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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by lovelyone on April 18, 2004, at 18:16:51
I've read a lot about some of the side effects of lexapro. I've only taken it for 21/2 weeks, and side effects of yawning and sleepiness improving. Also, I think it may be working. Feel able to take the extra step to think things through before getting too upset. Its easier to get things done without being overwhelmed. I'm kind of waiting for a crash. Only thing is, I cannot drink one drink or I am soo sleepy. Is it possible that it is working so quickly? Will alcohol always be a no-no?
Posted by KathrynLex on April 18, 2004, at 23:28:27
In reply to feeling good with lex, posted by lovelyone on April 18, 2004, at 18:16:51
Hi Lovelyone,
It's great that you're starting to feel better! The first few weeks on Lexapro can definitely leave you feeling a little out of it. The tiredness will probably go away in another 1-3 weeks. (It varies so much from one person to the next.)
Also, I've chosen not to drink alcohol on Lex. (I'm currently taking 20 mgs with 150 mgs of Wellbutrin.) But I asked my psychiatrist about it and he said that drinking small amounts isn't a big deal. You just have to be aware of your limits (i.e. stop drinking when your body tells you to stop) He also mentioned that Lex can increase your chances of getting hung over and it also makes drinking a little less fun because you get tired more quickly.
I hope this helps. Like I said, you should feel fine in another few weeks and drinking isn't a problem, just be careful.
K.
Posted by Wildman on April 19, 2004, at 8:07:05
In reply to Re: feeling good with lex, posted by KathrynLex on April 18, 2004, at 23:28:27
Congratulations on making it over the "hump", with Lex, the first few weeks can be rough and it sounds like you are doing well.
I have also reduced my alcohol consumption quite a bit. I rarely drink during the week, and on the weekend i really try to pace myself. Plus, the alcohol isn't as enjoyable (for me) as it once was. I did have many drinks this weekend as all of my wife's college roomates came into town and we did imbibe quite a bit.
In addition to limiting your alcohol, try to really be protective of your sleep time. I find that to get the most from my Lex, I need to really be well rested. I now work hard to get a solid 8 hours a night. Alcohol interferes with good sleep, so if I have had drinks on the weekend, I make sure that I'm almost sober by the time I go to bed.
I guess in a long-winded way I have just described my "take it easy" approach to life while on lex. Watch the alcohol. Get lots of rest. Those tips can help anybody....
Wildman
Posted by nicky847 on April 20, 2004, at 12:32:47
In reply to Re: feeling good with lex, posted by Wildman on April 19, 2004, at 8:07:05
Wildman's post is right on...you get best results from Lex when you make accompanying lifestyle changes..sleep is VERY important..probably THE most important thing..make sure you get your rest! also best to limit alcohol and caffeine as well, and be sure to put yourself and your recovery first..in sports they call it "playing within yourself"..meaning, know your limits, if you are not a home run hitter, hit singles and doubles..it translates to real life, dont work harder than you have to..dont take on projects or extracurricular activities that you dont have time for..(although by all means stay active!)thats how i think of it..best of luck and hope you have continued success!
nick> Congratulations on making it over the "hump", with Lex, the first few weeks can be rough and it sounds like you are doing well.
>
> I have also reduced my alcohol consumption quite a bit. I rarely drink during the week, and on the weekend i really try to pace myself. Plus, the alcohol isn't as enjoyable (for me) as it once was. I did have many drinks this weekend as all of my wife's college roomates came into town and we did imbibe quite a bit.
>
> In addition to limiting your alcohol, try to really be protective of your sleep time. I find that to get the most from my Lex, I need to really be well rested. I now work hard to get a solid 8 hours a night. Alcohol interferes with good sleep, so if I have had drinks on the weekend, I make sure that I'm almost sober by the time I go to bed.
>
> I guess in a long-winded way I have just described my "take it easy" approach to life while on lex. Watch the alcohol. Get lots of rest. Those tips can help anybody....
>
> Wildman
Posted by Scott in Vermont on April 22, 2004, at 8:01:15
In reply to feeling good with lex, posted by lovelyone on April 18, 2004, at 18:16:51
Hello lovelyone,
I'm just past the 3 week mark with Lexapro, and I can say that I "feel" it is working. I've had quite a few moments over the last week where stress and anxiety should have been unbearable, and it was actually very managable. I still felt the shocks, but they passed amazingly fast and were filed in my "I can deal with this head-on" folder. As far as depression goes, I know it's still lurking, but it's in the shadowy corners of my mind where it belongs instead of a constant dark cloud looming over my head.
I never did have the sleepy yawning side effect,and I'm not tired (I have kept the same workout schedule, and I really believe that excercise regulates things like that) although I still have headaches (that oddly set in around 2pm every day) and 2 beers will put me right over the edge (I'm 5'10 175lbs) so I'm buying expensive beer and enjoying the flavor instead of cheap beer and swilling it.
I'm happy to see another "Lexapro success story" here. I've read a lot about it online and I have an appointment with my pdoc in a few days, but really, hearing good things from real people makes a lot more of an impact on me. Thanks for the post.
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