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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Shannon00 on November 24, 2003, at 20:52:51
I have tried many antidepressants over the years. Celexa (then Lexapro, the newer version) is the only one that has ever worked for me. It has greatly reduced my anxiety, paranoia, shyness, depression, etc.
After three years, I am starting to feel that I'm getting diminishing returns from the medication. I'm once again feeling paranoid, tense, obsessive, and depressed. Thankfully, the shyness has not returned.
How common is the medication "poop out"? Is there anything that can be done to boost the effects of the 20mg. of Lexapro? What medications might have that effect? What about herbal remedies? Is there anything else you'd suggest I try? What about raising the dose? I am very frightened that the Lexapro may stop working completely and the depression I experienced for 20+ years will return full-force.
This situation is further complicated by the fact that I no longer have a therapist, am uninsured, and don't really have the money to pay for another therapist (although I can probably afford a med consult). Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
Posted by psychlover on November 24, 2003, at 23:34:08
In reply to Lexapro poop out???, posted by Shannon00 on November 24, 2003, at 20:52:51
I feel like my Lex 20 mg has pooped out after 7 or 8 months, with depression, anxiety, obsession returning. I have added Wellbutrin XL 150 a day for the last 2 weeks and it may have helped... too early to tell. I would also be interested to hear what others say about Lex poop-out.
-psychlover
Posted by Bill LL on November 25, 2003, at 9:30:56
In reply to Lexapro poop out???, posted by Shannon00 on November 24, 2003, at 20:52:51
The bad news is that poop out is common with all antidepressants. But the good news is that a simple dose increase is all that is needed.
I have been on 20 mg Lexapro since it came out over a year a go. I recently needed an increase so I went to 30 mg (20 in the am and 10 at night). It works great again!
Don't waste your time switching drugs or trying to augment them with other drugs or over the counter remedies until you first try a dose increase. (Of course tell your doctor that you want to raise the dose so that he can adjust your prescription).
Also, if you increase your dose from 20 to 30 mg, do it by cutting the 20's in half with a razor blade knife. That way is much cheaper than buying 10 mg pills since the 10 mg and 20 mg pills cost the same.
Posted by rxnurse on November 26, 2003, at 20:20:04
In reply to Re: Lexapro poop out???, posted by psychlover on November 24, 2003, at 23:34:08
I have been taking Lexapro since this summer and many other SSRI's before that. I occasionally take short courses of Ritalin to augment the SSRI's because they do "poop out" after long term use with me. My shrink assures me this is common and is directly contributed to long term drug therapy with the SSRI's. I am not having any anxiety or obsessive thoughts, just feeling lethargic and amotivational: this is where the Ritalin helps. This has ben very effective for me so far.
Posted by Devon00 on November 26, 2003, at 21:09:37
In reply to Re: Lexapro poop out???, posted by Bill LL on November 25, 2003, at 9:30:56
> Don't waste your time switching drugs or trying to augment them with other drugs or over the counter remedies until you first try a dose increase. (Of course tell your doctor that you want to raise the dose so that he can adjust your prescription).
Hmm, I might try this. I just hope I don't get any more lethargic. I've been feeling like crap the last few weeks. Worse, I think, than I've felt for at least two years. I feel worthless and lonely and bored at all times. I hope the dosage increase will help. Unfortunately this drug is SO expensive..
Posted by Devon00 on November 26, 2003, at 21:10:51
In reply to Re: Lexapro poop out???, posted by Bill LL on November 25, 2003, at 9:30:56
Although employed I will be uninsured for the next several months. Lexapro costs a FORTUNE (hundreds per month). I do not believe it's available in Canada yet, so buying from a Canadian pharmacy (usually much cheaper than US pharmacies) won't help. Does anyone have any other ideas for ways to get cheap or free Lexapro? Are there any programs that provide discounts on this drug? Does anyone have any samples they don't need? I have a script, I just can't afford to fill it.
You can email me at ace-editing@rcn.com. Thanks.
Posted by rxnurse on November 26, 2003, at 23:09:33
In reply to Uninsured person needs LEXAPRO , posted by Devon00 on November 26, 2003, at 21:10:51
Devon.
I am temporarily uninsured as well and take Lexapro. I get it for free through the drug manufacturer, through my psychiatrist. If you can, ask your doc about getting the paperwork about receiving the med at no cost. I believe there are a couple of other stipulations involved like your household income, but it is easy and you get a couple months' supply as long as your doctor signs the papers as the prescriber. Good luck!
This is the end of the thread.
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