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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Mariposa on October 17, 2003, at 20:26:15
In reply to Lexapro Loss of Appetite, posted by Scribbler on October 17, 2003, at 12:59:03
> Okay, so it's Day #5 on Lex and I feel pretty good except for a noisy, gassy stomach and no appetite. Anticipating dinner guests this weekend -- kind of awkward, not to eat what I've prepared for them! Maybe tomorrow will be better. Since Day #1, tomorrow has *always* been better. Appreciate your encouragement. Tell me I will be hungry and enjoy food again!
>
> Also, do you share info with friends about taking Lex or keep it to yourself? Just curious. My husband says not to tell our (grown) kids and see if they eventually notice a change. How can then NOT notice a change! I've been a hand-wringing worry-wort for so many years! ScribblerI have lost 10 lbs. on Lex, went through the loss of appetite, didn't feel like eating anything, not even COOKIES!! But now I eat normally again, sometimes too much, and I haven't gained the weight back, needed to come off anyway. Also went through several carb cravings...wanted Chex Mix all the time, and toast.
As for telling anyone, I chose not to, only my husband, who at first was against the idea, and eventually my boss. People DID notice a difference and commented on it, but since I am doing *better* the comments were mostly positive....had several people comment worriedly about the weight loss (went from size 10 to size 6). Have been on Lex since Feb., currently @ 20mg.
Best of luck to us all!~~~8|8
Posted by Scribbler on October 17, 2003, at 20:36:36
In reply to Re: Lexapro Loss of Appetite, posted by Mariposa on October 17, 2003, at 20:26:15
> I have lost 10 lbs. on Lex, went through the loss of appetite, didn't feel like eating anything, not even COOKIES!! But now I eat normally again, sometimes too much, and I haven't gained the weight back, needed to come off anyway. Also went through several carb cravings...wanted Chex Mix all the time, and toast.
>
> As for telling anyone, I chose not to, only my husband, who at first was against the idea, and eventually my boss. People DID notice a difference and commented on it, but since I am doing *better* the comments were mostly positive....had several people comment worriedly about the weight loss (went from size 10 to size 6). Have been on Lex since Feb., currently @ 20mg.
>
> Best of luck to us all!~~~8|8Just gave lots of size 6 stuff to Goodwill this last year; figured I'd never get down there again. Maybe I was too hasty? I don't even want an Oreo. Or ice cream. Not even Cheetos! This is so weird. Good luck to you -- sounds like you're doing great.
Posted by bt on October 17, 2003, at 20:51:15
In reply to Re: Lexapro Loss of Appetite, posted by sekou on October 17, 2003, at 18:44:11
I have been taking it for a week now. I definitely notice a loss of appetite and was nauseous up until the last few days. Aside, from that I am feeling better. I am not as irritable and things are rolling off me easier than they would before. I notice that I am not worrying over the things I have no control over. I am happy that I am taking it and have not told anyone except for a friend who takes other meds for a similar condition. It is good to have someone who understand what I am going through.
Posted by Arrianna on October 17, 2003, at 23:30:52
In reply to Lexapro Loss of Appetite, posted by Scribbler on October 17, 2003, at 12:59:03
Scribbler:
Hi. Also had the loss of appetite during the first three weeks on Lex. What was strange for me, though, was that I always felt hungry even though NOTHING tasted good, nor was it satisfying.
Like Mariposa, my appetite has returned back to normal - enjoying all foods again.
Best of luck this weekend with your dinner party. You may suggest to your friends that you are just watching your weight as you eat smaller portions??
I'd also suggest only telling those friends and family members whom you feel comfortable with and can trust that you are taking lexapro. If they love you unconditionally, they'll understand and support you.
I was fortunate enough that I have understanding friends who I can share this with. To my surprise, I found that many of my them are also on some sort of AD. Guess there's a reason we mix so well together. lol.
As far as telling your children and whoever else: that is your decision to make. Listen to your gut.
Wish you good luck and happiness with everything!
Arrianna
Posted by oldhand on October 17, 2003, at 23:40:39
In reply to Re: Lex Neuronton , posted by bruce_w6 on October 17, 2003, at 18:06:41
> > Going from 15mg Lex to 10mg Lex & 300mg Neuronton 3 times a day. 10 Lex & 300 Neuronton at bedtime, 300mg Neuronton am & 300 mg Neuronton afternoon. This is a small dose of Neuronton. I feel wonderful this 1st couple of days. If This continues I will cut the Lex back even further. My hope is a higher dose of Neuronton could possibly replace the Lex. Neuronton does not have the side effects of Lex. Neuronton is used for many things, even extreme cases of bi-polar.
>
> Anyone have feedback?
>
> 3rd day and feel great. I can really feel a difference. I sleep better and am not as agitated all day and don't feel like I am on the edge. Even traffic doesn't bother me as much.
>
> Anyone have feedback?
>
>Hey Bruce,
I think it is wonderful that you continue to feel better with the Lex/Neurontin combo. My old Pdoc prescribed me 100mg Neurontin for anxiety. I know this also is a low dose but it did not do a thing except put a bad taste in my mouth so I don't take it. My sister was prescribed Neurontin for the pain associated with shingles, but I don't know how much.
Hope you continue to improve.
Posted by PHV on October 17, 2003, at 23:58:51
In reply to Re: Lex Neuronton » bruce_w6, posted by oldhand on October 17, 2003, at 23:40:39
Hi ladies -
I seem to be experiencing PMS symptoms extremely early this month - which is highly unusual for me. I'm fortunate and usually don't experience any PMS at all; however; have really noticed some major PMS type symptoms very early on in my cycle - when I wouldn't normally be feeling anything. I'm early to mid cycle - and the symptoms in my body seem to make me feel as though I'm just days before my period - bloating, tenderness, cramping, moodswings, etc. Has anyone else noticed a change in their cycle since starting LEX? I'm also wondering if it could be the recent addition of Busbar and Ambian.
Ladies - I welcome your thoughts and exeriences.
Thanks.
Patt.
Posted by ginger C on October 18, 2003, at 9:18:08
In reply to Ladies - Any PMS Type SE, posted by PHV on October 17, 2003, at 23:58:51
I have been taking lexapro for a year and I haven't noticed the mood swings but I have felt bloated. Some of the time I get a little depressed or irritable but not like I do when I'm having a bipolar episode.
Posted by oldhand on October 18, 2003, at 22:55:26
In reply to Re: Ladies - Any PMS Type SE » PHV, posted by ginger C on October 18, 2003, at 9:18:08
> I have been taking lexapro for a year and I haven't noticed the mood swings but I have felt bloated. Some of the time I get a little depressed or irritable but not like I do when I'm having a bipolar episode.
Postmenopausal here. Just get the hot flashes from the Lex.
Shelley
Posted by Scribbler on October 19, 2003, at 9:20:33
In reply to Re: Ladies - Any PMS Type SE » ginger C, posted by oldhand on October 18, 2003, at 22:55:26
And I've found the Lex has stopped my hot flashes. Go figure...
Posted by JohnR on October 19, 2003, at 12:02:50
In reply to Re: Lexapro Loss of Appetite Scribbler, posted by Scribbler on October 17, 2003, at 16:51:51
Scribbler,
Thank you for the encouragement and sharing with me.Have you started getting hungry again yet?
John
Posted by Scribbler on October 19, 2003, at 13:11:06
In reply to Re: Lexapro Loss of Appetite Scribbler, posted by JohnR on October 19, 2003, at 12:02:50
> Scribbler,
> Thank you for the encouragement and sharing with me.
>
> Have you started getting hungry again yet?
>
> John
>
YES! I just polished off a chicken sandwich with a good helping of Cheetos. It's like my taste buds have clicked into action after six days of fasting and everything tastes soooo good. Thanks for assuring me I'd be able to eat again, John; I think I've lost about 5 lbs since last Monday. Now if I could only keep it off...
Posted by PHV on October 19, 2003, at 14:35:34
In reply to Re: Ladies - Any PMS Type SE » ginger C, posted by oldhand on October 18, 2003, at 22:55:26
Hot flashes are another thing I experience quite frequently. I'm always a cold person - and thanks to you folks, I have been recognizing that I am having hot flashes - when it's not really hot! Very strange sensation for me. Thanks for sharing your comments and making me feel like I'm not going crazy - since I'm usually freezing when it's 80 degrees outside!
Patty
Posted by Sherrie309 on October 19, 2003, at 14:39:33
In reply to Lexapro Loss of Appetite, posted by Scribbler on October 17, 2003, at 12:59:03
I have been on Lexapro for about 2 months and am doing extremely well with little or no depression and anxiety but the problem that I am having is that I have no desire for sex and I can't have an orgasm. Does anyone else experience this? My doctor has prescribed wellbutrim to take away the side effect but can't get them until my insurance approved it first.Has anyone else been given wellbutrim for the sex side effects from lexapro?
Posted by ginger C on October 19, 2003, at 17:48:09
In reply to Re: Ladies - Any PMS Type SE, posted by PHV on October 19, 2003, at 14:35:34
ey I thought I was the only one who wore fur coats during the summer. My husband laughs at me because I stay cold all of the time. I tell him to just wait till menopause and he'll be the one freezing when I turn up the air.
Posted by ginger C on October 19, 2003, at 17:52:42
In reply to Re: Ladies - Any PMS Type SE, posted by Scribbler on October 19, 2003, at 9:20:33
Now that I think about it I was having sweats during the night and would have to get up and change into something cooler or just kick the sheets off. Since I started the Lexapro Now that I think about it I haven't had any more of them.
Posted by PHV on October 19, 2003, at 19:42:24
In reply to Re: Lexapro Loss of Appetite, posted by Sherrie309 on October 19, 2003, at 14:39:33
> I have been on Lexapro for about 2 months and am doing extremely well with little or no depression and anxiety but the problem that I am having is that I have no desire for sex and I can't have an orgasm. Does anyone else experience this? My doctor has prescribed wellbutrim to take away the side effect but can't get them until my insurance approved it first.Has anyone else been given wellbutrim for the sex side effects from lexapro?
I've been on Lex just over three months now. Sexual SE's were horrible early on. I had absolutely NO desire for sex and orgasms were impossible. I noticed great improvement during month three of my treatment. I think as a result of no sex for two months, I really began missing being intimate with my boyfriend - and that's when my desires came back into play. Absence makes the heart grow fonder - so perhaps it will increase as time goes on.
Pleae keep us posted. Good luck.
Patty
Posted by JohnR on October 19, 2003, at 22:30:23
In reply to Re: Lexapro Loss of Appetite, posted by Sherrie309 on October 19, 2003, at 14:39:33
Hi Sherrie,
I'm having similar trouble. I started taking Lexapro about two and a half weeks ago. FYI, I'm a single male in my mid 30's.
The very next day after taking the first pill the problem was apparent. Although I still get aroused/erect just as before, getting to an orgasm has changed dramatically. It's still possible but takes a very long time, typically more than an hour. I’m certainly glad it’s still possible, but over an hour is difficult. I not sure what I’ll do when I have a partner.
Scribbler gave me some encouragement by letting me know these things can be worked through with someone that is really special to you. I’m sure she’s right about that.
Wellbutrin isn’t an option for me. I have epilepsy and it’s contraindicated in people who have a history of seizures.
There are some indications it’s getting a little better for me though. This may be too much information, but today I managed to get there in about twenty-five minutes. Yippie!
So, whatever happens I’ll try to be patient and hope to find someone that doesn’t mind working with my special needs. After all, there must be some ladies out there that would like a man that can go for hours. : )Good luck,
John
Posted by JohnR on October 19, 2003, at 22:49:43
In reply to Re: Lexapro Loss of Appetite Scribbler, posted by Scribbler on October 19, 2003, at 13:11:06
That's great news. If you respond like I did your tummy should be ok from this point forward.
I lost at about five pounds too. If I'd lost much more I think people would have started talking about me having an eating disorder. I'm about six feet tall and I dropped under 140lbs during my Lexapro induced fast. Now I'm back to 144lbs which is about normal for me.
The stuff certainly does make for a great one-week rapid weight loss system.
John
Posted by nemo kitty on October 20, 2003, at 1:59:15
In reply to Re: Carb cravings, posted by ANXIETY ANN on March 24, 2003, at 10:42:52
> > Hi all, I think the carb craving thing is a side effect. I had that on zoloft, after being on it for about 4 months, I started craving Lucky Charms cereal. My hubby would stop on the way home from work and get me a box. A box would last me about 21/2 days. It was crazy, I would carry the stupid box around in the living room! He told his work buddy about it and he didnt believe him until he walked in our house and there were the lucky charms beside of me. I went from 102lbs to 125lbs in 5 to 6 months on zoloft. I saw a little booklet in the grocery store by the counter about SSRI's and carb craving but didnt pick it up as I was already off the zoloft when I saw it. I also believe I read these meds can affect our sugar levels and it seems I read they may even cause a temporary type of diabetes. I didnt pay much attention to the info because I thought I would never take these meds again. I guess the craving and eating too much sugar might alter our sugar levels. I am hoping the cravings dont hit with lexapro. I have been on a little over two months and so far, so good. I am sleeping too much but am not anxious or as depressed.
>
> hi Donia,
> Its been a while since I posted on this site. I have been on Lexapro for about 6 months. I am taking Lexapro for Anxiety and panic as well as some depression. Before Lexapro i took effexor for about 1 year. while I was on effexor I went from 125 to 140lbs which made me more depressed because no matter how much I exercised or how little i ate i couldn't lose weight. Now its starting again with Lexapro. I got back down to 123lbs but since Ive been on Lexapro i've gained about 5 lbs in 6 months not only that but I have terrible cravings for sugar (my favorite is mentos; I eat them packs at a time!)I can't take any of the weight loss meds(anything over the counter with caffiene) because it makes my anxiety much worse. I guess what I'm complaning about is this: Its too bad that it seems as though we have to trade being less anxious or depressed for being chubby or fat. It doesn't seem a very good trade off does it?
> ANXIETY ANN
It is true!! I also have been on Lexipro for 3 weeeks now. I want to eat everything...especially candy, doughnuts, chips...everything junkie!! This is VERY unusual for me. I was on Wellbutrin sr and ate very well without crazy cravings!
*Nemo Kitty
Posted by PHV on October 20, 2003, at 6:53:59
In reply to Re: Carb cravings, posted by nemo kitty on October 20, 2003, at 1:59:15
Carb cravings are driving me crazy. I sat home all weekend w/ nothing to do - and ate more pasta than a person should eat all week. I've been on Lex for three months and have had to buy an entirely new winter wardrobe because I can't fit into my clothes from last year. I started gaining weight from my depression - and it continues w/ the Lex. I was really hopeful these carb cravings would go away once I started the Lex - but they only seem to have gotten worse. I've had to cut out the caffeine as well - because it makes my anxiety levels out of control. I am not happy putting on so much weight. It is VERY depressing . . .
Posted by Wildflower on October 20, 2003, at 8:51:25
In reply to Re: Ladies - Any PMS Type SE, posted by ginger C on October 19, 2003, at 17:52:42
I haven't had any different PMS symptoms but I can tell you that my period has actually gotten heavier since starting Lex. Is anyone else experiencing this?
Posted by ginger C on October 20, 2003, at 10:08:52
In reply to Re: Ladies - Any PMS Type SE, posted by Wildflower on October 20, 2003, at 8:51:25
I have noticed that my periods seem to last longer than before I started on Lex
Posted by Scribbler on October 20, 2003, at 14:57:52
In reply to Re: Lexapro Loss of Appetite » Scribbler, posted by JohnR on October 19, 2003, at 22:49:43
John, thanks for your concern about my appetite. I seem to take two steps forward and one back -- a strange dance -- because today I'm all gurgly inside.
I'm wondering if it makes a difference if you take Lex WITH food or WITHOUT; i.e. on an empty stomach or after a meal? Anyone have any ideas on this? I've tried both. The literature says it doesn't matter.
Also, this is Day #8 for me and I'm still feeling anxious. I have two public speaking engagements this coming weekend and one is with a banquet (yikes!). So, okay, I managed to eat like a pig when we had guests for dinner this last weekend after a week of nausea, apple slices and orange juice, but what are the odds that I'll soon not dread this coming Fri/Sat? Sure, I can get by with a little Valium like I always did, but isn't this what I went through the disgusting side effects of last week for? To calm down? Maybe I'm rushing things, looking for results too quickly. Like I said, it's a strange dance. The nice part is, we're all holding hands.
Posted by Esmarelda on October 20, 2003, at 15:08:03
In reply to Anxious because I still am., posted by Scribbler on October 20, 2003, at 14:57:52
Not to be discouraging, but it took about 5-6 weeks for Lex to abate the anxiousness and depression for me. It was well worth it. I would have some good days and bad days. I wish you well this weekend.
Posted by hockeygirlcanada on October 20, 2003, at 15:19:05
In reply to Re: Anxious because I still am. » Scribbler, posted by Esmarelda on October 20, 2003, at 15:08:03
> Not to be discouraging, but it took about 5-6 weeks for Lex to abate the anxiousness and depression for me. It was well worth it. I would have some good days and bad days. I wish you well this weekend.
Hi,
are you taking Lexapro primarily for anxiety or depression? And how does it work for you. I have been on every different kind of med now, no relief.
any info would be great!
Thank You
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