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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by JenStar on July 7, 2004, at 10:43:16
In reply to Re: wellbutrin to lexapro, posted by calico cat on July 7, 2004, at 7:37:34
hi Calico Cat,
In my personal experience, side-effects can be magnified by my concern over side-effects, esp. in the first 24 hrs and first few days. For example: If I'm paranoid about getting dizzy or a headache, I watch for those symptoms aggressively and voila! I get them! Ironically, the side-effects often don't really kick in until one has taken the drug for at least a few days, so I know that my fear is contributing to some degree.I'm not saying that I manufacture side-effects out of nothing, but sometimes the fear of the unknown is enough to give me the creeps & the jitters & make any side-effects worse. For example, taking ANY new drug makes me worried, and therefore a bit of restlessness & sleeplessness usually occurs, whether it's an antibiotic or something more serious.
The first few times I took Xanax I worked myself up into a drug fear so strong that I probably completely counter-acted any sedating effects! Once I took the pill a few times & realized I wasn't going to die or have a heart attack or a seizure, I felt more comfortable. Eventually I "allowed" the Xanax to work like it should.
This was how I felt starting Lex, too. I didn't know what would happen and that made me feel horribly out of control: WAs I going to vomit...stay awake for a month...sleep all day...etc.?? After a few days I realized that things were going to be OK and it was at that point that I started feeling in control of the side-effects. Yes, there were some, but I knew I could handle them and that it was going to be OK.
Give yourself a chance on the Lexapro. Keep in mind that this board is used by many people who are struggling - there are millions of users of SSRI's out there (lucky souls) who don't have serious issues with side effects and therefore don't take time to post their success stories.
I'm analytical and studious and I read every darn thing on the web I could find on Lexapro, including the fact sheet from the mfg company, which is about 40 pages long. I convinced myself that the side-effects were not fatal and seemed to be milder than those of other SSRI's.
Well - it was another record-breaking post for me! Sorry I make these so long. I just get carried away with my quick-typing little fingers.
Anyway -- I'm sure you're going to be fine...give the drug a chance to work, and see how it goes.
Take care.
JenStar
Posted by sexylexy on July 7, 2004, at 11:10:27
In reply to Re: wellbutrin to lexapro, posted by JenStar on July 7, 2004, at 10:43:16
Hey Cat,
I know starting on a new drug is scary. I am a therapist who works with a psychiatrist. He says that lexapro is by far his fave drug to prescribe. He will even give it to children and feels it is mild enough for them. I told him that I had a "friend" who had some side effects on the drug...He said that he had seen very few people ever have side effects and if they did, it was weird dreams and night sweats. So, most people don't have any side effects, of course anxiety and depression makes it even worse because you are worried about the worst or expecting that. Try and not think about it.. I swear at this point I forget that I am even on something! You can do it!!!
Cheers!
LExy
Posted by trucker on July 7, 2004, at 11:30:43
In reply to Re: wellbutrin to lexapro, posted by calico cat on July 7, 2004, at 7:37:34
hello i am on lex and welbutrin... it has its place but it took awhile for me to like...
trucker
///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
> Hello. Thanks to all of you for writing. I really like to know there are people in the world who are like me.
>
> I made it through 24 hours on lexapro. I slept horribly last night, but I am chalking this up to coincidence.
>
> Have any of you been on wellbutrin and lexapro? I feel like wellbutrin - even if it doesn't do much for me - is a safer drug with less side effects.
>
> Thanks, Susan
Posted by calico cat on July 7, 2004, at 14:02:08
In reply to Re: wellbutrin to lexapro, posted by sexylexy on July 7, 2004, at 11:10:27
Wow - I actually feel much better about lexapro. I think I will not worry (try not to). Anyway, I really want to live my life one day at a time, and this constant worrying does not help me. Maybe if this medicine works, I will feel happy.
I feel really badly about the man with the severe depression. HOw terribly painful. Maybe, someday, there will be a way to fine tune these medications so that we are all not human guinea pigs.
Thanks again for your stories - I love hearing from all of you.
Posted by mystic on July 7, 2004, at 18:13:57
In reply to RE::: Hey jenstar, posted by JenStar on July 7, 2004, at 0:35:39
Hey Jenstar...good luck on the decreased meds and the potential pregnancy soon...My daughter had been on celexa for an eating disorder and she became pregnant and went off the celexa as they thought that it is fine for you to be on it and they told her the same thing that you have to weigh what is worse for the baby the anxiety or the lex...but she did sooooo good when she was pregnant they also say that your hormones are at their best hard to believe but she said she never felt anxious or sad or depressed she just felt soooo good so that might be something to look forward to and for all you others that might be something to think about we could all get pregnant and feel gooooooooddddd....sorry bad joke and I'm not doing it...Your friend>>>mystic
Posted by mystic on July 7, 2004, at 18:17:45
In reply to Re: wellbutrin to lexapro, posted by trucker on July 7, 2004, at 11:30:43
Hey I dont know who posted that they are discontinuing serzone what would be the reason for that...I dont take it or anything but was wondering how they discontinue a antidepresant...hmmmmm thanks...Mystic
Posted by trucker on July 7, 2004, at 18:25:46
In reply to RE::: Hey jenstar, posted by mystic on July 7, 2004, at 18:13:57
MYSTIC IS A CHICKEN... WHAT NO MORE KIDS???HA HA HA
I JOKING
TRUCKER
//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////> Hey Jenstar...good luck on the decreased meds and the potential pregnancy soon...My daughter had been on celexa for an eating disorder and she became pregnant and went off the celexa as they thought that it is fine for you to be on it and they told her the same thing that you have to weigh what is worse for the baby the anxiety or the lex...but she did sooooo good when she was pregnant they also say that your hormones are at their best hard to believe but she said she never felt anxious or sad or depressed she just felt soooo good so that might be something to look forward to and for all you others that might be something to think about we could all get pregnant and feel gooooooooddddd....sorry bad joke and I'm not doing it...Your friend>>>mystic
Posted by mystic on July 7, 2004, at 19:37:22
In reply to RE::: Hey jenstar, posted by trucker on July 7, 2004, at 18:25:46
Hey trucker...remember I did it right i'm a 41 year old grandmother hahahah now i get the best of it and can send him home..although not into that yet he is only 10wks old and he is the cutest..cant get enough of him and I see him just about every day while mel is on maternity leave she has like 14 weeks....got more pics for anyone that wants them..dont want to be a bragging grandmother but omg he is the cutest..hahhahah....Mystic
Posted by Mrs. C on July 7, 2004, at 21:32:21
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro?, posted by Harlock on July 7, 2004, at 10:27:33
Harlock,
Sorry to hear that you are having such severe depression. I know that nothing I can say will take it away but I want you to know that I can feel for you and I will pray for you. You have come to a wonderful supportive place with many caring friends. Hopefully you will find some comfort here knowing that you are not alone in your struggle.By the way, we have a great group on the social board too. We call ourselves the "Yo Yo sisters" because we all go up and down so much. You are welcome there, we could use a male perspective once in awhile. Who knows maybe we can help you get through this difficult time you are having. Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs. C on July 7, 2004, at 21:45:30
In reply to RE::: Hey jenstar, posted by JenStar on July 7, 2004, at 0:35:39
Jenstar, good luck with getting pregnant! I think that you are doing the right thing by stopping the med. I am also a severe hypochondriac but during pregnancy I was fine. I just attributed all my symptoms to pregnancy. They were the happiest times of my life, seriously. But at least you know that if you need to go back to Lex that it's safe for the baby. All the best, Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs. C on July 7, 2004, at 21:49:56
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness, posted by JenStar on July 7, 2004, at 0:43:46
Again, I just have to say that I love you!! Having someone to talk to who is so much like me is so comforting. I know just what you mean about the bad and good rythym times. I can also go many months without noticing them and then BAM they're back. They scare me to death! Bad choice of words there, sorry. Since I started taking Lex I have worried much less about them but during my PMS time I act like I am not taking anything. I get crazed! Bye for now, Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs. C on July 7, 2004, at 21:51:50
In reply to RE::: Hey jenstar, posted by mystic on July 7, 2004, at 18:13:57
Pregnant Yo YO's... now that's a show for Oprah! Mrs. C
Posted by sexylexy on July 8, 2004, at 12:13:19
In reply to RE:: Hey everyone, posted by mystic on July 7, 2004, at 18:17:45
Hey Mystic,
I know that some of the anti-depressants (not SSRIs like we take) have been shown to be pretty hard on the old liver. I believe that is the reason Serezone is being discontinued. I am not 100 % sure!!
Love,
Lexy
Posted by Deesent on July 8, 2004, at 18:14:26
In reply to RE:: Hey everyone, posted by sexylexy on July 8, 2004, at 12:13:19
Yes, Serzone was discontinued because of liver problems. I am the one that posted I had to get off of it because of this. This was the only medication that I was able to take, so far, w/o side effects besides Xanax. Tried Lexapro, doesn't get along with my stomach and can't sleep on it. I thought I could go it alone on just the Xanax, had high hopes for the Lex, but I think I'm still having some withdrawal symptoms from the Serzone. I had to taper off very slowly over two months. Am having a bad day today, but go back to the doc tomorrow.
I am pretty upset, because I heard about the liver problems within the first couple of weeks of taking the Serzone, and my doc stated that as long as my liver tests came out o.k. I would be o.k. Then all of a sudden, WOW, I have to get off of it. I had been taking it for over 3 years.
Hopefully will find something else that works. If you have any other ideas, please let me know.
Dee
Posted by captain on July 9, 2004, at 10:58:55
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness, posted by JenStar on July 7, 2004, at 0:43:46
Hey Ladies! Sorry I have been out of the loop - was traveling for work! Jen - thanks SO much for your post! You have no idea (or maybe you do!) how much it helps to know that other people go thru what I have been going through!
The lex has definitely helped me stop examining everything. I have been on it for 5 weeks and there is a big difference. I actually had a check up for the lex this morning and while i was there i had a urine test done as I have had a bladder infection. It looks like i have a lot of protein in my urine and I have to come back after taking some antibiotics to see if it is still there. Anyone had this? Of course it freaks me out a bit (not as bad cause of lex - i would normally be eating xanax like crazy by now) because she said it could be kidney leakage or strep of the kidney! UGH!
I went ahead and told her about my right foot and the lack of feeling and odd sensations. I work out a lot so i am having a lower back MRI next week to see if it is a disc/pinched nerve situation. Of course the hypochondriac in me has always wanted an MRI - hahah - so i almost feel like begging for a full body one while i am in there! :)
I am sure they are both something small, and i thank God for the lex because this would TOTALLY freak me out under normal circumstances. I won't even allow myself to research it (ALS,MS, LUPUS) all of the things I always wonder if I have. I know myself well enough to know that if I look it up, other symptoms will pop up!
It could just be anxiety related - who knows!
Anyway - I love having hypochondriac friends as no one understands this really. I can laugh at myself, but deep down i worry to myself too.
I will keep you posted! I hope everyone is having a healthy day!
Captain
Posted by Mrs. C on July 9, 2004, at 16:00:10
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness - Mrs. C/Jen Star, posted by captain on July 9, 2004, at 10:58:55
Captain, I am having a stressful day today. My heart has been doing PVC's all day. They are extra heartbeats. I have been having many of them lately. Some days none, but some days I get them bad. Today has been bad, they were coming 3 and 4 in a row. They have stopped now but I am freaked out and disgusted with myself for researching on the web about them. Of course I have already done that many many times in the past and probably know everything there is to know about PVC's but I still do it. Drives me crazy (no pun intended).
Have you ever had them. If so, have you ever had 4 in a row? I wish there was a site with a doctor that would talk to us when we get these worries. Just to calm us down. Mrs. C
Posted by Zena on July 9, 2004, at 17:46:19
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness - Mrs. C/Jen Star, posted by captain on July 9, 2004, at 10:58:55
Hi Captin,
I have had a lot of bladder infections since starting on lex & remeron. I try to drink a lot of cranberry juice (yuk) & my Dr. told me to drink lots of water. Another yuk as I don't like it. I have to go Mon. to see if the infection has cleared up. So your not alone.
Zena
Posted by Deesent on July 9, 2004, at 18:23:11
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness - Mrs. C/Jen Star, posted by Mrs. C on July 9, 2004, at 16:00:10
Mrs. C,
Sorry you are having such a rough day. I have had PVC's real bad in the past. Underwent 24 hr. holter monitor testing twice (of course on these days I didn't have them), sonagram for MVP (negative) and finally a 30 day holter monitor where they determined they were just PVC's. I know they are not dangerous but they still are scary, especially when you have a lot of them in one day. My doc put me on a very low dose of Inderal (10 mg.) to take twice a day. I usually get away with only taking it once a day, but on occasion have had to take it twice. It has helped regulate my heartbeat and no side effects. I do not have the PVC's as often now, and my heartrate has slowed, though not dangerously low. Hope you feel better!
Dee
Posted by Mrs. C on July 9, 2004, at 20:16:04
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness - Mrs. C/Jen Star, posted by Deesent on July 9, 2004, at 18:23:11
Thanks Dee, I have also had all of those tests done but the PVC's never have happened during them. Figures. But the heart is healthy anyway. I appreciate you getting back to me cause I am really freaking out here. I think I will mention them to my doc when I go next month. Let her know that they have been happening alot more than they used to. Mrs. C
Posted by captain on July 10, 2004, at 8:17:03
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness - Mrs. C/Jen Star, posted by Mrs. C on July 9, 2004, at 20:16:04
Mrs C., I have had those just a few times, but I have never mentioned them to the doctor as I figured they are just heart palpitations (maybe that is PCV's?) FOr some reason that isn't something that really freaks me out. Maybe because I am only 28 and work out and eat well. I worry more about MS, brain anuerisms, Lupus, ALS, cancer- stuff like that. I am sorry that you had a bad day - I know what that is like for sure. I have banned myself from looking things up online. It NEVER helps - my anxiety goes through the roof. I finally made a pact with myself to stop.
I hope today and the weekend are better for you!
Take care,
Captain
Posted by mystic on July 10, 2004, at 9:39:31
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness - Mrs. C/Jen Star, posted by captain on July 10, 2004, at 8:17:03
Great Idea Captain...But we all know hard a thing that will be...I always do the same thing I have any ache and pain it goes right for the computer and look up all kinds of stuff...and then obsess obsess obsess..Hopefully the meds will help with that...for me it is worse around my period because death just consumes me and that is all I think about...death of myself death of my husband on and on...Please try to think positive and it helps to try to rationalize these thoughts even if it doesnt work it is a good thing to try and you will get used to it...have a great weekend..Your friend..Mystic
Posted by mystic on July 11, 2004, at 15:37:20
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful » jjana, posted by worrywort on May 13, 2003, at 12:43:06
Hey everyone...has anyone had any good luck on wellbutrin by itself???...thanks..mystic
Posted by calico cat on July 12, 2004, at 7:48:45
In reply to RE::: hey everyone, posted by mystic on July 11, 2004, at 15:37:20
Hey. I switched from effexor to wellbutrin by itself, and I did not feel any differently than I felt before any meds. That's why I am in the process of switching to lexapro.
I have done some research on wellbutrin though. It supposedly helps you lose weight and has no sexual side effects. It is an older drug so there is a generic form.
I was very excited to try the wellbutrin, but it did not do anything for me. But, like all these drugs, you don't know until you try it yourself. Good luck - I hope it works for you, Calico Cat
Posted by Gio on July 12, 2004, at 19:43:53
In reply to Re: wellbutrin to lexapro, posted by calico cat on July 12, 2004, at 7:48:45
Hi everybody,
My anti-depressants combo was changed from a Paroxetine (Paxil in the US) + Pirlindole (Implementor in Europe, cannot find the commercial equivalent in the US) 3 days ago, replacing the Paroxetine with Escitalopram (Cipralex in Europe, Lexapro in the USA).
I never noticed any interaction with Paxil. However, since I started Lexapro, I feel that some mentioned Lexapro side effects (dizziness, vertigo, agitation) appear only or increase after I have taken Implementor.
I'm taking 10mg Lexapro + 50mg Implementor at breakfast + 50mg Implementor at lunch and the side effects do increase a lot after this last one, getting to desperate points at between 5 and 10 pm...
Also, maybe Dr.Bob can clear this out, the info coming with Implementor states it is a tricyclic AD but Pirlindole is described as bearing MAOI properties (???) and MAOI do interfere with SSRIs (but not with Paxil?)....http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=4010387&dopt=Citation
Thank you,
Gio
Posted by JenStar on July 12, 2004, at 22:45:45
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness - Mrs. C/Jen Star, posted by Mrs. C on July 9, 2004, at 16:00:10
hey guys,
Mrs. C, sorry you were having a bad day! Hope it's getting better. I didn't know the extra beats were called PVC's (I guess I'll have to do some research on the web - smile.) I too have had the extra beats sometimes come 3 or 4 times in a row. Once I thought I was going to have to call 911 because the rhythm seemed so 'messed up' but then it stopped & didn't come back (at least for a few months.) Normally I don't worry too much but there ARE periods when they come a lot, and I still haven't fully figured out why.I too had a holter test & a heart sonogram & a stress test, and it all came back negative. Like you guys, of COURSE my heart didn't do the skip beat thing when I had the holter on. The Cardiologist seemed to think I was stupid and dorky and naive and retarded and didn't take me seriously at all. On the one hand that was sort of good ("Wow..there must be nothing wrong with me then") but it also made me stress too, because I've read that many docs discount heart disease in younger women and miss some key signs. I will have to try not to worry.
Mrs. C, I would talk to your doc if you're worried about it. Don't let them make you feel bad for asking! It's YOUR heart, and your body, and you deserve to know what's going on. Most likely it's nothing but if you're worried, ask. Remember that you're the customer and the doc is providing a service to you for a fee. If you want some peace of mind, that's OK to get it!
Write back & let us know how you're doing.
take care!
JenStar
> Captain, I am having a stressful day today. My heart has been doing PVC's all day. They are extra heartbeats. I have been having many of them lately. Some days none, but some days I get them bad. Today has been bad, they were coming 3 and 4 in a row. They have stopped now but I am freaked out and disgusted with myself for researching on the web about them. Of course I have already done that many many times in the past and probably know everything there is to know about PVC's but I still do it. Drives me crazy (no pun intended).
> Have you ever had them. If so, have you ever had 4 in a row? I wish there was a site with a doctor that would talk to us when we get these worries. Just to calm us down. Mrs. C
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