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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by jane d on September 17, 2002, at 21:40:09
In reply to Re: LEXAPRO, posted by Mystia on September 15, 2002, at 12:03:34
> I just started taking Lexapro on 9-13-02, after stopping Paxil on my own about a month ago. I suffer from severe migraines and I have had them every time after taking the Lexapro (I usually only have 1-2 migraines/week). Anyone had similar problems? Also does anyone know anything you shouldn't take (esp. herbs) while taking Lexapro?
Mystia,
I'm afraid I don't have any specific information for you but if it were me I would stop the Lexapro now. If you don't want to do that at least call your doctor. It's true, as another poster stated, that Paxil can have long lasting withdrawal effects but it seems unlikely that those effects would start a month later, just coincidentally after you started another drug, and that it would occur every time you took that new drug. It's far more likely that you are reacting to the Lexapro. The fact that a side effect is not reported in the initial trials does not mean it won't occur.Jane
Posted by Alice Anne on September 17, 2002, at 23:47:43
In reply to I'm having trouble, posted by babs on September 17, 2002, at 18:22:36
I've tried every SSRI known to mankind. Two days on Lexapro and I feel like someone poured battery acid in my head. I started with 5mgs, felt so bad I skipped the next day and then tried again last night with 2.5. The side effects were some of the worst ever--grinding muscle tension, headache and queasiness. Needless to say I'm quite chemically sensitive, but this is ridiculous. I'm very disappointed and discouraged. This was "the one" I was finally supposed to be able to get up to a therapeutic dosage.
Posted by pharmrep on September 18, 2002, at 2:02:47
In reply to I'm having trouble, posted by babs on September 17, 2002, at 18:22:36
> I just switched Thursday. I was om 60 mg of celexa and switched to 5 mg of lexapro. Today I went up to 10 mg of lexapro (and I'm assuming I'll end up at 15 if it's equal to 60 mg celexa) but I feel really sick. i have no appetite (I'm making myself eat), I'm achey, tired and basically I feel like I have the flu. I assume it's celexa withdrawal (although I thought the switch was supposed to be esay) since I'm on less. has anyone else felt this way?
** are there any other meds? The switch shouldnt matter...and dont switch to 15mg...stay at 10mg...dont assume 15=60...10mg may still do the job...hang in there
Posted by pharmrep on September 18, 2002, at 2:12:05
In reply to Re: I'm having trouble, posted by Alice Anne on September 17, 2002, at 23:47:43
> I've tried every SSRI known to mankind. Two days on Lexapro and I feel like someone poured battery acid in my head. I started with 5mgs, felt so bad I skipped the next day and then tried again last night with 2.5. The side effects were some of the worst ever--grinding muscle tension, headache and queasiness. Needless to say I'm quite chemically sensitive, but this is ridiculous. I'm very disappointed and discouraged. This was "the one" I was finally supposed to be able to get up to a therapeutic dosage.
** can you tell more about the "chemical sensitivity?" you said you had tried other ad's...at what doses? (did you just stop one and start lexapro..perhaps you are having discontinuation syndrome from the old antidepressant). did you have the same s/e before...did they lessen with time? will you be able to hang in there to give it a fair chance, or is it too rough for you? (good luck)_
Posted by Lee M on September 18, 2002, at 6:32:39
In reply to Re: weight change » Lee M, posted by johnj on September 17, 2002, at 16:47:13
> Have you ever been on Celexa? Maybe your dose is too high if 10 mg is equal to 40 mg. What time of day do you take Lexapro? Thank you
>
> johnjHi johnj-I've never been on Celexa. I was on Prozac for a few years several years ago. I have tried Paxil with no success and now I'm trying Lexapro - the insomnia and fatigue are what's really killing me. I started off taking it in the evening, but I just switched to taking in the morning to see if it would have an effect on my sleeping pattern, but considering I only got about 4 hours of sleep last (normally I need at least 8), time of day doesn't seem to be a factor. It's only been a little over a week and I'll give a couple more to see how I feel.
Posted by babs on September 18, 2002, at 9:28:07
In reply to Re: having trouble » babs, posted by pharmrep on September 18, 2002, at 2:02:47
>
> ** are there any other meds? The switch shouldnt matter...and dont switch to 15mg...stay at 10mg...dont assume 15=60...10mg may still do the job...hang in thereI'm on 150 mg of Wellbutrin and 1 mg of risperdal (never had a problem with either of them while on 60 mg of celexa as well). Just feel like I have the flu. Mentally I feel fine- not depressed or anxious. I felt this flu like when I switched from imipramine to prozac a number of years ago. What do you mean the switch shouldn't matter?
Posted by Alice Anne on September 18, 2002, at 13:07:08
In reply to Re: having trouble » Alice Anne, posted by pharmrep on September 18, 2002, at 2:12:05
I was off all other antidepressant meds when I started this round. At one point I tolerated Paxil decently, but it lost its effect. I think I was up to 60mgs. When I tried it again this year I couldn't even get to 20mgs without terrible night sweats, teeth grinding, physical weakness and mental spaciness. Prozac and Zoloft gave me terrible GI distress (I have ulcerative colitis) and were never very effective. Celexa made me feel tired, strange and uncomfortable, but I didn't stay with it very long. However the physical wallop wasn't nearly as bad as it was with the Lexapro!! My depression finally started to lift after a harrowing adjustment to Nortriptyline, but at 75mgs. my resting pulse was 130bpm. so I discntinued it. I would like not to give up on Lexapro, but I wonder if these symptoms would really abate, as they were so strong. I was really counting on this one, as I thought the whole point was that it was created to produce less side effects. Thank you for your concern.
Posted by Mystia on September 18, 2002, at 20:43:55
In reply to Re: having trouble, posted by Alice Anne on September 18, 2002, at 13:07:08
This is my 6th day on Lexapro, and I have been feeling better and better. The first 3-4 days were SO bad, but then the s/e started going away. I don't have the migraines as often, the "vacuum-head effect" is wearing off, and the nausea is starting to get better. I am still not hungry at all anymore. I sometimes go hours without eating and the only reason I realize it is because my blood pressure drops! That's ok for me though because I am overweight and need to lose weight anyway.
The advice I would give to new Lexapro users: stick with it! Yes, the first few days are awful, but it gets better. Today was the first time in a LONG time that I actually had fun, laughed (NOT a fake laugh!). I am glad I stuck with Lexapro. So far, everything's getting better and better!Myst
Posted by pharmrep on September 18, 2002, at 21:48:46
In reply to Re: having trouble, posted by babs on September 18, 2002, at 9:28:07
>
> >
> > ** are there any other meds? The switch shouldnt matter...and dont switch to 15mg...stay at 10mg...dont assume 15=60...10mg may still do the job...hang in there
>
> I'm on 150 mg of Wellbutrin and 1 mg of risperdal (never had a problem with either of them while on 60 mg of celexa as well). Just feel like I have the flu. Mentally I feel fine- not depressed or anxious. I felt this flu like when I switched from imipramine to prozac a number of years ago. What do you mean the switch shouldn't matter?** sorry if not clear...I meant that switching from celexa to Lexapro should be fine (no wash out period needed)...there are studies that show switching from prozac (long half life) to Celexa without a washout worked well, and The DR's I've seen have been saying they see the same with the patients they've switched from various AD's to Lexapro. Glad to hear it's working..im not sure the "flu" symptom is from the Lexapro, but if it is I'm sure it will pass with a little time. Good luck and keep us posted
Posted by pharmrep on September 18, 2002, at 21:55:58
In reply to Re: having trouble, posted by Alice Anne on September 18, 2002, at 13:07:08
> I was off all other antidepressant meds when I started this round. At one point I tolerated Paxil decently, but it lost its effect. I think I was up to 60mgs. When I tried it again this year I couldn't even get to 20mgs without terrible night sweats, teeth grinding, physical weakness and mental spaciness. Prozac and Zoloft gave me terrible GI distress (I have ulcerative colitis) and were never very effective. Celexa made me feel tired, strange and uncomfortable, but I didn't stay with it very long. However the physical wallop wasn't nearly as bad as it was with the Lexapro!! My depression finally started to lift after a harrowing adjustment to Nortriptyline, but at 75mgs. my resting pulse was 130bpm. so I discntinued it. I would like not to give up on Lexapro, but I wonder if these symptoms would really abate, as they were so strong. I was really counting on this one, as I thought the whole point was that it was created to produce less side effects. Thank you for your concern.
** describe "physical wallop"...I know that Celexa's r-citalopram contributed to the "tiredness" you described, but the s-citalopram (lexapro) is not supposed to have somnolence. It sounds like you have tried "new" meds before...have you had initial "toughness" while in early weeks before? Can you give it more time, or is it too much? Good luck and keep us posted
Posted by pharmrep on September 18, 2002, at 21:59:16
In reply to Re: having trouble, posted by Alice Anne on September 18, 2002, at 13:07:08
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020914/msgs/120319.html
** another experience
Posted by Alice Anne on September 18, 2002, at 23:37:50
In reply to Re: still trying » Alice Anne, posted by pharmrep on September 18, 2002, at 21:55:58
Like I said, I felt like someone poured battery acid in my brain. I had an intense, throbbing headache, extreme, grinding muscle tension and major queasiness. When that wore off I was just worn out. That is what I meant by physical wallop. It was not subtle. But I just read someone's post who said she also felt awful at first and then it got better. So maybe I'll try again.
Posted by pharmrep on September 19, 2002, at 0:14:39
In reply to Re: still trying, posted by Alice Anne on September 18, 2002, at 23:37:50
> Like I said, I felt like someone poured battery acid in my brain. I had an intense, throbbing headache, extreme, grinding muscle tension and major queasiness. When that wore off I was just worn out. That is what I meant by physical wallop. It was not subtle. But I just read someone's post who said she also felt awful at first and then it got better. So maybe I'll try again.
** what dose did you try before? 10mg is the recommended starting dose. It was not tested, but perhaps trying 5mg (snap a 10mg pill) for a week then going to 10mg might benefit your "sensitivity"
Posted by Alice Anne on September 19, 2002, at 1:00:00
In reply to Re: dosing » Alice Anne, posted by pharmrep on September 19, 2002, at 0:14:39
Why is my "sensitivity" in quotes? As I said in my original post-- I began with 5mgs, felt so horrible I skipped a day and then tried again at half that. I suppose I could try licking the next pill.
Posted by babs on September 19, 2002, at 8:38:36
In reply to Re: switch » babs, posted by pharmrep on September 18, 2002, at 21:48:46
I suppose it's possible I actually have the flu! Just seems a little coincidental How are other people out there faring?
Posted by johnj on September 19, 2002, at 10:40:40
In reply to Re: dosing, posted by Alice Anne on September 19, 2002, at 1:00:00
I don't think he meant anything by the quotes. I often use quotes like the "sponge brain" remeron gave me and I don't mean it to offend anybody. Maybe he meant it to stress that you are med sensisitive, plain and simple. I am having a decent day today, yesterday felt like hell. I would appreciate if people would stop attacking others. How many pharmreps have the guts to come on here anyway? Please don't try and run others off the board. If I was pharmrep probably would have been permanently banned for telling a lot of people to go to He##. Let's just LEARN from what everyone has to say and that includes you. I really want to respond to the licking remark, but frankly don't have the energy. Hope you find something that works for you.
johnj
Posted by babs on September 19, 2002, at 10:48:46
In reply to Re: dosing(GEEZ) » Alice Anne, posted by johnj on September 19, 2002, at 10:40:40
I agree- let's just focus on what is imortant here. Sharing in formation, suipporting each other and getting better.
Posted by Alice Anne on September 19, 2002, at 10:55:24
In reply to Re: dosing(GEEZ) » Alice Anne, posted by johnj on September 19, 2002, at 10:40:40
Yes, I'm sure you're right about the quotes. I'm not meaning to run anyone anywhere. I was tired of repeating what I'd already said, if you have been following our communications. And I do appreciate the info. I am as much making fun of myself when I say I'll lick the pill next time. Pardon my frustration.
Posted by babs on September 19, 2002, at 10:56:44
In reply to So Sensitive, posted by Alice Anne on September 19, 2002, at 10:55:24
I hear you- it's pretty hard not to be sensitive when you feel like you're dying!
Posted by Alice Anne on September 19, 2002, at 11:04:45
In reply to Re: So Sensitive, posted by babs on September 19, 2002, at 10:56:44
Thank you!!
Posted by johnj on September 19, 2002, at 11:20:13
In reply to Re: UPDATE, posted by Mystia on September 18, 2002, at 20:43:55
Any insomnia problems? Glad to hear it is working for you!
johnj
Posted by pharmrep on September 19, 2002, at 11:21:23
In reply to Re: dosing, posted by Alice Anne on September 19, 2002, at 1:00:00
> Why is my "sensitivity" in quotes? As I said in my original post-- I began with 5mgs, felt so horrible I skipped a day and then tried again at half that. I suppose I could try licking the next pill.
** no offense intended, just tried to combine your bodily reactions into 1 word. Sorry i missed the 5mg start post....licking...thats funny...maybe the skipped day did something? What will you try...2.5mg 1 wk, 5mg 1wk, then maybe higher?
Posted by Alice Anne on September 19, 2002, at 11:48:50
In reply to Re: dosing » Alice Anne, posted by pharmrep on September 19, 2002, at 11:21:23
God bless you! You have a sense of humor. I actually did almost lick the pill last night-- I bit off about an eighth of it, and I'm still here to talk about it. Maybe I'm getting somewhere! I'll let you know. Thanks.
Posted by babs on September 19, 2002, at 12:39:47
In reply to Re: dosing, posted by Alice Anne on September 19, 2002, at 11:48:50
Ok- I finally have some good news. I no longer feel achey, i actually have an appetite and even left the house today. I decided I deserved to go shopping after feeling like hell for a week. I've lost 10 pounds since last Monday (not necessarily a bad thing). I don't feel like running a marathon but I do feel almost human. I am, however, waiting for Lexapro to turn me into the sex kitten I once was.
Posted by Alice Anne on September 19, 2002, at 13:40:39
In reply to Re: dosing, posted by babs on September 19, 2002, at 12:39:47
That is good news, Babs. That's part of my problem-- I don't have the week to spare, and use my brain (once again) as guinea pig. I'm trying to study for some big tests and I have the option of feeling overwhelming dread, depression, and anxiety, or brain damaged trying to adjust to a new chemical. Pretty hard to focus on either end. But a week is pretty darn good if that is really all it would take. I guess you were able to tolerate 10mgs much better than I seem to be able to.
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