![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 3053 to 3077 of 8406. Go back in thread:
Posted by Mariposa on May 26, 2003, at 16:55:07
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects - CSWIFE pls read, posted by Okpolosi on May 24, 2003, at 11:43:46
> > I have been reading posts here for a month or so and decided I should share my Lex experiences, too. What I have read has been so helpfull and thank you all for sharing.
> > I'm in week 5 on 5mg and I take it late morning, around 10:00AM, have never taken any meds before.
> > Week 1 - Nausea for a few hours after taking, mild diahrea, REALLY bad Headaches in the evening. Felt tired and foggy headed in the afternoon. Noticed some mild anxiety. No trouble sleeping. Towards end of week started feeling like I was getting the flu. Noticed my teeth hurt and realized I was clenching. Didn't want to eat at all, no appetite.
> > Week 2 - People at work have the flu, I called in sick all week, really felt terrible and don't know for sure if it was Lex or flu, had no fever, but had headaches, congestion, runny nose, chills, diahrea, slept A LOT, day and night. Eat like a pig but actually lost a pound or two, realy crave carbs ( Potatoe chips, Chex mix, etc. ). Occasional anxiety. Got an itchy rash all over my back and top of my arms. Head feels "big" and spacey. Have to tell self not to clench teeth.
> > Week 3 - "Flu" symptoms going away, feel very tired, no energy, short of breath if I do anything. Head still feels funny - spacey. Sweaty armpits on some days, blurry vision, a few mild night sweats, but in general no trouble sleeping. Still have mild diahrea. Had one day of bad lower back pain. Anxiety seems to occur less often. Gained back the pounds I lost.
> > Week 4 - Feel better physically, not mentally - still very angry and irritable, period is coming. A little trouble sleeping, want to blame husband for keeping me awake. Sweaty pits seem to have gone away, head doesn't feel funny any more, still have mild diahrea (not really a problem, just different than usual). Energy returning, able to do a lot more at work without feeling out of breath. Still clenching some but not as bad.
> > Week 5 - Actually haven't finished week 5, only half way through. Got a customer complaint at work because I was such a BITCH! Supposed to be having period but hasn't actually started yet. Snapped at husband for no reason. Blurry vision improved slightly. Still don't want to get out of bed in the morning. Am starting to wonder if I should take 7.5mg or even 10 as I don't feel "better", but then figure I should still give it another week or 2, not sure I have given Lex long enough to help.
> > I will update, and again want to thank everyone for your input, it helps to know you are not alone!!!
>
>Good luck THEO, keep us posted!
Posted by Mariposa on May 26, 2003, at 16:59:28
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects - CSWIFE pls read, posted by Okpolosi on May 24, 2003, at 11:49:43
> >
> > Today is the first day of Week 6, period should be ending today, but the anger has not gone away. Two days ago I was flaming mad at work ( the place drives me nuts!! ) and I decided to go up to 10mg of Lex, have been taking 5mg.
> > Felt slightly better yesterday, but diahrea increased, my back itches some, and jaw clenching. Other than that, have not noticed any of the other side effects that I experienced previously.
> > I am still optimistic that the Lex will help me, I think I feel better, not quite as angry as before, but still not totally "well" yet. Depression is still there lurking around, and don't feel "good".
>
> Thought I should include this one as well. You can see that even at my 6th week I was still having trouble. I'm glad to say I improved steadily from there and I'm doing much better.
>
> Again I hope this is of some help.I am now into 5th month on Lex and doing GREAT....like a new lease on life. Best of luck!
Posted by theo on May 26, 2003, at 22:29:44
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects - THEO pls read, posted by Mariposa on May 26, 2003, at 16:59:28
Thanks, I'll try and be patient. I'm only in 3rd week of 10mg Lexapro and being a typical controller, I want results "now"!!
Posted by Dr. Bob on May 26, 2003, at 23:17:04
In reply to Re: on me being more civil » Dr. Bob, posted by lil' jimi on May 25, 2003, at 14:02:52
Posted by DC on May 27, 2003, at 9:15:14
In reply to Re: DC AND LEXAPRO, posted by blkvettes on May 24, 2003, at 1:52:35
> HI DC, CANT SAY YOU DID NOT GIVE IT A FAIR SHOT. ARE YOU STARTING THE ZOLOFT WHILE YOUR WEANING OFF THE LEX. OR ARE YOU WEANING OFF THE LEX FIRST. JUST CURIOUS BECAUSE I READ MANY PLACES WHERE IF YOU GET TO MUCH SEROTONIN IT CAN CAUSE DEPRESSION. IF YOUR WEANING OFF THE LEX FIRST, LIKE I SAID YOU MIGHT GET LUCKY AS YOU GO DOWN IN DOSE. BUT IF YOUR STARTING ZOLOFT AT THE SAME TIME WE ALL WISH YOU LUCK. BUT THE ZOLOFT QUESTION. MY HALF BROTHER SAME FATHER AND DIFFERENT MOTHER IS TAKING ZOLOFT. I TRIED IT AND HAD AN ALLERGIC REACTION. MY FATHER, BROTHER AND I LOOK A LIKE. BUT COULD NOT SAY OUR BLOOD TYPE IS THE SAME. BUT YOU WOULD THINK THAT IF YOUR BROTHER AND YOU HAD SIMILAR DNA AND BLOOD TYPE IT COULD BE POSSIBLE. BUT THEN AGAIN A LOT OF TIMES WHEN SOMEONE NEEDS AN ORGAN TRANSPLANT MOST OF THE FAMILY IS RULED OUT. I JUST WISH YOU THE BEST AND HOPE THE ZOLOFT ENDS YOUR DEPRESSION. CHECK BACK IN AND GIVE US DETAILS ON HOW YOUR COMING ALONG. GOD BLESS!!!!
> WAYNE
>
>
>
Sorry for the delay in responding. Someone I know decided to erase me C drive on computer at home, so had to wait until back at work. I was taking 20mg of Lexapro and now the doctor has it as follows: Week 1-15mg Lex & 25mg Zorloft / Week 2-10mg Lex & 50mg Zorloft / Week 3-5mg Lex & 75mg Zorloft / Week 4-stop Lex completely and continue 75mg Zorloft till next appointment. I had given the Lex about 4 months and now going through the "did I do the right thing?" But, I do that with almost EVERYTHING, more now it seems. Born and raised in the same area for 33 years and just relocated thinking change from the "same old negative crowd" would help. But my son is 16 (yes, do the math LOL) and wasn't too happy about the move, so that is part of my worries. But the doctor pretty much has me on the Lex or Zorloft for my social anxiety and panic attacks when leaving the house. I am extremely hard on myself and pretty much can't really find one thing that I like about my self. So, when needed to go out I still feel the need for a few drinks beforehand (not during the day for work, just mostly for social activities) to get my "liquid courage." But really don't like this and afraid those will start to notice and think I am a lush LOL. I have pretty much spent my entire life not wanting to be social because too worried about what others will think of me. Which I know stems from my childhood years. Nothing was ever good enough and then learning mother did try to give me to my grandmother because her new b/f wanted a boy (my brother - 4 years apart) and NO girls. And then having my great-grandmother constantly repeating to me that nobody wants me, not even my own mother. I really don't have that many memories prior to maybe the age of 10 or so. The great-grandmother deal was told to me by my grandmother from walking into the room and hearing this. Most memories are what is told to me and even seem more dream like than real memories. The doctor wants me to see a psychologist and I have tried before, but just can't seem to make the call. I feel like an idiot talking to any one eye to eye about this (actually talking eye to eye in general LOL). Also, I guess by going to a psychologist I feel like needing a "shrink" makes me not normal. I have a tendency to mask a lot through humor and most of the time it is sarcastic humor. As soon as I get that "everything is great" feeling I all of a sudden tell myself that I shouldn't get too used to it cause someone or something is bound to come by and knock me off of that pedestal. I just can't seem to be that "happy, go lucky" kind of person and I want to be. Most might think I am due to the sarcastic humor. I don't know, guess I can just keep trying until I find something that works. Not to mention I have rambled for way too long LOL. Been told I should just try becoming an author cause' writing is so easy for me (can't you tell? LOL). I apologize in advance if I have bored anyone at all. Have a good one. DC
Posted by oregon on May 27, 2003, at 9:45:36
In reply to Re: Lexapro and Nausea, posted by apolicz on May 26, 2003, at 12:04:03
I am into my 2nd month taking Lexapro (20) mg. I split the times up because of problems with side effects. I seem to be allergic to flea and spider bites now ~ big welts. They used to never really bother me. Now I feel like a buffet table for the pests? Anyone hear of anything like that before? I guess I am into the nausea phase now, I try not to think about it until my mouth begins to salivate....Back to the fleas, spiders nothing else has changed same soaps, diet etc. This weekend no one else was suffering from bites, finally had to break down and buy a can of " Off".
Maybe I am just getting sweeter :) hahahahaahahah
Thanks Sharon
Posted by CAR51962 on May 27, 2003, at 10:20:52
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I HAVE NOT TAKEN LEX(MY MEDICATION)FOR ABOUT 6 DAYS NOW. I THINK I AM EXPERIENCING WITHDRAWELS. I DO NOT FEEL WELL AT ALL. MY HEAD IS VERY DIZZY. I FEEL LIKE I AM IN A TUNNEL. MY HEART HURTS ALSO. DO HAVE A CALL INTO MY DOCTOR. HAS ANYONE EVER GONE THROUGH THIS?
Posted by blkvettes on May 27, 2003, at 10:39:49
In reply to Re: DC AND LEXAPRO » blkvettes, posted by DC on May 27, 2003, at 9:15:14
Hi DC, I hope all goes well with the zoloft. You should see the shrink, you have nothing to lose!! Keep looking until you find one that makes you comfortable. Sorry about your childhood!!! Some of what you write strikes home with me. I also when going out would chug a drink or two if there were going to be a lot of people there. Or I would do this if meeting people I did not know. I also mask my insecurities and pain with sarcastic humor. I have written about this on other boards. Not sure what it means!!!!! Your post was not boring!!!! I could relate to it way to much!!! TAKE CARE!!!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by Cortney on May 27, 2003, at 10:40:39
In reply to Re: Lexapro and Nausea /Spider Bites ?, posted by oregon on May 27, 2003, at 9:45:36
> I am into my 2nd month taking Lexapro (20) mg. I split the times up because of problems with side effects. I seem to be allergic to flea and spider bites now ~ big welts. They used to never really bother me. Now I feel like a buffet table for the pests? Anyone hear of anything like that before? I guess I am into the nausea phase now, I try not to think about it until my mouth begins to salivate....Back to the fleas, spiders nothing else has changed same soaps, diet etc. This weekend no one else was suffering from bites, finally had to break down and buy a can of " Off".
> Maybe I am just getting sweeter :) hahahahaahahah
> Thanks SharonHoly Moley!
I never thought of that before!
I used to get little mosquito bites, then after I went on Paxil, Effexor, Lexapro, the welts suddenly got HUGE.
I have had some the size of dinner plates!
I thought I was just more attractive to the little buggers.
Posted by Cortney on May 27, 2003, at 10:41:43
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by CAR51962 on May 27, 2003, at 10:20:52
> I HAVE NOT TAKEN LEX(MY MEDICATION)FOR ABOUT 6 DAYS NOW. I THINK I AM EXPERIENCING WITHDRAWELS. I DO NOT FEEL WELL AT ALL. MY HEAD IS VERY DIZZY. I FEEL LIKE I AM IN A TUNNEL. MY HEART HURTS ALSO. DO HAVE A CALL INTO MY DOCTOR. HAS ANYONE EVER GONE THROUGH THIS?
CALL YOUR DOCTOR!!!!!!
Posted by DC on May 27, 2003, at 10:59:13
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by CAR51962 on May 27, 2003, at 10:20:52
> I HAVE NOT TAKEN LEX(MY MEDICATION)FOR ABOUT 6 DAYS NOW. I THINK I AM EXPERIENCING WITHDRAWELS. I DO NOT FEEL WELL AT ALL. MY HEAD IS VERY DIZZY. I FEEL LIKE I AM IN A TUNNEL. MY HEART HURTS ALSO. DO HAVE A CALL INTO MY DOCTOR. HAS ANYONE EVER GONE THROUGH THIS?
My doctor has me weaning off of the Lexapro and slowing adding the Zorloft. But, when I stopped taking my Paxil cold turkey, I don't even know where to start to tell you the side effects I had from doing that. The night sweats terribly, dizziness and the feeling of "electrical shocks" throughout my body. Not to mention the lack of concentration, having that "zoned out" feeling during the day and my short term memory practically disappearing. I think I have posted before about reading about several suing the Paxil manufacturers for claiming it isn't addictive and you should be able to just stop taking it. Well, I should never have just stopped all at once. I wouldn't be suprised if your body is going through some sort of withdrawal.
Posted by DC on May 27, 2003, at 11:26:24
In reply to Re: DC AND LEXAPRO, posted by blkvettes on May 27, 2003, at 10:39:49
> Hi DC, I hope all goes well with the zoloft. You should see the shrink, you have nothing to lose!! Keep looking until you find one that makes you comfortable. Sorry about your childhood!!! Some of what you write strikes home with me. I also when going out would chug a drink or two if there were going to be a lot of people there. Or I would do this if meeting people I did not know. I also mask my insecurities and pain with sarcastic humor. I have written about this on other boards. Not sure what it means!!!!! Your post was not boring!!!! I could relate to it way to much!!! TAKE CARE!!!!!!
> WAYNEWell, I am glad I didn't bore you too much LOL. I am starting to wonder if I almost don't want to find out everything about my childhood. Some things I remember and like I said the rest is more of a feeling that is was a dream. I hate when a family member brings up an occasion and I am just sitting there like "what are you talking about?" Sometimes I just agree and act as if I remember in order to cause less confusion with everyong. My grandmother also has a "feeling" that I might have been molested by my brother's father. Which I have no memories of that what so ever. I have a T-Shirt that I wore to a family get together once. It read: "People like you are the reason people like me need medication" and the funny part was that nobody was offended LOL. Or the sign I should put above the doorway: "Welcome to dysfunciton junction" LOL. All I know is that I am glad that it seems as if my son has skipped all of this. He is not socially shy AT ALL. I usually have a group of kids waiting for him to show so that they can be able to do anything. But, I am working towards making that call. If anything, maybe I will cut the habit of being drawn to negative people. Misery loves company I guess. I think that I have ruined my past few relationship before they have even really started. I always figure that it won't last so why not just get it over with now? One of these days. I have only really started to recognize a lot of this since the beginning of last year. I just want results NOW, instant gratification LOL. Have a good one. DC
Posted by blkvettes on May 27, 2003, at 12:12:27
In reply to Re: DC AND LEXAPRO » blkvettes, posted by DC on May 27, 2003, at 11:26:24
> > Hi DC, I hope all goes well with the zoloft. You should see the shrink, you have nothing to lose!! Keep looking until you find one that makes you comfortable. Sorry about your childhood!!! Some of what you write strikes home with me. I also when going out would chug a drink or two if there were going to be a lot of people there. Or I would do this if meeting people I did not know. I also mask my insecurities and pain with sarcastic humor. I have written about this on other boards. Not sure what it means!!!!! Your post was not boring!!!! I could relate to it way to much!!! TAKE CARE!!!!!!
> > WAYNE
>
> Well, I am glad I didn't bore you too much LOL. I am starting to wonder if I almost don't want to find out everything about my childhood. Some things I remember and like I said the rest is more of a feeling that is was a dream. I hate when a family member brings up an occasion and I am just sitting there like "what are you talking about?" Sometimes I just agree and act as if I remember in order to cause less confusion with everyong. My grandmother also has a "feeling" that I might have been molested by my brother's father. Which I have no memories of that what so ever. I have a T-Shirt that I wore to a family get together once. It read: "People like you are the reason people like me need medication" and the funny part was that nobody was offended LOL. Or the sign I should put above the doorway: "Welcome to dysfunciton junction" LOL. All I know is that I am glad that it seems as if my son has skipped all of this. He is not socially shy AT ALL. I usually have a group of kids waiting for him to show so that they can be able to do anything. But, I am working towards making that call. If anything, maybe I will cut the habit of being drawn to negative people. Misery loves company I guess. I think that I have ruined my past few relationship before they have even really started. I always figure that it won't last so why not just get it over with now? One of these days. I have only really started to recognize a lot of this since the beginning of last year. I just want results NOW, instant gratification LOL. Have a good one. DCHi, the reason the family did not get the T-shirt is that they just dont get it. Im going to have to get me a few of those shirts made. I love them already!!!!! If you see someone walking around with one you know its got to be me. GOOD LUCK DC!!
WAYNE
Posted by BWII on May 27, 2003, at 16:04:30
In reply to Switch from Lexapro to Effexor XR???, posted by theo on May 26, 2003, at 10:53:00
Well, with the horrible withdrawl of Effexor XR I am switching to Lexapro 10 mg. I hate to see you are moving in the opposite direction since I am somewhat fearful of lexapro anyway. I do know that the "brain shocks" are too intense to drive or work or even be around people starting 24-40 hours after my last dose of effexor and have lasted a week before I broke down and took it again. I tried to stop about 5 times, and it is awful. Rage and vertigo were symptoms as well, hence my isolation.
All of us are different though, maybe both of us will benefit from the trade-off...
Posted by pumpkin on May 27, 2003, at 16:50:34
In reply to Re: Switch from Lexapro to Effexor XR???, posted by BWII on May 27, 2003, at 16:04:30
Have been on Lexapro for a few months now, and
still having problems with intense headaches
and upset stomachs. Found that regular asprin
helps, but the pain is in my "sinuses", and neck
area(s). Didn't have them until I started Lex.
My doctor keeps saying that it's allergies, but
I totally disagree. I guess I'm getting tired
of having to lay down all the time now!Went off Klonopin last Saturday. Have been having
some problems- but tolorable for now. My doctor
knows about this. Depression is still around,
but I feel more alive since going off Depakote
(awhile ago). However, it's not easy by far.Happy for you guys that are feeling better on the
Lex. Hope I get there someday, although it might
be on another AD.
Posted by theo on May 28, 2003, at 8:50:29
In reply to Re: Switch from Lexapro to Effexor XR???, posted by BWII on May 27, 2003, at 16:04:30
I'm 22 days with Lexapro and continuing it to give it a chance, trying to be patient. I may try and add an SNRI such as Strattera, instead of trying Effexor which is only one claiming to effect both serotonin and norepinephrine.
Posted by Napaba on May 28, 2003, at 10:04:42
In reply to Re: Switch from Lexapro to Effexor XR??? » BWII, posted by theo on May 28, 2003, at 8:50:29
> Stay away from Effexor. It's a bad one. My Dr. switched me to Lexapro yesterday. Can anyone give me a scoop on what to expect?
The side effects I experience on Effexor include, but are not limited to:
Blurred vision
vivid nightmares
2-4 sweet outbreaks a day
easy bruising
vaginitis
severe joint pain (hip and neck)
acne
change in menstral cycle
SEVERE constipation
I'm 22 days with Lexapro and continuing it to give it a chance, trying to be patient. I may try and add an SNRI such as Strattera, instead of trying Effexor which is only one claiming to effect both serotonin and norepinephrine.
Posted by tm on May 28, 2003, at 10:10:05
In reply to Re: Switch from Lexapro to Effexor XR???, posted by blkvettes on May 26, 2003, at 12:16:28
> > I've been taking Lexapro for a few weeks and going to give it more time. Effexor XR claims to help with motivation, and the 10mg Lexapro seems to make me feel spacey and lack of motivation. Any input???
>
>
> Hi there, the side effects you describe are very normal. I felt that way for quite awhile.At a few weeks this is not near enough time for the med to work unless you get real lucky. You have to give it a good 8 weeks at least. Dont mess with going up or down with the dose. Just be patient and give it time. I hope it works for you. No med is going to work in a few weeks and they will all have side effects for weeks. TAKE CARE!!!!
> WAYNE
>
>
I'm new to all of this, I started suffering the first of March and I'm 44 yrs. old. I had no problems before that. and was on Paxil at first and did not like the side efffect. I have been on Lex for about four weeks(15mg). I still fight nausea, anxiety, and some depression. I take Xanax four times a day and the mornings are the pits. I have not lost motivation I just have a hard time getting started in the morning because of the anxiety. So Wayne it sounds like the Lex. is working for you and do you take anything else?
Thanks Tim
Posted by blkvettes on May 28, 2003, at 10:56:21
In reply to Re: Switch from Lexapro to Effexor XR???, posted by tm on May 28, 2003, at 10:10:05
> > > I've been taking Lexapro for a few weeks and going to give it more time. Effexor XR claims to help with motivation, and the 10mg Lexapro seems to make me feel spacey and lack of motivation. Any input???
> >
> >
> > Hi there, the side effects you describe are very normal. I felt that way for quite awhile.At a few weeks this is not near enough time for the med to work unless you get real lucky. You have to give it a good 8 weeks at least. Dont mess with going up or down with the dose. Just be patient and give it time. I hope it works for you. No med is going to work in a few weeks and they will all have side effects for weeks. TAKE CARE!!!!
> > WAYNE
> >
> >
> I'm new to all of this, I started suffering the first of March and I'm 44 yrs. old. I had no problems before that. and was on Paxil at first and did not like the side efffect. I have been on Lex for about four weeks(15mg). I still fight nausea, anxiety, and some depression. I take Xanax four times a day and the mornings are the pits. I have not lost motivation I just have a hard time getting started in the morning because of the anxiety. So Wayne it sounds like the Lex. is working for you and do you take anything else?
> Thanks Tim
>
>Hi Tim, just curious who bumped you up to 15mg at this stage? Were you diagnosed with depression and anxiety? Did you have panic attacks also? Well I will try to answer the best I can and remember everyone is different. My depression went away in the 5 to 6 week time frame. The anxiety took longer for me because of panic attacks. In fact if I do something I have not done in awhile I get anxiety. Im going to the mall today, so I will get anxiety when I get there. Then that fear will be gone. I do take xanax, I just take less than .5mg per day. I used to take more when things were much worse. I did not get this crap until I was almost 46 in the last year. The good thing is we did not have to suffer at an early age. I hope that makes you feel better!!! Any more questions, I will try to help!!!! TAKE CARE!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by Mariposa on May 28, 2003, at 11:12:51
In reply to Re: Switch from Lexapro to Effexor XR??? » theo, posted by Napaba on May 28, 2003, at 10:04:42
> > Stay away from Effexor. It's a bad one. My Dr. switched me to Lexapro yesterday. Can anyone give me a scoop on what to expect?
>
> The side effects I experience on Effexor include, but are not limited to:
>
> Blurred vision
> vivid nightmares
> 2-4 sweet outbreaks a day
> easy bruising
> vaginitis
> severe joint pain (hip and neck)
> acne
> change in menstral cycle
> SEVERE constipation
>
>
> I'm 22 days with Lexapro and continuing it to give it a chance, trying to be patient. I may try and add an SNRI such as Strattera, instead of trying Effexor which is only one claiming to effect both serotonin and norepinephrine.
>
>I experienced many of these same SE's w/Lex. But I am glad to say it was worth it to suffer through them to get to where I am now. It's like a new lease on life, I feel like "MY OLD SELF" again....depression and anxiety pretty much alleviated and I can get up in the morning and get things DONE!!
PLEASE don't get discouraged, give the Lex time to work (for me it took about 9 weeks), and you may be the next "Butterfly"!!!
PS - if curious about "butterfly" story, go to old post and read how Okpolosi "TRANSFORMED"
Posted by Napaba on May 28, 2003, at 11:48:09
In reply to Re: Switch from Lexapro to Effexor XR???, posted by Mariposa on May 28, 2003, at 11:12:51
Did your side effects go away? Or are you still experiencing them? For me I don't feel the side effects I experience on Effexor are worth the benefits. I'm not depressed on Effexor, but I feel and look auful. I take meds to sleep at night and something for the joint pain during the day (between 6-10 mortrin, advil, or Alieve).
I will check out the "transformed" post
> > > Stay away from Effexor. It's a bad one. My Dr. switched me to Lexapro yesterday. Can anyone give me a scoop on what to expect?
> >
> > The side effects I experience on Effexor include, but are not limited to:
> >
> > Blurred vision
> > vivid nightmares
> > 2-4 sweet outbreaks a day
> > easy bruising
> > vaginitis
> > severe joint pain (hip and neck)
> > acne
> > change in menstral cycle
> > SEVERE constipation
> >
> >
> > I'm 22 days with Lexapro and continuing it to give it a chance, trying to be patient. I may try and add an SNRI such as Strattera, instead of trying Effexor which is only one claiming to effect both serotonin and norepinephrine.
> >
> >
>
> I experienced many of these same SE's w/Lex. But I am glad to say it was worth it to suffer through them to get to where I am now. It's like a new lease on life, I feel like "MY OLD SELF" again....depression and anxiety pretty much alleviated and I can get up in the morning and get things DONE!!
>
> PLEASE don't get discouraged, give the Lex time to work (for me it took about 9 weeks), and you may be the next "Butterfly"!!!
>
>
> PS - if curious about "butterfly" story, go to old post and read how Okpolosi "TRANSFORMED"
Posted by tm on May 28, 2003, at 13:10:15
In reply to Re: Switch from Lexapro to Effexor XR???, posted by blkvettes on May 28, 2003, at 10:56:21
> > > > I've been taking Lexapro for a few weeks and going to give it more time. Effexor XR claims to help with motivation, and the 10mg Lexapro seems to make me feel spacey and lack of motivation. Any input???
> > >
> > >
> > > Hi there, the side effects you describe are very normal. I felt that way for quite awhile.At a few weeks this is not near enough time for the med to work unless you get real lucky. You have to give it a good 8 weeks at least. Dont mess with going up or down with the dose. Just be patient and give it time. I hope it works for you. No med is going to work in a few weeks and they will all have side effects for weeks. TAKE CARE!!!!
> > > WAYNE
> > >
> > >
> > I'm new to all of this, I started suffering the first of March and I'm 44 yrs. old. I had no problems before that. and was on Paxil at first and did not like the side efffect. I have been on Lex for about four weeks(15mg). I still fight nausea, anxiety, and some depression. I take Xanax four times a day and the mornings are the pits. I have not lost motivation I just have a hard time getting started in the morning because of the anxiety. So Wayne it sounds like the Lex. is working for you and do you take anything else?
> > Thanks Tim
> >
> >
>
> Hi Tim, just curious who bumped you up to 15mg at this stage? Were you diagnosed with depression and anxiety? Did you have panic attacks also? Well I will try to answer the best I can and remember everyone is different. My depression went away in the 5 to 6 week time frame. The anxiety took longer for me because of panic attacks. In fact if I do something I have not done in awhile I get anxiety. Im going to the mall today, so I will get anxiety when I get there. Then that fear will be gone. I do take xanax, I just take less than .5mg per day. I used to take more when things were much worse. I did not get this crap until I was almost 46 in the last year. The good thing is we did not have to suffer at an early age. I hope that makes you feel better!!! Any more questions, I will try to help!!!! TAKE CARE!!!!
> WAYNE
>Wayne,
My doc raised my level. My Doc. has the same problems that I do so that gives me some comfort. I went to the hospital with chest pains that I have been having for 13 yrs., but never went to the emergency room for. I went to my own Doctor years ago and I found out that taking 1000 mg of Ibuprophen would make it go away, but this time it would not. So I went to the emergency room on a Saturday and they did all the tests and I was in good shape. On Tuesday I came home from work just scared that I was going to die and leave my wife and four kids behind. I was then on a downward slide. I am no longer scared of death. I have been in Ga. for a year now and had lived in Chas. SC since 65. I now get into trouble when I go back to Chas., don't know why. I have a close knit family. My dad also suffers and has been for 42 yrs. My doc. says it sounds like I have Anxiety and depression. I have good weeks, but when I go home I come back and suffer for 10 days or so. I get depressed because I feel bad for so long. I am going to Jacksonville next week and it will be a tough morning, but I am hoping I will get over it once I get on the road. My wife and I have been making this same trip for ten years.Thanks Tim
>
Posted by Mariposa on May 28, 2003, at 19:23:06
In reply to Re: Switch from Lexapro to Effexor XR??? » Mariposa, posted by Napaba on May 28, 2003, at 11:48:09
> Did your side effects go away? Or are you still experiencing them? For me I don't feel the side effects I experience on Effexor are worth the benefits. I'm not depressed on Effexor, but I feel and look auful. I take meds to sleep at night and something for the joint pain during the day (between 6-10 mortrin, advil, or Alieve).
>
Yes, SE's have all gone away, except mild occassional jaw clenching.Much of the worst of the SE's were gone by 6th week for me, but still didn't feel "BETTER" until 9th week. Had a pretty rough time w/anxiety-depression 4th-5th weeks, that's when DR upped dosage from 5mg to 10mg.
Posted by Ally on May 28, 2003, at 20:45:19
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I'm fairly new to lexapro- have been taking it for about 3 weeks now....My doc started me on 10 mg, went for follow- up appt & was bumped up to 20 mg...have felt nothing, no side-effects, maybe a little more insomnia than usual...am wondering if this is right for me...
Posted by Mariposa on May 28, 2003, at 20:59:22
In reply to New to lexapro, posted by Ally on May 28, 2003, at 20:45:19
> I'm fairly new to lexapro- have been taking it for about 3 weeks now....My doc started me on 10 mg, went for follow- up appt & was bumped up to 20 mg...have felt nothing, no side-effects, maybe a little more insomnia than usual...am wondering if this is right for me...
I had a terrible time w/SE's, but now I'm doing really GREAT on Lex
Are you taking other meds also?
Lex is the only med I have ever taken, so I don't know if I would have bad SE's with other meds. Maybe you are one of those who will have an easier time of it?
I think 3 weeks is a little early to tell if it will work for you. Most of the literature, studies, DRs, say it takes 6 - 8 weeks. For me it was 9 weeks.
Hope this helps and good luck!!
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