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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by ednababish on August 25, 2004, at 12:03:52
In reply to Re: Anybody experienced this combo?, posted by Alex71 on August 25, 2004, at 10:43:10
I hate to be nosy, but what side effects are you speaking of? I'm having SSE issues with lexapro at 20mgs--I had fewer with 30mgs celexa. My doctor is thinking of switching me over to celexa if this does not improve with an herbal remedy. It's been three years and a lot of life changes since I took celexa, but about the only thing I have noticed is (I believe) I am calmer with lexapro and have fewer anxiety problems. Please tell what the side effects have been for you with both drugs.
Edna
Posted by Alex71 on August 25, 2004, at 12:49:17
In reply to Re: Anybody experienced this combo?, posted by ednababish on August 25, 2004, at 12:03:52
Hi Edna,
The funny thing that I had no SE with Celexa whatsoever. I had my conditions improved and I decided to get off Celexa and quit it cold turkey. The withdrawal symtoms were terrible. I had constand tingling in my arms and my head (like little electrical impulses that bothered me a lot). Anxiety was back too.
I decided to go back to Celexa but I didnt have anymore of it. By this time I had to go to a different pdoc (insurance issues) and he gave me Lexapro, which he said is the same thing as Celexa. I started taking 10 mg of Lex and those symptoms went right away. But I also got some severe side effects like fatigue, dizziness, hot flashes etc. It 's liking living in a thick fog. I've been on Lex for over a month already and the SE have been subsiding but my anxiety still persists. Now I decided to give it more time and if I dont fell better by Nov.1, I am going back on Celexa.
Like I said I was also prescribed 5 mg Valium. But my problem is I cant make myself to take a Valium pill and I dont know what to do. Valium is like a "last resort" for me (at least that's what I think) and if for some reason Valium will not work I am gonna freak out even worse. So here I am being anxious but saving Valium for the "worst case scenario".> I hate to be nosy, but what side effects are you speaking of? I'm having SSE issues with lexapro at 20mgs--I had fewer with 30mgs celexa. My doctor is thinking of switching me over to celexa if this does not improve with an herbal remedy. It's been three years and a lot of life changes since I took celexa, but about the only thing I have noticed is (I believe) I am calmer with lexapro and have fewer anxiety problems. Please tell what the side effects have been for you with both drugs.
>
> Edna
Posted by captain on August 25, 2004, at 13:51:15
In reply to Re: Anybody experienced this combo?, posted by Alex71 on August 25, 2004, at 12:49:17
Alex - you have never taken a valium? I can't imagine that you will feel anxious at ALL after taking one of those! :) It really calms your nerves. Have you tried xanax? You should talk to your doc abotu getting a rx for xanax or ativan as that also calms your nerves and I would think it is a lot less potent than a valium.
Both are VERY relaxing.
Good luck!
captain
Posted by Alex71 on August 25, 2004, at 13:59:02
In reply to Re: Anybody experienced this combo?, posted by captain on August 25, 2004, at 13:51:15
Hi captain, thx for your reply.
My problem is that I am afraid to take Valium because if Valium wouldn't work --what am I gonna do next? I guess I just have to try and take the pill and see what happens. If it wont work I guess I 'll just get drunk:(> Alex - you have never taken a valium? I can't imagine that you will feel anxious at ALL after taking one of those! :) It really calms your nerves. Have you tried xanax? You should talk to your doc abotu getting a rx for xanax or ativan as that also calms your nerves and I would think it is a lot less potent than a valium.
>
> Both are VERY relaxing.
> Good luck!
> captain
Posted by ednababish on August 25, 2004, at 14:37:45
In reply to Re: Anybody experienced this combo?, posted by Alex71 on August 25, 2004, at 13:59:02
Dear Alex,
Hope that's a joke about getting drunk. Hate to be a mother hen, but alcohol and alcohol withdrawal (also known as the morning after) exacerbates panic symptoms. It also short circuits the efeectiveness of antidepressants. Although I've never used it, I understand 5mgs of ativan works wonders for anxiety and panic.
Edna
Posted by ednababish on August 25, 2004, at 14:50:51
In reply to Re: Anybody experienced this combo?, posted by Alex71 on August 25, 2004, at 12:49:17
Dear Alex,
I did not see really obvious results with lexapro until three month after I increased to 20mgs. I have very little anxiety right now, although I am currently 1) on my period 2) a college professor stumbling through my first week of classes with 50 bored, miserable, and hostile freshman comp students, and 3) in trouble with my dean. Six months ago this combination would have reduced me to utterly disfunctional and absolutely sick with anxiety; now I see the big picture and know that this too shall pass.
Why did I tell you this? Because you may need more lexapro than you are currently taking to kick the anxiety. Although the manufacturers say 10mgs lexapro equals 40mgs celexa, it's not true. From my experience (and everyone is different) 20mgs lexapro equals 30 mgs celexa.
And another thing about ativan--I have a friend who hates to take anything, but she hates shots more. 5 mgs of ativan got her through minor surgery, and she gave it two thumbs up! She reported she felt fine and functional, sufficiently worried but not out of control scared. It's worth looking into.
Good luck and keep us posted.
Posted by Alex71 on August 25, 2004, at 19:10:11
In reply to Re: Anybody experienced this combo?, posted by ednababish on August 25, 2004, at 14:50:51
Thank you Edna,
I have never heard od Ativan, might look into it.
Right now I've decided to take that Valium pill at my next anxiety/panic attack whatever happens.
I'll report on the progress. Thank you again for your support, Edna.> Dear Alex,
>
> I did not see really obvious results with lexapro until three month after I increased to 20mgs. I have very little anxiety right now, although I am currently 1) on my period 2) a college professor stumbling through my first week of classes with 50 bored, miserable, and hostile freshman comp students, and 3) in trouble with my dean. Six months ago this combination would have reduced me to utterly disfunctional and absolutely sick with anxiety; now I see the big picture and know that this too shall pass.
>
> Why did I tell you this? Because you may need more lexapro than you are currently taking to kick the anxiety. Although the manufacturers say 10mgs lexapro equals 40mgs celexa, it's not true. From my experience (and everyone is different) 20mgs lexapro equals 30 mgs celexa.
>
> And another thing about ativan--I have a friend who hates to take anything, but she hates shots more. 5 mgs of ativan got her through minor surgery, and she gave it two thumbs up! She reported she felt fine and functional, sufficiently worried but not out of control scared. It's worth looking into.
>
> Good luck and keep us posted.
Posted by Mrs. C on August 25, 2004, at 21:28:31
In reply to Re: Anybody experienced this combo?, posted by ednababish on August 25, 2004, at 12:03:52
Edna, what are "SSE problems"? Mrs. C
Posted by ednababish on August 26, 2004, at 8:28:02
In reply to Re: Anybody experienced this combo?, posted by Mrs. C on August 25, 2004, at 21:28:31
SSE's are sexual side effects.
Posted by PinkSuede on August 26, 2004, at 11:13:57
In reply to Anybody experienced this combo?, posted by Alex71 on August 25, 2004, at 10:34:03
Hi Alex,
I take Valium; 10mgs at bedtime. It helps me sleep.
I'm also taking 5mg of Lex. I was taking 10, but the fatigue (I could sleep all day) and the SSE's were getting me down.
Valium is a great drug. It's been around for years and a pharmacist told me it's very safe. Much safer than we have been led to believe.
Pink
Posted by LynneDa on August 26, 2004, at 12:41:01
In reply to Re: Anybody experienced this combo?, posted by PinkSuede on August 26, 2004, at 11:13:57
> Hi PinkSuede -
Did you notice a decrease in the SSE's and the sleepiness when you went down to 5mg of Lex? I was at 20mg & so sleepy I could hardly drive to work (10mg actually gave me insomnia, go figure!). I went off of it and on Wellbutrin (great for SSE's - goes the opposite way!), but am adding 5mg of Lex back in and hoping those 2 things won't come back!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
> I take Valium; 10mgs at bedtime. It helps me sleep.
>
> I'm also taking 5mg of Lex. I was taking 10, but the fatigue (I could sleep all day) and the SSE's were getting me down.
>
> Valium is a great drug. It's been around for years and a pharmacist told me it's very safe. Much safer than we have been led to believe.
>
> Pink
Posted by Mrs. C on August 26, 2004, at 14:11:45
In reply to Re: Anybody experienced this combo?, posted by ednababish on August 26, 2004, at 8:28:02
Oh, Thanks. Mrs. C
Posted by PinkSuede on August 27, 2004, at 10:32:58
In reply to Re: Anybody experienced this combo?, posted by LynneDa on August 26, 2004, at 12:41:01
Hi Lynne!!
This has been my experience:
I started out at 2.5 mgs of Lex and worked my way up to 5. It was a tough adjustment for me with lots of s/e's. However, at the 5 I did not have any major SSE's or other problems.
Then came a rough spot in my life (I've had many this year!!) and I upped my dosage to 10. Well, I literally could have slept all day and as far as sex was concerned I was "dead".
I've been back to 5 for not quite a week now and my sex drive and ability to reach the big "O" has not returned. I'm sure it will take some time for my body to adjust to the lower dosage and get back to where I was.
Soooooo, to answer your question: you will still notice _some_ SSE's at 5 (takes longer to achieve orgasm) but not be completely 'dead' like I was at 10.
I hate this. It is so hard. I know I need the Lex, but being so fatiqued and asexual is no fun either!!
Pink
Posted by jcem on August 31, 2004, at 10:24:15
In reply to Lexapro really good for anxiety?, posted by hockeygirlcanada on July 15, 2004, at 17:51:30
> Hi,
> I have been suffering from severe, chronic g.a.d for seven years. Been on just about everything, lexapro is not available in canada yet, but I was wondering if it really does alleviate anxiety?
> Thank You
>yes, I just got off of Effexor XR about six months ago- a nightmare within itself - and now I am on Lexapro. I am not sure if it is helping me or not to be honest. I am also a sufferer of GAD, panic disorder and mild agoraphobia so I take Klonopin as well. The Klonopin works- but the Lexapro so far has just given me a mild calm feeling which I think is good....since I can't do that on my own no matter what...but I am curious myself if it is really good with GAD.
Posted by ednababish on August 31, 2004, at 13:16:38
In reply to Re: Lexapro really good for anxiety? » hockeygirlcanada, posted by jcem on August 31, 2004, at 10:24:15
Absolutely! Just not overnight. And it will initially exacerbate anxiety. But I was so anxious and panic ridden that I couldn't even drive a car or walk into a store without steeling myself. Now I do these things without thinking, and only occassionally think, "Remember when I couldn't do this without practically freaking out?" I feel so comfortable in the world now. Good Luck,
Edna
Posted by jcem on August 31, 2004, at 13:19:24
In reply to Re: Lexapro really good for anxiety?, posted by ednababish on August 31, 2004, at 13:16:38
> Absolutely! Just not overnight. And it will initially exacerbate anxiety. But I was so anxious and panic ridden that I couldn't even drive a car or walk into a store without steeling myself. Now I do these things without thinking, and only occassionally think, "Remember when I couldn't do this without practically freaking out?" I feel so comfortable in the world now. Good Luck,
> Edna
I am so hoping that it will work out for me that way. I am staying very positive...I force myself outside and it is very very hard but I use my son as my drive to do it. He is 14months old and I refuse to keep him from experiencing life because I have a mental illness. I do everything possible to force myself but the anxiety attacks are hard to deal with....I am so glad that the Lexapro seems to work for you- I will definitely stay hopeful! thank you so much for sharing!
Posted by captain on August 31, 2004, at 15:06:18
In reply to Re: Lexapro really good for anxiety?, posted by jcem on August 31, 2004, at 13:19:24
Hi jcem - do you take xanax or anything else for when you have those panic attacks? It seems to really help people.
I suffer from GAD - mostly worry about my health and something happening to people i care about so I don't have the same type, but the xanax does help when I have those bad moments.
Good luck!
Captain
Posted by jcem on August 31, 2004, at 15:44:52
In reply to Re: Lexapro really good for anxiety?, posted by captain on August 31, 2004, at 15:06:18
> Hi jcem - do you take xanax or anything else for when you have those panic attacks? It seems to really help people.
>
> I suffer from GAD - mostly worry about my health and something happening to people i care about so I don't have the same type, but the xanax does help when I have those bad moments.
>
> Good luck!
> Captain
Thank you for yoru response...I do take Klonopin which helps tremendously. It really is the only thing that has worked as of yet. And I have had this problem for many many years. They say that I was born with Panic Disorder and it progressed into GAD and mild agorphobia...so therefore...it has been one medicine to another and yet to another...but luckily the Klonopin works very well. I take 2 mg a day and it allows me to have the ability to get out of the house and drive if I need to...I still have panic attacks but it isn't as bad.
Posted by mystic on August 31, 2004, at 18:30:48
In reply to Re: Lexapro really good for anxiety?, posted by captain on August 31, 2004, at 15:06:18
Hey jcem...The lexapro should help it helped me and it did take a while so try not to get discouraged..and I think it was edna that said your anxiety might get worse before it gets better as far as the lex and that is absolutely true but the depression really was better in a short period of time but the anxiety took longer..dont get discouraged and these posts will help you greatly if you stick with it...people are here to help you and they are more than willing to do so they are great..good luck and hope to talk to you soon...a friend Mystic
Posted by owensmar on August 31, 2004, at 20:36:23
In reply to Re: Lexapro really good for anxiety?, posted by ednababish on August 31, 2004, at 13:16:38
> Absolutely! Just not overnight. And it will initially exacerbate anxiety.
Would this initial worsening happen with Paxil, too? How long would it be likely to last? I tried Paxil for three weeks, got steadily more anxious, even panicked.
Marsha
Posted by ednababish on August 31, 2004, at 20:53:09
In reply to Worse initial anxiety with Paxil too? » ednababish, posted by owensmar on August 31, 2004, at 20:36:23
I took Paxil CR--first 12.5, then 25mgs. I had a panic episode the first day of classes two weeks into 25mgs, but I assumed that was because it was the first day of classes and because I was new on Paxil. It never happened again, but Paxil made me forgetful, apathetic in the extreme, and the SSE's were too much. Yes, I would say it was bad at first, but Paxil works for some people and works very well for panic disorder. Good luck,
Edna
Posted by mystic on August 31, 2004, at 21:56:37
In reply to Worse initial anxiety with Paxil too? » ednababish, posted by owensmar on August 31, 2004, at 20:36:23
Hey everyone was just wondering how many people have gained weight on the lex as there are people stuggling in the social babble as to this problem and I'm trying to determine how many people gain weight on the lex or if it is just they feel better and eat more or at what dose people begin to notice..thanks all i really appreciate it have a great week ..your friend Mystic
Posted by jcem on September 1, 2004, at 7:47:57
In reply to RE: Hey jcem, posted by mystic on August 31, 2004, at 18:30:48
> Hey jcem...The lexapro should help it helped me and it did take a while so try not to get discouraged..and I think it was edna that said your anxiety might get worse before it gets better as far as the lex and that is absolutely true but the depression really was better in a short period of time but the anxiety took longer..dont get discouraged and these posts will help you greatly if you stick with it...people are here to help you and they are more than willing to do so they are great..good luck and hope to talk to you soon...a friend Mystic
Thank you very much. It is so hard to deal with alone....I have much support from family and friends(don't get me wrong) but when they do not have the mental illness then they truly do not know what you are experiencing.
anyways...the Lexapro has made a touch more anxious but I figured it was just the adjustment. I am supposed to go up to 20mg on friday. We will see what that does. I am goign to stick with it since I have been on so many things and they never really worked for me.
Thank you so much!
Jamie
Posted by ednababish on September 1, 2004, at 10:15:10
In reply to RE:: Hey everyone, posted by mystic on August 31, 2004, at 21:56:37
Mystic,
It was after an increase to 20mgs on Easter. But it was also the end of a semester, which means I didn't have the time to make meals and eat right. And it was also during one of those phases where I assumed I could eat anything that I wanted, which isn't the case. And it was also the tail-end of the winter, fat-eating season, when I tend to eat heartier foods and chocolate. So maybe I was a bit relaxed and eating more as a result--it was only a five pound or so gain, and it hasn't come off according to the scale because I have a lot more muscle than I did four months ago.
Edna
Posted by captain on September 1, 2004, at 11:39:40
In reply to RE:: Hey everyone, posted by mystic on August 31, 2004, at 21:56:37
Hey Mystic! I actually did gain weight on lexapro and am probably a good example of what happens. If you read the fine print, these drugs have the ability to slow down your metabolism (not everyone, but many people). As you may know, that is what determines how much fat you burn when you are resting (which means when you are not working out). Your metabolism already slows as you age, which is why it is so much harder to lose weight when you are 50 than when you are 20.
I am 28 and am training for a half marathon and teach a weights class at my gym. I have not had weight issues in the past 6 years since I got out of college and wasn't ordering pizza at 3am every night! I have gained about 5 pounds since starting the lex three months ago and I can tell it is because my metabolism has slowed drastically. I am running about 20-25 miles a week and I know my body really well and its reaction to exercise and this is abnormal.
I got off of the lex about a week ago after tapering down and have already lost about 2 pounds and expect to see a change in my metabolism in the next 2 months. It can take as long for it to change back as it did to initially change it. I know many think I am nuts to quick lex over 5 pounds, but that is a lot on my frame and causes my clothes not to fit and for me to not be very happy! I love food and I hate to puke so I would never have an eating disorder! I just like to be in charge of my weight thru fitness and the SSRI's messed that up! :) Besides, having only been on for three months wasn't giving me much hope of what was to come weight wise in another year of taking lex!
So it rarely has to do with a lack of exercise or feeling better so you are eating more - it is more about how it effects your metabolism. Many are fighting an uphill battle while on SSRI's.
Again, this is my story and my knowlege from being a certified personal trainer so take it for what it is worth!
best of luck to you!
Captain
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