![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1612 to 1636 of 8406. Go back in thread:
Posted by ayuda on December 20, 2002, at 8:11:27
In reply to Thanks dragonfly, posted by sleepyhead on December 20, 2002, at 5:19:34
Well, the bigger question is, do you suffer from depression and/or anxiety? If you don't, and you are being given this medication, it is going to mess with you as you described about your friends. Doctors don't realize that these medications are not to treat the symptoms -- they are to treat the underlying cause, and for those of us who suffer from the underlying cause, the symptoms go away.
I think you are right to question your doctor putting you on this medication if you do not suffer from clinical depression and/or generalized anxiety disorder. If your insomnia is due to one of these conditions, then your doctor should have made it clear that you are being treated for one of these conditions. But it seems to me, from your original question, that you are not sure that you do suffer from one of these conditions.
I personally do not take ANY medication until a doctor proves to me 1)that I suffer from the disorder the medication treats, and 2)it is the most efficient and least harmful way of treating that condition. I have refused medications from doctors because they do not meet these criteria. If you only suffer from insomnia, and not depression/GAD, then don't take the medication, go see another doctor.
Besides, like you said, Lexapro does not purport to cure insomnia. I take mine first thing in the morning, and I have bad insomnia at night. If you are going to take an AD that works on insomnia, then take Trazodone. It knocks you out, and then (at least for me) permits you to wake up at a reasonable time, with just a little grogginess and NO personality disruption.
ADs are supposed to increase the quality of life for people who suffer from depression and GAD. If ANY medication does not increase your quality of life when that is what it is supposed to do, you can't take it, it's not the thing to do to yourself. I'm glad that you questioned this Rx the way you did -- I would seek out a different solution if I was you. Good luck!
> > > I have just be prescribed Lexapro 10mg for insomnia. I have no other symptoms of depression, anxiety, OCD, or social dysfunction. I have read the complaints about lack of sexual drive, but I would gladly give up sex to get a good night's sleep.
> > > My question is: Does it make any sense to treat insomnia with Lexapro? One of the potential side effects is insomnia. Any opinions?
> > I have been on Lex for 5 weeks, 10 mg. I try to make sure I take it exactly the same time EVERYDAY! (7am). I was having a major problemm with insomnia. It was a little over two weeks before my sleep STARTED to get better. I was waking up only once or twice a night and not laying there for hours awake. After 3 weeks I was falling asleep easier and only waking once(damned bladder).Twice last week I even slept the whole night!
> > I have read where some are having a problem with getting very tired during the day. When I start to feel it coming on I try to move around, clean house garden or exercise bike. It has really helped me. I find a nap every day is very addictive and your body will get into that habit. So why not try the oppposite?When you feel tired get up!!! do something to get your blood moving!!! i ride my exercise bike and watch tv or read at the same time(nowhere close to walk)but I would suggest trying that instead of everyone jumping med to med
> >
>
> Thanks for the encouraging words. I don't sleep during the day at all. I never have. Right now, I can function on the 5-6 hours of sleep I am getting which is much better than the 0-3 hours of sleep I was getting over the summer. There were no meds involved in the improvement.
> After looking over some background information on Lexapro, I have discovered it is related to Prozac. I knew 5 people who took Prozac. All 5 went from unhappy but functioning to nonfunctioning and desparately depressed or psychotic. Two committed suicide. Prozac scares me to death, and Lexapro is similar in some way. I have decided to delay starting the Lexapro until after the holdiays at least. I am not going to ruin Christmas. I suspect I will wait until I am getting less than 4 hours of sleep per night to even consider Lexapro.
>
> Thanks again
Posted by Geezer on December 20, 2002, at 8:41:10
In reply to Thanks dragonfly, posted by sleepyhead on December 20, 2002, at 5:19:34
> > > I have just be prescribed Lexapro 10mg for insomnia. I have no other symptoms of depression, anxiety, OCD, or social dysfunction. I have read the complaints about lack of sexual drive, but I would gladly give up sex to get a good night's sleep.
> > > My question is: Does it make any sense to treat insomnia with Lexapro? One of the potential side effects is insomnia. Any opinions?
> > I have been on Lex for 5 weeks, 10 mg. I try to make sure I take it exactly the same time EVERYDAY! (7am). I was having a major problemm with insomnia. It was a little over two weeks before my sleep STARTED to get better. I was waking up only once or twice a night and not laying there for hours awake. After 3 weeks I was falling asleep easier and only waking once(damned bladder).Twice last week I even slept the whole night!
> > I have read where some are having a problem with getting very tired during the day. When I start to feel it coming on I try to move around, clean house garden or exercise bike. It has really helped me. I find a nap every day is very addictive and your body will get into that habit. So why not try the oppposite?When you feel tired get up!!! do something to get your blood moving!!! i ride my exercise bike and watch tv or read at the same time(nowhere close to walk)but I would suggest trying that instead of everyone jumping med to med
> >
>
> Thanks for the encouraging words. I don't sleep during the day at all. I never have. Right now, I can function on the 5-6 hours of sleep I am getting which is much better than the 0-3 hours of sleep I was getting over the summer. There were no meds involved in the improvement.
> After looking over some background information on Lexapro, I have discovered it is related to Prozac. I knew 5 people who took Prozac. All 5 went from unhappy but functioning to nonfunctioning and desparately depressed or psychotic. Two committed suicide. Prozac scares me to death, and Lexapro is similar in some way. I have decided to delay starting the Lexapro until after the holdiays at least. I am not going to ruin Christmas. I suspect I will wait until I am getting less than 4 hours of sleep per night to even consider Lexapro.
>
> Thanks againHi dragonfly,
I won't make any recommendations on your Lexapro, never took it, although the best AD I ever took was Prozac (best 18 months of my life before it pooped out). It's all too true that each of us responds differently to these drugs, sadly, it's a matter of trial and error finding the right one.
I would like to offer a word of caution about the insomnia. I do not mean to alarm and I am talking about insomnia of the most sever and prolonged type. This kind of insomnia can result in TEMPORARY psychosis - the psychosis will resolve when sleep is resumed. This "theory" was pretty well proven by the marathon ball room dancers of the 1920s and 30s. Dance for days trying to be the last ones standing.....some got a little crazy. I had a similar experience working a 24/7 emergency medical schedule combined with a goodly amount of Dexadrine abuse to stay awake. I don't think for a moment you would try such foolishness - just keep your doc informed about your insomnia.
Have a Happy Holiday
Geezer
Posted by Geezer on December 20, 2002, at 9:10:29
In reply to Re: Thanks dragonfly » sleepyhead, posted by ayuda on December 20, 2002, at 8:11:27
A question about traz. if you don't mind? I completed 11 ECT treatments 2 weeks ago and currently take 40mg Parnate (strong dopamine effect). After 8 weeks the Parnate is beginning to help the depression (i am TRD-have taken the SSRIs, TCAs, and mood stabilizers) but the insomnia is almost unbearable. I took traz. when it first came out many years ago and hyped as a good AD. I gained 40 pounds in the first few months and spent two years trying to stay awake during the daytime. At present 1mg. of Klonopin along with 20mg of Ambien gives me 3-4 hours sleep some nights and some nights none at all. I have a past history of Benzo. abuse so I can't go further in that direction. The pdoc wants me to use traz., I am sure it will do the trick for sleep but can't tolerate the daytime "sleepiness". In your opinion would a 50mg. dose every third night be sufficient? I am aware of the problems associated with sever insomnia (please see my above post to dragonfly). Thanks so much for any suggestions you might be able to offer.
Geezer
Posted by oldhand on December 20, 2002, at 9:35:06
In reply to Re: Tense Muscles: upper back, neck and jaw » Ritch, posted by AnelizeDarkEyes on December 18, 2002, at 20:04:50
I have been on Lex for alittle over 2 months and I too am having jaw clenching and slight headache problems. I wake with a headache from it and some days it is terribly annoying. I take 100mg of Trazodone to sleep because the Lex just wires me. Despite the clenching, I feel as well as I have in years of depression!! I have recently come to live with my elderly parents and if something should set me off this should but I have been doing well, patient, etc. The jaw stuff is not so bad that I will quit the Lex but I will ask my doc about it and a remedy. Best to all and wishing alleviation without side effects for all.
Posted by mills on December 20, 2002, at 9:36:05
In reply to Insomnia?, posted by sleepyhead on December 19, 2002, at 18:06:58
it would make sense to me if the insomnia is somehow anxiety or depression related, but other than that, i honestly wouldn't know; i recommend you talk to your doctor about that issue; anxiety can be very subtle and affect you without you even being aware of it, i think; maybe that's what the doctor is trying to do; good luck
> I have just be prescribed Lexapro 10mg for insomnia. I have no other symptoms of depression, anxiety, OCD, or social dysfunction. I have read the complaints about lack of sexual drive, but I would gladly give up sex to get a good night's sleep.
> My question is: Does it make any sense to treat insomnia with Lexapro? One of the potential side effects is insomnia. Any opinions?
Posted by ayuda on December 20, 2002, at 10:43:27
In reply to Re: Thanks dragonfly - Question Ayuda?? » ayuda, posted by Geezer on December 20, 2002, at 9:10:29
> A question about traz. if you don't mind? I completed 11 ECT treatments 2 weeks ago and currently take 40mg Parnate (strong dopamine effect). After 8 weeks the Parnate is beginning to help the depression (i am TRD-have taken the SSRIs, TCAs, and mood stabilizers) but the insomnia is almost unbearable. I took traz. when it first came out many years ago and hyped as a good AD. I gained 40 pounds in the first few months and spent two years trying to stay awake during the daytime. At present 1mg. of Klonopin along with 20mg of Ambien gives me 3-4 hours sleep some nights and some nights none at all. I have a past history of Benzo. abuse so I can't go further in that direction. The pdoc wants me to use traz., I am sure it will do the trick for sleep but can't tolerate the daytime "sleepiness". In your opinion would a 50mg. dose every third night be sufficient? I am aware of the problems associated with sever insomnia (please see my above post to dragonfly). Thanks so much for any suggestions you might be able to offer.
>
> Geezer
I can tell you how it affects me: sometimes I prefer to take 25mg (cut the 50 in half) because of the effects you are talking about. Since I am on winter break from school, I am not so concerned about daytime sleepiness. I know this is a luxury not many people have.Anyhow, when I take the 50mg at night, I have to go to bed right away -- if I don't, I will get drowsy, but then have a hard time going to sleep (sometimes I take it then stay up on the computer -- bad idea). In any event, once I started on the Trazodone, I started waking up around 7 a.m. every morning, regardless of when I took the med the night before. I am wide awake at that time, for about 2 hours. Then I get sleepy again, and need a nap. I do stay a bit sleepy through the day, but since I don't have a 9-5 job, I can function through it. I also don't notice it much, though I will admit my intake of caffeinated coffee has gone up drastically.
So to answer your question, you might want to try 25mg at night, but I don't know that it will help to not take it every night. It doesn't have a cumulative affect with me -- if I don't take it, I don't sleep. Then again, like I said, I drink more coffee to stay awake during the day, so I don't know if that is affecting my insomnia.
Posted by Geezer on December 20, 2002, at 11:14:46
In reply to Re: Thanks dragonfly - Question Ayuda?? » Geezer, posted by ayuda on December 20, 2002, at 10:43:27
> > A question about traz. if you don't mind? I completed 11 ECT treatments 2 weeks ago and currently take 40mg Parnate (strong dopamine effect). After 8 weeks the Parnate is beginning to help the depression (i am TRD-have taken the SSRIs, TCAs, and mood stabilizers) but the insomnia is almost unbearable. I took traz. when it first came out many years ago and hyped as a good AD. I gained 40 pounds in the first few months and spent two years trying to stay awake during the daytime. At present 1mg. of Klonopin along with 20mg of Ambien gives me 3-4 hours sleep some nights and some nights none at all. I have a past history of Benzo. abuse so I can't go further in that direction. The pdoc wants me to use traz., I am sure it will do the trick for sleep but can't tolerate the daytime "sleepiness". In your opinion would a 50mg. dose every third night be sufficient? I am aware of the problems associated with sever insomnia (please see my above post to dragonfly). Thanks so much for any suggestions you might be able to offer.
> >
> > Geezer
>
>
> I can tell you how it affects me: sometimes I prefer to take 25mg (cut the 50 in half) because of the effects you are talking about. Since I am on winter break from school, I am not so concerned about daytime sleepiness. I know this is a luxury not many people have.
>
> Anyhow, when I take the 50mg at night, I have to go to bed right away -- if I don't, I will get drowsy, but then have a hard time going to sleep (sometimes I take it then stay up on the computer -- bad idea). In any event, once I started on the Trazodone, I started waking up around 7 a.m. every morning, regardless of when I took the med the night before. I am wide awake at that time, for about 2 hours. Then I get sleepy again, and need a nap. I do stay a bit sleepy through the day, but since I don't have a 9-5 job, I can function through it. I also don't notice it much, though I will admit my intake of caffeinated coffee has gone up drastically.
>
> So to answer your question, you might want to try 25mg at night, but I don't know that it will help to not take it every night. It doesn't have a cumulative affect with me -- if I don't take it, I don't sleep. Then again, like I said, I drink more coffee to stay awake during the day, so I don't know if that is affecting my insomnia.
>Thanks ayuda,
I will try the 25mg. as you suggest - I just have a terrible time with drugs that cause daytime drowsiness. I was just doing a web search on a drug I heard mentioned on TV last night. It is called NEUROCRINE manufactured by Pfizer. You can find it on the Pfizer web site - it is in stage III clinical trials and due for release late 2003. No doubt the FDA will delay it longer than that. I called Pfizer but they could not give me anymore info than found on the web site. Says it is not a benzo. Thanks for your help.
Geezer
Posted by sleepyhead on December 20, 2002, at 11:46:39
In reply to Re: Thanks dragonfly - Question Ayuda?? » ayuda, posted by Geezer on December 20, 2002, at 11:14:46
Thanks for everyone's input on my insomnia.
First, let me make clear that I have no depression or anxiety disorder. The doctor who prescribed the Lexapro is not a psychologist -he is a neurologist. I have seen him 3 times for a total of 10 minutes -roughly 3 minutes per visit. Even if I was depressed, he could not make a diagnosis in that time.
I'm flushing the Lexapro and my doc. I'll just write it off to another miserable experience with the medical profession.
Posted by leslieg on December 20, 2002, at 16:23:30
In reply to The responses have been appreciated, posted by sleepyhead on December 20, 2002, at 11:46:39
Have you been to a sleep specialist / had a night-time sleep study done? If not, I recommend it.
> Thanks for everyone's input on my insomnia.
> First, let me make clear that I have no depression or anxiety disorder. The doctor who prescribed the Lexapro is not a psychologist -he is a neurologist. I have seen him 3 times for a total of 10 minutes -roughly 3 minutes per visit. Even if I was depressed, he could not make a diagnosis in that time.
> I'm flushing the Lexapro and my doc. I'll just write it off to another miserable experience with the medical profession.
Posted by enter on December 20, 2002, at 16:49:11
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I took One (10mg)lex last sat. and then one mon morning at 7:30 three hours after that I started to have serious hot flashes cold chills the shakes. I had stomach cramps, and vomiting. I of course did not take any more. its now friday and my stomach is still messed up. just wondered if anyone knew when I'd be back to normal. NO I don't take any other drugs and wasn't sick before.
Posted by EGR on December 20, 2002, at 17:09:09
In reply to question?, posted by enter on December 20, 2002, at 16:49:11
I almost think it was a coincidence and that you had a stomach virus. I know several people on lex (including myself) and haven't heard of that happening.... NOT that it couldn't happen. I would wait until you're feeling better and try it again.
Posted by sleepyhead on December 20, 2002, at 21:32:20
In reply to Re: The responses have been appreciated » sleepyhead, posted by leslieg on December 20, 2002, at 16:23:30
Yes, I had a sleep study done. They told me I get to level one sleep only (out of 4), and that my sleep is very interrupted. I spent 5 hours in bed at the study, and most of that time was spent trying not to stare at the camera recording me and trying not to think about the camera. I found it very disturbing. I also have mild obstuctive apnea -I snore. I have a machine (CPAP) to compensate for the apnea, but it is not helpful. I can't get to sleep with this medeval mask strapped to my head. I developed a system of pillows to reduce the snoring.
I have tried acupuncture, chinese herbs, aroma therapy, and western medicine. All of them have been equally ineffective. I may get a Jamaican Shaman to shake his mojo beads at me. It couldn't hurt.
Posted by ayuda on December 20, 2002, at 21:49:06
In reply to Re: Thanks dragonfly - Question Ayuda?? » ayuda, posted by Geezer on December 20, 2002, at 11:14:46
> > > A question about traz. if you don't mind? I completed 11 ECT treatments 2 weeks ago and currently take 40mg Parnate (strong dopamine effect). After 8 weeks the Parnate is beginning to help the depression (i am TRD-have taken the SSRIs, TCAs, and mood stabilizers) but the insomnia is almost unbearable. I took traz. when it first came out many years ago and hyped as a good AD. I gained 40 pounds in the first few months and spent two years trying to stay awake during the daytime. At present 1mg. of Klonopin along with 20mg of Ambien gives me 3-4 hours sleep some nights and some nights none at all. I have a past history of Benzo. abuse so I can't go further in that direction. The pdoc wants me to use traz., I am sure it will do the trick for sleep but can't tolerate the daytime "sleepiness". In your opinion would a 50mg. dose every third night be sufficient? I am aware of the problems associated with sever insomnia (please see my above post to dragonfly). Thanks so much for any suggestions you might be able to offer.
> > >
> > > Geezer
> >
> >
> > I can tell you how it affects me: sometimes I prefer to take 25mg (cut the 50 in half) because of the effects you are talking about. Since I am on winter break from school, I am not so concerned about daytime sleepiness. I know this is a luxury not many people have.
> >
> > Anyhow, when I take the 50mg at night, I have to go to bed right away -- if I don't, I will get drowsy, but then have a hard time going to sleep (sometimes I take it then stay up on the computer -- bad idea). In any event, once I started on the Trazodone, I started waking up around 7 a.m. every morning, regardless of when I took the med the night before. I am wide awake at that time, for about 2 hours. Then I get sleepy again, and need a nap. I do stay a bit sleepy through the day, but since I don't have a 9-5 job, I can function through it. I also don't notice it much, though I will admit my intake of caffeinated coffee has gone up drastically.
> >
> > So to answer your question, you might want to try 25mg at night, but I don't know that it will help to not take it every night. It doesn't have a cumulative affect with me -- if I don't take it, I don't sleep. Then again, like I said, I drink more coffee to stay awake during the day, so I don't know if that is affecting my insomnia.
> >
>
> Thanks ayuda,
>
> I will try the 25mg. as you suggest - I just have a terrible time with drugs that cause daytime drowsiness. I was just doing a web search on a drug I heard mentioned on TV last night. It is called NEUROCRINE manufactured by Pfizer. You can find it on the Pfizer web site - it is in stage III clinical trials and due for release late 2003. No doubt the FDA will delay it longer than that. I called Pfizer but they could not give me anymore info than found on the web site. Says it is not a benzo. Thanks for your help.
>
> Geezer
>
>Thanks for that info, too -- my roommate's dad is a Pfizer rep, I'll ask him to keep me apprised of the progress of the drug.
Posted by ayuda on December 20, 2002, at 21:52:35
In reply to The responses have been appreciated, posted by sleepyhead on December 20, 2002, at 11:46:39
> Thanks for everyone's input on my insomnia.
> First, let me make clear that I have no depression or anxiety disorder. The doctor who prescribed the Lexapro is not a psychologist -he is a neurologist. I have seen him 3 times for a total of 10 minutes -roughly 3 minutes per visit. Even if I was depressed, he could not make a diagnosis in that time.
> I'm flushing the Lexapro and my doc. I'll just write it off to another miserable experience with the medical profession.
But don't give up on finding something for your insomnia -- try going to a family practitioner or other generalist who won't over-treat you. Insomnia is no fun -- I suffer from it even when I'm not suffering from depression or taking ADs, and nothing feels better than getting a good night's sleep every night.
Posted by jtc on December 20, 2002, at 23:04:51
In reply to Thanks dragonfly, posted by sleepyhead on December 20, 2002, at 5:19:34
Hi everyone,
I just had a question about Effexor XR. I am currently taking 75 mg once daily for about six months now and I have gained weight and seem to keep gaining weight. Has this happened to anyone else? I also take Klonopin, .5 mg at night for anxiety. I used to take Luvox for about three years and I am starting to think I should just go back on it. Last time I saw my psychiatrist he mentioned that I might try Lexapro but I don't think I want to try it after reading all the info about it. I am not really fond of Effexor either. I have tried many ADs in the past. My problem is GAD and anxiety, panic disorder and some depression. My 8 1/2 year old daughter has just been put on Effexor XR 37.5 mg a day. She has been taking it for about 4 weeks now because she has anxiety that is affecting her school work and her health. She worries about everything, even simple things. I guess she has inherited this from me. I am worried about her taking the Effexor and my husband and I thought it over before we agreed to let her try this. She has been seeing a psychologist as well as the psychiatrist who prescribed the Effexor for her. Her pediatrician even says she thinks the Effexor might be good for her to try. Has anyone had any similar situations like this with their young kids?
Thanks for the input, JC
Posted by Ctynes on December 20, 2002, at 23:22:05
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I started on Lexapro 5 weeks ago. I had previously been on Prozac (made me feel totally zoned) for two years. I then went to Paxil for a while, numbed me out. So far, I have liked the Lexapro. I take mine at night. I have always had difficulty getting going in the mornings. Now, no problem. I seem to be the only one at work who doesn’t take things too seriously, looks for solutions, not blame, and I don’t have time for the negative idle talk. I’m me again J. After being on the others, and going through “the change” I had hoped for maybe some reduction in hunger, but not so. Not that I am gaining, but I am not losing either. Although I do crave chocolate (always have) I mostly crave the salty stuff now. I can’t eat as much in one sitting, but I eat more times a day. The main problem everyone seems to have is sex drive. Mine is coming back, but alas, only in my dreams. Take care, Carla
Posted by EGR on December 20, 2002, at 23:39:54
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Ctynes on December 20, 2002, at 23:22:05
You take it at night? At what time, right before bed or earlier in the evening? How many mgs? Thanks...EGR
Posted by Ctynes on December 21, 2002, at 0:13:10
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl » Ctynes, posted by EGR on December 20, 2002, at 23:39:54
> You take it at night? At what time, right before bed or earlier in the evening? How many mgs? Thanks...EGR
Right before bed. I found with other meds it was too difficult to sleep, now by bedtime, it's not a problem. I take 10 mg Lexapro. I was reading some other feedback, and I, like several others, hope that how I feel on these doesn't wear off. I have been looking to feel like me all my life.
Posted by Romulus on December 21, 2002, at 1:05:54
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Ctynes on December 21, 2002, at 0:13:10
It's very encouraging to hear about people who sleep well after taking Lexapro (not to mention the individual who was prescribed Lexapro as a sleep aid). I have been taking 10mg for 4 weeks now and find that it makes my mind race and I wake up during the night. Only when I combine it with Klonopin does the agitation go away, and I've started doing that in the morning instead of at night. That combination has been wonderful and I too have felt a bit more 'myself' lately. Best of luck, Ctynes.
> > You take it at night? At what time, right before bed or earlier in the evening? How many mgs? Thanks...EGR
>
> Right before bed. I found with other meds it was too difficult to sleep, now by bedtime, it's not a problem. I take 10 mg Lexapro. I was reading some other feedback, and I, like several others, hope that how I feel on these doesn't wear off. I have been looking to feel like me all my life.
Posted by J. Wesley on December 21, 2002, at 5:20:48
In reply to Re: Tense Muscles: upper back, neck and jaw » EGR, posted by Ritch on December 18, 2002, at 22:09:29
> > Well now, that IS interesting, because now that you've mentioned it, YES, my neck, jaw and shoulders/upper back have been tense... I never linked it to the lex. Let me ask all you veterans this... I've just been using a therapist and my GP... and I don't think my GP is well versed in this stuff because it seems to me that she's quick to switch meds. Would you guys recommend me finding a pdoc or sticking with the GP and maybe making med suggestions to her?
>
> I would hang in there with the GP for awhile, precisely because she is willing to make some med changes, especially if you are being treated for uncomplicated typical unipolar depression (which isn't severe). You could get stuck with a pdoc that will force you to wait out three full months on an AD that is flopping, which could be worse than switching too frequently. As far as the muscle tension issues go-you may as well just pick your poison with the SSRI's. I get a different muscle thing with every one of them. Right now, I find the Effexor stiff-neck-upper back muscle thing preferable to the other muscle sfx variations on other serotonergics.
>
____________________________I to had this problem with lexapro. I was aware of this symptom because depakote caused the same muscle tightness in my back and shoulders. I could barely hold my head up on depakote, so when I had the same symptoms develop with lexapro I called my pdoc and he told me to stop taking it.
My pdoc doesn't know why this happens or what causes it. I have done some research on this and can't find anything that explains this symptom.
Does anyone know why this occures?
J.
Posted by Ritch on December 21, 2002, at 8:26:31
In reply to Re: Tense Muscles: upper back, neck and jaw » Ritch, posted by J. Wesley on December 21, 2002, at 5:20:48
> > > Well now, that IS interesting, because now that you've mentioned it, YES, my neck, jaw and shoulders/upper back have been tense... I never linked it to the lex. Let me ask all you veterans this... I've just been using a therapist and my GP... and I don't think my GP is well versed in this stuff because it seems to me that she's quick to switch meds. Would you guys recommend me finding a pdoc or sticking with the GP and maybe making med suggestions to her?
> >
> > I would hang in there with the GP for awhile, precisely because she is willing to make some med changes, especially if you are being treated for uncomplicated typical unipolar depression (which isn't severe). You could get stuck with a pdoc that will force you to wait out three full months on an AD that is flopping, which could be worse than switching too frequently. As far as the muscle tension issues go-you may as well just pick your poison with the SSRI's. I get a different muscle thing with every one of them. Right now, I find the Effexor stiff-neck-upper back muscle thing preferable to the other muscle sfx variations on other serotonergics.
> >
> ____________________________
>
> I to had this problem with lexapro. I was aware of this symptom because depakote caused the same muscle tightness in my back and shoulders. I could barely hold my head up on depakote, so when I had the same symptoms develop with lexapro I called my pdoc and he told me to stop taking it.
>
> My pdoc doesn't know why this happens or what causes it. I have done some research on this and can't find anything that explains this symptom.
>
> Does anyone know why this occures?
>
> J.
>
Every response I have read here that attempts to explain the etiology boils down to some interference with dopaminergic functioning that SSRI's apparently cause (more or less). Some folks even believe it is med-induced pseudoparkinsonism similar to what antipsychotics can cause. However, most of the stuff you hear about can often happen to people not even taking them (such as nightime jaw grinding-restless legs syndrome, etc.). Obviously they do involve motor circuits and they certainly are annoying. That is interesting about your experience with Depakote. The most significant "motor symptom" I got with it was fairly significant left-hand tremor at higher doses. I could hold my hands out straight and they would stay fairly still for a few moments, but then my left-hand would "let go" and flap (quite a distance) a few times and stop (etc.). Some folks are just sensitive to these motor side effects and may need to stop/switch meds to avoid them.
Posted by panicbutton on December 21, 2002, at 8:37:33
In reply to Re: Tense Muscles: upper back, neck and jaw » J. Wesley, posted by Ritch on December 21, 2002, at 8:26:31
> > > > Well now, that IS interesting, because now that you've mentioned it, YES, my neck, jaw and shoulders/upper back have been tense... I never linked it to the lex. Let me ask all you veterans this... I've just been using a therapist and my GP... and I don't think my GP is well versed in this stuff because it seems to me that she's quick to switch meds. Would you guys recommend me finding a pdoc or sticking with the GP and maybe making med suggestions to her?
> > >
> > > I would hang in there with the GP for awhile, precisely because she is willing to make some med changes, especially if you are being treated for uncomplicated typical unipolar depression (which isn't severe). You could get stuck with a pdoc that will force you to wait out three full months on an AD that is flopping, which could be worse than switching too frequently. As far as the muscle tension issues go-you may as well just pick your poison with the SSRI's. I get a different muscle thing with every one of them. Right now, I find the Effexor stiff-neck-upper back muscle thing preferable to the other muscle sfx variations on other serotonergics.
> > >
> > ____________________________
> >
> > I to had this problem with lexapro. I was aware of this symptom because depakote caused the same muscle tightness in my back and shoulders. I could barely hold my head up on depakote, so when I had the same symptoms develop with lexapro I called my pdoc and he told me to stop taking it.
> >
> > My pdoc doesn't know why this happens or what causes it. I have done some research on this and can't find anything that explains this symptom.
> >
> > Does anyone know why this occures?
> >
> > J.
> >
>
>
> Every response I have read here that attempts to explain the etiology boils down to some interference with dopaminergic functioning that SSRI's apparently cause (more or less). Some folks even believe it is med-induced pseudoparkinsonism similar to what antipsychotics can cause. However, most of the stuff you hear about can often happen to people not even taking them (such as nightime jaw grinding-restless legs syndrome, etc.). Obviously they do involve motor circuits and they certainly are annoying. That is interesting about your experience with Depakote. The most significant "motor symptom" I got with it was fairly significant left-hand tremor at higher doses. I could hold my hands out straight and they would stay fairly still for a few moments, but then my left-hand would "let go" and flap (quite a distance) a few times and stop (etc.). Some folks are just sensitive to these motor side effects and may need to stop/switch meds to avoid them.
>I, too, have noticed increased muscle tightness in the neck and shoulders. Recently, I began experiencing some tension around my mouth and also some muscle twitching there. I blamed in on holiday stress, but now I wonder if it is related to Lexapro.
Posted by J. Wesley on December 21, 2002, at 9:17:40
In reply to Re: Tense Muscles: upper back, neck and jaw » J. Wesley, posted by Ritch on December 21, 2002, at 8:26:31
> > > > Well now, that IS interesting, because now that you've mentioned it, YES, my neck, jaw and shoulders/upper back have been tense... I never linked it to the lex. Let me ask all you veterans this... I've just been using a therapist and my GP... and I don't think my GP is well versed in this stuff because it seems to me that she's quick to switch meds. Would you guys recommend me finding a pdoc or sticking with the GP and maybe making med suggestions to her?
> > >
> > > I would hang in there with the GP for awhile, precisely because she is willing to make some med changes, especially if you are being treated for uncomplicated typical unipolar depression (which isn't severe). You could get stuck with a pdoc that will force you to wait out three full months on an AD that is flopping, which could be worse than switching too frequently. As far as the muscle tension issues go-you may as well just pick your poison with the SSRI's. I get a different muscle thing with every one of them. Right now, I find the Effexor stiff-neck-upper back muscle thing preferable to the other muscle sfx variations on other serotonergics.
> > >
> > ____________________________
> >
> > I to had this problem with lexapro. I was aware of this symptom because depakote caused the same muscle tightness in my back and shoulders. I could barely hold my head up on depakote, so when I had the same symptoms develop with lexapro I called my pdoc and he told me to stop taking it.
> >
> > My pdoc doesn't know why this happens or what causes it. I have done some research on this and can't find anything that explains this symptom.
> >
> > Does anyone know why this occures?
> >
> > J.
> >
>
>
> Every response I have read here that attempts to explain the etiology boils down to some interference with dopaminergic functioning that SSRI's apparently cause (more or less). Some folks even believe it is med-induced pseudoparkinsonism similar to what antipsychotics can cause. However, most of the stuff you hear about can often happen to people not even taking them (such as nightime jaw grinding-restless legs syndrome, etc.). Obviously they do involve motor circuits and they certainly are annoying. That is interesting about your experience with Depakote. The most significant "motor symptom" I got with it was fairly significant left-hand tremor at higher doses. I could hold my hands out straight and they would stay fairly still for a few moments, but then my left-hand would "let go" and flap (quite a distance) a few times and stop (etc.). Some folks are just sensitive to these motor side effects and may need to stop/switch meds to avoid them._______________________________________
It has been some time since I checked the side effects of depakote, but I seem to remember that when I got ahold of the package insert, there was mention of stiff neck and back pain. I just checked the info about side effects for depakote on rxlist.com and bingo, my memory seems to be intact.
My experience with depakote has been that I can only tolerate 500mgs/day. Anything higher and I have the neck and back pain which was really quite painful. I also had significant cognitive and weight gain problems with depakote.
I wasn't aware other people were having the back and neck problem with lexapro that I ran into, but I recognized it within a few days and drew the correlation to depakote immediately. As a result I didn't have to go through any tapering process cause I had only been on 5mgs/day for about a week when I stopped it.
I have always been leary of the ssri's because there is pretty clear evidence now that long term use of them can, in some people, induce movement disorders similar to TD. It certainly isn't much of a stretch to see how med-induced psuedoparkisonism could account for the back and neck problems. Thanks for your post.
J. Wesley
Posted by dragonfly on December 21, 2002, at 9:26:31
In reply to Re: Tense Muscles: upper back, neck and jaw, posted by panicbutton on December 21, 2002, at 8:37:33
I too went thru the tightness in my upper back. I at first thought my job had caused it. It doesnt bother me now, I still clench my jaw alot though. This is the first time I have been prescribed any medication for clinical depression. I had a hysterectomy this past June. My depression was blamed on my "female" hormones for years. I never slept, that was the worst. Anxiety was interfering with everything. Then 2 months ago I fell totally apart! My husband INSISTED I go to my gyno to get my hormones checked. I was to the point I couldn't do my job well. Nothing worse than building an oak set of custom cabinet doors one inch too small!! Thank god I work for my dad and he understood something was going on. It took two days to fix and for a week I was on the verge of"being sick" I just couldn't believe I made that BAD of a mistake. It was hard for me to believe I had depression, I had no reason to be depressed! I have a wonderfull husband ( actually a very understanding one) I have a family who loves me. We both have very good jobs, beautifull house. How could I be depressed? Had to be my hormones! I guess in a way it is my hormones.I was shocked when my gyno put me on a anti-deppressant. Now a little over a month later I am very glad he did! I can deal with the clenching jaw chewing gum helps also helps with the dry mouth! I have picked up some little quirks now. I talk 3 times as much as I did before, everyone says I act like I am in a hurry to get things done. My paper work is 100% neater and I clean all the time. I have even started back riding my exercise bike.I am happy my husband is happy my dad(boss) is happy. I hope the side effects don't change or get worse as time goes by.
Posted by EGR on December 21, 2002, at 10:33:23
In reply to Re: depakote, lexapro and back and neck pain » Ritch, posted by J. Wesley on December 21, 2002, at 9:17:40
My dentist told me about the jaw clenching and teeth grinding s/e, but I didn't associate it with the neck/back. He also said that if I have a problem with dry mouth to let him know and he'll prescribe Rx toothpaste... something about saliva and bacteria. I don't have any problem sleeping and feel fantastic on 10mg... I'm supposed to increase to 20 today, but I don't see any reason to, so I'm not going to. The tightness seems to be lessening.
EGR
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