![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1234 to 1258 of 8406. Go back in thread:
Posted by mills on November 13, 2002, at 9:53:23
In reply to Re: The problem with normal, posted by Katarina on November 13, 2002, at 9:37:53
Kat, that one flew right over my head; what cinematic reference was that? I guess I didn't see that film
> > > I wasen't thinking so much about being normal (I am clueless about that) my concern was the feeling really good days and the blah days---does the blah days mean it's not working?? I also worry that some day it won't work---I keep reading that they all *quit* some day. Listen. I know it's rediculous to worry about what *may* happen in the future, but I'm not on Lexapro and Wellbutrin for no reason. haha I do notice I don't worry as much. Thanks for all the input---I look forward everyday to see what everyone has to say.
> >
> > Bridgette,
> > Surely normal people have bad days too. So, I don't think us abbynormals on meds should worry about having bad days. I'm just happy to have good days, because before being on lexapro, I NEVER had good days. I don't think a bad day is an indication of the med not working, unless your missing doses. I've not missed a dose yet mainly because I don't want to take a chance of definetly not feeling well.
> > Good luck,
> > Wharf
> >
>
> Holy Cow, Wharf, you crack me up! "Abbynormals", excellent cinematic reference! And aye it is true about the good days. There are many a "normal" who have bad days.
> Thanks for the humor, I know I am not just speaking for meself here!
> *Cheers,
> -Kat
>
Posted by wharfrat on November 13, 2002, at 9:57:00
In reply to cinematic reference?, posted by mills on November 13, 2002, at 9:53:23
>Mills,
That would be Young Frankenstein
Wharf
Kat, that one flew right over my head; what cinematic reference was that? I guess I didn't see that film
>
>
>
> > > > I wasen't thinking so much about being normal (I am clueless about that) my concern was the feeling really good days and the blah days---does the blah days mean it's not working?? I also worry that some day it won't work---I keep reading that they all *quit* some day. Listen. I know it's rediculous to worry about what *may* happen in the future, but I'm not on Lexapro and Wellbutrin for no reason. haha I do notice I don't worry as much. Thanks for all the input---I look forward everyday to see what everyone has to say.
> > >
> > > Bridgette,
> > > Surely normal people have bad days too. So, I don't think us abbynormals on meds should worry about having bad days. I'm just happy to have good days, because before being on lexapro, I NEVER had good days. I don't think a bad day is an indication of the med not working, unless your missing doses. I've not missed a dose yet mainly because I don't want to take a chance of definetly not feeling well.
> > > Good luck,
> > > Wharf
> > >
> >
> > Holy Cow, Wharf, you crack me up! "Abbynormals", excellent cinematic reference! And aye it is true about the good days. There are many a "normal" who have bad days.
> > Thanks for the humor, I know I am not just speaking for meself here!
> > *Cheers,
> > -Kat
> >
>
>
Posted by mills on November 13, 2002, at 9:59:45
In reply to Re: cinematic reference? » mills, posted by wharfrat on November 13, 2002, at 9:57:00
ah, that must be my problem, I need more humor in my life
> >Mills,
> That would be Young Frankenstein
> Wharf
>
>
> Kat, that one flew right over my head; what cinematic reference was that? I guess I didn't see that film
> >
> >
> >
> > > > > I wasen't thinking so much about being normal (I am clueless about that) my concern was the feeling really good days and the blah days---does the blah days mean it's not working?? I also worry that some day it won't work---I keep reading that they all *quit* some day. Listen. I know it's rediculous to worry about what *may* happen in the future, but I'm not on Lexapro and Wellbutrin for no reason. haha I do notice I don't worry as much. Thanks for all the input---I look forward everyday to see what everyone has to say.
> > > >
> > > > Bridgette,
> > > > Surely normal people have bad days too. So, I don't think us abbynormals on meds should worry about having bad days. I'm just happy to have good days, because before being on lexapro, I NEVER had good days. I don't think a bad day is an indication of the med not working, unless your missing doses. I've not missed a dose yet mainly because I don't want to take a chance of definetly not feeling well.
> > > > Good luck,
> > > > Wharf
> > > >
> > >
> > > Holy Cow, Wharf, you crack me up! "Abbynormals", excellent cinematic reference! And aye it is true about the good days. There are many a "normal" who have bad days.
> > > Thanks for the humor, I know I am not just speaking for meself here!
> > > *Cheers,
> > > -Kat
> > >
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by wharfrat on November 14, 2002, at 9:43:15
In reply to Re: Thanks Dr. Bob on Redirect, posted by AnxiousMe on November 13, 2002, at 8:31:24
> I was put on Lexapro about 4 weeks ago for anxiety. I have never used another med for this. I have almost NO physiological response to my anxiety producing thoughts -- it's wonderful! The thoughts are still there, but I hope they will diminish since the physical stuff has. As far as side effects: fitfull sleep, loss of apetite and ear ringing. My doc fixed the sleep prob (fall into a deep sleep but the wake up at 4 AM)by adding 2 mg of Gabitril and it's working like a charm. I feel a little sluggish at times but I suspect it's just me getting used to feeling peaceful. I have suffered from panic disorder for 16 years. I was terrified to try meds to help me, but I am glad I finally tried Lexapro. Good luck!
Anxious, glad to hear someone out there is do well on lexapro besides me.
Wharf
Posted by samenewme on November 14, 2002, at 10:31:08
In reply to Re: How ...; Different than everyone as usual., posted by Katarina on November 11, 2002, at 18:40:21
I felt this way on starting Celexa and on my single dosage increase. It only lasted a few days, so I called it "dosage adjustment blues". Hang in there and see if it diminishes. It was HORRIBLE, but it passed for me.
> > I wish to god that in just one area of my life, for once, I could have experience that is not a reinvention of the wheel; sigh; anyway, that says it all for my 30 years of non-controllable obsessive introspection (cognitive compulsion vs. behavioral)/borderline schizoiditis (my words, as if I needed to say that);
> >
> > anyway, my doc moved me from 20 mg up to 30 mg starting Friday, and there is good and bad; my mood improved almost immediately, for which I'm thankful, but my head feels just plain weird; I just feel "unreal;" does ANYONE have that experience or anything close to it; someone please tell me you do, but only if you really do, and please tell me if you don't as well. I just wish I could comiserate with someone on my symptoms that have isolated me in my experience for so f****** long; excuse my french
> >
> > i hope to hear from some of you; thanks
> >
> >
> > > I have been on Lexapro for 6 weeks but I had Wellbutrin added 5 days ago and either the Lexapro really kicked in OR the Wellbutrin did the trick. I definately feel better---I'm guessing it's the addition of Wellbutrin, but the real question is is when you are on two drugs----how does one know which one???? I added 150mg of Wellbutrin SR----I have even thought about asking for more Wellbutin and cut out the Lexapro, but it's too earlt to do that and, maybe it's the combo that works. I do worry (not much) about the seizure risk w/Wellbutrin (though a small risk w/the SR) because I like a glass of wine at night. Any thoughts on any of this???
> >
> >
>
> Hey there, not to worry...you are not alone in this. If I had to describe the way my head feels on Lexapro, I'd have to call it "Cartoon Head". Like when one of the cartoon characters gets squeezed and their heads balloon out, or if they get hit on the head and it just kind of throbs. Yep, that's me after 4 weeks on the stuff. The first week was the worst, I could actually hear my blood surging in my head, **ewww, yuk! Anyway, I don't think I can take it any longer and will see about switching AGAIN! Many of you have added Wellbutrin to your Lex, and it sounds like a good combo. Perhaps I'll suggest it. Good luck and keep talking about it, it seems to have helped me tremendously just to discuss it with those who are experiencing the same.
> *Cheers,
> --Kat
Posted by mills on November 14, 2002, at 10:52:33
In reply to Re: How ...; Different than everyone as usual., posted by samenewme on November 14, 2002, at 10:31:08
thanks; it's a different weird feeling in the same ballpark every morning, and i went through the same thing at higher doses of paxil, so i should know about it, but i don't draw much comfort from that, so laying my soul bare before you guys is the only thing that helps; thanks again
> I felt this way on starting Celexa and on my single dosage increase. It only lasted a few days, so I called it "dosage adjustment blues". Hang in there and see if it diminishes. It was HORRIBLE, but it passed for me.
>
> > > I wish to god that in just one area of my life, for once, I could have experience that is not a reinvention of the wheel; sigh; anyway, that says it all for my 30 years of non-controllable obsessive introspection (cognitive compulsion vs. behavioral)/borderline schizoiditis (my words, as if I needed to say that);
> > >
> > > anyway, my doc moved me from 20 mg up to 30 mg starting Friday, and there is good and bad; my mood improved almost immediately, for which I'm thankful, but my head feels just plain weird; I just feel "unreal;" does ANYONE have that experience or anything close to it; someone please tell me you do, but only if you really do, and please tell me if you don't as well. I just wish I could comiserate with someone on my symptoms that have isolated me in my experience for so f****** long; excuse my french
> > >
> > > i hope to hear from some of you; thanks
> > >
> > >
> > > > I have been on Lexapro for 6 weeks but I had Wellbutrin added 5 days ago and either the Lexapro really kicked in OR the Wellbutrin did the trick. I definately feel better---I'm guessing it's the addition of Wellbutrin, but the real question is is when you are on two drugs----how does one know which one???? I added 150mg of Wellbutrin SR----I have even thought about asking for more Wellbutin and cut out the Lexapro, but it's too earlt to do that and, maybe it's the combo that works. I do worry (not much) about the seizure risk w/Wellbutrin (though a small risk w/the SR) because I like a glass of wine at night. Any thoughts on any of this???
> > >
> > >
> >
> > Hey there, not to worry...you are not alone in this. If I had to describe the way my head feels on Lexapro, I'd have to call it "Cartoon Head". Like when one of the cartoon characters gets squeezed and their heads balloon out, or if they get hit on the head and it just kind of throbs. Yep, that's me after 4 weeks on the stuff. The first week was the worst, I could actually hear my blood surging in my head, **ewww, yuk! Anyway, I don't think I can take it any longer and will see about switching AGAIN! Many of you have added Wellbutrin to your Lex, and it sounds like a good combo. Perhaps I'll suggest it. Good luck and keep talking about it, it seems to have helped me tremendously just to discuss it with those who are experiencing the same.
> > *Cheers,
> > --Kat
>
>
Posted by charly on November 14, 2002, at 18:11:16
In reply to Re: Thanks Dr. Bob on Redirect » AnxiousMe, posted by wharfrat on November 14, 2002, at 9:43:15
> > I was put on Lexapro about 4 weeks ago for anxiety. I have never used another med for this. I have almost NO physiological response to my anxiety producing thoughts -- it's wonderful! The thoughts are still there, but I hope they will diminish since the physical stuff has. As far as side effects: fitfull sleep, loss of apetite and ear ringing. My doc fixed the sleep prob (fall into a deep sleep but the wake up at 4 AM)by adding 2 mg of Gabitril and it's working like a charm. I feel a little sluggish at times but I suspect it's just me getting used to feeling peaceful. I have suffered from panic disorder for 16 years. I was terrified to try meds to help me, but I am glad I finally tried Lexapro. Good luck!
>
> Anxious, glad to hear someone out there is do well on lexapro besides me.
> WharfWharf,
It's now been around 4 weeks since I started Lexapro and there is no question, my depression is gone and so are the daily headaches I had for the first 2 weeks. I've been on Prozac, Zoloft, Effexor and Luvox; had sexual dysfunction (loss of interest and anorgasmia) on all of them. Lexapro is allowing me to have a "normal" married sex life. After years of not looking forward to having sex (for fear I would not be able to maintain an erection and not really enjoying the experience) I can say it's a blessing to feel good and have a sex life! Lexapro is a good product.
Regards,
charly
Posted by hok on November 15, 2002, at 13:59:55
In reply to How we're doing on Lexapro., posted by bridgette on November 10, 2002, at 15:09:09
It seems that a lot of you have tried augmenting Lexapro with Wellbutrin and I was wondering what effect that has had for motivation and focus.
I've been on 10mg of Lex for 4 weeks. The first few weeks I was really tense and anxious but that has managed to subside and I have a fairly good mood effect from it now. The only time I really get physically anxious still is during some social situations.
Anyway, with my anxiety still a sort of side issue, I was wondering if anybody has had some success with wellbutrin or any extended release stimulants in augmentation to the lexapro. I defintely need something for motivation -- the apathy and passivity induced by the lexapro is a little too much. However, I'm concerned this might increase my already-nascent anxiety. Any thoughts?
Posted by neptune on November 15, 2002, at 14:16:17
In reply to Re: Lexapro and flushing » Abacus, posted by Ward on October 11, 2002, at 13:49:35
I have been on Lexapro for about 5 days. I have just come off of 150mg. of effexor, The Lexapro is not wanting to let me feel good. I have diarrhea, and nausea. Will this go away with time, or do I need to go back to effexor. my greatest fear is the adverse reactions of medication that deal with my stomach. I use to take tofranil and it was great on my stomach. I coud eat breakfast, and anything I wanted. I also feel a good bit of fog in my head, and anxiety.
Am I dying , or will this go away, or does anyone know. Having a hard time. May go back to Effexor.
Thanks
Posted by Ward on November 15, 2002, at 14:40:08
In reply to Re: Nausea, diarrhea., posted by neptune on November 15, 2002, at 14:16:17
I have heard that you must be careful when coming off Effexor. Did you slowly taper off or did you quit cold-turkey? Your trouble my be as much from getting off Effexor as from getting on Lexapro. It seems to take at least a couple of weeks for most people to see diminishing of the side effects of just about any anti-depressant. I encourage you to hang in there.
> I have been on Lexapro for about 5 days. I have just come off of 150mg. of effexor, The Lexapro is not wanting to let me feel good. I have diarrhea, and nausea. Will this go away with time, or do I need to go back to effexor. my greatest fear is the adverse reactions of medication that deal with my stomach. I use to take tofranil and it was great on my stomach. I coud eat breakfast, and anything I wanted. I also feel a good bit of fog in my head, and anxiety.
>
> Am I dying , or will this go away, or does anyone know. Having a hard time. May go back to Effexor.
>
> Thanks
Posted by ANXIETY ANN on November 15, 2002, at 16:09:30
In reply to Re: Nausea, diarrhea. » neptune, posted by Ward on November 15, 2002, at 14:40:08
> I have heard that you must be careful when coming off Effexor. Did you slowly taper off or did you quit cold-turkey? Your trouble my be as much from getting off Effexor as from getting on Lexapro. It seems to take at least a couple of weeks for most people to see diminishing of the side effects of just about any anti-depressant. I encourage you to hang in there.
> > I have been on Lexapro for about 5 days. I have just come off of 150mg. of effexor, The Lexapro is not wanting to let me feel good. I have diarrhea, and nausea. Will this go away with time, or do I need to go back to effexor. my greatest fear is the adverse reactions of medication that deal with my stomach. I use to take tofranil and it was great on my stomach. I coud eat breakfast, and anything I wanted. I also feel a good bit of fog in my head, and anxiety.
> >
> > Am I dying , or will this go away, or does anyone know. Having a hard time. May go back to Effexor.
> >
> > Thanks
>
>
Hi,I took effexor for about two years. When I stopped taking it , I had a difficult time. Sick, weird head twitches and many other s/e. It took several months for all that to go away. I slowly tapered off of it too so I bet that the way you are feeling is due to the effexor. I would suggest that you stay with the lexapro and give it some time. I know its hard when you feel like crap, but you would probably feel that way if you went back on the effexor.
good luck and let us know,
Anxiety Ann
Posted by Ritch on November 15, 2002, at 21:11:00
In reply to Re: Nausea, diarrhea., posted by neptune on November 15, 2002, at 14:16:17
> I have been on Lexapro for about 5 days. I have just come off of 150mg. of effexor, The Lexapro is not wanting to let me feel good. I have diarrhea, and nausea. Will this go away with time, or do I need to go back to effexor. my greatest fear is the adverse reactions of medication that deal with my stomach. I use to take tofranil and it was great on my stomach. I coud eat breakfast, and anything I wanted. I also feel a good bit of fog in my head, and anxiety.
>
> Am I dying , or will this go away, or does anyone know. Having a hard time. May go back to Effexor.
>
> ThanksHi, SSRI's all cause diarrhea for me. I am on a little Effexor right now and it seems to be the one that is least prone to cause diarrhea than the others. Celexa wasn't too bad either. One trick I found that worked for me was to take a low-dose of nortriptyline (a TCA) along with the SSRI. It calmed my diarrhea-predominant IBS symptoms that SSRI's tend to aggravate. You might ask your doc and see what they think.
Posted by Kairos on November 16, 2002, at 3:44:25
In reply to My experience with Lexapro...so far , posted by seafari on September 17, 2002, at 8:04:16
>Hello!
I just started Lexapro - last week - I'd like to make sure to hear how you're doing with this SSRI - I don't much trust any of these drugs - but something has to give for me soon. Thanks for posting and feel free to e-mail!
This is my first post on this board; I had looked at it a couple of weeks ago when researching Lexapro. To give you some background, I'm a woman in my thirties, & have been taking Klonopin (.5 twice daily) for about 3 years for GAD. I did a really slow taper off off it which was completed by the end of March. Towards the end of June, I became very worried about obtaining new health insurance as my old one was ending July 1. I started experiencing 27-7 stomach pain. An upper endo showed esophagitis & diffuse gastritis. I am on Nexium, and have had no problem with it. By then, though, my anxiety was non-stop. I lost 15 lbs in 3 weeks-- a total of 20 shortly thereafter. My doc put me back on Klonopin .5 3x daily. I had other medical tests done because I am still symptomatic for some other things. I felt the anxiety was pulling me down and finally realized around the first of September that I was becoming depressed as well.
>
> So...my doc gave me a sample box of Celexa which gave me instant dry mouth. When I saw the high evidence for nausea, I asked to skip this as I already had enough problems with nausea & lack of appetite.
>
> He had just gotten samples from the pharm rep the day Lexapro was released. He gave me 7 weeks worth, as well as 50 mg of Trazadone for sleep) Now, granted I am taking 2 drugs starting at the same time, but outside of the sedative effect at bedtime & constipation/painful bowel movements, I think most of the rest is probably Lexapro. I take Lex around late afternoon or dinnertime, and the Trazodone around 9 pm.
>
> 1) Inability to have an orgasm (libido not changed)
>
> 2)Nausea increased at times
>
> 3)**Slight** tremor of hands
>
> 4) Spaced out feeling, esp 12-5 pm
>
> 5) Painful bowel movements
>
> 6) abdominal pain
>
> 7) visual disturbances--periodic & almost like my glasses need a slightly stronger prescription.
>
> 8) Just in the last couple of days, I've developed mild dry mouth.
>
> I see my doc today & will see what he says about it .
Posted by Kairos on November 16, 2002, at 4:04:38
In reply to Re: My experience with Lexapro...so far » seafari, posted by Kairos on November 16, 2002, at 3:44:25
>*groan* NOW I realize WHY I'm AWAKE at 4 ayem.
Nite Folks And THANKS for the 411 & Support!
Kairos
>Hello!
>
> I just started Lexapro - last week - I'd like to make sure to hear how you're doing with this SSRI - I don't much trust any of these drugs - but something has to give for me soon. Thanks for posting and feel free to e-mail!
>
> This is my first post on this board; I had looked at it a couple of weeks ago when researching Lexapro. To give you some background, I'm a woman in my thirties, & have been taking Klonopin (.5 twice daily) for about 3 years for GAD. I did a really slow taper off off it which was completed by the end of March. Towards the end of June, I became very worried about obtaining new health insurance as my old one was ending July 1. I started experiencing 27-7 stomach pain. An upper endo showed esophagitis & diffuse gastritis. I am on Nexium, and have had no problem with it. By then, though, my anxiety was non-stop. I lost 15 lbs in 3 weeks-- a total of 20 shortly thereafter. My doc put me back on Klonopin .5 3x daily. I had other medical tests done because I am still symptomatic for some other things. I felt the anxiety was pulling me down and finally realized around the first of September that I was becoming depressed as well.
> >
> > So...my doc gave me a sample box of Celexa which gave me instant dry mouth. When I saw the high evidence for nausea, I asked to skip this as I already had enough problems with nausea & lack of appetite.
> >
> > He had just gotten samples from the pharm rep the day Lexapro was released. He gave me 7 weeks worth, as well as 50 mg of Trazadone for sleep) Now, granted I am taking 2 drugs starting at the same time, but outside of the sedative effect at bedtime & constipation/painful bowel movements, I think most of the rest is probably Lexapro. I take Lex around late afternoon or dinnertime, and the Trazodone around 9 pm.
> >
> > 1) Inability to have an orgasm (libido not changed)
> >
> > 2)Nausea increased at times
> >
> > 3)**Slight** tremor of hands
> >
> > 4) Spaced out feeling, esp 12-5 pm
> >
> > 5) Painful bowel movements
> >
> > 6) abdominal pain
> >
> > 7) visual disturbances--periodic & almost like my glasses need a slightly stronger prescription.
> >
> > 8) Just in the last couple of days, I've developed mild dry mouth.
> >
> > I see my doc today & will see what he says about it .
>
>
Posted by bridgette on November 16, 2002, at 9:59:59
In reply to Re: Lexapro with Wellbutrin/Stims, posted by hok on November 15, 2002, at 13:59:55
I like the Wellbutrin w/the Lexapro---it gives me more zip (energy). i am still not more focused but the Wellbutrin was only added 10 days ago so I'm trying to be patient. I have had constipation w/the addition of WellbutrinSR and that better subside soon. I'm on 150 mg a day. Do you think that's enough???
>
Posted by bridgette on November 16, 2002, at 15:42:24
In reply to Re: My experience with Lexapro...so far » seafari, posted by Kairos on November 16, 2002, at 3:44:25
I am most interested in what your Dr says about the constipation problem plus the sexual problems. Let us know. Has the Lexapro lifted your mood yet?? By the way, I am on Lexapro 10 mg (6-7 weeks now) and Wellbutrin sr 150 mg per day (10 days).
Posted by oldhand on November 16, 2002, at 16:17:11
In reply to Re: My experience with Lexapro...so far » seafari, posted by Kairos on November 16, 2002, at 3:44:25
Wow, finally found the place to post. Have been on Lexapro for five days, weaning from Effexor which gave me panic/anxiety like I have never experienced. Before my short try of Effexor I was taking Celexa, and Remeron at night to help sleep. Seems to have pooped-out on me as have most things I have tried, Zoloft, Prozac, Welbutrin, Paxil, Serzone, etc., etc.
Getting off heroin was easier than getting off the Effexor. This is my first day on the Lexapro alone and I have high hopes since I seem to have run the gamut of the SSRI's and was despairing. Though I have not slept well during this time I look forward to tonight and getting seven or eight hours of sleep instead of three. Have Trazadone to help and hope it will do so now that the Effexor is out of the picture. One good side of this whole experience is that I don't feel like eating and have begun to lose some of the 40 pounds gained on the Celexa-Remeron combination. Also don't feel like drinking alcohol which has to be good.
As far as sex goes, with no husband or lover I will cross that bridge when/if I come to it.
Sure am glad to have this place to read and contribute. Will look forward to hearing more as we all get more time under our belts with this new med.
Posted by cst on November 16, 2002, at 16:49:39
In reply to Re: My experience with Lexapro...so far » Kairos, posted by oldhand on November 16, 2002, at 16:17:11
I take Zyprexa for schizophrenia, which I am decreasing because the combination of Celexa (40-50mg)and Lexapro (2.5mg) allows me to sleep and relieves my panic attacks. I recently changed my insurance coverage and can't afford the zyprexa anymore. I await the results of this experiment, and hopefully won't end up hospitalized. I love the anti-depressant combo because it solved my sleep disorder. -cst
Posted by Kairos on November 17, 2002, at 2:37:58
In reply to Responding to Kairos, posted by bridgette on November 16, 2002, at 15:42:24
Hi Bridgette!
Thanks for answering to my post! I'm not the one with constipation and sexual problems - yet - and I hope that neither of those occur! The post I was answering to may be who you need to ask. I've just been on it for a week - and haven't noticed a noticable mood lift as yet.
How long was it before you noticed a mood lift??
Kairos
> I am most interested in what your Dr says about the constipation problem plus the sexual problems. Let us know. Has the Lexapro lifted your mood yet?? By the way, I am on Lexapro 10 mg (6-7 weeks now) and Wellbutrin sr 150 mg per day (10 days).
Posted by bridgette on November 17, 2002, at 12:20:02
In reply to Re: Responding to Kairos, posted by Kairos on November 17, 2002, at 2:37:58
Hi Kairos---I'm glad you're not the one w/the constipation and the sexual problems! As far as how long it took for the Lexapro to work, quite honestly I wasen't getting the reaction I wanted so I asked my Dr for something to augment it and he prescribed Wellbutrin sr and that seems to have helped alot. I am not as easily aggravated about everything and everybody---I am calmer, for sure. I can handle things better. I feel like it's the Wellbutrin addition, but I don't think you ever know for sure when you take two, and maybe it's the combination of 2. I probably should have waited longer to add a second one but I am very impatient about everything. Do you (or anyone) know how I can find the similar postings for Wellbutrin. I cannot find it.
Posted by dragonfly on November 17, 2002, at 20:54:44
In reply to Re: Responding to Kairos, posted by bridgette on November 17, 2002, at 12:20:02
Hi, I have been on lexapro for 3 days now. I haven't noticed any changes in my depression. I have noticed colors seem brighter (like someone has put a brighter light bulb in a lamp) and food has a stronger taste.Like things being too salty or too sweet. Has anyone else noticed this? Or am I being my weird self again? This is the first time I have been treated for depression.
Posted by ayuda on November 17, 2002, at 21:18:44
In reply to Re: My experience with Lexapro...so far » Kairos, posted by oldhand on November 16, 2002, at 16:17:11
Kairos --
Did you gain any weight on the Effexor? I gained about 30 pounds in the 6 months I was on it, and only about 10 each with zoloft and celexa during about the same amount of time. I am praying that the massive weight gain slows down with the Lexapro. I really need to get the weight back off, but still have no energy or desire to work-out (and I was a work-out nut until I started on ADs two years ago). I am beginning to think that taking ADs will never get me back into the gym.I have a question about your statement about the sex drive, too. Mine had been overly active from my teens until my early-30s, and then poof!, it has been completely gone, even on the ADs. Especially on the ADs. Like you, I don't much care because there is no man in my life, and to tell the truth, I don't particularly want one because then I'd have to worry about the lack of sex drive (which brings me back to the weight gain -- doesn't bother me that I've lost the hour-glass figure, since I don't want anyone to be attracted to me anyhow). Anyway, I think there's a point here, but I've lost it. Maybe I just wanted to say that I know how you feel about that.
Based on what you wrote, I was thinking: do you ever feel like you're never going to feel good again, at least not for a long run? I keep wondering why my doctor is even trying all these drugs on me, if I'm just going to be changing ADs every 6 months for the rest of my life. Maybe the depression was better.
Anyhow, maybe it's just starting the Lexapro and getting off the Effexor that makes me say that. Did you have stomach problems with the Effexor? I've developed an ulcer from it.
Peace,
Ayuda> Wow, finally found the place to post. Have been on Lexapro for five days, weaning from Effexor which gave me panic/anxiety like I have never experienced. Before my short try of Effexor I was taking Celexa, and Remeron at night to help sleep. Seems to have pooped-out on me as have most things I have tried, Zoloft, Prozac, Welbutrin, Paxil, Serzone, etc., etc.
>
> Getting off heroin was easier than getting off the Effexor. This is my first day on the Lexapro alone and I have high hopes since I seem to have run the gamut of the SSRI's and was despairing. Though I have not slept well during this time I look forward to tonight and getting seven or eight hours of sleep instead of three. Have Trazadone to help and hope it will do so now that the Effexor is out of the picture. One good side of this whole experience is that I don't feel like eating and have begun to lose some of the 40 pounds gained on the Celexa-Remeron combination. Also don't feel like drinking alcohol which has to be good.
> As far as sex goes, with no husband or lover I will cross that bridge when/if I come to it.
> Sure am glad to have this place to read and contribute. Will look forward to hearing more as we all get more time under our belts with this new med.
Posted by ayuda on November 17, 2002, at 22:29:34
In reply to Re: My experience with Lexapro...so far, posted by ayuda on November 17, 2002, at 21:18:44
Sorry -- that last message should have been directed at oldhand. First I almost responded to the wrong message, now this.
Anyone else suffering from mental confusion?
Posted by oldhand on November 18, 2002, at 4:37:40
In reply to whoops, posted by ayuda on November 17, 2002, at 22:29:34
> Sorry -- that last message should have been directed at oldhand. First I almost responded to the wrong message, now this.
>
> Anyone else suffering from mental confusion?
ayuda:
Hi, as far as gaining weight on the Effexor I was not on it but for about two-three weeks and was nauseated the whole time. Drank alot of warm Coke and ice water and did not eat much so began to lose some.
My sex drive died before the anti-depressants I think. I was in a long term relationship in which the sex was just not satisfactory (for me) and as Germaine Greer says, "You can live without sex but BAD sex will make you crazy".(He He) That has been my motto for some time now.
Even with all the stops and starts of medication I have not really given up hope to feel better, though I do feel despair and wonder if I will ever feel like I used to feel. I have lost everything to this illness and will lose my house within the next few weeks, twenty years of employment and I end up on a disability retirement. But I am glad to have it and have the medical care to go with it, otherwise I picture myself a bag-lady on the street. I have the best friends in the world supporting me and praying for me and on the bad days I think of them to keep me going. I encourage you to do the same, try whatever is necessary and if that doesn't work, try something else and please keep me (us) "posted" (another silly joke).
Posted by cst on November 18, 2002, at 14:10:14
In reply to Re: Question for Pharmrep regarding Lexapro Anxiety, posted by ANXIETY ANN on October 8, 2002, at 13:28:48
re: question for pharmrep concerning somnolence. I take zyprexa for schizophrenia which i believed was caused by chronic insomnia. i recently tried celexa (50mg) and was pleased by the sleepiness it caused. The celexa didn't address the panic attacks, and gave me low libido, however, so my doc suggested lexapro. The lexapro cured the panic attacks and renewed my sexual interests, but i'm back to insomnia. To me, the insomnia is worse, so i lowered my dosage of lexapro to 2.5mg from 10mg. How low can i go on lexapro? i become very irritable when i am tired, and i can't fall asleep, even when exhausted. The celexa is the only medication which has worked for this. cst.
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