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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by mystic on July 5, 2004, at 15:07:09
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? » Mrs. C, posted by flipsactown on July 5, 2004, at 4:09:46
Hey welcome...I have been on Lex for 5 months now and it is a rollercoaster to say the least...some people have a good response and that is great but I find that the downs are more than the ups...I'm currently on 17.5mgs...I was first on 10 and i had some trouble sleeping but it went away..I dont have much of an appitite still but that is good also...But i'm on the lex for anxiety and my anxiety is still very there...I find drinking makes it worse ..not much of a drinker but with the holidays it was more social as it always seems to be...I was up all night with terrible anxiety and now not feeling that great either..having even a couple drinks I think isnt a great idea on the lex...
I'm going to call the dr in the morning to find out which direction to go..not sure the lex is for me...I think it might not work so well on anxiety but is very good with depression...Sorry I wasnt of more help...I know that this has helped a lot of people and I hope that it helps you eventually i know that it does take longer on the lex than what they advertise...Good luck and what are you on the lex for??..take care Mystic
Posted by flipsactown on July 5, 2004, at 16:27:19
In reply to RE:: flip, posted by mystic on July 5, 2004, at 15:07:09
Did you mean 5 weeks? If you really meant 5 months, then you should have reached the therapeutic period 3 months ago. Perhaps, your dose is too low. I am on 30 mgs and I have been on Lex for only 1 month for depression.
Anyway, the 2 Seroquel tabs helped me sleep for a couple of hours and managed to fall back asleep and woke up 4 hours later. This is the best sleep, I have had since last week, the 3rd week into Lex when my insomnia began.
FST
> Hey welcome...I have been on Lex for 5 months now and it is a rollercoaster to say the least...some people have a good response and that is great but I find that the downs are more than the ups...I'm currently on 17.5mgs...I was first on 10 and i had some trouble sleeping but it went away..I dont have much of an appitite still but that is good also...But i'm on the lex for anxiety and my anxiety is still very there...I find drinking makes it worse ..not much of a drinker but with the holidays it was more social as it always seems to be...I was up all night with terrible anxiety and now not feeling that great either..having even a couple drinks I think isnt a great idea on the lex...
>
> I'm going to call the dr in the morning to find out which direction to go..not sure the lex is for me...I think it might not work so well on anxiety but is very good with depression...Sorry I wasnt of more help...I know that this has helped a lot of people and I hope that it helps you eventually i know that it does take longer on the lex than what they advertise...Good luck and what are you on the lex for??..take care Mystic
Posted by mystic on July 5, 2004, at 16:36:48
In reply to RE:: flip » mystic, posted by flipsactown on July 5, 2004, at 16:27:19
Flip...I have been total on lex since feb 1st...i have been on 17.5 for about 5 weeks..I thought that for the depression it worked really quickly..How did you progress to 30mgs??..where you having insomnia at a lower dose?...Maybe you are too high??..Do you have any anxiety at all before you went on the lex or not that you are on the lex???...I hope it works for you...people who it works for love it...Mystic
Posted by Mrs. C on July 5, 2004, at 22:58:05
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? » Mrs. C, posted by flipsactown on July 5, 2004, at 4:09:46
I did not really have insomnia during my first few weeks. I feel asleep just fine. I did however wake up at 4am everyday for the first week. It passed and I have slept like a baby ever since. When do you take your lex? Maybe playing around with the time you take it can help. Good Luck, Mrs. C
Posted by JenStar on July 6, 2004, at 1:07:21
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness, posted by Mrs. C on June 24, 2004, at 20:54:10
Hi all,
Mrs. C -- I am a hypochondriac too; in fact, that's why I started taking Lex in the first place. So far it seems to have helped my "I have a terrible disease" mentality.I did feel a bit dizzy at times when starting Lex but it went away very quickly, and now I really have no side effects to speak of (taking 10 mg/day.)
I had a hard time sleeping when I first went on the Lex, but it's hard to say whether that was really from the Lex or from my anxious condition. In any case, I started taking the Lex right before bedtime, and that seemed to help. Now I sleep just fine.
(Note: I also took the lex at nite AFTER any, um, "romantic encounters", shall we say, with my husband! That was I was able to overcome the much-downplayed-on-the-formal-Lexapro-website anorgasmia problem...)
My doctor also gave me the following advice: Some people who are having problem orgasming on Lex will deliberately skip a dose for one day; this mini "drug holiday" allows their body to orgasm. It's sort of like scheduling sex, I guess, but it beats not enjoying it at all!
JenStar
> Hi Captain,
> I feel dizzy sometimes with lexapro. I also felt dizzy at times before Lexapro. So I'm not sure if it's actually the drug or just me. I am also part hypochondriac. We should get along great! Mrs. C
Posted by JenStar on July 6, 2004, at 1:21:24
In reply to Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness, posted by captain on June 23, 2004, at 15:53:07
Hey Captain,
hang in there! You haven't really been on the Lex very long - my doc says it can take up to 4 weeks for the drug to really 'learn' your system and reach a steady state action in your brain. And it can take several months before you and the Lex "become one".And everyone is different. I will say that the Lex helped me greatly with my hypochondriac tendencies (I've also been worried about MS..brain tumors...cancer of all kinds...heart problems...the list is too long to give.)
From the research I've done I know that anxiety can do odd things, and it does different things to different people. Maybe your 'thing' is dizziness. The times you cite -- presentations & restaurants -- could def. be anxious-causing situations.
I remember that when I'd go out to eat with new people from my new job, right out of college, I'd get so anxious sometimes that I sort of lost the swallow mechanism. I would chew food and something would go wrong and I would not be able to swallow. It sounds odd but it was frightening -- the food would stick in my throat, I'd panick and quietly cough the food into my mouth, sweat in relief that I hadn't choked, and then sit there with the food in my mouth debating what to do. Try to swallow again? Run to the bathroom and spit it out?
Over time this went away but it was so strange. My doc has tried to convince me that the MS I was SURE I had was merely my anxiety (he was right, it turns out.)
Hopefully your dizziness is just your anxiety coming out, and if you've been an anxious person all your life, it's not surprising if you've had these episodes before.
However, if -- after being on Lex for a while -- you still feel that the dizziness is due to something other than anxiety, work with your doc to check it out and find a way to get you peace of mind. If you're a hypo. I'm sure you know ALL the horrible possible causes of dizziness!
But take heart - chances are it's just the anxiety. Give the lex a chance & see what happens.
Take care! JenStar
> Hey all - I was just wondering what your experience has been with Lexapro and vertigo like symptoms. One of the reasons I actually started taking lexapro (about 16 days ago, 10mg) is because I have had off and on vertigo and it has sky rocketed my anxiety (because i think something is really wrong with me that the doctors don't recognize yet or won't look for because i am a hypochondraic!) and I have been getting dizzy really easily. I have noticed in the past few days that during the evening I get a little dizzy. I also get dizzy when I go out to a resaurant or am about to give a presentation. I don't know if it is just adrenalin and I am vertigo prone, or the lexapro or if I am just making things up! It almost feels as if I have been on a boat all day and got off and still feel a little weird.
>
> THoughts on this? I sure hope so - you guys help a ton!
>
> Captain
Posted by captain on July 6, 2004, at 9:43:01
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness, posted by JenStar on July 6, 2004, at 1:21:24
Jen - Thanks so much for the post! You are right - I have thought of all of the diseases the dizziness could be! It has started to subside, but of course I am now freaking out over something new!
My right food has been driving me nuts - it doesn't really fall asleep but does tingle at times and i have much less feeling in that foot - particularly my toes. I even held an ice cube up against each one and could tell a major difference! I think it is in my right hand some too. I can't tell if it is the anxiety or something else. I have my 5 week lexapro checkup with my family doc on Friday - so I will run it by her and see about going to a nuerologist. I exercise a lot and it is starting to bother me!
I wish I could kick this worrying! The anxiety is less, but some parts of it seem to never go away!
Thanks so much for your post! It is nice to be able to relate to someone!
Posted by sexylexy on July 6, 2004, at 11:29:33
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro?, posted by Mrs. C on July 5, 2004, at 22:58:05
Hey Flip,
When I first got on lexapro, I had switched from 3 weeks of hell on Zoloft. These were my first experiences of SSRI. I started Lex back in December for depression from the birth control pill which turned into terrible anxiety about becoming depressed again ect. I was also in graduate school 9 hours away from my friends, family and boyfriend. I started on 10mg and then after 9 weeks I did not see a big improvement so I went up to 15mg..much better, then I began taking vitamins which (calcium especially) which for some reason with me, made my lexapro not wor, something that I have found too much caffiene does the same thing. It is a very chemical feeling of depression (hard to explain if you've never had it)I went up to 20 which gave me a lot of irritation so after a few weeks went back down to 15. Anyway, once I finished school and got home things got much better. I began to drop off the meds and am now at 5mg hoping to come off in a few months, I think I am over the depression for the most part but the anxiety lingers.
The major battles for me were a lot of spaciness at for about the first 6 weeks, I also had insominia and some trouble with short term memory, but I am not sure if that was because I was concentrating too hard on the depressive/anxious feelings to remember things.
the side effects do go away and it was worth all the unpleasentness to be feeling like a human being again!
Best of luck to you.
Lexy
Posted by calico cat on July 6, 2004, at 11:33:18
In reply to Redirected: Lexapro side-effects, posted by Dr. Bob on June 30, 2004, at 1:00:11
Please help me make an informed decision.
I was on effexor - got through that withdrawal in May. Was put on wellbutrin - it does little to nothing for me. Today I went to see a specialist who put me on lexipro - half a pill for 4 days to start.
I read a lot about the side effects of lexipro and it sounds worse than effexor. Now I am very nervous about this drug.
Any advice? Thank you.
Posted by sexylexy on July 6, 2004, at 11:39:00
In reply to Re: Redirected: Lexapro side-effects, posted by calico cat on July 6, 2004, at 11:33:18
Hey Girl,
Don't fret about taking lexapro. A lot of the people seeking help on this board are the ones who had bad side effects. I just posted about my experiences on it. My results were worth the first few weeks. A lot of people have no side effects. If you are worried start on your 5mg then slowly work your way up, what are you on for? If you want general information and support we have a great lexapro group on the social babble page...you will see my name, Mrs. C, Mystic, Trucker, Lynneda, Jlynne, Anxious Babe, Bride2be, Anakin, Susielala...and I am sure some fab people I am leaving out... we talk about everything from hair products to lexapro...your welcome to join.
cheers!
Lexy
Posted by trucker on July 6, 2004, at 14:49:05
In reply to Re: Redirected: Lexapro side-effects » calico cat, posted by sexylexy on July 6, 2004, at 11:39:00
LEXY AND all thought i'd update you alittle on jl.. funeral is this saturday.. she says she is doing well... but i often wonder about our angel.. if she is taking care of herself.... keep her in your prayers...she is so willing to help others , but does she really take care of herself in this time of need??? i pray so
trucker
Posted by flipsactown on July 6, 2004, at 15:12:03
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro?, posted by Mrs. C on July 5, 2004, at 22:58:05
I take it first thing in the morning between 5 and 6AM. I tried taking it at night and my insomnia was even worse. The Seroquel seems to at least allow me to sleep 4 to 6 hours, but not continuously. I would wake up in a couple of hours but am able to fall back asleep for 3 to 4 hours.
FST
> I did not really have insomnia during my first few weeks. I feel asleep just fine. I did however wake up at 4am everyday for the first week. It passed and I have slept like a baby ever since. When do you take your lex? Maybe playing around with the time you take it can help. Good Luck, Mrs. C
Posted by calico cat on July 6, 2004, at 16:20:23
In reply to Re: Redirected: Lexapro side-effects » calico cat, posted by sexylexy on July 6, 2004, at 11:39:00
Hi Lexy. Thanks for writing back to me. I took a half of a pill today along with 300 mg. of wellbutrin. Yes, I am quite medicated. You would think with all this medicine, I would be happy and worry free. But, I'm not. I'm on this medicine for depression and anxiety.
I did not know there was another way to write to each other. I feel like I have no one to talk to about this medication issue. How do I get on these message boards?
Thank you.
Posted by sexylexy on July 6, 2004, at 16:38:31
In reply to Re: Redirected: Lexapro side-effects, posted by calico cat on July 6, 2004, at 16:20:23
Hey Calico Cat!
At the top of the page, there should be a list of message boards. One of them is psycho-social-babble, click on that and it should bring you straight there, if not I will try to send you a link. We have kinda made a little group over there of women on lexapro and of course other meds as well. LynneDa is just starting Wellbutrin..It is a wonderful support and the best thing is you know you are never alone!!!
Cheers!!!
Lexy
Posted by JenStar on July 6, 2004, at 18:06:33
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness, posted by captain on July 6, 2004, at 9:43:01
Hi Captain,
it seems we have a lot in common! I was so sure that I had MS that I almost gave myself a nervous breakdown.I was having random muscle twitches & vibrations and my left foot started feeling numb and would tingle sometimes after hard workouts on the treadmill or cross-trainer. Then my hands started feeling it too -- the weakness & numbness. To make matters worse, I did have a friend at the gym who DOES have MS, and she loves to talk about her symptoms. It seemed to me that my symptoms were very similar to hers, and this only solidified the fact in my mind that I had MS or something much worse; probably worse, the way I saw it.
I saw a neurologist and had 2 MRI's AND a spinal tap over a period of a few months, even though he said I probably didn't need the tsts & there was prob. nothing wrong...and there was nothing wrong. Nothing except anxiety, they told me!
I was SO SURE they were mistaken...that they were missing some horrible, perhaps as-of-yet undiagnosed illness that would come to be named after me, much the way Lou Gehrig's was named after HIM. I argued with my neurologist. Could he be missing something? Was he POSITIVE I didn't have ALS? How could he be sure? How could anyone be sure? I was sure, that was for sure! (not really a joke - at the time I felt like I was going insane.)
The neurologist was the one who persisted that I go on Lexapro; my primary care concurred, so I started it, full well expecting to be dead from MS in a few months (yes, I know it doesn't work that quickly) but figuring on the off chance that it WAS anxiety -- I might as well give it a chance. Also I was on Xanax 3x/day b/c I was so stressed.
Slowly the muscle twitches & weakness subsided, as did my chronic anxiety. It happened so slowly that I didn't realize I was "better" until I went out to dinner one day with friends and didn't have a panic attack in the bathroom, didn't feel like I was putting on an act of a person having fun (I actually WAS having fun!), and didn't micro-analyze every miniscule movement of every muscle and tendon, hawking them for signs of decay and tremor.
I don't know where the muscle twitches & weakness came from; noone answered that for me. My doctor said that anxiety is mysterious and works differently on everyone -- that maybe my body handles anxiety with muscle tremors & weakness. Some people get headaches; some people get violent; some people get nausea, etc.
I guess there is still a tiny corner of my mind that believes that I DO have a neurological disease lurking; that it somehow went into remission. But I'm also thankful that my fear of diseases seems to have gone into remission with it, and I thank the Lexapro for that.
I'm trying to wean off it now, and I'm watching for signs of the muscle twitches recurring.
I know that was a terribly long post - sorry! I just wanted to let you know that there is one other person out there who thought she had a vicious neuromuscular disorder due to real symptoms, but turned out not to have one. I feel that you might be going thru the same thing. I am willing to be there is nothing wrong with you neurologically. Believe me. It CAN be stress!
At this point I can't believe I let myself get to the point of 2 MRI's and an LP (my god! what was I thinking!?) but at the time it did put my mind somewhat at ease.
Anyway - take care, be good to yourself (whether that means chocolate, a good book, or extra sleep) and remember that there are people rooting for you (me!). You're going to be OK. I promise it!
JenStar
> Jen - Thanks so much for the post! You are right - I have thought of all of the diseases the dizziness could be! It has started to subside, but of course I am now freaking out over something new!
>
> My right food has been driving me nuts - it doesn't really fall asleep but does tingle at times and i have much less feeling in that foot - particularly my toes. I even held an ice cube up against each one and could tell a major difference! I think it is in my right hand some too. I can't tell if it is the anxiety or something else. I have my 5 week lexapro checkup with my family doc on Friday - so I will run it by her and see about going to a nuerologist. I exercise a lot and it is starting to bother me!
>
> I wish I could kick this worrying! The anxiety is less, but some parts of it seem to never go away!
>
> Thanks so much for your post! It is nice to be able to relate to someone!
Posted by Dr. Bob on July 6, 2004, at 18:18:35
In reply to Re: Redirected: Lexapro side-effects » calico cat, posted by sexylexy on July 6, 2004, at 11:39:00
> If you want general information and support we have a great lexapro group on the social babble page...you will see my name, Mrs. C, Mystic, Trucker, Lynneda, Jlynne, Anxious Babe, Bride2be, Anakin, Susielala...and I am sure some fab people I am leaving out... we talk about everything from hair products to lexapro...your welcome to join.
Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20040706/msgs/363536.html
Bob
Posted by mystic on July 6, 2004, at 18:53:43
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness, posted by JenStar on July 6, 2004, at 18:06:33
Hey thanks for the post sounds like a lot of us..I have had everything from aids to ms to cancer of every organ....we are alot of like most of us on the posts....Hey if it worked for you..how come you are coming off it then..and how much lex where you on...thanks take care...Mystic
Posted by Mrs. C on July 6, 2004, at 20:55:56
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness, posted by JenStar on July 6, 2004, at 1:07:21
Hi Jenstar, It's great to hear from other hypochondriacs. It is also why I started taking Lexapro. I was worrying so much about every symptom that I was becoming anxious all the time and unable to cope with my daily responsibilities. I also became depressed. I was a mess. Lex has helped me greatly. Sounds like it has for you too. I have never had any trouble with orgasm by the way. I am on 20mg. Today I am feeling a bit anxious and worried over my health. I get this way when my period is coming. Not as bad as I used to be but still enough to make me feel nervous. Any advice? Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs. C on July 6, 2004, at 20:59:14
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness, posted by JenStar on July 6, 2004, at 1:21:24
Jenstar, I just read your post to Captain. You are so great! Will you be my friend? I need a person like you when I have my "episodes". Ha Ha. Good to have you on this board. Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs. C on July 6, 2004, at 21:03:22
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness, posted by captain on July 6, 2004, at 9:43:01
Captain, I can so relate to you! I have many of the same problems that you have. I just get over worrying about one thing and then something else comes up. Lately, it's my heart. I have extra heartbeats alot and my doc has told me not to worry that they are not serious. I have had them for eight years you'd think I'd be used to them by now. But they scare my when they happen alot and they have been happening alot! I also have this mole on my leg. Of course I have had it checked out by my doc but I still worry about it. Lexapro has helped me alot with these things but always around my time of the month I get crazed over something. It's been alot milder than it used to be but I still do it! Sometimes I hate myself for not being strong enough to overcome this. Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs. C on July 6, 2004, at 21:08:13
In reply to Re: Redirected: Lexapro side-effects, posted by calico cat on July 6, 2004, at 11:33:18
Hi Calico, for me the side effects were tolerable once I found out that others were experiencing them too. The worrying about why I was having things that wasn't in the info sheet from the pharmacy was the worst thing for me. Once I found this site and learned that others were feeling the same side effects, I was able to tolerate them alot easier. Mine consisted of jitteriness, I felt like I was shaking but I wasn't. Like way too much coffee. I also felt tired at the same time. Freaky. My jaw felt weird too and I was clenching my teeth (I still have that one). I did have some bowel problems. As far as sleeping went, I was fine except I started waking up at 4am everyday for about a week. After about 2 weeks all of the side effects pretty much disappeared. Hope this has helped. Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs. C on July 6, 2004, at 21:27:47
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness, posted by JenStar on July 6, 2004, at 18:06:33
Jenstar, I just love your posts! I too have had the mysterious muscle twitches. Still wondering what they are (still have them). They usually occur in my face. I have never mentioned them to my doc. Afraid she would laugh. I have had so many different symptoms of so many illnesses. I could probably get my medical degree for the amount of research I have done about things. Lex has helped with these things but not as much I as would like it to. Not as much as it seems to have helped you. I do feel better and stronger emotionally. I am not as anxious all the time. But I still do have the obsessions from time to time. Maybe I should try a different med, I don't know. Hmmm. Thanks for your posts, Mrs. C
Posted by JenStar on July 7, 2004, at 0:35:39
In reply to RE::: Hey jenstar, posted by mystic on July 6, 2004, at 18:53:43
hi guys,
I was on 10 mg/day and I'm currently on 5 mg/day (for abt 1 week now), planning to go down to 2.5 and then zero. The reason I went on was for severe anxiety and severe hypochondria; it was to the point where I could do nothing but obsess about what disease I currently had. Sometimes I feel so horrible -- I get all worked up about these diseases I don't even have, and then there are REAL cancer and MS victims who are upbeat and fighting strong. I admire them!The reason I'm quitting the drug (or trying to, anyway!) -- I want to have a baby and I'm nervous about being on the Lexapro while pregnant. (Of course, I have to GET pregnant first...maybe I can't get pregnant...one more worry to add the list!) Although my doc said it's generally safe to take Lex during a pregnancy I would like to be off it if possible.
My doc did say that I need to weigh the pros and cons; for example, going back to my previous anxiety level would not be good for me or the baby during pregnancy. So if I do get pregnant I need to monitor myself carefully & see her at the first sign of panic, stress, etc.
Anyway, so far it's going OK except I'm def. a bit more cranky than usual. Also I felt a bit of dizziness today during my salsa dance class. Hopefully that won't last!
Hope you're all doing well.
take care,
JenStar
Posted by JenStar on July 7, 2004, at 0:43:46
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness, posted by Mrs. C on July 6, 2004, at 21:03:22
Mrs. C --
Oh my gosh, you must be my hypochondria soul-mate. We should def. be friends & support each other!First -- don't hate yourself b/c you are anxious. It really isn't something that can be overcome just by talking or thinking...sometimes we need chemical assistance for life. It's not your fault and you're not weak - your brain is just built differently.
Second -- I too have extra heart beats and it FREAKS ME OUT every time it happens.
My doc (and the cardiologist...of course I saw one...) said not to worry about it, but like you I do. It does seem to get worse just before & during my period - not sure why. I can go weeks w/o the "skip beat" thing, sometimes even months, and then there will be a period of time when it happens frequently. Sometimes stress brings it on but not always. When I'm in a "good heart rhythm" mode I can have tons of caffeine and sleep badly and it doesn't matter, but when I switch over into the "bad heart rhythm" time, avoiding caffeine doesn't seem to help. I know this isn't a board for heart patients but it IS something that I worry about.
Taking the Lex DID seem to help me not think about my heart all the time (in addition to the MS that I thought I had!). I am worried that I will start worrying again now that i'm trying to quit Lex. I guess I'll have to see!
Anyway, I hope you're feeling well. Take care!
jenStar
Posted by calico cat on July 7, 2004, at 7:37:34
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness, posted by JenStar on July 7, 2004, at 0:43:46
Hello. Thanks to all of you for writing. I really like to know there are people in the world who are like me.
I made it through 24 hours on lexapro. I slept horribly last night, but I am chalking this up to coincidence.
Have any of you been on wellbutrin and lexapro? I feel like wellbutrin - even if it doesn't do much for me - is a safer drug with less side effects.
Thanks, Susan
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