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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 3312 to 3336 of 8406. Go back in thread:
Posted by Sabina on June 16, 2003, at 23:30:46
In reply to Does SSRI For IBS Seem Strange?, posted by MB on June 16, 2003, at 18:59:58
Maybe this link will be a start for you. http://ibscrohns.about.com/library/weekly/aa050503a.htm I suffer from Fibromyalgia and Chronic Faigue Syndrome. The only treatments currently sanctioned by traditional medical practitioners for those and their related illnesses (including IBS) are SSRI and pain meds. I'm sad to say that I really don't know about all the technical talk, as my head is usually too muddled to think clearly enough, but it doesn't surprise me that it was presribed for IBS. I hope you get some relief in time.
Posted by Cerodwen on June 16, 2003, at 23:49:57
In reply to Re: Does SSRI For IBS Seem Strange?, posted by Sabina on June 16, 2003, at 23:30:46
I started taking Lexapro (5mg/day) 4 days ago - so far I haven't noticed any side effects, although in the past month I have noticed that I started getting blemishes on my shoulders and red spots on my neck. I don't know what causes that. I am also taking topamax, 200mg. I am hoping the Lexapro will relieve my crushing depression and anxiety.
Posted by Sabina on June 17, 2003, at 0:23:53
In reply to Is it okay to just stop taking Lexapro?, posted by CarrieL on June 16, 2003, at 21:48:15
From all I've read and heard, plus my own nervous nature, I would advise against stopping suddenly. If you don't like the side effects (God knows I don't), think of what a crash landing might do for you.
Posted by DC on June 17, 2003, at 8:03:25
In reply to Re: Is it okay to just stop taking Lexapro?, posted by Sabina on June 17, 2003, at 0:23:53
> From all I've read and heard, plus my own nervous nature, I would advise against stopping suddenly. If you don't like the side effects (God knows I don't), think of what a crash landing might do for you.
I would have to agree. I wouldn't suggest quitting
cold turkey. I know I did that with Paxil and
highly regretted it. The side effects from taking
the medication was MUCH better than those from
stopping all at once. I would think that most of
these types of meds would have the same effect if
you don't slowly reduce your dosage and wean yourself
off of them. Taking your bodies levels of certain
things from one level to absolutely nothing could
give you the "crash landing" as well stated by
Sabina. I would ask the doctor also.
Posted by KimberlyDi on June 17, 2003, at 8:48:51
In reply to Does SSRI For IBS Seem Strange?, posted by MB on June 16, 2003, at 18:59:58
I don't think it is too strange. If IBS can be caused by extreme stress (which sometimes seems to happen to me), then the SSRI treats the IBS by decreasing the stress?
Just a thought, Kim
> I always thought it was so strange that doctors prescribe SSRIs for Irritable Bowel Syndrome. I know that there are serotonin receptors in the stomach and in the intestines, but it seems to me that stimulating these would make IBS worse! I'm only going on my own personal experiences which are that SSRIs are very hard on my stomach and intestines. I'm on Lexapro right now with occasional stomach/intestinal cramps, and with irregular "bowel patterns." In fact, I thought that the Lexapro was *giving* me Irritable Bowel Syndrome, so I looked up the treatments for IBS (hoping to find some way to alleviate it). Lo and behold, the treatment of choice is an SSRI. I couldn't believe my eyes. Wouldn't it make more sense to block the serotonin receptors in the stomach and intestine to treat this disorder? I'm confused. I'm reading a paper that describes the serotonin receptors in the gut (mainly 5HT-4), and it says that stimulation of these causes contraction. It says antagonists of these 5HT-4 receptors might be helpful for IBS. If this is the case, why use a drug that increases serotonergic tone throughout the entire body (as SSRIs do) to treat IBS? Can someone explain?
>
> By the way, the paper can be found at:
> http://www.biotrend.com/pdf/serot.pdf
>
>
> MB
>
>
Posted by Dr. Bob on June 17, 2003, at 8:54:12
In reply to Re: Skin break-outs and short-term memory loss, posted by Office_LB on June 16, 2003, at 21:38:08
> God he sounds like a dick.
Thanks for trying to be supportive, but please don't use language that could offend others, thanks.
Bob
PS: Follow-ups regarding posting policies, and complaints about posts, should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration; otherwise, they may be deleted.
Posted by Eddie Sylvano on June 17, 2003, at 9:46:46
In reply to Does SSRI For IBS Seem Strange?, posted by MB on June 16, 2003, at 18:59:58
>If this is the case, why use a drug that increases serotonergic tone throughout the entire body (as SSRIs do) to treat IBS? Can someone explain?
---------------There are multiple serotonin receptors, and I'm not sure that most SSRIs affect the same receptors in the intestine as they do in the brain. You're on to something, though. I have IBS and noticed that if I took 5-HTP supplements (the raw ingredient for serotonin), it would send my gut into a tailspin. Taking Celexa, however, has the opposite effect. Things calm down. I think that there is a difference between the functionality of serotonin in the two areas, with 5-HT1a receptors in the brain serving to put the brakes on things, so to speak, which consequently calms intestinal peristalsis.
I may be wrong or overly simple, but that's my understanding.
Posted by Mariposa on June 17, 2003, at 9:50:52
In reply to Is it okay to just stop taking Lexapro?, posted by CarrieL on June 16, 2003, at 21:48:15
> I was prescribed 10 mg's a day for sleeplessness (due to anxiety). I liked it at first, but am now considering getting off of it... as the side effects may not be worth it. Anyone know if its okay to just stop taking it? If so, I have 30 pills for sale, cheap. lol.
NO, I would not advise "cold turkey" either, SE's!!!
One question, though, how long have you been taking it? If the answer is 3 weeks or less, the SE's you are experiencing WILL GO AWAY. Many people on this board have found that once you get through the first couple of weeks, things get much easier, and many have had GOOD results, myself included, with fight w/depression.
Best of luck to you~~~8|8
Posted by sme on June 17, 2003, at 14:24:12
In reply to Re: Skin break-outs and short-term memory loss, posted by Office_LB on June 16, 2003, at 21:38:08
LOL! I guess I made him sound unsupportive. But I have to admit, I sometimes goof on him because of his speech impediment. We bust on each other all the time, so I don't take it personal. We have fun.
Posted by MikeBC on June 17, 2003, at 17:05:44
In reply to Effects of Lexapro, posted by Cerodwen on June 16, 2003, at 23:49:57
I have the red blemishes too. I was wondering what they were. a couple on my shoulders, one on my torso and one tiny one on my forehead (I don't think it's a zit). I take 2.5 mg a day (steady hands with the razor).
Posted by DC on June 18, 2003, at 10:25:02
In reply to Re: Hair Loss, posted by blkvettes on June 13, 2003, at 17:31:01
I am starting to question myself on whether I should
have made the change in my meds. I was taking the
Lex for about 3 months and didn't really see that
much of a difference, just a bit. I have been
weaning off of the Lex and starting Zoloft. After
reading the many posts on here, I am wondering if I
should have waited longer. Any input on Zoloft vs.
Lexapro? The doctor had prescribed both for my
anti-social anxiety and Wellbutrin for depression.
Posted by jcwilliams on June 18, 2003, at 10:31:19
In reply to Lexapro comments, posted by wally on January 9, 2003, at 2:22:56
I've been on Lexapro for about 4 months. I am also on birth control pills and I have noticed in the last 3 months that my period is almost nonexistant. This month I didn't even have to wear anything. I wondered if anyone else is experiencing this. Thanks!
Posted by DC on June 18, 2003, at 10:35:18
In reply to Re: Lexapro comments, posted by jcwilliams on June 18, 2003, at 10:31:19
> I've been on Lexapro for about 4 months. I am also on birth control pills and I have noticed in the last 3 months that my period is almost nonexistant. This month I didn't even have to wear anything. I wondered if anyone else is experiencing this. Thanks!
The same think happened to me. Instead of the normal
time span, it was like 45 days and not that much of
one even then. Talk about freaking out LOL. I have
read other post that others have experienced the same SE.
Posted by Eleanor on June 18, 2003, at 15:01:02
In reply to Re: Skin break-outs and short-term memory loss, posted by sme on June 17, 2003, at 14:24:12
It is nice to find you all here. no one else I know is on lexapro.
I am experiencing strange bumps on my neck and chin, but my period has just begun and i tend to break out slightly this time of month. It just seems heavier this time.
I've only been on Lexapro for one week. I feel a little amped up at midday then sleepy earlier in the evenings than I am used to. However, i appreciate the benefit of getting more sleep and not going to bed so worried and anxious.
My appetite has definitely decreased.
I want this drug to work and I hope to stay on it. any and all news and support will be greatly appreciated.
Posted by sue5800 on June 18, 2003, at 18:44:56
In reply to Re: Skin break-outs! Appetite! Other FX..., posted by Eleanor on June 18, 2003, at 15:01:02
I have been on lexapro for three months. I wish I could say I'm sleeping well. I may just need more time to be adjusted.I am also noticing syst-like bumps on my chin and neck. What the heck. Is this a side effect?
Anyone else?
Posted by MB on June 18, 2003, at 21:45:53
In reply to Re: Does SSRI For IBS Seem Strange? » MB, posted by Eddie Sylvano on June 17, 2003, at 9:46:46
> >If this is the case, why use a drug that increases serotonergic tone throughout the entire body (as SSRIs do) to treat IBS? Can someone explain?
> ---------------
>
> There are multiple serotonin receptors, and I'm not sure that most SSRIs affect the same receptors in the intestine as they do in the brain. You're on to something, though. I have IBS and noticed that if I took 5-HTP supplements (the raw ingredient for serotonin), it would send my gut into a tailspin. Taking Celexa, however, has the opposite effect. Things calm down. I think that there is a difference between the functionality of serotonin in the two areas, with 5-HT1a receptors in the brain serving to put the brakes on things, so to speak, which consequently calms intestinal peristalsis.
> I may be wrong or overly simple, but that's my understanding.
So, you're thinking that the SSRIs quell IBS symptoms by affecting serotonin receptors in the brain, and not necessarily by affecting the serotonin receptors in the intestines? This stuff is so complicated. did you read the link I left to the .pdf file about serotonin receptors? If you go to page 6, and read the bottom of the section talking about 5HT-4 receptors it mentions using a 5HT-4 antagonist for IBS. This would affect things more in the gut, I think, and less in the brain. I wonder if any pharmaceutical companies are working on a drug like this? Anyway, it's all very interesting stuff, but confusing nevertheless.MB
Posted by Sabina on June 18, 2003, at 23:57:51
In reply to Re: Skin break-outs! Appetite! Other FX..., posted by Eleanor on June 18, 2003, at 15:01:02
Eleanor, I'm currently on 10mg Lexapro for two weeks now and have indeed noticed subdermal bumps on my chin and a decrease in appetite among many other unexpected and unpleasant SE's. I don't usually have break outs...a bonus, I suppose. I'm only two weeks in so I can't speak to menstrual SE's yet. There's no rhyme or reason here, mood-wise: mostly tweaked, sometimes way down. Xanax not doing the trick to help with anxiety. I had to ask my boyfriend if I seemed "okay" in mixed company. It's so bad in my head that I can't tell anymore. I know you didn't ask for all this information, so I'll stop before I go too far. It's early days yet, yet. I know that. We just have to be patient. Let's keep each other posted, yes? -Bina
Posted by eleanor on June 19, 2003, at 1:29:02
In reply to Re: Skin break-outs! Appetite! Other FX... » Eleanor, posted by Sabina on June 18, 2003, at 23:57:51
> Eleanor, I'm currently on 10mg Lexapro for two weeks now and have indeed noticed subdermal bumps on my chin and a decrease in appetite among many other unexpected and unpleasant SE's. I don't usually have break outs...a bonus, I suppose. I'm only two weeks in so I can't speak to menstrual SE's yet. There's no rhyme or reason here, mood-wise: mostly tweaked, sometimes way down. Xanax not doing the trick to help with anxiety. I had to ask my boyfriend if I seemed "okay" in mixed company. It's so bad in my head that I can't tell anymore. I know you didn't ask for all this information, so I'll stop before I go too far. It's early days yet, yet. I know that. We just have to be patient. Let's keep each other posted, yes? -Bina
Bina: Many thanks. I take really good care of my skin and never break out. So, it helps to know that this is part of the deal. I also see that I have to cut back on coffee in the morning to keep from being jittery by noon. Then again, none of these things are as bad as the crushing depression was! I'm not even as far into this treatment as you, but I'm feeling very optimistic. I feel like help is on the way and I'm just being very gentle with myself right now. I'm so glad to not be experiencing jaw clenching or painful headaches. Do stay in touch and let me know how you're feeling. I'm going to try skin masks and other facial products. If the bumps continue to bother me, I might see a dermatologist. For now, I'm just glad to see the fog lifting. Oh...I have Atavan for the anxiety and I have only taken it twice. So far, so good.
I wish you the best and look forward to hearing from you.
Posted by Mysterious42 on June 19, 2003, at 8:10:47
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
What is the effect of switching from celexa to lexapro for someone who already is experiencing frequent tachycardia (and is taking klonopin for this) and dizziness? Is the switch likely to make these symptoms better or worse? Also, curious to know about impact on sexual dysfunction. Currently experiencing some on celexa...
Thanks.
Posted by JaneB on June 19, 2003, at 12:00:54
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Mysterious42 on June 19, 2003, at 8:10:47
For me the switch to Lex from Celexa did not help sexual side effects. It increased tachycardia. I had to stop Lex. But I didn't go back to Celexa. Believe it or not I feel much better on just Klonopin. I care about life more now too. I was becoming too apathetic and down on myself for being so fatigued all the time.
JaneB
Posted by lil' jimi on June 19, 2003, at 16:03:47
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Mysterious42 on June 19, 2003, at 8:10:47
hi Mysterious42,
thank you for your post and welcome to pBabble's lexapro thread ... ... i have been helped a lot by the folks on these message boards.
you have written:
> What is the effect of switching from celexa to lexapro for someone who already is experiencing frequent tachycardia (and is taking klonopin for this) and dizziness? Is the switch likely to make these symptoms better or worse? Also, curious to know about impact on sexual dysfunction. Currently experiencing some on celexa...
> Thanks.
>i have never taken celexa nor any AD other than lexapro, BUT ...
(disclaimer: Therefore EVERYTHING i write about this comes from reading this thread ...
...... (and i would not have made it without the information and support i received here.))...but there have been many reports about folks trying to make transition(s) from one SSRI to lex ...
and of the ones trying to go from celexa, ... several (a lot?) have not been able to tolerate lex, in the way that JaneB tells us about ...then there are folks like Bill L, who cruise straight from celexa to lexapro without any problems ... these would seem, admittedly, to be more rare ...
... but it is not unreasonable to assume that may be some success stories which would never post their experiences here because they would never have the need .... who knows?
... but your short-term lexapro user is going to have (typically) your adaptation syndrome SEs, which potentially could be almost anything and could be of almost any serverity .... BUT which (TYPICALLY) fade away to nothing in from 4 to maybe 6 or 7 weeks ... while the therapuetic benefits can take from as much as 8 weeks to be effective ...
(TMI? .... sorry: blkvettes says that i like to give all the details ..... blkvettes is being kind)
as for sexual SEs: the most common sexual SE is anorgasmia .... both guys and gals have complained about this one .... i have had anorgasmia when i 1st began lex and then later when i went from 5mg to 10mg ... the good news: it only lasted a week and has gone away *completely* .... i have since asked several times if any one has experienced the beneficial sexual SE (that i have) since recovering from the initial lex SEs, but i don't think anyone needs to hear about this if they are still struggling to just survive SEs to get to lex's benefits.
(now way TMI? ... i'll try to quit)
more good news: i have read few (very few) posts about other sexual SEs: erectile dysfunction or loss of libido, EXCEPT when folks are on constellations of meds for specific symptoms, such as ... anxiety disorders, OCD, panic attacks.
and, Mysterious, this may be you (?)... your tachycardia and dizziness along with the klonopin Sound like your fighting the anxiety fight ... ... i would *SPECULATE* that the short term (initial SEs) would tend to make these kind of symptoms worse AT FIRST ... ... then (a number ? of weeks) we should be able to expect the relief to begin, if not sooner.
there are a fortunate number of folks, like me, who have done very well with lex (Hi, Mariposa!), some of whom have toughed it out through long and intense initial SEs, only to recover really well.
i have been in lex 3 months, the 1st month 5mg and last 2 at 10mg .... only a week of SEs with no on-going side-effects ... ... i have been diagnosed with depression and i definitely feel much better now.
(TMI, jim!!!)
sorry my reply has been so long .... i only hope it is some help to you .. ... .. i try to repay the support that i have received here by trying to help others ... ... dr. bob's web space has been immensely beneficial to me
i hope you can get some relief from your suffering,
and please do keep us posted on your progress.
thanks
and
TAKE CARE !!!!
~ jim
Posted by Office_LB on June 19, 2003, at 16:23:28
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl » Mysterious42, posted by lil' jimi on June 19, 2003, at 16:03:47
I have to say I have experienced increased sexual pleasure as a result of SSRUIs. Hey they make me feel better about myself so I enjoy myself more :)
Not to mention more often :)
Posted by lil' jimi on June 19, 2003, at 22:31:16
In reply to Re: alcohol versus lexapro » lil' jimi, posted by oldhand on June 12, 2003, at 12:16:18
hi oldhand (and everybody!) !
it's been over a week since we had this exchange ... ... i regret it has been this long for me to respond ... ... .... there's a lot going on ... ...
... .... had to go to omaha last friday, for instance ...
> > hey there, Oldhand!
> > miss having you check in with us here ..... glad to hear you're hanging in there!
> >
> > a while back i replied to DC:
> > > > ... you know, Someone, not blkvettes, but somebody, a long time ago, posted about this and i got confused and thought it was Wayne (blkvettes) .... i only remember that they felt one of the effects of Lexapro for them was their desire/interest/need for alcohol had decreased and they gave up drinking as a result ....
> > > >
> > > > because alcohol is a major depressant, i understand that we, as anti-depressant users are advised to curtail our alcohol consumption ..... anyway.
> >
> > to which you were kind enough to reply with:
> > > Hi all! I am one of those people who no longer have the desire to drink alcohol since starting Lexapro. I have been taking it since November, 10 mg and I really have lost the desire to drink. Oh, it occurs to me that I want beer but then it passes very quickly. I was seriously abusing alcohol for a long time, probably self medicating. Now I barely miss it and have lost 40 pounds!!!
> > > I began with a new shrink yesterday and she increased my Lex from 10 to 20mg at my request. I have felt pretty good on the Lex at 10mg but not as well as I would like to. I am living with the elderly parents at age 53 after going on disability and letting my house go. It is quite a change for an independent like me. But I am very thankful not to have that NEED for alcohol anymore.
> > >
> >
> > and now i continue my response to your reply here:
> > even though i have not had an alcohol problem, i find it validating that it is possible that neurotransmitter dysfunction(s) that may lead to "self-medicating" with alcohol (which may well lead to alcohol abuse) could be compensated for or alleviated enough for folks to recover from alcohol dependence.
> > ....
> > please, keep us posted and
> > (you know where i get this!)
> > TAKE CARE !!!!!!!
> > ~ jim
> >
> > p.s. congratualtions on your weight loss!.... all of the ED and OCDers should get to hear about this.
> > ~ jthen you replied on the 12th of june:
> LIL Jimi, Thanks much for the encouraging words! I also have a theory that alcohol use/abuse may be the reason that so many of the AD's I've tried, pooped-out. While we are all aware of the depressant effects of alcohol, it was hard to learn that I was just negating the effects of the AD's. For me, something in the Lex seems to have replaced the craving and it (beer) does not even taste good to me anymore. I have had a few in the last six months but it didn't do what I remember it doing for me so why bother (and all those extra calories!) <grin> As a friend of mine said to me "you've probably drunk your share." And I guess I have!!!
> I'll keep you posted about the increase in Lex. Shrink seemed to want to add bi-polar to my dx and maybe some Lithium, but am keeping a mood diary for her. I sure haven't felt "real good" like the mania end of it so I am not ready to accept that yet.
> And to all you newbies........Keep on keepin on, it is worth it when the Lex kicks in for you. With wishes for peace for us all.and so june 19th, i'm replying to yours of a week ago:
you make me wonder whether it might not be common that AD failure could be connected to alcohol use.... .. i'm so far away from alcohol that i'm no judge of how it may be impacting AD users ... ... i find your theory intriguing.and you are welcome for any encouragement from me i may give ... .... pleasure's mine, mam!
you know, my gp gave be a test (multi-choice) for bp in my last office visit a month ago ... ... i failed ... had to get like 7 out of 10 .. ... i got 6 (!) ... ... gp said i might just be a cheerful person instead of bipolar (????) ... she also offered me effexor ... ... i said no thanks and went to 10mg of lex instead ...
so ... how's the new pdoc working out for you? ... i guess you haven't seen him (her?) since the 12th yet .... ... how's 20mg treating you? ... a week too soon to tell? ... .. when will the mood diary decide if you're bp? ... .... and the lithium?
.... and the change in your independence?by the bye, i'm 52 (you are not that much older than me, "old"hand) and i lost my folks last summer about this time ... lex has helped me a lot ... sorting it all out ... ... we're getting there .
hang in there! we're pulling for you!
TAKE CARE !!!!!
~ jim
Posted by 2beornot2benuts on June 20, 2003, at 7:43:22
In reply to Re: alcohol versus lexapro » oldhand, posted by lil' jimi on June 19, 2003, at 22:31:16
Hello everyone, I'm at day 31, one week ago, I increased my dose from 10 to 15mg. This morning I woke up nauseous, and then threw up. This is the second episode. A few years ago, I tried celexa, and had to stop because of nausea and vomiting. Has anyone else expierenced this? I have to call my pdoc, I've put up with alot of SE's so far, but this is where I throw in the Lexapro towel...Please respond!?! Jackie
Posted by Ame Sans Vie on June 20, 2003, at 9:04:04
In reply to Re: Nausea and Lex : Please Advise!!, posted by 2beornot2benuts on June 20, 2003, at 7:43:22
What's worked for me with med-induced nausea (and other types of nausea for that matter) is chewing on ginger root or drinking authentic ginger ale. These remedies have long been used for this, and are very effective.
Also quite effective are teas made from lavender, aniseed, or chamomile. If you're into aromatherapy, I have dozens of other suggestions. Good luck. :-)
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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
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