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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by sassyveg on September 4, 2003, at 23:05:17
In reply to Re: sick of these drugs, posted by kookabear on September 4, 2003, at 19:25:21
oh yeah....i have to mention that i too am "sick of these drugs." not because i've been on any for all that long, but just because of the cost associated. i just quit my job in july so i could go to school full time, so now i have no insurance. i ran out of lexapro, and figured i would just stop taking it. 5 days into withdrawals, i've decided that i should stay on it, because the stuff that i started taking it for is coming back. plus, i'm almost out of the beta blocker i take for migraines, and if you stop that abruptly, apparently you can possibly have a heart attack. fun. so for a one month supply of that, and a two month supply of lexapro, i had to pay $210. my head nearly exploded!!
so basically - if docs are gonna be so quick to prescribe meds, then something needs to be done about making them more affordable....because i'd be willing to bet that most people taking prescription drugs aren't doing so by *choice*, but more so out of a necessity in order to function in one way or another (at least i know this is the case for me).
Posted by hog80ci on September 4, 2003, at 23:44:18
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects and UPDATE » hog80ci, posted by Arrianna on September 4, 2003, at 0:08:46
Thanks Arrianna
Seeing posts from people having such great success helps. Thanks!
Take care
Jim
Posted by galkeepinon on September 4, 2003, at 23:58:53
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects and UPDATE, posted by hog80ci on September 3, 2003, at 22:51:28
Hey Jim:-) I don't remember keeping such close track of my meds either LOL This Lex is great ain't it? I'm glad to hear that the nausea is gone wooooohooooooo hang in there with the teeth clenching-did you check about getting a nightguard to wear at night anyway? It may help you with that. We'll all keep riding it out and be just dandy:-)
Sending positive, side effect-free days your way:-)
Take good care:-)
> My two cents worth:-) Today is day 7 of 20mg and 13 days total on lex. I don't remember keeping such close track of meds before. Maybe it's because I found this little forum. Anyway...nausea is gone, still clenching my teeth a lot and need to be concious of that. Pretty hyper too and having a hard time sleeping. Doc said I can take just 10mg for a few more days if I want. I'm trying to just ride this out. I think it will be worth it in the end.
>
> Take care
> Jim
Posted by galkeepinon on September 5, 2003, at 0:01:42
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects and UPDATE, posted by altair on September 4, 2003, at 9:39:10
I'm sorry you've had such a rough time~I hear you! I haven't had experience in the Lex withdrawals department becasue I just started it, but I wish you lots of luck and hopefully you'll find something that does work for you!!!!!!
> I must be the only person who's been negativly effected by anti-depressants. Ive been on two different kinds...celexa and now lexapro. I'm getting off lexapro now and dealing with the horrible side effects associated with it.
>
> Forgive my jaded opinions about this drug and others like it, but I really am concerned by the apparent over use of these medications. I NEVER should have been given these meds. I dealt w/ lifes problems just fine before, save the slight bump in the road last year when I found out I had hiv. So yeah it helped for the depression associated w/ that but give me a break. Had I known about the withdrawals and weight gain I would never had consented to this drug. I've gained 15 pounds on these drugs and I hardly eat...for someone with a history of eating disorders this makes my life worse. I put these drugs in the same category as cocaine speed etc...how is my life benefiting from FDA sanctioned addiction?
>
> All this drug has given me is heart ache and suicidal tendencies which I NEVER experienced before. Why bother fighting a "war on drugs" if our government approves the distribution of drugs that are as dangeruous as common street drugs.
>
> Sorry but this kind of malpractice just pisses me off...but I do have a question.......
>
> How long does the withdrawals last? Ive been slowly taking myself off of lexapro for 3 weeks and am down to 2.5 mg a day from 10mg when i started.
Posted by galkeepinon on September 5, 2003, at 0:05:14
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects and UPDATE, posted by Esmarelda on September 4, 2003, at 10:53:41
I just thought of something..how can we know if the feelings we experience are from a med or something like what you talk about here that happened with an ex-ya know?
Also, I've been taking Benadryl too at night to sleep and I am sooooo dang tired in the AM lately. At first it didn't affect me like that because it didn't hit me until I was almost asleep, but now it seems to lag on after I wake up, just so sleepy!!!
weird...........> I guess I was extremely lucky because I never had any really serious side effects and didn't know I had any until I started reading this board. I did not experience ANY until after I had been taking lex about a week. I got really depressed and anxious - but at the same time I also discovered my ex who was trying to get back with me was seeing someone else -- so who knows if it was the Lex or what. I had 1 solitary spell of dizziness that lasted for a few seconds, some nausea and some diarrhea, but nothing severe. I still am very, very tired when I wake up in the morning and I also take Benadryl almost every night to sleep -- maybe it's the combination of the two?? Who knows.
Posted by Arrianna on September 5, 2003, at 0:10:14
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects and UPDATE, posted by hog80ci on September 4, 2003, at 23:44:18
Posted by gail_jo on September 5, 2003, at 0:13:49
In reply to Your Welcome (nm) » hog80ci, posted by Arrianna on September 5, 2003, at 0:10:24
Posted by tm on September 5, 2003, at 5:06:52
In reply to Re: Esmarelda--8/8 Wayne » tm, posted by Esmarelda on September 4, 2003, at 10:46:04
>Hi Fran, so sorry yo hear about the lose. I can imagine the anxiety it is causing. Keep your mind busy with pleasant thoughts!! 2 doses so far, no SE's.
Take Care Tim.
Hey Tim! Yes, it does sound like we are in the same spot. My therapist recommended that I go ahead and take 5 more mg which I did for the first time this morning. I had another death in my family day before yesterday and have been upset about that, but I felt the anxiety even before my uncle died. I will let everyone know how I do. I don't take anything for anxiety, but once the Lex started working. It seemed to take care of the problem. Fran
> Mariposa - did you have any SE's when you upped your dosage?
Posted by Treb on September 5, 2003, at 12:01:18
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects and UPDATE » Esmarelda, posted by galkeepinon on September 5, 2003, at 0:05:14
Hi, I've used Benadryl with the same reult. It seems to leave me groogy into the next day. I now use Trazadone as needed for sleep and it doesn't affect me in the morning. Good luck!
Treb
Posted by galkeepinon on September 5, 2003, at 13:54:47
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects and UPDATE, posted by Treb on September 5, 2003, at 12:01:18
Hi Treb, Can I ask, how much Trazadone do you take at night to help you sleep? I ask because I once took 100mg and it didn't help me, but before I could up the dose, my doc at the time switched me to something else.
Just wondering how you do on it and at what dosage? Any side effects?
Thanks:-)
Hope you're doing as well as expected:-)> Hi, I've used Benadryl with the same reult. It seems to leave me groogy into the next day. I now use Trazadone as needed for sleep and it doesn't affect me in the morning. Good luck!
> Treb
Posted by hog80ci on September 6, 2003, at 7:55:50
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects and UPDATE » hog80ci, posted by galkeepinon on September 4, 2003, at 23:58:53
Hey Gal
Thanks for the words of encouragement. Sorry it took a day to get back to you. I had LASIK surgery yesterday and was asleep most of the day.I'm getting my mouth guard next Tuesday. I don't seem to be grinding as bad as I was but I'm going to get one anyway.
Take care
Jim
Posted by Treb on September 6, 2003, at 13:51:08
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects and UPDATE » Treb, posted by galkeepinon on September 5, 2003, at 13:54:47
Hi, I usually take 50 mgs of Trazadone. I rarely need the 100s. If I really can't sleep I use Doxepin but not if I have to get up alert the next morning.
Thanks, Treb
Posted by sproo on September 7, 2003, at 21:42:55
In reply to Re: Lexapro Withdrawal Dizziness » Rich B, posted by micheke on August 4, 2003, at 18:09:27
Micheke:
I have been off of Lexapro for nine days now and am still feeling side-effects that include: dizziness, aching muscles and joints, fatigue and I am easily angered. But, I know this will all go away and it will be worth it. I have been through this before and it doesn't last forever. Just take it one day at a time and try to keep your mind busy so that you don't dwell on the strange way your body is feeling.
Posted by Esmarelda on September 8, 2003, at 12:48:31
In reply to Re: Esmarelda--8/8 Wayne » Esmarelda, posted by Mariposa on September 4, 2003, at 17:32:02
I upped my dosage from 10 mg to 15 mg last Wednesday - 5 days. I seem to be doing better with that, but had another family member die last week so things are kind of yucky right now.
Posted by Esmarelda on September 8, 2003, at 13:01:49
In reply to Re: Questions about weight gain » Esmarelda, posted by galkeepinon on September 4, 2003, at 21:36:45
Me too. It's always in the morning. Usually, if I can force myself up -- it's okay. It's been worse the last couple days, but my uncle died and it was like reliving my grandmother's death.
Posted by Esmarelda on September 8, 2003, at 13:08:04
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects and UPDATE » Treb, posted by galkeepinon on September 5, 2003, at 13:54:47
I was prescribed some Trazadone a few years back for sleep and it did not work on me either. The only thing that has ever worked was Ambien or Benadryl. I got totally weirded out on the Ambien, but it did work!
Posted by collegekid on September 8, 2003, at 14:25:52
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects and UPDATE » galkeepinon, posted by Esmarelda on September 8, 2003, at 13:08:04
Posted by ezra on September 8, 2003, at 23:28:42
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects and UPDATE, posted by recumbent on September 4, 2003, at 21:29:02
i actually quit cold-turkey from 20mg per day and the only side effect i had were the electric shocks, but lord oh lord... they were bad. they lasted for about three weeks and started in my arms, until it ended up happening throughout all my extremities: my arms, legs, feet, toes, fingers.
honestly, i had more trouble when i was getting on lexapro then when i quit. i had very mild nausea, lightheadedness, and problems ejaculating for about two weeks (which was almost intolerable, haha).
Posted by KayJ on September 9, 2003, at 10:36:10
In reply to Re: about insomnia side effect » pharmrep, posted by .tabi.T.ha. on August 3, 2002, at 3:28:08
I only just started Lex..after trying just about everything else...and could not sleep the first night..couldn't even lie still. I was only taking 5 mg and I had taken my one 10 mg Pamelor for sleep. I have now been on it three days and having much the same problem, but now along with that I am having irritable bowel. I just don't think I can take SSRIS. Has anyone else had similiar experience..any solutions????
I feel like there is something wrong with me as I can't seem to take anything due to side effects. Sometimes I think the doc thinks I'm making it up...aren't they told of the side effects?
Thanks for any help you may offer.
Posted by Mariposa on September 9, 2003, at 12:01:23
In reply to Re: about insomnia side effect » .tabi.T.ha., posted by KayJ on September 9, 2003, at 10:36:10
> I only just started Lex..after trying just about everything else...and could not sleep the first night..couldn't even lie still. I was only taking 5 mg and I had taken my one 10 mg Pamelor for sleep. I have now been on it three days and having much the same problem, but now along with that I am having irritable bowel. I just don't think I can take SSRIS. Has anyone else had similiar experience..any solutions????
> I feel like there is something wrong with me as I can't seem to take anything due to side effects. Sometimes I think the doc thinks I'm making it up...aren't they told of the side effects?
> Thanks for any help you may offer.You are not alone, many people complain about the same things. I have only been on Lex, and only for 6 mos. I had terrible se's in the beginning but I toughed it out and they all went away. My doc did NOT warn me about se's, and I only learned of them after I found this site and also started experiencing them. Some people are lucky and have minor se's or almost none at all. You and I are the unlucky ones!!! All I can add is that I am doing much better now and it was worth the 2 weeks of H**L, and I would do it all over again.
Good luck to you!~~~8|8
Posted by galkeepinon on September 9, 2003, at 20:24:19
In reply to Re: Questions about weight gain, posted by Esmarelda on September 8, 2003, at 13:01:49
Hey Esmarelda, I'm so sorry to hear about the death in your family, how are you holding up?
How is the 15mg increase with the Lexapro going?
I'm feeling like I have to really force myself to do stuff lately too.
Take care ok:-)
Me too. It's always in the morning. Usually, if I can force myself up -- it's okay. It's been worse the last couple days, but my uncle died and it was like reliving my grandmother's death.
Posted by galkeepinon on September 9, 2003, at 20:27:37
In reply to Re: about insomnia side effect » .tabi.T.ha., posted by KayJ on September 9, 2003, at 10:36:10
Hi, I had IBS really bad a few years ago, Prevacid seemed to help and I think therapy too.
I had a lot of insomnia when I first started Lex, but it has passed now after about 6 weeks on the med. I couldn't lie still either, I kept rubbing my feet together~like anxiety I guess.
Are you still taking the Lex and how is it going? Any better?
Take Care.> I only just started Lex..after trying just about everything else...and could not sleep the first night..couldn't even lie still. I was only taking 5 mg and I had taken my one 10 mg Pamelor for sleep. I have now been on it three days and having much the same problem, but now along with that I am having irritable bowel. I just don't think I can take SSRIS. Has anyone else had similiar experience..any solutions????
> I feel like there is something wrong with me as I can't seem to take anything due to side effects. Sometimes I think the doc thinks I'm making it up...aren't they told of the side effects?
> Thanks for any help you may offer.
Posted by galkeepinon on September 9, 2003, at 20:30:17
In reply to Re: about insomnia side effect » KayJ, posted by Mariposa on September 9, 2003, at 12:01:23
Sounds like you are doing good *thumbs up to you*
I'm glad you seem to be doing better and just wanted to see how you were holding up:-)
You are not alone, many people complain about the same things. I have only been on Lex, and only for 6 mos. I had terrible se's in the beginning but I toughed it out and they all went away. My doc did NOT warn me about se's, and I only learned of them after I found this site and also started experiencing them. Some people are lucky and have minor se's or almost none at all. You and I are the unlucky ones!!! All I can add is that I am doing much better now and it was worth the 2 weeks of H**L, and I would do it all over again.
>
> Good luck to you!~~~8|8
Posted by KayJ on September 10, 2003, at 0:00:41
In reply to Re: about insomnia side effect » KayJ, posted by galkeepinon on September 9, 2003, at 20:27:37
Thanks so much for your reply. I did not take my dose of Lex today..I am hoping for a good nights sleep and hope to see the ibs symptoms..diarrhea mainly for me..subside. I have been seeing a psychiatrist for 11 years and am still depressed. None of the meds seem to work..or maybe it is because I give up too soon because of the side effects. There isn't really any therapy involved..he thinks meds should fix it..but I doubt I will ever find one unless they come up with something new. Lex is about the newest and I have tried all of the other SSRIS. But after reading some posts I see that Lex is basically celexa which I tried and could not take. Zoloft worked the best of any I have tried..and I have tried it several times for several months, maybe even a year at a time, but I could not tolerate the jitters. I'm embarrassed to even go back to the Doc and say once again that I can't take what he prescribed!
Posted by KayJ on September 10, 2003, at 0:10:47
In reply to (((Mariposa))) » Mariposa, posted by galkeepinon on September 9, 2003, at 20:30:17
Thanks for the encouragement, but I guess I am not as tough as you : ) I don't know how you put up with it for 2 weeks! I cut my dose in half and still feel bad. I could put up with most of everything ..for awhile..except for the diarrhea..I would have to stay home from work..it is like having stomach flu. I have occasional bouts with IBS anyhow and these meds just seem to trigger it. Maybe that is my problem..that I cannot hang in there long enough for the se's to disappear.
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