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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by ramidel on October 9, 2002, at 13:33:19
In reply to Just started Lexapro 11 days ago, posted by momof3 on October 9, 2002, at 11:21:13
> Hi all!
> I am just recently starting lexapro-10mg- and can't seem to shake this fog. I have headaches that last for days. The other day I could hardly function and I have three small children and run a business from my home. I am unsure of the next step I should take. I went from aggitated and borderline insomniac to a zombie-like state. How long does this last? This was a big step for me to even go to my Dr. in the first place and my husband doesn't even think I "need that stuff". But, when you want to get in the car and keep on driving when you are supposed to be going to the grocery store, there is a problem. I need some advice. Thanks for your help-this has helped just being able to tell people who understand!I've been on Lexapro for two weeks, following several years on Paxil. At first, I did get headaches (some very bad) but these seem to have subsided now. Generally, I have felt better on 10mg of Lexapro than I did on 40mg of Paxil. I've even experienced ejaculation for the first time in several years! Not great, but at least something.
I've experienced some dizziness, but don't know if that is caused by a new BP med, or allergies. Too soon to separate.
Posted by Abacus on October 9, 2002, at 13:42:35
In reply to Re: Just started Lexapro 11 days ago » momof3, posted by ramidel on October 9, 2002, at 13:33:19
I started Lexapro (5 mg/day) a week ago and I feel like a zombie! Will this pass?
Posted by momof3 on October 9, 2002, at 14:37:12
In reply to Zonked, posted by Abacus on October 9, 2002, at 13:42:35
I feel better the last two days as far as s/e go but still have a sort of dull feeling. Nothing moves me too much. As far as sexual s/e go, I have noticed a decrease in libdo but am unsure if it still depression or meds.Is there anything to help with that feeling of nothingness? I hope I am making sense. The best way to describe it is I don't think about driving off a cliff anymore, I just don't feel much of anything.
Posted by Ippopo on October 9, 2002, at 14:54:05
In reply to Re: Zonked, posted by momof3 on October 9, 2002, at 14:37:12
My reaction has been different from yours. I've been on for (I think, though I really can't remember) 3 wks. At first I was very spacey, actually I still am! Then I went to mood rollercoaster. If someone became angry with me I'd cry. If I heard a joke within the next 30sec I'd laugh. I'm still sensitive but not as much. I finally woke up at a decent hour today and took meds on time(Lexapro and Adderall) I ate lunch and am going to go back to sleep. This never happens unless it's apart of pms.
Posted by Ippopo on October 9, 2002, at 14:59:38
In reply to Re: please rephrase that » pharmrep, posted by Dr. Bob on October 9, 2002, at 1:12:52
Dr Bob,
Thanks for your concern. Though I know PharmRep didn't mean anything by the comment other then shorten the response.... Had it been 2 wks ago I would have cried.
You do have a very interesting job.
Thank you
Posted by ajen on October 9, 2002, at 15:26:04
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I was on Paxil 40mg a day for about a year and a half. I also had to take 12.5mg of Trazadone to get some restful sleep at night. I had horrible problems getting up in the morning. It caused some problems at work.
A few weeks ago my doctor was finally willing to switch me to something else. He put me on 10mg Lexapro, and had me lower the Paxil 10mg every 4 days until I was off.
The first time I tried to start taking the Lexapro, I stuck with it for 3 days. The side effects were awful. I constantly felt on the verge of throwing up, no appetite, and generally felt very out of it. It made work nearly impossible, I couldn't concentrate, I felt so crappy. So I decided, without talking to my doctor that I wasn't going to take Lexapro.
Fortunately, I had a change of heart after discussing the situation with various family members. I went back on Lexapro and got in to see my doctor ASAP about side effects. He asked if I was taking the Lexapro with food. Nothing I read said to take it with food, so I didn't. He told me to try. I took his advice, and guess what? It actually WORKED!
I'm now only on Lexapro. I have experienced more bruxism than usual, but I can deal with that. I have more energy, eventhough I'm still having issues getting out of bed. I'm going to try taking Lexapro in the morning.
Oh yeah, my sex drive is much higher than it has been in a long time!
Posted by pharmrep on October 9, 2002, at 16:18:08
In reply to Re: Technical questions for Celexa/LexaPro Rep » chad_3, posted by JLM on October 8, 2002, at 22:26:24
> > Hi Sir -
> >
> > This is a 2 part question:
> >
> > 1) Do you believe Celexa is as effective as Paxil across comparable dose ranges, especially for dysthymia, major depression, and general anxiety (all 3 disorders) ... If indeed LexaPro potently blocks s2 and s3 receptors, would this drug not be highly effective in treating certain a host of movement disorders (aka; clozapine)... ?
> >
> > 2) It is now common for urologists to use Paxil to treat premature ejaculators, and for psychiatrists to prescribe Zoloft to tame males who are overly sexually agressive.
>
> Good god, that just shows how totally out of control the practice of medicine has gotten. It seems like SSRI's work for almost anything you would care to prescribe them for. Its also a good
> argument for the non specificity of their effects.
>************* #1 Celexa/Paxil share similar efficacy at the same doses..20mg =20mg/40=40 etc as for the lexapro blocking/cloz question..help me understand what youre asking.
>
> > In your personal opinion, do you believe that LexaPro will be as effective as Paxil (for premature ejactulation / excess libido) and/or as effective as Zoloft for sexual overaggression.************** #2 Since efficacy between ad's was so similar in the past I do know of some dr's who rx on the basis of side effects, but that is not usually the primary reason for choosing a med.
************** #3 In my personal opinion...sexual side effects for ssri's are a class effect, and the one that seems to be the worst is paxil. It is too soon to tell, but Lexapro shouldnt be any worse that celexa. Maybe one day a study will be done to see where they rank among each other.
> >
> > Sincerely,
> > Chad
> >
> >
> > > > The other interesting statement recently has been
> > > >
> > > > ' ...celexa can cause both insomnia and somnolence...usually people are tired...you are doing the right thing in taking early in day, but you still stay up at night. Lexapro doesnt have the somnolence, but a little insomnia for some'
> > > >
> > > > Lundbeck say that 6.9% of people taking Lexapro had somnolence in recent trials, compared to 4.7% in the Celexa group. The difference was not statistically significant. Could you tell us your proof source for the statement that Lexapro 'doesn't have somnolence.'************* Sure, in the PI...Lexapro had 4% somnolence at 10mg & 9% at 20mg, 20mg Celexa had 18%.(ps, the 4.7% above was placebo, not celexa)
> > >
> > > Once again, I too, would like to see something to validate this claim other than the small, statistically insignificant difference between citalopram and escitalopram.
> > >
************ small? There is a "statistically signficant difference" between lexapro and placebo, and the studies didnt have to but did include the higher titrated dose of 40mg of celexa to show the advantage of lexapro, in both efficacy and quicker onset of action. It's still only 1 month out and many more studies are on the way, so keep reading them and let's keep discussing the findings and also sharing any info or questions for those currently taking Lexapro.
Posted by pharmrep on October 9, 2002, at 16:21:04
In reply to Re: New data about Lexapro, posted by dr. dave on October 9, 2002, at 4:16:22
> A new study has been reported which allegedly shows Lexapro to be more effective than Effexor. This is pretty serious stuff if it is true. There's a link to a story about it in a posting by Anyuser further down the board. If anyone manages to find the study itself I would be very grateful if they could direct me to it.
**** i know the study exists...whether it is done yet or what the results are if done...i dont know, but will see when results are expected
Posted by pharmrep on October 9, 2002, at 16:26:09
In reply to I AM GOING BACK TO CELEXA!!!, posted by shakingoscar on October 9, 2002, at 6:28:47
> Hi,
> just to let you know, I am a disastified customer of lexapro!
>
> Ive been on it for 6 weeks now. First I was prescribed 30mg which was too high and made me really ill.. Then, a week ago, I went down to 15mg but my depression returned yesterday.
>
> Today I took 20mg and feel very stimulated - uncomfortably so.
>
> I dont know what else to do...
>
> What do I do if 20mg is too much and 15mg is too low?
>
> I wish now I had stayed on 60mg celexa which I was doing ok on (I only changed to see if the sexual side effects would be less).
>
> Cheers
****** sorry so hard so far...I wish your dr hadnt switched you to start with, Lexapro is supposed to be for new patients, or those who are not happy with their current AD due to s/e or lack of efficacy...you were not a candidate to switch. (at least not for sex s/e reasons only). Plus your dr didnt even rx the right dose. Even though you have reduced the mg...it might still take time to adjust to that specific mg for a wk or so...can you give it some more time at 15mg? Or do you want to still go back to Celexa?
Posted by pharmrep on October 9, 2002, at 16:33:41
In reply to Re: You Gained 7 pds from Lexapro? » Ippopo, posted by maririp on October 9, 2002, at 7:31:50
> Ippopo..I have been on lexapro almost 3 weeks now..and the first few days i couldnt stand the thought of food. I have a good apetite now and i know i have gained a few pounds...Im hopin I dont gain too much too soon as i did with other antidepressants. Im thin so i enjoy having a nice appetite. I dont seem to feel the need to eat every minute like I did on other meds..Is still early tho so we will see.
*** I am hearing both gaining appetite back, and loss of appetite. (mostly loss of appetite so far) Lexapro is supposed to be weight-neutral (same as Celexa). It should not be a weight factor inherently (like paxil can.) The change in appetite and eating habits might be why a persons weight changes...I know it's been a few weeks now, but can you evaluate your eating habits and attribute the weight change to that?
Posted by pharmrep on October 9, 2002, at 16:44:45
In reply to Just started Lexapro 11 days ago, posted by momof3 on October 9, 2002, at 11:21:13
** I havent heard of that one before..I would guess that the dr is using Lexapro because it is fast acting, low side effects, low drug interactions... but unless the dr is just trying out a theory....most antidepressants are not for short term use...did the dr say it would be for a short time? (ps..I know breaking the habit is very hard, if he can keep up the "just say no" actions, I'll bet he will improve. good luck and keep us posted.)
Posted by Satori on October 9, 2002, at 16:45:06
In reply to Re: Weird question for anyone concerning lexapro » Satori, posted by johnj on October 9, 2002, at 13:23:59
No, we didn't say anything about the drug use, mainly just keeping to specifics about his behaviors and how he's been feeling. He didn't want to talk about it, and that's the main reason I wanted to post the question just to see if anyone knew anything about this. Thanks johnj for your input, and I feel better knowing that your friend was able to get back to normal after a short term period of antidepressants instead of having to be on them continuously. Thanks.
Posted by pharmrep on October 9, 2002, at 16:49:23
In reply to Re: please rephrase that » pharmrep, posted by Dr. Bob on October 9, 2002, at 1:12:52
*** sorry JLM...no harm intended, and no, Im not really beat up, just a few verbal jabs here and there, but DR BOB is pretty fair about it.
> > I love your input as well as others, but dont make them so long...my eyes hurt.
>
> > I used to get beat up a lot...
>
> Keeping in mind that the idea here is not to post anything that could lead others to feel accused or put down, could you please rephrase the above? Thanks,
>
> Bob
>
> PS: Follow-ups regarding posting policies, and complaints about posts, should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration.
Posted by pharmrep on October 9, 2002, at 17:02:02
In reply to Re: Question for Pharmrep regarding Lexapro Anxiety, posted by ANXIETY ANN on October 8, 2002, at 13:28:48
> I RECENTLY STARTED TAKING LEXAPRO (3DAYS) 10MG FOR ANXIETY. I HAVE SEVERE HEADACHES AND STOMACH UPSET AS WELL AS DIZZINESS AND HOT FLASHES FLUSHING. SHOULD I CUT MY DOSE DOWN TO 5MG OR STICK IT OUT ON 10 MG DO THE SIDE AFFECTS GO AWAY WITH TIME? IN THE PAST I HAVE HAD A HARD TIME WITH DEPRESSION MEDS. I ALSO TAKE ADIVAN NAD XANAX FO ANXIETY AND PANIC ATTACKS.THANKS FOR ANY ADVICE YOU CAN GIVE
**** hang in there at 10mg...I have heard this dozens of times both here and in dr's offices with their patients...the 1st 3-5 days you are adjusting to a new med in your body...it can take awhile. I have heard from the same people with a tough time in the 5 days, that they felt much better at 1 wk. If you can hang in there a little longer, it should go away...keep us posted.
Posted by Satori on October 9, 2002, at 17:06:22
In reply to Re: marijuana..tough one, posted by pharmrep on October 9, 2002, at 16:44:45
Hi, When I say 'short term', I mean 6 months to a year. All I mean is not a lifetime. What's the normal length of time someone should be on this drug? For instance, 7 years ago I had a CVA which caused a lot of problems and I was given Zoloft. I took it for a little over a year, but I took myself off. I've heard so much about the seratonin drugs causing your brain to stop producing seratonin correctly, plus I have to take other medications, and I'm really scared of drugs anyway. So with all of that, I decided to quit taking the Zoloft on my own, but it really helped me at the time. It was one reason I really wanted my husband to be able to get on one of these types of antidepressants, but I just don't want him to have to take it forever. That was basically all I meant by short term.
Posted by johnj on October 9, 2002, at 17:07:58
In reply to Re: Weird question for anyone concerning lexapro, posted by Satori on October 9, 2002, at 16:45:06
In my humble opinion IMHO, the doctore should know about the drug use. It may help recovery. It can only help him if he talks about it with the doc. If he is a jerk about it get a new doctor, they are there to help not judge.
johnj
Posted by pharmrep on October 9, 2002, at 17:11:40
In reply to Lessen Side Effects - TAKE WITH FOOD, posted by ajen on October 9, 2002, at 15:26:04
> I was on Paxil 40mg a day for about a year and a half. I also had to take 12.5mg of Trazadone to get some restful sleep at night. I had horrible problems getting up in the morning. It caused some problems at work.
>
> A few weeks ago my doctor was finally willing to switch me to something else. He put me on 10mg Lexapro, and had me lower the Paxil 10mg every 4 days until I was off.
>
> The first time I tried to start taking the Lexapro, I stuck with it for 3 days. The side effects were awful. I constantly felt on the verge of throwing up, no appetite, and generally felt very out of it. It made work nearly impossible, I couldn't concentrate, I felt so crappy. So I decided, without talking to my doctor that I wasn't going to take Lexapro.
>
> Fortunately, I had a change of heart after discussing the situation with various family members. I went back on Lexapro and got in to see my doctor ASAP about side effects. He asked if I was taking the Lexapro with food. Nothing I read said to take it with food, so I didn't. He told me to try. I took his advice, and guess what? It actually WORKED!
>
> I'm now only on Lexapro. I have experienced more bruxism than usual, but I can deal with that. I have more energy, eventhough I'm still having issues getting out of bed. I'm going to try taking Lexapro in the morning.
>
> Oh yeah, my sex drive is much higher than it has been in a long time!
**** Im glad to hear its working for you. It is not supposed to be necessary to take Lexapro with food. Did you know that the s/e you mentioned are the same s/e for discontinuation syndrome? (you were lowering and stopping paxil at the time you started lexapro) the vomitting was the key. this is a very uncommon s/e for ad's, but a big one for discontinuation syndrome...which paxil has. It sounds like your'e past the "integration" stage...have you tried to take w/out food yet? test it w/out food and I bet you will find no difference. Good luck, and keep us posted. (ps Morning use will help)
Posted by Satori on October 9, 2002, at 17:16:23
In reply to Re: Weird question for anyone concerning lexapro » Satori, posted by johnj on October 9, 2002, at 17:07:58
I know you're right, and he's supposed to go back in two weeks, so if it's not helping, I'm sure he'll be more open to the idea of talking about it. Basically, it embarrasses him to discuss that, but if nothing's changed, I do think he'd be more willing to go into all of it.
Posted by pharmrep on October 9, 2002, at 17:18:02
In reply to Re: marijuana..tough one, posted by Satori on October 9, 2002, at 17:06:22
> Hi, When I say 'short term', I mean 6 months to a year. All I mean is not a lifetime. What's the normal length of time someone should be on this drug? For instance, 7 years ago I had a CVA which caused a lot of problems and I was given Zoloft. I took it for a little over a year, but I took myself off. I've heard so much about the seratonin drugs causing your brain to stop producing seratonin correctly, plus I have to take other medications, and I'm really scared of drugs anyway. So with all of that, I decided to quit taking the Zoloft on my own, but it really helped me at the time. It was one reason I really wanted my husband to be able to get on one of these types of antidepressants, but I just don't want him to have to take it forever. That was basically all I meant by short term.
** just for stats sake...the average antidepressant users term is 13 months. (He wont have to take forever if he doesnt want too) Lexapro has a very clean p450 system so drug interactions shouldnt be an issue...but I agree w/ johnj...he should tell the DR, and this will help everyone.
Posted by Satori on October 9, 2002, at 17:30:03
In reply to Re: marijuana..tough one » Satori, posted by pharmrep on October 9, 2002, at 17:18:02
Thanks so much. I've been really worried about all this, and he's been worried and frustrated, but I thank both you and johnj for all the info. It's been really great, and you've both been truly helpful.
Posted by FunBunny on October 9, 2002, at 19:36:52
In reply to Re: Weird question for anyone concerning lexapro » Satori, posted by johnj on October 9, 2002, at 13:23:59
Hey I just started Lexapro about 6 days ago, I was taking 5 mg in the morning and now I started 10 mg which I am going to stay on. I'm bi-polar type II and I got the seasonal blues and my anxiety began to heighten. I also take 1500 mg of Keppra at night, which is a new mood stablizer. I take .5 mg of klonopin in the morning, which helps with my anxiety. I realized that I was having a little trouble with drinking a little at night, or with a couple of friends which was just making the depression worse, but it relived it temporarily The thing is, I work at "fantasty sports bar" I know that I'm not suppposed to drink, but would one drink hurt me at work? I could handle drinking by just being on Keppra, but I feel by just staying on that, I won't feel ultimatly better, and I want to stay on Lexapro. How bad is that combo? Thanks
Posted by maririp on October 9, 2002, at 20:33:09
In reply to Re: appetite » maririp, posted by pharmrep on October 9, 2002, at 16:33:41
> > Ippopo..I have been on lexapro almost 3 weeks now..and the first few days i couldnt stand the thought of food. I have a good apetite now and i know i have gained a few pounds...Im hopin I dont gain too much too soon as i did with other antidepressants. Im thin so i enjoy having a nice appetite. I dont seem to feel the need to eat every minute like I did on other meds..Is still early tho so we will see.
> *** I am hearing both gaining appetite back, and loss of appetite. (mostly loss of appetite so far) Lexapro is supposed to be weight-neutral (same as Celexa). It should not be a weight factor inherently (like paxil can.) The change in appetite and eating habits might be why a persons weight changes...I know it's been a few weeks now, but can you evaluate your eating habits and attribute the weight change to that?I think meds can cause the changes in a persons eating habits. I have been on lex 3 weeks...as i said the first several days i didnt have an appetite at all. I have a very good appetite now. Its too soon for me to tell if lex will have the same effect on me as some other antidepressants where i could not stop eating. I dont feel the need to eat constantly, I just eat better.
Posted by Mr.Scott on October 9, 2002, at 21:10:12
In reply to Re: appetite » pharmrep, posted by maririp on October 9, 2002, at 20:33:09
Pharmrep,
Does Forest know how much time you spend on this website talking "directly to patients"? I wonder what the legal ramifications are. Hmmm...I'll have to get in touch with some of my med-reg/DDMAC friends who will know.
Posted by Micki on October 9, 2002, at 21:13:21
In reply to Re: appetite » pharmrep, posted by maririp on October 9, 2002, at 20:33:09
I am just switching to Lexapro after taking Pamelor for 12 years. I have been on and off antidepressants since I was a teenager. I have always had a difficult time making decisions, and am currently in a state of extreme stress and anxiety over a situation in my love life--choosing which of two people to get involvoed with. I think about it constantly, think I've made a decision, then change my mind the next hour or day. I went to a new psychiatrist who felt this is a form of OCD (although I do not have symptoms such as washing my hands repeatedly).
I lowered the Pamelor, went off it for a few days, took 5 mg Lexapro (mornings) for 3 days and now have taken 10 mg Lexapro for 3 days. I thought I felt better yesterday, today I am extremely stressed out and depressed again. The psychiatrist said the drug should help with the depression in about a 3 or 4 weeks, but that it takes 8 to 12 weeks for it to really affect the obsessive thinking. Anyone have any feedback on how accurate this is? Also, after reading Alan's post about AD's vx BZD's for anxiety disorders, I'm wondering how likely the Lexapro is to help with the anxiety, or if I really need a Bzd. Also wondering if anyone has any comments on Lexapro (or another SSRI) and decision making. I have a terrible time making decisions, and then often think I've made the wrong one and torment myself with second-guessing.
Posted by ANXIETY ANN on October 9, 2002, at 21:28:47
In reply to Re- TAKE WITH FOOD/bottom » ajen, posted by pharmrep on October 9, 2002, at 17:11:40
does anyone know if lexapro affects blood pressure? i recently started taking meds for high blood pressure and then 2 wks later started taking lexapro. my blood pressure is still high but my doc says give the bp med time to work. thanks for the help
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