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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by oldhand on November 7, 2003, at 14:35:49
In reply to Re: lexapro side effects - numbness » oldhand, posted by sfmom on November 7, 2003, at 10:12:20
> > > Oh, thank goodness! Not that we're going through this obviously, but I thought I was going nuts. I've been debating all day about going to see a Dr. I should I know, but with no insurance and no job the money thing really is a problem. I've really been scared so I WILL go to the Dr., but where do you go when you have no health insurance?
> > > >
> > > > I've been having a similar side effect. My lips always feel half numb, like I've just eaten really spicy food or something. It's that kind of pins and needles numb. But whatever it is, it's probably caused by or related to the same thing you're having. At least we know we're not alone or making things up!
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> > Hi you two!
> > Please call a pharmacist or doctor about your side effect of numbness, perhaps you have an allnight pharmacy in your town?
> > Also check about help with prescriptions with your Community Mental Health System. There are also prescription programs from pharmaceutical companies to help. Contact the local Department of Job and Family Services (formerly Human Services here in Ohio). A good way to start is to call a local resource line. They may be able to send you directly where you need to go rather than making alot of calls or trips. Just a word from an old social worker who can't help but send resources and good thoughts your way.
> > PS-I am taking 20mg Lexapro and added Wellbutrin XL about two months ago. I am doing well with this combo and encourage all the "newbies" to take heart, the SE's do diminish or disappear.
>
> oldhand,
> Thanks for the advice. I'll call my pharmacy to see what they have to say. But since my pdoc doesn't seem to know much about Lex, I doubt the pharm will. I'll post what I find out.
> Also, I'm thinking of adding Wellbutrin to my Lex because of anorgasmia. How have you found the combination to be? I have GAD and panic disorder so I'm afraid of anything that will make me more anxious but I'm really sick of the anorgasmia and being a zombie all the time. I just went up to 20 mg of Lex yesterday and am having a terrible time with the side effects again. Had to take two Klonopin last night just to calm myself down.
> >
>
>
Hello again
Orgasims became somewhat easier on the Well/Lex combo than without though I find the Wellbutrin makes me somewhat tense, not anxious, but physically I have to consciously unclasp my fists, relax my arms and legs. I think I can overcome that but simple relaxation techniques.Also, if you have not already, go back and read posts re: side effects. Very imformative and comforting in knowing we are not alone. You will also find links to the clinical data and the Package insert for Lexapro. I have been very fortunate to have listening doctors. They may not have told me what to expect in the way of side effects, but if I mentioned something they would be reassuring or, if serious add or change meds. I think there must be some of us who are able to get anxious about or actually "get" every side effect we read about, hence some caution from docs about " the power of suggestion".
Hope all is well, and give Lexapro time to work for you. Many have mentioned that the sexual side effects go away with time.
Posted by tiredman on November 7, 2003, at 15:10:16
In reply to Re: about insomnia side effect » sapphira, posted by jane47 on November 5, 2003, at 6:25:39
I am new to taking Lexapro. Because I am very sensitive to meds, I started at 2.5 mg. and went up to 5 (and today 7.5). Last night I had the strangest sensation.
I was sitting on a chair and suddenly it felt like a very hot heating pad was on my stomach and groin. It was like this intense sensation of heat.
Have any of you experienced this before?
My pdoc says that she has never heard of this and I should stay away from dr-bob.org !
What about stomach aches? I've had one for the past two days.
Posted by vandy on November 7, 2003, at 23:56:23
In reply to Re: No warning - why? - Anger is OK, posted by MissB on November 6, 2003, at 19:21:05
You might find this surprising but I'm trying to support you, too! I'm afraid I didn't use the right words. I'm not saying your anger is not justified. On the contrary, it's very justified. I'm just concerned as to whom it will harm and whom it will help. I know from experience that it won't help you. Yes, if you pose the situation in the right way to the person to whom you now direct anger you'll probably resolve the issue but anger seldom works that way. It usually makes us go in with guns blazing and a pained look in our eyes. The pain makes it difficult to point the gun accurately. So who gets hurt in the end? Certainly not the object of our anger! They are oblivious. That's part of the reason we are angry. Their apparent lack of understanding, compansion and thoroughness makes us livid. But do they feel it? Nah! The guy whose insides are chewed up is the guy experiencing the anger. The guy who gets ulcers and depression is the angry party. That's for whom I have the concern. I'm not finding fault with you. I just want to protect you. It's my thing. I want to make everyone safe. I'm doomed to fail, I know but it doesn't keep me from trying. And I guess it doesn't keep me from hoping.
> Thank you so much for the support. Needless to say my emotions are not what they should be and to say I've been stressed lately would be putting it mild. I was laid off four months ago and my insurance ran out at the end of October. I decided to take my remaining perscription for Celexa and head to Canada. Well, through an online pharmacy anyway. I found that buying Celexa from this Canadian pharmacy is going to cost half of what I would pay out of pocket here. Drastic measures maybe, but I have to say I feel better with the prospect of going back to Celexa. All in all I guess it frightens me that Dr. are allowed to give pills to people without knowing the full effects. Is it their fault or the FDA's?
Posted by BLKVETTES on November 8, 2003, at 1:00:28
In reply to Other strange side effect, posted by tiredman on November 7, 2003, at 15:10:16
>>>>>>>>My pdoc says that she has never heard of this and I should stay away from dr-bob.org !
THAT WAS FUNNY FOR SOME REASON!!!!!!!!! THERE IS A LIST OF POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS A MILE LONG. MOST ARE RARE!!!! I GET HOT FLASHES SOMETIMES THATS THE ONLY THING I CAN RELATE THAT TO.
WAYNE
Posted by vandy on November 8, 2003, at 3:56:08
In reply to Re: Other strange side effect, posted by BLKVETTES on November 8, 2003, at 1:00:28
> >>>>>>>>My pdoc says that she has never heard of this and I should stay away from dr-bob.org !
>
>
> THAT WAS FUNNY FOR SOME REASON!!!!!!!!! THERE IS A LIST OF POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS A MILE LONG. MOST ARE RARE!!!! I GET HOT FLASHES SOMETIMES THATS THE ONLY THING I CAN RELATE THAT TO.
> WAYNEWhen I read that I giggled, too! Hey Wayne, I was in my ENT's office waiting and there was a Physician's desk reference -- the home of all known drug information for docs. When the receptionist left me there she asked if I needed anything. I said no I could just read the PDR. She laughed. I didn't. I grabbed it and looked up Lex. Too old. No lex. I looked up Celexa. Visited the SE's. Well, the PDR has some small print but the list was LONG. Only "might cause hang nail and homosexual promiscuity" was missing I think. Long as your arm for sure.
Posted by Bali on November 8, 2003, at 7:27:03
In reply to Re: No warning - why? - Anger is OK, posted by vandy on November 7, 2003, at 23:56:23
I am so glad I found this forum. Thank you to everyone who has helped me in the last week. You don't know me, but I feel like I have gotten to know some of you by your expressive postings.
P.S. I like you, Vandy. You have heart.
Posted by vandy on November 8, 2003, at 10:12:07
In reply to Thanks to all of you for your postings., posted by Bali on November 8, 2003, at 7:27:03
Aw, shucks ma'am. Thank you.
> I am so glad I found this forum. Thank you to everyone who has helped me in the last week. You don't know me, but I feel like I have gotten to know some of you by your expressive postings.
> P.S. I like you, Vandy. You have heart.
Posted by sfmom on November 8, 2003, at 10:16:11
In reply to Thanks to all of you for your postings., posted by Bali on November 8, 2003, at 7:27:03
I had to up my dose from 10 to 20 on Thursday. Although the depression and anxiety had been getting worse my last couple days on 10mg and I was happy to be going up to 20 to get some relief from those, it made me sick all over again! All of the same se's and even worse. My daughter spent the night with the grandparents last night so I could get some sleep. Well, I was up half the night with my legs jerking uncontrollably (waking my husband who had to get up at 5 to go to work) then couldn't sleep in this morning because I was up a 7 throwing up! I spent yesterday in bed unable to get up and I just can't go on like this. I know you were all here to help me when I first went on the meds, and I know that it will end eventually, but right now I just can't seem to get any perspective.
Posted by sapphira on November 8, 2003, at 10:40:23
In reply to Up to 20mg Lex - Feel terrible, posted by sfmom on November 8, 2003, at 10:16:11
try to increase your dosage gradually. take just a quarter of a pill instead of the whole thing at once. do that over a period of a week and then up it a quarter more. i just started this week and even the 1/2 pill was too much for me so i cut down to a quarter and am now able to function.
someone else posted that they are sensitive to meds too and had to gradually increase in small increments.
good luck.
sapphira
Posted by sfmom on November 8, 2003, at 10:46:50
In reply to Re: Up to 20mg Lex - Feel terrible, posted by sapphira on November 8, 2003, at 10:40:23
> try to increase your dosage gradually. take just a quarter of a pill instead of the whole thing at once. do that over a period of a week and then up it a quarter more. i just started this week and even the 1/2 pill was too much for me so i cut down to a quarter and am now able to function.
>
> someone else posted that they are sensitive to meds too and had to gradually increase in small increments.
>
> good luck.
>
> sapphiraWell, it would have been nice if my doctor had told me that was an option! But this is already my third day on 20 mg, should I scale back starting tomorrow or would that be counter-productive? I'm only on disability until Dec 1 and have to get back on my feet before then.
Posted by Shandra on November 8, 2003, at 10:54:05
In reply to Re: No warning - why? - Anger is OK, posted by vandy on November 7, 2003, at 23:56:23
Actually I don't think going with the Canadian drug companies is drastic at all - I think it makes perfect sense, and from what I understand, it works out just fine. The Canadians are on to something, and more and more people are getting hep to it! Go for it!
Posted by vandy on November 8, 2003, at 10:54:17
In reply to Re: Up to 20mg Lex - Feel terrible » sapphira, posted by sfmom on November 8, 2003, at 10:46:50
Why don't you let your body tell you. Quarter the pill and take the first quarter then let some time pass. If not ill effects take another quarter, etc. It ain't professional advise but it fits your time table a little better. Sorry for your discomfort. And I know it won't help you to know that, since I weigh over 200 pounds, I've been on 20 mg since day one with none of your SE's. Don't you want to have me shot?
> > try to increase your dosage gradually. take just a quarter of a pill instead of the whole thing at once. do that over a period of a week and then up it a quarter more. i just started this week and even the 1/2 pill was too much for me so i cut down to a quarter and am now able to function.
> >
> > someone else posted that they are sensitive to meds too and had to gradually increase in small increments.
> >
> > good luck.
> >
> > sapphira
>
> Well, it would have been nice if my doctor had told me that was an option! But this is already my third day on 20 mg, should I scale back starting tomorrow or would that be counter-productive? I'm only on disability until Dec 1 and have to get back on my feet before then.
>
>
Posted by vandy on November 8, 2003, at 11:02:48
In reply to Re: No warning - why? - Anger is OK, posted by Shandra on November 8, 2003, at 10:54:05
Unfortunately, the thing the Canadians are on to is "Soak the Yanks." You notice it's American drugs they are letting us buy. That's because the American drug companies make the stuff that works best and is the most innovative. That costs money. The Canadian government has said, "You pay for the development of that drug. All we cover is manufacturing costs." Well, there ain't no drug without research. There ain't no research without cost. The companies that make the stuff have to pay the cost before they sell any and that takes five years typically. So who gets the bill. You do. Courtesy of the Canadian government.
Having said that, don't pay more than you have to but don't encourage people to stifel the science that might save the next life if they can afford the drug or have heath care that covers the cost.
And pray for capitalism.
> Actually I don't think going with the Canadian drug companies is drastic at all - I think it makes perfect sense, and from what I understand, it works out just fine. The Canadians are on to something, and more and more people are getting hep to it! Go for it!
Posted by sfmom on November 8, 2003, at 11:09:42
In reply to Re: Up to 20mg Lex - Feel terrible, posted by vandy on November 8, 2003, at 10:54:17
> Why don't you let your body tell you. Quarter the pill and take the first quarter then let some time pass. If not ill effects take another quarter, etc. It ain't professional advise but it fits your time table a little better. Sorry for your discomfort. And I know it won't help you to know that, since I weigh over 200 pounds, I've been on 20 mg since day one with none of your SE's. Don't you want to have me shot?
>Not in a million years! My dad is also on 20 mg Lex and has had NO side effects. What a punk! It's okay though, I got him back because he feels totally guilty and responsible for passing on this "illness" to me. I'M JUST KIDDING BY THE WAY, he does feel guilty, but it's not his fault, it was just a sick joke that I couldn't pass up. Thanks for the advice. It never occurred to me to take smaller doses throughout the day. I guess it would work just as well, right?
Posted by Shandra on November 8, 2003, at 11:21:49
In reply to Re: No warning - why? - Anger is OK, posted by vandy on November 8, 2003, at 11:02:48
Point well taken, I am just saying if a person is in dire need of a medication and they can't afford it, this is an alternative for that person and they shouldn't feel personally bad about taking that option. I'll add also that a great many drug companies have 'charity programs' - for lack of a nicer word - where they give you the med for free if you qualify for their program. I don't see that specifically on their website (for Celexa) but perhaps a phone call to the company would yield some more information about any such program they might have. Just a thought.
Posted by sapphira on November 8, 2003, at 11:24:22
In reply to Re: Up to 20mg Lex - Feel terrible » sapphira, posted by sfmom on November 8, 2003, at 10:46:50
no, I don't see it as being counter productive!! i'm supposed to be taking 5 mg right now and i can only tolerate 2.5. i plan to eventually icrease it, but when my body 'tells' me it can handle it. taking a whole extra pill was a horrible shock to your system.
as for other people, my cousin started out at 10 with no s/es. me, on the other hand, i tried 5 and thought i was going to die. everybody is different.
sapphira
Posted by BLKVETTES on November 8, 2003, at 14:21:29
In reply to Re: Other strange side effect, posted by vandy on November 8, 2003, at 3:56:08
>>>>>>>>>Only "might cause hang nail and homosexual promiscuity" was missing I think. Long as your arm for sure.
LMAO
Posted by BLKVETTES on November 8, 2003, at 14:38:49
In reply to Up to 20mg Lex - Feel terrible, posted by sfmom on November 8, 2003, at 10:16:11
> I had to up my dose from 10 to 20 on Thursday. Although the depression and anxiety had been getting worse my last couple days on 10mg and I was happy to be going up to 20 to get some relief from those, it made me sick all over again! All of the same se's and even worse. My daughter spent the night with the grandparents last night so I could get some sleep. Well, I was up half the night with my legs jerking uncontrollably (waking my husband who had to get up at 5 to go to work) then couldn't sleep in this morning because I was up a 7 throwing up! I spent yesterday in bed unable to get up and I just can't go on like this. I know you were all here to help me when I first went on the meds, and I know that it will end eventually, but right now I just can't seem to get any perspective.
You know I just read your old posts kind of quick because Im going some where. But if I read correct you have not been on lexapro a month yet. MOST dont get relief from any med until between 4 and 8 weeks. So in reality you dont even know if 10mg is going to work yet much less 20mg. Why your pdoc would have you go up on the dose when you are already having side effects just is not smart. I have been taking 7.5mg for months its my perfect dose for panic attacks, anxiety and depression. For months I was anywhere from 2.5mg up to 10mg. My dose was changed many times in that range. Like Vandy said your body will tell you if it likes the dose or not. I almost get the feeling that 10mg is to much for you. But Im no doctor or pdoc. Im just somebody that goes to 10 boards and listens to people and I constantly am reading about these disorders, meds etc. Vandy takes 20mg that works for him. Everyones perfect dose is going to be different I believe. I had 4 or 5 pdocs in 3 months. Some are smart and some are not. Yours Im afraid does not seem smart.
WAYNE
WAYNE
Posted by BLKVETTES on November 8, 2003, at 14:43:15
In reply to Re: No warning - why? - Anger is OK, posted by Shandra on November 8, 2003, at 11:21:49
Posted by BLKVETTES on November 8, 2003, at 14:47:39
In reply to Re: Up to 20mg Lex - Feel terrible, posted by sapphira on November 8, 2003, at 11:24:22
>>>>>>>>>>>>>no, I don't see it as being counter productive!! i'm supposed to be taking 5 mg right now and i can only tolerate 2.5. i plan to eventually icrease it, but when my body 'tells' me it can handle it. taking a whole extra pill was a horrible shock to your system.
I WAS STUCK AT THAT 2.5 DOSE FOR AWHILE. THERE IS NO HURRY!!!!!!!! DOESNT MATTER HOW QUICK YOU GET THERE AS LONG AS YOU GET THERE!!!!!!!
Posted by MissB on November 8, 2003, at 17:34:05
In reply to Re: No warning - why? - Anger is OK, posted by vandy on November 8, 2003, at 11:02:48
I completely get your point, and my only reason for going the Canadian route is that I am unemployed and my insurance ran out. For one month's supply of Celexa from my pharmacy it would be $85. From the Canadian pharmacy its only $43. Desperation in my motivation. I've had the worse week of my life. I couldn't even drag myself out of bed this morning. A somewhat distant family member of mine is in the medical profession and she's making phone calls, but forms and such make it a longer process than I can wait. I want to take this opportunity to thank EVERYONE who has posted. Knowing I'm not alone has helped and so has the incredibly kind words of encouragement. I will hang in there and I hope everyone else does too.
> Unfortunately, the thing the Canadians are on to is "Soak the Yanks." You notice it's American drugs they are letting us buy. That's because the American drug companies make the stuff that works best and is the most innovative. That costs money. The Canadian government has said, "You pay for the development of that drug. All we cover is manufacturing costs." Well, there ain't no drug without research. There ain't no research without cost. The companies that make the stuff have to pay the cost before they sell any and that takes five years typically. So who gets the bill. You do. Courtesy of the Canadian government.
>
> Having said that, don't pay more than you have to but don't encourage people to stifel the science that might save the next life if they can afford the drug or have heath care that covers the cost.
>
> And pray for capitalism.
>
> > Actually I don't think going with the Canadian drug companies is drastic at all - I think it makes perfect sense, and from what I understand, it works out just fine. The Canadians are on to something, and more and more people are getting hep to it! Go for it!
>
>
Posted by Shandra on November 8, 2003, at 19:26:43
In reply to Re: No warning - why? - Anger is OK, posted by MissB on November 8, 2003, at 17:34:05
I am in the same boat - I submitted some specific overthecounter supplements that I'm taking that are working for me. The post is moved to the Alternative post area. Let me know if you can't find it and I"ll see if I can't track it down for you. If nothing else, you might find some immediate relief while you're getting your prescriptions squared away.
Posted by blkhawk03 on November 9, 2003, at 7:11:51
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
Just a test have never posted anything before want to make sure I'm up and running just a ball of fire on this key board.
Posted by jane47 on November 9, 2003, at 7:38:45
In reply to Re: Thanks to all of you for your postings., posted by vandy on November 8, 2003, at 10:12:07
Since I found this web site I have found so much valuable info. I too was apprehensive about taking lex. new drugs, not enough research but I must say all the side effects went away during the 2nd week. I was started on 5 mg for 5 days and then to 10mg. i have been on 10mg for 12 days and feel okay. had a major recent stressor at home and felt anxiety feeling returning but i am going to ride it out. i too think that upping meds after a short time isn't always the answer. it does take weeks to feel the full effects. so all you newcomers hang in there. it does get better. thanks for all your support.
jane
Posted by shadows721 on November 9, 2003, at 11:36:59
In reply to Other strange side effect, posted by tiredman on November 7, 2003, at 15:10:16
I have had that effect as well. Some days it feels like it's on the front of my legs. Other days, it feels like it's on other parts of the body. I don't know what part of the brain this drug is affecting.
I get scared sometimes about this drug. It's so new and it supposed to have such a clean side effect profile. You can find on line that this is not so. I know I am more calm on this drug, but I do feel sort of detached from myself. It's a bit scary to me. I find that I do notice more things around me. I don't over react like I use to do. I literally feel like I have another personality. It's so strange.
I worry about this drug having long term consequences. I was prescribed Klonopin years ago and became physically dependent on it and the doc said no way. So, this is why I am totally distrust worthy of these meds that work on the mind. It's really rough, because I became totally dysfunctional without medication. I feel like I have to give up a part of myself to live in society and function. I have to give up my passions too. I feel plain out weird on this med. But, is it that this is the person I would be without depression and I don't know that person? I have always wondered who would I be without depression. Maybe this is it. I don't know, but it is going to impact every part of my life. My family has lived with a totally depressed/angry/anxious person for years. Now, they have someone who is totally different. It's strange. I think they feel like they are with a stranger as well.
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