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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by jennielaughs on December 5, 2003, at 9:37:00
In reply to Re: Thanks Dr. Bob on Redirect » Phyl, posted by wharfrat on November 11, 2002, at 13:43:45
Hello everybody. I am so glad that I found pyso-babble. I am having doubts about whether or not I should be taking Lexapro. I started having what I think are panic attacks about 2 weeks ago. My doctor perscribed Lexapro and this is only my second day on the drug. I take it at night. The first time I took 10mg and it was horrible. I felt extremely weird with cloudy thoughts, headaches, etc.
I reduced the dosage last night to 5mg and I am doing alot better. I notice that I do sleep all night but it is really hard for me to get out of bed in the morining. My eyes are even slightly swollen in the morning. I still have the constant headache, which I hope will go away.
Due to the SE's, I can tell that this must be a serious drug.I am wondering if I should stick with it even though I feel that I was diagnosed prematurely. I don't suffer from depression and I don't feel like I am overly anxious other than the sudden onset of panac attacks that I have never experienced before. ( I have been on Celexa in the past but it was only for a couple of months and several years ago)
Posted by Mariposa on December 5, 2003, at 10:56:10
In reply to new user, posted by jennielaughs on December 5, 2003, at 9:37:00
> Hello everybody. I am so glad that I found pyso-babble. I am having doubts about whether or not I should be taking Lexapro. I started having what I think are panic attacks about 2 weeks ago. My doctor perscribed Lexapro and this is only my second day on the drug. I take it at night. The first time I took 10mg and it was horrible. I felt extremely weird with cloudy thoughts, headaches, etc.
>
> I reduced the dosage last night to 5mg and I am doing alot better. I notice that I do sleep all night but it is really hard for me to get out of bed in the morining. My eyes are even slightly swollen in the morning. I still have the constant headache, which I hope will go away.
> Due to the SE's, I can tell that this must be a serious drug.
>
> I am wondering if I should stick with it even though I feel that I was diagnosed prematurely. I don't suffer from depression and I don't feel like I am overly anxious other than the sudden onset of panac attacks that I have never experienced before. ( I have been on Celexa in the past but it was only for a couple of months and several years ago)I find your post a little disturbing....is there more to your story??? You've only had a couple of attacks recently? Is there something going on in your life that might cause them (job, home life, etc.)? Of course, I am NO doctor, so this is just personal curiosity. What was your diagnosis?
Lex is a powerful drug, the initial side effects for me were severe, bad enough to make me want to quit. Then it took 9 weeks before I felt it was actually working, and things got a lot worse before they got better. My case though.... and I really DO need to take an anti-dep, it has made a HUGE difference for me (for the better!).
I started at 5mg, and in retrospect, I wish I had started at 2.5mg because the se's were so bad. The only positive is that bad as they were, all the side effects DID go away.
Best of luck to you!~~~8|8
Posted by LynneDa on December 5, 2003, at 11:26:16
In reply to Re: new user » jennielaughs, posted by Mariposa on December 5, 2003, at 10:56:10
Hi! I agree with Mariposa . . . sounds a little fast after just 2 panic attacks, but maybe they were pretty bad? I don't know much about the treatment options, but aren't there other anti-anxiety type drugs that you could try first?
Anyway, I've been on 10mg of Lex for a little over 6 weeks. I take mine in the morning and, for some reason, that works best for me. My s/e's were bad, but tolerable and lasted about 2 weeks. Now, I'm just a little sleepy, can't orgasm and my anxiety/depression/anger symptoms are lessened but not totally gone to my satisfaction yet.
The Lex made a difference for me right away. The first 2 weeks are usually the hardest. The folks on this website really helped me get through it - by seeing there is a light at the end of the tunnel!
Good luck
~ Lynne
Posted by jennielaughs on December 5, 2003, at 12:49:21
In reply to Re: new user, posted by LynneDa on December 5, 2003, at 11:26:16
I had very bad anxiety attacks for 2 1/2 weeks - not just 2 attacks. They would last for hours. I was first perscribed zanax (not sure how to spell it) by the emergency room doctor, but I do not want to rely on zanax because it is addictive and just puts me to sleep.
I have not had another attack since I started taking lex. However, I cannot concentrate on anything. Does this lack of concentration go away? Has anyone had that SE?
I feel like it has made a difference already for me. I feel peaceful and am not letting the typical things worry me. Is it possible to feel this so soon (only 2 days). I have always been sensitive to meds.
Posted by LynneDa on December 5, 2003, at 12:54:17
In reply to Re: new user, posted by jennielaughs on December 5, 2003, at 12:49:21
OK, well that makes more sense! :-) And, yes, it is possible to feel better in 2 days!! I know I did and I don't think it was a placebo effect or anything like that. It was such a relief not to be worrying so much! I had a problem with not being able to concentrate due to depression prior to the Lex, so I have to say my concentration improved. Maybe you're feeling better so you are more easily distracted with thinking of all the things you want to accomplish or due to a heightened sense of awareness of things around you? Not sure, but many of the side effects do go away after a few weeks - the average seems to be about 6 weeks for most everything to abate.
Good luck and I'm glad to hear you're feeling peaceful, that's certainly what we all want and deserve!
~ Lynne
Posted by theo on December 5, 2003, at 17:44:30
In reply to Re: Doc is switching me from Lex to Paxil -HELP » theo, posted by sfmom on December 4, 2003, at 9:46:39
> Thanks for the encouragment. Why did you switch from Paxil if it was working? Is the Lex working better for you? What about side effects of Paxil vs. Lexapro?
Sorry it took me a couple of days to respond, DSL network was down 2 days. Anyway as I mentioned I was "looking for something even better," basically fell for all of the marketing that has sold so much Lexapro and doctors usually hand out the new stuff. I couldn't handle the side effects of Lex after two attempts and have been on only 150mg of Wellbutrin XL and gave my body a short break from all SSRI's to get back to square one. The Wellbutrin does not help with anxiety so today 12/5/03 have started back on 10mg Paxil and will move up if needed to 20mg after a week but will not exceed 20mg. Felt a little geared down (tired) from the initial shock to the system when first starting a medication but no nausea or anything. The good thing about Paxil for me at least is I can feel some benefits after only about a week. Good luck!
Posted by Arielle on December 5, 2003, at 17:51:40
In reply to Re: I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro, posted by C.Burton on December 2, 2003, at 16:21:43
I've been on Lexapro for about a year now. I recently ran out of the medication, and am having problems refilling it at the moment. (I was on 40 mg a day) I am experiencing HORRIBLE withdrawal symptoms. Nausea, extreme dizziness, little "mind zaps", fatigue, and extreme sadness. Are these normal? And I also have 2 children to take care of, so I feel helpless in trying to care for them. All I feel like doing is sleeping or laying down. AND, do people become immune, or used to Lexapro? Like, I always feel the need to up the dose, because I'm starting to feel anxious or stressed again....
Posted by BLKVETTES on December 5, 2003, at 22:23:56
In reply to Re: I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro, posted by Arielle on December 5, 2003, at 17:51:40
> I've been on Lexapro for about a year now. I recently ran out of the medication, and am having problems refilling it at the moment. (I was on 40 mg a day) I am experiencing HORRIBLE withdrawal symptoms. Nausea, extreme dizziness, little "mind zaps", fatigue, and extreme sadness. Are these normal? And I also have 2 children to take care of, so I feel helpless in trying to care for them. All I feel like doing is sleeping or laying down. AND, do people become immune, or used to Lexapro? Like, I always feel the need to up the dose, because I'm starting to feel anxious or stressed again....
Cold turkey off these meds is dangerous business. Dont want to scare you but seizures are possible. It is not a wise move. But everything you describe is normal for those who go through withdrawal. Keep an eye on your temperature also. There are differences of opinion on if one can have poop out on these meds. Darn thats a lot of lexapro you are taking. Get with the psychiatrist and discuss whats going on.
Posted by BLKVETTES on December 5, 2003, at 22:30:33
In reply to Re: new user, posted by jennielaughs on December 5, 2003, at 12:49:21
> I had very bad anxiety attacks for 2 1/2 weeks - not just 2 attacks. They would last for hours. I was first perscribed zanax (not sure how to spell it) by the emergency room doctor, but I do not want to rely on zanax because it is addictive and just puts me to sleep.
>
> I have not had another attack since I started taking lex. However, I cannot concentrate on anything. Does this lack of concentration go away? Has anyone had that SE?
>
> I feel like it has made a difference already for me. I feel peaceful and am not letting the typical things worry me. Is it possible to feel this so soon (only 2 days). I have always been sensitive to meds.
>
>Your situation sounds weird to me. I would get a 2nd opinion and see a psychiatrist. You did good by lowering the dose because you can always move it back up if need be.
Posted by BLKVETTES on December 5, 2003, at 22:35:57
In reply to Lexapro, posted by Lonely_Boy on December 4, 2003, at 0:06:15
> I had just started Lexapro for a few days. When will it be effective.
For me 6 weeks for depression and the anxiety took longer. We are all different so it varies.
Posted by BLKVETTES on December 5, 2003, at 22:45:02
In reply to Doc is switching me from Lex to Paxil -HELP, posted by sfmom on December 3, 2003, at 18:10:35
> I've been on Lex for almost 7 weeks and my depression has not been touched. So my doc is switching me to Paxil. I've heard some really scary things about Paxil and am very afraid to start taking it. She's not having me wean off the Lex, just switch to a lower dose of Paxil for one week and then go up to 20mg. She's also weaning me off Klonopin because I've gotten dependent on it so fast and my hands start to shake between doses. How can she be weaning me off the one thing that helps me feel better just when I have to go through starting a new drug?!? I'm very frustrated and upset. Does anyone have any experience of switching from Lexapro to Paxil? Or any experience with Paxil side effects? What can I expect when I start? Lex was the first SSRI I've ever tried and I guess it just wasn't for me. I really need some guidence here!
If we listened to all the negative stories about meds no one would be taking any meds at all. There are horror stories for all of them. I read 10,000 people die every year from aspirin. If you have doubts about you doc get a 2nd opinion. I think your doc is a goofball anyways.
Posted by Arielle on December 6, 2003, at 17:33:16
In reply to Re: Doc is switching me from Lex to Paxil -HELP, posted by BLKVETTES on December 5, 2003, at 22:45:02
I was on Paxil for about a year and a half. It was the best anti depressant I have tried, (and I've tried em all) BUT, I gained about 40 lbs in 3 months. I NEVER gained weight all my life, even after my kids, but when I took Paxil, I went from 108, to 148. So they switched me to Celexa.......
Posted by Arielle on December 6, 2003, at 17:37:02
In reply to Re: I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro, posted by BLKVETTES on December 5, 2003, at 22:23:56
Thanks for replying. I've heard about the seizures....you really think 40 mg is a lot? Uh oh...now I feel nuts!! LOL I was wanting to raise it too.... Maybe not. I am going to the doctor on Monday..hope to have some soon.
Posted by BLKVETTES on December 6, 2003, at 22:47:58
In reply to Re: I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro, posted by Arielle on December 6, 2003, at 17:37:02
> Thanks for replying. I've heard about the seizures....you really think 40 mg is a lot? Uh oh...now I feel nuts!! LOL I was wanting to raise it too.... Maybe not. I am going to the doctor on Monday..hope to have some soon.
I havent heard anyone take that much and not saying it is to much for you. We are all different. I take 7.5mg. some take 10, 20, 30. Im just saying its a lot just to stop taking it all at once. Your body will tell you I guess if you are taking to much. Right now you know your body is saying give me some lexapro lol. Seizures are rare, but I hate to see you suffer with that withdrawal. Glad your getting to the doc.
Posted by tm on December 7, 2003, at 8:48:56
In reply to new user, posted by jennielaughs on December 5, 2003, at 9:37:00
> Hello everybody. I am so glad that I found pyso-babble. I am having doubts about whether or not I should be taking Lexapro. I started having what I think are panic attacks about 2 weeks ago. My doctor perscribed Lexapro and this is only my second day on the drug. I take it at night. The first time I took 10mg and it was horrible. I felt extremely weird with cloudy thoughts, headaches, etc.
>
> I reduced the dosage last night to 5mg and I am doing alot better. I notice that I do sleep all night but it is really hard for me to get out of bed in the morining. My eyes are even slightly swollen in the morning. I still have the constant headache, which I hope will go away.
> Due to the SE's, I can tell that this must be a serious drug.
>
> I am wondering if I should stick with it even though I feel that I was diagnosed prematurely. I don't suffer from depression and I don't feel like I am overly anxious other than the sudden onset of panac attacks that I have never experienced before. ( I have been on Celexa in the past but it was only for a couple of months and several years ago)Just a note about Xanax and remember every drug has the possibility of acting different. The emerg. doc gave it to you because Xanax works right away and only stays in your system for 4-6 hours. I take .75mg 4x a day along with 25mg of lex and 10mg of Remeron. The main thing is that you have to be comfortable with the drug you take or you'll have anxiety over that. Second opinion for sure. Ask yourself can you stand the anxiety attacks that you had and if you can don't take any drugs. The Pdoc is the way to go. You say panic and I say aniexty there all the same. Lex is there for panic and depression.
Good Luck Tim
Posted by Mariposa on December 7, 2003, at 10:54:33
In reply to Re: I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro, posted by Arielle on December 6, 2003, at 17:37:02
> Thanks for replying. I've heard about the seizures....you really think 40 mg is a lot? Uh oh...now I feel nuts!! LOL I was wanting to raise it too.... Maybe not. I am going to the doctor on Monday..hope to have some soon.
About the 40mg....I am taking 20mg now. I discussed w/pdoc the *poop-out* problem and we talked about possibly raising my dose. He told me he had patients taking 30 and 40mg and they were doing well, so it is not uncommon I would say. Hey if it works and you feel better, I would do it myself.
Best of luck to you!~~~8|8
Posted by BobYuma on December 7, 2003, at 16:09:01
In reply to Re: I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro » Arielle, posted by Mariposa on December 7, 2003, at 10:54:33
Hi, everyone. I'm new to the message board, and I have to tell you how much reading your messages has meant to me. My doctor had me on Welbutrin for five weeks, but it never even started helping my depression. I switched to Lexapro just four days ago and decided to come online to find out the side affects.
I feel spaced out most of the time, like I can't concentrate. I'm also so sleepy that it's hard to hold my head up, but yet I have trouble sleeping at night. That's been going on for quite a while though. I've also been really "jumpy" feeling ... like I'm shaking inside, if that makes sense. I take my lorazepan when that gets bad, and it helps.
So, from what I've read, I need to give Lexapro at least five or more weeks? Sheesh, I don't know if I can hold out that long. How did you people do it?
Thanks ahead for any replies.
Bob
Posted by Mariposa on December 7, 2003, at 16:18:00
In reply to Re: I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro, posted by BobYuma on December 7, 2003, at 16:09:01
> Hi, everyone. I'm new to the message board, and I have to tell you how much reading your messages has meant to me. My doctor had me on Welbutrin for five weeks, but it never even started helping my depression. I switched to Lexapro just four days ago and decided to come online to find out the side affects.
> I feel spaced out most of the time, like I can't concentrate. I'm also so sleepy that it's hard to hold my head up, but yet I have trouble sleeping at night. That's been going on for quite a while though. I've also been really "jumpy" feeling ... like I'm shaking inside, if that makes sense. I take my lorazepan when that gets bad, and it helps.
> So, from what I've read, I need to give Lexapro at least five or more weeks? Sheesh, I don't know if I can hold out that long. How did you people do it?
> Thanks ahead for any replies.
> BobFor me Lex has been a *transformer*....I feel like my old self again and I can go to work and carry on.
I started @ 5mg, BAD se's first 3 wks, felt a WHOLE LOT worse (depression/anxiety) wk 4-5, raised dose to 10mg, started to feel benefits around 8wk.
How did I do it? I came HERE constantly......and still do! This place is the best and the people are the greatest!!
Keep us posted on your progress.~~~8|8
Posted by Mrs C. on December 7, 2003, at 16:30:35
In reply to Re: I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro, posted by BobYuma on December 7, 2003, at 16:09:01
> Hi, everyone. I'm new to the message board, and I have to tell you how much reading your messages has meant to me. My doctor had me on Welbutrin for five weeks, but it never even started helping my depression. I switched to Lexapro just four days ago and decided to come online to find out the side affects.
> I feel spaced out most of the time, like I can't concentrate. I'm also so sleepy that it's hard to hold my head up, but yet I have trouble sleeping at night. That's been going on for quite a while though. I've also been really "jumpy" feeling ... like I'm shaking inside, if that makes sense. I take my lorazepan when that gets bad, and it helps.
> So, from what I've read, I need to give Lexapro at least five or more weeks? Sheesh, I don't know if I can hold out that long. How did you people do it?
> Thanks ahead for any replies.
> BobHi, Just read your post and I completely understand
what you mean by "shaking inside". I too have the s/e.
It has mostly stopped but sometimes I still feel it a little.
I am now on five weeks with lex and I really just started to
feel better. Like my old self again. The shakiness is barely
noticeable. Give it some time. I felt less shakey after about
2 weeks. Good luck.
Posted by BobYuma on December 7, 2003, at 16:50:59
In reply to Re: I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro, posted by Mrs C. on December 7, 2003, at 16:30:35
Hi, Just read your post and I completely understand what you mean by "shaking inside". I too have the s/e. It has mostly stopped but sometimes I still feel it a little.
I am now on five weeks with lex and I really just started to feel better. Like my old self again. The shakiness is barely noticeable. Give it some time. I felt less shakey after about 2 weeks. Good luck.
Thanks, Mrs. C. That gives me some hope. I'll stick with it. You people are great.
Thanks again, Bob
Posted by BLKVETTES on December 7, 2003, at 20:24:54
In reply to Re: I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro, posted by BobYuma on December 7, 2003, at 16:09:01
> Hi, everyone. I'm new to the message board, and I have to tell you how much reading your messages has meant to me. My doctor had me on Welbutrin for five weeks, but it never even started helping my depression. I switched to Lexapro just four days ago and decided to come online to find out the side affects.
> I feel spaced out most of the time, like I can't concentrate. I'm also so sleepy that it's hard to hold my head up, but yet I have trouble sleeping at night. That's been going on for quite a while though. I've also been really "jumpy" feeling ... like I'm shaking inside, if that makes sense. I take my lorazepan when that gets bad, and it helps.
> So, from what I've read, I need to give Lexapro at least five or more weeks? Sheesh, I don't know if I can hold out that long. How did you people do it?
> Thanks ahead for any replies.
> BobKEEP IN MIND YOU COULD HAVE SOME WITHDRAWAL FROM THE WELLBUTRIN. MAY NOT ALL BE FROM LEXAPRO.
Posted by Dr. Jill on December 8, 2003, at 7:00:45
In reply to Re: I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro, posted by BobYuma on December 7, 2003, at 16:09:01
Hi Bob! Most of my side effects went away after the 3rd week. As of today, I have been on Lexapro for 5 weeks and I feel great. Hang in there - they do go away! Jill
P.S. I had the same side effects as you and I know how you feel - terrible! I wanted to stop, but told myself that I had come this far, it would be a shame to quit now. Through the support of this site, I hung in there and I'm glad I did.
Posted by nicky847 on December 8, 2003, at 12:50:41
In reply to Re: I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro » BobYuma, posted by Mariposa on December 7, 2003, at 16:18:00
Hello to everyone I am new on the board as well and currently in the middle of week 2 of taking lexapro or as i like to call it "hell week!" :p..i took celexa for a year and a half prior then stopped taking it but then symptoms resurfaced so i am taking lexapro..the good news is that i am pretty much following the same side effect time table on the lexapro as i was on celexa...which to me means the meds are working..week 2 was the worst on celexa and it is no picnic on lexapro either..insomnia, lots of agitation, nausea in the morning...i feel like im pregnant..and im a guy :p! anyway i just wanted to say that the encouraging words i have read on this board are great reassurance for me..anyone have any tips on getting thru the rough first few weeks? thanks..
> > Hi, everyone. I'm new to the message board, and I have to tell you how much reading your messages has meant to me. My doctor had me on Welbutrin for five weeks, but it never even started helping my depression. I switched to Lexapro just four days ago and decided to come online to find out the side affects.
> > I feel spaced out most of the time, like I can't concentrate. I'm also so sleepy that it's hard to hold my head up, but yet I have trouble sleeping at night. That's been going on for quite a while though. I've also been really "jumpy" feeling ... like I'm shaking inside, if that makes sense. I take my lorazepan when that gets bad, and it helps.
> > So, from what I've read, I need to give Lexapro at least five or more weeks? Sheesh, I don't know if I can hold out that long. How did you people do it?
> > Thanks ahead for any replies.
> > Bob
>
> For me Lex has been a *transformer*....I feel like my old self again and I can go to work and carry on.
>
> I started @ 5mg, BAD se's first 3 wks, felt a WHOLE LOT worse (depression/anxiety) wk 4-5, raised dose to 10mg, started to feel benefits around 8wk.
>
> How did I do it? I came HERE constantly......and still do! This place is the best and the people are the greatest!!
>
> Keep us posted on your progress.~~~8|8
>
Posted by happyK on December 9, 2003, at 15:29:59
In reply to Re: I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro, posted by BobYuma on December 7, 2003, at 16:09:01
Hi everyone. I just started taking Lexapro for anxiety yesterday. I was really anxious (lol) to even start taking it. After just one pill I was extrememly tired and could barely keep my eyes open. I kept thinking that I probably shouldn't be driving because I was sooo tired. That side effect wore off about after 7-8 hours and I felt better. My vision was a little blurry and I could concentrate but not for too long.
The positives after taking just one pill....I got home and realized I just had a day with NO anxiety!!!! Wooohooo. As long as this tiredness doesn't last too long I will have good things to say about Lexapro. Thanks for the encouragement about the side effects being short-term.
Posted by BobYuma on December 9, 2003, at 16:24:36
In reply to thank you, posted by happyK on December 9, 2003, at 15:29:59
> Hi everyone. I just started taking Lexapro for anxiety yesterday. I was really anxious (lol) to even start taking it. After just one pill I was extrememly tired and could barely keep my eyes open. I kept thinking that I probably shouldn't be driving because I was sooo tired. That side effect wore off about after 7-8 hours and I felt better. My vision was a little blurry and I could concentrate but not for too long.
>> The positives after taking just one pill....I got home and realized I just had a day with NO anxiety!!!! Wooohooo. As long as this tiredness doesn't last too long I will have good things to say about Lexapro. Thanks for the encouragement about the side effects being short-term.
Hi, HappyK.
I'm so glad to hear that you're already feeling less anxiety after just one day on Lexapro. That certainly gives the rest of us a lot of hope.
Thanks for your post, and I hope you just keep on improving everyday.
Bob
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