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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Forbidden on January 7, 2004, at 13:04:02
In reply to Re: Lex Flu - Why Haven't Doctors Heard of It?, posted by nicky847 on January 7, 2004, at 12:11:36
I have found on other websites about how Lex does give flu like symptoms as well. I had mild forms of this too.
> I havent experienced the "Lex Flu" but I think it can be explained in 1 of 2 ways...
>
> 1. The body's immune system is weakened due to the shock of adjusting to the Lex..(many people also experience flu-like systems when coming OFF of an SSRI so I think this is the most likely explanation)..making it less able to fight off viruses..and there is alot of flu going around right now..
>
> or
>
> 2. The body reacts to Lex as a pathogen and releases an immune response (fever, histamine, etc.)
>
> to me either explanation makes sense..
>
>
> > About my second week of taking 10 mg of Lex I came down with horrible flu symptoms. My doc said it was a coincidence that I came down with something right as I started taking the drug. But a lot of people on this board have had a similar experience. Why haven't doctors heard of this if it is so common?
>
>
Posted by KathrynLex on January 7, 2004, at 14:40:00
In reply to Re: Lex Flu - Why Haven't Doctors Heard of It?, posted by nicky847 on January 7, 2004, at 12:11:36
Both of nicky's suggestions make sense to me. I just can't help but wonder why my doc didn't draw the same conclusions. But I was told that the Lex and flu symptoms were completely unrelated. The doc never even suggested that my flu could be explained in either way nicky mentioned. I'm wondering if my doc is horribly uninformed or if it was simply coincidence that I got sick right as I started taking Lex.
> I havent experienced the "Lex Flu" but I think it can be explained in 1 of 2 ways...
>
> 1. The body's immune system is weakened due to the shock of adjusting to the Lex..(many people also experience flu-like systems when coming OFF of an SSRI so I think this is the most likely explanation)..making it less able to fight off viruses..and there is alot of flu going around right now..
>
> or
>
> 2. The body reacts to Lex as a pathogen and releases an immune response (fever, histamine, etc.)
>
> to me either explanation makes sense..
>
>
> > About my second week of taking 10 mg of Lex I came down with horrible flu symptoms. My doc said it was a coincidence that I came down with something right as I started taking the drug. But a lot of people on this board have had a similar experience. Why haven't doctors heard of this if it is so common?
>
>
Posted by vonnie on January 7, 2004, at 15:17:41
In reply to Re: Lex Flu - Why Haven't Doctors Heard of It?, posted by KathrynLex on January 7, 2004, at 14:40:00
>Kathryn, if its a coincidence for you then it is for me too! I really thought I had the flu for two weeks, but then it dawned on me after reading some postings that other people were feeling the same way. It just so happened that the "flu" came on once my dosage was upped from 5mg to 10mg p/day. I havent asked my doc about it yet, but I will see what he says. I dont have the flu anymore...thank goodness!
Both of nicky's suggestions make sense to me. I just can't help but wonder why my doc didn't draw the same conclusions. But I was told that the Lex and flu symptoms were completely unrelated. The doc never even suggested that my flu could be explained in either way nicky mentioned. I'm wondering if my doc is horribly uninformed or if it was simply coincidence that I got sick right as I started taking Lex.
>
> > I havent experienced the "Lex Flu" but I think it can be explained in 1 of 2 ways...
> >
> > 1. The body's immune system is weakened due to the shock of adjusting to the Lex..(many people also experience flu-like systems when coming OFF of an SSRI so I think this is the most likely explanation)..making it less able to fight off viruses..and there is alot of flu going around right now..
> >
> > or
> >
> > 2. The body reacts to Lex as a pathogen and releases an immune response (fever, histamine, etc.)
> >
> > to me either explanation makes sense..
> >
> >
> > > About my second week of taking 10 mg of Lex I came down with horrible flu symptoms. My doc said it was a coincidence that I came down with something right as I started taking the drug. But a lot of people on this board have had a similar experience. Why haven't doctors heard of this if it is so common?
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by KathrynLex on January 7, 2004, at 17:13:13
In reply to Re: Question for Forbidden, posted by Forbidden on January 6, 2004, at 17:25:26
Hi Forbidden,
I thought I'd check in and see how day 19 is treating you. I know exactly what you mean about feeling like it takes you a bit longer to process information. It could start creating problems for me at work if it lasts much longer.
How were your fist few weeks on the drug? Mine were awful. I thought I was going crazy the second week...but that seems to have let up. Have you tried other drugs for anxiety? This is my first one for long term use. (I've taken Klonopin, Lorazempam and Xanax for short term use and the pdoc recently recommended Lex.)
K
> Hi K,
>
> I actually mistyped when I said how long I have been on Lex, I have been on it exacty 18 days as well! Crazy eh?
>
> Anyway, I am feeling better I can tell - I still have bad days, or hours like today. I am getting these off/on headaches, some nasuea. I still feel some lightheadedness, but that was a big reason I started taking this. I do at times feel a bit out of it, as though it takes a bit longer for me to process information, you know what I mean?
>
> I also have started waking up 2 or 3 times every night, but usually get back to sleep fairly quickly.
>
> I never really felt depressed, but my Dr. told me that I am suffering from a type of depression fueled by anxiety, a type of depression that does not have the typical signs.
>
> Nice speaking with you.....let's keep up the chat.
>
> > Forbidden,
> >
> > I have been taking 10 mg of Lex for about as long as you have (18 days). I'm wondering, how are you feeling? Less depressed/anxious? Noticing any change in side effects?
> >
> > I feel really out of it, muddled thinking. My anxiety is letting up a bit though, and that's nice. I can't sleep through the night yet, but I don't feel quite as depressed. :)
> >
> > K
>
>
Posted by Bali on January 7, 2004, at 17:23:14
In reply to Re: hey where did my appetite go?, posted by Neatfreak on January 7, 2004, at 10:55:30
Neatfreak and others: I have the same feeling of not worrying (obsessing?) about things as much as I used to. For example, I was so hard on myself about my body, weight, and the fact that I am aging...duh--everyone is!. I now feel that I look damn good for a woman of my age and enjoy the compliments from other people about how young and active I am. Before when people would compliment me on the above, in my head (and sometimes out loud to family) I'd say, "Yeah, okay, but I am older, heavy, and feel like I could be so much better." Despite what others would say, I wouldn't really believe inside myself that I was attractive or worthy of the compliments. I think the relationship issues you discussed, Neatfreak, and your new response to them maybe just means you are approaching things in a much healthier way and not "obsessing" about them.(?) You are seeing things in a new perspective without insecurities [about your relationship] getting in the way of your perception. Just a thought...what do you all think? Bali
Posted by Forbidden on January 7, 2004, at 17:23:33
In reply to Re: Question for Forbidden, posted by KathrynLex on January 7, 2004, at 17:13:13
Hi again,
Today has been better than yesterday for sure. I felt great all morning, really wired though. I started feeling a bit of a headache this PM, kind of a burning type like a sinus headache almost. I popped a couple of Tylenol and it seems better now.
I can't say that I felt awful during the first couple of weeks, but certainly a bit different. The doc. told me that I should be feeling better after the first 2 weeks, which I think is true - but I know I still have a ways to go.
I have not tried any other drugs (long term) for this, so I really dont have anything to compare it to. I also have Lorazepam for occasional use, that stuff really seems to screw with me!
I know that I don't obsess about my health quite as much as I used to - but to be honest I still sometimes catch my self getting panic'd about having a brain tumor, even though this has been going on with me for almost 9 months now and if it was a brain tumor, I would most likely be dead or in bad shape. :)
> Hi Forbidden,
>
> I thought I'd check in and see how day 19 is treating you. I know exactly what you mean about feeling like it takes you a bit longer to process information. It could start creating problems for me at work if it lasts much longer.
>
> How were your fist few weeks on the drug? Mine were awful. I thought I was going crazy the second week...but that seems to have let up. Have you tried other drugs for anxiety? This is my first one for long term use. (I've taken Klonopin, Lorazempam and Xanax for short term use and the pdoc recently recommended Lex.)
>
> K
>
> > Hi K,
> >
> > I actually mistyped when I said how long I have been on Lex, I have been on it exacty 18 days as well! Crazy eh?
> >
> > Anyway, I am feeling better I can tell - I still have bad days, or hours like today. I am getting these off/on headaches, some nasuea. I still feel some lightheadedness, but that was a big reason I started taking this. I do at times feel a bit out of it, as though it takes a bit longer for me to process information, you know what I mean?
> >
> > I also have started waking up 2 or 3 times every night, but usually get back to sleep fairly quickly.
> >
> > I never really felt depressed, but my Dr. told me that I am suffering from a type of depression fueled by anxiety, a type of depression that does not have the typical signs.
> >
> > Nice speaking with you.....let's keep up the chat.
> >
> > > Forbidden,
> > >
> > > I have been taking 10 mg of Lex for about as long as you have (18 days). I'm wondering, how are you feeling? Less depressed/anxious? Noticing any change in side effects?
> > >
> > > I feel really out of it, muddled thinking. My anxiety is letting up a bit though, and that's nice. I can't sleep through the night yet, but I don't feel quite as depressed. :)
> > >
> > > K
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by BLKVETTES on January 7, 2004, at 17:54:22
In reply to Re: Lex Flu - Why Haven't Doctors Heard of It?, posted by nicky847 on January 7, 2004, at 12:11:36
> I havent experienced the "Lex Flu" but I think it can be explained in 1 of 2 ways...
>
> 1. The body's immune system is weakened due to the shock of adjusting to the Lex..(many people also experience flu-like systems when coming OFF of an SSRI so I think this is the most likely explanation)..making it less able to fight off viruses..and there is alot of flu going around right now..
>
> or
>
> 2. The body reacts to Lex as a pathogen and releases an immune response (fever, histamine, etc.)
>
> to me either explanation makes sense..
>
>YES YES, THATS AS GOOD AS ANY!!!! MAKES SENSE TO ME!!!! ABOUT 85% OF ANTIDEPRESSANTS ARE PRESCRIBED BY FAMILY DOCTORS. THIS IS NOT A GOOD THING. IN FACT MANY DOCTORS INCLUDING PSYCHIATRISTS WILL INSIST THAT MANY OF THESE SIDE EFFECTS WE GO THROUGH ARE NOT REAL. DONT FORGET WITHDRAWAL!!!!!!!! SOME ARE CLUELESS HERE ALSO!!! THERE ARE ABOUT 50 POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OR MORE WITH EACH MED AND MOST ARE RARE. THE COMMON SIDE EFFECTS GO AWAY WITH TIME AS YOUR BODY ADJUSTS. YOU KNOW I HAD BRUISING AFTER STARTING LEXAPRO. NO ONE COULD EXPLAIN IT OR HAD AN ANSWER FOR THIS. THE BEST WAS THAT I WAS MORE CLUMBSY THAN USUAL. ALL MY LIFE I NEVER BRUISED AND KNEW ALL ALONG IT WAS LEXAPRO. IT IS A LISTED SIDE EFFECT. IT DID GO AWAY AFTER A FEW MONTHS. EVERY BOARD I GO TO A NEW PERSON POSTS ALL THE TIME ASKING WHAT THE HECK IS WRONG WITH ME. THEY SAY THEIR DOCTOR NEVER MENTIONED SIDE EFFECTS. I ALSO LIKE WHEN THEY HAVE BEEN TOLD THEY WILL FEEL BETTER IN A WEEK OR TWO HEHE. IF THAT HAPPENS THAT IS RARE ALSO. BUT SOME DO SAY THEY FEEL BETTER THAT QUICKLY. I LOVE DOCTORS!!!!! THATS WHY I WENT THROUGH FIVE IN THREE MONTHS AFTER DOING A LITTLE BIT OF READING. IM TALKING ABOUT PSYCHIATRISTS. MY FAMILY DOCTOR I LOVE!!! SHE DIDNT EVEN WANT TO TREAT MY PANIC ATTACKS AND DEPRESSION. SMART WOMAN!!!! I THINK IN FEBRUARY IT WILL BE ONE YEAR ON LEXAPRO FOR ME. I MIGHT HAVE TO LOOK THAT UP AND THROW A PARTY. IM STILL DOING GREAT IF THERES SUCH A THING. THOUGHT I WAS EXPERIENCING POOP OUT A FEW TIMES. BUT RODE IT OUT AND REALIZED THAT IT WAS NOT LEXAPRO BUT JUST NORMAL LIFE EXPERIENCES THAT I DWELLED ON. HAVENT CHANGED MY DOSE IN OVER 6 MONTHS OR SO. HAVE A NICE DAY!!!!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by friendofbillw on January 7, 2004, at 23:33:53
In reply to Re: Happy Thanksgiving...., posted by mamacindy2000 on November 27, 2003, at 23:49:42
This is embarrassing to write, but I'm curious if anyone else is having trouble with "urgent incontinence (UI)" on lexapro. UI is when you feel the need to go to pee and have to go immediately or it starts coming out. It's horrible! I haven't had any other side effects, but this one. I'm on wellbutrin too. The problem seems to have started when I started on the lexapro. Anyone else?
Posted by Anjul on January 8, 2004, at 6:30:26
In reply to lexapro side effect...incontinence?, posted by friendofbillw on January 7, 2004, at 23:33:53
Yep. Mine started immediately when I went on Lex and it has completely gone away. It lasted atleast a month.
Posted by LynneDa on January 8, 2004, at 8:44:38
In reply to Re: hey where did my appetite go?, posted by Bali on January 7, 2004, at 17:23:14
Bali - Yes, exactly! That is the way I am feeling too. I don't really know if my lack of confidence was real or just anxiety-provoked because I am not feeling it so strongly anymore. Thanks for sharing your insights, it is nice to know others are feeling the same things! Have a great day!
~ Lynne
Posted by BLKVETTES on January 8, 2004, at 9:20:21
In reply to Re: lexapro side effect...incontinence?, posted by Anjul on January 8, 2004, at 6:30:26
> Yep. Mine started immediately when I went on Lex and it has completely gone away. It lasted atleast a month.
YEA, I RELATE IT WENT AWAY AFTER A MONTH OR TWO. DONT KNOW WHAT YOU LIKE TO DRINK AT HOME. BUT DRINK LOTS OF WATER AND MORE OR LESS FLUSH YOUR SYSTEM OUT. INCONTINENCE LOL, BIG WORD GLAD YOU EXPLAINED WHERE I DIDNT HAVE TO LOOK IT UP. DONT BE SHY ANYTHING YOU MIGHT SAY HAS PROBABLY BEEN POSTED ABOUT BEFORE.
WAYNE
Posted by Neatfreak on January 8, 2004, at 10:04:15
In reply to Re: hey where did my appetite go?, posted by Bali on January 7, 2004, at 17:23:14
>
Yes I feel much more confidence in my decisions the doubts are less pressing and I have freedom from hate. Your observation of my "obsession" behavior It took many years for me to realize this and you read a few words and you were thereNeatfreak and others: I have the same feeling of not worrying (obsessing?) about things as much as I used to. For example, I was so hard on myself about my body, weight, and the fact that I am aging...duh--everyone is!. I now feel that I look damn good for a woman of my age and enjoy the compliments from other people about how young and active I am. Before when people would compliment me on the above, in my head (and sometimes out loud to family) I'd say, "Yeah, okay, but I am older, heavy, and feel like I could be so much better." Despite what others would say, I wouldn't really believe inside myself that I was attractive or worthy of the compliments. I think the relationship issues you discussed, Neatfreak, and your new response to them maybe just means you are approaching things in a much healthier way and not "obsessing" about them.(?) You are seeing things in a new perspective without insecurities [about your relationship] getting in the way of your perception. Just a thought...what do you all think? Bali
Posted by ednababish on January 8, 2004, at 10:29:37
In reply to lexapro side effect...incontinence?, posted by friendofbillw on January 7, 2004, at 23:33:53
I definitely had to pee a lot more when I started Celexa both times--however, my current lexapro was a switch from paxil four weeks ago. But I did have a really bad cold recently and coughing has made me wet my pants like I did while I was pregnant . . . hmmmm. . .
Posted by sexylexy on January 8, 2004, at 10:41:45
In reply to Lexapro and Advil, posted by KathrynLex on January 5, 2004, at 19:24:21
> I've noticed that the side effects of Lex are quite a bit more tolerable if I take it with an Advil. This helps my head to feel less foggy and I don't feel quite as anxious at night. Has anyone else experienced this? Or can you tell me if it's dangerous to take Advil on a daily basis?
Kathrynlex...
Hi! Im Lexy, I am new to the board so if you have answered this question could you reanswer it for me please? I am on day 17 of Lexapro taking 10mg. I was wondering what your S/Es were and if they have tapered off. Could you please describle the foggy feeling you get, if it is constant ect and the advil seems to help that.
I seem to have become a little spacey/foggy on the medication, it is much worse sometimes than others. I would love to hear your story.
Thanks so much, God bless your progress
Lexy
Posted by KathrynLex on January 8, 2004, at 11:13:55
In reply to Re: Lexapro and Advil, posted by sexylexy on January 8, 2004, at 10:41:45
Hi Lexy,
I'm on day 20 of 10 mg Lex. Besides feeling "foggy" most of the side effects I experienced at first are gone. When I began taking Lex I felt a little more anxious, couldn't sleep (still having some trouble with that), lost my appetite and I had night sweats. Most of those things have gone away.
By "foggy" I mean I can't quite focus on things, it takes me a little longer to process info and I don't feel like I'm all here. I feel foggiest a few hours after taking Lex, so I've started taking it at night so I can sleep through the worst of it. This has really eliminated my need for the advil. (Taking an advil seemed to help but I was concerned about having one every day.) Have you experienced any of this?
K
Posted by KathrynLex on January 8, 2004, at 13:03:27
In reply to Re: Lexapro and Advil, posted by KathrynLex on January 8, 2004, at 11:13:55
Today is my 20th day on Lexapro. The initial side effects are starting to wear off. However, I still feel very unfocused and my mind is a bit "foggy." How long does it take for this to go away? I feel like I've spent the last few weeks in a haze.
Also, the last few days I've begun to feel jittery and wired. It's strange because I'm tired too. Odd combo. Is there anything I can do to help this improve? Thanks!
K
Posted by sexylexy on January 8, 2004, at 14:16:25
In reply to Re: Lexapro and Advil, posted by KathrynLex on January 8, 2004, at 11:13:55
> Hi Lexy,
>
> I'm on day 20 of 10 mg Lex. Besides feeling "foggy" most of the side effects I experienced at first are gone. When I began taking Lex I felt a little more anxious, couldn't sleep (still having some trouble with that), lost my appetite and I had night sweats. Most of those things have gone away.>
> By "foggy" I mean I can't quite focus on things, it takes me a little longer to process info and I don't feel like I'm all here. I feel foggiest a few hours after taking Lex, so I've started taking it at night so I can sleep through the worst of it. This has really eliminated my need for the advil. (Taking an advil seemed to help but I was concerned about having one every day.) Have you experienced any of this?
>
> KK...
Yes! I think we are feeling the same way, foggy not all there, kinda like a few weeks in a day dream. It is so nice to know that someone else feels this way. I just talked to a Pdoc and she said that 40%-50% of Lexapro users get this along with "tunnel vision" which I have also felt. She says that it will go away and to keep at it. Since you and I seem to be on the same time period of using Lex, please keep in touch and tell me how your symptoms go.
Lexy
Posted by muddled on January 8, 2004, at 14:20:00
In reply to How much longer until..., posted by KathrynLex on January 8, 2004, at 13:03:27
I have been on lex now for about 25 days and dont eat!!! I completly forget about eating entirely...Im dropping weight like crazy. (frankly Im letting it until another ten pounds and then Ill mention it to doctor) sse's have started to go away...still foggy and moody though. Have to set an alarm to remind myself to have breakfast & lunch. But i dont feel like the walking dead anymore so this is much better...thanks for the postings you guys, most had something I needed.
Posted by BobYuma on January 8, 2004, at 14:41:28
In reply to Re: hey where did my appetite go?, posted by Bali on January 7, 2004, at 17:23:14
> > > I have the same feeling of not worrying (obsessing?) about things as much as I used to. For example, I was so hard on myself about my body, weight, and the fact that I am aging...duh--everyone is! I now feel that I look damn good for a woman of my age and enjoy the compliments from other people about how young and active I am .... You are seeing things in a new perspective without insecurities [about your relationship] getting in the way of your perception. Just a thought...what do you all think? Bali > > >
Hi, Bali. I totally agree with you.
By the way, I also think you're a damn good looking woman for your age ... or any age for that matter.
Bob
Posted by BobYuma on January 8, 2004, at 14:45:03
In reply to How much longer until..., posted by KathrynLex on January 8, 2004, at 13:03:27
Sometimes I feel like a nut ... a macadamia usually ... then sometimes I don't.
Does anyone think this is an SE of Lex?
God I love you all.
Bob
Posted by muddled on January 8, 2004, at 15:00:15
In reply to How much longer until..., posted by KathrynLex on January 8, 2004, at 13:03:27
Katheryn...me tooo! It will be 4 weeks for me friday...foggy while awake and tossing in my sleep. Dr. gave me a sleeping pill but that just made me nuts during the day with the increased foggyness. Not worth it! I didnt ask for more. I wake up 3 or 4 times a night...plus as mentioned in another post dont eat. Im kinda a funny charector around the house now!. Called my husband at work and told him about this site I just found and said ....Im not the only one!!! Hurray! How long until Im just balanced out??? I think Im going to be on the 6 week side of the 4 to 6 weeks at this rate. Still, Muddled
Posted by Mrs C. on January 8, 2004, at 15:25:37
In reply to How much longer until..., posted by KathrynLex on January 8, 2004, at 13:03:27
Just hand in there. Alot of us have experienced these feelings and they will go away soon. Mrs. C
Posted by LynneDa on January 8, 2004, at 15:54:58
In reply to Lexapro and Nuts, posted by BobYuma on January 8, 2004, at 14:45:03
Bob, you are too funny! I know we are all nuts in our own way, that's for sure! But I have to commend all of us for trying to be less nutty! We are certainly more cognizant of our plusses and minuses and I'd rather be like that than floating through life having no clue about how or what to do to make things better!
~ Lynne
Posted by Vandy on January 8, 2004, at 16:10:46
In reply to Lexapro and Nuts, posted by BobYuma on January 8, 2004, at 14:45:03
Sounds like me. Wife says to pdoc, "My husband thinks he's a chicken."
Pdoc: "I'll see if we can't work on that delusion."
Wife: "No, don't! We need the eggs."
> Sometimes I feel like a nut ... a macadamia usually ... then sometimes I don't.
> Does anyone think this is an SE of Lex?
> God I love you all.
> Bob
>
Posted by CR on January 8, 2004, at 16:12:41
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
> [Posted by ggrrl on June 11, 2002, at 1:19:51]
>
> > Seems like there are a lot of people on here who have talked about Lexapro's improved side-effects, specifically that it has less tiredness and sexual side effects than Celexa. Some have said that it has the same side effects as Celexa. However most people are quoting from press releases - does anyone here know from experience (theirs or others')?I have not taken Celexa, but was on Effexor (75 mg/day) for 3.5 years and switched to Lexapro (10mg/day) for about 3 months now. Did NOT notice an increase in sexual side effects, but did notice an increase in tiredness. I think all SE are pretty individualized. Going on Lexapro, I did not notice an increase in side effects.
>
>
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