![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1765 to 1789 of 8406. Go back in thread:
Posted by teriwynn on January 15, 2003, at 9:19:40
In reply to Re: Here! Here!!, posted by Sadsack on January 14, 2003, at 15:48:26
** And here I thought I was the only one who thought of driving off the road. Which roads would be best, where I would be least likely to hurt anyone else, how easy it would be, how to make it look like an accident so my insurance wouldn't be denied my family. I still think of it on my bad days, but they are few and far between, thank God.
Posted by Mock5 on January 15, 2003, at 12:41:01
In reply to Re: Here! Here!!, posted by Sadsack on January 14, 2003, at 15:48:26
> Oh my gosh-it sounds JUST like what I was doing. I thought about just swerving off an embankment,or into a tree. I started leeaving my husband with the kids more so they could bond and be better off "after I was gone". I worked on organizing everything so they wouldn't have to deal with any confusion "after I was gone.....I finally realized what I was doing and got help. It is scary but it sure is helpful to know others have been thru it!
> > Kairos, I would be happy to somehow correspond with your husband. I guess I'm just not sure what part of my story would be helpful to him. I guess I could start out by saying that in the beginning, I didn't start out wanting to kill myself, I was just miserable and would have negative thoughts. Then one day, as I was driving, a thought popped in... "I could just drive into this oncoming traffic"... and then it escalated after that... which corner would be the best in order to make it look like an accident... how I could drive off a bridge and make it look like an accident. Etc., etc. Let me know what you think would be helpful for him to read.
> >
> > I really DO care...
> >
> > EGR
>
>I haven't thought it out so much as to make plans for "when I am gone"... but I have had such high anxiety about things that I though the ONLY way to even get close to relieving the stress was to drive into a concrete barrier as I was driving down the highway. I thought I was going crazy that that was runnig through my mind. Until I read these posts, I am thinking that I am not alone! Although, I am definitely rational enough to know better than to do that... I was still upset that it was even a thought in my mind.
Posted by justyourlaugh on January 15, 2003, at 13:02:21
In reply to Re: Here! Here!!, posted by Mock5 on January 15, 2003, at 12:41:01
hi
i was wondering if these thoughts(while driving)
were thought out while you were in the car.
or were they uncontrolable flashes that could happen anytime.
what do you do to stop them?
i knock myself out everynight with seoquel(100mg)
does his mean durring the next day the drug is still effecting me?
is it suppose to help with the negative thoughts?
j
Posted by wharfrat on January 15, 2003, at 14:31:38
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
Has anyone had success adding wellbutrin to lexapro for sexual se's? How long does it take to kick in? I've been on 150 mg wellbutrin SR for a little over three weeks with my 10 mg lexapro and still having difficulty achieving a "happy ending". Anyone?? Anyone??
Wharf
Posted by proud mary on January 15, 2003, at 15:22:48
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Hollygolightly on January 15, 2003, at 0:04:55
Dear Holly,
I, too am taking Lexapro. I took Zoloft for several years and it started to not work for me anymore. I haven't noticed any obvious side-effects except for sever sleepiness the first few days, but I think I tolerate SSRIs pretty well, anyway. Today, day six, is the first day I've really felt alive again. Not totally great, mind you, but at least I'm beginning to have an interest in what's going on around me again.
It's true about the family member thing...my dad took prosiac before he died (unrelated to his depression) and when my daughter needed an AD a few years ago, she didn't respond well to Zoloft and ended up with Imiprimine, however, her dad had tried zoloft, too, and couldn't tolerate it, so I guess she's much more like his side of the family.
I do feel a little bit of a zingy spaciness that I attribute to not so much the Lexapro, but to stopping the zoloft.
Good luck to you and keep on reading...I'll be here! Mary
Posted by StephGob on January 15, 2003, at 15:26:33
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I recently switched from Celexa to Lexapro, and my results haven't been that great. I was on Celexa for a year (thought I should have been on something for years prior to that...my fault).
My anxiety was a bit of a problem sometimes (stress is a different story), but I didn't have many depressive episodes during this year. Since I've been on Lexapro (about 2 weeks or so), I've had some major episodes of anxiety and depression. After just two weeks, I feel like I'm almost back to where I was before I was even on medication.
My biggest issue is usually anxiety. As long as my depression is subdued, I can focus on attempting (successfully or not) to lessen my anxiety. Right now, I can't seem to control either.
One worry that my doctor had was that he didn't want to try much of anything new with me because I also have ADD and am on medication for that. However, even when I don't take that med (a stimulant), I get anxious. Anyone got any help for me?
Posted by EGR on January 15, 2003, at 16:20:11
In reply to Re: Here! Here!!, posted by justyourlaugh on January 15, 2003, at 13:02:21
> hi
> i was wondering if these thoughts(while driving)
> were thought out while you were in the car.
> or were they uncontrolable flashes that could happen anytime.
> what do you do to stop them?They would just pop into my head... then I would "entertain" them... my therapist said it was because it was a way out and thinking about them made me feel like I had some control. They went away after I started on meds, but when I was doing a med switch, they'd come back. Haven't had any at all in at least 6 weeks.
EGR
Posted by Sadsack on January 15, 2003, at 20:24:24
In reply to Re: Here! Here!!, posted by Mock5 on January 15, 2003, at 12:41:01
Mock5,
No you are not alone, and yes, I too have been rational enough not to do it but, you're right, it is really disturbing! This is my 3rd go around with depression (in 10 years)and I am getting better at recognizing those unwanted thoughts for what they are...a clue to get treatment. I still fight it and and hope I'll pull out of it on my own but I am better now about seeking help. It sure is a comfort to know there are others in the same boat who are fighting the good fight with you isnt it? This forum has been so helpful to me, I'm glad you responded. Thanks
> >
> I haven't thought it out so much as to make plans for "when I am gone"... but I have had such high anxiety about things that I though the ONLY way to even get close to relieving the stress was to drive into a concrete barrier as I was driving down the highway. I thought I was going crazy that that was runnig through my mind. Until I read these posts, I am thinking that I am not alone! Although, I am definitely rational enough to know better than to do that... I was still upset that it was even a thought in my mind.
>
>
Posted by Sadsack on January 15, 2003, at 20:38:09
In reply to Re: Here! Here!!, posted by justyourlaugh on January 15, 2003, at 13:02:21
Hey justyourlaugh,
My theory is that they happened in the car, when I was alone because I wasn't preoccupied with the business of everyday life-the only time I wasn't trying to be something for somebody (if that makes any sense). They came completely unbidden, whether or not I was consciously even sad! I remember feeling really upset that I would even think such a thing or that it would seem so appealing. The only time I experienced active thoughts of "suicide by car" was when I was alone. Other times I was mainly hopeless. Maybe if I'd learned earlier in life how to take care of myself instead of always being "something for somebody" I wouldnt have gotten to this point-but maybe it wouldn't have made any difference at all given my family history. Who knows.
I don't know about the seoquel, sorry I can't help you there.
Good Luck!> hi
> i was wondering if these thoughts(while driving)
> were thought out while you were in the car.
> or were they uncontrolable flashes that could happen anytime.
> what do you do to stop them?
> i knock myself out everynight with seoquel(100mg)
> does his mean durring the next day the drug is still effecting me?
> is it suppose to help with the negative thoughts?
> j
Posted by 4girlsMoM on January 16, 2003, at 10:46:06
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl » Hollygolightly, posted by proud mary on January 15, 2003, at 15:22:48
Mary, you recently responded to my post regarding anxiety and an "overwhelmed" feeling. You suggested Klonopin. I am really interested in what you find the difference to be between Zoloft and Lexapro. I have been doing a lot of reading on Lexapro and was considering switching from Zoloft, with the hope that it might better help my anxiety. Let me know your thoughts. Donna
Posted by Mock5 on January 16, 2003, at 19:15:54
In reply to Re: Here! Here!! » justyourlaugh, posted by Sadsack on January 15, 2003, at 20:38:09
About the whole car thing... my thoughts of driving into the concrete wall/barrier were more along the lines of stress-relief rather than suicide... in fact, i never even thought about an outcome where i would be hurt. Just a thought that nothing minor would work... it would have to be major. I wasn't necessarily mad or sad at the time. Just anxious about the prospect of a new job and new relationship. "Normal" things that would cause just about anyone to feel stressed... but I just couldn't rationally deal with it. I totally shut down. Then I started Lexapro and have evened out... now if I could just get rid of the migraines that the Lexapro seems to be triggering I would be happy.
I have had migraines since I was 16, but they have become more frequent since Lexapro... but that is another post for another "babble"!!!
Posted by lam on January 16, 2003, at 22:30:55
In reply to Re: Question about Effexor » jtc, posted by ayuda on December 21, 2002, at 12:22:51
HI
Anyone taking Effexor xr and Lexapro?
I have been on Effexor xr for 4 months currently at 225. Doesn't seem to be working.I can hardly get out of bed. Wondering if alcohol may have something to do with it. My PD has just prescribed 10 mg of Lexapro along with the Effexor.
Does anyone have expeerience with Effexor xr and Lexapro?
Posted by EGR on January 16, 2003, at 23:46:53
In reply to effexor xr and lexapro anyone?, posted by lam on January 16, 2003, at 22:30:55
You need to not drink alcohol. That pretty well defeats ADs... alcohol is a DEPRESSANT... you don't need that.
Posted by EGR on January 16, 2003, at 23:52:04
In reply to Re: Here! Here!!, posted by Mock5 on January 16, 2003, at 19:15:54
Nah... not me. I wanted to die... I wanted the pain to stop, but until the thoughts started popping in, I didn't realize it... First I just really wanted to harm myself... then I tried alienating my best friends... the only time I held it together was when I was around my husband and kids... I just didn't want my kids growing up knowing their mother killed herself... I thought that would be psychologically damaging to them... LOL!!! like losing their mom wouldn't! Thank God for interventions and drugs!!
EGR
Posted by EGR on January 16, 2003, at 23:56:42
In reply to Re: Changing time of Lex » EGR, posted by bozeman on January 10, 2003, at 21:14:20
Hey Bozeman!! I did it, but I did it a "quick" way. I decided to take 10 this a.m. and 20 this evening... now tomorrow night I'll just take 20, etc.... I figured I could handle that... just not skipping 'til tonight completely. I felt GREAT on the 10 today... not sleepy or anything. I see my doc tomorrow, maybe we'll talk dosages.
Thanks for your help... just knowing you were there made me brave.
EGR
Posted by ayuda on January 17, 2003, at 1:25:42
In reply to effexor xr and lexapro anyone?, posted by lam on January 16, 2003, at 22:30:42
I switched from 225 mg of Effexor XR to Lexapro within the last 2 months. I was having similar problems to what you are having, except that I rarely drink alcohol, but I was also lethargic and having a hard time. If your doc has put you on Lexapro, I don't know why they don't just wean you off the Effexor, the two together are overkill, and unnecessary if the Effexor XR isn't working. It took me 6 weeks to taper off the Effexor, but I am doing MUCH better on 20mg of Lexapro now.
Also, I agree with EGR -- alcohol is a depressant, and it counteracts any AD. Having a glass of wine with a meal every once in a while, or a couple of beers once a month won't really hurt, but drinking even once a day will stop the action of the AD. In fact, I've found that when someone wants to drink, that probably means their AD isn't working.
You didn't say if you were having any side effects from the Effexor XR (I had seriously unbearable nausea and developed an ulcer while on it and gained 40 pounds), but even if you aren't, you should ask your doctor why you are taking both meds.
> HI
>
> Anyone taking Effexor xr and Lexapro?
>
> I have been on Effexor xr for 4 months currently at 225. Doesn't seem to be working.I can hardly get out of bed. Wondering if alcohol may have something to do with it. My PD has just prescribed 10 mg of Lexapro along with the Effexor.
>
> Does anyone have expeerience with Effexor xr and Lexapro?
>
Posted by syringachalet on January 17, 2003, at 6:57:27
In reply to Re: Changing time of Lex » bozeman, posted by EGR on January 16, 2003, at 23:56:42
Hey, EGR,
What a savy idea! If we have to have these meds in our lives to regulated/adjust the chemicals in our brains, figuring out the best times for the meds is so important.
On daily meds the emphasis is on daily; and setting YOUR med schedule to fit YOUR lifestyle is what its all about...Keep ourselves as healthy as we can is what all this is about, right?
Just a thought.....
syringachalet
Posted by mills on January 17, 2003, at 9:01:38
In reply to Re: effexor xr and lexapro anyone? » lam, posted by ayuda on January 17, 2003, at 1:25:42
Wrong! sorry, but that is just not my experience and so you can't make a generalization about alcohol that applies to everyone--especially a statement about "wanting" alcohol meaning your AD isn't working. Moderate alcohol use does not depress me in the least.
peace
> I switched from 225 mg of Effexor XR to Lexapro within the last 2 months. I was having similar problems to what you are having, except that I rarely drink alcohol, but I was also lethargic and having a hard time. If your doc has put you on Lexapro, I don't know why they don't just wean you off the Effexor, the two together are overkill, and unnecessary if the Effexor XR isn't working. It took me 6 weeks to taper off the Effexor, but I am doing MUCH better on 20mg of Lexapro now.
>
> Also, I agree with EGR -- alcohol is a depressant, and it counteracts any AD. Having a glass of wine with a meal every once in a while, or a couple of beers once a month won't really hurt, but drinking even once a day will stop the action of the AD. In fact, I've found that when someone wants to drink, that probably means their AD isn't working.
>
> You didn't say if you were having any side effects from the Effexor XR (I had seriously unbearable nausea and developed an ulcer while on it and gained 40 pounds), but even if you aren't, you should ask your doctor why you are taking both meds.
>
>
> > HI
> >
> > Anyone taking Effexor xr and Lexapro?
> >
> > I have been on Effexor xr for 4 months currently at 225. Doesn't seem to be working.I can hardly get out of bed. Wondering if alcohol may have something to do with it. My PD has just prescribed 10 mg of Lexapro along with the Effexor.
> >
> > Does anyone have expeerience with Effexor xr and Lexapro?
> >
>
>
Posted by ayuda on January 17, 2003, at 10:21:03
In reply to Re: effexor xr and lexapro anyone?, posted by mills on January 17, 2003, at 9:01:38
NO, it is a fact that alcohol is a depressant. That is what it is, period. Just because you don't personally feel "depressed" after drinking does not mean it is not a depressant. It is a chemical fact that it IS a depressant, and NOT just an emotional depressant. It depresses bodily functions, which is why it causes lessened inhibitions, blood vessel constrictions, etc., as part of the physical depression of a person's system. Just because you don't personally feel "depressed" after drinking does not mean that it doesn't do that, even not to you.
And when I talk about the need to drink alcohol, I mean people who NEED to drink alcohol. And if you NEED to drink alcohol, that is a good indication that you have a problem, and ADs are designed to help take care of such problems. If you NEED to drink alcohol while taking an AD, chances are you are suffering from depression and your AD isn't working. I am sticking to the facts about alcohol and ADs here, not personal experience, which isn't factual.
> Wrong! sorry, but that is just not my experience and so you can't make a generalization about alcohol that applies to everyone--especially a statement about "wanting" alcohol meaning your AD isn't working. Moderate alcohol use does not depress me in the least.
>
> peace
>
>
>
> > I switched from 225 mg of Effexor XR to Lexapro within the last 2 months. I was having similar problems to what you are having, except that I rarely drink alcohol, but I was also lethargic and having a hard time. If your doc has put you on Lexapro, I don't know why they don't just wean you off the Effexor, the two together are overkill, and unnecessary if the Effexor XR isn't working. It took me 6 weeks to taper off the Effexor, but I am doing MUCH better on 20mg of Lexapro now.
> >
> > Also, I agree with EGR -- alcohol is a depressant, and it counteracts any AD. Having a glass of wine with a meal every once in a while, or a couple of beers once a month won't really hurt, but drinking even once a day will stop the action of the AD. In fact, I've found that when someone wants to drink, that probably means their AD isn't working.
> >
> > You didn't say if you were having any side effects from the Effexor XR (I had seriously unbearable nausea and developed an ulcer while on it and gained 40 pounds), but even if you aren't, you should ask your doctor why you are taking both meds.
> >
> >
> > > HI
> > >
> > > Anyone taking Effexor xr and Lexapro?
> > >
> > > I have been on Effexor xr for 4 months currently at 225. Doesn't seem to be working.I can hardly get out of bed. Wondering if alcohol may have something to do with it. My PD has just prescribed 10 mg of Lexapro along with the Effexor.
> > >
> > > Does anyone have expeerience with Effexor xr and Lexapro?
> > >
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by Worry-wort on January 17, 2003, at 10:33:51
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I've been on Lexapro for 10 weeks or so for depression/GAD. I started out on 10mg then went to 20mg after a month and a minor relapse of depression. I have NO complaints at all. This is my first dealing with depression/GAD, so Im no expert. Im also taking Lorazepam 0.5mg 2-3 times/day as needed for anxiety. I began to feel the effects of the Lex after about 3 weeks and the 20mg dose fully kicked in about 3 weeks after that. The side effects are so mild I'm not really sure Im having any. I do notice a little tiredness about mid afternoon (I take the Lex in the AM). I have no trouble sleeping, but I wake up about 1-2 hours earlier than I used to (terminal insomnia I think its called). I notice some tenseness in my neck and upper back but its very mild. I have no GI problems at all. As far as sexual side effects, all I notice is some delayed ejaculation...which isnt such a bad thing when you think about it. Id love to see more posts about people who have had GOOD experiences with Lexapro.
Posted by mills on January 17, 2003, at 10:41:52
In reply to Re: effexor xr and lexapro anyone?, posted by ayuda on January 17, 2003, at 10:21:03
Please relax. You misunderstand. What was wrong was a few things you said, not what you may have intended to say. Look at what you said earlier and what I said. You made the statement that alcohol "counteracts any AD." That is simply not necessarily true, and therefore is not a fact.
I know what alcohol is, and that it may be classed as a "depressant." It's the broad generalization about its effects that is wrong.Also, you didn't say anything in your first post suggesting addiction to alcohol. You didn't say anything about NEED. You said "want," and so you just need to be more careful in holding yourself as counseling people on "facts" here who may have no idea what the "facts" are and think you know what you are talking about.
And finally, you made this statement:
"drinking even once a day will stop the action of the AD. In fact, I've found that when someone wants to drink, that probably means their AD isn't working."
Those are simply ridiculous unfounded statements and I don't want anyone here misled by ignorance.
peace
> NO, it is a fact that alcohol is a depressant. That is what it is, period. Just because you don't personally feel "depressed" after drinking does not mean it is not a depressant. It is a chemical fact that it IS a depressant, and NOT just an emotional depressant. It depresses bodily functions, which is why it causes lessened inhibitions, blood vessel constrictions, etc., as part of the physical depression of a person's system. Just because you don't personally feel "depressed" after drinking does not mean that it doesn't do that, even not to you.
>
> And when I talk about the need to drink alcohol, I mean people who NEED to drink alcohol. And if you NEED to drink alcohol, that is a good indication that you have a problem, and ADs are designed to help take care of such problems. If you NEED to drink alcohol while taking an AD, chances are you are suffering from depression and your AD isn't working. I am sticking to the facts about alcohol and ADs here, not personal experience, which isn't factual.
>
> > Wrong! sorry, but that is just not my experience and so you can't make a generalization about alcohol that applies to everyone--especially a statement about "wanting" alcohol meaning your AD isn't working. Moderate alcohol use does not depress me in the least.
> >
> > peace
> >
> >
> >
> > > I switched from 225 mg of Effexor XR to Lexapro within the last 2 months. I was having similar problems to what you are having, except that I rarely drink alcohol, but I was also lethargic and having a hard time. If your doc has put you on Lexapro, I don't know why they don't just wean you off the Effexor, the two together are overkill, and unnecessary if the Effexor XR isn't working. It took me 6 weeks to taper off the Effexor, but I am doing MUCH better on 20mg of Lexapro now.
> > >
> > > Also, I agree with EGR -- alcohol is a depressant, and it counteracts any AD. Having a glass of wine with a meal every once in a while, or a couple of beers once a month won't really hurt, but drinking even once a day will stop the action of the AD. In fact, I've found that when someone wants to drink, that probably means their AD isn't working.
> > >
> > > You didn't say if you were having any side effects from the Effexor XR (I had seriously unbearable nausea and developed an ulcer while on it and gained 40 pounds), but even if you aren't, you should ask your doctor why you are taking both meds.
> > >
> > >
> > > > HI
> > > >
> > > > Anyone taking Effexor xr and Lexapro?
> > > >
> > > > I have been on Effexor xr for 4 months currently at 225. Doesn't seem to be working.I can hardly get out of bed. Wondering if alcohol may have something to do with it. My PD has just prescribed 10 mg of Lexapro along with the Effexor.
> > > >
> > > > Does anyone have expeerience with Effexor xr and Lexapro?
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by wharfrat on January 17, 2003, at 11:06:16
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
Is there anybody out there who is taking Wellbutrin with Lexapro for sexual se's? If so, how is it working for you? I have been taking 150mg Wellbutrin SR with my Lexapro 10 mg for about 3 weeks now and am not noticing much difference. How long does it take for Wellbutrin to kick in? Does anybody know?
Thanks,
Wharf
Posted by lam on January 17, 2003, at 13:56:34
In reply to Re: effexor xr and lexapro anyone? » lam, posted by ayuda on January 17, 2003, at 1:25:42
> I switched from 225 mg of Effexor XR to Lexapro within the last 2 months. I was having similar problems to what you are having, except that I rarely drink alcohol, but I was also lethargic and having a hard time. If your doc has put you on Lexapro, I don't know why they don't just wean you off the Effexor, the two together are overkill, and unnecessary if the Effexor XR isn't working. It took me 6 weeks to taper off the Effexor, but I am doing MUCH better on 20mg of Lexapro now.
>
> Also, I agree with EGR -- alcohol is a depressant, and it counteracts any AD. Having a glass of wine with a meal every once in a while, or a couple of beers once a month won't really hurt, but drinking even once a day will stop the action of the AD. In fact, I've found that when someone wants to drink, that probably means their AD isn't working.
>
> You didn't say if you were having any side effects from the Effexor XR (I had seriously unbearable nausea and developed an ulcer while on it and gained 40 pounds), but even if you aren't, you should ask your doctor why you are taking both meds.
>
>
> > HI
> >
> > Anyone taking Effexor xr and Lexapro?
> >
> > I have been on Effexor xr for 4 months currently at 225. Doesn't seem to be working.I can hardly get out of bed. Wondering if alcohol may have something to do with it. My PD has just prescribed 10 mg of Lexapro along with the Effexor.
> >
> > Does anyone have experience with Effexor xr and Lexapro?
> >
>
> How long were you on effexor 225? And how long did it take to to get to 225? Did it work for you with the exception of the side effects?The side effects I have experienced have been weight gain and no desire for sex (my husband who doesn't quite get depression loves this one).
I saw my PD yesterday and if this doesn't work she said will have to refer me to another doctor.
If alcohol really does counter act the AD then if I don't drink, this AD could possibily work for me?
Posted by bozeman on January 17, 2003, at 20:48:24
In reply to Re: Changing time of Lex » bozeman, posted by EGR on January 16, 2003, at 23:56:42
You wild kamikaze woman! Are you sure you're not picking up my bad habits? <LOL> Glad it worked.
That's how the 10 mg affects me (taken at night.) Relaxed, brain works as fast as it did when I was a teenager, and I can get five times as much work done as before in less time. I just wish I'd taken SSRI's years ago when they were first offered.
Best of luck, let us know how it goes after the switch is over. Be interested to see how different you feel taking it in the evening.
bozeman
> Hey Bozeman!! I did it, but I did it a "quick" way. I decided to take 10 this a.m. and 20 this evening... now tomorrow night I'll just take 20, etc.... I figured I could handle that... just not skipping 'til tonight completely. I felt GREAT on the 10 today... not sleepy or anything. I see my doc tomorrow, maybe we'll talk dosages.
>
> Thanks for your help... just knowing you were there made me brave.
>
> EGR
Posted by ayuda on January 17, 2003, at 22:55:16
In reply to Re: effexor xr and lexapro anyone? » ayuda, posted by lam on January 17, 2003, at 13:56:34
> If alcohol really does counter act the AD then if I don't drink, this AD could possibily work for me?
It should be able to -- I don't know how many people are not responding to Lexapro, since few people who are not benefitting from it participate on this discussion board. I know that it works well for me, and I am no longer gaining weight like I was on the Effexor XR.
As for alcohol, I have spoken with several doctors, and my mother, who is a nurse, and I have also spoken with a pharm rep (my roommate's dad), and every one agrees, regardless of what some people may say are their personal experiences, that the sole purpose of alcohol is that it is a CNS depressant, which is why 1) you are warned against mixing it with other CNS depressants, such as Valium or Codeine, and 2) most alcoholics also suffer from depression [On the Lexapro website, it says: "At-risk traits—tell your healthcare provider how often you drink alcohol or use drugs." Meaning that these are traits that make a person at-risk for depression. From the webiste, http://academic.hws.edu/alcohol/events/AwareWkLec/sld001.htm, "alcohol decreases serotonin activity." I include this link to this presentation because it goes step-by-step through explaining the link between alcohol and depression and serotonin on slides 3, 4 & 5.]
The purpose of SSRI's such as Lexapro is to change the way your body absorbs serotonin, increasing serotonin activity. The Britannica Precise Dictionary says that, "Some cases of depression are apparently caused by reduced amounts or activity of serotonin in the brain; many antidepressants counteract that condition." There are many other places where you can get information concerning the action of SSRI's on serotonin, because that is the sole purpose of an SSRI (selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitor).
So if alcohol causes a decrease in serotonin activity, and depression is characterized by a decrease in serotonin activity, and SSRI's are designed to increase serotonin activity, then it logically follows that alcohol does the opposite of what your Lexapro does, which means it counter-acts it.
The detailed explanation hopefully helps you to understand that I am not giving you my personal opinion, but have researched this topic, and there are plenty of medical studies about this. So the bottom line is, if you do not drink alcohol, you give the SSRI a chance to do its job.
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Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Script revised: February 4, 2008
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