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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 3188 to 3212 of 8406. Go back in thread:
Posted by tim47 on June 6, 2003, at 17:16:54
In reply to Re: Paxil vs. Lexapro, posted by lv2skf on June 6, 2003, at 17:12:23
I was wondering if splitting the 10mg of lex I take every morning, and taking 5mg both morning and night might reduce my side effects, esp tension in the head (which went away and now has come back). Any opinions? Thanks.
Tim47
Posted by blkvettes on June 6, 2003, at 17:21:00
In reply to Re: Lexapro update - side effects, posted by tim47 on June 6, 2003, at 17:16:54
> I was wondering if splitting the 10mg of lex I take every morning, and taking 5mg both morning and night might reduce my side effects, esp tension in the head (which went away and now has come back). Any opinions? Thanks.
>
> Tim47
Hi Tim, I have a friend on another board that does this. It helped her, cant say it will help you or not. You have nothing to lose and can always change back!! TAKE CARE
WAYNE
Posted by lv2skf on June 6, 2003, at 17:25:41
In reply to Re: Lexapro update - side effects, posted by tim47 on June 6, 2003, at 17:16:54
> I was wondering if splitting the 10mg of lex I take every morning, and taking 5mg both morning and night might reduce my side effects, esp tension in the head (which went away and now has come back). Any opinions? Thanks.
>
> Tim47I read about splitting the tablet on the board previously and did so for about a week a week or two ago as I was having a difficult time with lethargy, headaches, etc. I guess it may have helped some, but for me it seemes like one day the headaches,etc were just gone after I'd gone back up to 10mg/once a day. K
Posted by Dr. Bob on June 6, 2003, at 17:55:56
In reply to Re: breast tenderness! » DC, posted by lil' jimi on June 6, 2003, at 15:42:55
> alternatively, we should be able to use Google to search pBabble by entering our terms as "breasts site:dr-bob.org"
Which there's now a special new button for, see:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20030508/msgs/230618.html
Bob
Posted by 2beornot2benuts on June 6, 2003, at 22:40:05
In reply to Re: Lexapro update - side effects, posted by lv2skf on June 6, 2003, at 17:25:41
Help!! Today I woke up like a frieght train was going through my head at 5 am and finally threw up at 5:30 (sorry people,I know that's gross) which then led to a slow departure of the pain. At the same time, I'm currently taking an antibiotic(levaquin) for a wicked sinus infection on the left side of my head. My ear, nose and throat doc first prescribed Lomig 1-2 tabs 1xaday but I read that you should not take the med within 24hrs. of taking a serotonin type drug! So, I called him back and he gave me fiorecet which doesn't work so good. I pray this migraine is not lexapro related. I once took celexa for a day (had to stop because of nausea and vomiting). But, I've been taking lex for 2 1/2 weeks now.... I'm going to go say a prayer for me and all of us... and then watch Moulin Rouge, I love that movie!! Have a good night... Jackie
Posted by blkvettes on June 7, 2003, at 0:32:28
In reply to Anyone having migraines???, posted by 2beornot2benuts on June 6, 2003, at 22:40:05
Hi DC, ran across this by accident and maybe you can relate to it. TAKE CARE!!!
WAYNE
http://bipolar.about.com/library/weekly/aa001023a.htm?terms=ANTIDEPRESSANTS+AND+WEIGHT+GAIN
Posted by blkvettes on June 7, 2003, at 0:36:34
In reply to Anyone having migraines???, posted by 2beornot2benuts on June 6, 2003, at 22:40:05
> Help!! Today I woke up like a frieght train was going through my head at 5 am and finally threw up at 5:30 (sorry people,I know that's gross) which then led to a slow departure of the pain. At the same time, I'm currently taking an antibiotic(levaquin) for a wicked sinus infection on the left side of my head. My ear, nose and throat doc first prescribed Lomig 1-2 tabs 1xaday but I read that you should not take the med within 24hrs. of taking a serotonin type drug!So, I called him back and he gave me fiorecet which doesn't work so good. I pray this migraine is not lexapro related. I once took celexa for a day (had to stop because of nausea and vomiting). But, I've been taking lex for 2 1/2 weeks now.... I'm going to go say a prayer for me and all of us... and then watch Moulin Rouge, I love that movie!! Have a good night... Jackie
Hang in there Jackie I have been thinking about you. I hope it all works out soon!! GOD BLESS YOU!!!
WAYNE
Posted by lil' jimi on June 7, 2003, at 11:03:25
In reply to Re: search pBabble, posted by Dr. Bob on June 6, 2003, at 17:55:56
Cool !
Thanks, Dr. Bob!
~ jim
> > alternatively, we should be able to use Google to search pBabble by entering our terms as "breasts site:dr-bob.org"
>
> Which there's now a special new button for, see:
>
> http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20030508/msgs/230618.html
>
> Bob
Posted by lil' jimi on June 7, 2003, at 13:15:30
In reply to Anyone having migraines???, posted by 2beornot2benuts on June 6, 2003, at 22:40:05
hi jackie,
i am so sorry to hear you're hurting so much .....
..... in reply to your subject line:
No, no migraines here ... .... just support ...
... and the prayers to go with your own ... ... for you and your family...today you wrote:
> Help!! Today I woke up like a frieght train was going through my head at 5 am and finally threw up at 5:30 (sorry people,I know that's gross) which then led to a slow departure of the pain. At the same time, I'm currently taking an antibiotic(levaquin) for a wicked sinus infection on the left side of my head. My ear, nose and throat doc first prescribed Lomig 1-2 tabs 1xaday but I read that you should not take the med within 24hrs. of taking a serotonin type drug! So, I called him back and he gave me fiorecet which doesn't work so good. I pray this migraine is not lexapro related. I once took celexa for a day (had to stop because of nausea and vomiting). But, I've been taking lex for 2 1/2 weeks now.... I'm going to go say a prayer for me and all of us... and then watch Moulin Rouge, I love that movie!! Have a good night... Jackiebefore, you posted this:
>> can't wake upzzz
>> Posted by 2beornot2benuts on May 22, 2003,>> Hello to all in HappyLand! This is my first post, and I have to say Thank God that you guys are here! I came here so many times when going through withdrawl and panic, and reading all your trials and tribulations helped like no one else possibly could! I just stopped taking 150mg of effexor two nights ago, and I'm taking 10mg of lexapro instead, and today I sleptwalked through the day. Can't figure out (for a change) if it's withdrawl or the new med, or a fabulous combo. My worthless pdoc said give it a few days so your body can adjust. Great.Thanks. I'm sure my two kids (2+8yrs old) wont mind MOMMIEZOMBIE one bit! Should I brew some espresso,pop some diet pills, or visit my friendly neighborhood crystalmeth representative? Does this sleep affect end soon? If so, please let me know.
>> Till then, Thankzzz
this dad to our only-one 4yr old worries about the zombieMom with her 8 (!) AND 2(!!) yr olds (!!!) ... ... how is the home team holding up there, mom? .... how has that been so far ?
i am interested that you left effexor for lexapro because i read of folks going the other direction which i have considered, very hypothetically, and i have received discouragement from former effexor users ... ....( memeory fails, maybe it was you?) ... while reading posts by contented effexor users .... .... think there's something to the SSRI vs. SNRI comparison?
OR ... ... is it more like: "WHO THE BL*NK CARES! ... GET ME OUTTA HERE !!!!"
some of both, maybe?
this "fabulous combo" of withdrawal PLUS adaptation SEs has so many sufferers and so many repeat sufferers as folks struggle to find their ... ...
key.some folks i have read have gone through all the med options and found nothing ....
.... .... some of them try electro-convulsive therapy ...
they are the ones my heart goes out to ...in a way, we are trying to change our own brain chemistry, and ECT treatments try to do very much the same thing, and i think in many ways we (many of us) suffer much of the violence that ECT treatments inflict, but only drawn out over weeks (months?) at a lower intensity ....
... ... here's an analogy:
taking anti-depressants is like doing surgery on yourself ... ... well, no,... wait, ...it's like your pdoc is doing surgery on your Self .. ...
... no, no .... ... pdoc is "doing" the surgery, but he gives you the scalpel for the actual ...<<<... ahem! all you cutters!!! **THIS IS A METAPHOR !!!** .. no actual cutting is implied!!>>>
INSTEAD of surgery, on the organs and tissues ...
... we are doing 'surgery' on our intersynaptic junctions and our neurotransmitters using our ADs as our 'scalpels' ...... .... on our most sensitive parts
(our neurons' receptor sites).......... inside our brains,
(ironically, where otherwise we can "feel" no pain on the ordinary surgery scale of tissue and sense organs)... ... and throughout the CNS, throughout Our Entire BODY!.....
.... and we aren't getting any good anesthesia !
<<<insert scream rage/anger/pain/angst here>>> !!
anyway my analogy is my attempt to try to get us a coneptual grasp on why we suffer so much pain when we have to adjust to ADs.
i hope it didn't make you (or anyone!) feel worse!!
actually, i have had migraines in my past, however they were attended by not very much pain .... another story for another time ... perhaps.
if you get the stength for it:
a very long shower with very hot water (i'll use up all our hot water for this), followed very cold water rinse until you are cooled down as much as possible.
(might not be best if you're at risk for heart problems!)..
... however, this will arrange my circulation and stimulate blood flow and open up my sinuses beter that anything ... short of exercise ..(!)
... or jalapenos.(?)(oh no! what if people start posting here about EXERCISE !!!! AAAAAGGGHHHHH!!!) <<just kidding!>>
jackie, i have rambled on (AGAIN!) here on you and as blkveettes puts it, i do like to give all of the details, .. .. if i can! ...HA!
our prayers to you Jackie2B... i hate you suffering , but i love your posts!
keep them coming!!
and
TAKE CARE !!!
~ jim
Posted by Kathii on June 7, 2003, at 15:06:32
In reply to Anyone having migraines???, posted by 2beornot2benuts on June 6, 2003, at 22:40:05
Hi Jackie,
Sorry to hear about your migraine - I get them, too. I just had a three day one about 3 weeks ago - missed 2 1/2 days of work. My gp gave me Fiorinal, which did help. I have been getting some tension headaches from the Lex, but I don't blame it for the migraine. I have been getting migraines for years, regardless of what meds I was on. Since you also had the sinus infection with the migraine I think that the Lex didn't play a major roll in it. As you noticed (thankfully!) there are some meds that you shouldn't take with an SSRI - your gp or pharmacist really should have caught that.
Hope you're feeling better!
Kathii
Posted by pumpkin on June 7, 2003, at 19:36:18
In reply to Re: Anyone having migraines??? » 2beornot2benuts, posted by Kathii on June 7, 2003, at 15:06:32
This is one of the reasons why I'm going down
on Lex. I know that you can have sinus problems,
and migranes from the Lex.(SE I believe).When I started taking the Lex., I started having
headaches and sinus problems. Went from 20 mg.
of Lex. to 15 mg. and my headaches/sinus lifted
quickly. That was over a week ago. Guess what?
They have come back somewhat- not as bad though.
I have never had headaches that put me "down"
physically! These are big buggers! I'm staying
at 15mg of Lex. until Monday (promised doc to
try, and I have), but I don't like it. I will
keep posting. There's are post (can't remember)
on the side effects, and these are listed.
Posted by pumpkin on June 7, 2003, at 20:10:51
In reply to Re: Lexapro Update - Please comment » blkvettes, posted by Mariposa on June 4, 2003, at 13:58:16
Have to give my 2 cents worth with this post.
I was reading about the "energy" that you guys
have been having, and I fit right in sometimes.
While I was going off Depakote (mood stabilizer),
I went through this "energy" for around 3 days.When I went off the Klonopin and days later
downed the Lex 5mg.- I had another 3 or so days
of this "energy". It was cool in one way, but
I couldn't calm down, and that kinda scared me.That's why my doctor wanted me to stay at 15 mg.
of Lex. this past week- to see if I experienced
that "energy" again- in which I haven't so far.BUT, they call that energy "mania", which can
be part of Bi-Polar (both poles-depression,
and mania). My original diagnosis years ago was
major depression w/panic attacks. Now, it's
probably bi-polar. My major "pole" is depression.
This is one reason why I went off the mood stabilizer, Klonopin, and now the Lex.- to see
what's what. I've found that the depression is
really starting to hit me more- mixed with the
anxiety as I go down. I am so spacey, but in
another way- some of my senses are coming back
full blast. It's been years since I've started
meds, and I'm hesitant- but I've got to go back,
to be able to go forward. You guys probably think
that I'm crazy, but that's o.k.! It's probably
very hard for one doctor to pick up where another
left off. Might have to be on meds for the rest
of my life, but I needed this drying out time.
I'm tired of being drugged up. One step/one SE/
one med at a time...I don't like to crash, and not saying that you
will, but I would have that "energy" checked out
for your safety if it continues.On another note: Anyone out there that has been
on Lex and is getting off, or has memory of going
off AD (probably the same)- what have you experienced? Thanx...from "3 months on".
Posted by pumpkin on June 7, 2003, at 20:24:02
In reply to Re: Lexapro Update - Please comment, posted by pumpkin on June 7, 2003, at 20:10:51
One more post, hope I'm not boring you guys!
I would rather stay on Lex., or another AD than
to go through ECT, (nine times for me!). Friend
went through 3, and won't go through any more.
MAJOR memory problems-plus more. Stick with
medicine(s) like Lex., or go VERY SLOW through
treatments of ECT. Talk to PATIENTS themselves
BEFORE. Try to "stick it out" with Lex. or another AD. Things can kill the brain-never to
return. Careful!!!
Posted by Ninki on June 8, 2003, at 10:55:50
In reply to Re: search pBabble, posted by Dr. Bob on June 6, 2003, at 17:55:56
Okay, I am trying to live with the tiredness and aches and pains but this naseau thing is getting the best of me. Anyone tried anything that reduces or eliminates the naseau so I can leave the house?
Posted by tm on June 8, 2003, at 19:49:57
In reply to Re: Lexapro Update, posted by Napaba on June 4, 2003, at 7:58:14
Well I started Lexpro the last week in April at 10. After still feeling so bad and not knowing about this sight I went back to my Psy.doc. 8 days later and he raised my dose to 15mg. My psy.doc. is a 20 year sufferer of anxiety so he knows where I'm coming from. I was still fighting anxiety and depression, because of fighting anxiety for so long and nausea. I still was getting hungry but only ate about half. I had been fighting nausea off and on since the beginning of March. I started with Paxil in March but did not like the Sex SE. On June 3 I felt a change. I woke up in the morning and felt nervous and my mind was working and was able to let me analyze my feelings. Tuesday was the same thing. Tuesday I had a scheduled appointment with my Psy.Doc and he went ahead and raised my dose to 20mg and reminded that I must take my Xanax 4 times a day no matter how I felt, but I could lower my dose. Two weeks ago I came home crying from work I told my wife I was not sure I was going to be able to go on our two scheduled vacations that were scheduled before I became ill. Well I just finshed one trip that was a 10 hr. trip to Jacksonville from home. The trip went well. I was nervous at times but, again my mind was able to realize that there was nothing to be nervous about. This is the biggest change, my mind is working. My appetite has started to come back. Normally on a trip I would fight anxiety, depression, and nausea for about ten days after the trip. I am still clenching my teeth and stop when I realize I am doing it. I hope this wasn't too boring but I wrote this to let all of you know that Lex worked for me, but I had to give it time and a big thanks to all of you that helped me through this with words of encourgement and guidence. To all of you that are new to Lex hang in there. You all will be in my prayers. Thanks Tim
Posted by theump on June 8, 2003, at 20:15:17
In reply to remedies for Lex SE's?, posted by Ninki on June 8, 2003, at 10:55:50
I keep seeing posts mentioning nausea. I have been on Lex for 6 days and have not noticed any nausea. Is this still in my future or am I one of the lucky ones that is over the worst part of trying to get used to the drug? This is my first time on an anti-depressant, so I don't know if I'm lucky to not be having the SEs or if it's not really working yet. Thanks!
Posted by lil' jimi on June 8, 2003, at 20:35:55
In reply to Nausea?, posted by theump on June 8, 2003, at 20:15:17
hi theump,
the worst of all of my SEs were during my 1st week and those diminished to nearly zero by week 2 ... .... none to speak of since .... ....
it's been 3 months now, at 10mg the last 2.
best luck to you
and
TAKE CARE !!!!!
~ jim>> I keep seeing posts mentioning nausea. I have been on Lex for 6 days and have not noticed any nausea. Is this still in my future or am I one of the lucky ones that is over the worst part of trying to get used to the drug? This is my first time on an anti-depressant, so I don't know if I'm lucky to not be having the SEs or if it's not really working yet. Thanks!
Posted by tm on June 8, 2003, at 20:56:32
In reply to Nausea?, posted by theump on June 8, 2003, at 20:15:17
> I keep seeing posts mentioning nausea. I have been on Lex for 6 days and have not noticed any nausea. Is this still in my future or am I one of the lucky ones that is over the worst part of trying to get used to the drug? This is my first time on an anti-depressant, so I don't know if I'm lucky to not be having the SEs or if it's not really working yet. Thanks!
My nausea at first was caused by my anxiety. I still was fighting it when I switched to Lex. I truly believe most of mine was a mental thing and not the drug. My wife went on Lex. Weds. and has no side effects yet. It will take a few weeks to get up to full strength in you, but if I were you I would not worry about the nausea if you haven't felt it yet. You may be one of those like my wife who very seldom has SE's. Think Positive thoughts. Good Luck, Tim.
Posted by blkvettes on June 9, 2003, at 0:23:13
In reply to Re: Nausea?, posted by tm on June 8, 2003, at 20:56:32
> > I keep seeing posts mentioning nausea. I have been on Lex for 6 days and have not noticed any nausea. Is this still in my future or am I one of the lucky ones that is over the worst part of trying to get used to the drug? This is my first time on an anti-depressant, so I don't know if I'm lucky to not be having the SEs or if it's not really working yet. Thanks!
>
> My nausea at first was caused by my anxiety. I still was fighting it when I switched to Lex. I truly believe most of mine was a mental thing and not the drug. My wife went on Lex. Weds. and has no side effects yet. It will take a few weeks to get up to full strength in you, but if I were you I would not worry about the nausea if you haven't felt it yet. You may be one of those like my wife who very seldom has SE's. Think Positive thoughts. Good Luck, Tim.
>
>Hi Tim, glad hear you sounding better. Hang tough!!
WAYNE
Posted by blkvettes on June 9, 2003, at 0:28:00
In reply to remedies for Lex SE's?, posted by Ninki on June 8, 2003, at 10:55:50
> Okay, I am trying to live with the tiredness and aches and pains but this naseau thing is getting the best of me. Anyone tried anything that reduces or eliminates the naseau so I can leave the house?
Hi, are you drinking a full 8 ounces of water with your lexapro. I have read this helps. Also maybe some pepto bismol but check to make sure that its ok. You can also take half your med in the morning and half at night that may help. Thats the best I can say!!! I hope it gets better soon!!!
WAYNE
Posted by blkvettes on June 9, 2003, at 0:33:54
In reply to remedies for Lex SE's?, posted by Ninki on June 8, 2003, at 10:55:50
> Okay, I am trying to live with the tiredness and aches and pains but this naseau thing is getting the best of me. Anyone tried anything that reduces or eliminates the naseau so I can leave the house?
One more thing, I have this routine of eating a bowl of lucky charms before the med and 2 pancakes after. Frozen pancakes, put them in the toaster and then put syrup on them and put them in the microwave for about 15 seconds and you have some good pancakes. In other words dont take your med on an empty stomach if possible. GOOD LUCK!!!
WAYNE
Posted by BillJr on June 9, 2003, at 0:50:09
In reply to Re: remedies for Lex SE's?, posted by blkvettes on June 9, 2003, at 0:33:54
I have been on Lexapro for 7 months now... I too started out with upset stomac.. but after a few weeks I got past that. I did notice that about 2 months later I had difficulty reaching an ejaculating. But I could maintain an erection for longer periods of time... at times I felt numb. But as of now I am getting back to a more normal sexual activity. The only other side effect I can see I get sleepy during the workday. But I can say this .. I feel so much better that I have in the past 4 or 5 years its well worth it. Taking 30 mg each day... Best if I take it several hours before bedtime... Hope this has given some insight into the product..
Posted by blkvettes on June 9, 2003, at 1:08:43
In reply to Side Effects, posted by BillJr on June 9, 2003, at 0:50:09
> I have been on Lexapro for 7 months now... I too started out with upset stomac.. but after a few weeks I got past that. I did notice that about 2 months later I had difficulty reaching an ejaculating. But I could maintain an erection for longer periods of time... at times I felt numb. But as of now I am getting back to a more normal sexual activity. The only other side effect I can see I get sleepy during the workday. But I can say this .. I feel so much better that I have in the past 4 or 5 years its well worth it. Taking 30 mg each day... Best if I take it several hours before bedtime... Hope this has given some insight into the product..
Hi there thanks for the info!!! I to have this sexual dysfunction. Its not real bad but something I have to spend way to much time to achieve. I do believe that a lot of it is mental with me. I read so many posts about this problem. But your post gives me hope if it is the lex causing this. TAKE CARE!!!
WAYNE
Posted by BillJr on June 9, 2003, at 1:35:44
In reply to Re: Side Effects, posted by blkvettes on June 9, 2003, at 1:08:43
I'm positive its the Lex... Never had any problems until I started the meds.... but it has gotten better...
Posted by JLM on June 9, 2003, at 1:42:39
In reply to Re: Side Effects, posted by blkvettes on June 9, 2003, at 1:08:43
Quite awhile ago, I posed a rather specific question to Pharmrep. Namely: have the data from ALL the clinical trials submitted to FDA for the approval of Lexapro been disclosed. I seem to recall some type of assurance that they indeed had been made public. Or actually, I believe what was said was that all the PUBLISHED trials have so far been favorable. Then I found this interesting tidbit:
http://journals.apa.org/prevention/volume5/pre0050033r.html
"1An internal memorandum by the Director of the Division of Neuropharmacological Drug Products indicates FDA awareness of this situation:
The Clinical Efficacy Trials subsection within the Clinical Pharmacology section not only describes the clinical trials providing evidence of citalopram's antidepressant effects, but make mention of adequate and well controlled clinical studies that failed to do so. I am mindful, based on prior discussions of the issue, that the Office Director is inclined toward the view that the provision of such information is of no practical value to either the patient or prescriber. I disagree. I believe it is useful for the prescriber, patient, and 3rd-party payer to know, without having to gain access to official FDA review documents, that citalopram's antidepressants (sic) effects were not detected in every controlled clinical trial intended to demonstrate those effects. I am aware that clinical studies often fail to document the efficacy of effective drugs, but I doubt that the public, or even the majority of the medical community, is aware of this fact. I am persuaded that they not only have a right to know but that they should know. Moreover, I believe that labeling that selectively describes positive studies and excludes mention of negative ones can be viewed as potentially "false and misleading" (Leber, 1998, p. 11)."
Thusly, Dr. Leber freely admits in his own memo, that some of the trials submitted as the basis for approval showed no beneft from Celexa whatsoever. Also, as Kirsch and Saperstein have pointed out this is the case for 50 PERCENT of the trials for the current AD's that are presently on the market. In other words, for the drugs that were approved only about half the trials showed them to be superior to placebo.
Its very important to make a certain distinction here I think. What I am interested in, and couldn't seem to get a straight answer out of pharmrep is this: what do the sum total of the trials show. I am not talking about the ones that have been published for Lexapro. Those obviously show effect. I am talking about all the trials submitted to FDA for approval. Did any of them show lack of effectiveness for the drug? This would seem to be the case for all the SSRI's currently on the market, according to Kirsch and others.
We shouldn't have to submit a Freedom of Information Act request to have access to this data. Am I the only that finds this intolerable? We also shouldn't have to live with publication bias either.
Go forward in thread:
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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