![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 10 of 10. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by sally bluefish on July 8, 2004, at 6:43:56
I am considering starting lexapro and am very frightened. The side effects are all symptoms I already have. Medication in general scares me (actually, right now I'm overreacting to any/everything!). I took Paxil five years ago with success, following initial anxiety/shakyness,but gained 30 lbs. Don't want that to happen again. Would appreciate advice. Any suggestions for getting a grip?
Posted by DanielJ on July 8, 2004, at 7:23:59
In reply to lexapro, posted by sally bluefish on July 8, 2004, at 6:43:56
Please go back to July 6 date and read the post 'Tapering off Lexapro' by jenstar. This might be a good starting point. In my book, Zoloft is probably a better bet than Lexapro but that is strictly my opinion.
Regards DJ
Posted by MGOLDW on July 8, 2004, at 8:15:05
In reply to lexapro, posted by sally bluefish on July 8, 2004, at 6:43:56
Hi! We all react differently to medication. In most cases, the first 2-3 weeks on Lexapro can be rough. It is easy to cope with the side effects if you know what to expect. Check all the posts available here on Lexapro. This is a great site for information and support.
After 6-9 weeks you should feel very good.
Good luck.
Posted by Bill LL on July 8, 2004, at 8:22:04
In reply to lexapro, posted by sally bluefish on July 8, 2004, at 6:43:56
Paxil has more of a reputation for weight gain than Lexapro.
As for whether you should take an AD, I think it depends on how you cope with your problems. It's normal to feel stressed and upset with major problems, but it's also normal to be able to cope with problems.
If you feel that you just can't cope, then you might be better off with an AD.
Posted by Laree on July 8, 2004, at 9:07:20
In reply to Re: lexapro, posted by Bill LL on July 8, 2004, at 8:22:04
I've been on Lexapro a few times, and am currently on it now (for depression/anxiety). It's been the best Anti-depressant for me so far--I've been put on Zoloft, Celexa, Prozac, Effexor XR, and Wellbutrin in the past. I have never been on Paxil because I have a history of eating disorders & fear of weight gain etc. Lexapro works the most rapidly for me with (seemingly) very little side effects at all. I realize everyone is different but I wish you the best of luck if you decide to try it...and besides, you can always switch if it doesn't work out, right?! ;)
Posted by Wildman on July 8, 2004, at 9:42:02
In reply to Re: lexapro, posted by Laree on July 8, 2004, at 9:07:20
I've been on Lex (10mg/day) for about 6-7 months now and agree that the first few weeks were rough. My pdoc prescribed some Ativan, which helped with some issues that I faced those first few weeks.
I haven't experienced any weight gain at all while on Lex, in fact I lost a good 15 lbs right before I started on it and have been able to keep it off (I had those 15 lbs for the last 10 years or so, so they were stubborn!). I suppose this is partially due to the fact that I don't drink as much beer as I used to (alcohol is to be avoided while taking Lex, Ativan, and the Seroquel (25mg) that I take). Soooooo, less beer keeps some of the weight off and I don't think that I've been as depressed and using food like I used to has contributed to my recent weight stability.
Ask your pdoc about a benzo such as Klonopin or Xanax for the first few weeks to take PRN (I'm not a huge fan of Ativan).
Wildman
Posted by MGOLDW on July 8, 2004, at 9:57:03
In reply to Re: lexapro, posted by Wildman on July 8, 2004, at 9:42:02
I agree with wildman, I took XANAX in the first weeks on Lexapro to help with the increased anxiety, which in my case, was the toughest SD of all. It is amazing that once the med "kicks in", you don't need to take the Xanax anymore. Also, I experienced no weight gain. I have been on Lex 10mg/day for 4 months.
If you do start the Lexapro and feel lousy, post your symptoms and feelings here, we will give you the support you need to ride out those nasty SE's.
Good luck.
Posted by sparky on July 8, 2004, at 19:23:50
In reply to lexapro, posted by sally bluefish on July 8, 2004, at 6:43:56
Hey there,
I just started taking Lex two weeks ago. I tried Paxil a few years ago and it was like having Alzheimers.
My side effects have been very minor. SE are actually a tremendous improvement. I am a bit fatiqued, however I'm dealing with reality much better. I have an understanding that I'm powerless over others, even those close to me. I just need to start focusing my energies on myself now.
Also, I think a biggy for you. I lost 11lbs. It may have been because I was so freaked out by the SEs I had read about.
Good Luck! My suggestion would be to give it a try. Change it if the SEs are too much for you to deal with. They say it takes anywhere between 1 and 7 weeks to take full effect, and, that the SEs somewhat subside with many.
Posted by Pkate on July 9, 2004, at 2:29:39
In reply to Re: lexapro, posted by sparky on July 8, 2004, at 19:23:50
I am soo glad to hear someone else understands what I am going through. What a relief it is to read everyone's messages. I came across your messages tonight as I'm wondering what to do about the new Lexapro I'm trying 10mg/daily. I used to suffer from anxiety and panic attacks but am nervous about going med free after a successful 5 yrs. on Paxil (and 20 extra pounds!)So my doc (what does "pdoc" mean anyway??--I'm learning all of the new lingo here!)changed me over to Lexapro to keep the anxiety away and the weight off--so far (day 8) I feel soo weird. Lots of odd internal sensations, bright vivid WEIRD dreams, diahrea galore (can I say that here?) and a racing heart at night. Does this stuff sound normal? Does it go away? Will any other med's stop or at least help with these weird SE's or do I have to wait 6-9 weeks for them to pass???
Looking for input and support
Kate
Posted by sparky on July 9, 2004, at 16:33:25
In reply to Re: lexapro, posted by Pkate on July 9, 2004, at 2:29:39
I've been taking mine religiously everyday between 4 and 5 pm. It doesn't seem to affect my sleep, however I do wake up abruptly. (I may have always done that. Who knows?)
It's vitamins in the am with my coffee, an apple and some trail mix throughout the day, and my diner is less than ever. I almost have to force myself to eat.
I'm glad I found this place. It's a great place to learn about how others get through the day and the meds.
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.