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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by melley on December 1, 2003, at 16:36:15
In reply to I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro, posted by Bill435 on November 27, 2003, at 14:27:41
I can't imagine how you could have a caffeiney feeling on lexapro! I took 10mg and was practically asleep all the time; now I take 5 mg and it is virtually side effect free. I took wellbutrin but had a bad reaction to it. Was on effexor for a year (nightmare drug). Lexapro is great. Just calms me down with no side effects. And on only 5mg. I am all for it. And think it can't hurt to try something because it might be just the right thing.> For several years I have been taking Wellbutrin 150mg and Celexa 20mg. That has been OK, except for the sexual side effect which I found a way to work around (see earlier post). My doctor suggested changing the Celexa to Lexapro 10mg. So far, (about a week) I'm not convinced. Some headache and a case of nerves, like the way too much caffiene feeling. So, unless things change, it will be back to Celexa for me.
> Bill
> PS - Happy Thanksgiving - tomorrow I turn 62, and exactly half those years have been spent taking, off and on, some kind of depresion medication.
Posted by Mrs C. on December 1, 2003, at 20:45:57
In reply to Side Effects, posted by LynneLaf on November 30, 2003, at 21:01:02
> Quick question for anyone. I have been on Lex for 1 week, for the last 2 days I have had a terrible headache in my neck and up to my sinuses. I have a lot of sinus issues to begin with so I can't tell if this is a side effect or my sinuses acting up. Anyone have headaches? I have noticed a little difference in my mood, I am more able to control my temper a little longer with dealing with my children who are 3 and 5 and my husband. I am really tired though, I could sleep all the time and I have no energy for anything. Thanks for listening to me bable. Have a good night.
Hi, I really haven't had headaches as a side effect on Lex but I
have read that Lex can cause headaches. Good Luck to you.
Posted by COOP on December 1, 2003, at 23:03:38
In reply to Re: Side Effects, posted by brian19876 on December 1, 2003, at 10:22:02
> ive been on lexapo for 16 days now i am sick in the stomach, tired all the time and its hard to achive a climax will this pass in time
I had all your SE. Felt worse with the drug.
In the middle of my 5th week felt great like waking up from a nightmare. Most of the SE are gone and I can control my feelings and reason now.
The best
Posted by MissPBY on December 1, 2003, at 23:14:00
In reply to Re: Side Effects, posted by Mrs C. on December 1, 2003, at 20:45:57
Hi, I've been on Lex for 3 months and I get the same kind of headaches. I didn't have them before so I do think they are because of the Lex.
> Quick question for anyone. I have been on Lex for 1 week, for the last 2 days I have had a terrible headache in my neck and up to my sinuses. I have a lot of sinus issues to begin with so I can't tell if this is a side effect or my sinuses acting up. Anyone have headaches? I have noticed a little difference in my mood, I am more able to control my temper a little longer with dealing with my children who are 3 and 5 and my husband. I am really tired though, I could sleep all the time and I have no energy for anything. Thanks for listening to me bable. Have a good night.
>
> Hi, I really haven't had headaches as a side effect on Lex but I
> have read that Lex can cause headaches. Good Luck to you.
Posted by Bill435 on December 1, 2003, at 23:22:09
In reply to Re: Side Effects, posted by COOP on December 1, 2003, at 23:03:38
If anybody wants another source for evaluations of Lexapro effectiveness, check out this website. The respondents here provide an actual rating based upon their experience. However, I was not able to find how these ratings compare with other AD medications.
Bill
Posted by Bill435 on December 1, 2003, at 23:32:01
In reply to Another website on Lexapro, posted by Bill435 on December 1, 2003, at 23:22:09
Followup on previous post -
Went back and looked again - yes the website does provide a long list of medications and other therapy, with number ratings. Lexapro is rated just under Celexa - and just above aroma therapy! (I'm serious.)
Bill
Posted by C.Burton on December 2, 2003, at 16:21:43
In reply to Re: I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro, posted by Bill435 on November 30, 2003, at 19:46:15
Thanks for the responses! I really appreciate anyone's help. I am starting to get very downhearted about this whole medicine thing already and it has only been a week for my husband. I don't see how all of you have dealt with these issues for so long. I commend you all. My question is does anyone know of a better med for my husband's depression. He just has been on the Lexapro for a week but all of his "depression" symptoms(sleeping too much and hostility)have not seemed to abated at all. Actually, he is sleeping more if anything!! It is so hard to get him motivated. If he is not working on a particular day then he just eats and sleeps all day!!
Someone help
Posted by Annette2 on December 2, 2003, at 16:59:14
In reply to Another website on Lexapro, posted by Bill435 on December 1, 2003, at 23:22:09
Hi Bill, Thanks for the link. I have read about 5 pages of patient comments/ratings about Lexapro. A few people here and there seem to be helped by it, but almost everyone is sleepy and gaining weight.
Posted by Annette2 on December 2, 2003, at 17:01:56
In reply to Re: Another website on Lexapro, posted by Annette2 on December 2, 2003, at 16:59:14
I forgot to say in the first message that it seems on Remedy.com that most of the Lexapro users report a deadened libido. Gee, I wonder why so many docs are prescribing this med.
Posted by Mrs C. on December 2, 2003, at 20:03:46
In reply to Re: I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro, posted by C.Burton on December 2, 2003, at 16:21:43
> Thanks for the responses! I really appreciate anyone's help. I am starting to get very downhearted about this whole medicine thing already and it has only been a week for my husband. I don't see how all of you have dealt with these issues for so long. I commend you all. My question is does anyone know of a better med for my husband's depression. He just has been on the Lexapro for a week but all of his "depression" symptoms(sleeping too much and hostility)have not seemed to abated at all. Actually, he is sleeping more if anything!! It is so hard to get him motivated. If he is not working on a particular day then he just eats and sleeps all day!!
> Someone helpPlease give it some time. A week is not very long. I too felt like
giving up in the beginning. I am on my fifth week and am only now
starting to feel better. As hard as it is to wait, I think it will be
worth from what I've read on this board. Good luck.
Posted by Karalyn on December 2, 2003, at 22:10:57
In reply to Re: Why not Wellbutrin?, posted by Mike228 on November 26, 2003, at 22:27:02
I think im gaining a few pounds on lexapro...at least im not losing any. I just ordered my wedding dress and it fit perfectly. Im not getting married for 6 months and i dont want to gain weight on lex. i think i gained about 15 pounds when on Effexor. if you gain weight on one drug does it make you more prone to gaining on every drug? I just want to feel better and have a reasonable life without getting fat. ahhhh. im just venting, but I would appreciate anyone responding. oh yeah and i feel to tired and not healthy enough to even go work out.
Posted by Oldhand on December 2, 2003, at 23:31:00
In reply to Re: I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro, posted by C.Burton on December 2, 2003, at 16:21:43
> Thanks for the responses! I really appreciate anyone's help. I am starting to get very downhearted about this whole medicine thing already and it has only been a week for my husband. I don't see how all of you have dealt with these issues for so long. I commend you all. My question is does anyone know of a better med for my husband's depression. He just has been on the Lexapro for a week but all of his "depression" symptoms(sleeping too much and hostility)have not seemed to abated at all. Actually, he is sleeping more if anything!! It is so hard to get him motivated. If he is not working on a particular day then he just eats and sleeps all day!!
> Someone helpPlease give the Lexapro some time to work. For some it takes six to eight weeks to kick in. It must be very hard for you to see your husband this way but most of these AD's take time to work. If it is the medication for him, you will be glad you waited. If not there are other choices and combinations to work with. Best wishes,
Shelley
Posted by jane47 on December 3, 2003, at 6:01:29
In reply to I dont want to gain weight!, posted by Karalyn on December 2, 2003, at 22:10:57
I have been on Lex for 6 weeks. I have not gained any weight. On prozac I packed on the weight. Eat healthy and exercise and you should be fine. Also eating healthy small meals frequently keeps your metabolism going and that should help with any weight gain. good luck to you
...jane
Posted by Mrs. R on December 3, 2003, at 9:08:25
In reply to Re: I dont want to gain weight! » Karalyn, posted by jane47 on December 3, 2003, at 6:01:29
> I have been on Lex for 6 weeks. I have not gained any weight. On prozac I packed on the weight. Eat healthy and exercise and you should be fine. Also eating healthy small meals frequently keeps your metabolism going and that should help with any weight gain. good luck to you
> ...janeI was on Lexapro 10mg/day for 4 wks and had an uncontrolled weight gain. My doctor put me on Wellbutrin in addition to the Lexapro. Have been on both for 3.5 weeks and have lost 5 pounds. These meds work differently on each of us.
Mrs. R
Posted by Esmarelda on December 3, 2003, at 10:40:28
In reply to Re: I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro, posted by C.Burton on December 2, 2003, at 16:21:43
Tell you husband to hang it there. When I first started Lexapro back in June, I actually got worse before I got better. The meds finally kicked in at about week 5 or 6 and I have considered it a miracle drug ever since!
Posted by Esmarelda on December 3, 2003, at 10:41:19
In reply to Re: I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro, posted by C.Burton on December 2, 2003, at 16:21:43
Tell you husband to hang it there. When I first started Lexapro back in June, I actually got worse before I got better. The meds finally kicked in at about week 5 or 6 and I have considered it a miracle drug ever since!
Posted by vandy on December 3, 2003, at 15:11:13
In reply to Re: I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro, posted by C.Burton on December 2, 2003, at 16:21:43
Gosh, you sound like one of my kids. They want everything yesterday. Real life takes time. A week is two one hundredths of one percent of your life. That ain't much. I waited eight weeks with lots of thanks to the warmth and understanding of the people here. No, I didn't particularly enjoy the wait although I would have spent those eight weeks suffering without the Lex. But here comes the news:
The Side Effects Go Away.
So does the depression.
The depression was much worse than all of the side effects.Be patient, my child. We'll be there soon.
<grin>
> Thanks for the responses! I really appreciate anyone's help. I am starting to get very downhearted about this whole medicine thing already and it has only been a week for my husband. I don't see how all of you have dealt with these issues for so long. I commend you all. My question is does anyone know of a better med for my husband's depression. He just has been on the Lexapro for a week but all of his "depression" symptoms(sleeping too much and hostility)have not seemed to abated at all. Actually, he is sleeping more if anything!! It is so hard to get him motivated. If he is not working on a particular day then he just eats and sleeps all day!!
> Someone help
Posted by vandy on December 3, 2003, at 15:16:22
In reply to I dont want to gain weight!, posted by Karalyn on December 2, 2003, at 22:10:57
Walk! You don't need near so much energy or enthusiasm for walking. Take a brides maid and discuss things. You'll both fit into your dresses that way. Besides, good walks generate endorphins and you will feel like doing more with a couple more endorphins in your body. For motivation, imagine a plastic bag that's too full and splitting at the seams. That will get you out the door. If pain doesn't motivate you think of you in that dress, sylphlike, sexy, catching the jealous glances of every other woman at your wedding.
Something has to work.
> I think im gaining a few pounds on lexapro...at least im not losing any. I just ordered my wedding dress and it fit perfectly. Im not getting married for 6 months and i dont want to gain weight on lex. i think i gained about 15 pounds when on Effexor. if you gain weight on one drug does it make you more prone to gaining on every drug? I just want to feel better and have a reasonable life without getting fat. ahhhh. im just venting, but I would appreciate anyone responding. oh yeah and i feel to tired and not healthy enough to even go work out.
Posted by sfmom on December 3, 2003, at 18:10:35
In reply to Re: I dont want to gain weight!, posted by vandy on December 3, 2003, at 15:16:22
I've been on Lex for almost 7 weeks and my depression has not been touched. So my doc is switching me to Paxil. I've heard some really scary things about Paxil and am very afraid to start taking it. She's not having me wean off the Lex, just switch to a lower dose of Paxil for one week and then go up to 20mg. She's also weaning me off Klonopin because I've gotten dependent on it so fast and my hands start to shake between doses. How can she be weaning me off the one thing that helps me feel better just when I have to go through starting a new drug?!? I'm very frustrated and upset. Does anyone have any experience of switching from Lexapro to Paxil? Or any experience with Paxil side effects? What can I expect when I start? Lex was the first SSRI I've ever tried and I guess it just wasn't for me. I really need some guidence here!
Posted by Journeyman on December 3, 2003, at 20:42:07
In reply to Another website on Lexapro, posted by Bill435 on December 1, 2003, at 23:22:09
Bill, Thanks for pointing out the additional website on Lexapro. To add a hint of objectivity to the 'ratings,' it's worth noting that while 372 respondents had rated Lexapro (as of a few minutes ago), only 2 people had rated aromatherapy.
Perhaps a more useful bit of information would be the sidebar found at the site you mentioned, which lists the relative effectiveness for Lexapro in relation to other AD drugs.
Also at the same site (http://remedyfind.com/hc-Depression.asp) there's an interesting list of generally effective AD meds.
Thanks again for the tip.
Journeyman
Posted by theo on December 3, 2003, at 22:34:27
In reply to Doc is switching me from Lex to Paxil -HELP, posted by sfmom on December 3, 2003, at 18:10:35
You really must understand that Paxil is not a bad medication. I stopped Paxil to take Lexapro seven months ago and since then have tried others. Point being is Paxil was working great but I just had to try something new hoping for even better results. Paxil is probably the only SSRI I felt at ease on, and the best for my anxiety and depression and I never had to go above 20mg. As for withdrawals, whenever I stopped it to start Lexapro, the side effects of the Lexapro were worse by far than quitting Paxil. I would give it a try without any hesitation, although everyone does react differently.
Posted by Lonely_Boy on December 4, 2003, at 0:06:15
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I had just started Lexapro for a few days. When will it be effective.
Posted by vandy on December 4, 2003, at 7:00:38
In reply to Lexapro, posted by Lonely_Boy on December 4, 2003, at 0:06:15
I hope you'll see results soon. Everybody is different. As I recall, the stuffer that came with my first prescription said "significant impact should not be expected for at least 14 days." My doc was surprised that I experienced some improvement in a month. For full effect in my case it took more than that. But for me it was sure worth the wait. Good luck to you. Keep in touch.
> I had just started Lexapro for a few days. When will it be effective.
Posted by Esmarelda on December 4, 2003, at 8:48:48
In reply to Doc is switching me from Lex to Paxil -HELP, posted by sfmom on December 3, 2003, at 18:10:35
I took Paxil once a few years ago for a couple of months. It seemed to work okay. The only side effect was that I could not sleep.
Posted by Esmarelda on December 4, 2003, at 8:50:14
In reply to Lexapro, posted by Lonely_Boy on December 4, 2003, at 0:06:15
It took 5 or 6 weeks before I got any beneficial results.
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