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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by brandij on April 25, 2003, at 10:48:45
In reply to Re: My experiences with Lexapro and Celexa » Luziluna, posted by Dragonfly Sidhe on April 25, 2003, at 10:13:37
I was on 60mg of Celexa up until this past January, and now i am taking 20mg of Lexapro, and i have to say the side effects are fewer, and i have much better results with a much lower dose, i have no sexual functioning problems, which is a side effect of depression and anxiety in itself. My family and fiance call this my miracle pill, i have a depressive disorder and affects their lives and our relationships as well as my life, and Lexapro has done wonders for my motivation, overall mood, anxiety, attention span, focus, and life in general. I get a bit of nausea if i take it without food but it won't stop me from taking Lexapro. I am sure it won't work for everone, nothing does, but for me, Lexapro has given me back my edge on life, and i feel i have more control when i take it.
Posted by MattD on April 25, 2003, at 18:56:59
In reply to Re: My experiences with Lexapro and Celexa » Luziluna, posted by Dragonfly Sidhe on April 25, 2003, at 10:13:37
Wellbutrin is a good medicine for SAD--it's quite activating. It's not very good on anxiety; in many cases it can make it worse. Lexapro is better on anxiety. But, Lexapro, like other SSRIs can cause anorgasmia. It's supposed to be better than other SSRIs in this department, but the drug is new, and even if it generally is, it may not be for you. Anyway, it is standard practice to add W to an SSRI for sexual side-effects. It can be quite helpful, though again, not for all. Wellbutrin on its own tends to boost sex drive and sometime performance (especially in females). So you've gone from a drug that, if anything, was sexually helpful, to one which isn't at all. I'm sure the change is striking.
Sometimes after a while sexual side effects can go away with SSRIs (or at least diminish).
A couple possibilities--go back on Wellbutrin and add a benzodiazepine like Klonopin for the anxiety.
Or, I know that a number of women in your situation will take Viagra--it makes it easier for many women to orgasm.
Good luck,
Matt
> Hello,
> I am very happy to have found this site also, as I am getting no where with my Dr. and hope that someone has some guidance for me. Recently my PCC prescribed Lexapro for me as I had been suffering from anxiety do to stress on the job. Previously I had been on Welbutrin which worked well for my mild SAD and PMDD. But I had gradually weaned myself off as winter was drawing to an end. Well after 19 days on the Lexapro 10mg x1, I have lost the ability to acheive an orgasm during any sexual activity. I should mention that I am a 39yo female, and have never ever had a problem in this area ever before in my life. Needless to say I became horrified and panic stricken and called my Dr. and her solution was to add Welbutrin back on board; 150SR x1. I have to say that the prescribing Dr. is only a general physician, and I am not being followed by a psychiatrist at all. How safe are these medication management approaches? This sie effect was almost imediate for me and quite alarming and never an issue on Welbutrin. I am wondering if the Lexapro was such a good idea? Perhaps a rush to prescribe, perhaps over-kill, seeing that my source of stress is situational, work related and that perhaps I should just return to what worked in the first place which was Welbutrin 150SR x2? Any thoughts out there??? Any suggestions in the physical and sexual response department?
> Thanks
Posted by Donia on April 26, 2003, at 22:54:15
In reply to Re: Lexapro and Pregnancy, posted by blkvettes on April 24, 2003, at 13:27:17
I would seriously consider whether any of the ADs should be taken while pregnant and breastfeeding. I dont think they know enough about what these meds can do to us, let alone a baby. I dont think I would do it.
Posted by Donia on April 26, 2003, at 22:57:02
In reply to RE: Advice, posted by pumpkin on April 22, 2003, at 12:03:52
I have noticed lexapro has really helped my panic attacks. More than it has my depression actually. I can even go to the dentist now!! lol
Posted by vandy on April 27, 2003, at 10:11:16
In reply to LEXAPRO NEWSFLASH, posted by dr. dave on April 25, 2003, at 5:29:49
> Authorities in the UK have ruled that the claim that Lexapro is more effective than Celexa in treating depression is not justified. This claim can no longer be made as there is not seen to be adequate data supporting it.
>"Authorities" = "They" (As in 'They say!') Do you have a link to a specific citation?
Posted by Luziluna on April 27, 2003, at 13:11:35
In reply to Lexapro and Celexa, posted by brandij on April 25, 2003, at 10:48:45
I am so glad to hear that others are having success with Lexapro, because I surely am, I am so happy to report!!!
I am on 5 mgs and have had such a good response that my doc told me I could stay on that dosage indefinitely, as long as it keeps working for me.
I haven't had any sexual side effects that I have noticed, was a little sleepy at first, but that has worn off as I have continued. The best part is, I feel like my world has, literally, opened up for me again. I told my doctor that I almost felt that my peripheral vision had improved, because I feel like I literally see more now! I think that I was so emotionally "tunnel visioned" that it was limiting my life!
The best part for me has been the effect on my sleeping. I sleep better and sounder than I have in years!! And I dream again!! Not bad dreams, not particularly vivid- though more vivid than before. But, I wake up and actually feel rested!! What a great thing- to get 8 hours of sleep and actually feel like it!!
Anyway, just wanted to report on my progress- I hope Lexapro can work for others the way it has for me..
Posted by pumpkin on April 27, 2003, at 19:59:54
In reply to Re: Lexapro and Pregnancy, posted by Donia on April 26, 2003, at 22:54:15
I think that when it comes to AD's and pregnancy
one should talk to their doctor.I HAD to be on AD's when I was pregnant with my
nine year old daughter. I also breastfed too.
Things worked out for me- thank the Lord! Sometimes there isen't a "choice". For me, there
wasen't. I think that extra precaution should be
taken, and that your doctor better know and be
VERY knowledgable about these type of meds too!
Posted by cjal on April 27, 2003, at 20:10:50
In reply to Re: Lexapro and Celexa, posted by Luziluna on April 27, 2003, at 13:11:35
It's interesting that you mention the dreams. I am finally seeing outstanding results on the 20 mgs dose (been two weeks straight of feeling like I have my life back). I have noticed that I am having much more vivid dreams more frequently, and remembering them in the morning. Has anyone else noticed changes in dream patterns?
> I am so glad to hear that others are having success with Lexapro, because I surely am, I am so happy to report!!!
>
> I am on 5 mgs and have had such a good response that my doc told me I could stay on that dosage indefinitely, as long as it keeps working for me.
>
> I haven't had any sexual side effects that I have noticed, was a little sleepy at first, but that has worn off as I have continued. The best part is, I feel like my world has, literally, opened up for me again. I told my doctor that I almost felt that my peripheral vision had improved, because I feel like I literally see more now! I think that I was so emotionally "tunnel visioned" that it was limiting my life!
>
> The best part for me has been the effect on my sleeping. I sleep better and sounder than I have in years!! And I dream again!! Not bad dreams, not particularly vivid- though more vivid than before. But, I wake up and actually feel rested!! What a great thing- to get 8 hours of sleep and actually feel like it!!
>
> Anyway, just wanted to report on my progress- I hope Lexapro can work for others the way it has for me..
Posted by Donia on April 27, 2003, at 20:20:05
In reply to Re: Lexapro and Celexa, posted by cjal on April 27, 2003, at 20:10:50
For the past month my dreams have been so vivid and crazy, I think I could sell them as movie scripts!! lol I have been on lexapro about 3 and a half months.
Posted by conniemert on April 27, 2003, at 23:38:49
In reply to Re: effexor » annlanka, posted by ayuda on March 26, 2003, at 19:01:47
I have been on 225mg of effexor for 4 years. I started hitting some lows so i went to the doctor. I have recently been prescribed 10 mg lexapro with the effexor. It has only been 7 days since i have started the lexapro and i am feeling GREAT!. I hope it lasts.
Effexor was my miracle drug 4 years ago when nothing else seemed to work or had to many side effects. I hope you do well on the effexor, i did.
I think that after so long, your body doesnt utilize the medication to its full potential or you become somewhat immune to it and you have to add something else to get the same results.
good luck
Posted by DC on April 28, 2003, at 11:42:29
In reply to Re: Wish I could » JaneB, posted by Ritch on June 11, 2002, at 23:04:41
Has anyone heard of Lexapro possibly having a side
effect that it basically disturbs a woman's "cycle"?
I have been on Lexapro for about 2-1/2 months and just
recently was upgraded to 20mg daily and I just
basically missed my "time of the month" LOL. I have
taken 7, yes seven, home tests and all have come
back negative. My doctor is on vacation and just
wanted to see if anyone else has had this happen?
Thanks
Posted by DC on April 28, 2003, at 12:00:38
In reply to Re: Wish I could » JaneB, posted by Ritch on June 11, 2002, at 23:04:41
I have also noticed since starting Lexapro I am bruising at the
drop of a hat. I won't feel a thing and just look down and notice
several bruises. They don't hurt, but they just look like I've
been beat up? Some of these bruises are sometimes rather dark
ones. Or just a simple tap or hit makes me bruise VERY easily.
For instance my dog jumped up on me, as he has done MANY times and
shortly after I had a huge mark from his paw. Anyone else have this
sort of side effect?
Posted by shiloh3210 on April 28, 2003, at 13:41:12
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro, posted by jaycee on January 10, 2003, at 6:09:33
My docotr has tried to put me on Sarafem(Prozac), Celexa, Wellbutrin and now Lexapro for PMS. I am sorry but the side effects are just not worth it. It seems now a day doctors will give you just about anything :-(
Posted by mkvelocity on April 28, 2003, at 14:08:23
In reply to Lexapro-Possibly side effect???, posted by DC on April 28, 2003, at 11:42:29
I had the same thing happen when I started Lexapro. My monthlies became about 50 to 60 days apart instead of 28. My doctor didn't seem concerned....Good luck
Posted by blkvettes on April 28, 2003, at 14:19:12
In reply to Lexapro and Bruising, posted by DC on April 28, 2003, at 12:00:38
> I have also noticed since starting Lexapro I am bruising at the
> drop of a hat. I won't feel a thing and just look down and notice
> several bruises. They don't hurt, but they just look like I've
> been beat up? Some of these bruises are sometimes rather dark
> ones. Or just a simple tap or hit makes me bruise VERY easily.
> For instance my dog jumped up on me, as he has done MANY times and
> shortly after I had a huge mark from his paw. Anyone else have this
> sort of side effect?Hi DC, I am in week 11 and have noticed the bruising also. More in the beginning than now, although I still get one sometimes. With the other side effect you talk about you might want to see a doc just to be safe. Also let us know what you find out if you do.
Posted by Gerbera daisy on April 28, 2003, at 14:37:51
In reply to looking for advice, posted by REGIS188 on March 19, 2003, at 14:00:48
Hello,
I'm on this site for the first time ever - very interesting. I've been on Lex for 11 days and I've felt physically fine. The dose is pretty small (5mg) so maybe that's why I haven't noticed any side effects...until this morning. This is a little embarrassing but I would like to share this to see what people think... Last night I had to take a laxative (for obvious reasons) and this morning I thought I was going to die! I woke up with the normal reaction to a laxative, however, the pain was so bad and I was sweating worse then ever! Plus I started to feel like I was going to faint at the same time I was throwing up. After all was said and done I was perfectly fine, got dressed and came to work. I'm wondering if anybody thinks that was a reaction to taking both Lex and a laxative at the same time??? I called 2 pharmacies and neither could answer my question. Has anyone else had this experience? I know it may be a little more information than you'd want to share but I would appreciate any input! Thank you!
Posted by brandij on April 28, 2003, at 17:14:22
In reply to Re: Lexapro and Bruising, posted by blkvettes on April 28, 2003, at 14:19:12
I too have noticed the bruising, i have always bruised easily but i put on a dress the other day and realized how badly my legs are beaten up. My doctor said a multivitamin may help.
Posted by blkvettes on April 28, 2003, at 17:26:11
In reply to Was good 'til now, posted by Gerbera daisy on April 28, 2003, at 14:37:51
> Hello,
> I'm on this site for the first time ever - very interesting. I've been on Lex for 11 days and I've felt physically fine. The dose is pretty small (5mg) so maybe that's why I haven't noticed any side effects...until this morning. This is a little embarrassing but I would like to share this to see what people think... Last night I had to take a laxative (for obvious reasons) and this morning I thought I was going to die! I woke up with the normal reaction to a laxative, however, the pain was so bad and I was sweating worse then ever! Plus I started to feel like I was going to faint at the same time I was throwing up. After all was said and done I was perfectly fine, got dressed and came to work. I'm wondering if anybody thinks that was a reaction to taking both Lex and a laxative at the same time??? I called 2 pharmacies and neither could answer my question. Has anyone else had this experience? I know it may be a little more information than you'd want to share but I would appreciate any input! Thank you!
Something similar happened to me when I first started lexapro. But the lex does make me more constipated. Try a mild laxative and just a small dose when you take it. Just figure out how much you need when you have to take it!!!!!!
Posted by blkvettes on April 28, 2003, at 17:28:51
In reply to Re: Lexapro and Bruising, posted by brandij on April 28, 2003, at 17:14:22
> I too have noticed the bruising, i have always bruised easily but i put on a dress the other day and realized how badly my legs are beaten up. My doctor said a multivitamin may help.
I also started a vitamin month ago or so and maybe this is why I dont see bruises like I used to. DONT KNOW!!!!!!!
Posted by Okpolosi on April 28, 2003, at 19:01:27
In reply to Lexapro-Possibly side effect???, posted by DC on April 28, 2003, at 11:42:29
I have been on Lex 3mos. and missed last month, but did start this month.
However, I also missed a couple before I started Lex, so I can't say for sure. I'm 47 and I thought I might be starting the change but my DR assured me it was the birth control and he changed that, along w/perscibing Lex.
Posted by Donia on April 28, 2003, at 20:07:29
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro, posted by shiloh3210 on April 28, 2003, at 13:41:12
These meds are only helpful if the benefits outweigh the side effects. If you can live with your pms, then these drugs may not be right for you. I for one could not function so the side effects are not that big of deal for me.
Posted by Donia on April 28, 2003, at 20:14:32
In reply to Was good 'til now, posted by Gerbera daisy on April 28, 2003, at 14:37:51
I had a similar experience with zoloft but not with the lex. I was on the toilet in the morning with no laxative usage and I got horrible stomache cramps and thought I was going to die. I got hot and sweaty and then felt as if I would pass out and then from my waist up got a hot tingling sensation. I had to get off the toilet with my pants still down and throw cold water on myself. I had to lean on the counter. Then I got my pants back up and barely got to the bed. My legs felt like jelly. I could barely lift them to walk. I fell on the bed. I think this sent me into a panic attack, but after about 10 minutes I was fine. My doc just looked at me kind of funny and didnt know what it was? Has anyone else had this reaction from an AD? I would be curious to know also. I thought I was having a heart attack, but have had an EKG since and was ok.
Posted by Donia on April 28, 2003, at 20:16:20
In reply to Re: Lexapro and Bruising, posted by blkvettes on April 28, 2003, at 17:28:51
Been on lex over three months, no bruising here
Posted by Dysfunk on April 29, 2003, at 9:50:32
In reply to Lexapro and Bruising, posted by DC on April 28, 2003, at 12:00:38
I have been getting more bruised than usual, but don't know if I can relate it to the medication. Also, I got a stress fracture in my leg out of the blue. Again, I can't pin it to the medicine, but it is coincidental.
Posted by Dysfunk on April 29, 2003, at 9:54:33
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro, posted by Donia on April 28, 2003, at 20:07:29
At first when I started taking Lexapro, I was constipated and couldn't sleep. Now, I sleep a lot- 10-12 hours on the weekend, and I am still constipated, but every 3 days I get terrible diarrhea. It has become a pattern for about 3 weeks now. Has anyone experienced this? Also, it seems that my body has adjusted to the medication. I used to sweat profusely from my pits when I first started. Now I don't really do that anymore.
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