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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Esmarelda on November 25, 2003, at 15:24:14
In reply to Has anyone stopped taking Celexa/Lexapro? SE?, posted by orlando on November 25, 2003, at 13:56:44
I do not have any personal experience but have seen others post that there are definitely side effects with withdrawal from AD, particularly Lex with dizziness. I would taper very slowly. Go down to 5 every day, then 2.5 every day and then maybe even every other day until you taper down to 0. Good luck!
Posted by orlando on November 25, 2003, at 15:45:51
In reply to Re: Has anyone stopped taking Celexa/Lexapro? SE? » orlando, posted by Esmarelda on November 25, 2003, at 15:24:14
Esmarelda, thanks for your note. I think I am going to take your exact advise. I just gave in and took 10mg (5 minutes ago)....will taper off more gradually - as you suggested. You know, I should have known to do that in the first place - I was just anxious to see how I felt without an AD (for a change). And for the first few days at 0 dose, I felt fine. And then whammo....so thanks again. This is a very good board with lots of knowledgeable folks willing to share experiences and help others. I'll continue to check in and hopefully I'll be able to help someone along the way.
Posted by Esmarelda on November 25, 2003, at 15:56:11
In reply to Re: Has anyone stopped taking Celexa/Lexapro? SE? » Esmarelda, posted by orlando on November 25, 2003, at 15:45:51
Your welcome.
Posted by Mariposa on November 25, 2003, at 16:08:14
In reply to Re: Seems to be losing it's effect, posted by COOP on November 25, 2003, at 13:46:06
> After 5 weeks I think my meds kicked in. Had two very good days and than today not so good.
> Does it take more time on the meds for them to stay working longer? I started with 10mg for 3 weeks and now on 15mg
> JoelIt's possible, literature says 6-8 weeks. I started @5mg and around wk 4-5 I felt like I was getting worse not better. Doc upped to 10mg and it helped. May consider giving it a little longer or discuss higher dose w/doc.
Best of lucl!~~~8|8
Posted by Scribbler on November 25, 2003, at 16:37:26
In reply to how's everyone doing??, posted by sapphira on November 22, 2003, at 18:53:29
Greetings --I'm starting week #7 and doing great. Yesterday my husband said, "You're getting skinny!" Well, I'm not, really, but I've kept off the few pounds I lost those first weeks when I had no appetite, and that feels wonderful. Tomorrow we're flying to AZ for a week and w/o Lex I'd have been a nervous wreck, guaranteed. I like this "new" me -- I don't cry so easily, don't carry around a bag of anxious woes, don't find myself feeling like such a failure because I wasn't as strong as I wanted to be. Thanks again to all of you who took time to encourage me and get me to this point. I recall the first night I checked in -- nauseated and scared -- and you were there with assurance and hugs. You will be in my private thoughts of gratitude on Thanksgiving Day.
Posted by Esmarelda on November 25, 2003, at 16:39:53
In reply to Re: how's everyone doing??, posted by Scribbler on November 25, 2003, at 16:37:26
So glad to hear you are doing well. It is well worth the wait through the SE's. Have fun in AZ! Happy Thanksgiving! Here's to Lexapro!
Posted by Journeyman on November 25, 2003, at 21:05:46
In reply to Journeyman, posted by Gator on November 25, 2003, at 8:12:46
Wishing all of you a happy, healthy Thanksgiving (and life).
I'm not sure whether I'll be able to get on for a few days - going to upstate NY. Will check in when I get back.
Thanks for your message Lynne.
Richard
Posted by LynneLaf on November 25, 2003, at 21:24:36
In reply to Re: how's everyone doing?? » Scribbler, posted by Esmarelda on November 25, 2003, at 16:39:53
Hi Everyone,
I've been reading all the postings on starting Lex. I started 2 days ago and reading all your words or encouragement is helpful. My husband is on a different anti-depressent since early September, and he is much better. He has a long road to go but he is on the right tract. I did not realize I had issues too since he was so bad putting a cloud on our marriage. But looking back, I realized I have been depressed for about 4 years and I needed some help if were going to give our daughters a healthy childhood and a happy marriage. I hope this helps, I look foward to being "normal" and my self again. I really miss that person.
Posted by C.Burton on November 25, 2003, at 21:26:08
In reply to Re: Lexapro Loss of Appetite » RRCarlo, posted by Journeyman on November 23, 2003, at 21:24:40
Does anyone have anything positive to say about Lexapro? My husband just started it for depression related symptoms and I became concerned after finding out it is a derivative of Celexa. He took Celexa a few years back for several months and it helped the symptoms but caused him to gain weight and be overly tired.
Would really like feedback!
Posted by Mike228 on November 25, 2003, at 21:37:52
In reply to re: Lexapro sexual side effects, posted by guyndenver on August 2, 2003, at 12:47:19
Got off Elavil and started taking Lexapro. Total loss of libido and difficulty reaching orgasm. I am very frustrated with this serious side effect and I am thinking about stopping this medication. I had NO Sexual Side Effects with the Elavil even though I was taking 187.50mg per day? What is wrong with these doctors? sexual arousal or performance is not part of the criteria when inventing new high tech medications. Anyone have any suggestions please?
Posted by Oldhand on November 25, 2003, at 22:12:22
In reply to Happy Thanksgiving to All, posted by Journeyman on November 25, 2003, at 21:05:46
> Wishing all of you a happy, healthy Thanksgiving (and life).
>
> I'm not sure whether I'll be able to get on for a few days - going to upstate NY. Will check in when I get back.
>
> Thanks for your message Lynne.
>
> RichardJust wanted to add my best Thanksgiving wishes to everyone out there in LexaproLand. I also will be giving thanks for the medication and the support found here.
Shelley
Posted by BLKVETTES on November 26, 2003, at 4:57:52
In reply to Re: Seems to be losing it's effect, posted by COOP on November 25, 2003, at 13:46:06
> After 5 weeks I think my meds kicked in. Had two very good days and than today not so good.
> Does it take more time on the meds for them to stay working longer? I started with 10mg for 3 weeks and now on 15mg
> Joel
Thats not uncommon, there are going to be some up and down days. After awhile things will be more consistent. Your still going to have bad days. EVERYONE DOES that breathes air. When I have a bad day now I can figure out the reasons why. Its usually normal stresses that everyone has.
WAYNE
Posted by BLKVETTES on November 26, 2003, at 5:04:17
In reply to Has anyone stopped taking Celexa/Lexapro? SE?, posted by orlando on November 25, 2003, at 13:56:44
> I have just located this board and actually wish I had found it earlier (10 years earlier). I have been on Lexapro (20mg) and am trying to discontinue it. I cut back to 10mg for 2 weeks and then 0. This is my 7th day without the medication and I am very dizzy. My doctor does not seem to think the discontinuance of the Lexapro has anything to do with my being dizzy. But this same thing happened when I quit taking Celexa. Does anyone know if this is a "normal" side effect that goes away with time? I have been on antidepressants since the early 90's and want to see what life is like without medication -- (I hate the sexual side effects). BUT I feel so bad today, the medicine cabinet keeps calling me. Any help would be most appreciated. I also saw an earlier message about 5HTP but cannot find it again. Has anyone had luck with that? Thanks!
>Hi your doctor is a dumb turkey. A little thanksgiving humor hehe. Sounds like you came off the meds just a little quick. Should have tapered off more slowly. What you describe is very normal and could last quite awhile. It varies person to person.
Posted by jane47 on November 26, 2003, at 6:09:03
In reply to Re: how's everyone doing??, posted by Scribbler on November 25, 2003, at 16:37:26
I just want to wish everyone a happy and peaceful Thanksgiving. Thanks to all of you for your input, concern and valuable information. I rely on your information so greatly. Have a wonderful holiday.Peace to all
....Jane
Posted by Wildflower on November 26, 2003, at 8:02:07
In reply to Has anyone stopped taking Celexa/Lexapro? SE?, posted by orlando on November 25, 2003, at 13:56:44
I've been trying to wean myself from Lexapro (20mg) and found that I'm extremly dizzy and lightheaded. I found that by taking 5mg, the symptoms lighten up a bit.
Posted by LynneDa on November 26, 2003, at 8:55:25
In reply to Re: how's everyone doing??, posted by Scribbler on November 25, 2003, at 16:37:26
Scribbler, so good to hear how you're doing and that you're looking forward to your trip. Your description of what you're NOT feeling is so apt. I'm a week behind you and that describes me to a T as well. Although I'm not 100% free of those things yet, I'm getting closer. Have a very happy and peaceful Thanksgiving!
Posted by LynneDa on November 26, 2003, at 9:00:39
In reply to Re: how's everyone doing??, posted by LynneLaf on November 25, 2003, at 21:24:36
Hi LynneLaf - another Lynne with an E! I can completely relate. My ex-husband was depressed for many years and until we divorced (not that I'm implying or recommending that!), I too did not realize how depressed I had been. It's taken me 6 years since that time to actually do something about it - and I do miss that old me! I've been on Lex for 6 weeks now and I am starting to see signs of her again. It is wonderful to realize you don't have to go through life feeling that way!
Good luck to you, hang in there thru any s/e's you're having, it's well worth it. Have a peaceful Thanksgiving!
~ Lynne D.
Posted by ginger C on November 26, 2003, at 9:52:02
In reply to Lexapro, posted by C.Burton on November 25, 2003, at 21:26:08
I have been on Lexapro for over a year and have had very good results from it as far as the antidepressant side of it goes. It has caused me to gain some weight but I feel it a small sacrafice for feeling good.
Posted by Bill435 on November 26, 2003, at 12:28:36
In reply to re: Lexapro sexual side effects, posted by Mike228 on November 25, 2003, at 21:37:52
Hello Mike and all –
I have switched from Celexa 20 mg to Lexapro 10 mg as a trial suggested by my MD. Trying to decide if changing is a good idea. Sex side effects will be a definite factor – can’t say one way or another so far. Mike, I had the problem of no climax with Celexa. One solution, although not that great, that worked for me: I skipped a dose or two when I thought sex might happen soon – and that solved the problem.
Although I have been on Lexapro only a week, have not noticed any change except maybe increased agitation and nerviousness. Anyone else noticed noticed this, or am I drinking too much coffee?Bill
Posted by Jane47 on November 26, 2003, at 12:34:22
In reply to re: Lexapro sexual side effects, posted by Bill435 on November 26, 2003, at 12:28:36
Bill, I have been on Lexapro for 6 weeks now.I am still hyper from it but it is much better now. Sexual side effects have passed-thank goodnesss. Hang in there it does get better. Anxiety comes and goes, mostly gone. Have a happy holiday.
jane
Posted by Mike228 on November 26, 2003, at 15:40:56
In reply to Why not Wellbutrin?, posted by Bali on November 6, 2003, at 12:22:26
Wellbutrin has had no sexual side effects for me. I've been taking it for 10 years! Recently started Lexapro in conjunction with Wellbutrin and I hate it. Headaches,severe nausea,insomnia, and the worst side effect is total loss of Libido. Wellbutrin may give you headaches and may cause sweating but nothing severe, and you can enjoy a normal sex life.
Posted by theo on November 26, 2003, at 17:47:58
In reply to Re: Why not Wellbutrin?, posted by Mike228 on November 26, 2003, at 15:40:56
Ten years wow! I just moved up to 300mg of the XL from 150mg. What dose and which version are you taking? I really don't feel much of an improvement after increasing the dose but it's only been 4 days. I'm sure after 10 years you've tried different dosing.
Posted by Mike228 on November 26, 2003, at 22:27:02
In reply to Re: Why not Wellbutrin? » Mike228, posted by theo on November 26, 2003, at 17:47:58
I take the original 75mg Tablets 2tablets 3x/day for a total of 45omg. 4 days is not enough obviously, every medication requires 3 weeks minimum to acheive the desired effect. I tried the SR version which came out before the XL and it didn't work at all for me! The only bad side effect I can complain about is headaches with Wellbutrin. Back to the Lexapro I tried for 3 weeks I suffered serious nausea, insomnia,more headaches, and total loss of sexual desire. Just say No to Lexapro for me!
Posted by Mike228 on November 26, 2003, at 22:39:12
In reply to re: Lexapro sexual side effects, posted by Bill435 on November 26, 2003, at 12:28:36
Thanks for your reply Bill! That is exactly what I am doing, taking a medication "holiday" with the Lexapro as sex is on the horizon. I got to tell you that it is a pleasure not having the nausea and dizziness all day, let alone the migraine headaches. I must admit that I am disappointed with Lexapro! Why is it so difficult to boost Serotonin Levels without screwing up the rest of your mind and body?
I will say that EVERY person reacts differently to EACH medication so those doing well on Lexapro good for you!
Posted by sapphira on November 27, 2003, at 11:27:32
In reply to re: Lexapro sexual side effects, posted by Mike228 on November 26, 2003, at 22:39:12
i am so thankful for all of you who have helped me and supported me through this time of getting started with lexapro. if it weren't for you, i would have quit the first day!! i'm feeling better and i'm hoping to feel better more each day as time goes on and the lex has a chance to fully 'kick in'.
i missed the post about you, SFmom and your engagement. best wishes for a lifetime of happiness.
my best to ALL of you.
hugs,
sapphira
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