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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 17 of 17. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Felicity on June 2, 2003, at 14:55:43
I have been on Lexapro for less than one week, but I've noticed that I start getting shaking and anxious when it's been close to 24 hours since I've taken my last pill. Is this normal?
Also, when is the best time to take it???
I've noticed a dramatic decrease in appetite. Anyone else??
Posted by Boba Fat on June 2, 2003, at 15:09:26
In reply to Is Lexapro addictive?, posted by Felicity on June 2, 2003, at 14:55:43
Technically no, I don't think it is but this is a topic that is being hotly debated in England at the moment particulary involving the drug paxil. Some people do get withdrawal symptoms from short acting SSRI's and some get them quite severely. I think what you are experiencing though is a common agitation reaction to SSRI's that disappear after a fortnight or so. I had the exact same problem on Cipralex (Lexapro) it was tough going but it gradually went away in the end.
If it is a major problem see if your doctor will prescribe you some valium for a week or two.
Take lepraxo on a morning because it has a stimulating effect (this would also explain the decrease in appetite).
Posted by Felicity on June 2, 2003, at 15:13:19
In reply to Re: Is Lexapro addictive?, posted by Boba Fat on June 2, 2003, at 15:09:26
Thanks for the info. I was worried about taking the Lexapro in the morning, because I thought it might make me drowsy, but I'll try it and see what happens.
Posted by Caleb462 on June 2, 2003, at 15:19:36
In reply to Is Lexapro addictive?, posted by Felicity on June 2, 2003, at 14:55:43
> I have been on Lexapro for less than one week, but I've noticed that I start getting shaking and anxious when it's been close to 24 hours since I've taken my last pill. Is this normal?
>
> Also, when is the best time to take it???
>
> I've noticed a dramatic decrease in appetite. Anyone else??Lexapro is not "addictive", no. However, it does cause physical dependance, and stopping the medication suddenly can cause withdrawl.
Posted by Valentine on June 2, 2003, at 15:47:32
In reply to Is Lexapro addictive?, posted by Felicity on June 2, 2003, at 14:55:43
Hi,
I'm considering starting an AD again. Last year about this time I weaned myself off Paxil which I had taken for about 3 years. The withdrawal was not fun but I did manage it. I have felt the depression returning for about 3 months... lots of crying, low self-esteem, wanting to isolate. I've also started to experience anxiety again as silly as this sounds about using the elevator at work. A couple of times I called a friend to let them know I was about to get on the elevator and if they didn't hear from me they should get help. I can't even believe this as I type it, I sound so silly.So, here I go again. I've been reading the posts about Celexa and Lexapro and have felt alternately hopeful and scared after reading everyone's experiences with these two drugs.
My question: I did relatively well on Paxil minus the ongoing sexual side effects and with minor side effects when I first started taking it. Is this any indication how I might respond to Celexa or Lexapro? Or is there another AD that would be better?
Thanks in advance any info you can share!
Posted by Felicity on June 2, 2003, at 15:51:13
In reply to Considering Lexapro - Looking for Advice » Felicity, posted by Valentine on June 2, 2003, at 15:47:32
Valentine,
I don't know if I can offer much advice. Lexapro is my first experience with an AD. The only that I do know is that you can never be sure how your body will react to the AD until you start taking it.
Other than that, if you need anyone to talk to, just let me know.
~~Felicity~~
Posted by Valentine on June 2, 2003, at 16:14:05
In reply to Re: Considering Lexapro - Looking for Advice, posted by Felicity on June 2, 2003, at 15:51:13
Felicity,
Thanks for your response. I'd like to hear more about how you are responding to Lexapro and about any side effects you experience. If you don't mind me asking: are you taking Lexapro for depression, anxiety or both?
Posted by Felicity on June 2, 2003, at 16:18:07
In reply to Re: Considering Lexapro - Looking for Advice, posted by Valentine on June 2, 2003, at 16:14:05
> Felicity,
> Thanks for your response. I'd like to hear more about how you are responding to Lexapro and about any side effects you experience. If you don't mind me asking: are you taking Lexapro for depression, anxiety or both?
>
>I am taking it for anxiety. I haven't had too many bad side effects. The first night I had a bad headache and some vertigo, but now the only thing I have is some shakiness and a tremendous loss of appetite. I haven't been on it long enough to notice any real difference with my anxiety.
Posted by Mariposa on June 2, 2003, at 18:47:48
In reply to Re: Considering Lexapro - Looking for Advice, posted by Felicity on June 2, 2003, at 16:18:07
> > Felicity,
> > Thanks for your response. I'd like to hear more about how you are responding to Lexapro and about any side effects you experience. If you don't mind me asking: are you taking Lexapro for depression, anxiety or both?
> >
> >
>
> I am taking it for anxiety. I haven't had too many bad side effects. The first night I had a bad headache and some vertigo, but now the only thing I have is some shakiness and a tremendous loss of appetite. I haven't been on it long enough to notice any real difference with my anxiety.
>I am into my 5th month on Lex, for depression.
The SE's you are describing are typical during the first few weeks, they will lessen and go away. I've lost 10 lbs. over the first month and a half, and the weight has stayed off.
Initially I had trouble with sleepiness during the day until I started taking it (10mg) in the afternoon. But now I seem to have gone the other way, feel antsy and like I have to do stuff ( I cleaned bathroom which hadn't been done in months, and mowed yard - 1 acre, cleaned the kitchen), and my husband's comment was "You're acting like your on speed".
I would have to say, though, my Lexapro experience (after the initial SE's) has been very positive overall, it has really helped me get through tough times (will not bore w/details), and hope it continues to work for me.
I wish you both the BEST OF LUCK!!!
Posted by Questionmark on June 3, 2003, at 3:20:33
In reply to Considering Lexapro - Looking for Advice » Felicity, posted by Valentine on June 2, 2003, at 15:47:32
i went through Paxil withdrawal after a couple years on it as well. i quit in late Jan. i'm still feeling like crap. er, somthing
i'm sorry to say but i think Lexapro would most likely have a very similar withdrawal reaction as Paxil, though probably not as severe. Paxil is more anticholinergic and has somewhat shorter half-life so there's probably more cholinergic rebound and worse overall w/drawal w/ Paxil discontinuation. But i imagine Lexapro dis. would still be quite similar and , potentially pretty bad. Maybe an appropriate taper is good enough to overcome this for the most part, however. Good luck.
Posted by Valentine on June 3, 2003, at 10:57:48
In reply to Re: » Valentine, posted by Questionmark on June 3, 2003, at 3:20:33
Thanks for your post. I know withdrawing from Paxil can be gruesome! It took several months for me to feel myself again.
I guess what I'm realy want to know is if I responded well to Paxil is that an indication that I would respond well to Celexa or Lexapro (assuming there would be initial side effects) or would that indicate that another AD would be a better choice. I may just have to bite the bullet and try another AD I was just hoping to take out some of the quess work involved.
Thanks!
Posted by kinsey on June 3, 2003, at 13:48:57
In reply to Is Lexapro addictive?, posted by Felicity on June 2, 2003, at 14:55:43
I did notice a decrease in appetite. i just thought it was anxiety although that never stopped me from eating before! Still do not notice any difference - started over a week ago - but have not had a great week sleeping, hope it improves. also, good luck to you!
Posted by Valentine on June 3, 2003, at 14:38:01
In reply to Re: Is Lexapro addictive?, posted by kinsey on June 3, 2003, at 13:48:57
> I did notice a decrease in appetite. i just thought it was anxiety although that never stopped me from eating before! Still do not notice any difference - started over a week ago - but have not had a great week sleeping, hope it improves. also, good luck to you!
Felicity,
Thanks for your update. Are you experiencing increased anxiety since you started taking Lexapro? That is the SE that I'm most concerned about. I'll keep my fingers crossed that Lexapro does the trick for you. I hope to hear more about how you're doing!
Posted by Valentine on June 3, 2003, at 14:41:24
In reply to Re: Is Lexapro addictive?, posted by Valentine on June 3, 2003, at 14:38:01
> Felicity,
> Thanks for your update. Are you experiencing increased anxiety since you started taking Lexapro? That is the SE that I'm most concerned about. I'll keep my fingers crossed that Lexapro does the trick for you. I hope to hear more about how you're doing!>
>Sorry I meant to Kinsey!
Posted by Felicity on June 3, 2003, at 14:44:21
In reply to Re: Is Lexapro addictive?, posted by Valentine on June 3, 2003, at 14:38:01
My anxiety has actually decreased except that I had one panic attack which was much more severe than before starting the Lexapro. But, I haven't had any since.
~Felicity~
Posted by Patio Patty on March 9, 2009, at 14:07:52
In reply to Re: Is Lexapro addictive?, posted by kinsey on June 3, 2003, at 13:48:57
My daughter is a recovering addict having found a huge love in prescription opiates. Now her doctor has prescribed Lexapro and I'm concerned that her addiction will start all over again. Does anyone have any information about this? She's too old for me to get any information out of her doctor and I don't trust anything she says. Thanks.
Posted by desolationrower on March 9, 2009, at 21:25:23
In reply to Re: Is Lexapro addictive?, posted by Patio Patty on March 9, 2009, at 14:07:52
theres often a withdrawal but there isn't the liking sensation where you want to take more of the drug. past addiction, i don't think of that as a reason to avoid it.
-d/r
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