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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 jelly on July 18, 2005, at 12:27:38
My husband has been taking 10 mg Lexapro for a week for depression. He thinks he notices an improvement -- is that possible so soon? I thought SSRIs took a few weeks to take effect? I'd love for him to be right (and certainly am not going to voice any doubts to him), but I'm wondering if it's just wishful thinking or if it's possible it could really make a difference this early.
My other question goes to side effects. How common is drowsiness/tiredness? Does that start immediately? He has seemed very tired since the second or third day, sleeping more than usual, yawning a lot, and just dragging in general. I'm assuming this is a side effect? How long does this last? He's been tired and sleeping more because of the depression -- and this seems to be adding to it. He does take it at night, but that hasn't seemed to help. Any suggestions?
Posted by Glydin on July 18, 2005, at 18:46:42
In reply to Starting out on Lexapro, posted by jelly on July 18, 2005, at 12:27:38
> My husband has been taking 10 mg Lexapro for a week for depression. He thinks he notices an improvement -- is that possible so soon?
~~~I did notice an improvement at about a week. Definite good changes at 2 weeks.
I thought SSRIs took a few weeks to take effect?~~~Max effects are at about 6-8 weeks as a general timeframe.
> My other question goes to side effects. How common is drowsiness/tiredness?~~~I have seen posts here complain of that. I did not note this on my startup so I can't really speak about that one. I did have a few side effects - thankfully, mild - in the beginning and all of those subsided within a month. I have no side effects now at four months and just the good effects.
Lex has been great for me and I hope all works out well for your husband.
Posted by Phillipa on July 18, 2005, at 19:16:48
In reply to Re: Starting out on Lexapro » jelly, posted by Glydin on July 18, 2005, at 18:46:42
Your husband is lucky he's feeling better and knows he is. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by Jen Star on July 19, 2005, at 13:31:52
In reply to Starting out on Lexapro, posted by jelly on July 18, 2005, at 12:27:38
hi jelly,
I've been on Lexapro twice in my life. I took it about 1-2 years ago, then took a big break, now I'm back on it.The first time, I started feeling better between 1-2 weeks. The second time, it took me longer -- 3-4 weeks.
But if he thinks he's feeling better, he IS feeling better! Some people start improving in as fast as 2-3 days, which is cool and lucky for them. Others take longer, like weeks. And what I learned is that the same person can respond different to a med when taken at different times in their life.
I had really no side effects to speak of. I'd heard about electrical zaps, dizziness, headaches, and other stuff. But all I got was tired at first, and now that's gone. The ONLY side effect I did have was decreased sexual drive (difficult to orgasm) which a lot of people are uncomfortable talking about. But over time that improved too. I had to focus on it and work at it, but I think my body relearned how to do it! So that's OK now too.
I hope your hubby continues to improve.
take care!
JenStar
Posted by Wildman on July 19, 2005, at 14:21:07
In reply to Re: Starting out on Lexapro » jelly, posted by Jen Star on July 19, 2005, at 13:31:52
I've been on Lex for about 18 mos now, and it has been great for me. I now take 20mg/day.
I didn't notice anything _positive_ until a few weeks after I started. I did have some yucky side effects (things were kinda "trippy", colors were intense, like when you are starting to get high after taking LSD) while ramping up to 10mg.
I also had other effects that were handled by a bit of Ativan.
Wildman
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