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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by captain on June 23, 2004, at 16:36:59
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness » captain, posted by LynneDa on June 23, 2004, at 16:23:02
You guys are the BEST!
I had a "real" case of vertigo last summer - walking like the V8 commercial. Then a few months ago, the whole room started spinning and FREAKED ME OUT! I had a full blown body tingling anxiety attack. I went to the doc and they said vertigo again - so thus my issue with believing them because it was so much different than the last time and I thought it was rare to get it twice. They did say I was slightly anemic but that wouldn't cause that kind of dizziness.
I eat great and work out regularly, but nothing out of the ordinary. I went to an ENT and they did a bunch of different tests and ruled out certain inner ear problems. Of course I think it is something like MS or a tumor! I take my meds in the morning, so maybe the evening is when they wear off. The ENT said that adrenalin plays into the vertigo and I am a very excitable person, so maybe I just am happy to go out to eat! haha
Nevertheless, the blood sugar is something I may ask about when I have my first Lex follow up appt. I get really naseous if I don't get to eat my next meal on time!
Again - many thanks you guys!
Captain
Posted by sexylexy on June 23, 2004, at 17:12:09
In reply to Re: Calcium??, posted by MoTucker on June 23, 2004, at 16:17:34
Hi!
I do not want to scare anyone, I have only heard of a few other people having reactions like this, infact, vitamins make most people feel better. I used to love to take my vitimans pre-lexapro (and depression for that matter) I always felt more rested and energized. I know that for me it was the calcium, I isolated all of my vitamins and tried one at at time, they all had an effect but the worst was calcium. I have done some research and they say that you can have too much calcium which will lead to a "calcium dump" which gives symptoms such as I was having. I am hoping when I get off the lexapro I will be able to take them again. Good luck to you all!!!
Lexy
Posted by mystic on June 23, 2004, at 17:59:13
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness, posted by captain on June 23, 2004, at 16:36:59
I know that I have heard from others about the dizziness but it seems to go away in time...And the blood sugar is a good thing to have checked i just had it done and she said it was fine so it just elimates this..whatever works...But I just have to say I luvya allllll...Whenever someone has a problem there is just this outpouring of support it is amazing..thank god for each and every one of you....Your friend Mystic
Posted by Dr. Bob on June 23, 2004, at 20:58:13
In reply to Re: Calcium??, posted by sexylexy on June 23, 2004, at 17:12:09
> I do not want to scare anyone, I have only heard of a few other people having reactions like this, infact, vitamins make most people feel better...
Sorry to interrupt again, but I'd like to redirect follow-ups about calcium and vitamins to Psycho-Babble Alternative. Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20040613/msgs/359598.html
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by sexylexy on June 23, 2004, at 22:09:37
In reply to Redirect: Calcium, posted by Dr. Bob on June 23, 2004, at 20:58:13
Dr. Bob,
Sorry, not trying to be a bad "babbler"
Posted by Mrs. C on June 24, 2004, at 20:54:10
In reply to Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness, posted by captain on June 23, 2004, at 15:53:07
Hi Captain,
I feel dizzy sometimes with lexapro. I also felt dizzy at times before Lexapro. So I'm not sure if it's actually the drug or just me. I am also part hypochondriac. We should get along great! Mrs. C
Posted by captain on June 25, 2004, at 10:25:58
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness, posted by Mrs. C on June 24, 2004, at 20:54:10
Mrs. C - I didn't know you were part hypochondriac! We have the same roots! haha
That is one of the resasons I am taking the lexapro! I went to the doctor and would ask so many questions about a million ailments and finally she said - do you want to try some anxiety meds? haha
The dizziness for me is more of a spinning sensation. I can tell the difference between anxiety dizziness and the spinning kind - it just scares me. Although I have been anxiety attack free since i started the lex!
Does anyone get headaches from the lexapro? I can feel the veins in my temples a few hours after taking it! My head just pounds!
Posted by Dr. Bob on June 25, 2004, at 14:59:42
In reply to Re: Redirect: Calcium » Dr. Bob, posted by sexylexy on June 23, 2004, at 22:09:37
Posted by Mrs. C on June 25, 2004, at 23:03:18
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness, posted by captain on June 25, 2004, at 10:25:58
The doc put me on Zoloft two years ago for the same reason. I only stayed on it for two days because I didn't think I needed it! HA! Nine months ago, I begged for help and was put on Lexapro. I have never had the headaches but I know many who have. It will pass. Bye for now, Mrs. C
Posted by bride2be on June 26, 2004, at 0:11:10
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness, posted by Mrs. C on June 25, 2004, at 23:03:18
i head really bad headaches for the first week. kinda like i had been hit by a train. they will go away you can rest assure.! good luck!
Posted by blanding on June 26, 2004, at 19:38:05
In reply to Re: From Lex to Wellbutrin SR » bride2be, posted by LynneDa on June 21, 2004, at 9:52:31
I've been taking Zoloft 75mg and trimipramine 50mg for over a year and need something in addition for "motivation" to get daily chores done.
Does anyone know about Wellbutrin's possible interactions with the other meds I'm taking?
Any benefits with Wellbutrin regarding "drive", "will" and "motivation"?I'd appreciate any hints!
Posted by Scribbler on June 26, 2004, at 21:07:10
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness, posted by bride2be on June 26, 2004, at 0:11:10
I had headaches when I began Lex last fall, and still have occasional dizziness. Currently am having a weird day/night with stomach gurgles and diarrhea, touch of nausea -- recall having this when I began 10 mg in Oct. and it has now been 2 weeks since I increased to 15 mg; would renewed SE's affect me like this after 14 days? Also am going thru the hot flash thing all over again. I know it's worth the effort to hang in there and appreciate the encouragement!
Posted by Mrs. C on June 27, 2004, at 22:51:35
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness/ Nausea, posted by Scribbler on June 26, 2004, at 21:07:10
Scribbler, I think its very possible for side effects to happen at any time during treatment. Don't worry about it, it will pass. mrs. C
Posted by Dr. Bob on June 30, 2004, at 1:00:11
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by MaryZee on February 6, 2003, at 14:27:22
Re: Lexapro side-effects
Posted by artsy on June 28, 2004, at 7:16:04
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by MaryZee on February 6, 2003, at 14:27:22
3 months ago I switched my birth control over to 'Seasonal' brand BC pills and I have been taking a 5mg dose of Lexapro. I was put on Lex in response to a personal/family tragedy 2 yrs ago. I started having night sweats, sleeping 15+ hours a day. I could have slept more, but...gotta work sometime. I'm self employed or I would have been fired. Thank goodness I've got GREAT employees! I had no motivation, depression, Falling asleep at my desk, just basically feeling horrible. I dropped the Lex (with the approval of my Doc) and felt great. Really great, maybe too great. Then a week later I 'crashed'. Crying, feelings of worthlessness, no motivation. (BTW, I have no prior depression issues.) I am usally a very motivated person- this was not at all like me!
I am now switching to a lower dose of BC pills. I have been off of the 'Seasonal' for 5 days and I'm feeling more 'centered' This seems to be a hormone-Lex interaction. Anybody else seen anything like this? This went on for almost 3 months, It was not a PMS issue.
--
Re: Lexapro side-effects » artsy
Posted by Wildflower on June 28, 2004, at 9:05:02
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by artsy on June 28, 2004, at 7:16:04
This will probably get redirected to the med board but I've experienced some SEs regarding BC and Lexapro. I've been on Yasmin (continuous pill therapy) for quite some time and when I added Lexapro, my periods became very heavy, longer and more painful. One I stopped the Lex, this adjusted back to normal. I've had better success with Wellbutrin.
Posted by Deesent on July 4, 2004, at 17:05:28
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
Hi Everybody,
I am another new use of Lexapro. I am VERY med phobic. After trying several AD's (Paxil, Effexor, Zoloft, Elavil, etc.....)I finally was able to take Serzone for the last 3 1/2 years. Now all of a sudden they are discontinuing it and I have had to go through the complications of wd from that med very slowly over the past two months. My pdoc has given me Lex. I took 2.5 mg. about 4:00 p.m. yesterday, was o.k. but couldn't sleep and at 2 a.m. came down with horrid stomach cramps and I won't get graphic about the rest. Anyway finally fell asleep about 3:00 a.m. and slept until 7:00 a.m. (with the help of Xanax). I took another 2.5 mgs. today at 1:00 p.m. So far, so good. I have terrible anxiety and was almost to the point of not wanting to leave the house. My question is, how do you get through the side effects while having to work. I work a 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday shift, and was wondering how am I going to feel when I go back on Tuesday? Will I be able to handle it?
Posted by Mrs. C on July 4, 2004, at 18:57:28
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro?, posted by Deesent on July 4, 2004, at 17:05:28
Hi Deesent, welcome to the board. Everyone is so different on Lexapro. My side effects consisted of a wired feeling, like too much caffeine, tiredness, change in bowel habits (sorry)and jaw clenching. The worst for me was the jitteriness. It passed within two weeks, although from time to time I still feel side effects but they are mild. I started on 5mgs lex for about a week and then increased to 10. I stayed there for five months and increased to 20 about 4 months ago. I feel great! The first few weeks are tough but I was able to function and to work. I also have two young children. The side effects pass with time and you should start feeling better within a month or so. Be patient, it is not instant gratification but it is worth the wait. We will be here to support you. We also have many here who are med phobic. Good luck, Mrs. C
Posted by flipsactown on July 5, 2004, at 4:09:46
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro?, posted by Mrs. C on July 4, 2004, at 18:57:28
Has anyone experienced insomnia with Lexapro? I have been on it for 27 days. The first 15 days, all I did was sleep because of fatigue SE.
However, after that and currently, I have been experiencing difficulty in falling asleep and staying asleep for more than a couple of hours at a time. Consequently, I have been falling asleep later and later. I am writing this at 2AM.
My pdoc Rxed Trazodone and it has not helped my insomnia. I had some Ambien remaining and that didn't help either. I took some Seroquel 15 minutes ago and am hoping it will help, but it has not helped in the past either.
I am feeling better depression wise, but I still don't have a good appetite. In fact, I have lost 10 lbs since taking Lexapro because my taste buds seem to be affected by Lexapro. Most everything I eat taste so bland, even chocolate. Actually, for me the lost of appetite side effect is a positive as I would like to lose even more weight.
FST
> Hi Deesent, welcome to the board. Everyone is so different on Lexapro. My side effects consisted of a wired feeling, like too much caffeine, tiredness, change in bowel habits (sorry)and jaw clenching. The worst for me was the jitteriness. It passed within two weeks, although from time to time I still feel side effects but they are mild. I started on 5mgs lex for about a week and then increased to 10. I stayed there for five months and increased to 20 about 4 months ago. I feel great! The first few weeks are tough but I was able to function and to work. I also have two young children. The side effects pass with time and you should start feeling better within a month or so. Be patient, it is not instant gratification but it is worth the wait. We will be here to support you. We also have many here who are med phobic. Good luck, Mrs. C
Posted by mystic on July 5, 2004, at 15:07:09
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? » Mrs. C, posted by flipsactown on July 5, 2004, at 4:09:46
Hey welcome...I have been on Lex for 5 months now and it is a rollercoaster to say the least...some people have a good response and that is great but I find that the downs are more than the ups...I'm currently on 17.5mgs...I was first on 10 and i had some trouble sleeping but it went away..I dont have much of an appitite still but that is good also...But i'm on the lex for anxiety and my anxiety is still very there...I find drinking makes it worse ..not much of a drinker but with the holidays it was more social as it always seems to be...I was up all night with terrible anxiety and now not feeling that great either..having even a couple drinks I think isnt a great idea on the lex...
I'm going to call the dr in the morning to find out which direction to go..not sure the lex is for me...I think it might not work so well on anxiety but is very good with depression...Sorry I wasnt of more help...I know that this has helped a lot of people and I hope that it helps you eventually i know that it does take longer on the lex than what they advertise...Good luck and what are you on the lex for??..take care Mystic
Posted by flipsactown on July 5, 2004, at 16:27:19
In reply to RE:: flip, posted by mystic on July 5, 2004, at 15:07:09
Did you mean 5 weeks? If you really meant 5 months, then you should have reached the therapeutic period 3 months ago. Perhaps, your dose is too low. I am on 30 mgs and I have been on Lex for only 1 month for depression.
Anyway, the 2 Seroquel tabs helped me sleep for a couple of hours and managed to fall back asleep and woke up 4 hours later. This is the best sleep, I have had since last week, the 3rd week into Lex when my insomnia began.
FST
> Hey welcome...I have been on Lex for 5 months now and it is a rollercoaster to say the least...some people have a good response and that is great but I find that the downs are more than the ups...I'm currently on 17.5mgs...I was first on 10 and i had some trouble sleeping but it went away..I dont have much of an appitite still but that is good also...But i'm on the lex for anxiety and my anxiety is still very there...I find drinking makes it worse ..not much of a drinker but with the holidays it was more social as it always seems to be...I was up all night with terrible anxiety and now not feeling that great either..having even a couple drinks I think isnt a great idea on the lex...
>
> I'm going to call the dr in the morning to find out which direction to go..not sure the lex is for me...I think it might not work so well on anxiety but is very good with depression...Sorry I wasnt of more help...I know that this has helped a lot of people and I hope that it helps you eventually i know that it does take longer on the lex than what they advertise...Good luck and what are you on the lex for??..take care Mystic
Posted by mystic on July 5, 2004, at 16:36:48
In reply to RE:: flip » mystic, posted by flipsactown on July 5, 2004, at 16:27:19
Flip...I have been total on lex since feb 1st...i have been on 17.5 for about 5 weeks..I thought that for the depression it worked really quickly..How did you progress to 30mgs??..where you having insomnia at a lower dose?...Maybe you are too high??..Do you have any anxiety at all before you went on the lex or not that you are on the lex???...I hope it works for you...people who it works for love it...Mystic
Posted by Mrs. C on July 5, 2004, at 22:58:05
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? » Mrs. C, posted by flipsactown on July 5, 2004, at 4:09:46
I did not really have insomnia during my first few weeks. I feel asleep just fine. I did however wake up at 4am everyday for the first week. It passed and I have slept like a baby ever since. When do you take your lex? Maybe playing around with the time you take it can help. Good Luck, Mrs. C
Posted by JenStar on July 6, 2004, at 1:07:21
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness, posted by Mrs. C on June 24, 2004, at 20:54:10
Hi all,
Mrs. C -- I am a hypochondriac too; in fact, that's why I started taking Lex in the first place. So far it seems to have helped my "I have a terrible disease" mentality.I did feel a bit dizzy at times when starting Lex but it went away very quickly, and now I really have no side effects to speak of (taking 10 mg/day.)
I had a hard time sleeping when I first went on the Lex, but it's hard to say whether that was really from the Lex or from my anxious condition. In any case, I started taking the Lex right before bedtime, and that seemed to help. Now I sleep just fine.
(Note: I also took the lex at nite AFTER any, um, "romantic encounters", shall we say, with my husband! That was I was able to overcome the much-downplayed-on-the-formal-Lexapro-website anorgasmia problem...)
My doctor also gave me the following advice: Some people who are having problem orgasming on Lex will deliberately skip a dose for one day; this mini "drug holiday" allows their body to orgasm. It's sort of like scheduling sex, I guess, but it beats not enjoying it at all!
JenStar
> Hi Captain,
> I feel dizzy sometimes with lexapro. I also felt dizzy at times before Lexapro. So I'm not sure if it's actually the drug or just me. I am also part hypochondriac. We should get along great! Mrs. C
Posted by JenStar on July 6, 2004, at 1:21:24
In reply to Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness, posted by captain on June 23, 2004, at 15:53:07
Hey Captain,
hang in there! You haven't really been on the Lex very long - my doc says it can take up to 4 weeks for the drug to really 'learn' your system and reach a steady state action in your brain. And it can take several months before you and the Lex "become one".And everyone is different. I will say that the Lex helped me greatly with my hypochondriac tendencies (I've also been worried about MS..brain tumors...cancer of all kinds...heart problems...the list is too long to give.)
From the research I've done I know that anxiety can do odd things, and it does different things to different people. Maybe your 'thing' is dizziness. The times you cite -- presentations & restaurants -- could def. be anxious-causing situations.
I remember that when I'd go out to eat with new people from my new job, right out of college, I'd get so anxious sometimes that I sort of lost the swallow mechanism. I would chew food and something would go wrong and I would not be able to swallow. It sounds odd but it was frightening -- the food would stick in my throat, I'd panick and quietly cough the food into my mouth, sweat in relief that I hadn't choked, and then sit there with the food in my mouth debating what to do. Try to swallow again? Run to the bathroom and spit it out?
Over time this went away but it was so strange. My doc has tried to convince me that the MS I was SURE I had was merely my anxiety (he was right, it turns out.)
Hopefully your dizziness is just your anxiety coming out, and if you've been an anxious person all your life, it's not surprising if you've had these episodes before.
However, if -- after being on Lex for a while -- you still feel that the dizziness is due to something other than anxiety, work with your doc to check it out and find a way to get you peace of mind. If you're a hypo. I'm sure you know ALL the horrible possible causes of dizziness!
But take heart - chances are it's just the anxiety. Give the lex a chance & see what happens.
Take care! JenStar
> Hey all - I was just wondering what your experience has been with Lexapro and vertigo like symptoms. One of the reasons I actually started taking lexapro (about 16 days ago, 10mg) is because I have had off and on vertigo and it has sky rocketed my anxiety (because i think something is really wrong with me that the doctors don't recognize yet or won't look for because i am a hypochondraic!) and I have been getting dizzy really easily. I have noticed in the past few days that during the evening I get a little dizzy. I also get dizzy when I go out to a resaurant or am about to give a presentation. I don't know if it is just adrenalin and I am vertigo prone, or the lexapro or if I am just making things up! It almost feels as if I have been on a boat all day and got off and still feel a little weird.
>
> THoughts on this? I sure hope so - you guys help a ton!
>
> Captain
Posted by captain on July 6, 2004, at 9:43:01
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness, posted by JenStar on July 6, 2004, at 1:21:24
Jen - Thanks so much for the post! You are right - I have thought of all of the diseases the dizziness could be! It has started to subside, but of course I am now freaking out over something new!
My right food has been driving me nuts - it doesn't really fall asleep but does tingle at times and i have much less feeling in that foot - particularly my toes. I even held an ice cube up against each one and could tell a major difference! I think it is in my right hand some too. I can't tell if it is the anxiety or something else. I have my 5 week lexapro checkup with my family doc on Friday - so I will run it by her and see about going to a nuerologist. I exercise a lot and it is starting to bother me!
I wish I could kick this worrying! The anxiety is less, but some parts of it seem to never go away!
Thanks so much for your post! It is nice to be able to relate to someone!
Posted by sexylexy on July 6, 2004, at 11:29:33
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro?, posted by Mrs. C on July 5, 2004, at 22:58:05
Hey Flip,
When I first got on lexapro, I had switched from 3 weeks of hell on Zoloft. These were my first experiences of SSRI. I started Lex back in December for depression from the birth control pill which turned into terrible anxiety about becoming depressed again ect. I was also in graduate school 9 hours away from my friends, family and boyfriend. I started on 10mg and then after 9 weeks I did not see a big improvement so I went up to 15mg..much better, then I began taking vitamins which (calcium especially) which for some reason with me, made my lexapro not wor, something that I have found too much caffiene does the same thing. It is a very chemical feeling of depression (hard to explain if you've never had it)I went up to 20 which gave me a lot of irritation so after a few weeks went back down to 15. Anyway, once I finished school and got home things got much better. I began to drop off the meds and am now at 5mg hoping to come off in a few months, I think I am over the depression for the most part but the anxiety lingers.
The major battles for me were a lot of spaciness at for about the first 6 weeks, I also had insominia and some trouble with short term memory, but I am not sure if that was because I was concentrating too hard on the depressive/anxious feelings to remember things.
the side effects do go away and it was worth all the unpleasentness to be feeling like a human being again!
Best of luck to you.
Lexy
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