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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by lil' jimi on June 12, 2003, at 11:27:35
In reply to Re: alcohol versus lexapro » lil' jimi, posted by oldhand on June 10, 2003, at 22:08:46
hey there, Oldhand!
miss having you check in with us here ..... glad to hear you're hanging in there!
a while back i replied to DC:
> >
> > ... you know, Someone, not blkvettes, but somebody, a long time ago, posted about this and i got confused and thought it was Wayne (blkvettes) .... i only remember that they felt one of the effects of Lexapro for them was their desire/interest/need for alcohol had decreased and they gave up drinking as a result ....
> >
> > because alcohol is a major depressant, i understand that we, as anti-depressant users are advised to curtail our alcohol consumption ..... anyway.
> >
> >to which you were kind enough to reply with:
> Hi all! I am one of those people who no longer have the desire to drink alcohol since starting Lexapro. I have been taking it since November, 10 mg and I really have lost the desire to drink. Oh, it occurs to me that I want beer but then it passes very quickly. I was seriously abusing alcohol for a long time, probably self medicating. Now I barely miss it and have lost 40 pounds!!!
> I began with a new shrink yesterday and she increased my Lex from 10 to 20mg at my request. I have felt pretty good on the Lex at 10mg but not as well as I would like to. I am living with the elderly parents at age 53 after going on disability and letting my house go. It is quite a change for an independent like me. But I am very thankful not to have that NEED for alcohol anymore.
>and now i continue my response to your reply here:
even though i have not had an alcohol problem, i find it validating that it is possible that neurotransmitter dysfunction(s) that may lead to "self-medicating" with alcohol (which may well lead to alcohol abuse) could be compensated for or alleviated enough for folks to recover from alcohol dependence.even as a theory, this suggests the powerful efficacy of lexapro's ssri effect and the real possibility of non-alcohol-related benefits to our sisters and brothers in lexapro... ... ....
... ... because if it is even likely that lex could successfully stabilize the neurotransmitters for folks trying to recover from alcohol addiction, then we might reasonably hope that lex may well be powerful enough to help any of us.
anyway that is my theory,
and you, ol' friend oldhand are very kind to refresh my memory (i share memory issues with several other of our lex posters) that it was you i was trying to remember and
thus offer your validation of the theory ... ...... ... and you ARE no "theory"!... ... you are REAL! .... YEAH!
and thanks! ... i appreciate that! ... and your reply!
please, keep us posted and
(you know where i get this!)
TAKE CARE !!!!!!!
~ jimp.s. congratualtions on your weight loss!.... all of the ED and OCDers should get to hear about this.
~ j
Posted by oldhand on June 12, 2003, at 12:16:18
In reply to Re: alcohol versus lexapro » oldhand, posted by lil' jimi on June 12, 2003, at 11:27:35
> hey there, Oldhand!
>
> miss having you check in with us here ..... glad to hear you're hanging in there!
>
> a while back i replied to DC:
> > >
> > > ... you know, Someone, not blkvettes, but somebody, a long time ago, posted about this and i got confused and thought it was Wayne (blkvettes) .... i only remember that they felt one of the effects of Lexapro for them was their desire/interest/need for alcohol had decreased and they gave up drinking as a result ....
> > >
> > > because alcohol is a major depressant, i understand that we, as anti-depressant users are advised to curtail our alcohol consumption ..... anyway.
> > >
> > >
>
> to which you were kind enough to reply with:
> > Hi all! I am one of those people who no longer have the desire to drink alcohol since starting Lexapro. I have been taking it since November, 10 mg and I really have lost the desire to drink. Oh, it occurs to me that I want beer but then it passes very quickly. I was seriously abusing alcohol for a long time, probably self medicating. Now I barely miss it and have lost 40 pounds!!!
> > I began with a new shrink yesterday and she increased my Lex from 10 to 20mg at my request. I have felt pretty good on the Lex at 10mg but not as well as I would like to. I am living with the elderly parents at age 53 after going on disability and letting my house go. It is quite a change for an independent like me. But I am very thankful not to have that NEED for alcohol anymore.
> >
>
> and now i continue my response to your reply here:
> even though i have not had an alcohol problem, i find it validating that it is possible that neurotransmitter dysfunction(s) that may lead to "self-medicating" with alcohol (which may well lead to alcohol abuse) could be compensated for or alleviated enough for folks to recover from alcohol dependence.
>
> even as a theory, this suggests the powerful efficacy of lexapro's ssri effect and the real possibility of non-alcohol-related benefits to our sisters and brothers in lexapro... ... ....
>
> ... ... because if it is even likely that lex could successfully stabilize the neurotransmitters for folks trying to recover from alcohol addiction, then we might reasonably hope that lex may well be powerful enough to help any of us.
>
> anyway that is my theory,
> and you, ol' friend oldhand are very kind to refresh my memory (i share memory issues with several other of our lex posters) that it was you i was trying to remember and
> thus offer your validation of the theory ... ...
>
> ... ... and you ARE no "theory"!... ... you are REAL! .... YEAH!
>
> and thanks! ... i appreciate that! ... and your reply!
>
> please, keep us posted and
> (you know where i get this!)
> TAKE CARE !!!!!!!
> ~ jim
>
> p.s. congratualtions on your weight loss!.... all of the ED and OCDers should get to hear about this.
> ~ jLIL Jimi, Thanks much for the encouraging words! I also have a theory that alcohol use/abuse may be the reason that so many of the AD's I've tried, pooped-out. While we are all aware of the depressant effects of alcohol, it was hard to learn that I was just negating the effects of the AD's. For me, something in the Lex seems to have replaced the craving and it (beer) does not even taste good to me anymore. I have had a few in the last six months but it didn't do what I remember it doing for me so why bother (and all those extra calories!) <grin> As a friend of mine said to me "you've probably drunk your share." And I guess I have!!!
I'll keep you posted about the increase in Lex. Shrink seemed to want to add bi-polar to my dx and maybe some Lithium, but am keeping a mood diary for her. I sure haven't felt "real good" like the mania end of it so I am not ready to accept that yet.
And to all you newbies........Keep on keepin on, it is worth it when the Lex kicks in for you. With wishes for peace for us all.
Posted by 2beornot2benuts on June 12, 2003, at 12:27:01
In reply to Re: Anyone having migraines??? » 2beornot2benuts, posted by lil' jimi on June 7, 2003, at 13:15:30
Hey Jim, Sorry I haven't written back since your 6/6 post Re:Migraines. Interesting stuff about A/D's being similar to brain surgery, Electro-convulsive therapy, hot showers and jalapenos. So many details!<hee!hee!> As for the Home Team they're holding up, dealing as best as they can with me being so sick from Lex SE's and Effexor xr withdrawl. Thanks for your prayers and concern...And hope your feeling well...Jackie
Posted by Sabina on June 12, 2003, at 13:35:10
In reply to Re: Thankfully, Tramadol's kicking in... (nm), posted by 2beornot2benuts on June 12, 2003, at 9:28:40
Sometimes Tramadol makes me feel kinda pukey, so you may have double trouble stemming from upping your Lex dosage while adding the Tramadol. Just a thought. I have a *really* low tolerance for nausea and am allergic to Fenergen and all anti-nausea drugs. Maybe that could help you, though. Sorry you're having such a bad day!
Posted by Sabina on June 12, 2003, at 13:51:03
In reply to Re: Alternative, posted by Faithfull on June 11, 2003, at 21:39:17
I respectfully object to this part of your message, however well intentioned: "Jesus is the answer. Satan has counterfit (sic) ways to overcome fear and anxiety, but his counterfit (sic) will only temporarily treat the symptoms and cover up the problem, and also comes with a price, when all along, he, Satan, is the root cause of the darkness in ones life."
Neither Satan or sin are the root cause of the darkness in my life, namely depression, anxiety, and chronic illness. I am well acquainted with this school of thought. I was raised, in fact, saturated with it. It is invalidating, irresponsible, and dangerous, in my opinion, to tell people in this forum (some of whom may be very impressionable) that "Satan" and/or "sin" is the cause of a deficiency or imbalance of chemicals in our brains. While I respect your beliefs and wish you only the best, I do not feel that this is the appropriate venue for comments of that nature.
Posted by sme on June 12, 2003, at 13:52:16
In reply to Re: Alternative, posted by DC on June 12, 2003, at 10:34:41
I think I'm confused.... But anyway, my response was to that original posting. I realize it was a repeat of something already written now. In any case, even though it agitated me, I hope it did give solace to someone else. :)
Posted by johnj on June 12, 2003, at 15:24:07
In reply to Re: Alternative, posted by Sabina on June 12, 2003, at 13:51:03
for impressionable people. I would hate to have someone believe what Faithful said and have it make them worse off, that in itself would be a sin. Thanks Sabina
johnj
Posted by stjames on June 12, 2003, at 16:26:22
In reply to Re: Alternative, posted by Faithfull on June 11, 2003, at 21:39:17
If you want to discuss religion within the context
of mental illness, I think the board for that is:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faith/ & not htis board.
Posted by DC on June 12, 2003, at 16:50:06
In reply to Re: Alternative, posted by stjames on June 12, 2003, at 16:26:22
> If you want to discuss religion within the context
> of mental illness, I think the board for that is:
> http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faith/ & not htis board.Actually, I posted the same link just pretty much
stating the same thing and felt like I got jumped
on. Better luck to you.Best of luck to all.
DC
Posted by Ninki on June 12, 2003, at 17:24:50
In reply to Re: Blkvettes, Dude, I'm only on Lex..., posted by blkvettes on June 12, 2003, at 1:59:40
I've read and commented on this site about my side effects coming off paxil and going on lexapro. From reading the other postings and from your generous feedback it seemed like my stiff joints, nausea and extreme tiredness matched those of others on Lexapro but my extremity swelling was of concern to those of you who responded. As suggested, I contacted the Doctor, who's nurse called me back and suggested I drop from 20 to 10 mg of Lexapro. She also told me the flu like symptoms were from coming off the Paxil. She told me to call back in a week. I called back today and explained I still had all the symptoms except the swelling. She still insists the side effects are from the Paxil withdrawal and not the Lexapro and wants me to increase back up to 20mg. By the way, the swelling went away when I started my period. I also got a perm on Tuesday and it didn't take. The paxil was stopped on May 28. Do you really think I could still be having withdrawal symptoms or does the nurse not know what she is talking about? It sounds like Lexapro symptoms, not withdrawal from paxil. I don't know what to make of the hair perm not taking, they have always worked in the past. Loosing confidence in the medical people. Your thoughts?
Posted by Dr. Bob on June 12, 2003, at 18:03:57
In reply to Re: Alternative, posted by stjames on June 12, 2003, at 16:26:22
> If you want to discuss religion within the context of mental illness, I think the board for that is:
> http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faith/To *support* religious faith, yes. I'd also like other posts about religious faith to be redirected to Psycho-Social-Babble. And follow-ups regarding posting policies, and complaints about posts, to be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration. Thanks,
Bob
Posted by tm on June 12, 2003, at 18:25:16
In reply to Lexapro/Paxil...Can the nurse be right?, posted by Ninki on June 12, 2003, at 17:24:50
> I've read and commented on this site about my side effects coming off paxil and going on lexapro. From reading the other postings and from your generous feedback it seemed like my stiff joints, nausea and extreme tiredness matched those of others on Lexapro but my extremity swelling was of concern to those of you who responded. As suggested, I contacted the Doctor, who's nurse called me back and suggested I drop from 20 to 10 mg of Lexapro. She also told me the flu like symptoms were from coming off the Paxil. She told me to call back in a week. I called back today and explained I still had all the symptoms except the swelling. She still insists the side effects are from the Paxil withdrawal and not the Lexapro and wants me to increase back up to 20mg. By the way, the swelling went away when I started my period. I also got a perm on Tuesday and it didn't take. The paxil was stopped on May 28. Do you really think I could still be having withdrawal symptoms or does the nurse not know what she is talking about? It sounds like Lexapro symptoms, not withdrawal from paxil. I don't know what to make of the hair perm not taking, they have always worked in the past. Loosing confidence in the medical people. Your thoughts?
Here it goes if my memory serves right. I made the same switch. This is what my pdoc told me. Paxil has such a short half life that if you are not weened off of the paxil you could suffer. I started on 10mg of Lex and he reduced my Paxil from 25mg CR to 12.5 for 1 week. So for 1 week I was taking 10mg of Lex and 12.5 of Paxil. After that I stayed on the 10 of Lex for 7 more days and was suffering bad anxiety and then depression because I felt so bad. He then raised me to 15 of Lex . I am currently taking 20 of Lex that he raised me to last tues. I also take .5 of Xanax four times a day. My pdoc told me that it would take I believe 2 weeks for the Paxil to get out. It may be shorter than that, I just remember it wasn't more than 2 weeks. I am tired now maybe because of the increase. My nausea has been gone for about two weeks. A week ago last Monday was the first morning I woke up with no anxiety. I have no problem with my joints. I hope this helps. Don't hesitate to ask me anything about what I wrote if I confused you. I wish you luck with your treatment. Tim
P.S. The process of the switch started the last week in April.
Posted by Ninki on June 12, 2003, at 19:00:36
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Paxil...Can the nurse be right?, posted by tm on June 12, 2003, at 18:25:16
Thanks Tim. I did ween off the paxil. I went from 25 to 12.5 on May 14 also the day I started 10 Lexapro. After two weeks I stopped the paxil and increased the lex. It has now been 2 weeks since I ended the paxil and 4 weeks since I cut the paxil in half. It just doesn't make sense to me that I am still suffering withdrawal from the paxil. That and the fact that other folks on this site have had similar symptoms from Lexapro makes me think I and we know more than the nurse does and I am not feeling so comfortable with my life in their hands.
Posted by tm on June 12, 2003, at 19:36:14
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Paxil...Can the nurse be right?, posted by Ninki on June 12, 2003, at 19:00:36
> Thanks Tim. I did ween off the paxil. I went from 25 to 12.5 on May 14 also the day I started 10 Lexapro. After two weeks I stopped the paxil and increased the lex. It has now been 2 weeks since I ended the paxil and 4 weeks since I cut the paxil in half. It just doesn't make sense to me that I am still suffering withdrawal from the paxil. That and the fact that other folks on this site have had similar symptoms from Lexapro makes me think I and we know more than the nurse does and I am not feeling so comfortable with my life in their hands.
You know after re-reading your message starting off 10 of Lex and then you went straight to 20 maybe too much? I had that 15 step before the move to 20. Are you going to a psy. doc.? With the messages I have read some people have started out as low as 5. Darn tomorrow has to be Friday, I would say give it a few more days, but that means through the weekend. Going by what my Psy. doc. says, I would say the Paxil is out. I hope this helps. There are others on this board that have more experience with this. Some of those seem to look at the board in the wee morning hours, so I hope you will see some more answers by the morning. With the way you came off the Paxil I really don't know what more the doc would do. Lex as you probably have read takes a while before it kicks in, and you will know when it does because it's like a light coming on. If you feel anxiety Xanax is instant and does not have to build up. This has just been my experience. I don't if I help you, I hope I have.
Again don't hesitate and hang in there!! Tim
Posted by AnnieJ on June 12, 2003, at 22:47:02
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I just started 10 mg of Lexapro about 2 weeks ago. I was on Paxil CR and my doctor eventually weaned me off. I found that when I was on the Paxil my appetite had increased...I was curious if anyone noticed any significant weight loss or gain while taking the Lexapro???? I'm trying to lose about 20lbs and I don't want anything to hinder that??? Any comments would be really appreciated!!! Thanks a bunch!!! mzanna
Posted by blkvettes on June 13, 2003, at 0:26:01
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by teriwynn on January 8, 2003, at 10:50:37
Hi, maybe these links might help someone!!! TAKE CARE!!
WAYNE
http://www.postpartum.net/
http://www.obgyn.net/femalepatient/default.asp?page=leopold
Posted by Ninki on June 13, 2003, at 8:43:47
In reply to Any significant weight gain or loss on Lexapro????, posted by AnnieJ on June 12, 2003, at 22:47:02
I made the same switch. Gained on the Paxil and after 4 weeks on the lexapro, still seem to be gaining. But have heard it's too early to make any judgements. I will say that I definately feel better on the lexapro and think the weight gain is worth it.
Posted by Napaba on June 13, 2003, at 8:55:32
In reply to Re: Hot showers and Jalapenos » lil' jimi, posted by 2beornot2benuts on June 12, 2003, at 12:27:01
> Hey Jim, Sorry I haven't written back since your 6/6 post Re:Migraines. Interesting stuff about A/D's being similar to brain surgery, Electro-convulsive therapy, hot showers and jalapenos. So many details!<hee!hee!> As for the Home Team they're holding up, dealing as best as they can with me being so sick from Lex SE's and Effexor xr withdrawl. Thanks for your prayers and concern...And hope your feeling well...Jackie
Jackie,When did you switch from Effexor to Lexapro? I switched about two weeks a go and have had no problems. Most of the side effects I suffered from while on Effexor are gone. And I've had none from the Lexapro. I went from 75 mgs of Effexor to 10 mgs of Lexapro.
One thing I've noticed though is my appitite has increased and I'm feeling depressed. Not like before the Effexor, when I was thinking of driving off the local bridge, but the feeling of gloom and doom and crying. I'm hopeful that this will change as the Lexapro gets into my system. I go back to the doctor in two weeks, so I'll wait until then.
Good luck to you.
Posted by Napaba on June 13, 2003, at 9:34:00
In reply to Lexapro/Paxil...Can the nurse be right?, posted by Ninki on June 12, 2003, at 17:24:50
My hair doesn't hold a perm either. I don't beleive it's from the Lexapro/Paxil. I've been told it's because of having it colored. Do you have your hair colored and is bleach used? I choose the highlites and gave up trying to have a perm.
I've read and commented on this site about my side effects coming off paxil and going on lexapro. From reading the other postings and from your generous feedback it seemed like my stiff joints, nausea and extreme tiredness matched those of others on Lexapro but my extremity swelling was of concern to those of you who responded. As suggested, I contacted the Doctor, who's nurse called me back and suggested I drop from 20 to 10 mg of Lexapro. She also told me the flu like symptoms were from coming off the Paxil. She told me to call back in a week. I called back today and explained I still had all the symptoms except the swelling. She still insists the side effects are from the Paxil withdrawal and not the Lexapro and wants me to increase back up to 20mg. By the way, the swelling went away when I started my period. I also got a perm on Tuesday and it didn't take. The paxil was stopped on May 28. Do you really think I could still be having withdrawal symptoms or does the nurse not know what she is talking about? It sounds like Lexapro symptoms, not withdrawal from paxil. I don't know what to make of the hair perm not taking, they have always worked in the past. Loosing confidence in the medical people. Your thoughts?
Posted by blkvettes on June 13, 2003, at 10:19:06
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Paxil...Can the nurse be right? -Perm, posted by Napaba on June 13, 2003, at 9:34:00
Hi there, you could still have withdrawal for awhile. Your also mixing in lexapro side effects. Here are 2 links!! TAKE CARE!!!
WAYNE
http://paxil.bizland.com/jbuzzw.htm
http://www.quitpaxil.org/Main%20Pages/symptoms.htm
Posted by Mariposa on June 13, 2003, at 11:45:36
In reply to Any significant weight gain or loss on Lexapro????, posted by AnnieJ on June 12, 2003, at 22:47:02
> I just started 10 mg of Lexapro about 2 weeks ago. I was on Paxil CR and my doctor eventually weaned me off. I found that when I was on the Paxil my appetite had increased...I was curious if anyone noticed any significant weight loss or gain while taking the Lexapro???? I'm trying to lose about 20lbs and I don't want anything to hinder that??? Any comments would be really appreciated!!! Thanks a bunch!!! mzanna
I have been on Lex almost 5 months. I lost 10lbs. during the first month and I have not gained it back. I did not TRY to lose, I just found my appetite was less and I ate less. I'm still about 5lbs. overweight and would like to lose them but I have not been trying to.
I should add though that a lot of people have also posted in previous periods that they have gained weight while on Lex.
Best of Luck to you!~~~8|8
Posted by 2beornot2benuts on June 13, 2003, at 13:36:08
In reply to Re: Hot showers and Jalapenos Jackie, posted by Napaba on June 13, 2003, at 8:55:32
Hello there, It's Jackie, So, you're in week two of Lexiproblem? You definately need more time and possibly a higher dose. But, Hey! I aint no pdoc! Although, once I'm done with this (my) mess, I could probably wipe the floor with my pdoc, and learn him up a thing or two! Ha! The jerk took me from 150mg of Effexor xr and then added 10mg of Lex to the mix and I have been in psychopharmaceutical agony since!! I wish for you quick and lasting relief... Keep in touch:) Jackie
Posted by Napaba on June 13, 2003, at 13:51:03
In reply to Re:Napababaloo!!, posted by 2beornot2benuts on June 13, 2003, at 13:36:08
Jackie,
I don't think I could have gone from 150 EXR directly to the Lexapro. I dropped to 75 EXR for about a month. Did you have a lot of side effects while on Effexor? I wanted to die. I think it should be removed from the market. Lexapro I'm not sure on yet. I'll give it two more weeks and if I'm still down I will need either a higher dose or something else.
Do you think your side effects are from the EXR or the Lex? I'm not having any from the Lex. (fingers crossed)
Napaba (the only thing I could get to take that I wouldn't forget)
> Hello there, It's Jackie, So, you're in week two of Lexiproblem? You definately need more time and possibly a higher dose. But, Hey! I aint no pdoc! Although, once I'm done with this (my) mess, I could probably wipe the floor with my pdoc, and learn him up a thing or two! Ha! The jerk took me from 150mg of Effexor xr and then added 10mg of Lex to the mix and I have been in psychopharmaceutical agony since!! I wish for you quick and lasting relief... Keep in touch:) Jackie
Posted by Mariposa on June 13, 2003, at 15:31:49
In reply to Re: Alternative - DC, posted by DC on June 13, 2003, at 14:52:23
> Now I do have a serious question; I have been noticing
> that my hair brush is getting full much more than
> usual. Also, just running my fingers through my
> hair I can constantly have many strands that come
> out. Has anyone experienced this with Lex? My
> hair is thin enough as it is and will change if
> hair loss is a SE.
>
> Have a good one all.
> DC
>It seems I have noticed more hair comming out, but I have not noticed any thinning, my pony-tail still feels like the same thickness. I am not sure if it's Lex or just old age???
Good luck all ~~~8|8
Posted by DC on June 13, 2003, at 15:59:46
In reply to Re: Any significant weight gain or loss on Lexapro????, posted by Ninki on June 13, 2003, at 8:43:47
> I made the same switch. Gained on the Paxil and after 4 weeks on the lexapro, still seem to be gaining. But have heard it's too early to make any judgements. I will say that I definately feel better on the lexapro and think the weight gain is worth it.
I notice a weight loss when I started the Lex.
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