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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by pumpkin on June 7, 2003, at 20:10:51
In reply to Re: Lexapro Update - Please comment » blkvettes, posted by Mariposa on June 4, 2003, at 13:58:16
Have to give my 2 cents worth with this post.
I was reading about the "energy" that you guys
have been having, and I fit right in sometimes.
While I was going off Depakote (mood stabilizer),
I went through this "energy" for around 3 days.When I went off the Klonopin and days later
downed the Lex 5mg.- I had another 3 or so days
of this "energy". It was cool in one way, but
I couldn't calm down, and that kinda scared me.That's why my doctor wanted me to stay at 15 mg.
of Lex. this past week- to see if I experienced
that "energy" again- in which I haven't so far.BUT, they call that energy "mania", which can
be part of Bi-Polar (both poles-depression,
and mania). My original diagnosis years ago was
major depression w/panic attacks. Now, it's
probably bi-polar. My major "pole" is depression.
This is one reason why I went off the mood stabilizer, Klonopin, and now the Lex.- to see
what's what. I've found that the depression is
really starting to hit me more- mixed with the
anxiety as I go down. I am so spacey, but in
another way- some of my senses are coming back
full blast. It's been years since I've started
meds, and I'm hesitant- but I've got to go back,
to be able to go forward. You guys probably think
that I'm crazy, but that's o.k.! It's probably
very hard for one doctor to pick up where another
left off. Might have to be on meds for the rest
of my life, but I needed this drying out time.
I'm tired of being drugged up. One step/one SE/
one med at a time...I don't like to crash, and not saying that you
will, but I would have that "energy" checked out
for your safety if it continues.On another note: Anyone out there that has been
on Lex and is getting off, or has memory of going
off AD (probably the same)- what have you experienced? Thanx...from "3 months on".
Posted by pumpkin on June 7, 2003, at 20:24:02
In reply to Re: Lexapro Update - Please comment, posted by pumpkin on June 7, 2003, at 20:10:51
One more post, hope I'm not boring you guys!
I would rather stay on Lex., or another AD than
to go through ECT, (nine times for me!). Friend
went through 3, and won't go through any more.
MAJOR memory problems-plus more. Stick with
medicine(s) like Lex., or go VERY SLOW through
treatments of ECT. Talk to PATIENTS themselves
BEFORE. Try to "stick it out" with Lex. or another AD. Things can kill the brain-never to
return. Careful!!!
Posted by Ninki on June 8, 2003, at 10:55:50
In reply to Re: search pBabble, posted by Dr. Bob on June 6, 2003, at 17:55:56
Okay, I am trying to live with the tiredness and aches and pains but this naseau thing is getting the best of me. Anyone tried anything that reduces or eliminates the naseau so I can leave the house?
Posted by tm on June 8, 2003, at 19:49:57
In reply to Re: Lexapro Update, posted by Napaba on June 4, 2003, at 7:58:14
Well I started Lexpro the last week in April at 10. After still feeling so bad and not knowing about this sight I went back to my Psy.doc. 8 days later and he raised my dose to 15mg. My psy.doc. is a 20 year sufferer of anxiety so he knows where I'm coming from. I was still fighting anxiety and depression, because of fighting anxiety for so long and nausea. I still was getting hungry but only ate about half. I had been fighting nausea off and on since the beginning of March. I started with Paxil in March but did not like the Sex SE. On June 3 I felt a change. I woke up in the morning and felt nervous and my mind was working and was able to let me analyze my feelings. Tuesday was the same thing. Tuesday I had a scheduled appointment with my Psy.Doc and he went ahead and raised my dose to 20mg and reminded that I must take my Xanax 4 times a day no matter how I felt, but I could lower my dose. Two weeks ago I came home crying from work I told my wife I was not sure I was going to be able to go on our two scheduled vacations that were scheduled before I became ill. Well I just finshed one trip that was a 10 hr. trip to Jacksonville from home. The trip went well. I was nervous at times but, again my mind was able to realize that there was nothing to be nervous about. This is the biggest change, my mind is working. My appetite has started to come back. Normally on a trip I would fight anxiety, depression, and nausea for about ten days after the trip. I am still clenching my teeth and stop when I realize I am doing it. I hope this wasn't too boring but I wrote this to let all of you know that Lex worked for me, but I had to give it time and a big thanks to all of you that helped me through this with words of encourgement and guidence. To all of you that are new to Lex hang in there. You all will be in my prayers. Thanks Tim
Posted by theump on June 8, 2003, at 20:15:17
In reply to remedies for Lex SE's?, posted by Ninki on June 8, 2003, at 10:55:50
I keep seeing posts mentioning nausea. I have been on Lex for 6 days and have not noticed any nausea. Is this still in my future or am I one of the lucky ones that is over the worst part of trying to get used to the drug? This is my first time on an anti-depressant, so I don't know if I'm lucky to not be having the SEs or if it's not really working yet. Thanks!
Posted by lil' jimi on June 8, 2003, at 20:35:55
In reply to Nausea?, posted by theump on June 8, 2003, at 20:15:17
hi theump,
the worst of all of my SEs were during my 1st week and those diminished to nearly zero by week 2 ... .... none to speak of since .... ....
it's been 3 months now, at 10mg the last 2.
best luck to you
and
TAKE CARE !!!!!
~ jim>> I keep seeing posts mentioning nausea. I have been on Lex for 6 days and have not noticed any nausea. Is this still in my future or am I one of the lucky ones that is over the worst part of trying to get used to the drug? This is my first time on an anti-depressant, so I don't know if I'm lucky to not be having the SEs or if it's not really working yet. Thanks!
Posted by tm on June 8, 2003, at 20:56:32
In reply to Nausea?, posted by theump on June 8, 2003, at 20:15:17
> I keep seeing posts mentioning nausea. I have been on Lex for 6 days and have not noticed any nausea. Is this still in my future or am I one of the lucky ones that is over the worst part of trying to get used to the drug? This is my first time on an anti-depressant, so I don't know if I'm lucky to not be having the SEs or if it's not really working yet. Thanks!
My nausea at first was caused by my anxiety. I still was fighting it when I switched to Lex. I truly believe most of mine was a mental thing and not the drug. My wife went on Lex. Weds. and has no side effects yet. It will take a few weeks to get up to full strength in you, but if I were you I would not worry about the nausea if you haven't felt it yet. You may be one of those like my wife who very seldom has SE's. Think Positive thoughts. Good Luck, Tim.
Posted by blkvettes on June 9, 2003, at 0:23:13
In reply to Re: Nausea?, posted by tm on June 8, 2003, at 20:56:32
> > I keep seeing posts mentioning nausea. I have been on Lex for 6 days and have not noticed any nausea. Is this still in my future or am I one of the lucky ones that is over the worst part of trying to get used to the drug? This is my first time on an anti-depressant, so I don't know if I'm lucky to not be having the SEs or if it's not really working yet. Thanks!
>
> My nausea at first was caused by my anxiety. I still was fighting it when I switched to Lex. I truly believe most of mine was a mental thing and not the drug. My wife went on Lex. Weds. and has no side effects yet. It will take a few weeks to get up to full strength in you, but if I were you I would not worry about the nausea if you haven't felt it yet. You may be one of those like my wife who very seldom has SE's. Think Positive thoughts. Good Luck, Tim.
>
>Hi Tim, glad hear you sounding better. Hang tough!!
WAYNE
Posted by blkvettes on June 9, 2003, at 0:28:00
In reply to remedies for Lex SE's?, posted by Ninki on June 8, 2003, at 10:55:50
> Okay, I am trying to live with the tiredness and aches and pains but this naseau thing is getting the best of me. Anyone tried anything that reduces or eliminates the naseau so I can leave the house?
Hi, are you drinking a full 8 ounces of water with your lexapro. I have read this helps. Also maybe some pepto bismol but check to make sure that its ok. You can also take half your med in the morning and half at night that may help. Thats the best I can say!!! I hope it gets better soon!!!
WAYNE
Posted by blkvettes on June 9, 2003, at 0:33:54
In reply to remedies for Lex SE's?, posted by Ninki on June 8, 2003, at 10:55:50
> Okay, I am trying to live with the tiredness and aches and pains but this naseau thing is getting the best of me. Anyone tried anything that reduces or eliminates the naseau so I can leave the house?
One more thing, I have this routine of eating a bowl of lucky charms before the med and 2 pancakes after. Frozen pancakes, put them in the toaster and then put syrup on them and put them in the microwave for about 15 seconds and you have some good pancakes. In other words dont take your med on an empty stomach if possible. GOOD LUCK!!!
WAYNE
Posted by BillJr on June 9, 2003, at 0:50:09
In reply to Re: remedies for Lex SE's?, posted by blkvettes on June 9, 2003, at 0:33:54
I have been on Lexapro for 7 months now... I too started out with upset stomac.. but after a few weeks I got past that. I did notice that about 2 months later I had difficulty reaching an ejaculating. But I could maintain an erection for longer periods of time... at times I felt numb. But as of now I am getting back to a more normal sexual activity. The only other side effect I can see I get sleepy during the workday. But I can say this .. I feel so much better that I have in the past 4 or 5 years its well worth it. Taking 30 mg each day... Best if I take it several hours before bedtime... Hope this has given some insight into the product..
Posted by blkvettes on June 9, 2003, at 1:08:43
In reply to Side Effects, posted by BillJr on June 9, 2003, at 0:50:09
> I have been on Lexapro for 7 months now... I too started out with upset stomac.. but after a few weeks I got past that. I did notice that about 2 months later I had difficulty reaching an ejaculating. But I could maintain an erection for longer periods of time... at times I felt numb. But as of now I am getting back to a more normal sexual activity. The only other side effect I can see I get sleepy during the workday. But I can say this .. I feel so much better that I have in the past 4 or 5 years its well worth it. Taking 30 mg each day... Best if I take it several hours before bedtime... Hope this has given some insight into the product..
Hi there thanks for the info!!! I to have this sexual dysfunction. Its not real bad but something I have to spend way to much time to achieve. I do believe that a lot of it is mental with me. I read so many posts about this problem. But your post gives me hope if it is the lex causing this. TAKE CARE!!!
WAYNE
Posted by BillJr on June 9, 2003, at 1:35:44
In reply to Re: Side Effects, posted by blkvettes on June 9, 2003, at 1:08:43
I'm positive its the Lex... Never had any problems until I started the meds.... but it has gotten better...
Posted by JLM on June 9, 2003, at 1:42:39
In reply to Re: Side Effects, posted by blkvettes on June 9, 2003, at 1:08:43
Quite awhile ago, I posed a rather specific question to Pharmrep. Namely: have the data from ALL the clinical trials submitted to FDA for the approval of Lexapro been disclosed. I seem to recall some type of assurance that they indeed had been made public. Or actually, I believe what was said was that all the PUBLISHED trials have so far been favorable. Then I found this interesting tidbit:
http://journals.apa.org/prevention/volume5/pre0050033r.html
"1An internal memorandum by the Director of the Division of Neuropharmacological Drug Products indicates FDA awareness of this situation:
The Clinical Efficacy Trials subsection within the Clinical Pharmacology section not only describes the clinical trials providing evidence of citalopram's antidepressant effects, but make mention of adequate and well controlled clinical studies that failed to do so. I am mindful, based on prior discussions of the issue, that the Office Director is inclined toward the view that the provision of such information is of no practical value to either the patient or prescriber. I disagree. I believe it is useful for the prescriber, patient, and 3rd-party payer to know, without having to gain access to official FDA review documents, that citalopram's antidepressants (sic) effects were not detected in every controlled clinical trial intended to demonstrate those effects. I am aware that clinical studies often fail to document the efficacy of effective drugs, but I doubt that the public, or even the majority of the medical community, is aware of this fact. I am persuaded that they not only have a right to know but that they should know. Moreover, I believe that labeling that selectively describes positive studies and excludes mention of negative ones can be viewed as potentially "false and misleading" (Leber, 1998, p. 11)."
Thusly, Dr. Leber freely admits in his own memo, that some of the trials submitted as the basis for approval showed no beneft from Celexa whatsoever. Also, as Kirsch and Saperstein have pointed out this is the case for 50 PERCENT of the trials for the current AD's that are presently on the market. In other words, for the drugs that were approved only about half the trials showed them to be superior to placebo.
Its very important to make a certain distinction here I think. What I am interested in, and couldn't seem to get a straight answer out of pharmrep is this: what do the sum total of the trials show. I am not talking about the ones that have been published for Lexapro. Those obviously show effect. I am talking about all the trials submitted to FDA for approval. Did any of them show lack of effectiveness for the drug? This would seem to be the case for all the SSRI's currently on the market, according to Kirsch and others.
We shouldn't have to submit a Freedom of Information Act request to have access to this data. Am I the only that finds this intolerable? We also shouldn't have to live with publication bias either.
Posted by blkvettes on June 9, 2003, at 1:54:34
In reply to Re: Side Effects, posted by BillJr on June 9, 2003, at 1:35:44
> I'm positive its the Lex... Never had any problems until I started the meds.... but it has gotten better...
THANKS AGAIN!!!
WAYNE
Posted by Ninki on June 9, 2003, at 6:43:42
In reply to Re: remedies for Lex SE's?, posted by blkvettes on June 9, 2003, at 0:33:54
I am on week 4. First 2 weeks weaning off Paxil. Pdoc said my symptoms were from coming off Paxil but they didn't go away. Waited another week and called again. They told me to go down to 10mg from 20 and call in a week. I take the pill in the morning and I do take it on an empty stomach. Guess I'll try the lucky charms and pancakes first and if that doesn't work I'll try taking it at night. Thanks for the advice. I've learned more on this board than at the docs so keep the news coming! On a good note, aside from the SE's, I'm feeling better and talking to strangers again!
Posted by blkvettes on June 9, 2003, at 6:54:57
In reply to Re: remedies for Lex SE's?, posted by Ninki on June 9, 2003, at 6:43:42
> I am on week 4. First 2 weeks weaning off Paxil. Pdoc said my symptoms were from coming off Paxil but they didn't go away. Waited another week and called again. They told me to go down to 10mg from 20 and call in a week. I take the pill in the morning and I do take it on an empty stomach. Guess I'll try the lucky charms and pancakes first and if that doesn't work I'll try taking it at night. Thanks for the advice. I've learned more on this board than at the docs so keep the news coming! On a good note, aside from the SE's, I'm feeling better and talking to strangers again!
Hi there, glad you have some positive things going on and feeling better. Believe it or not you could still have a little of that paxil withdrawl going on. It should only get better better from here we hope. TAKE CARE!!!
WAYNE
Posted by Ninki on June 9, 2003, at 7:42:37
In reply to Re: remedies for Lex SE's?, posted by blkvettes on June 9, 2003, at 6:54:57
Thanks Wayne...for anyone else out there I should spend more time talking about the positives. I came from a very dark place and only by the grace of God am I here to tell you about my SE's. I am certainly lucky to be alive and having SE's! I must say Lexapro has had the most positive impact of all the meds I have tried in the last 9 months(Zoloft, Celexa, Paxil, Effexor, Topamax, Seroquel, Wellbutrin, Trazadone, Buspar, Lorazepam, just to name a few!). While I do not feel ready to jump back into a "normal" life of working and living, I do feel better able to interact with people. So hang in there all of you and keep reading and researching along with seeing your doctor's. Everyone is different and so is the treatment.
Posted by MikeBC on June 9, 2003, at 8:27:04
In reply to Re: remedies for Lex SE's?, posted by Ninki on June 9, 2003, at 7:42:37
Hey y'all, just wanted to check in-been reading the posts for the last couple of days and wanted to contribute my $0.02. I started lexapro on 6/6/03 (stupidly technically 2 am on 6/7 because I was out with friends til then), so this is day 3. My doc had me at 5mg because I am only very mildly depressed (says he-I felt ok on my own). Woke up 6/7 with a headache and free-floating anxiety and dopeyness. Since then I dropped dose to around 2.5-3.5mg and still wake up dopey and headachey but anxiety is gone. I have also noticed a remarkable slowdown in growth of my facial hair (anyone else have that?) I also have the sexual s/e of taking longer to get to ejaculate. If that continues I'm dropping the lexapro-anyone know if that effect diminishes over time? I'm not taking any other meds unless you count coffee in the am.
Posted by 2beornot2benuts on June 9, 2003, at 9:17:10
In reply to Re: Lexapro Update - Please comment, posted by pumpkin on June 7, 2003, at 20:10:51
Hello, It's Jackie, I just read your letter, post, whatever you callit, in regards to drying out. Are you really doing that? If so, I say GO FOR IT!!! Find out who you are without the meds! I want to give that a shot as well... but, before I do, I'm going to visit a doctor who actually tests your blood for hormone levels and has an extensive consult with you PRIOR to any treatment!! I pray&hope that you can deal with this transition, I think you are very brave for trying...Good luck and all that.... Jackie
Posted by Mariposa on June 9, 2003, at 10:07:12
In reply to Re: remedies for Lex SE's?, posted by MikeBC on June 9, 2003, at 8:27:04
> Hey y'all, just wanted to check in-been reading the posts for the last couple of days and wanted to contribute my $0.02. I started lexapro on 6/6/03 (stupidly technically 2 am on 6/7 because I was out with friends til then), so this is day 3. My doc had me at 5mg because I am only very mildly depressed (says he-I felt ok on my own). Woke up 6/7 with a headache and free-floating anxiety and dopeyness. Since then I dropped dose to around 2.5-3.5mg and still wake up dopey and headachey but anxiety is gone. I have also noticed a remarkable slowdown in growth of my facial hair (anyone else have that?) I also have the sexual s/e of taking longer to get to ejaculate. If that continues I'm dropping the lexapro-anyone know if that effect diminishes over time? I'm not taking any other meds unless you count coffee in the am.
Am female so I can't comment on facial hair, but the other SE's you mention are common for Lex, and will diminish, most SE's are about gone by week 4 or 5. You should give it at least that long before you decide, some people (myself included) do not get results or feel different (better) until week 8 or 9.
Many posters have mentioned that Wellbutrin helps w/ sex SE, something to discuss w/doc.
Hang in there and keep us posted on your progress.~~~8|8
Posted by thatgirl on June 9, 2003, at 12:05:38
In reply to Re: remedies for Lex SE's? » MikeBC, posted by Mariposa on June 9, 2003, at 10:07:12
I took the 10mg of lexapro ONCE and that was all it took to scare me into never taking it again. I woke up in the middle of the night with cold sweats, shaking uncontrollably, and I could not go back to sleep no matter how hard I tried. I felt like I was on speed or something until the next afternoon. I was very excited about this new drug so the side effects were a huge dissapointment. Did anyone else have this happen to them??
Posted by MB on June 9, 2003, at 12:48:54
In reply to Re: remedies for Lex SE's? » MikeBC, posted by Mariposa on June 9, 2003, at 10:07:12
I found that Mirapex *obliterated* the sexual side effects of Lexapro. Unfortunately, it paradoxically exacerbated the akathisia I get from the SSRI so I couldn't continue it. I'm not joking, though: on the Mirapex, the orgasm issue was *not* a problem.
> Many posters have mentioned that Wellbutrin helps w/ sex SE, something to discuss w/doc.
>
> Hang in there and keep us posted on your progress.~~~8|8
>
Posted by Peter S. on June 9, 2003, at 13:16:14
In reply to Re: remedies for Lex SE's?, posted by thatgirl on June 9, 2003, at 12:05:38
The deal with side effects is that many times they go away in time. If you take one full dose and get unpleasant side effects, you can always start really low (Lexapro maybe even 2.5 mg) and slowly move up in dosage. This is the approach my pdoc uses and it makes a lot of sense. Based on people's experiences on this board with Lexapro it can really pay off.
Peter S.
> I took the 10mg of lexapro ONCE and that was all it took to scare me into never taking it again. I woke up in the middle of the night with cold sweats, shaking uncontrollably, and I could not go back to sleep no matter how hard I tried. I felt like I was on speed or something until the next afternoon. I was very excited about this new drug so the side effects were a huge dissapointment. Did anyone else have this happen to them??
Posted by thatgirl on June 9, 2003, at 14:13:16
In reply to Re: remedies for Lex SE's? » thatgirl, posted by Peter S. on June 9, 2003, at 13:16:14
First off, i would like to thank you for responding to my posting. I came across this site by mistake this morning and it was almost like a god-send. I really thought I was alone in this whole "mental health battle". I am so glad to see that there are others out there like me. I have kept my therapy a secret from friends and family, even my own husband because I was afraid of what they might think of me. I was starting to think that it was all in my head. My doctor is now suggesting I go back to celexa which has worked for me in the past. I am so confused as to why I have adverse reactions to the lexapro and not the celexa. Does anyone have an explanation for this?
thatgirl
The deal with side effects is that many times they go away in time. If you take one full dose and get unpleasant side effects, you can always start really low (Lexapro maybe even 2.5 mg) and slowly move up in dosage. This is the approach my pdoc uses and it makes a lot of sense. Based on people's experiences on this board with Lexapro it can really pay off.
>
> Peter S.
>
> > I took the 10mg of lexapro ONCE and that was all it took to scare me into never taking it again. I woke up in the middle of the night with cold sweats, shaking uncontrollably, and I could not go back to sleep no matter how hard I tried. I felt like I was on speed or something until the next afternoon. I was very excited about this new drug so the side effects were a huge dissapointment. Did anyone else have this happen to them??
>
>
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