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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by jane47 on November 9, 2003, at 7:38:45
In reply to Re: Thanks to all of you for your postings., posted by vandy on November 8, 2003, at 10:12:07
Since I found this web site I have found so much valuable info. I too was apprehensive about taking lex. new drugs, not enough research but I must say all the side effects went away during the 2nd week. I was started on 5 mg for 5 days and then to 10mg. i have been on 10mg for 12 days and feel okay. had a major recent stressor at home and felt anxiety feeling returning but i am going to ride it out. i too think that upping meds after a short time isn't always the answer. it does take weeks to feel the full effects. so all you newcomers hang in there. it does get better. thanks for all your support.
jane
Posted by shadows721 on November 9, 2003, at 11:36:59
In reply to Other strange side effect, posted by tiredman on November 7, 2003, at 15:10:16
I have had that effect as well. Some days it feels like it's on the front of my legs. Other days, it feels like it's on other parts of the body. I don't know what part of the brain this drug is affecting.
I get scared sometimes about this drug. It's so new and it supposed to have such a clean side effect profile. You can find on line that this is not so. I know I am more calm on this drug, but I do feel sort of detached from myself. It's a bit scary to me. I find that I do notice more things around me. I don't over react like I use to do. I literally feel like I have another personality. It's so strange.
I worry about this drug having long term consequences. I was prescribed Klonopin years ago and became physically dependent on it and the doc said no way. So, this is why I am totally distrust worthy of these meds that work on the mind. It's really rough, because I became totally dysfunctional without medication. I feel like I have to give up a part of myself to live in society and function. I have to give up my passions too. I feel plain out weird on this med. But, is it that this is the person I would be without depression and I don't know that person? I have always wondered who would I be without depression. Maybe this is it. I don't know, but it is going to impact every part of my life. My family has lived with a totally depressed/angry/anxious person for years. Now, they have someone who is totally different. It's strange. I think they feel like they are with a stranger as well.
Posted by MissB on November 9, 2003, at 13:43:29
In reply to Re: Other strange side effect, posted by shadows721 on November 9, 2003, at 11:36:59
I felt the same way you do as far as the new personality goes when I first went on ADs. I started out with Celexa. It was so strange for me in the beginning, but it was a good strange. I found myself so much calmer and the little things didn't set me off like they did before. I didn't feel like a zombie and the SEs were very minimal to me. It took me a long time to realize that what I was feeling was happy. I had lived with depression so long that I didn't realize what a big part it played in who I was. Celexa was literally a life saver for me personnally, but Lexapro has been hellish. I hate to say it but it seems that ADs are a hit and miss. Celexa worked wonders for me, but others hated it. Lexapro is horrible for me, but maybe its helping others. All I can say is be up front with your Dr. Tell her/him all that you are feeling because Lexapro might not be for you, but something else might just do the trick.
> I have had that effect as well. Some days it feels like it's on the front of my legs. Other days, it feels like it's on other parts of the body. I don't know what part of the brain this drug is affecting.
>
> I get scared sometimes about this drug. It's so new and it supposed to have such a clean side effect profile. You can find on line that this is not so. I know I am more calm on this drug, but I do feel sort of detached from myself. It's a bit scary to me. I find that I do notice more things around me. I don't over react like I use to do. I literally feel like I have another personality. It's so strange.
>
> I worry about this drug having long term consequences. I was prescribed Klonopin years ago and became physically dependent on it and the doc said no way. So, this is why I am totally distrust worthy of these meds that work on the mind. It's really rough, because I became totally dysfunctional without medication. I feel like I have to give up a part of myself to live in society and function. I have to give up my passions too. I feel plain out weird on this med. But, is it that this is the person I would be without depression and I don't know that person? I have always wondered who would I be without depression. Maybe this is it. I don't know, but it is going to impact every part of my life. My family has lived with a totally depressed/angry/anxious person for years. Now, they have someone who is totally different. It's strange. I think they feel like they are with a stranger as well.
Posted by sapphira on November 9, 2003, at 15:37:39
In reply to Re: Other strange side effect, posted by shadows721 on November 9, 2003, at 11:36:59
i'm on the lexapro too and have been for one week and even though i'm only taking 2.5 mgs i am noticing a difference. i think that it will be less noticeable to us as time goes on. i really do not worry about long-term effects. i'm just glad that the anxiety and depression have let up and i'm not angry anymore. my family is noticing a difference too and they are happy for me. no, i'm not a stranger; just me with a more content and calmer outlook.
sapphira
Posted by sfmom on November 9, 2003, at 20:04:28
In reply to Re: Up to 20mg Lex - Feel terrible, posted by BLKVETTES on November 8, 2003, at 14:38:49
Thanks everybody for all of your help and suggestions. Since I was doing pretty well with side effects at 10mg, I decided to take my regular 10mg in the morning, and then take another 10mg in the afternoon. This is only my first day like this but other than the nausea that I'm already used to, I'm feeling fine. The big test will be tonight when I'm trying to sleep to see if my legs keep jerking! By the way, I'm still trying to find out about the lip/mouth numbing effect of the Lexapro. I'll let everyone know when I get an answer. By the way, does anyone have access to the new PDR that would give us more information on this drug? I'd love to see what it says. Again, thank you to everyone for helping me out and offering support! You all are the best!
Posted by MissB on November 10, 2003, at 11:08:35
In reply to Re: Up to 20mg Lex - Feel terrible, posted by sfmom on November 9, 2003, at 20:04:28
I know this is probably a mute point to all who have posted on this site, but I think there is an important message here that we need to pass the word on. Research your meds! I found so much more information by simply using Google than my doctor ever told me. Over the last few days, and many conversations, I've seen that people have too much faith in their Dr.s This is no slam to Dr.s, but as someone was nice enough to point out (I get it now by the way) Dr.s are human too. We need to be proactive in with own bodies and what we put in them. I thought I asked enough questions, I thought she would tell me what I needed to know. Now, I am more informed and will be drilling my Dr on all and any meds I take from now on. Below are some of the sites I found and I hope they might be of some help for others.
http://medlineplus.gov/
http://www.rxlist.com/
http://www.webmd.com/
Posted by oldhand on November 10, 2003, at 13:15:45
In reply to FREE MEDS, posted by BLKVETTES on November 8, 2003, at 14:43:15
> http://www.panicsupport4u.com/meds.html
>Nice to hear from you Wayne, and that link is excellent!
I have been fortunate until now that the Lexapro and Wellbutrin XL are in the formulary for my insurance. My co-pay was only $9 and I felt so fortunate for that, and grateful. My coverage is changing as of January 1 and neither the Lex nor the Wellbutrin are in the new formulary.The copay for two of the AD's and an allergy med becomes more than my disability income can bear.(Used to be $27.) They say I can substitute Paxil or a couple of other things. Since I have tried Paxil and it was not for me, I am likely going to have a struggle on my hands to get the meds I need.I can afford to pay a certain amount toward my meds but this huge increase is a big bite. I will certainly ask my pdoc to help me out with this but if you have any other resources please send them along.
Thanks,
Peace,
Shelley
Posted by oldhand on November 10, 2003, at 13:24:47
In reply to Research, Research, Research!!, posted by MissB on November 10, 2003, at 11:08:35
Posted by BLKVETTES on November 10, 2003, at 14:58:12
In reply to Re: FREE MEDS » BLKVETTES, posted by oldhand on November 10, 2003, at 13:15:45
> > http://www.panicsupport4u.com/meds.html
> >
>
> Nice to hear from you Wayne, and that link is excellent!
> I have been fortunate until now that the Lexapro and Wellbutrin XL are in the formulary for my insurance. My co-pay was only $9 and I felt so fortunate for that, and grateful. My coverage is changing as of January 1 and neither the Lex nor the Wellbutrin are in the new formulary.The copay for two of the AD's and an allergy med becomes more than my disability income can bear.(Used to be $27.) They say I can substitute Paxil or a couple of other things. Since I have tried Paxil and it was not for me, I am likely going to have a struggle on my hands to get the meds I need.
>
> I can afford to pay a certain amount toward my meds but this huge increase is a big bite. I will certainly ask my pdoc to help me out with this but if you have any other resources please send them along.
> Thanks,
> Peace,
> Shelley
Insurance companies have no clue either I guess. You cant just substitute these meds!!!!!!!!!!! Its hard to find one combination that works much less 2. At the beginning of the year I quit my meds because I was a mess. My 5th new psychiatrist asked me to try lexapro. He gave me the sample pack. I stared at it for days. I knew I had to take something so I began. Well the lexapro was not on the approved list. It took my wife a couple of weeks of arguing and so forth. The psychiatrist got involved and called the insurance company. He explained that this is tricky business and you cant just substitute the meds. Its to hard to find something that works for each person. In my case the lexapro was approved. So get your doctor involved!!! Keep calling!!!!! My psychiatrist also offered sample packs!!!!!!!!! These are free to the doctor!!!!!! Ask about them!!!!!!! Maybe you can get free samples to go with what you have to pay and it will work out to the same price your paying. If your doctor cares they will help!!!!!!!!!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by BLKVETTES on November 10, 2003, at 15:18:31
In reply to Research, Research, Research!!, posted by MissB on November 10, 2003, at 11:08:35
> I know this is probably a mute point to all who have posted on this site, but I think there is an important message here that we need to pass the word on. Research your meds! I found so much more information by simply using Google than my doctor ever told me. Over the last few days, and many conversations, I've seen that people have too much faith in their Dr.s This is no slam to Dr.s, but as someone was nice enough to point out (I get it now by the way) Dr.s are human too. We need to be proactive in with own bodies and what we put in them. I thought I asked enough questions, I thought she would tell me what I needed to know. Now, I am more informed and will be drilling my Dr on all and any meds I take from now on. Below are some of the sites I found and I hope they might be of some help for others.
>
> http://medlineplus.gov/
> http://www.rxlist.com/
> http://www.webmd.com/
>YEP, I have those sites under my favorites. Along with a hundred or so other links on these disorders. I go to about 10 boards!!!! Most show up on them for a few reasons. They want to know if others suffer as they do, they want to know if their symptoms are normal or they want to know about side effects from meds. These are the reasons most find these boards. Here are 2 of my favorite links!!!!!!!!!!
WAYNE
http://aolsvc.health.webmd.aol.com/content/article/66/79883.htm?cobrand=aol
Posted by COOP on November 11, 2003, at 17:02:21
In reply to Re: Research, Research, Research!!, posted by BLKVETTES on November 10, 2003, at 15:18:31
Did anybody try Rhodiola Rosea Herb with Lex?
I started my 4th week with Lex and most of my SE are gone and the meds kicked in. I am still tired in the afternoon. After taking drug for two weeks I was told to go from 10mg to 20mg which
I did for only 2 days and stopped because of the SE. I decided to continue with only 10mg and I can see results now. Someone suggested the above herb to help with my condition but I can not get any information about taking with Lex.
Take care
Joel
Posted by vandy on November 11, 2003, at 21:52:35
In reply to Research, Research, Research!!, posted by MissB on November 10, 2003, at 11:08:35
I'm so sorry! I couldn't read this great piece of advise without hearing the chorus of Tom Lehrer's great song Lobachevsky ( the link http://members.aol.com/quentncree/lehrer/lobachev.htm )
Here's the chorus!
Plagiarize,
Let no one else's work evade your eyes,
Remember why the good Lord made your eyes,
So don't shade your eyes,
But plagiarize, plagiarize, plagiarize...
Only be sure always to call it please, "research".My grammie used to say, "Vandy, you hear funny!"
> I know this is probably a mute point to all who have posted on this site, but I think there is an important message here that we need to pass the word on. Research your meds! I found so much more information by simply using Google than my doctor ever told me. Over the last few days, and many conversations, I've seen that people have too much faith in their Dr.s This is no slam to Dr.s, but as someone was nice enough to point out (I get it now by the way) Dr.s are human too. We need to be proactive in with own bodies and what we put in them. I thought I asked enough questions, I thought she would tell me what I needed to know. Now, I am more informed and will be drilling my Dr on all and any meds I take from now on. Below are some of the sites I found and I hope they might be of some help for others.
>
> http://medlineplus.gov/
> http://www.rxlist.com/
> http://www.webmd.com/
>
Posted by Mark T on November 12, 2003, at 8:55:43
In reply to Re: lexapro side effects, posted by jane47 on November 4, 2003, at 16:16:55
> Thanks all of you for your info.
Have a question for all you great people. Looked over some posts and wanted to ask this. I'm a 38 yr old male, 2 kids, happily married. After having several anxiety, doom, despair ridden days, my professional put me on Lexapro. This is day two at 10 mgs per. My stream of consciousness is... foggy I guess. I have felt like I was going to throw up many times, but haven't yet. My question is this: If I tough out the SE's is there a high percentage chance that I'm going to have a personality with higher confidence, self esteem, less fagility? My docs are saying that Lexapro will attack all of these problems and slowly get me back to my old, confident normal self. I know nothing is guaranteed, but is everyone who has been on this med. more than a month seeing positive results? I need to know since reassurance is at a premium right now. Thanks in advance for any help. Mark
Posted by LynneDa on November 12, 2003, at 8:56:18
In reply to Re: Research, Research, Research!!, posted by COOP on November 11, 2003, at 17:02:21
Hi Joel -
What is the herb supposed to do?
~Lynne
Posted by LynneDa on November 12, 2003, at 9:02:24
In reply to Re: lexapro side effects, posted by Mark T on November 12, 2003, at 8:55:43
Mark - YES, YES & YES!
I have only been on it a few weeks. I'm a 40-year old female, kids, husband, nice job etc. Mild depression, anxiety, loss of confidence, negative obsessive thought patterns, etc. Got worse over the past few years, probably peri-menopause related. Anyway, after the first week of nausea, sleepy/foggy feelings, etc., I feel so much better. I've had several moments, hours and even days where I feel like my old self - stronger emotionally, confident, able to make decisions and not so sad or angry.Hang in there and see where it takes you! It will be worth it. This website is very helpful and supportive, glad you found it!
~ Lynne
Posted by Gator on November 12, 2003, at 9:39:05
In reply to Re: lexapro side effects, posted by LynneDa on November 12, 2003, at 9:02:24
The first 2 weeks were the hardest for me with the side effects making me wonder if it was going to be worth it in the end. I am on week 6 now and I am starting to feel better than I have in a long time. Hang in there through the SE's, it is definely worth it in the long run. This board is a great place to get inspiration and support-everybody that posts are very helpful and they care.
Good Luck!!Let us know how you are doing.
Gator
Posted by ginger C on November 12, 2003, at 11:08:10
In reply to Re: lexapro side effects, posted by Mark T on November 12, 2003, at 8:55:43
Mark I have been on Lexapro for a year now and it has turned out to be one of the best medications I've been on. I still feel a little nausea occasionally but I never felt sluggish with it or if I did I contributed it to the depression rather than the medication. It sure has helped my depression I am on 20 mg and feel better than I've ever felt before. Hang in there there is hope.
Posted by COOP on November 12, 2003, at 11:16:27
In reply to Re: Research, Research, Research!!, posted by LynneDa on November 12, 2003, at 8:56:18
Rhodiola rosea is a popular plant in traditional medical systems in Eastern Europe and Asia with a reputation for stimulating the nervous system, decreasing depression, enhancing work performance, eliminating fatigue, and preventing high altitude sickness. Rhodiola rosea has been categorized as an adaptogen by Russian researchers due to its observed ability to increase resistance to a variety of chemical, biological, and physical stressors. Its claimed benefits include antidepressant, anticancer, cardioprotective, and central nervous system enhancement. Research also indicates great utility in asthenic conditions (decline in work performance, sleep difficulties, poor appetite, irritability, hypertension, headaches, and fatigue) developing subsequent to intense physical or intellectual strain.
Joel
Posted by MissB on November 12, 2003, at 11:32:26
In reply to Re: lexapro side effects, posted by Mark T on November 12, 2003, at 8:55:43
Mark, like alot of people have said you have to hang in there. I'm on week two and am feeling the SEs subside. I was on Celexa (same family as Lex) for two years and had no SEs so Lex is really taking some getting used to. From what everyone says it gets better so my fingers are crossed. What I wanted to tell you too is that ADs will give you a good mental base. I don't think it was responsible for giving me my confidence and such back, but I felt much more in control to make decisions for myself. There is no "muck" getting in the way, no fear, no worries and such. Stick in there, because the clear mind is worth it. ADs aren't a cure all, but it gives you the tools so you can get were you need/want to be. The last bit of advise to to tell you to keep the lines of communication with your Dr. open. Good luck Mark and I'm happy for you that you took a difficult, but proactive step in getting your life back.
> > Thanks all of you for your info.
>
> Have a question for all you great people. Looked over some posts and wanted to ask this. I'm a 38 yr old male, 2 kids, happily married. After having several anxiety, doom, despair ridden days, my professional put me on Lexapro. This is day two at 10 mgs per. My stream of consciousness is... foggy I guess. I have felt like I was going to throw up many times, but haven't yet. My question is this: If I tough out the SE's is there a high percentage chance that I'm going to have a personality with higher confidence, self esteem, less fagility? My docs are saying that Lexapro will attack all of these problems and slowly get me back to my old, confident normal self. I know nothing is guaranteed, but is everyone who has been on this med. more than a month seeing positive results? I need to know since reassurance is at a premium right now. Thanks in advance for any help. Mark
>
>
Posted by COOP on November 12, 2003, at 11:41:01
In reply to Re: lexapro side effects, posted by Mark T on November 12, 2003, at 8:55:43
After 4 wks most of my SE went away and I am feeling much better. This sight with med information may be helpful
http://www.buildingbetterhealth.com/viewmonograph?ndc11=00456201001I don't think that your personality will change but your pain,anxiety and doom thinking days will be less. I am still having some days with a foggy
head and milder anxiety that I am able to blow off.
The best of luck to you.
Joel
Posted by sapphira on November 12, 2003, at 12:07:44
In reply to Re: lexapro side effects » Mark T, posted by COOP on November 12, 2003, at 11:41:01
hi mark, i'm just starting week two. i couldn't take a half a pill the first week (very bad nausea/diarrhea) and only took 1/4. i noticed a difference in my mood (positive) though within a few days. i no longer feel sad or think sad thoughts. i started taking a half pill today. i'm going to hang in as i know from reading this board that things only improve with time. i see my dr. again on the 15th of dec. hopefully i'll be up to the full dose by then.
sapphira
Posted by gumby22 on November 12, 2003, at 13:16:57
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I just want to say hello to everyone. I have had anxiety and panic attacks for years, and always used Valium or clonazepam. They always shortened my day because of tiredness. I asked my doctor for an anti-depressant because I was told that ADs help anxiety also. I started Lexapro - 1 week at 2.5 mg, 1 week at 5 mg, and this week at 7.5 mg (I am afraid of new medications). After the first sluggish week, I am now feeling a little more generally relaxed but not tired anymore. Is this stuff habit-forming like the tranquilizers?
Posted by LynneDa on November 12, 2003, at 13:50:34
In reply to New Guy, posted by gumby22 on November 12, 2003, at 13:16:57
Hi "New Guy" and welcome! I was told that it is not addictive. But, there are many very educated folks posting on this site who can tell you more. Glad it's going well for you!
~ Lynne
Posted by sapphira on November 12, 2003, at 13:53:45
In reply to Re: New Guy, posted by LynneDa on November 12, 2003, at 13:50:34
hi new guy and welcome!! i'm new to lexapro and to this forum too. everyone has been very nice and supportive. i've been told that lex is not addictive, though it's tough to withdraw from as you get the same s/es that you had when you started.
sapphira
Posted by mother on November 12, 2003, at 14:10:03
In reply to Up to 20mg Lex - Feel terrible, posted by sfmom on November 8, 2003, at 10:16:11
I started taking lexapro on Nov. 3--so on 8th day now---I am very sleepy much of the time--will this diminish with continuted use?? stay the same?? get worse???
Thanks for the info.
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