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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Ashley20 on June 22, 2003, at 0:42:42
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
Hey ya'll,
i just discovered this website. i started taking lexapro (10mg) for the first time about a month ago. i have never taken an anti depressant until now. my dr. prescribed it to me for anxiety. Sense ive been taking it my anxiety is gone. Unfortunately, over the past few weeks i have had trouble concentrating, i have a lot of trouble waking up and sometimes i have trouble going to sleep. i am ADD though and i've been taking aderal (10mg) for 3 years now, so i dont know if that has anything to do w/ it. i was wondering if anyone else has had similar reactions (major trouble with waking up in the morning or concentration difficulties) to lexapro.
thanks :)
Ashley
Posted by BLKVETTES on June 22, 2003, at 1:29:44
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Ashley20 on June 22, 2003, at 0:42:42
> Hey ya'll,
> i just discovered this website. i started taking lexapro (10mg) for the first time about a month ago. i have never taken an anti depressant until now. my dr. prescribed it to me for anxiety. Sense ive been taking it my anxiety is gone. Unfortunately, over the past few weeks i have had trouble concentrating, i have a lot of trouble waking up and sometimes i have trouble going to sleep. i am ADD though and i've been taking aderal (10mg) for 3 years now, so i dont know if that has anything to do w/ it. i was wondering if anyone else has had similar reactions (major trouble with waking up in the morning or concentration difficulties) to lexapro.
> thanks :)
> AshleyHi Ashley, trouble going to sleep and waking up are normal on the lexapro and should go away. When, I could not tell you because we all react differently. I have no idea how your other med might play into this. Im really glad your doing better though. TAKE CARE!!!
WAYNE
Posted by Sabina on June 22, 2003, at 2:07:58
In reply to Re: 2b update, posted by 2beornot2benuts on June 21, 2003, at 12:58:20
It's wnderful to hear that someone's seen a doctor who's exploring new avenues of treatment for you. I certainly do hope he is, indeed, "onto something" that works out super great for you. Keep us posted!
Posted by lil' jimi on June 22, 2003, at 2:54:50
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Ashley20 on June 22, 2003, at 0:42:42
hi ashely
> Hey ya'll,
> i just discovered this website. i started taking lexapro (10mg) for the first time about a month ago. i have never taken an anti depressant until now. my dr. prescribed it to me for anxiety. Sense ive been taking it my anxiety is gone. Unfortunately, over the past few weeks i have had trouble concentrating, i have a lot of trouble waking up and sometimes i have trouble going to sleep. i am ADD though and i've been taking aderal (10mg) for 3 years now, so i dont know if that has anything to do w/ it. i was wondering if anyone else has had similar reactions (major trouble with waking up in the morning or concentration difficulties) to lexapro.
> thanks :)
> Ashleyi agree with Wayne about your Lexapro: the likelihood of your reactions being Lexapro-related side-effects should decrease with time ... ... sounds like you are benefiting with your anxiety reduced ... ...
.... ... and i, like Wayne, know /knew nothing about Adderal ... ... but i web searched it just now ... Adderal is amphetamine-dextroamphetamine, which carries specific cautions about being habit forming ... ... let's presume you've discussed this issue with your doctor because you need to
.... ... and you should be discussing this reaction you are having with him/her too .. ... .. while we're at it, check in with your pharmacist for her/his take on lexapro/adderal interactions .... .. .. i had an initial SE from lex of feeling over-stimulated while being very drowsy ... kind of a contradiction, although not an uncommon lex SE ... ... i imagine that this lex se could get to together with you adderal and create the reaction you're dealing with ... ... all of which is PURE speculation on my part ...
what time of day do you take your adderall?
what time of the day do you take your lexapro?
have the doctor or pharmacist said to take them separately?GUESSING (!): i'd suggest taking your adderal as early in the day as possible to see if that helps .... ...
... ... seems like adderal should help wake you up and like you'd want it to wear off before bedtime ... ... maybe?... ... but it is not going to hurt your doctor to put her/him to work on this problem for you ... ... at least let her/him know about your reaction and see what alternatives she/he has for you.
glad to hear your anxiety has lessened ... ... sorry your suffering sleep problems ...
glad to have you posting here ... ... please keep us up-to-date.
and as i have made my habit of quoting Wayne's outro refrain:
TAKE CARE !!!!!!
~ jim(p.s. hey, wayne! how you doing, man?.. ~ j)
Posted by CarrieL on June 22, 2003, at 7:34:03
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Ashley20 on June 22, 2003, at 0:42:42
I, too, had trouble getting out of bed in the morning... Not sure if it was from Lexapro, though... because it's been that way since high school. Maybe you're already a morning coffee drinker, but have you considered drinking a cup (or two) of TEA in the morning? For one thing, the caffeine in tea lasts longer than coffee... spreads itself out over a longer period of time, whereas coffee hits you all at once. Tea, as opposed to coffee, may help with any anxiety as well. Secondly, tea is rich in antioxidants, which helps prevent cancer. Just a thought...
Best wishes !!!
Posted by oldhand on June 22, 2003, at 23:11:14
In reply to Re: alcohol versus lexapro » oldhand, posted by lil' jimi on June 19, 2003, at 22:31:16
Hi Jim and all! Seems I am doing well on the 20mg of Lex. More energy, brighter moods fewer naps. Will go back to the pdoc July 14 with the mood diary. She also recommended less caffiene and exercize (new studies show brain cells can be regenerated(?) with exercize). Will also work on those things tho giving up morning coffee might turn me into a real shrew.
I often feel overwhelmed with the situation here, my Mom seems to want to be an invalid and have everyone wait on her. Dad is in good health, both are 86. When that happens I will think of your loss and just thank God they are still here with me.
So, so far so good for me and 20mg. Hope the bi-polar dx doesn't come down though, as more meds just make me feel like I,m sicker. The depression has changed "life as I know it", for better and worse, both. Feeling better all the time. May not write here alot but I always READ the thread. Will keep you posted.
Enough for now. Peace and a rested soul to all.
Posted by Ashley20 on June 23, 2003, at 0:57:14
In reply to Re: alcohol versus lexapro » lil' jimi, posted by oldhand on June 22, 2003, at 23:11:14
hey everyone,
thanks for replying to me (lil jimi, wayne, carrie). Yall are just so possitive! im glad to hear that my side effects arent uncommon. i take aderal before i start studying, usually in the morning. i should take it everyday at the same time, but i am just so forgetful. i have been taking lexapro at bedtime (sense i seem to get a little drowsy when i take it during the day). i have always been a very anxious person, but after my first semister in nursing school (i lost 20 pounds and contact w/ most of my friends and family - b/c i was studing like 10 hours a day and didn't really eat anything) my dr. suggested lexapro for my anxiety. i really dont worry as much now; im happy to say life is just so much more relaxed. i am taking summer school, but its a light load, so i guess i will see how i handle the stress next simester. my dr. said that the medications shouldn't interfere w/ each other. (im from Louisiana, in case anyones wondering about the "ya'll"). Thanks again for your help!
love, ash
Posted by Subriagirl on June 23, 2003, at 6:22:00
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
Hi everyone. In Dec of 2002 I was prescribed Wellbutrin for depression. But after 5-6 sks of that med, I wasn't any better so the Doctor prescribed Lexapro. Within a week I was feeling so much better. That was the end of Jan of this year. The side effects I've been dealing with are extreme fatique. So much so I want to sleep all the time & can't wait to get home from work to take a "nap" which ends up being for the evening. Experiencing sexual side effects as well. : ( What have you done to relieve some of the extreme fatique? (I'll work on one problem at a time... :))
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Subriagirl
Posted by krystol on June 23, 2003, at 7:22:25
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
i'm on 10mg a day...i also forgot to mention the baby that also caused the pm...as for the break up / the bf just couldn't deal w/my emotional changes from day to day it had been going on for a while and i was in denial...i basically thought nothing was wrong until i saw myself self destructing (slapping bf just basically trying to beat him up)realization came when i got arrested for domestic violence (threw cell-phone and hit ex bf in the head)11 1/2 hrs in jail was enough to get help...
Posted by theo on June 23, 2003, at 9:36:54
In reply to Re: alcohol versus lexapro » lil' jimi, posted by oldhand on June 22, 2003, at 23:11:14
What dose were you on and how long before going to 20mg. I'm on 10mg starting ninth week and am still having fatique and tiredness.
Posted by Mariposa on June 23, 2003, at 11:56:50
In reply to Re: alcohol versus lexapro » oldhand, posted by theo on June 23, 2003, at 9:36:54
Almost 5 mos. @ 10mg, having a problem w/mornings also. Feel tired and have done something terrible about it. Work in a large store...have been hiding in stockroom, fitting room, etc. and napping. If caught, would be terminated! Have also found that I am staying up past regular bed time and have a lot of energy in the evenings. So now I am going to start taking dose when I wake up instead of 11-12 noon. Had been taking at 2-3PM and moved to noon. Not sure if this will help anyone else, but moving around the time I take it seems to be helping somewhat.
GOOD LUCK TO US ALL!~~~8|8
Posted by oldhand on June 23, 2003, at 22:12:03
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « lil jimi, posted by krystol on June 23, 2003, at 7:22:25
> i'm on 10mg a day...i also forgot to mention the baby that also caused the pm...as for the break up / the bf just couldn't deal w/my emotional changes from day to day it had been going on for a while and i was in denial...i basically thought nothing was wrong until i saw myself self destructing (slapping bf just basically trying to beat him up)realization came when i got arrested for domestic violence (threw cell-phone and hit ex bf in the head)11 1/2 hrs in jail was enough to get help...
Hooray for you Krystol!! To get the help you need. Perhaps as things improve for you the bf will be able to take another look at things.
I just really give you credit for not letting it go any further. Keep up the good work.
Peace and a restful soul to us all.
Posted by oldhand on June 23, 2003, at 22:17:35
In reply to Re: alcohol versus lexapro » oldhand, posted by theo on June 23, 2003, at 9:36:54
> What dose were you on and how long before going to 20mg. I'm on 10mg starting ninth week and am still having fatique and tiredness.
I was on 10mg for six/seven months. For me the Lex caused insomnia. I find that I do So Much better if I get some exercize. I am not disciplined enough to do a daily routine but It might help you fight the fatigue?
Good luck, Theo
Posted by ryanometer on June 24, 2003, at 0:06:09
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I was recently diagnosed with panic disorder and prescribed Lexapro 2 weeks ago. I was made aware of possible sexual side effects and am now experiencing them. My sex drive isn't dead, but it has decreased. If it was at 100% before, it's at 70% now. The biggest problem is climax. I haven't "finished" since I've been on the medication and it's pretty damn frustrating. My girlfriend understands both instances but I don't want my problem to affect her sex life as well.
Is there anything I can do to help the problem?
On a lighter note....I've finally got the upper hand in the battle with my panic attacks. The stuff is working.
Thanks for any help.
Posted by Sabina on June 24, 2003, at 0:32:48
In reply to Re: Sexual Side Effects, posted by ryanometer on June 24, 2003, at 0:06:09
I'm at week three on Lexapro and also haven't "finished" in that time. Very frustrated, to say the least. That's actually the least problematic side effect I've had so far. My anxiety is through the roof, which is allegedly what was being treated. I've been assured by several folks here that the sexual and other problems will go away in time. I just hope that's true. My boyfriend is optomistic, but isn't as concerned as I am about it. Then, it's not happening to him, is it?
Posted by BLKVETTES on June 24, 2003, at 2:01:21
In reply to Re: Sexual Side Effects, posted by ryanometer on June 24, 2003, at 0:06:09
> I was recently diagnosed with panic disorder and prescribed Lexapro 2 weeks ago. I was made aware of possible sexual side effects and am now experiencing them. My sex drive isn't dead, but it has decreased. If it was at 100% before, it's at 70% now. The biggest problem is climax. I haven't "finished" since I've been on the medication and it's pretty damn frustrating. My girlfriend understands both instances but I don't want my problem to affect her sex life as well.
>
> Is there anything I can do to help the problem?
>
> On a lighter note....I've finally got the upper hand in the battle with my panic attacks. The stuff is working.
>
> Thanks for any help.
Hi there, glad the panic attacks are going away. I to suffered from them myself. Im not saying the lexapro is not part of your problem. But sense you were aware that the sexual dysfunction could happen from the beginning a lot of this could be your mind tricking you. I get the feeling even before you start your already thinking about the dysfunction. Try having sex after a good sleep. Your mind is not fully awake and this may help. Use your imagination and find ways to get the end result. I will not go into what that might be here. GOOD LUCK!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by BLKVETTES on June 24, 2003, at 2:10:52
In reply to Re: Sexual Side Effects » ryanometer, posted by Sabina on June 24, 2003, at 0:32:48
> I'm at week three on Lexapro and also haven't "finished" in that time. Very frustrated, to say the least. That's actually the least problematic side effect I've had so far. My anxiety is through the roof, which is allegedly what was being treated. I've been assured by several folks here that the sexual and other problems will go away in time. I just hope that's true. My boyfriend is optomistic, but isn't as concerned as I am about it. Then, it's not happening to him, is it?
Hi there, I will keep this as clean as possible. I go to a lot of boards and read a lot of posts. Your problem with the sex should go away. Hey your under a lot of stress and when you get the anxiety under control things should improve with time. Going by what women have said you just have to work harder at it. Be completely honest with your boyfriend and make him do whatever to help you out. I guess from your past experiences you should know what that might be. Find whatever it takes to get the job done. I guess I will end this now before I go to far. GOOD LUCK!!!
WAYNE
Posted by 2beornot2benuts on June 24, 2003, at 9:36:24
In reply to Re: Sexual Side Effects, posted by BLKVETTES on June 24, 2003, at 2:10:52
Hello there everyone, I just read way too many posts trying to find dosage timing info (I'm dizzy!)<I know it doesn't take much> I have an appointment w/ my pdoc tommorrow, so I'm trying to get my facts together <this will take all day>!!UMM,Oh yeah,What was I typing about? I can't think straight!!! I am sooo foggy!! Yikes!!!I AM SAM!!!!or FORREST GUMP!!!(no offense)But,sheesh!!I can't figure out how long I've been on this SH%#T!! So, I guess what I'm trying to say is..HELP!!! Is anybody else out there in the fog!?! Type to yous later...Jackie
Posted by Traci on June 24, 2003, at 10:02:54
In reply to Re: Sexual Side Effects, posted by BLKVETTES on June 24, 2003, at 2:10:52
I am in week 5 and the majority of my side effects have deminished! YeaH! Anyhow, I too had problems in the "Finishing" department. Luckily my husband was determined to break that side effect and I also tried very hard not to think about not being able to finish and worked on enjoying the moment. You also have to realize that it is the medication, not you, that is causing the problem. Another helpful tip in "getting you into the mood" is to listen to books on CD. I have never been one to read romatic novels of any sort, however I accidentaly picked out a CD from the library the ended up being quite steamy. I had read a murder mystery by this author and just assume that was what she always wrote, boy was I wrong. I was listening to it in the car on the way to work one morning and discovered that my problem was getting better :) Anyhow best of luck to you all and God bless!!!
Posted by Office_LB on June 24, 2003, at 11:56:13
In reply to Re: Sexual Side Effects, posted by Traci on June 24, 2003, at 10:02:54
I have noticed a slight diminishment in my sex drive. Also whereas previously I could go multiple times in a day once I go once I'm pretty much done for the day. I can become aroused again but I can only finish like maybe one in five times.
I'm not complaining, though...when I do finish it's very pleasurable and I feel great all around.
Posted by CarrieL on June 24, 2003, at 16:54:24
In reply to Re: Dosage Timing, posted by 2beornot2benuts on June 24, 2003, at 9:36:24
One thing I have found to really help with "the fogginess" is Gingko Biloba, a natural herb that you can buy at any drug store. What it does is increases blood flow to the brain and helps you think much more clearly. It really does work... and a lot of people use it, particulary students. For example, the first time I used it, I accidentally took 2 capsules at once (rather than just the one), and I found myself lying there, creating mathematical equations in my head and then solving them over and over.. lol. (I was taking an algebra class at the time). But, to be sure, the NORMAL dose of it will have no such effect. Also, for anxiety, the herbs "Kava Kava" or "Valerian Root" may help. Valerian Root is actually what the drug Valium is derived from. (hence, the "Val.."). I would talk to your doctor about the possiblities of using herbs to counteract the side effects of Lexapro. They've done wonders for me :) Best wishes !!! (sorry for such a long post)
Posted by tim47 on June 24, 2003, at 17:34:07
In reply to Re: alcohol versus lexapro » theo, posted by oldhand on June 23, 2003, at 22:17:35
I too, after 10 weeks, find Lex to give me a lot of insomnia and then fatigue the next day. I am dropping from 10mg to 7.5 to see if this helps. Are you still on Lex, Theo?
Tim
> > What dose were you on and how long before going to 20mg. I'm on 10mg starting ninth week and am still having fatique and tiredness.
>
> I was on 10mg for six/seven months. For me the Lex caused insomnia. I find that I do So Much better if I get some exercize. I am not disciplined enough to do a daily routine but It might help you fight the fatigue?
> Good luck, Theo
Posted by thindon1 on June 25, 2003, at 12:44:53
In reply to Re: Lexapro » Jennings, posted by ayuda on January 11, 2003, at 8:52:46
Has any one went from paxil to lexapro?? Any adverse withdrawals from paxil???
Posted by lil' jimi on June 25, 2003, at 12:59:45
In reply to Re: Dosage Timing, posted by 2beornot2benuts on June 24, 2003, at 9:36:24
hello there "Action Jackson", the zombieMommie!
sorry to hear you're having such a rough time, Again.... i'm really hoping hard that you're doing better today .... and that you're hometeam is still teaming up there for you ... ... because we really Don't want you "to-be-Nuts" ... although it sounds like the meds are driving not far from it ... hang in there!
Hmmmm, doseage timing .... ... huh ..... ... let's call in Wayne, because i got nothing ... i'm firing blanks here ... i got the cheerleading, but no ammo!
my own timing has been ... ... what? ... goofy!
when i was doing 5mg i took it anywhere between 9AM to 3 or 4PM, who knew when or why? ... ... well, why was because i was flaky ... then there was that thread about "when do you take your lex, AM or PM?" ... so when i went to 10mg, i could NOT decide about AM or PM ... ... so i split the difference ... ... i take it a noon (!) because it not PM nor AM .... .... which is NOT a reason, it's an evasion, jim!anyway, i'm getting tired and sleepy at about 6 PM and i think if i worked at it i could adjust when i take lex so that that would happen later ... ... ... But i'm too lazy .... .... and i have a hard enough time remembering to take it at noon, which should be the easiest to remember ... or so i've thought.
hey, looky! i found something:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030306/msgs/206380.html
and
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030314/msgs/210231.html
and
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030402/msgs/215835.htmlanyway they look good from the outside .... hope they can help you!
yours in Lexapro,
TAKE CARE !!!!!
~ jim
Posted by lil' jimi on June 25, 2003, at 13:04:35
In reply to Re: Lexapro, posted by thindon1 on June 25, 2003, at 12:44:53
> Has any one went from paxil to lexapro?? Any adverse withdrawals from paxil???
hi thindon1
short answers: Yes and Yes siree bob!
more later,
~ jim
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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