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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by sbh on March 2, 2003, at 11:47:21
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by blkvettes on March 2, 2003, at 11:20:42
Heres my Lexapro experience (so far)...
Week 1: Insomnia, some anxiety, headaches, sweating, increased appetite.
Week 2: Anxiety and insomnia gone, still some headaches and sweating. Also more frequent urination and vivid dreams (or maybe just remembering dreams more?)
Week 3, Feeling happy and upbeat- less ruminating then usual. Still some headaches (Maybe not from meds though as headaches aren't so unusual for me) and increased appetite. Gained 2 pounds. No sexual side effects (yet anyway...). I do sometimes notice very slight facial muscle twitches which worries me.
We'll see what next week brings. I take 5-10 mgs at night and am sleeping great for a change!
Posted by blkvettes on March 2, 2003, at 11:51:56
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by sbh on March 2, 2003, at 11:47:21
I have noticed the muscle twitches in the face right around my mouth and also sometimes other parts of my body.
Posted by Peter S. on March 2, 2003, at 12:19:11
In reply to Re: GOOD NEWS! I think the Lex is working!!!! » ROO, posted by Dysfunk on March 1, 2003, at 13:45:52
Hi Dysfunk,
I hadn't heard of mixing two SSRIs. Did you find that when you added Lex to the Prozac that it kicked in? I've developed a tolerance for Prozac and have tried many augmentation strategies which have not been effective. Has anyone else mixed SSRIs?
Thanks!
Peter
> I am on 40 mg of Prozac and 20 mg of Lexapro. My doctor feels that I developed a tolerance to Prozac and saw benefits at a higher dosage, so maybe the same holds true for Lexapro. So far, I think he is right!
>
> :^)
Posted by Dysfunk on March 2, 2003, at 13:35:43
In reply to Dysfunk- Mixing Prozac with Lex?, posted by Peter S. on March 2, 2003, at 12:19:11
Peter:
I think this is the new form of treatment when meds stop working. I just wasn't getting the full benefits from Prozac anymore, so instead of going off of it, we lowered the dosage by 20 mg and added in Effexor. That didn't work, so now I added in Lexapro. It seems to be working now with an increased dosage of Lex. The way my doctor put it is that you have to "kick start" the medicine again by adding in others. I think there are all kinds of mixtures (or cocktails) that are considered acceptible now as treatments. Ask your doctor and good luck!
Posted by Dysfunk on March 2, 2003, at 13:54:30
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by male34 on March 1, 2003, at 16:02:56
Edgefield, are you talking to me? It is hard to follow the threads sometimes. If I were you, I would consider adding in more Lex and see what happens. Remember you will have the initial increase of anxiety from going up on the medicine.
I think my weight increase is partially medicine-related and partially because I felt queazy from the medicine. Eating seemed to ease the nausea. I have continued to work out to the same intensity that I usually do so I am a bit confused about the weight gain. So far it is only about 7 lbs. I hope it holds at that. How much have you gained?
Posted by Dysfunk on March 2, 2003, at 14:17:59
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by sbh on March 2, 2003, at 11:47:21
I have had very similar symptoms. At first I had insomnia,now I can barely wake up in the morning after a restless sleep of vivid dreams. I have an eye twitch at times. Still sweating, mostly armpits- with Effexor it was my brow. Increased appetite I guess, or maybe I eat to try and counteract the slight nausea from the medicine. Didn't feel much of a sex drive, but I am able to achieve orgasm when I put my mind to it. I also felt an urgency to pee and pee often, as opposed to Effexor where I had trouble peeing. I hear these symptoms diminish in time.
Posted by blkvettes on March 2, 2003, at 14:47:27
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects » sbh, posted by Dysfunk on March 2, 2003, at 14:17:59
DYSFUNK, how long have you been on lexapro, how much and when do you take it.
THANKS!!!!!!
Posted by Edgefield on March 2, 2003, at 18:55:25
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
Has anyone taken Neurontin? My doctor prescribed this along with Lexapro to hopefully eliminate the last bit of anxiety that I'm dealing with(dizziness), but it causes me to have a runny nose and persistent sneezing. I looked up this side effect on the net and it is listed as an infrequent side effect. Anyone with any Neurontin experience?
Edgefield
Posted by Peter S. on March 2, 2003, at 23:39:10
In reply to Re: Dysfunk- Mixing Prozac with Lex? » Peter S., posted by Dysfunk on March 2, 2003, at 13:35:43
Dysfunk,
I'm glad it's working for you! I've never heard of this as a protocol. I'd love to hear other people's experiences or knowledge of mixing SSRIs
> Peter:
>
> I think this is the new form of treatment when meds stop working. I just wasn't getting the full benefits from Prozac anymore, so instead of going off of it, we lowered the dosage by 20 mg and added in Effexor. That didn't work, so now I added in Lexapro. It seems to be working now with an increased dosage of Lex. The way my doctor put it is that you have to "kick start" the medicine again by adding in others. I think there are all kinds of mixtures (or cocktails) that are considered acceptible now as treatments. Ask your doctor and good luck!
Posted by lexmom on March 3, 2003, at 11:59:26
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by blkvettes on March 2, 2003, at 11:51:56
I started on 5mg Lexapro for the first week and felt great and energized but had a headache which is not unusual. Started getting really tired aand now I take10 mg and feel tired not energetic, also I'm nursing a 21 month old which even though warning label on bottle says not to my doc's suggest it's a better alternative than being depressed. Well the baby has been difficult to put to sleep at night ( fine for naptime which is before I take my pill) I take my pill at noon and baby used to go to bed at 7:30 now she won't fall asleep til 9:00. anybody hear anything about safety of nursing and Lexapro?
Posted by blkvettes on March 3, 2003, at 13:22:57
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by lexmom on March 3, 2003, at 11:59:26
Hello, I am finding I have more energy if I take it at night. But this is only the 2nd day of trying this. I am also thinking of dropping my dose because this feels like to much med. But I will hang in there a little longer and see if I adjust. You should not breast feed your baby while on lexapro. Here is one sight to go to.
http://www.healthsquare.com/newrx/lex1642.htm
Posted by JaneB on March 3, 2003, at 13:29:31
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by lexmom on March 3, 2003, at 11:59:26
> I started on 5mg Lexapro for the first week and felt great and energized but had a headache which is not unusual. Started getting really tired aand now I take10 mg and feel tired not energetic, also I'm nursing a 21 month old which even though warning label on bottle says not to my doc's suggest it's a better alternative than being depressed. Well the baby has been difficult to put to sleep at night ( fine for naptime which is before I take my pill) I take my pill at noon and baby used to go to bed at 7:30 now she won't fall asleep til 9:00. anybody hear anything about safety of nursing and Lexapro?
I am not a doctor but from my experience with Lexapro I offer the following observations: I find it difficult to sleep with Lex, therefore if it is passing in your breast milk to baby she might have difficulty sleeping also. When I went up to 10 mg from 5 mg the sleepiness in daytime increased but insomnia also increased. I tried taking it at all times and same problems. Muscular tension increased also. Poor sleep increased daytime exhaustion. I didn't feel like I had enough energy to do anything.
Lexapro is so new--studies/experience/results with nursing probably have not been established. If you definitely need an AD perhaps you could wean your 21 month old girl. She might sleep better.
My daughter has nursed with a small amount of Paxil. No problems.
JaneB
Posted by NOTINSANEJUSTPPMD on March 3, 2003, at 14:14:32
In reply to SIDE EFFECTS AND BREAST FEEDING, posted by blkvettes on March 3, 2003, at 13:22:57
That was a very interesting read for those of us on Lexapro. I would go to my doctor immediatly and asked to be switched to something safer for my baby. I took 150 mg of Zolft through out pregnancy and breast feeding and it did not seem to bother my Son or Daughter. If by chance you are only going to a OBGYN or Family Doctor look into finding a Doctor that specializes in Mental Health Even if its just the Baby Blues, like myself it got way out of control because I was not getting the correct answers and help. Good Luck KP
Posted by Dysfunk on March 3, 2003, at 16:49:14
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by blkvettes on March 2, 2003, at 14:47:27
First I want to say that I have been on Prozac for years and in July dropped down to 40 mg. while trying Effexor. Now I am on Prozac and 20 mg of Lexapro. I had been on 10 mg Lex for 5 weeks with no results. It is now about 6 and half weeks and I am feeling better. Phew.
Posted by Dysfunk on March 3, 2003, at 16:56:19
In reply to Dysfunk- Mixing Prozac with Lex?, posted by Peter S. on March 2, 2003, at 12:19:11
Yes Peter, I feel that now that I have a decent dosage of Lex in my system it either started up the Prozac or together they are working.
I could tell when I initially dropped my dosage of Prozac 20 mgs. in preparation for adding in another drug that I felt a drop in mood. Therefore my doctor concluded that I am still feeling some positive effects from the Prozac.
I would ask your doctor or research mixing drugs. My brother has a diff. doctor and he is mixing Paxil and Effexor, I think.
Posted by Donia on March 3, 2003, at 18:09:38
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by lexmom on March 3, 2003, at 11:59:26
I would not breast feed while on these meds. I would take the medicine and bottle feed my child. I dont know of any risks, but I am sure there certainly could be some. It may affect their brain and cause depression in them later, who knows?
Posted by Sadsack on March 3, 2003, at 19:55:31
In reply to SIDE EFFECTS AND BREAST FEEDING, posted by blkvettes on March 3, 2003, at 13:22:57
AMEN!!! Please do not breastfeed and take lexapro. Those little minds can be effected drastically by chemical substances that barely phase us. I would find a new Dr. or a least get a second opinion if he's so unconcerned about your child! That just doesn't sound right at all. I don't know how long you've been nursing but studies prove that babies who have nursed even a short time have great benefits from it so stopping the breastfeeding early won't do any harm. From everything I've read,it's just not worth the risk to continue. Good Luck!
Sadsack> Hello, I am finding I have more energy if I take it at night. But this is only the 2nd day of trying this. I am also thinking of dropping my dose because this feels like to much med. But I will hang in there a little longer and see if I adjust. You should not breast feed your baby while on lexapro. Here is one sight to go to.
> http://www.healthsquare.com/newrx/lex1642.htm
Posted by oldhand on March 3, 2003, at 20:51:17
In reply to Re: SIDE EFFECTS AND BREAST FEEDING, posted by Sadsack on March 3, 2003, at 19:55:31
I must agree with the previous posters. All the information indicates that breastfeeding and Lexapro (or SSRI's in general) do not mix. While I am an advocate of breastfeeding as long a mother and child are comfortable, and as a wonderful process, a 21 month old has really had an exceptional opportunity to benefit from the experience. Now she needs a Mom who is healthy and ready to help her expand her world. Lexapro is so very new to the market that we are actually first generation users and perhaps need to be more careful for that reason alone. Good luck and good health.
Posted by bozeman on March 3, 2003, at 21:09:55
In reply to GOOD NEWS! I think the Lex is working!!!!, posted by Dysfunk on February 28, 2003, at 9:50:19
I am so happy for you!!!
bozeman
Posted by bozeman on March 3, 2003, at 22:51:04
In reply to hey bozeman, posted by Sadsack on February 24, 2003, at 15:28:26
Hi Sadsack!
Sorry, things have been way crazy in my world, with no end in sight. Still have to decide what to do about the boyfriend. :-( Still sick, kitty's still recovering, has to be doctored twice a day and he's all MALE and all CAT, so that's quite a deal. :-) So I haven't been following things over here quite as closely as I used to.
How are you feeling these days on the Lexapro? You say you've been on it since November? Have you had continued good results or have you hit a plateau or slump of sorts? (not saying you would, just wondering how it goes. I've been on Lexapro about as long as you -- about as long as anyone, I suppose, since it only became available last year.)
I understand about the husband thing. Sometimes it's hard to feel alone in your own house, but at least you two share a great many things, even if not fighting your depression together in the emotional sense (though I'm sure you fight it together in the physical sense.) I think that some people, not specifically men, don't know how to deal with really scary things (i.e. things they can't readily fix or run away from) so they just "deny" their existence, like whistling in the dark so no one will know you're afraid. It doesn't mean he doesn't care about those things, it just means he doesn't know how to express himself, what to do, how to act, how to feel, etc. so it's easier to just avoid dealing with it. Maybe being pleasant and easygoing is the thing he thinks will help the most, since he doesn't know what else to do?
Post back if you wish -- I try to pop in and read every few days even if I don't have the time or strength to type responses.
BTW, if you get realllly bored . . . . you can come over and help me have a "throwing away" party, too!!! <chuckle>
Take care and be well!
bozeman
Posted by handmemymidol on March 4, 2003, at 15:56:16
In reply to Re: SIDE EFFECTS AND BREAST FEEDING, posted by Sadsack on March 3, 2003, at 19:55:31
Here's a thought. Instead of asking what the pdoc thinks about Lexapro and breastfeeding, why not ask the baby's pediatrician what he/she thinks about it?
Posted by Sadsack on March 4, 2003, at 20:26:27
In reply to Hey Sadsack » Sadsack, posted by bozeman on March 3, 2003, at 22:51:04
Hey Bozeman,
I understand crazy. I am not through purging my own house or I would help you :-) I took on a 2 year old stack of filing this weekend. It's amazing what you don't even have to file after 2 years. Next up is the "spare room" (aka the junk room).
I guess you could call it a slump. I characterize it as "quiet desperation" It's disconcerting at best. I wish I knew what would help. I hate to think of going higher than 20mg on the lexapro. I'm not even sure that'd help. The good news is that I am not thinking about driving my car off any cliffs (a plus), I am very functional (also good) and I am overall much better than I have been. I just keepng feeling "alone in my own house" (you couldn't have said that any better). He's a good guy and you're probably right. I'd love to understand his motivation better but at this point it would take a Vulcan Mind Meld because I just don't have the energy to force out any true confessions and I am feeling too vulnerable to beg for his attention (although I could really use a little TLC). Maybe there are some things I just shouldn't hope for and then I wouldn't be disappointed? Does this make any sense or am I being goofy? (It IS PMS week so that is possible-I really get pathetic sometimes yegads).
I sound so whiney UGH! Feel free to tell me so!
I would also benefit from an all expense paid vacation to some tropical locale but I probably have about a snowballs chance in Puerto Rico of that happening too!
Anyways, appreciate your interest and any advice would be appreciated.
Take Care,
Sadsack
> Hi Sadsack!
>
> Sorry, things have been way crazy in my world, with no end in sight. Still have to decide what to do about the boyfriend. :-( Still sick, kitty's still recovering, has to be doctored twice a day and he's all MALE and all CAT, so that's quite a deal. :-) So I haven't been following things over here quite as closely as I used to.
>
> How are you feeling these days on the Lexapro? You say you've been on it since November? Have you had continued good results or have you hit a plateau or slump of sorts? (not saying you would, just wondering how it goes. I've been on Lexapro about as long as you -- about as long as anyone, I suppose, since it only became available last year.)
>
> I understand about the husband thing. Sometimes it's hard to feel alone in your own house, but at least you two share a great many things, even if not fighting your depression together in the emotional sense (though I'm sure you fight it together in the physical sense.) I think that some people, not specifically men, don't know how to deal with really scary things (i.e. things they can't readily fix or run away from) so they just "deny" their existence, like whistling in the dark so no one will know you're afraid. It doesn't mean he doesn't care about those things, it just means he doesn't know how to express himself, what to do, how to act, how to feel, etc. so it's easier to just avoid dealing with it. Maybe being pleasant and easygoing is the thing he thinks will help the most, since he doesn't know what else to do?
>
> Post back if you wish -- I try to pop in and read every few days even if I don't have the time or strength to type responses.
>
> BTW, if you get realllly bored . . . . you can come over and help me have a "throwing away" party, too!!! <chuckle>
>
> Take care and be well!
>
> bozeman
Posted by EGR on March 5, 2003, at 17:00:44
In reply to Re: Hey Bozeman » bozeman, posted by Sadsack on March 4, 2003, at 20:26:27
Well just add me to your little party...
Started feeling "funky" on Monday. Today I was just so very angry... I started wondering if 20 is pooping out on me... now I'm really wondering...
I'm tired too... I'll try taking a nap and see how I feel.
EGR
Posted by NOTINSANEJUSTPPMD on March 5, 2003, at 19:19:49
In reply to Bozeman... Sadsack..., posted by EGR on March 5, 2003, at 17:00:44
Hi EGR
I am sorry but I read your post! I too just last week felt my 20 mg of Lex wore off so I actually bumped myself up to 30 then my doctor called back and said that was fine. I do feel better. Also I noticed I was always wanting to nap about 7 hours after I took my Lex so I started taking it when I tak emy second meds in the Afternoon. And hey I have been up the past three days with lots of energy so you may try that if you aren't already!!!:) Have a great day NIJPPMD(Kerry)
Posted by IfOnly on March 5, 2003, at 21:36:54
In reply to Re: Bozeman.....Sadsack » EGR, posted by NOTINSANEJUSTPPMD on March 5, 2003, at 19:19:49
Hi,
This may sound sad, but I am taking Lexapro for Bipolar II, and I can only handle 5mg w/o being tired. I have been cutting them in half. I am prescibed 10mg a day and tried that for the first 4 days but could not even function. I have been taking it for about a month now (started during a down phase), but scared to up it. I have never really had a good "up" phase, but I just have had no energy!! I feel great as far as anxiety goes...but scared if I go to 10mg I will be sleepy. Do you think this is just a side effect that goes way?If Only
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