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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by doggrrl on January 2, 2003, at 19:24:47
Hi people. I am really sorry to bug you about a topic that you may have written about already, but I searched the archives in good faith and didn't really see what I need to know. I am switching from Celexa 20 mg to Lexapro 20 mg because the former is not cutting it. I have BPD, anxiety, and PTSD. The BPD is very well controlled but I am trying life with a lower (still therapeutic) Li level (fewer side effects, etc) and using an AD to control the depressions and help with anxiety and PTSD sx. So far, the 20 mg haven't really been cutting it. I've not really noticed any improvement in the depression, but this is my worst time of year. Anyway, in switching from the Celexa to the Lexapro, what side effects am I likely to have? Is the Lexapro helpful for panic disorder?
I heard that 20 mg of Lexapro is equal to 40 Celexa. Does this mean I will have bad side effects at first?Thanks so much for your help!
Posted by moodsalot on January 2, 2003, at 19:47:31
In reply to Lexapro etc- Need a little advice, please!, posted by doggrrl on January 2, 2003, at 19:24:47
Hi doggrrl. I wish I could help. I just went on Lexapro 2 days ago. I was taking 40 mgs. of Celexa and quit cold because I was so exhausted and got headaches. My doc is starting me slowly on 5 mg. for a week, then 10 mg. after that. I'm also taking Ritalin.
20 mg. of Lexapro seems a lot to begin with. Are you getting the meds from an MD or a psyche doc?
Posted by Phil on January 2, 2003, at 20:25:12
In reply to Lexapro etc- Need a little advice, please!, posted by doggrrl on January 2, 2003, at 19:24:47
I went from 60mg of Celexa, one of 4 drugs I take, to 10mg of Lexapro then to 20. Started right after Lex hit the market. I agree with the other poster, sorry, that you probably would want to start at 10mg.
When I switched over, I noticed less nausea than with Celexa but overall my mood didn't change much. AD's keep my head just above water at best. It's side effect profile is good, it's the cleanest SSRI there is but it still killed the sex thing. I am really tired of that SE-don't get me started.
I can't say much about panic because I take 3mg a day of Clonazepam. That drug quiets the mental ruminating pretty well. Feels good not to be panic strickened just going to work.
I think there are people that said their panic was taken care of by Lexapro.
Lexapro is definately worth a shot. Will you let us know what is up when you switch, how you feel, etc.
I don't know if I said it earlier but you probably will hardly notice switching to Lexapro. That's no guarantee but it has been the norm, from what I've gathered.Phil
Posted by doggrrl on January 2, 2003, at 22:39:37
In reply to Re: Lexapro etc- Need a little advice, please! » doggrrl, posted by Phil on January 2, 2003, at 20:25:12
Thank you both so much. I will keep you posted. I am actually pretty concerned about starting at 20 mg. I may start at 10 and titrate upward. I am a pretty small person and am very sensitive to meds and side effects, at least at first. I haven't filled my rx yet, but the pill is scored. I am being prescribed by a pdoc, not a general practitioner, and I really like my doc, but I still tend to think that docs can forget how hard it is to stomach these meds. I, too, take Klonopin, but it sedates me quite a bit with lithium and topomax and celexa. I think my doctor is hoping that the lexapro can fill in for the klonopin in some respects, since the anxiety ebbs and flows and is more related to my depression. I will keep my fingers crossed, but sometimes I feel hopeless that anything will work. I have been trying to find the right combination for years. It seems that when one aspect of the disorder is quieted, something else flares up. Thanks for your support.
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