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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 665 to 689 of 8406. Go back in thread:
Posted by johnj on October 8, 2002, at 10:51:17
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl--Tobacco, posted by shakingoscar on October 8, 2002, at 8:52:52
HI,
You posted on October 5th that Lexapro has worked great and has been the best med for you. What has happeneded? Is it the coffee and tobacco that has contributed to the downfall? I am somewhat confused. Some people have said Lexapro has been great for anxiety?? Thanks
johnj
Posted by mudbunny on October 8, 2002, at 12:17:11
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by shakingoscar on October 8, 2002, at 7:39:23
How long have you been on lexapro? In that time how much weight did you gain? I have been on lex for 1 week and love it. I have a little less appetite and a little more tired during the day. I also take 200 mg of welbutrin. thanks.
Posted by mudbunny on October 8, 2002, at 12:17:18
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by shakingoscar on October 8, 2002, at 7:39:23
How long have you been on lexapro? In that time how much weight did you gain? I have been on lex for 1 week and love it. I have a little less appetite and a little more tired during the day. I also take 200 mg of welbutrin. thanks.
Posted by ANXIETY ANN on October 8, 2002, at 13:28:48
In reply to Re: Question for Pharmrep regarding Lexapro Anxiety (nm), posted by ANXIETY ANN on October 8, 2002, at 13:14:45
I RECENTLY STARTED TAKING LEXAPRO (3DAYS) 10MG FOR ANXIETY. I HAVE SEVERE HEADACHES AND STOMACH UPSET AS WELL AS DIZZINESS AND HOT FLASHES FLUSHING. SHOULD I CUT MY DOSE DOWN TO 5MG OR STICK IT OUT ON 10 MG DO THE SIDE AFFECTS GO AWAY WITH TIME? IN THE PAST I HAVE HAD A HARD TIME WITH DEPRESSION MEDS. I ALSO TAKE ADIVAN NAD XANAX FO ANXIETY AND PANIC ATTACKS.THANKS FOR ANY ADVICE YOU CAN GIVE
Posted by hyperanxiety on October 8, 2002, at 14:04:17
In reply to Re: Pharmrep: A Week On Lexapro..., posted by Ippopo on October 4, 2002, at 12:28:48
I was told a year ago that I have severe anxiety but was told by a counselor, and she said it would be a month before I could see a doctor. Needless to say I never saw the doctor. I thought the problem I was having was adhd resurfacing but I know now it was not. Recently I have had leg pains and muscle spasm accompanied by tremors went to doctor he ran blood tests said everything was cool and said it was probably anxiety. To make a long story short I was prescribed lexapro and to a 10 mg tab mon the 7th of october. First 2 to 3 hours were ok I was a little spaced out feeling but that was only the start by 4 to 5 hours later I was having so much anxiety I thought I was gonna lose it. It was much greater than any I have ever experienced my legs started tightening up more got so shakey it was unreal and muscle spasms everywhere. Found myself bearing my teeth together. Called my doctor and he said to try taking it before bed. What do you peeps think? Saturday a friend gave me a xanex and that helped me not worry about all that is going on now but still had muscle pain and some spasms. Anyone got an answer about what they think I should do.
Posted by Ippopo on October 8, 2002, at 15:36:39
In reply to me » Ippopo, posted by pharmrep on October 8, 2002, at 1:41:13
Hi Pharmrep,
I'm falling in love with your dedication to your job. Your quest for knowledge is wonderful.
Anyway, I am on Lexapro 10 mg 1x/day and Adderall 5 mg (ADD) 2x/day. It's roughly 3 weeks now. I'm spacey so time sequence is questionable. I'm trying Lexapro in the mornings now. I have no idea what is doing what.
Before this it was Effexor XR 225 mg for 3 wks. Around 1.5 wks into it the Doc prescribed Adderall. I quit eating, lost weight, became depressed, with suicidal ideation becaming a regular part of my thought process. I don't know if it was lack of nutrition, inefficiency of Effexor XR, or absence of cable TV ( no HSN...joke) that contributed to the change of meds. Possibly all of the above.
Before all of that I was on Zoloft150 mg and Welbutrin 300 mg (3 yrs). When the current Doc heard of the combo he blew a gasket and switched me. Aside from the combo not doing anything the last 8/12 months, he said the combo didn't react well together.
This is my Med history aside from the antibiotics I take during dental work due to a Mitro Valve Prolapse.
Posted by utopizen on October 8, 2002, at 15:40:58
In reply to I took one pill and no way will I ever try another, posted by hyperanxiety on October 8, 2002, at 14:04:17
I am concerned that taking it at night would cause you to have dental bruxism-- I grind my teeth... you don't know you do it in your sleep until someone else tells you they heard it (like me) or the dentist notices abrasion (after it's severe).
Then again, Adderall gave me the elastic jaw clamp feeling for a few days and never since... it may just be how your nerves are adjusting to it all.
Still, if that's what the case is, I don't see the harm in going on Klonopin or Xanax (pyschs. prefer Klono because it leaves the blood later) for your anxiety from Lexapro.
If you can ride out the anxiety storm with a benzo, maybe after a few weeks you can stop taking it and by then the clouds of anxiety are too tired to rain down on you anymore and everything's cleared up.
Posted by JLM on October 8, 2002, at 16:01:47
In reply to Re: Proofsource » pharmrep, posted by dr. dave on October 8, 2002, at 6:15:06
> I'm glad to read that you always have a proof source to support your statements. I wonder whether you could give the proof source for your statement that Lexapro has fewer side-effects than Celexa. I've asked a few times, but haven't seen it from you yet.
>
> The other interesting statement recently has been
>
> ' ...celexa can cause both insomnia and somnolence...usually people are tired...you are doing the right thing in taking early in day, but you still stay up at night. Lexapro doesnt have the somnolence, but a little insomnia for some'
>
> Lundbeck say that 6.9% of people taking Lexapro had somnolence in recent trials, compared to 4.7% in the Celexa group. The difference was not statistically significant. Could you tell us your proof source for the statement that Lexapro 'doesn't have somnolence.'
>
> I hope this doesn't make you feel 'beat up' - it's just a matter of making sure accurate information is being given out.
>
>
> > *** I am a pharmaceutical rep for Forest (makers of Celexa and Lexapro). I found this site about 2-3 months ago...I used to get beat up a lot...you know...all the hype on Lexapro coming out. And a lot of bad info going around. I was really just trying to get rid of the bad info, and give the correct info since I had already been trained on Lexapro. It soon turned into a nice info room for all to ask and share what they knew/experienced (especially since Lexapro launched.) I have been cautious to not come off as "salesy", but more informative..always having a proofsource to support my statements...I still get some "stiff" posts, but I dont take it personal. I am more interested in learning more about the field I work in (the people here, and the meds/combos, and lots more) and how I can better serve the DR's I see and share with them how Lexapro can help their patients...I hope you can give lexapro more time...how long for you now?
>
>
Once again, I too, would like to see something to validate this claim other than the small, statistically insignificant difference between citalopram and escitalopram.
Posted by chad_3 on October 8, 2002, at 22:20:38
In reply to Re: Proofsource » dr. dave, posted by JLM on October 8, 2002, at 16:01:47
Hi Sir -
This is a 2 part question:
1) Do you believe Celexa is as effective as Paxil across comparable dose ranges, especially for dysthymia, major depression, and general anxiety (all 3 disorders) ... If indeed LexaPro potently blocks s2 and s3 receptors, would this drug not be highly effective in treating certain a host of movement disorders (aka; clozapine)... ?
2) It is now common for urologists to use Paxil to treat premature ejaculators, and for psychiatrists to prescribe Zoloft to tame males who are overly sexually agressive.
In your personal opinion, do you believe that LexaPro will be as effective as Paxil (for premature ejactulation / excess libido) and/or as effective as Zoloft for sexual overaggression.
Any official info on the above greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Chad
> > I'm glad to read that you always have a proof source to support your statements. I wonder whether you could give the proof source for your statement that Lexapro has fewer side-effects than Celexa. I've asked a few times, but haven't seen it from you yet.
> >
> > The other interesting statement recently has been
> >
> > ' ...celexa can cause both insomnia and somnolence...usually people are tired...you are doing the right thing in taking early in day, but you still stay up at night. Lexapro doesnt have the somnolence, but a little insomnia for some'
> >
> > Lundbeck say that 6.9% of people taking Lexapro had somnolence in recent trials, compared to 4.7% in the Celexa group. The difference was not statistically significant. Could you tell us your proof source for the statement that Lexapro 'doesn't have somnolence.'
> >
> > I hope this doesn't make you feel 'beat up' - it's just a matter of making sure accurate information is being given out.
> >
> >
> > > *** I am a pharmaceutical rep for Forest (makers of Celexa and Lexapro). I found this site about 2-3 months ago...I used to get beat up a lot...you know...all the hype on Lexapro coming out. And a lot of bad info going around. I was really just trying to get rid of the bad info, and give the correct info since I had already been trained on Lexapro. It soon turned into a nice info room for all to ask and share what they knew/experienced (especially since Lexapro launched.) I have been cautious to not come off as "salesy", but more informative..always having a proofsource to support my statements...I still get some "stiff" posts, but I dont take it personal. I am more interested in learning more about the field I work in (the people here, and the meds/combos, and lots more) and how I can better serve the DR's I see and share with them how Lexapro can help their patients...I hope you can give lexapro more time...how long for you now?
> >
> >
>
>
> Once again, I too, would like to see something to validate this claim other than the small, statistically insignificant difference between citalopram and escitalopram.
>
>
>
Posted by JLM on October 8, 2002, at 22:26:24
In reply to Technical questions for Celexa/LexaPro Rep, posted by chad_3 on October 8, 2002, at 22:20:38
> Hi Sir -
>
> This is a 2 part question:
>
> 1) Do you believe Celexa is as effective as Paxil across comparable dose ranges, especially for dysthymia, major depression, and general anxiety (all 3 disorders) ... If indeed LexaPro potently blocks s2 and s3 receptors, would this drug not be highly effective in treating certain a host of movement disorders (aka; clozapine)... ?
>
> 2) It is now common for urologists to use Paxil to treat premature ejaculators, and for psychiatrists to prescribe Zoloft to tame males who are overly sexually agressive.Good god, that just shows how totally out of control the practice of medicine has gotten. It seems like SSRI's work for almost anything you would care to prescribe them for. Its also a good
argument for the non specificity of their effects.
>
> In your personal opinion, do you believe that LexaPro will be as effective as Paxil (for premature ejactulation / excess libido) and/or as effective as Zoloft for sexual overaggression.
>
> Any official info on the above greatly appreciated.
>
> Sincerely,
> Chad
>
>
> > > I'm glad to read that you always have a proof source to support your statements. I wonder whether you could give the proof source for your statement that Lexapro has fewer side-effects than Celexa. I've asked a few times, but haven't seen it from you yet.
> > >
> > > The other interesting statement recently has been
> > >
> > > ' ...celexa can cause both insomnia and somnolence...usually people are tired...you are doing the right thing in taking early in day, but you still stay up at night. Lexapro doesnt have the somnolence, but a little insomnia for some'
> > >
> > > Lundbeck say that 6.9% of people taking Lexapro had somnolence in recent trials, compared to 4.7% in the Celexa group. The difference was not statistically significant. Could you tell us your proof source for the statement that Lexapro 'doesn't have somnolence.'
> > >
> > > I hope this doesn't make you feel 'beat up' - it's just a matter of making sure accurate information is being given out.
> > >
> > >
> > > > *** I am a pharmaceutical rep for Forest (makers of Celexa and Lexapro). I found this site about 2-3 months ago...I used to get beat up a lot...you know...all the hype on Lexapro coming out. And a lot of bad info going around. I was really just trying to get rid of the bad info, and give the correct info since I had already been trained on Lexapro. It soon turned into a nice info room for all to ask and share what they knew/experienced (especially since Lexapro launched.) I have been cautious to not come off as "salesy", but more informative..always having a proofsource to support my statements...I still get some "stiff" posts, but I dont take it personal. I am more interested in learning more about the field I work in (the people here, and the meds/combos, and lots more) and how I can better serve the DR's I see and share with them how Lexapro can help their patients...I hope you can give lexapro more time...how long for you now?
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
> > Once again, I too, would like to see something to validate this claim other than the small, statistically insignificant difference between citalopram and escitalopram.
> >
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by Alan on October 8, 2002, at 23:48:34
In reply to Re: there is no Lexapro-Toprol interaction /bottom » jane d, posted by pharmrep on October 8, 2002, at 0:43:06
Q:
It seems to me (from this bulletin board and several others)that the preferred option of people suffering from anxiety for a long period seems to be to either take Xanax or another benzo daily, or on an as needed basis. Why is it then that most doctors seem to recommend ADs as the first (and many times only) choice for anxiety? It can't just be marketing by the pharmaceutical companies can it?
A:
Well, it isn't JUST marketing. The makers also performed unprecedented numbers of clinical trials (mostly outside the US) in order to get a handful that were complimentary. They couldn't afford to be satisfied with the first overwhelmingly negative results, as there was too much money already invested. So they persevered and persevered, gradually learning how to design studies with more favorable outcomes. They also changed some data and hid other studies away in company vaults where they weren't "found" until a decade later, and then only under court order.But yes, antidepressants do seem, according to the little independent research that exists, to be useful against anxiety in maybe 30-50% of cases. Still, it's no coincidence that most manufacturers don't provide data on SSRIs in anxiety that would allow actual percentage calculations to be made. They just say their med was so-and-so % much better than placebo.
Meanwhile, benzodiazapines have proven for 40+ years to be at least 75% - 85% effective by conservative estimates with little side effect comparatively speaking. Plus they are usually added to take with an AD in the end anyway since AD's are most often overstimulating or do not provide adequate releif of symptoms as the anxiolytics do.
You have to understand that the FDA has incestually high employment overlap, among its movers and shakers, with the industries that it regulates. In the pharmaceutical arena, it is common for someone who pushes through an approval at the FDA to then go work for the company that developed the approved product. The financial temptations are nearly irresistible.
There's a rule of thumb in law enforcement that the more highly educated a person is, the more gullible he becomes. You get more Ph.D.s falling for street scams than people whose daily life is closer to the street. Doctors are no exception. They seldom imagine that a drug company would lie and cheat about the information shown to doctors, or that so many of the articles written about SSRIs have been ghost-written by pharmaceutical company hacks who then paid an "independent" MD to put his name on it, or that the respected MD who writes or speaks about a medication neglects to mention that he is earning not only some but the majority of his income from the drug company that makes the medication. They are amazed and outraged when individual cases get exposed, but they don't get it that this is business as usual in the pharmaceutical industry today.
Pharmrep:Besides the "what's your source" company line, any comments? If you dispute it, what are YOUR sources?
Posted by shakingoscar on October 9, 2002, at 1:10:43
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by mudbunny on October 8, 2002, at 12:17:11
Ive been on lex 6 weeks now.. Admittedly, I have had to reduce my dose because my doctor overprescribed... However, in the last 6 weeks, I have gained around 7 pounds...
Cheers
Posted by horridmonster on October 9, 2002, at 1:10:56
In reply to Re: Proofsource » pharmrep, posted by dr. dave on October 8, 2002, at 6:15:06
> I'm glad to read that you always have a proof source to support your statements. I wonder whether you could give the proof source for your statement that Lexapro has fewer side-effects than Celexa. I've asked a few times, but haven't seen it from you yet.
>
> The other interesting statement recently has been
>
> ' ...celexa can cause both insomnia and somnolence...usually people are tired...you are doing the right thing in taking early in day, but you still stay up at night. Lexapro doesnt have the somnolence, but a little insomnia for some'
>
> Lundbeck say that 6.9% of people taking Lexapro had somnolence in recent trials, compared to 4.7% in the Celexa group. The difference was not statistically significant. Could you tell us your proof source for the statement that Lexapro 'doesn't have somnolence.'
>
> I hope this doesn't make you feel 'beat up' - it's just a matter of making sure accurate information is being given out.
>
>
> > *** I am a pharmaceutical rep for Forest (makers of Celexa and Lexapro). I found this site about 2-3 months ago...I used to get beat up a lot...you know...all the hype on Lexapro coming out. And a lot of bad info going around. I was really just trying to get rid of the bad info, and give the correct info since I had already been trained on Lexapro. It soon turned into a nice info room for all to ask and share what they knew/experienced (especially since Lexapro launched.) I have been cautious to not come off as "salesy", but more informative..always having a proofsource to support my statements...I still get some "stiff" posts, but I dont take it personal. I am more interested in learning more about the field I work in (the people here, and the meds/combos, and lots more) and how I can better serve the DR's I see and share with them how Lexapro can help their patients...I hope you can give lexapro more time...how long for you now?
>
>Is somnolence exhaustion? That's me - couldn't keep my eyes open the first week. Better now third week but still not my old energetic self. Keep waiting. Maybe i'm less than 1% in some study or two - but that still means SOMEBODY is gonna have that effect. pharmrep i find your comments helpful but only to a degree - i know my side effects whether thay show in tests in others or not. -monster
Posted by Dr. Bob on October 9, 2002, at 1:12:52
In reply to me » Ippopo, posted by pharmrep on October 8, 2002, at 1:41:13
> I love your input as well as others, but dont make them so long...my eyes hurt.
> I used to get beat up a lot...
Keeping in mind that the idea here is not to post anything that could lead others to feel accused or put down, could you please rephrase the above? Thanks,
Bob
PS: Follow-ups regarding posting policies, and complaints about posts, should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration.
Posted by Ippopo on October 9, 2002, at 1:27:29
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by shakingoscar on October 9, 2002, at 1:10:43
Did you do anything different while gaining 7pds? I'm eatting like a pig. I don't think I gained weight. Food tastes sooooo good right now.
Did you feel the same way about food?
Posted by dr. dave on October 9, 2002, at 4:16:22
In reply to You Gained 7 pds from Lexapro?, posted by Ippopo on October 9, 2002, at 1:27:29
A new study has been reported which allegedly shows Lexapro to be more effective than Effexor. This is pretty serious stuff if it is true. There's a link to a story about it in a posting by Anyuser further down the board. If anyone manages to find the study itself I would be very grateful if they could direct me to it.
Posted by shakingoscar on October 9, 2002, at 6:28:47
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
Hi,
just to let you know, I am a disastified customer of lexapro!Ive been on it for 6 weeks now. First I was prescribed 30mg which was too high and made me really ill.. Then, a week ago, I went down to 15mg but my depression returned yesterday.
Today I took 20mg and feel very stimulated - uncomfortably so.
I dont know what else to do...
What do I do if 20mg is too much and 15mg is too low?
I wish now I had stayed on 60mg celexa which I was doing ok on (I only changed to see if the sexual side effects would be less).
Cheers
Posted by maririp on October 9, 2002, at 7:31:50
In reply to You Gained 7 pds from Lexapro?, posted by Ippopo on October 9, 2002, at 1:27:29
Ippopo..I have been on lexapro almost 3 weeks now..and the first few days i couldnt stand the thought of food. I have a good apetite now and i know i have gained a few pounds...Im hopin I dont gain too much too soon as i did with other antidepressants. Im thin so i enjoy having a nice appetite. I dont seem to feel the need to eat every minute like I did on other meds..Is still early tho so we will see.
Posted by Satori on October 9, 2002, at 11:06:34
In reply to You Gained 7 pds from Lexapro?, posted by Ippopo on October 9, 2002, at 1:27:29
My husband went to the doctor today and was given this drug. As soon as I got home I looked up all the contraindications, and then I found this board. However, I really need to ask something that I'm sure no one can answer, but I'm really thinking that it's the biggest part of the problem. Anyway, he has always been a regular user of marijuana, but lately, he hasn't gotten any, and it seems that ever since he decided to quit, he's been completely out of control with his emotions. He gets angry very easily, he's been depressed, he's been stressed, overwhelmed, and just everything has been too much for him. Now, we've been together for 20 years, and during that entire time, he's always used marijuana, and I truly feel like this is part of a withdrawal, but I had him go to the doctor who prescribed lexapro, and I'm just wondering if this drug can be helpful in this situation, and if this is just more of a short term thing to help him past the withdrawal.
Posted by momof3 on October 9, 2002, at 11:21:13
In reply to Re: I took one pill and no way will I ever try ano, posted by utopizen on October 8, 2002, at 15:40:58
Hi all!
I am just recently starting lexapro-10mg- and can't seem to shake this fog. I have headaches that last for days. The other day I could hardly function and I have three small children and run a business from my home. I am unsure of the next step I should take. I went from aggitated and borderline insomniac to a zombie-like state. How long does this last? This was a big step for me to even go to my Dr. in the first place and my husband doesn't even think I "need that stuff". But, when you want to get in the car and keep on driving when you are supposed to be going to the grocery store, there is a problem. I need some advice. Thanks for your help-this has helped just being able to tell people who understand!
Posted by johnj on October 9, 2002, at 13:23:59
In reply to Weird question for anyone concerning lexapro, posted by Satori on October 9, 2002, at 11:06:34
Although I am not a user of weed anymore, it does cause depression and withdrawl in some. I have a friend who had a bad time after giving it up. Funny, he was a big proponent of legalization before he quit. Now, he is very against it because it is addictive. If lexapro helps or not I cannot say, but my friend benefited from medication (antidepressants), and then got off after things settled down. Does your doctor know the history? That is vital to getting the right help.
Posted by ramidel on October 9, 2002, at 13:33:19
In reply to Just started Lexapro 11 days ago, posted by momof3 on October 9, 2002, at 11:21:13
> Hi all!
> I am just recently starting lexapro-10mg- and can't seem to shake this fog. I have headaches that last for days. The other day I could hardly function and I have three small children and run a business from my home. I am unsure of the next step I should take. I went from aggitated and borderline insomniac to a zombie-like state. How long does this last? This was a big step for me to even go to my Dr. in the first place and my husband doesn't even think I "need that stuff". But, when you want to get in the car and keep on driving when you are supposed to be going to the grocery store, there is a problem. I need some advice. Thanks for your help-this has helped just being able to tell people who understand!I've been on Lexapro for two weeks, following several years on Paxil. At first, I did get headaches (some very bad) but these seem to have subsided now. Generally, I have felt better on 10mg of Lexapro than I did on 40mg of Paxil. I've even experienced ejaculation for the first time in several years! Not great, but at least something.
I've experienced some dizziness, but don't know if that is caused by a new BP med, or allergies. Too soon to separate.
Posted by Abacus on October 9, 2002, at 13:42:35
In reply to Re: Just started Lexapro 11 days ago » momof3, posted by ramidel on October 9, 2002, at 13:33:19
I started Lexapro (5 mg/day) a week ago and I feel like a zombie! Will this pass?
Posted by momof3 on October 9, 2002, at 14:37:12
In reply to Zonked, posted by Abacus on October 9, 2002, at 13:42:35
I feel better the last two days as far as s/e go but still have a sort of dull feeling. Nothing moves me too much. As far as sexual s/e go, I have noticed a decrease in libdo but am unsure if it still depression or meds.Is there anything to help with that feeling of nothingness? I hope I am making sense. The best way to describe it is I don't think about driving off a cliff anymore, I just don't feel much of anything.
Posted by Ippopo on October 9, 2002, at 14:54:05
In reply to Re: Zonked, posted by momof3 on October 9, 2002, at 14:37:12
My reaction has been different from yours. I've been on for (I think, though I really can't remember) 3 wks. At first I was very spacey, actually I still am! Then I went to mood rollercoaster. If someone became angry with me I'd cry. If I heard a joke within the next 30sec I'd laugh. I'm still sensitive but not as much. I finally woke up at a decent hour today and took meds on time(Lexapro and Adderall) I ate lunch and am going to go back to sleep. This never happens unless it's apart of pms.
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