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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by wperry1971 on April 11, 2003, at 20:12:09
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by blkvettes on April 11, 2003, at 18:36:10
> > > [Posted by ggrrl on June 11, 2002, at 1:19:51]
> > >
> > > > Seems like there are a lot of people on here who have talked about Lexapro's improved side-effects, specifically that it has less tiredness and sexual side effects than Celexa. Some have said that it has the same side effects as Celexa. However most people are quoting from press releases - does anyone here know from experience (theirs or others')?
> > >
> > >
> > I was just switched over from Paxil CR am I going to experience any withdrawl symptoms? If so how long do they usually last? Thanks for your help.
> >
>
> Hi there, I would think you will have withdrawl depending on how long you were on paxil. I would think you should be taken off paxil slowly. But everyone is different. I had a rough time when I came off zoloft and paxil. Here is a link with possible withdrawl symptoms and I am not a lawyer. It is just a link with a very complete list. My experience was that the worst was over in 2 weeks and gone in 3 to 4 weeks. TAKE CARE!!!!
> http://www.paxilinjurylawyer.com/html/faq.html#withdrawal
>My doctor switched me over because I was having problems with dizziness and a twiching feeling in my face.
Posted by lil' jimi on April 11, 2003, at 20:49:07
In reply to Re: Lexapro and Hitachi » leeran, posted by lil' jimi on April 8, 2003, at 22:14:41
> > Well, hell, I might as well add that my husband is Italian as well.
> >
> > My elderly father (who has told me, more than once, that he hasn't had sex since he was 41, thanks dad for TMI) had some samples of Viagra that he didn't need (it takes two to tango and the other "tango-er," my mother, is on Paxil and doesn't think too highly of him anyway) so he gave them to me (just in case).
> >
> > So, my hubby tried it once but it really didn't do anything that different than normal so we just tossed the rest of them.
> >
> > Re: Lexapro - I started it but felt so catatonic that I tapered off after about five days. I had to go Las Vegas for a trade show (last minute) and I was afraid I might sit down at a slot machine and just pull the handle for eight hours straight and forget I was supposed to put money in (or go visit the trade show).
> >
> > Are you splitting 10's to get to 5's? Have you gained weight or felt catatonic? Given your description of your orgasms I'm guessing that you're beyond any type of catatonic stage.
> >
> > As for me, I pretty much taught myself to be multi-orgasmic (in the closet with a prehistoric appliance) just to p*ss off my jerky first husband. I decided that would teach him to call ME frigid. Best lesson I ever taught myself AND best look on his face when I had him stop counting at ten the last time I had sex with him before I filed for divorce.
> >
> > Hey, at least anti-depressants haven't robbed me of all my memories ;-)
> >
>
> hi leeran,
>
> well, i am so glad that you got yourself a good guy that makes you happy ... i don’t want to imagine the shape i’d be in without the loving support my best friend / wife ... your ex and you folks sound like a real trip ...
>
> about six years ago my mrs was prescribed paxil for social anxiety ... we spent years trying to figure out what had become of her libido ... no one Ever mentioned ssri induced sexual SEs ... we suffered through it, but not knowing why was devastating ...
>
> yet from my short-lived experience of lex induced anorgasmia....
> plus my sweetie-pie’s testimony of our tragedy with paxil ...
> put together with what i’ve read from our posters on this thread ...
> i have learned that sexual dysfunction for men can happen in any combination of three surprisingly separate components:
> 1) libidinal desire;
> 2) erectile function;
> 3) orgasm.
>
> it is not surprising that failures of 1) or/and 2) would stop 3) ... nor that 1) can stop 2) and 3) ... that poster i was quoting had Viagra give him 2) but it did nothing for 1) and 3) ...
>
> what is surprising to me is that you can have all of the 1) and 2) you can stand, yet zero 3) ... and that the 3)-ability can be determined by SSRIs and therefore by our neurotransmitters status Alone ... which is very much what it was like for me for three, while this lasted, Unnerving days.
>
> i’ve got to say that we believe that certain levels of ssri-induced anorgasmia would be impervious to mr.Hitachi’s wand’s magic .. very few things could be so frustrating ... yet, for me, so gratifying when it went away ...
>
> still in my recovery, “things” haven’t been the same since ... they have been better
>
> i split 10 mg tabs using an exacto-knife ... it’s not exactly exact-o ... sometimes they crumble ... i’ve established a tradition of taking the smallest ‘half’ along with the crumbs and saving the more half-like half for the next day ... wouldn’t sustained release 5 mg tablet be nice?
>
> i took 10mg on march 6 and had such adverse reaction i reduced my dose to 5mg ... then i found this web site and kept up the 5mg since ... i was lethargic, but like i had the flu and i would get trippy when i took my dose and i had anxiety-attacks for the only time in my life and even worse depression along with anorgasmia ... for moments i did feel vegetative, sort of catatonic ... my appetite was weird , but i have lost weight, although there are other reasons for weight loss ... i had a (routine) colonoscopy friday.
>
> thanks for the endorsement for the hitachi magic wand! ... we’ll be getting one for fun ... maybe two!
>
> but reading these posts inspired me and sustained me and helped me keep taking lex ... now all the anti-therapeutic effects have subsided and i feel better.
>
> So, has anyone else experienced any improved sexual function after being on Lexapro?
> Thanks to all of our posters ... you have all been a very great benefit to me,
> ~ jimhi lee,
i was re-reading this post from me to you and there's something i did that i don't like and it's bugging me... a lot.
it's a typo that i fear could offend you becasue it offends me ... so anyway please let me explain so i'll get over it ...
i was trying to type "your", but i left off the "r" and instead i typed "you" ... here's why this strikes me as so bad : instead of writing "your folks", i wrote "you folks".
no big deal?
instead of writing "... your ex and your folks sound like a real trip ...", i wrote "... your ex and you folks sound like a real trip ..."
so instead of refering, with a light jibe, to your hilarious comments about your former husband and your parents , which was what i was intending ....
InStead, i made this broad sweeping generalization (without any referents!) and i was thus slurring you personally along with your whole family!! ......AAAAHHHHHGGGG!i mean even if my family Was (all of us) a "real trip", i would be offended if someone presumed that they were free to take broad shots at my entire family without any informed reason.
that is Not what i meant... please except my sincere apology!... i am sorry.
well, i mean If you Did read my typo that way ... that's why it offends me ... and rather than just hope you didn't notice ... i wanted to try to make this correction and apologize, just in case it rubbed you wrong the way it would have rubbed me ... i didn't mean it at all, i'm just a bad typer!
i enjoyed our little chat so much that i would hate to have spoiled it just because i'm so poor at my hunt and pecking.
now for a real trip you should get a load of my siblings!
thanks for putting up with my fears and my long explanation ... and please forgive me.
and i hope this didn't offend!
peace,
~ jim
Posted by leeran on April 11, 2003, at 22:22:10
In reply to Re:(Re: Lexapro and Hitachi) to leeran, posted by lil' jimi on April 11, 2003, at 20:49:07
Jim,
I took no offense whatsoever! Actually, I read it exactly as you intended it (for some odd reason I'm able to mentally correct typos, perhaps because I occasionally do some proofreading on the side).
Since I had made the decision to definitely stay off of the Lexapro (at least for the time being) I didn't respond back to your post about using the Exacto knife. Additionally, I was afraid I had beaten the so-called horse to death (or at least pummelled it with a high-speed Hitachi) and didn't want to risk additional inappropriate comments (I'm still feeling my way around here and the "good girl" in me likes to steer clear of trouble).
I have found your posts to me (and others) to be extremely helpful and upbeat. I can tell that you're the kind of person who tries to see the good in everyone and I really admire that trait.
I hope that if you and your wife ever decide to invest in that piece of machinery you will report back on your findings. I even found a link that best explains its uses for "beginners" (simply because it is such a powerful "power" tool) but I wasn't sure about the protocol of posting links of any kind here (let alone of that nature).
The only thing that ever really offends me on any message board are posters who have some kind of obvious agenda to promote something or themselves. I haven't seen one instance of that on this board, so I'm just as happy as a clam (or as happy as a clam without serotonin could possibly be ;).
Now, "a clam without serotonin" reminds me of a "town without pity" and that song will be going through my head all night!
I'm going to ensure that this post doesn't get redirected by saying that I appreciate your comments on Lexapro and I'm glad to hear you're doing so well with it.
Have a good weekend!
Lee
Posted by lil' jimi on April 12, 2003, at 20:08:06
In reply to Re:(Re: Lexapro and Hitachi) to leeran » lil' jimi, posted by leeran on April 11, 2003, at 22:22:10
> Jim,
>
> I took no offense whatsoever! Actually, I read it exactly as you intended it (for some odd reason I'm able to mentally correct typos, perhaps because I occasionally do some proofreading on the side).
>
> Since I had made the decision to definitely stay off of the Lexapro (at least for the time being) I didn't respond back to your post about using the Exacto knife. Additionally, I was afraid I had beaten the so-called horse to death (or at least pummelled it with a high-speed Hitachi) and didn't want to risk additional inappropriate comments (I'm still feeling my way around here and the "good girl" in me likes to steer clear of trouble).
>
> I have found your posts to me (and others) to be extremely helpful and upbeat. I can tell that you're the kind of person who tries to see the good in everyone and I really admire that trait.
>
> I hope that if you and your wife ever decide to invest in that piece of machinery you will report back on your findings. I even found a link that best explains its uses for "beginners" (simply because it is such a powerful "power" tool) but I wasn't sure about the protocol of posting links of any kind here (let alone of that nature).
>
> The only thing that ever really offends me on any message board are posters who have some kind of obvious agenda to promote something or themselves. I haven't seen one instance of that on this board, so I'm just as happy as a clam (or as happy as a clam without serotonin could possibly be ;).
>
> Now, "a clam without serotonin" reminds me of a "town without pity" and that song will be going through my head all night!
>
> I'm going to ensure that this post doesn't get redirected by saying that I appreciate your comments on Lexapro and I'm glad to hear you're doing so well with it.
>
> Have a good weekend!
>
> Leehey lee!
you are cool ... i knew you would understand and help me out here .... but i hadn’t imagined your magic power to psychically correct my typos ... with perfect understanding ... beautifully cutting me the slack i need.
i have read more than once other posters get their wires crossed with as little or less cause.
but when i read my own error, as much as i felt i could presume on your understanding, i still had a trace of doubt and i couldn’t stop from obsessing about it ... so i decided to presume on your understanding about presuming on your understanding ... anyway, ...Thank you. ... you have been terrific
we shall be trying out the highly recommended mr. hitachi’s wand o’ magic ... we’ll be sure to let you know how it goes ... maybe with 2 we might double our pleasure.
now the real bonus from bothering you with my obsessive worry(s) is that you have way, way, Way, cracked me up! .... ol’ gene pitney ... would never imagine the rendition of ... “Clam Without Serotonin” to the tune of his hit “Town Without a Pity” ... that you have inspired me with and is now playing in my head. ... and which i sometimes Sing! ... when it is not making me Laugh! ....
“If we stop to gaze upon a star,
People talk about how bad we are.
Ours is not an easy age.
We’re like tigers in a cage.
When these little mind’s tear you in twooo.”
....
“ .... cause it isn’t very pretty,
what a clam without serotonin,
Ca-aaaaanN DooooooOO! ....”I love it!
Thanks for “Clam Without Serotonin” and thanks for your understanding.
~ ... jimp.s. i doubt dr. bob would flinch if we were to discuss sex or compare orgasms on this site as long as it’s med related ... and i’d bet we (or anyone) could, even if it wasn’t med-related over at PB Social ... but i think we may have it covered for now ... although i’m still hoping to hear back from anyone who’s had any beneficial sexual side effects from lexapro or any ssris.
Posted by fanni on April 13, 2003, at 14:22:48
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by wperry1971 on April 11, 2003, at 18:11:19
> > [Posted by ggrrl on June 11, 2002, at 1:19:51]
> >
> > > Seems like there are a lot of people on here who have talked about Lexapro's improved side-effects, specifically that it has less tiredness and sexual side effects than Celexa. Some have said that it has the same side effects as Celexa. However most people are quoting from press releases - does anyone here know from experience (theirs or others')?
> >
> >
> I was just switched over from Paxil CR am I going to experience any withdrawl symptoms? If so how long do they usually last? Thanks for your help.
> i just started on lexapro a week ago so far its done nothing much,just made me feel a bit sick! does anyone know how long it usually takes to kick in and have therapeutic results?
Posted by blkvettes on April 13, 2003, at 14:46:12
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by fanni on April 13, 2003, at 14:22:48
> > > [Posted by ggrrl on June 11, 2002, at 1:19:51]
> > >
> > > > Seems like there are a lot of people on here who have talked about Lexapro's improved side-effects, specifically that it has less tiredness and sexual side effects than Celexa. Some have said that it has the same side effects as Celexa. However most people are quoting from press releases - does anyone here know from experience (theirs or others')?
> > >
> > >
> > I was just switched over from Paxil CR am I going to experience any withdrawl symptoms? If so how long do they usually last? Thanks for your help.
> > i just started on lexapro a week ago so far its done nothing much,just made me feel a bit sick! does anyone know how long it usually takes to kick in and have therapeutic results?
>Hi there, try to be patient. Somewhere between 4 to 8 weeks it should kick in and sometimes sooner and sometimes a little later. The sick part should go away in time. Just hang in there. TAKE CARE!!!!!!
Posted by lil' jimi on April 13, 2003, at 15:41:28
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by fanni on April 13, 2003, at 14:22:48
> > > [Posted by ggrrl on June 11, 2002, at 1:19:51]
> > >
> > > > Seems like there are a lot of people on here who have talked about Lexapro's improved side-effects, specifically that it has less tiredness and sexual side effects than Celexa. Some have said that it has the same side effects as Celexa. However most people are quoting from press releases - does anyone here know from experience (theirs or others')?
> > >
> > >
> > I was just switched over from Paxil CR am I going to experience any withdrawl symptoms? If so how long do they usually last? Thanks for your help.
> > i just started on lexapro a week ago so far its done nothing much,just made me feel a bit sick! does anyone know how long it usually takes to kick in and have therapeutic results?
>
hi fanni, welcome to the lexapro thread here at psycho-babble .... thanks for posting!i have only been on lexapro since march 6, so most of what i 'know" about lexapro comes from what i've read from this thread ... from all the way back to ggrrl's post of june 2002 up to yours today ... (anyone heard from ggrrl again ?)... so i do not know the answer to your question, but my guess from what i recall from what i've read ... is...
... well, it depends somewhat on what your being treated for ... people with anxiety seem to get lexapro as often as people with depression. ...and i would say that people with depression have shown a higher tolerance than those with anxiety for lexapro's adaptation-period side-effects...
but generally, i'd guess:
about 6 to 8 weeks of possible side effects,
ranging from less than a week for a few to more than 10 weeks or more for some folks who realized/decided they weren't going to be able to tolerate lexapro ...
it's the therapeutic benefit that i think varies with your symptoms ... i think many of the depressed people report fairly quick relief, two weeks , a week, less some times ... but it seems to me that for anxiety , the adaptation period side-effects initially make the symptom(s) worse and the relief takes some what longer to overcome this... so maybe
4 to 8 weeks for anxiety relief,
with some contrary rare cases of very prompt relief and some of no relief...
bi-polar and anxiety sufferers also tend to be on an interactive collection of meds which are being adjusted, which complicate their picture massively ...
there are the more infrequent cases we read of where, given sufficient time, the initial side-effects do not go away completely ... sometimes side-effects are too severe to tolerate until they go away ...
if i may ask,
what are your side effects?
do you have a dx ?
how much lexapro are you prescribed ?my first week was rough and that tends to be when the worse of the most adverse SEs happen ...
hope you're doing okay ... lots of folks here care ... keep in touch
take care,
~ jim
Posted by Luziluna on April 13, 2003, at 17:47:04
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by fanni on April 13, 2003, at 14:22:48
I have been on Lexapro for about 8 days. I switched from Paxil because the Paxil was making me flush and I did not like that at all!!
I have started out on a really low dose of Lexapro- only 2.5 mgs- but I do feel the effects already. I am much calmer ( I am taking it for anxiety related to Body Dysmorphic Disorder)and I sleep like a baby. It does make me a little tired during the day, I may start taking it at night.
My doctor started me off slowly to hopefully minimize any side effects.
I will start on 5 mgs tomorrow, so we'll see, but Lexapro is supposed to have minimal side effects and some people start to feel results within days of starting....
It really varies with each individual. Even on my low dose, I feel effects so.....who knows, each persons biology is different. My doctor told me that, with such a good response so far, I may not have to take any more than 5 mgs!!
Good luck, hope this helps
Posted by blkvettes on April 13, 2003, at 17:53:21
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Luziluna on April 13, 2003, at 17:47:04
> I have been on Lexapro for about 8 days. I switched from Paxil because the Paxil was making me flush and I did not like that at all!!
> I have started out on a really low dose of Lexapro- only 2.5 mgs- but I do feel the effects already. I am much calmer ( I am taking it for anxiety related to Body Dysmorphic Disorder)and I sleep like a baby. It does make me a little tired during the day, I may start taking it at night.
> My doctor started me off slowly to hopefully minimize any side effects.
> I will start on 5 mgs tomorrow, so we'll see, but Lexapro is supposed to have minimal side effects and some people start to feel results within days of starting....
> It really varies with each individual. Even on my low dose, I feel effects so.....who knows, each persons biology is different. My doctor told me that, with such a good response so far, I may not have to take any more than 5 mgs!!
> Good luck, hope this helps
Hi there, glad you started at a low dose. Your doctor has some brains!!!!! Taking it at night may help with your tiredness. GOOD LUCK!!!
Posted by joeydep on April 14, 2003, at 14:17:44
In reply to Lexapro and weight, posted by newuser2 on March 19, 2003, at 9:51:21
I have been taking Lexapro 20mg/day for 6 months. YES - I have gained about 7 pounds of ugly fat on my 6' frame (male - 40yr old - athletic) I work out regularly, and I cannot get this weight off no matter what I do - diet and tons of cardio have done nothing. I've always been very fit. I suspect this drug slows your metabolism significantly in some people. I also don't like the lack of sex drive I am experiencing. I am requesting my psychiatrist switch me off this drug. HATE IT!
Posted by blkvettes on April 14, 2003, at 14:26:06
In reply to Re: Lexapro and weight » newuser2, posted by joeydep on April 14, 2003, at 14:17:44
> I have been taking Lexapro 20mg/day for 6 months. YES - I have gained about 7 pounds of ugly fat on my 6' frame (male - 40yr old - athletic) I work out regularly, and I cannot get this weight off no matter what I do - diet and tons of cardio have done nothing. I've always been very fit. I suspect this drug slows your metabolism significantly in some people. I also don't like the lack of sex drive I am experiencing. I am requesting my psychiatrist switch me off this drug. HATE IT!
Hi there, if you quit the lexapro ween yourself off slowly and stop at 10mg for awhile and see if that helps!!!!!! TAKE CARE!!!!!!!
Posted by fanni on April 14, 2003, at 17:12:30
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl » fanni, posted by lil' jimi on April 13, 2003, at 15:41:28
hi jim,
thanks for welcoming me!my side effects so far well i felt sick at first ,but thats passed,and now its just annoying little stuff like a taste in my mouth like ive been eating old socks! and yawning all the time,feeling a bit spaced but no therapeutic results yet,spose its a bit soon,after a week!i dont know what a dx is though. im on 5mg but im going to ask for that to be increased next time i go in. i got put on it for depression,the first time ive been on an anti depressant since prozac,that made me absolutely loo-laa! thanks for your help!
Posted by fanni on April 14, 2003, at 17:16:45
In reply to Weight gain., posted by bridgette on October 26, 2002, at 10:31:21
yeah we all definitley look for designer drugs,but at the same time its only faier we should want a drug that doesnt alter our body shape like weight gain!i know it sounds really vain and stupid,but with being depressed already,having an even lower self esteem would just be horrible.
Posted by lil' jimi on April 14, 2003, at 18:12:48
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by fanni on April 14, 2003, at 17:12:30
> hi jim,
> thanks for welcoming me!my side effects so far well i felt sick at first ,but thats passed,and now its just annoying little stuff like a taste in my mouth like ive been eating old socks! and yawning all the time,feeling a bit spaced but no therapeutic results yet,spose its a bit soon,after a week!
>
> i dont know what a dx is though. im on 5mg but im going to ask for that to be increased next time i go in. i got put on it for depression,the first time ive been on an anti depressant since prozac,that made me absolutely loo-laa! thanks for your help!hi fanni.
pleasure's mine ... i have fallen for some of the abreviations/code this site uses: dx = diagonsis ; rx = ... well that one's obvious ... my "dx" is depression too ... lexapro is the only AD (anti-depressant) i've ever taken ... i had been cutting 10mg tabs in half until last thursday when my gp increased me to 10mg ... are you spliting the 10s?
sometimes it can take 4 to 6 weeks before SE (side-effects)s go away ... sounds like your doing great for your 1st week ... your SEs sound exactly like mine, especially that taste in your mouth ... hang in there!
thanks for your response ... very nice, but never required! ... btw, blkvettes is cool ... lots of supportive folks here ... glad to have you aboard.
got to go do my taxes now ... and as blkvettes would post:... TAKE CARE !!!!!!!
~ ...jim
Posted by blkvettes on April 14, 2003, at 21:17:02
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl » fanni, posted by lil' jimi on April 14, 2003, at 18:12:48
> > hi jim,
> > thanks for welcoming me!my side effects so far well i felt sick at first ,but thats passed,and now its just annoying little stuff like a taste in my mouth like ive been eating old socks! and yawning all the time,feeling a bit spaced but no therapeutic results yet,spose its a bit soon,after a week!
> >
> > i dont know what a dx is though. im on 5mg but im going to ask for that to be increased next time i go in. i got put on it for depression,the first time ive been on an anti depressant since prozac,that made me absolutely loo-laa! thanks for your help!
>
> hi fanni.
>
> pleasure's mine ... i have fallen for some of the abreviations/code this site uses: dx = diagonsis ; rx = ... well that one's obvious ... my "dx" is depression too ... lexapro is the only AD (anti-depressant) i've ever taken ... i had been cutting 10mg tabs in half until last thursday when my gp increased me to 10mg ... are you spliting the 10s?
>
> sometimes it can take 4 to 6 weeks before SE (side-effects)s go away ... sounds like your doing great for your 1st week ... your SEs sound exactly like mine, especially that taste in your mouth ... hang in there!
>
> thanks for your response ... very nice, but never required! ... btw, blkvettes is cool ... lots of supportive folks here ... glad to have you aboard.
>
> got to go do my taxes now ... and as blkvettes would post:... TAKE CARE !!!!!!!
> ~ ...jim
Hi Jim, you are to much so I just had to post and say!!!!!!! TAKE CARE!!!!!!
Posted by lil' jimi on April 14, 2003, at 21:25:09
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by blkvettes on April 14, 2003, at 21:17:02
Posted by wperry1971 on April 15, 2003, at 1:11:35
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I read one of the other posts and it said something about supplementing with 500 mg of Testosterone per month. Has anybody tried that to offset the lack of Sex drive. Thanks.
Wayne
Posted by MattD on April 16, 2003, at 4:51:39
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by wperry1971 on April 15, 2003, at 1:11:35
I've been on Celexa up to 70mg and experienced definite alopecia (happened to me on Zoloft and Prozac). I recently tried Lexapro and now am on both. I titrated up to 10mg Lexapro. I experienced an increase in libido (which is strange for me on SSRIs--the increase, that is), and hardly any sexual side effects. Then I went to 15mg Lexapro. Libido dropped and sexual side effects appeared to a moderate extent. But there was a definite difference in side effects between 10 and 15mg. I found 10mg quite sedating, and 15mg even worse. I added 10mg Celexa and found an improvement in mood and a slight increase in sexual side effects. When I went to 20mg Celexa, there was a large increase in sexual side effects.
In overall comparison (and this is to be taken with an extra grain of salt, since all these drugs are being taking together)--I had very few sexual side effects at 10mg Lexapro. At 15mg L there was a definite increase--the sexual side effect profile was more like 10mg Celexa. 20mg Celexa showed the most dramatic sexual side effects.
Strangely, I've gained weight since starting Lexapro (7-8 pounds in 6 weeks). Usually I (and most) lose weight at first when starting an SSRI. I did (do) so with Celexa.
Right now I'm looking at 5mg Lexapro and 10mg Celexa--we'll see what hapens.
My p-doc says that in his experience Lexapro tends to be less effective than hyped, and 40mg Celexa almost always gives more improvement than 10mg Lexapro.
Best,
Matt
Posted by Luziluna on April 16, 2003, at 9:37:04
In reply to My experiences with Lexapro and Celexa, posted by MattD on April 16, 2003, at 4:51:39
Thanks for this post Matt.
I just started on Lexapro and have been reading the posts about this drug. I am currently only on 2.5 mgs, and will ease up to 5 mgs some time this week. I don't plan on going above 5 mgs, as even 2.5 has been sedating to me.
I too have experienced no sexual side effects on 2.5, and actually have had a slight increase in libido!!
One side effect I have noticed is dry skin, and slight flushing, though not as bad as I had with Paxil- I had severe flushing with Paxil!
Anyone else had the dry skin thing?
Anyway, I hope to stay on Lexapro at a low dose- Anyone else out there had success with lower doses of SSRI's? My doctor wants me to eventually go to 10 mgs, but my thinking is that if I have already felt effects on 2.5, why push it too much? What do you all think?
Thanks for letting me share
> I've been on Celexa up to 70mg and experienced definite alopecia (happened to me on Zoloft and Prozac). I recently tried Lexapro and now am on both. I titrated up to 10mg Lexapro. I experienced an increase in libido (which is strange for me on SSRIs--the increase, that is), and hardly any sexual side effects. Then I went to 15mg Lexapro. Libido dropped and sexual side effects appeared to a moderate extent. But there was a definite difference in side effects between 10 and 15mg. I found 10mg quite sedating, and 15mg even worse. I added 10mg Celexa and found an improvement in mood and a slight increase in sexual side effects. When I went to 20mg Celexa, there was a large increase in sexual side effects.
>
> In overall comparison (and this is to be taken with an extra grain of salt, since all these drugs are being taking together)--I had very few sexual side effects at 10mg Lexapro. At 15mg L there was a definite increase--the sexual side effect profile was more like 10mg Celexa. 20mg Celexa showed the most dramatic sexual side effects.
>
> Strangely, I've gained weight since starting Lexapro (7-8 pounds in 6 weeks). Usually I (and most) lose weight at first when starting an SSRI. I did (do) so with Celexa.
>
> Right now I'm looking at 5mg Lexapro and 10mg Celexa--we'll see what hapens.
>
> My p-doc says that in his experience Lexapro tends to be less effective than hyped, and 40mg Celexa almost always gives more improvement than 10mg Lexapro.
>
> Best,
>
> Matt
Posted by lil' jimi on April 16, 2003, at 14:18:34
In reply to Re: My experiences with Lexapro and Celexa, posted by Luziluna on April 16, 2003, at 9:37:04
LuziLuna wrote:
> Thanks for this post Matt.
>
> I just started on Lexapro and have been reading the posts about this drug. I am currently only on 2.5 mgs, and will ease up to 5 mgs some time this week. I don't plan on going above 5 mgs, as even 2.5 has been sedating to me.
>
> I too have experienced no sexual side effects on 2.5, and actually have had a slight increase in libido!!
>
> One side effect I have noticed is dry skin, and slight flushing, though not as bad as I had with Paxil- I had severe flushing with Paxil!
>
> Anyone else had the dry skin thing?
>
> Anyway, I hope to stay on Lexapro at a low dose- Anyone else out there had success with lower doses of SSRI's? My doctor wants me to eventually go to 10 mgs, but my thinking is that if I have already felt effects on 2.5, why push it too much? What do you all think?
>
> Thanks for letting me sharereplying to Matt's post:
> > I've been on Celexa up to 70mg and experienced definite alopecia (happened to me on Zoloft and Prozac). I recently tried Lexapro and now am on both. I titrated up to 10mg Lexapro. I experienced an increase in libido (which is strange for me on SSRIs--the increase, that is), and hardly any sexual side effects. Then I went to 15mg Lexapro. Libido dropped and sexual side effects appeared to a moderate extent. But there was a definite difference in side effects between 10 and 15mg. I found 10mg quite sedating, and 15mg even worse. I added 10mg Celexa and found an improvement in mood and a slight increase in sexual side effects. When I went to 20mg Celexa, there was a large increase in sexual side effects.
> >
> > In overall comparison (and this is to be taken with an extra grain of salt, since all these drugs are being taking together)--I had very few sexual side effects at 10mg Lexapro. At 15mg L there was a definite increase--the sexual side effect profile was more like 10mg Celexa. 20mg Celexa showed the most dramatic sexual side effects.
> >
> > Strangely, I've gained weight since starting Lexapro (7-8 pounds in 6 weeks). Usually I (and most) lose weight at first when starting an SSRI. I did (do) so with Celexa.
> >
> > Right now I'm looking at 5mg Lexapro and 10mg Celexa--we'll see what hapens.
> >
> > My p-doc says that in his experience Lexapro tends to be less effective than hyped, and 40mg Celexa almost always gives more improvement than 10mg Lexapro.
> > Best,
> > Matthi luziluna (love your moniker! "light and moon"?)
i've been on lexapro since march 6 and i was at 5mg until one week ago and now i'm taking 10mg.
i'm impressed that matt's taking celexa and lexapro at the same time ... good luck to matt, especially with trying to find your best combo ... lex is the only AD i've ever taken, for which i remain grateful ... although my gp was considering switching me to effexor (Comments welcome!)
i have not noticed any more than normal hair loss, though ...and i have not experinced any noticeable skin dryness, However, my scalp has been unusually itchy lately, hmmmmm ... and the only sexual SEs i've experienced are temporary (about a week) anorgasmia, when i first started lex and when my doseage increased ... followed by a more than full recovery, i'd say, to be gentile about it.
i am impressed also with your libido increases ... i have inquired more than once for reports of beneficial sexual SEs from lexapro.
i have experienced zero weight gain ... my doc had me weighed when i started and she weighed again last week: .. no change... however my experience of my appetite and taste and food and drink in general, all seems to be much more acute tha before i took lexapro.
i think your plan to try for the lowest effective dose Only makes prudent sense ... good luck to you there, too.
i thank you for sharing ... good luck to you... and to matt also ... i always appreciate our posters because i benefit from their sharing their experiences ... best to you all.
TAKE CARE!!!!! (w/ a tip of the hat to blkvettes!)
~ ... jim
Posted by lil' jimi on April 16, 2003, at 14:35:28
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by wperry1971 on April 15, 2003, at 1:11:35
> I read one of the other posts and it said something about supplementing with 500 mg of Testosterone per month. Has anybody tried that to offset the lack of Sex drive. Thanks.
>
> Waynehi wayne,
thanks for your post ... i wanted to give you a reply to at least let you know we are out here and your contribution is appreciated.
however, i know nothing about testostrone supplementation and i haven't heard anything about it either ... although i have not suffered from lack of libido , yet anyway. ... maybe you could post a specific reply quoting the poster you read ... ?
i do remember reading Once about a poster's doc prescribing Claritin (the hayfever medicine) for sexual SEs ... has anyone had any success trying that?
what med(s) are you taking?
Good luck to you,
~ ..jim
Posted by blkvettes on April 16, 2003, at 22:05:21
In reply to Re: My experiences with Lexapro and Celexa, posted by Luziluna on April 16, 2003, at 9:37:04
Hi there, take your time moving up on your dose. Do it when you feel comfortable. When you feel comfortable with 2.5 go up to 5mg. Do you take it during the day or night. Try it at night if you are not. A few hours before sleep time. This might help with being tired during the day. Either way this should go away soon. GOOD LUCK
Posted by sapphiredragon on April 17, 2003, at 6:48:10
In reply to Re: Luziluna and lexapro, posted by blkvettes on April 16, 2003, at 22:05:21
I was on Lexapro (initially 10 mg; I dropped it down to 5) for only one week. I experienced very severe side effects.
Initially, I had a lot of nausea/dizziness, but this subsided after a few days.
What was more troubling was the very strange combination of mental torpor & sleepiness along with extreme muscular tension and physical agitation. I have done yoga for over 10 years, but I could not figure out how to get my body to relax.
After one week, I consulted with my doctor and he suggested I stop the Lexapro.
I am now on 5 mg Celexa (about a week so far). My doctor suggested I take it at night, with food, to minimize digestive irritation & daytime sleepiness.
I feel much better on Celexa than on Lexapro. I have a lot more physical energy, and although I have occasional periods of feeling a bit "wired" mentally, it is not extreme.
Will let you all know how this works out over the next few weeks.
Posted by susan b. anthony on April 17, 2003, at 7:45:08
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by lil' jimi on April 16, 2003, at 14:35:28
I am getting ready for week six and most of the side effects have gone away. I really feel better - most of the panic attacks are gone - i still think about the stuff that makes me crazy but not as bad - also getting past winter has helped. I have not gained any weight - in fact i think i might have lost a few as my terrible PMS is so much better and the binge eating has almost subsided.
So for me, this Lex seems great!
Posted by blkvettes on April 17, 2003, at 8:04:45
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by susan b. anthony on April 17, 2003, at 7:45:08
> I am getting ready for week six and most of the side effects have gone away. I really feel better - most of the panic attacks are gone - i still think about the stuff that makes me crazy but not as bad - also getting past winter has helped. I have not gained any weight - in fact i think i might have lost a few as my terrible PMS is so much better and the binge eating has almost subsided.
>
> So for me, this Lex seems great!
Hi, that stuff you think about that makes you crazy. It will take time to get rid of it, but it will get better. I find it is harder when I am tired. Its harder to control my mind, thoughts, anxiety and fears. But I have gotten a lot better at it myself. TAKE CARE!!!!!!
WAYNE
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