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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 new psycho-babbler on October 12, 2003, at 2:55:31
Hello. In 1998-99 I experienced one of my worst bouts with depression and was prescribed Celexa. It may be because I was so severely depressed that I didn't notice, but I can't recall ever experiencing any ill side effects.
Recently, after not having taken any anti-depressants since 2000, it was determined I needed to be back on them. This time I was prescribed Lexapro ("the new Celexa"). I'm still in the first week, but so far have experienced mild dizziness, sleeplessness (I'm so grateful for the posts about Tylenol PM), and, more frustrating than either of the others, tensed muscles and muscle twitching, primarily around my neck and shoulders (muscle spasms or clenched muscles may be better terms, I don't know; and I have even found myself clenching my teeth). This tenseness is new and more pronounced than it would be if I was simply feeling stressed, and, I'm sure, the source of my recent headaches.
I was wondering if anyone else has noticed this as a side-effect of taking Lexapro. During my scrolls through old threads, I saw nothing that addressed it, so I apologize if this is rehashing.
I would greatly appreciate any information.
Thank you!
Katie
Posted by Mariposa on October 12, 2003, at 8:57:51
In reply to Possible side effect: muscle spasms?, posted by new psycho-babbler on October 12, 2003, at 2:55:31
> Hello. In 1998-99 I experienced one of my worst bouts with depression and was prescribed Celexa. It may be because I was so severely depressed that I didn't notice, but I can't recall ever experiencing any ill side effects.
>
> Recently, after not having taken any anti-depressants since 2000, it was determined I needed to be back on them. This time I was prescribed Lexapro ("the new Celexa"). I'm still in the first week, but so far have experienced mild dizziness, sleeplessness (I'm so grateful for the posts about Tylenol PM), and, more frustrating than either of the others, tensed muscles and muscle twitching, primarily around my neck and shoulders (muscle spasms or clenched muscles may be better terms, I don't know; and I have even found myself clenching my teeth). This tenseness is new and more pronounced than it would be if I was simply feeling stressed, and, I'm sure, the source of my recent headaches.
>
> I was wondering if anyone else has noticed this as a side-effect of taking Lexapro. During my scrolls through old threads, I saw nothing that addressed it, so I apologize if this is rehashing.
>
> I would greatly appreciate any information.
>
> Thank you!
> KatieWhat you describe (tense, clenching) are se's of Lex. Can be severe in the beginning, but like most se's, should diminish and eventually go away. The jaw clenching was the longest se in duration for me, still notice mild clenching occassionally, have been on Lex since Feb. Dizziness, lethargy, insomnia, were also se's I experienced. However, insomnia for me was much worse befor I started Lex, suffered w/it most of my adult life. Now that I am taking Lex, my insomnia has been essentially *cured*, I sleep soundly through the nite and seldom wake in the early hours...if I do wake I go right back to sleep, something I am deeply greatful for and I praise Lexapro for this *cure*
Best of luck and keep us posted on your progress.~~~8|8
Posted by new psycho-babbler on October 12, 2003, at 12:32:05
In reply to Re: Possible side effect: muscle spasms? » new psycho-babbler, posted by Mariposa on October 12, 2003, at 8:57:51
Thank you for your response, Mariposa.
I can deal with the dizziness and the sleeplessness--both are mild, but I'll be VERY glad when the muscle tenseness either diminishes or goes away altogether.
Congratulations on your sleep-filled nights and best of luck for continued success.
Katie
Posted by Cairo on October 12, 2003, at 13:50:47
In reply to Possible side effect: muscle spasms?, posted by new psycho-babbler on October 12, 2003, at 2:55:31
I've given Lexapro and Effexor a whirl to see if they would help with my Fibromyalgia. I, too, experienced insomnia and muscle spasms, especially teeth "chattering" when I awakened at night, as well as a severe flu-like feeling. While this might be a side effect, it sure looked to me like serotonin overload. As I was literally counting out grains of Effexor XR and increasing by only two grains every other day and started on only 1/8th of a Lex tablet, I don't think this is a side effect.
It might be that my tryptophan levels are low (the precursor to serotonin, so an SSRI would be squeezing a dry rock) or that I have atypical depression and don't need more serotonin.
See JR Becker's posts about atypical depression and HPA axis dysfunction. SSRIs may not be for you. Depression is a heterogenous disorder.
Cairo
This is the end of the thread.
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