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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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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.
Posted by MissB on November 9, 2003, at 13:43:29
In reply to Re: Other strange side effect, posted by shadows721 on November 9, 2003, at 11:36:59
I felt the same way you do as far as the new personality goes when I first went on ADs. I started out with Celexa. It was so strange for me in the beginning, but it was a good strange. I found myself so much calmer and the little things didn't set me off like they did before. I didn't feel like a zombie and the SEs were very minimal to me. It took me a long time to realize that what I was feeling was happy. I had lived with depression so long that I didn't realize what a big part it played in who I was. Celexa was literally a life saver for me personnally, but Lexapro has been hellish. I hate to say it but it seems that ADs are a hit and miss. Celexa worked wonders for me, but others hated it. Lexapro is horrible for me, but maybe its helping others. All I can say is be up front with your Dr. Tell her/him all that you are feeling because Lexapro might not be for you, but something else might just do the trick.
> 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.
Posted by sapphira on November 9, 2003, at 15:37:39
In reply to Re: Other strange side effect, posted by shadows721 on November 9, 2003, at 11:36:59
i'm on the lexapro too and have been for one week and even though i'm only taking 2.5 mgs i am noticing a difference. i think that it will be less noticeable to us as time goes on. i really do not worry about long-term effects. i'm just glad that the anxiety and depression have let up and i'm not angry anymore. my family is noticing a difference too and they are happy for me. no, i'm not a stranger; just me with a more content and calmer outlook.
sapphira
Posted by sfmom on November 9, 2003, at 20:04:28
In reply to Re: Up to 20mg Lex - Feel terrible, posted by BLKVETTES on November 8, 2003, at 14:38:49
Thanks everybody for all of your help and suggestions. Since I was doing pretty well with side effects at 10mg, I decided to take my regular 10mg in the morning, and then take another 10mg in the afternoon. This is only my first day like this but other than the nausea that I'm already used to, I'm feeling fine. The big test will be tonight when I'm trying to sleep to see if my legs keep jerking! By the way, I'm still trying to find out about the lip/mouth numbing effect of the Lexapro. I'll let everyone know when I get an answer. By the way, does anyone have access to the new PDR that would give us more information on this drug? I'd love to see what it says. Again, thank you to everyone for helping me out and offering support! You all are the best!
Posted by MissB on November 10, 2003, at 11:08:35
In reply to Re: Up to 20mg Lex - Feel terrible, posted by sfmom on November 9, 2003, at 20:04:28
I know this is probably a mute point to all who have posted on this site, but I think there is an important message here that we need to pass the word on. Research your meds! I found so much more information by simply using Google than my doctor ever told me. Over the last few days, and many conversations, I've seen that people have too much faith in their Dr.s This is no slam to Dr.s, but as someone was nice enough to point out (I get it now by the way) Dr.s are human too. We need to be proactive in with own bodies and what we put in them. I thought I asked enough questions, I thought she would tell me what I needed to know. Now, I am more informed and will be drilling my Dr on all and any meds I take from now on. Below are some of the sites I found and I hope they might be of some help for others.
http://medlineplus.gov/
http://www.rxlist.com/
http://www.webmd.com/
Posted by oldhand on November 10, 2003, at 13:15:45
In reply to FREE MEDS, posted by BLKVETTES on November 8, 2003, at 14:43:15
> http://www.panicsupport4u.com/meds.html
>Nice to hear from you Wayne, and that link is excellent!
I have been fortunate until now that the Lexapro and Wellbutrin XL are in the formulary for my insurance. My co-pay was only $9 and I felt so fortunate for that, and grateful. My coverage is changing as of January 1 and neither the Lex nor the Wellbutrin are in the new formulary.The copay for two of the AD's and an allergy med becomes more than my disability income can bear.(Used to be $27.) They say I can substitute Paxil or a couple of other things. Since I have tried Paxil and it was not for me, I am likely going to have a struggle on my hands to get the meds I need.I can afford to pay a certain amount toward my meds but this huge increase is a big bite. I will certainly ask my pdoc to help me out with this but if you have any other resources please send them along.
Thanks,
Peace,
Shelley
Posted by oldhand on November 10, 2003, at 13:24:47
In reply to Research, Research, Research!!, posted by MissB on November 10, 2003, at 11:08:35
Posted by BLKVETTES on November 10, 2003, at 14:58:12
In reply to Re: FREE MEDS » BLKVETTES, posted by oldhand on November 10, 2003, at 13:15:45
> > http://www.panicsupport4u.com/meds.html
> >
>
> Nice to hear from you Wayne, and that link is excellent!
> I have been fortunate until now that the Lexapro and Wellbutrin XL are in the formulary for my insurance. My co-pay was only $9 and I felt so fortunate for that, and grateful. My coverage is changing as of January 1 and neither the Lex nor the Wellbutrin are in the new formulary.The copay for two of the AD's and an allergy med becomes more than my disability income can bear.(Used to be $27.) They say I can substitute Paxil or a couple of other things. Since I have tried Paxil and it was not for me, I am likely going to have a struggle on my hands to get the meds I need.
>
> I can afford to pay a certain amount toward my meds but this huge increase is a big bite. I will certainly ask my pdoc to help me out with this but if you have any other resources please send them along.
> Thanks,
> Peace,
> Shelley
Insurance companies have no clue either I guess. You cant just substitute these meds!!!!!!!!!!! Its hard to find one combination that works much less 2. At the beginning of the year I quit my meds because I was a mess. My 5th new psychiatrist asked me to try lexapro. He gave me the sample pack. I stared at it for days. I knew I had to take something so I began. Well the lexapro was not on the approved list. It took my wife a couple of weeks of arguing and so forth. The psychiatrist got involved and called the insurance company. He explained that this is tricky business and you cant just substitute the meds. Its to hard to find something that works for each person. In my case the lexapro was approved. So get your doctor involved!!! Keep calling!!!!! My psychiatrist also offered sample packs!!!!!!!!! These are free to the doctor!!!!!! Ask about them!!!!!!! Maybe you can get free samples to go with what you have to pay and it will work out to the same price your paying. If your doctor cares they will help!!!!!!!!!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by BLKVETTES on November 10, 2003, at 15:18:31
In reply to Research, Research, Research!!, posted by MissB on November 10, 2003, at 11:08:35
> I know this is probably a mute point to all who have posted on this site, but I think there is an important message here that we need to pass the word on. Research your meds! I found so much more information by simply using Google than my doctor ever told me. Over the last few days, and many conversations, I've seen that people have too much faith in their Dr.s This is no slam to Dr.s, but as someone was nice enough to point out (I get it now by the way) Dr.s are human too. We need to be proactive in with own bodies and what we put in them. I thought I asked enough questions, I thought she would tell me what I needed to know. Now, I am more informed and will be drilling my Dr on all and any meds I take from now on. Below are some of the sites I found and I hope they might be of some help for others.
>
> http://medlineplus.gov/
> http://www.rxlist.com/
> http://www.webmd.com/
>YEP, I have those sites under my favorites. Along with a hundred or so other links on these disorders. I go to about 10 boards!!!! Most show up on them for a few reasons. They want to know if others suffer as they do, they want to know if their symptoms are normal or they want to know about side effects from meds. These are the reasons most find these boards. Here are 2 of my favorite links!!!!!!!!!!
WAYNE
http://aolsvc.health.webmd.aol.com/content/article/66/79883.htm?cobrand=aol
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