![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1085 to 1109 of 8406. Go back in thread:
Posted by pharmrep on November 2, 2002, at 18:24:52
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Katarina on November 2, 2002, at 8:24:21
> I understand how the mirror image isomer acts, and the proposed efffect, yet I don't understand what makes one SSRI better than another, and why they would make me feel so strange. Is it like acetominophen vs. ibuprofen for a fever...both reduce it yet each works differently in the body? I've read so much about this stuff, yet am not further enlightened, plus doc gets tired of my armchair doctor-babble.
> Any thoughts, suggestions, etc. are welcome.
> Thanks,
> Kat
>*** You are correct...the 6 SSRI's before Lexapro were very similar. (Prozac,Paxil,Zoloft,Celexa,Luvox,Serzone) All showed similar efficacy in trials against each other...they would just differ in side effect profiles, and Drug-to-drug interactions, and other secondary features...(dosing, etc.) Lexapro is the 1st SSRI to demonstrate greater efficacy, while not having "baggage" to go with it..like side efx. Lexapro works in 1-2 weeks for most people, has side effects comparable to placebo (per the FDA in the package insert), has a 10mg starting and maintenace dose (titrating is minimized), has the best p450 profile (lack of drug-interactions), it is the least expensive as well. There are many reasons to like Lexapro, it has many advantages over other SSRI's. It's new, yet many Dr's are using it already because they are seeing what is mentioned above and how it helps their patients
Posted by dr. justin on November 2, 2002, at 18:33:33
In reply to Re: differences in SSRI's/see bottom » Katarina, posted by pharmrep on November 2, 2002, at 18:24:52
pharmrep,
I have 2 questions. 1) Has Lexapro been shown to have any advantages over Celexa where anxiety or SAD's are concerned?, and 2) It sounds from other posts that the sexual side-effects are similar; so, if that is your chief concern, is there any reason to switch from Celexa to Lexapro? Thank you.
~ Justin
Posted by karanan on November 2, 2002, at 20:07:29
In reply to Re: differences in SSRI's/see bottom » pharmrep, posted by dr. justin on November 2, 2002, at 18:33:33
> pharmrep,
>
> I have 2 questions. 1) Has Lexapro been shown to have any advantages over Celexa where anxiety or SAD's are concerned?, and 2) It sounds from other posts that the sexual side-effects are similar; so, if that is your chief concern, is there any reason to switch from Celexa to Lexapro? Thank you.
>
Caution: Sure....lets rush and switch everyone over to Lexapro as it has "less side effects." "Less side effects"......remember Paxil??
Posted by dr. justin on November 2, 2002, at 20:21:09
In reply to Re: differences in SSRI's/see bottom, posted by karanan on November 2, 2002, at 20:07:29
> > pharmrep,
> >
> > I have 2 questions. 1) Has Lexapro been shown to have any advantages over Celexa where anxiety or SAD's are concerned?, and 2) It sounds from other posts that the sexual side-effects are similar; so, if that is your chief concern, is there any reason to switch from Celexa to Lexapro? Thank you.
> >
> Caution: Sure....lets rush and switch everyone over to Lexapro as it has "less side effects." "Less side effects"......remember Paxil??Uhh... I'm not sure if this was a response to my post, or just a statement for the hell of it.
If it's the former, I never claimed Lexapro to have fewer side effects. In fact, I posed my question because the consensus on this board seems to be there is little to no difference in SE's.
If it's the latter, post on!!!
Posted by MarathonMom on November 2, 2002, at 21:01:13
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by dr. justin on November 1, 2002, at 12:32:24
I have followed this message board for several weeks now and am ready to join in. I was diagnosed with major depression back in 2000 and was prescribed Prozac. That worked well, but then I got the bright idea to go off meds to see if I was really "cured." Big mistake. I crashed and burned within 2 months and at that point began taking Celexa.
I found Celexa to be very effective in clearing the depression and negative thoughts. Things were going along fine and I felt great, but alas the sexual side effects creeped in. As if we haven't suffered enough, one of the few things that bring us pleasure is no longer fulfilling. To alleviate this my Dr. suggested a switch to Lexapro.
I have been taking Lexapro for 2 weeks, and am quite disappointed with the results. I often feel blue, like I am sinking back underneath the surface. I am very tired and sweat much more as well. And the sexual side effects are still there.
Judging from the comments on this post, many others are also experiencing disappointing results as well. I am seriously considering switching back to Celexa. I am questioning my rationale for changing in the first place.
My questions:
1--Has anyone found an effective remedy to counter the sexual side effects?
2--Has anyone switched back to Celexa? How long before you felt human again?
3--Does Lexapro take longer than 2 weeks to kick in?
Posted by Katarina on November 2, 2002, at 22:12:52
In reply to I relate to Katerina, posted by bridgette on November 2, 2002, at 10:14:16
> what are we supposed to feel---how do we know it's working? I have been on Lexapro for 5 1/2 weeks and have added Buspar this week to see if no1 it will enhance it and no 2 help w/sexual side effects. Maybe, I'm feeling as good as I can feel. That's scary. There are some days I feel pretty good, calm too, but I still have social anxiety and I'd like for that to go away. Sound like I want a designer drug to cure all ills. My Dr wanted to try Paxil because he said it would be better w/social anxiety but I wouldn't because I heard it is likely to cause weight gain.
Hi Bridgette,
Thanks for the reply and the commiseration. It helps me immensely to know that others are out there enduring the same difficulties that I am. Designer drug sounds about right! I wouldn't give up though. You might try the Paxil and find its efficacy good and weight gain may never factor in for you . But, alas the hoops through which we must jump obscure the goal. I've never tried Paxil, my friend did , she gained a bit of weight, but it was negligible. She also got sleepy. I have not been diagnosed with social anxiety, but since it is ME going through it, I would say I do have social anxiety. So, my route is... Depression...GAD (Panic attacks)...social anxiety almost hermitism. Now on Lexapro the sexual side effects have reared their ugly heads! It makes me want to sing that Ramones song "I want to be Sedated".
But my doc is a family physician. The last time I tried the counseling route I got a social worker who wasn't ready nor was she capable to psychoanalyze me. Most of the people with whom I spoke would always say trite niceties. The first thing they ask is if you want to commit suicide. You say, "No, but life is pretty bleak right now". We get trite responses such as "It's not your fault!" Well, I know that! So who do you see, the Family Physician or a psychologist or a psychiatrist.
Those who participate on this site...You all seem a very intelligent, articulate bunch and I truly appreciate having found you and for any feedback.
Having some really tough times on Lexapro- losing my temper (thought I was going to blow a rod!) Headaches, sad and blue all day long, crying and now sexual side effects - not cool!
Thanks again Bridgette for your posting.
Cheers!
Kat
Posted by ANXIETY ANN on November 2, 2002, at 23:18:10
In reply to Re: I relate to Katerina, posted by Katarina on November 2, 2002, at 22:12:52
Welcome Back!
I've been on Lexapro for about a month now (10MG). I was prescribed it for GAD and Panic. My question is this: sometimes I have dizzy spells (usually in the evenings and mornings)and was wondering if the was a s/e of the Lexapro or just anxiety? It seems I may have had them before but it was kind of hard to tell because I had other symptoms of panic and anxiety as well. I also take Norvasc (5mg) for high Bp and adivan to help with the anxiety. What do you think? Thanks Ann
Posted by emmalie on November 3, 2002, at 0:29:51
In reply to My Experience with Lexapro, posted by MarathonMom on November 2, 2002, at 21:01:13
In response to question #2 (Has anyone switched back to Celexa? How long before you felt human again?)
I switched from Celexa to Lexapro and was only on Lexapro for 5 days before I switched back to Celexa. I realize that I didn't really give it enough time, but I felt REALLY WEIRD on Lexapro. Anyway, I started feeling better THE DAY I SWITCHED BACK. And, strangely, when I switched back, many of the original side effects I had on Celexa disappeared. Strange.
Posted by grace on November 3, 2002, at 8:11:29
In reply to Re: I relate to Katerina, posted by Katarina on November 2, 2002, at 22:12:52
> > what are we supposed to feel---how do we know it's working? I have been on Lexapro for 5 1/2 weeks and have added Buspar this week to see if no1 it will enhance it and no 2 help w/sexual side effects. Maybe, I'm feeling as good as I can feel. That's scary. There are some days I feel pretty good, calm too, but I still have social anxiety and I'd like for that to go away. Sound like I want a designer drug to cure all ills. My Dr wanted to try Paxil because he said it would be better w/social anxiety but I wouldn't because I heard it is likely to cause weight gain.
>
> Hi Bridgette,
> Thanks for the reply and the commiseration. It helps me immensely to know that others are out there enduring the same difficulties that I am. Designer drug sounds about right! I wouldn't give up though. You might try the Paxil and find its efficacy good and weight gain may never factor in for you . But, alas the hoops through which we must jump obscure the goal. I've never tried Paxil, my friend did , she gained a bit of weight, but it was negligible. She also got sleepy. I have not been diagnosed with social anxiety, but since it is ME going through it, I would say I do have social anxiety. So, my route is... Depression...GAD (Panic attacks)...social anxiety almost hermitism. Now on Lexapro the sexual side effects have reared their ugly heads! It makes me want to sing that Ramones song "I want to be Sedated".
> But my doc is a family physician. The last time I tried the counseling route I got a social worker who wasn't ready nor was she capable to psychoanalyze me. Most of the people with whom I spoke would always say trite niceties. The first thing they ask is if you want to commit suicide. You say, "No, but life is pretty bleak right now". We get trite responses such as "It's not your fault!" Well, I know that! So who do you see, the Family Physician or a psychologist or a psychiatrist.
> Those who participate on this site...You all seem a very intelligent, articulate bunch and I truly appreciate having found you and for any feedback.
> Having some really tough times on Lexapro- losing my temper (thought I was going to blow a rod!) Headaches, sad and blue all day long, crying and now sexual side effects - not cool!
> Thanks again Bridgette for your posting.
> Cheers!
> Kat
It seems like (from what I've been reading) is that a lot of you are seeing your family doc (internist or whatever) for these problems. Personally, I've found it very helpful to see people that specialize in this stuff. I see a clinical psychologist (she's a ph.d., but doesn't prescribe) for therapy. She has a few specialties, but anxiety and panic disorder is one of them - so that helps immensely. I also was referred to a psychiatrist (once I decided that I wanted to try meds) for the drug portion. My visits with her are only 25 minutes to see how the drugs are doing, how I'm feeling, etc. We'll talk about options...it's kind of like a quick talk therapy visit, but focused a little more on the drug stuff. When I visit my psychologist, it's an hour long visit and obviously I see her more often than the psychiatrist. I find that the mix is VERY helpful. Fortunately, my insurance covers part of these visits and I am able to afford the remainder, which I know is not always the case, but I highly recommend the combination and the level of care that I receive from seeing people who specialize in this stuff is well worth the money.
>
>
Posted by lmblec on November 3, 2002, at 8:46:11
In reply to Re: I relate to Katerina, posted by grace on November 3, 2002, at 8:11:29
> > > what are we supposed to feel---how do we know it's working? I have been on Lexapro for 5 1/2 weeks and have added Buspar this week to see if no1 it will enhance it and no 2 help w/sexual side effects. Maybe, I'm feeling as good as I can feel. That's scary. There are some days I feel pretty good, calm too, but I still have social anxiety and I'd like for that to go away. Sound like I want a designer drug to cure all ills. My Dr wanted to try Paxil because he said it would be better w/social anxiety but I wouldn't because I heard it is likely to cause weight gain.
> >
> > Hi Bridgette,
> > Thanks for the reply and the commiseration. It helps me immensely to know that others are out there enduring the same difficulties that I am. Designer drug sounds about right! I wouldn't give up though. You might try the Paxil and find its efficacy good and weight gain may never factor in for you . But, alas the hoops through which we must jump obscure the goal. I've never tried Paxil, my friend did , she gained a bit of weight, but it was negligible. She also got sleepy. I have not been diagnosed with social anxiety, but since it is ME going through it, I would say I do have social anxiety. So, my route is... Depression...GAD (Panic attacks)...social anxiety almost hermitism. Now on Lexapro the sexual side effects have reared their ugly heads! It makes me want to sing that Ramones song "I want to be Sedated".
> > But my doc is a family physician. The last time I tried the counseling route I got a social worker who wasn't ready nor was she capable to psychoanalyze me. Most of the people with whom I spoke would always say trite niceties. The first thing they ask is if you want to commit suicide. You say, "No, but life is pretty bleak right now". We get trite responses such as "It's not your fault!" Well, I know that! So who do you see, the Family Physician or a psychologist or a psychiatrist.
> > Those who participate on this site...You all seem a very intelligent, articulate bunch and I truly appreciate having found you and for any feedback.
> > Having some really tough times on Lexapro- losing my temper (thought I was going to blow a rod!) Headaches, sad and blue all day long, crying and now sexual side effects - not cool!
> > Thanks again Bridgette for your posting.
> > Cheers!
> > Kat
>
>
> It seems like (from what I've been reading) is that a lot of you are seeing your family doc (internist or whatever) for these problems. Personally, I've found it very helpful to see people that specialize in this stuff. I see a clinical psychologist (she's a ph.d., but doesn't prescribe) for therapy. She has a few specialties, but anxiety and panic disorder is one of them - so that helps immensely. I also was referred to a psychiatrist (once I decided that I wanted to try meds) for the drug portion. My visits with her are only 25 minutes to see how the drugs are doing, how I'm feeling, etc. We'll talk about options...it's kind of like a quick talk therapy visit, but focused a little more on the drug stuff. When I visit my psychologist, it's an hour long visit and obviously I see her more often than the psychiatrist. I find that the mix is VERY helpful. Fortunately, my insurance covers part of these visits and I am able to afford the remainder, which I know is not always the case, but I highly recommend the combination and the level of care that I receive from seeing people who specialize in this stuff is well worth the money.
>
>
> i was on paxil for five months, i was the worst drug I have been on. could not sleep, did nothing for my anxiety, lexapro is better for anxiey- but sleeping on it is major problem . i was up to twenty mg and would sleep a all day and night ,then not be a able to sleep for 24 to 36 hrs- had to cut back to 10mg. will know in a day or so if anxiety comes back- still think prozac is the best drug- but have take it with imiprimine to get on it
> >
>
>
Posted by Phyl on November 3, 2002, at 8:58:53
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I've always been a person who doesn't seem to need to drink water (I actually don't like it), but since I have been on Lexapro, I'm never thirsty at all. Even after having salty foods, like pizza or chili, I don't seem to have the need to drink water. Every morning, I need to drink 8 ounces of water with Fosomax and for the rest of the day, I never even think about taking in any liquid. At dinner, I sometimes take just a couple of small sips of wine and that's about it. Have any of you noticed this?
I also have "Stephen King" type dreams very often.
Posted by pharmrep on November 3, 2002, at 10:23:14
In reply to Re: differences in SSRI's/see bottom » pharmrep, posted by dr. justin on November 2, 2002, at 18:33:33
> pharmrep,
>
> I have 2 questions. 1) Has Lexapro been shown to have any advantages over Celexa where anxiety or SAD's are concerned?, and 2) It sounds from other posts that the sexual side-effects are similar; so, if that is your chief concern, is there any reason to switch from Celexa to Lexapro?
**** For some reasons to use Lexapro over Celexa (or other SSRI's) see the end of my post "sexual s/e" i sent to cannoli..Thank you.**** yes...Lexapro studies (Lydiard specifically) showed a statistically significant improvement in 2 weeks for treating anxiety (there is a placebo arm and a 40mg Celexa arm too).
Posted by johnj on November 3, 2002, at 10:37:34
In reply to Re: Does anyone notice they are never thirsty?, posted by Phyl on November 3, 2002, at 8:58:53
I have been on lexapro (2.5 mg) for a few days. I have a headache, hangover feeling and some very different anxious feelings I have never had before. Does anyone have this? and did it go away at a certain dose. I am starting low to titrate up slowly since I am med sensistive. I have depression with anxiety/GAD type symptoms. I am wondering if it would be best to jump to 5 or 10 mg and ride this feeling out(if it does go away), I started low so my body would adjust slowly. Thanks
johnj
Posted by Dkk1040 on November 3, 2002, at 11:52:24
In reply to Re: Does anyone notice they are never thirsty?, posted by Phyl on November 3, 2002, at 8:58:53
> I've always been a person who doesn't seem to need to drink water (I actually don't like it), but since I have been on Lexapro, I'm never thirsty at all. Even after having salty foods, like pizza or chili, I don't seem to have the need to drink water. Every morning, I need to drink 8 ounces of water with Fosomax and for the rest of the day, I never even think about taking in any liquid. At dinner, I sometimes take just a couple of small sips of wine and that's about it. Have any of you noticed this?
> I also have "Stephen King" type dreams very often.
>RE: Thirsty
On the contrary I am thirstier then when I was not taking anything.
The SSRI drugs can produce vivid dreams but may dissipate in the future
Posted by Dkk1040 on November 3, 2002, at 11:59:11
In reply to Hangover feeling.....strange anxious, posted by johnj on November 3, 2002, at 10:37:34
> I have been on lexapro (2.5 mg) for a few days. I have a headache, hangover feeling and some very different anxious feelings I have never had before. Does anyone have this? and did it go away at a certain dose. I am starting low to titrate up slowly since I am med sensistive. I have depression with anxiety/GAD type symptoms. I am wondering if it would be best to jump to 5 or 10 mg and ride this feeling out(if it does go away), I started low so my body would adjust slowly. Thanks
> johnjYou are on a very low dosage of Lexapro, you should consult with your physician about upping your dose so he or she can help you determine the correct dose or try something else.
This was from one of my previous posts:
I've switched to Lexapro from two years on Celexa. Celexa gave me dry mouth and headaches Lexapro does not! I am very very grateful for Lexapro and wouldn't want to live life without it.
To the people that post on the board, a question.... What is your life like without this drug, is it better or worse? Some of the SE I'd rather live with than live life without the replacement of the brain chemical I lack, namely seratonin. Of all the side effects people state on this board MOST are treatable, tolerable, and improve over time. Give it a chance! Some take weeks to months, NOT just one dosage, or a day, or a week. This is not a "make me feel better now" drug. Best wishes to everyone, and if this drug does NOT work for you please don't give up hope, but be persistent and try something else.
Posted by bridgette on November 3, 2002, at 12:35:39
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
Has anyone ever tried Ritalin w/an SSRI to alleviate the sexual side effects. I read in a book that either of these Buspar, Gingko, Wellbutrin or Ritalin could alleviate the sexual problems. I zeroed in on Ritalin because I also have ADD.
Posted by Alan on November 3, 2002, at 16:07:42
In reply to New idea, posted by bridgette on November 3, 2002, at 12:35:39
To add perspective re: comparative statistics....
Differences in *individuals'* reactions to antidepressants are so big that it is difficult to state meaningful generalizations about the statistical difference between one drug and another.
In other words, an *individual's* reaction far outweighs the "statistical" response.
Posted by cannoli on November 3, 2002, at 16:58:32
In reply to New idea, posted by bridgette on November 3, 2002, at 12:35:39
> Has anyone ever tried Ritalin w/an SSRI to alleviate the sexual side effects. I read in a book that either of these Buspar, Gingko, Wellbutrin or Ritalin could alleviate the sexual problems. I zeroed in on Ritalin because I also have ADD.
I'm sorry to say my own experiences don't provide much reason for optimism. I nver tried Buspar, but I was on various SSRI/Wellbutrin combos and one SSRI/Ritalin combo, and also tried Gingko with SSRIs, and none of these combinations helped with the sexual side effects. Some of the combinations were good in other ways, but the sexual problems seemed to be inescapable as long as I was taking an SSRI.
Posted by ANXIETY ANN on November 3, 2002, at 17:57:39
In reply to Question for Pharmrep, posted by ANXIETY ANN on November 2, 2002, at 23:18:10
Pharmrep,
Glad your back, did you see my question earlier? Any suggestions?
Anxiety Ann
Posted by pharmrep on November 3, 2002, at 19:55:32
In reply to My Experience with Lexapro, posted by MarathonMom on November 2, 2002, at 21:01:13
> I have followed this message board for several weeks now and am ready to join in. I was diagnosed with major depression back in 2000 and was prescribed Prozac. That worked well, but then I got the bright idea to go off meds to see if I was really "cured." Big mistake. I crashed and burned within 2 months and at that point began taking Celexa.
>
> I found Celexa to be very effective in clearing the depression and negative thoughts. Things were going along fine and I felt great, but alas the sexual side effects creeped in. As if we haven't suffered enough, one of the few things that bring us pleasure is no longer fulfilling. To alleviate this my Dr. suggested a switch to Lexapro.
>
> I have been taking Lexapro for 2 weeks, and am quite disappointed with the results. I often feel blue, like I am sinking back underneath the surface. I am very tired and sweat much more as well. And the sexual side effects are still there.
>
> Judging from the comments on this post, many others are also experiencing disappointing results as well. I am seriously considering switching back to Celexa. I am questioning my rationale for changing in the first place.
>
> My questions:
>
> 1--Has anyone found an effective remedy to counter the sexual side effects?
>********* I often see Wellbutrin added in.
> 2--Has anyone switched back to Celexa? How long before you felt human again?
>********* Why did you switch to start with?
> 3--Does Lexapro take longer than 2 weeks to kick in?
********* it seems to work in 1-2 weeks for most, but a fair trial is 4-6 wks
Posted by pharmrep on November 3, 2002, at 20:28:29
In reply to Question for Pharmrep, posted by ANXIETY ANN on November 2, 2002, at 23:18:10
> Welcome Back!
> I've been on Lexapro for about a month now (10MG). I was prescribed it for GAD and Panic. My question is this: sometimes I have dizzy spells (usually in the evenings and mornings)and was wondering if the was a s/e of the Lexapro or just anxiety? It seems I may have had them before but it was kind of hard to tell because I had other symptoms of panic and anxiety as well. I also take Norvasc (5mg) for high Bp and adivan to help with the anxiety. What do you think? Thanks Ann
** Hi Ann...I have heard of the dizziness before...it seems this is not an uncommon s/e for a new drug in your body...particularly an AD (antidepressant)...nausea and headaches are also up there...but dizzinessis is not big on the Lexapro profile...the Dr's I have talked to about it said that it's normal to see this during "adjustment" period...and can go away in a couple weeks to a couple months....the norvasc and adivan shouldnt be a problem with Lex as it has a very clean "drug interaction" profile
Posted by sadie evans on November 3, 2002, at 20:42:07
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I started Lexapro a few days ago and started slowly. 2.5 mg for two days, now today 5 mg. After another day at 5, I will go up to 10. I have been hypersensitive to other SSRI's, but so far things have been better with Lexapro. Sweating and flushing has been a big problem, along with insomnia and fatigue and sometimes agitation. So far only insomnia with Lexapro, but I'm not up to a regular dose either. I did have a strange headache the first day, and a sort of dissociated feeling, but they both passed after just one day.
I will post about my response again later, after I've been on 10 mgs for a while. In spite of the insomnia I am still feeling refreshed in the morning and have a reasonable amount of energy. If the insomnia continues, I will probably end up on a sleep med in addition to the Lexapro, which has happened with other SSRI's.
So far I am pleased, and am hopeful I can manage to take a theraputic dose of this one.
> [Posted by ggrrl on June 11, 2002, at 1:19:51]
>
> > Seems like there are a lot of people on here who have talked about Lexapro's improved side-effects, specifically that it has less tiredness and sexual side effects than Celexa. Some have said that it has the same side effects as Celexa. However most people are quoting from press releases - does anyone here know from experience (theirs or others')?
>
>
Posted by pharmrep on November 3, 2002, at 20:42:46
In reply to Hangover feeling.....strange anxious, posted by johnj on November 3, 2002, at 10:37:34
> I have been on lexapro (2.5 mg) for a few days. I have a headache, hangover feeling and some very different anxious feelings I have never had before. Does anyone have this? and did it go away at a certain dose. I am starting low to titrate up slowly since I am med sensistive. I have depression with anxiety/GAD type symptoms. I am wondering if it would be best to jump to 5 or 10 mg and ride this feeling out(if it does go away), I started low so my body would adjust slowly. Thanks
> johnj*** 2.5mg is very low...but only you know your own sensitivity (compared to other drugs and doses)...the nausea/dizziness/headache s/e I see and hear occurs in the 1st week or so, and the same people say it goes away around the 2nd week or so...this was for people taking the normal 10mg starting dose. I have seen some people who tried lower doses have this too, and when it went away and they titrating up...it happened again for a few days...depending how bad it is for you...maybe "toughing it out" once is better...you will have to decide for yourself. good luck and keep us posted.
Posted by pharmrep on November 3, 2002, at 20:47:10
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by sadie evans on November 3, 2002, at 20:42:07
> I started Lexapro a few days ago and started slowly. 2.5 mg for two days, now today 5 mg. After another day at 5, I will go up to 10. I have been hypersensitive to other SSRI's, but so far things have been better with Lexapro. Sweating and flushing has been a big problem, along with insomnia and fatigue and sometimes agitation. So far only insomnia with Lexapro, but I'm not up to a regular dose either. I did have a strange headache the first day, and a sort of dissociated feeling, but they both passed after just one day.
>
> I will post about my response again later, after I've been on 10 mgs for a while. In spite of the insomnia I am still feeling refreshed in the morning and have a reasonable amount of energy. If the insomnia continues, I will probably end up on a sleep med in addition to the Lexapro, which has happened with other SSRI's.
>
> So far I am pleased, and am hopeful I can manage to take a theraputic dose of this one.
>
>
>
*** glad to hear its working for you....if you arent already...try taking it in the morning to avoid the insomnia you have...good luck and keep us posted
Posted by Alan on November 3, 2002, at 20:59:06
In reply to Hangover feeling.....strange anxious, posted by johnj on November 3, 2002, at 10:37:34
> I have been on lexapro (2.5 mg) for a few days. I have a headache, hangover feeling and some very different anxious feelings I have never had before. Does anyone have this? and did it go away at a certain dose. I am starting low to titrate up slowly since I am med sensistive. I have depression with anxiety/GAD type symptoms. I am wondering if it would be best to jump to 5 or 10 mg and ride this feeling out(if it does go away), I started low so my body would adjust slowly. Thanks
> johnj
=========================================
The standard known proceedure is for docs is to prescribe a benzodiazapine such as ativan,xanax, valium, or klonopin to counteract the start-up side effects you're describing (anxiousness) during that period.Then there are those that will find the effect of AD's to be ultimately too "stimulating" or create a kind of "hyperarousal" (euphemistically to *them* anyway, referred to as "activating").
Alan
Go forward in thread:
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.