![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 4158 to 4182 of 8406. Go back in thread:
Posted by McPac on August 27, 2003, at 14:56:13
In reply to koko, Re: why move from Celexa, posted by McPac on August 27, 2003, at 14:30:21
Anyone.
Lex sure seems to cause more anxiety, jitteriness than Celexa (from the posts I've read)...I haven't tried Celexa...Lex made me anxious, irritable....anybody here think Celexa is better for someone like me...I NEED the anti-dep effect BUT DON'T want the med that will cause anxiety....is Celexa better in THAT way (milder)? THANKS!!!!!!!!!
Posted by galkeepinon on August 27, 2003, at 15:35:07
In reply to Less Anxiety w/ Celexa than Lex??? Re: why move , posted by McPac on August 27, 2003, at 14:56:13
Hey McPac:-) I took Celexa and as you know I'm on Lex now. For me, I haven't experienced any anxiety on EITHER one, but I'm on week 4 of Lex. Celexa worked well for me, but I was in such a dire need for something to work quick that my doc thought Lex would be the better choice right now.
As for you, I honestly think giving Celexa a fair shot would be great and you may be very, very surprised! Celexa didn't give me ANY anxiety whatsoever, and it helped my depression tremendously, but so did my boyfriend at the time;) LOL---but remember, this is just my experience with Lex and Celexa. If Lex turns out not to be the med for me-which I think it will for a while-back on Celexa I go. One more thing too, remember that Lexapro has all the inactive ingredients of Celexa taken out of it which makes Lexapro more potent-that's why you may had experienced such anxiety on the Lexapro.
Good luck, my friend:-)> Anyone.
>
> Lex sure seems to cause more anxiety, jitteriness than Celexa (from the posts I've read)...I haven't tried Celexa...Lex made me anxious, irritable....anybody here think Celexa is better for someone like me...I NEED the anti-dep effect BUT DON'T want the med that will cause anxiety....is Celexa better in THAT way (milder)? THANKS!!!!!!!!!
Posted by Mariposa on August 27, 2003, at 15:41:55
In reply to Re: koko !---catching up..I got lost in the thread, posted by koko on August 27, 2003, at 12:53:22
> OK, I think I'm getting the hang of this now...
> I'm sitting here trying to decide if I should take another 10 mg and get the SE's done and over with or if I should go down to 5. And how would I carve out 7.5? Cut in half and then again in another half? My concern, which Lil Jim touched on, is what if I avoid the SE's now just to experince them in another month or 2...what to do, what to do...? Avoidence doesn't normally work well for me. Then I'll just fixate on the SE's that are waiting for me later on when I go back to 10mg, which will create anxiety for the future, which in turn will make me question if the SE's at 5 mg are any better or not, and then I'll doubt the whole cutting down to begin with, and maybe panic about that...Hum....That may not neccessarily be the case.... I started at 5mg and had TERRIBLE se's, so bad I seriously considered quitting, went to 10mg around week 4, with very mild, in comparison, side effects. Went from 10mg to 20mg about 2 weeks ago (into month 6) with just the slightest bit of diziness for a couple of days.
Of course we are all different,and it seems that trial is the best way to find out.
Best of luck!~~~8|8
Posted by hog80ci on August 27, 2003, at 19:04:12
In reply to Re: Lexapro - increased dose » Mariposa, posted by galkeepinon on August 26, 2003, at 22:47:51
Hi all
I go up to 20mg tomorrow. I've been pretty jittery on 10. I keep telling myself to be patient and not to flush it all down the toilet. Reading your posts always helps. thank you.
Jim
Posted by oldhand on August 27, 2003, at 21:32:38
In reply to Re: Lexapro is a NO for me!! » completelypsycho, posted by trucker on August 26, 2003, at 16:59:06
Take heart! I had the worst withdrawal from Effexor of any one of the meds I have taken. Only got up to 75mg as it raised my blood pressure. Tried to stop cold turkey and had some of the same symptoms you describe. Spent days in agony, muscle and brain zaps, anxiety, panic, etc, etc. My humble opinion is you are withdrawing from the Effexor rather than having SE's from Lexapro. Get ahold of your doc!. and good luck.
Posted by JCServant7 on August 27, 2003, at 22:16:24
In reply to Re: why move from Celexa, posted by koko on August 27, 2003, at 13:41:08
Well, isn't it best to wean off one drug before switching to another? I mean, my doctor is weaning me off Remeron and I am on 10 mg Lex and 30 mg Remeron.. in about two weeks, I go down to 15 mg Remeron. A slow wean, but he thinks it is best. I am feeling very tired during the day, and it's probably because of the two drugs at once. Can't wait to get off the Remeron. I've gained over 40 lbs and want it all off now! :-)
Steve
Posted by McPac on August 27, 2003, at 23:34:19
In reply to Re: Less Anxiety w/ Celexa than Lex??? Re: why move » McPac, posted by galkeepinon on August 27, 2003, at 15:35:07
"One more thing too, remember that Lexapro has all the inactive ingredients of Celexa taken out of it which makes Lexapro more potent-that's why you may had experienced such anxiety on the Lexapro".
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Yes, I think that's it exactly.....I'm actually one of those people that DON'T want a very activating drug because that usually spells bad trouble for me....I like and need the less activating, more mild feeling med...hopefully Celexa will be milder....take care Gal!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by galkeepinon on August 28, 2003, at 0:15:33
In reply to Gal, Anxiety w/ Celexa than Lex??? Re: why move, posted by McPac on August 27, 2003, at 23:34:19
Let's hope Celexa is the one for you and will work as the milder one:-) Are you going to start it? Or have you already?
Good luck:-)
Take Care!> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Yes, I think that's it exactly.....I'm actually one of those people that DON'T want a very activating drug because that usually spells bad trouble for me....I like and need the less activating, more mild feeling med...hopefully Celexa will be milder....take care Gal!!!!!!!!!!!!
> "One more thing too, remember that Lexapro has all the inactive ingredients of Celexa taken out of it which makes Lexapro more potent-that's why you may had experienced such anxiety on the Lexapro".
>
Posted by galkeepinon on August 28, 2003, at 1:17:16
In reply to Re: koko !---catching up..I got lost in the thread, posted by koko on August 27, 2003, at 12:53:22
Hi koko, how you hanging in there? Don't expect the SE!! LOL try not to anyway. I always worried about the side effects a lot. I was scared to start this Lexapro because it was a med I had never been on before. It turned out, I didn't die, and it seems to be doing great so far (crossing fingers)
Breathe in............out...............in.........out:-)
Hang in there and keep us posted.> OK, I think I'm getting the hang of this now...
> I'm sitting here trying to decide if I should take another 10 mg and get the SE's done and over with or if I should go down to 5. And how would I carve out 7.5? Cut in half and then again in another half? My concern, which Lil Jim touched on, is what if I avoid the SE's now just to experince them in another month or 2...what to do, what to do...? Avoidence doesn't normally work well for me. Then I'll just fixate on the SE's that are waiting for me later on when I go back to 10mg, which will create anxiety for the future, which in turn will make me question if the SE's at 5 mg are any better or not, and then I'll doubt the whole cutting down to begin with, and maybe panic about that...Hum....
Posted by lil' jimi on August 28, 2003, at 5:48:07
In reply to Re: Lexapro - increased dose, posted by hog80ci on August 27, 2003, at 19:04:12
hey Jim ~
> Hi all
> I go up to 20mg tomorrow. I've been pretty jittery on 10. I keep telling myself to be patient and not to flush it all down the toilet. Reading your posts always helps. thank you.
> Jimjust wanted to say ...
Hang In There, pardner!!take care,
~ jimp.s. how's the Harley doing, man ?
Good luck with the 20 !
Posted by koko on August 28, 2003, at 9:20:57
In reply to Re: koko !---catching up..I got lost in the thread » koko, posted by galkeepinon on August 28, 2003, at 1:17:16
Thanks Gal! That really helps. And you are right, I get so caught up focusing on the SE's that I may be making them worse than they would be otherwise. But this forum helps, and reading about everyone's experiances help. And most of all, knowing that everyone else seems to have experienced this or some SE's simular to this and lived!...that helps too.
So, I'll keep reading and hope that they get better soon. Today is day 4! So far, I've stuck to taking the full 10mg. I'll keep you posted...
Thanks again and I wish everyone a happy and productive Thursday!
Posted by shay on August 28, 2003, at 12:41:33
In reply to Re:(Re: Lexapro and Hitachi) to leeran » leeran, posted by lil' jimi on April 12, 2003, at 20:08:06
I have never been on any medications for depression but feel like I've had some level of depression pretty much since I was a little girl. I've tried some for a few days but couldn't stand how they made me feel. I don't feel like I have major depression so I'm always leary of starting something because of side effects, I don't want to feel worse, since I've also dealt with anxiety. I read some of these posts and wonder if it's even worth getting into taking Lexapro, which I got samples of yesterday. The doc told me to break in half and take 5mg. I'm worried though because I do drink socially and don't want to feel all "wacked out" and "weird." Like I said, no one would even think of me as depressed but I am sometimes. And sometimes it's really bad and sometimes not. I never not do anything or not go anywhere and work a 9-5 so what should I do... I feel like I read these posts and I want to read something like "Lexapro makes me feel great, I'm so happy now, it definitely worked so well!!!!!!" And I'm not reading this, am I going to feel happy and normal or what??? Any suggestions or help... I don't want to be on something for the rest of my life and feel worse. I already feel tired and sad sometimes, w/o feeling sick and weird. Anyone???? Also, I haven't had counseling but wonder if this is more what I should do or if this low dose will be ok for me??? The docs never listen to my symptoms so I don't know who to ask for advice. You all seem to know best! :) Thanks!
Posted by Esmarelda on August 28, 2003, at 12:51:36
In reply to New User to any type of med., posted by shay on August 28, 2003, at 12:41:33
Now, Lexapro worked great, I feel wonderful, not quite yet 100% - still a little tired in the mornings. I have been on it for about 11 weeks. It got worse before it got better. It took about 5 weeks to really feel better. I truly did get more anxious and depressed before it started working and I don't know whether it was the Lex or just the deepening of the depression to start with. I didn't have side effects that bothered me that much. Some sleeplessness, but I have insomnia without AD. I had a little diarrhea at first and felt nauseated, but that was okay because I needed to lose a couple extra lbs. anyway. It also made me sweat alot, but that seems to have resolved. If you are depressed and anxious, I would recommend it in the long run. Apparently, most AD take a while to work anyway. I also drink alcohol (which is very bad for depression by the way). Nonetheless, I feel better when I don't drink, but it does not make me whacked out or anything. In fact, I can't tell any difference when I drink with or without the Lexapro. I think drinking blocks the effectiveness of the drug about 40% or something like that - I have been told. I hope my experience helps you!
Posted by Mariposa on August 28, 2003, at 13:07:52
In reply to New User to any type of med., posted by shay on August 28, 2003, at 12:41:33
There are many positive posts here in previous periods, and several regular posters who are doing *better* on Lex, myself included. You sound like and echo of myself a little more than 6 mos. ago. I had never taken any meds, didn't think I really needed them, was scared of the side effects, didn't think the med would help ME, but I knew I could not continue living in the same manner, was affecting job, marriage, life!
I started @ 5mg, had the most horrible first 2 weeks, called in sick to work all of 2nd week I felt so bad. But all the SE's went away by week 4. Then I started to worry that Lex would not work because I didn't think I was getting *better*, and I spiraled into a pretty deep depression. I seriously considered just quitting, but got a lot of encouragement from the great people here and decided to stick with it. Dr upped dose to 10mg, and around week 8 I suddenly realized that I was *better* and had been for a while. As someone else said, it was like all of a sudden a lite came on.
Then somewhere in 5th month I started to feel *low* again, like all those old feelings coming back. It took a while but I got in to see a pdoc (because gyn doc who initially psc'd Lex for PMDD refused to let me take more than 10mg) and he upped dose to 20mg. Been @ 20mg about 2 weeks and feeling *better* again.
Please don't get discouraged right from the start, I would go through those first 2 weeks all over again to get the relief I've had from depression! Keep us posted on your progress!~~~8|8
Posted by koko on August 28, 2003, at 13:10:30
In reply to New User to any type of med., posted by shay on August 28, 2003, at 12:41:33
Hi Esmeralda,
Speaking solely off of personal experience; I felt no side effects from Celexa, but I do with Lex. However, I think that they will go away after about two weeks from what I hear. I also am never "not doing anything". So, I can completely understand your concern. However, even with the SE's from Lex, I'm still able to function at work and socially. I'm sure if I didn't have such acute anxiety (which is what prompted me to take the medication to begin with) I would be able to "function" even better. As it is, I will tend to fixate on my SE's. Even still, I'm hoping that Lex will get me to that "I'm happy, I feel great, I don't have to worry about an embarrassing panic attack" point quicker than Celexa did.
However, I wouldn't be afraid to try the Lex if I were you. And if you have a bad day, stop and ask your doctor about Celexa.
You don't need to feel the way you are for the rest of your life, and it seems as if you are on the right track.
Good luck.
Posted by Mariposa on August 28, 2003, at 13:14:38
In reply to Re: New User to any type of med., posted by Esmarelda on August 28, 2003, at 12:51:36
I din't address the alcohol in my other post, but I too am a social drinker (whiskey, beer) and it has not seemed to affect me adversely. I know Alc. contributes to depression, and I have cut back since starting Lex ( a *good* se? ) but like Esmeralda, I don't have any reactions between the 2.
Posted by Mariposa on August 28, 2003, at 13:24:32
In reply to Re: New User to any type of med., posted by Mariposa on August 28, 2003, at 13:14:38
INSOMNIA!!! My biggest FOE in the depression battle!!! And Lex has *CURED* me!!!
Had been an insomniac most of my adult life, never getting a full nite's sleep, wake up at 3-4AM and never able to go back to sleep. Some nights, no sleep AT ALL, just toss and turn and worry about getting up and going to work. In short...miserable because I was tired all the time.
But now I sleep soundly through the nite and don't rouse until the alarm goes off, occasionally wake up, but roll over and go right back to sleep. It has done wonders for that *i'm a witch because I got no sleep* feeling!!!
Good luck to all of us!~~~8|8
Posted by krystol on August 28, 2003, at 13:40:02
In reply to New User to any type of med., posted by shay on August 28, 2003, at 12:41:33
I started lex 10mg approx 2 1/2 months ago and from day 2 I have been feeling great...I was dx w/depression (post partum)...the only SE's I've noticed since posting is I haven't been able to have an orgasim (((help)))...other than that, this is my first AD, I have no major complaints...
Good Luck!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by koko on August 28, 2003, at 13:50:19
In reply to Re: New User to any type of med., posted by krystol on August 28, 2003, at 13:40:02
This brought up a really good point...One of the other reasons that I decided to switch to Lex is because I heard that the sexual SE's were reportedly less than with Celexa. Has anyone else experienced any sexual side effects from Lex, positive or negitive?
Posted by shay on August 28, 2003, at 14:04:13
In reply to Re: New User to any type of med., posted by krystol on August 28, 2003, at 13:40:02
You guys are so nice! :) I really appreciate all of the feedback! I definitely want to give this a try and don't want to feel like I do anymore. I'm tired of feeling like I don't think like "normal people" and I hoping my feelings of lonliness will subside! I get really down and a lot of times for no reason so I'm going to give it a try. If I feel sick, I feel sick, it is worth it. I just hope I don't have to call off work, not an option! :) Sooooo... I'll let you guys know how I do, wish me luck! (I get anxiety just thinking about starting, guess part of the problem to solve! :) )
Posted by galkeepinon on August 28, 2003, at 14:07:40
In reply to Re: koko !---catching up..I got lost in the thread, posted by koko on August 28, 2003, at 9:20:57
>>>>> Thanks again and I wish everyone a happy and productive Thursday!>>>Right back at ya!!!:-)
Thanks Gal! That really helps. And you are right, I get so caught up focusing on the SE's that I may be making them worse than they would be otherwise. But this forum helps, and reading about everyone's experiances help. And most of all, knowing that everyone else seems to have experienced this or some SE's simular to this and lived!...that helps too.
> So, I'll keep reading and hope that they get better soon. Today is day 4! So far, I've stuck to taking the full 10mg. I'll keep you posted...
> Thanks again and I wish everyone a happy and productive Thursday!
>
Posted by krystol on August 28, 2003, at 14:16:06
In reply to Re: New User to any type of med., posted by koko on August 28, 2003, at 13:50:19
As far as the sexual side effects go that is the only one I have...I am always ready freddy when it comes time to do the do!!!(((ha!ha!ha!)))...it get's a little frustrating when you can't get yours and he does (((oooooohhh!!!)))but this is better than when it was down to zero with the depression...i guess i got an even trade...i've read in previous post that this too shall pass...with me when????(((hehehehe!!!)))
Posted by Esmarelda on August 28, 2003, at 14:48:55
In reply to Re: New User to any type of med., posted by krystol on August 28, 2003, at 13:40:02
> I started lex 10mg approx 2 1/2 months ago and from day 2 I have been feeling great...I was dx w/depression (post partum)...the only SE's I've noticed since posting is I haven't been able to have an orgasim (((help)))...other than that, this is my first AD, I have no major complaints...
> Good Luck!!!!!!!!!!Krstol - that was not a problem except for total lack of desire the first month or so. Hopefully, your SE will resolve :)
Posted by Esmarelda on August 28, 2003, at 14:55:43
In reply to Re: New User to any type of med., posted by shay on August 28, 2003, at 14:04:13
Shay - I think you will be fine. I have been intermittantly depressed for about 4-5 years now with no real event setting it off. Just didn't feel like facing the world some days. I never liked the thought of taking medicine. But, this last go around had life events that literally threw me to the ground, shook me around and then kicked my butt. I had to do something -- I could not even get out of bed 2-3 days a week and cried all the time. Not to mention the anxiety/panic attacks. I could barely even get out of bed to let my dogs out. I feel "almost normal" now after 10 weeks. I never had to call in sick from side effects - just the overwhelming depression, itself. I think you will be fine if Lex is something your body likes. I am doing great on it. In fact, just got back from my therapist and really didn't even have anything to talk to her about. Yee ha!!!!
Posted by lil' jimi on August 28, 2003, at 15:06:52
In reply to Re: New User to any type of med., posted by shay on August 28, 2003, at 14:04:13
hi Shay,
> You guys are so nice! :) I really appreciate all of the feedback! I definitely want to give this a try and don't want to feel like I do anymore. I'm tired of feeling like I don't think like "normal people" and I hoping my feelings of lonliness will subside! I get really down and a lot of times for no reason so I'm going to give it a try. If I feel sick, I feel sick, it is worth it. I just hope I don't have to call off work, not an option! :) Sooooo... I'll let you guys know how I do, wish me luck! (I get anxiety just thinking about starting, guess part of the problem to solve! :) ) >
>... i want to suggest/ advise that you try to get your doctor to allow you some benzo support for your anxieties, for _while_ you are working through the lexapro start up SEs ...
... my impression (i do not have anxiety issues) from reading this thread, is that folks who are fighting anxiety can and do have the worst time with these intial lex SEs ... of the folks who start lexapro but have to quit, many of them have anxiety issues and can not endure the increased anxiety from lex's initial SEs ... ... because lex does seem to make anxiety worse before it gets better .. .... .. not so surprising when you consider (my speculation here) lex is trying to rearrange our neurochemistry which gets destabilized as our system struggles to adapt to out new (and Improved!) serotonin levels ...... i mention this because, although i had no anxiety symptoms, my lexapro adaptation SEs included a dozen or so panic attack episodes ... ... which is to say lexapro Can get us wound up pretty good before things settle down ...
i was fortunate that all of my SEs lasted less than 2 weeks ... and i am doing fine now, these nearly 6 months since i started lex ...
... it seems like the regular treatment for anxiety is a supplement to the lex from the benzo family, such as xanax ...
... ... you know, i got this friend Wayne (BLKVETTES) and he has the inside line on anxiety ... ...we're going to want to give him a shout and let you have the benefit of his experience ... he's our anxiety/lexapro poster child ... (And he's the funny one! ... Not me!)
HA!
take care!!
~ jim
Go forward in thread:
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.