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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Gabby on July 22, 2003, at 11:23:08
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl » Mescalito, posted by arrianna on July 22, 2003, at 11:01:02
Hi.
I have been taking lexapro, in the mornings for about 4 months. For the first 3 months, I was on 10 mg. After sometime that didn't seem to work well anymore. My primary care doc increased my dosage to 15...a week later I was on 20 instead.
I am not sure when this began, but I also suffer from sleeplessness. To counteract this, my doc prescribed Trazadone, which is also an antidepressant, but it sure knocks me out.I hear a lot of people talking about the side effects of Lexapro, besides the sleeplessness, I do not know of any that I have suffered from. Can someone please name a few for me?
Posted by arrianna on July 22, 2003, at 11:46:55
In reply to Re: depakote before Lexapro » joebob, posted by HushDarling on July 19, 2003, at 0:33:13
Hi Melissa,
I've been on Lexapro now for two weeks. This is the first time I've ever been on any type of anti-depressant which I'm also taking 10mg (for anxiety). Anyways, I have experienced the typical side effects: light tiredness, trouble falling asleep- easily awakened, depressed mood, and decreased sex drive.
I experienced all these in the first couple of weeks, but now they seem to be improving as I adjust to it. I also experienced light headaches in the beginning, but now haven't noticed any. The side effects (for me) are mild and seem to outweigh the other options. Hope it works for you!
Take Care,
Arrianna
Posted by reichdon on July 22, 2003, at 14:09:19
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Mescalito on July 22, 2003, at 2:13:02
To ggrrl: how much of a dosage are you taking? I am starting out small (2.5 mg which is only 1/4 a tablet) and really didn't have many side effects. I thought I would slowly increase. Maybe that would help. good luck!
Reichdon
Posted by roxannamarie on July 22, 2003, at 18:23:00
In reply to Lexapro Withdrawal Dizziness, posted by Rich B on July 15, 2003, at 8:48:48
I experienced your exact scenario. Three years ago I was thin, really cute and super energetic but I foolishly went on Paxil for a bit of "social Phobia" and three years later I am fat, tired, have very low self-esteem, anxious and truly digusted with the person I became on Paxil. I switched to Lexapro a month ago and gained even more weight, I was like an eating machine, and then I would just sit on my ass all the time. Anyway, I am done with those stupid meds and am having the worst withdrawal..My brain is spinning around like a top inside my skull and I lash out at anyone who looks at me wrong... Seriously these meds are evil..I was fine before..I have had severe run ins with the law and gained an excessive amount of weight..If I was'nt depressed before I sure as hell am now... Do not take Paxil or Lexapro for Social Phobia or Anxiety, I almost ruined my life and hit rock bottom..Seriously..
Posted by bookgurl99 on July 22, 2003, at 19:50:08
In reply to Lexapro Withdrawal Dizziness, posted by Rich B on July 15, 2003, at 8:48:48
Rich,
I know it sounds weird, but I think some of the symptoms are due to blood volume changes. For example, when I came off Zoloft I felt really dizzy and peed like crazy. Certain other meds can make you bloat.
Can you try drinking a _lot_ of water, or -- this is what my dr. has suggested for the dizzy onset of migraine -- trying an Alka Seltzer?
At least you know it'll end; it did last time right?
Posted by Doug in PA on July 22, 2003, at 20:14:36
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Mescalito on July 22, 2003, at 2:13:02
I have been on Lex for about 6 weeks (I think) but my memory is so bad I can't remember when I started it. (space cadet) I have had that skin crawling feeling also and it worried me until I realized that it coinsided with the dread of my landlord coming to see the pig stie that I have let my house become. Does anything (thoughts)in your life start the tingling feeling??? I have felt better since I made the connection that maybe it is not the medication. Also what has helped me is a .5mg xanax two or three times a day in addition to 10 mg of lex. After 3 years I have actually started cleaning my house. I was always well groomed personally and showered daily but if I dropped something on the floor it was too much trouble to pick it up. I would just step over it. I really hated myself for doing that. I hope that I am getting better. Getting motivated is the hardest thing to do, staying motivated is the second hardest. Believing that there is hope for you getting better is a thought that I almost never have. I take it one day at a time. Give some reconsideration to stopping Lexapro. Good luck.
Doug in PA
========================================> I have been on Lexapro for 4 days. I can tell you that I have had MAJOR skin crawling feeling as well as general space cadet. I cannot sleep and for the most part feel awful! I am not going to take it anymore will call my doc tomorrow to let her know that there has to be something better out there!!!
Posted by roxannamarie on July 23, 2003, at 11:06:18
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? Skin crawl, posted by Doug in PA on July 22, 2003, at 20:14:36
Doug,
I totally know what you mean. I turned into a complete slob on meds.; I used to be vain to the point of fault, but on meds I did'nt shower, brush teeth, wash my face, comb my hair, even deodorant was a effort because I was too tired... My hygeine went to seed as did my living conditions, I honestly think they just make you not care..
Posted by Doug in PA on July 23, 2003, at 16:32:06
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? Skin crawl, posted by roxannamarie on July 23, 2003, at 11:06:18
roxannamarie
Do you know what else is missing in my every day life?? Laughing! Oh I hear a joke or see something amusing but it is only a mild ha ha. A
"Century" (actually 15 years)or more ago before I became depressed, I remember laughing 'till my sides hurt. I felt truly happy and good most of the time. Now-a-days nothing makes me really laugh or happy. Everything is either a tolerable shade of grey or black. Short of illegal drugs, is there a "happy" pill out there????? As for pills making you not care, you may be right. I don't care that I have put on 40 pounds in the last few years. Ok, I am lieing, I hate myself because of it, but I can't force myself to do anything about it. I care more about the feelings of others than I do of my own.
Everything for me is.....later...maybe.
Doug in PA
================================================> Doug,
>
> I totally know what you mean. I turned into a complete slob on meds.; I used to be vain to the point of fault, but on meds I did'nt shower, brush teeth, wash my face, comb my hair, even deodorant was a effort because I was too tired... My hygeine went to seed as did my living conditions, I honestly think they just make you not care..
Posted by pasdenom on July 23, 2003, at 18:10:14
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? Skin crawl, posted by Doug in PA on July 22, 2003, at 20:14:36
Doug and all,
I, too, have experience the "skin crawl" feeling, which I used to call "feeling kicky," because of an uncontrollable urge to move my legs. I have interpreted it to be RLS (Restless Leg Syndrome) exacerbated by Lexapro. I have experienced RLS on and off since my first pregnancy, but never nightly like this. Is skin crawl feeling mostly in your legs and mostly while you are sitting or laying down? If so, it probably is drug-induced RLS. What helps me is stretching, walking around, taking muscle relaxants or valium, occasionally.
Maybe Lexapro causes this in me and something different in you all.
Hope this helps.
Posted by roxannamarie on July 23, 2003, at 18:46:47
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? Skin crawl, posted by Doug in PA on July 23, 2003, at 16:32:06
Oh, I know. I can't remember the last time I had a really good deep laugh. This withdrawal is really bad though... I am soo dizzy and nauseous..I really want to push through this and hopefully I can become clear and energetic again. The weight gain factor was so strange..I put on 30 pounds? and I am 5'1.. It was so weird, even when I would work out and diet on Paxil I would not lose the weight, maybe like a pound or two but it definetly does something to the body chemistry.
Posted by BLKVETTES on July 23, 2003, at 19:00:10
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? Skin crawl, posted by pasdenom on July 23, 2003, at 18:10:14
> Doug and all,
> I, too, have experience the "skin crawl" feeling, which I used to call "feeling kicky," because of an uncontrollable urge to move my legs. I have interpreted it to be RLS (Restless Leg Syndrome) exacerbated by Lexapro. I have experienced RLS on and off since my first pregnancy, but never nightly like this. Is skin crawl feeling mostly in your legs and mostly while you are sitting or laying down? If so, it probably is drug-induced RLS. What helps me is stretching, walking around, taking muscle relaxants or valium, occasionally.
> Maybe Lexapro causes this in me and something different in you all.
> Hope this helps.Hi there, I had the restless leg thing also. The worst was at night when trying to sleep. It took months for this to be tolerable for me. Xanax helped a lot!!!!!!! I still get it sometimes but this is probably because of some anxiety or to many sodas!!! But Its nothing like it was and I sleep better than I have my whole life. TAKE CARE!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by Rich B on July 23, 2003, at 20:58:28
In reply to Re: Lexapro Withdrawal Dizziness, posted by bookgurl99 on July 22, 2003, at 19:50:14
Thanks all repliers. To update Michele and everyone else as well. Last Wednesday, I went back on a half a pill (5 mg) because I could not stand the dizziness. Right away the dizziness went away. I took a half a pill for 2 days and then a quarter pill for 3 days. No dizziness whatsoever. I stopped it on Monday and felt just an inkling of dizziness that evening. Yesterday and today (Wednesday) I have been dizzy but not as bad as when I went full blown cold turkey. Today, however, was much worse than Tuesday. However, I have been very depressed and anxious today and depression was not my problem at all before. I have a reason though. I am in the process of trying to move a friendship with a lady friend into something more. Well, as is normal in this type of situation, I am very anxious and if anything I do to advance the process does not succeed, I take it as a sign that she is not and will not be interested in me that way and I am heading toward failure. That is kind of normal for me because of experience, but it just seems much more intensified. Like 2 weeks ago when I went cold turkey, I am very tired kind of melancholy. Well, its full-blown depression and out of control anxiousness. One side of me wants to ride it through and just suffer a little longer to get it over with. Another side of me says that I am crazy to be trying to get off this stuff right now with what is going on in my life. If I have a few more days like this one, I’ll have to. Now get this. I am going out of town with a bunch of friends Saturday into Sunday and if I am still dizzy on Saturday, I’ll have to take it because it will ruin my fun and also I am driving. To make matter worse, this lady friend is one of the seven who is going on this trip with me. How is THAT for a nerve-racking weekend??? I think I will try to gut it out another day or two and see what happens. Come Fri or Sat if the situation is not much better, I’ll have go back to a quarter pill for a while. Wish me luck.
Rich B
P.S. Is tiredness a withdrawal symptom? How about depression?
Posted by bookgurl99 on July 23, 2003, at 21:27:42
In reply to Re: Lexapro Withdrawal Dizziness, posted by Rich B on July 23, 2003, at 20:58:28
Rich,
Feeling tired or depressed can both happen. Sometimes you can feel more depressed (temporarily) than you did before! But luckily, this often clears up in a few months.
books
Posted by bookgurl99 on July 24, 2003, at 7:49:26
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
Well, I started 2 days ago. Still at the 5 mg dose. (small!)
First things I've noticed -- it really does have milder SE's than Celexa. Felt tired the first day; switched to night, haven't had a problem. Also, on Celexa (which I quit after a week), I _immediately_ developed SSRI sweatiness/lack of libidio. Not there on the lex.
Felt weird yesterday, like my brain wanted to go into a migraine. Took the lex, few hours later the feeling was gone. Maybe it will work for these migraines.
Have to say it seems good.
Posted by BLKVETTES on July 24, 2003, at 8:12:41
In reply to First few days on Lexapro, posted by bookgurl99 on July 24, 2003, at 7:49:26
> Well, I started 2 days ago. Still at the 5 mg dose. (small!)
>
> First things I've noticed -- it really does have milder SE's than Celexa. Felt tired the first day; switched to night, haven't had a problem. Also, on Celexa (which I quit after a week), I _immediately_ developed SSRI sweatiness/lack of libidio. Not there on the lex.
>
> Felt weird yesterday, like my brain wanted to go into a migraine. Took the lex, few hours later the feeling was gone. Maybe it will work for these migraines.
>
> Have to say it seems good.Hi there, with some people 5mg has done the trick. Others have had to go to 20mg. I take about 7mg and have been for a long time. Take your time in moving up the dose. Do it slowly and you may hit the perfect dose on the way up. TAKE CARE!!!
WAYNE
Posted by Micheke on July 24, 2003, at 14:28:56
In reply to Re: Lexapro Withdrawal Dizziness, posted by Rich B on July 23, 2003, at 20:58:28
Rich,
Since my last post I was forced back to a 5mg dose of the lex. I was having a hard time driving cause every time I moved my eyes I got dizzy. Dizziness disappeared about 2 hours after I took it. I took the 5mg for a couple of days and now I'm on my 2nd day of 2.5mg. I think I'll stay on this till my fiance gets back from his trip. I don't know about you but going back and forth through this withdrawal is certainly enough to make me anxious and depressed. I felt like a failure for giving in to the meds and going back on. The truth is that I couldn't function with the dizziness the way it was. Feels like a perpetual merry go round. Gives me a headache and makes me very cranky. I'm doing great right now, we'll see what happens at the next step.Anyway, sounds as if you have the potential for a great trip. Try to just have fun and not worry too much about a blossoming relationship while you're away. Take things as they come. I try to remind myself that when things are right they happen naturally. Let us know how things went when you get back :)
-Michele
Posted by mph-speedy on July 24, 2003, at 18:49:29
In reply to Re: First few days on Lexapro, posted by BLKVETTES on July 24, 2003, at 8:12:41
Have been reading Lexapro thread with interest. First time user of AD - have been on 10mg Lexapro for one month. Minor side effects (thirst, insomnia) do not outweigh benefits so far. Almost immediate positive effect being lifted out of overwhelming anger, depression, and paranoia. Where to go from here? Any thoughts?
Posted by BLKVETTES on July 24, 2003, at 19:16:51
In reply to Re: First few days on Lexapro, posted by mph-speedy on July 24, 2003, at 18:49:29
> Have been reading Lexapro thread with interest. First time user of AD - have been on 10mg Lexapro for one month. Minor side effects (thirst, insomnia) do not outweigh benefits so far. Almost immediate positive effect being lifted out of overwhelming anger, depression, and paranoia. Where to go from here? Any thoughts?
Hi there, glad the lex is working for you and those side effects should go away in time. Do you feel you should be getting more out of it. Is that what you mean by any thoughts? POST BACK IF YOU DO!!!! TAKE CARE!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by Dissociative Jane on July 25, 2003, at 10:19:59
In reply to Re: First few days on Lexapro, posted by BLKVETTES on July 24, 2003, at 19:16:51
I was prescribed Lexapro because when I was tapering off Effexor, I developed some "strange feelings" (dizziness, and more). My pdoc had me take it for 2 weeks. During the 2 weeks I felt fabulous almost instantly...but when the Lexapro RX ran out my pdoc said just to continue taking my Wellbutrin which I take 2 x's per day.
I must admit,
I was feeling a little dissapointed about not taking Lexapro, but didn't want to sound a like a "Med Lover" to my pdoc so, I never said anything further until about 1 month later.
I had my appointment with my pdoc and told him that there was something about Lexapro that really made me feel GOOD...."awake, alert,mentally energized"....so, he prescribed it to me. I now take Wellbutrin SR 150mg 2x's per day and Lexapro 10mg every day. I'm on day 3 of Lexapro and feel like I'm on speed....I love this feeling.
Posted by Heidi8 on July 25, 2003, at 11:07:20
In reply to Re: First few days on Lexapro...Feel Good!, posted by Dissociative Jane on July 25, 2003, at 10:19:59
I am glad you are doing well. I sent an earlier post and it did not appear, so apologize if ultimately this is a duplicate.
I would appreciate some advice. I also began Lexapro 2 days ago ( 11pm dosage), starting with a quarter pill- 2.5mg. I barely slept and woke with a sick, heavy, headache and dizziness that would not abate, despite taking some Aleve late in the afternoon. I cut the dose to 1.2 last night ( took about 7 pm) . I slept, but woke with that same headache, almost like a post concussion headache I once head, where I felt like my head was 10 lbs. heavier on one side and twisted around.
I have a terrible track record with trying SSRI's and am very concerned. I have tried the SSRI's to deal with a depression precipitated by high dose progesterone to treat hyperplasia.
I would welcome any advice or thoughts whether the headaches will abates. The progesterone side effects are barely manageable and I do not think I can deal with the headache on top of it. I don't want the cure to be worse than the problem...if you know what I mean. thanks in advance...
Posted by BLKVETTES on July 25, 2003, at 11:12:14
In reply to Re: First few days on Lexapro...Feel Good!, posted by Dissociative Jane on July 25, 2003, at 10:19:59
> I was prescribed Lexapro because when I was tapering off Effexor, I developed some "strange feelings" (dizziness, and more). My pdoc had me take it for 2 weeks. During the 2 weeks I felt fabulous almost instantly...but when the Lexapro RX ran out my pdoc said just to continue taking my Wellbutrin which I take 2 x's per day.
> I must admit,
> I was feeling a little dissapointed about not taking Lexapro, but didn't want to sound a like a "Med Lover" to my pdoc so, I never said anything further until about 1 month later.
> I had my appointment with my pdoc and told him that there was something about Lexapro that really made me feel GOOD...."awake, alert,mentally energized"....so, he prescribed it to me. I now take Wellbutrin SR 150mg 2x's per day and Lexapro 10mg every day. I'm on day 3 of Lexapro and feel like I'm on speed....I love this feeling.Hi there, glad your feeling good on the lexapro. It does affect some people that way that speed feeling. I used to take speed years and years ago. Are you able to sleep at night? Just be aware in the coming weeks if your still feeling good. Cant argue with feeling good!! Im happy for you!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by lil' jimi on July 25, 2003, at 11:13:49
In reply to First few days on Lexapro, posted by bookgurl99 on July 24, 2003, at 7:49:26
hi books,
which other meds have you used, besides celexa?
... glad to read that lex has worked for you so far ... ... usually it takes a while before it gets so helpful ... looking forward to your updates ... ... please keep us posted.
TAKE CARE!!!
~ jim
Posted by lil' jimi on July 25, 2003, at 11:31:03
In reply to Re: First few days on Lexapro...Feel Good!, posted by Heidi8 on July 25, 2003, at 11:07:20
hi Heidi8,
certainly, you want to check with your doctor about these SEs to see what is suggested ...
although your possible med interactions are completely beyond me (i have only taken lex and all of my SEs went away in less than 2 weeks),
let me ask,
"How much water do you drink a day?"
and
"Can you drink more water? ...
... or that sport drink, electrolyte enhancing drink type stuff ...i have found i get thirsty since i have been on lex, and learned this is a CLUE (!) that i am dehydrating and should drink more water ... i like mine with a slice of lime, mmmmmmm!
this has helped my headaches ... .. ... i think it's helping my sinuses ... ... which helps my head ...
just a thought ... hope it might help ...
TAKE CARE !@!!
~ jim
Posted by lil' jimi on July 25, 2003, at 11:43:26
In reply to Re: First few days on Lexapro...Feel Good!, posted by Dissociative Jane on July 25, 2003, at 10:19:59
hi Dissociative Jane,
... thanks for your post!
.. .. love these encouraging positive lex posts!ah, yes, the Lexapro Speed Buzz ... ... i had that some at first .. ... still get a little of it ... some folks have compared this to the "hyper mania" that the BP folks suffer ...
... and again we have you guys getting these nearly instantaneous benefits from lex ... .. ... for Months, Wayne and i have been telling the new lex users that it takes so long for the lex benefits to kick in ... now y'all come along and ruin everything!!
HA!
NOT!.... ... really trying to kid us there ...
it really is wonderful that you are benefiting from lex so soon ... please, please keep us (me?) posted!TAKE CARE !!!
~ jim
Posted by maxumus on July 25, 2003, at 11:53:07
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
has anyone tried valium instead of anti-depresents for anxiety? i'm looking for an alternative because of the sexual side effect.I've been taking paxil and Zanax for over a month.It seems paxil has taking away my anxiety but also zap other emotions like sense of humor,motivation ect.ect.Is Lexapro that much different than paxil?
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