
I've only been on Lexapro 6 days. I have no side effects. When did you start experiensing them? I take 10 mg's. The first couple of days I took it at night. I forgot one night so I took it in the morning. I felt great. So I decided to stick with morning. I quit Effexor because of side effects. What are the side effects with Lexapro???
So far I'm not tired, I actually feel energized and I'm sleeping great without the funky Effexor induced dreams. My joint pain is almost gone, my bruises are fading and I have no new ones. My vision is still a little blurry. No more severe constipation. So far I'm a Lexapro FAN.
Hi Wayne,
>
> Just a quick question- did you try other SSRIs before Lexapro? Were they at all effective? I ask because I've tried them all and the one's that worked pooped out on me, but I was thinking maybe I should give Lexapro another try. I didn't last long on it because of the side effects but maybe I should have been more patient.
>
> Thanks!
>
> Peter
>
>
>
> > Hi there, your right in what you say!!! But for some reason people take shame in going to see a pdoc and a lot of people dont have the insurance coverage. But it is always better to see someone in the mental health field. I have had 4 pdocs in 7 months because I did not feel they were very smart!!!! They did not know answers to simple questions that I had researched, that were basic and easily answered. My opinion the man should have cut his dose in half until he reached a comfort level and then moved back up when he was ready. For a 1st time user of meds they should be given the lowest dose possible and moved up slowly. MY OPINION!!!!!! The side effects would be minimal and they would not be scared off!!!! Why suffer the side effects if you dont have to. Your still going to get the same relief from the symptoms at about the same time. Someone who has been on meds thats a different story they know what to expect and can deal with what will happen. I AGREE WITH WHAT YOU SAY kATHII !!!! IM NOT ATTACKING YOU IN ANY WAY!!! IM ATTACKING THE SYSTEM!!!!!!!!! TAKE CARE!!!!
> > WAYNE
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by Napaba on June 5, 2003, at 8:47:53
In reply to SOME TEA WITH LEXAPRO???, posted by blkvettes on June 4, 2003, at 23:26:05
Thanks, what a great site.
I recently gave up sugar and switched to a low carb diet and drink three cups of green tea a day. I've not only lost 34 pounds, but have felt much better. So personnally I think the web site was right on.
> Hi, ran across this today and found it interesting. I dont even drink tea, but it does have some good info about depression!!! GOD BLESS!
> WAYNE
> http://w3.trib.com/~kombu/konnection/depression.html
Posted by Mariposa on June 5, 2003, at 9:58:50
In reply to Re: Lexapro Update - Please comment, posted by Napaba on June 5, 2003, at 8:20:03
> Hi everyone,
>
> I've only been on Lexapro 6 days. I have no side effects. When did you start experiensing them? I take 10 mg's. The first couple of days I took it at night. I forgot one night so I took it in the morning. I felt great. So I decided to stick with morning. I quit Effexor because of side effects. What are the side effects with Lexapro???
>
> So far I'm not tired, I actually feel energized and I'm sleeping great without the funky Effexor induced dreams. My joint pain is almost gone, my bruises are fading and I have no new ones. My vision is still a little blurry. No more severe constipation. So far I'm a Lexapro FAN.
>
>
>Check out this site:www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/lexapro_ad.htm
And you can find more like it w/search
>I personally had SE's from the beginning, started at 5mg, and had a rough time through about week 5 when things got better.
I think it's a good sign you are not suffering a lot w/SE's. I wish you the best of luck and keep us posted on your progress!
>
>
Posted by blkvettes on June 5, 2003, at 10:01:04
In reply to Re: Lexapro Update - Please comment, posted by Napaba on June 5, 2003, at 8:20:03
Hi there, you may not get any side effects. After what I went through with paxil and zoloft the little side effects I got from lexapro were nothing. You sound upbeat and that is good. Remember were all different and respond differently to the meds. But if you really want side effects Im sure the others would be glad to share theirs!!! JUST KIDDING!!! HAVE A GOOD DAY!!
WAYNE
Posted by Traci on June 5, 2003, at 11:20:44
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
Today is week 3 on Lex and the only side effect I have left is the inability to sleep more than 2 hours at night. I did experience the nausea, vertigo, shakes (skin crawled a little) and extreme jaw clenching (for about a week). I have been reading all the post over the last few days and find it very inspiring and encouraging to know that Lex is working for many of you! I believe it kicked in for me 2 days ago, it was almost as if someone turned on the lights. Very bizarre! I believe I may have been suffering with Depression as far back as 1994 (after the birth of my son). I have a Thyroid condition that has been under treatment for about 2 years and a long family history of depression. With all the added stress and change that has occurred in my life over the past 6 months I believe elevated the condition and have lead to minor panic attacks.
Anyways, even though the "lights have come on" I believe I still have a long way to go!
Has anyone experienced the insomnia? If so how long did it last?
Thank all for listening and sharing your experiences. -Traci
Posted by 2beornot2benuts on June 5, 2003, at 11:23:55
In reply to Re: Lexapro Update - Please comment, posted by Napaba on June 5, 2003, at 8:20:03
Hello Peoples, Boy! I sure do need you guys today! Today is day 17 (2 1/2 weeks?) I dunno, I can't think straight today. Can't stop crying either. I read the tea web site. Well, what the (heck) is that stuff made from? (I know, I should go to their official site to see what the ingredients are) The depression info was good though, ( I could answer yes to every symptom). I'm trying to hang in with this Lex, it's real tough, but possible thanks to you guys! I'm not sure that A/D's are a good med for me. I've been through paxil,zoloft(the longest,started it in 96,tried to get off in 99 but could not) prozac, doxepin, remeron, trazodone, celexa, effexor and now lexapro. I also have hypothyroidism, so I take synthroid for that. In 2 weeks I'm going to a neuroendocrinologist, I'm fed up wiyh pdocs using me like a dart board to throw prescriptions at. I know my problem lies with hormones (pms) and I feel that I'm spinning my wheels with these A/D's. Thanks for being here... Jackie
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