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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by oldhand on October 14, 2003, at 23:08:35
In reply to Re: Strange Weekend Thing, posted by Esmarelda on October 14, 2003, at 14:29:10
> As for me, I only have a computer at work. I have access to the internet at home, but chose to spend my weekends living life at the lake instead of inside on a computer. No hoax here. I was down and depressed and am still on LeX!
I also am not from a drug company. I took a disability retirement from Social Work administration for this clinical depression in 2000. I had been trying all kinds of AD's and combinations for years. Lex works for me, too.
Posted by oldhand on October 14, 2003, at 23:17:48
In reply to Re: Help! First day: Nausea and Lexapro, posted by Scribbler on October 14, 2003, at 18:39:28
> Well, Day#2 was, as predicted, much better. Thanks for all of your reassuring words! I have had a slight headache but no nausea (hooray!) and am so pleased that I found such a supportive group to share our progress toward happier days. Has anyone used Imitrex with Lexapro? I saw something about mixing the two and potential problems. So what do you do about a migraine when you're taking Lex?
I also was concerned with this caution about Imitrex. I was given Maxalt to replace the Imitrex for migraines but I have only had ONE since taking Lex and that night I drank some cheap wine. Probably my own fault I got the headache, but essentially I have been migraine-free for 10 months. I hope you will have the same experience as I have had .
Shelley
Posted by Mariposa on October 14, 2003, at 23:49:49
In reply to Re: Help! First day: Nausea and Lexapro, posted by Scribbler on October 14, 2003, at 18:39:28
> So what do you do about a migraine when you're taking Lex?
I had several really bad mig. first week or so, took OTC stuff. ~~~8|8
Posted by Gza on October 15, 2003, at 12:11:59
In reply to Re: Lexapro with Welbutrin results?, posted by EscherDementian on October 14, 2003, at 20:16:14
> That combination caused a terrible ear screeeeing sound that got louder and louder until it was impossible to know if there were any benefits at all. i couldn't hear myself think over the loudness, and since it was the sound that fingernails make down a chalkboard, as you can imaginge, it did nothing for my sense of wellbeing.
Were you also intaking caffeine? I noticed caffeine kind of does that to me.
If my post gets posted twice again (has every time so far), could anybody tell me why? I only single-click when I submit it. Thanks.
Posted by mchappy on October 15, 2003, at 12:34:15
In reply to Re: SSRIs and Beyond » oldhand, posted by theo on September 22, 2003, at 8:12:48
Hi,
new here and just cking on wellbutrin XL that my doc put me on 2 weeks ago. I've been taking 10mg Lexapro for about 18 months and I just wasn't totally back to my old self and absolutly no sex drive to brag about. After 2 weeks I feel a significant change in both my "happies" and the sexual side effects also. Happy to report positive results of the mix.
Posted by ginger C on October 15, 2003, at 14:33:27
In reply to Re: SSRIs and Beyond, posted by mchappy on October 15, 2003, at 12:34:15
It may take a while for you to adjust to the Lexapro and welbutrin but the side affects do begin to subside after a while. For a while if anyone had asked me about sex I would reply what is sex? Hang in there.
Posted by Scribbler on October 15, 2003, at 17:32:15
In reply to Re: Help! First day: Nausea and Lexapro » Scribbler, posted by Mariposa on October 14, 2003, at 23:49:49
Day #3 on Lexapro: I still have the headache I had on Day #1 but, to be fair, I had it the day before I began taking Lex and have been trying to cut back on caffeine so who knows what's going on with that. Otherwise my appetite has slightly improved and the nausea is gone. I have this strange other-worldly feeling, though, as if I'm not quite in balance, spacey, not quite in touch with the world. Is that typical? Will it go away? Do I still sound anxious (ha!). I'm trying to take this one day at a timeand am sleeping a lot. Thanks for your encouragement! Scribbler
Posted by galkeepinon on October 15, 2003, at 18:55:08
In reply to Re: SSRIs and Beyond, posted by mchappy on October 15, 2003, at 12:34:15
This is wonderful!! Sexual side effects are not fun~obviously :-(
Lexapro didn't *steal* mine:-)
I wish you the best in the future with your new *mix*
Best wishes.
After 2 weeks I feel a significant change in both my "happies" and the sexual side effects also.
Happy to report positive results of the mix.
Posted by Mariposa on October 15, 2003, at 19:59:00
In reply to Re: Help! First day: Nausea and Lexapro, posted by Scribbler on October 15, 2003, at 17:32:15
> Day #3 on Lexapro: I still have the headache I had on Day #1 but, to be fair, I had it the day before I began taking Lex and have been trying to cut back on caffeine so who knows what's going on with that. Otherwise my appetite has slightly improved and the nausea is gone. I have this strange other-worldly feeling, though, as if I'm not quite in balance, spacey, not quite in touch with the world. Is that typical? Will it go away? Do I still sound anxious (ha!). I'm trying to take this one day at a timeand am sleeping a lot. Thanks for your encouragement! Scribbler
I felt the same when I started Lex, and the headaches and *funny* feelings did go away by the end of 2nd week for me. Hang in there and keep us posted!~~~8|8
Posted by Arrianna on October 15, 2003, at 20:39:27
In reply to Re: Help! First day: Nausea and Lexapro, posted by Scribbler on October 15, 2003, at 17:32:15
Hi Scribbler:
Just wanted to let you know that I also had lots of headaches the first couple of weeks. Actually, it just felt like one huge headache that didn't disappear until after week 2 or 3. For you, it may be a combination of cutting out the caffeine, too. Caffeine withdrawal is known to give headaches.
I also felt "not myself" periodically at first. It will go away for you. Sounds like you're handling it well - taking it "one day at a time"!! Since you just started Lexapro, your body and brain are trying to adjust to having it in its' system. It will balance out for you as your body begins to accept it.
Hang in there. Stay positive.
Arrianna
Posted by tah54 on October 15, 2003, at 23:49:12
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I've tried several other similar medications but they made me feel heavily drugged at their lowest standard dosages. With Lexapro I started with a ten mg. dose and giggled the evening away. Fine short-term fun, but I can't operate like that. The main thing I noticed was that I didn't feel in a stupor. So I split the pill into five mg. halves and have been taking that for a month now. My wife has got the guy she married back; I don't want to strangle rude idiot drivers; I'm more organized in my daily activities and am not tied up in knots all the time.
The thing I'm wondering is whether others find the 'standard' dosages of medications too much for their system. I'm sensitive to Allegra and have fine results with 30mg instead of the normal 180mg dose. I don't know if I'm particularly sensitive, or if everyone else has simply learned how to maintain the outward appearance of normalcy while taking these medications. In my experience the pharmacutical industry is pretty heavy-handed with dosage; perhaps to keep up with the over-the-top lifestyle of most Americans - mega everything in the eXtreme. Or, maybe I'm just a pharmacutical wimp.
Your thoughts?
Posted by vandy on October 16, 2003, at 6:55:02
In reply to Dosage, posted by tah54 on October 15, 2003, at 23:49:12
Common in this thread is how different we all are. I love the "Pharma Wimp" observation. It's great for a laugh and maybe more evidence on how you're the guy your wife thought she married. Thanks for the giggle. But I have to give you back something which seems to fit that gave me a giggle:
Don't forget. You're unique -- just like everybody else!
> I've tried several other similar medications but they made me feel heavily drugged at their lowest standard dosages. With Lexapro I started with a ten mg. dose and giggled the evening away. Fine short-term fun, but I can't operate like that. The main thing I noticed was that I didn't feel in a stupor. So I split the pill into five mg. halves and have been taking that for a month now. My wife has got the guy she married back; I don't want to strangle rude idiot drivers; I'm more organized in my daily activities and am not tied up in knots all the time.
>
> The thing I'm wondering is whether others find the 'standard' dosages of medications too much for their system. I'm sensitive to Allegra and have fine results with 30mg instead of the normal 180mg dose. I don't know if I'm particularly sensitive, or if everyone else has simply learned how to maintain the outward appearance of normalcy while taking these medications. In my experience the pharmacutical industry is pretty heavy-handed with dosage; perhaps to keep up with the over-the-top lifestyle of most Americans - mega everything in the eXtreme. Or, maybe I'm just a pharmacutical wimp.
>
> Your thoughts?
Posted by Scribbler on October 16, 2003, at 9:58:58
In reply to Dosage, posted by tah54 on October 15, 2003, at 23:49:12
I agree -- sometimes I've found dosages too high for my needs. Ambien, for example: when I need it, I can get by on 1/3 of a 10 mg. tablet. I think it also depends on what else you're taking and how everything interacts. Nothing is ever simple, is it?
I've also heard that some senior citizens split pills with higher doseages because they cost the same as those with half the strength -- thus patients cut their medical costs in half and get the doseage they need at the same time.
Posted by Arrianna on October 16, 2003, at 10:08:43
In reply to Dosage, posted by tah54 on October 15, 2003, at 23:49:12
First, really glad that you've finally found something (lexapro) that works for you!! Sounds like it's been a long time coming.
I'm pretty new to the scene of AD's. Started on 10mg Lexapro 3 months ago now. This is the first time I've been on any sort of AD, and it seems that I've been really fortunate to start on something that works for me and others so well!! Can't imagine what a struggle it has to be to experiment with so many AD's only to find that they aren't effective, etc.
So, I don't know that I have any answer for your question about dosage. My pdoc started me off on 10mg. and it took about 3 weeks before my body finally accepted it - had to go through the se's like everyone else.
I have heard from other posters, though, that they have been prescribed some heavy dosages. It just seems to me that what may work for one may not work for another, referring to both type of AD and dosage. So, the doctors do their best at prescribing what they think will work best as a starting point. Then, if adjustments are needed, they go from there.
But, what do I know? Again, I'm still new to all this and learning as I go.
Hopefully, the 5mg will continue to work for you. Please keep us posted and remember that we are all here for you.
Take Care-
Arrianna
Posted by Chotzy on October 16, 2003, at 10:30:41
In reply to Re: Pooped on Lexapro!, posted by BLKVETTES on October 9, 2003, at 8:30:35
> > Hello fellow Lexapro users:
> >
> > It's been awhile since I've posted ~ I've been busy with a new job and feeling "pooped" so I thought I better check in.
> >
> > I'm not sure whether I'm experiencing Lexapro poop-out that other's have experienced, or just feeling "pooped" from my schedule change of my new job, or both.
> >
> > I've been feeling "pooped" since I started my new job three weeks ago. My mind and body are adjusting to this new schedule change since I had the summer off and now I'm up at 7a.m. for work. During the past three weeks, I've been feeling more tired than usual, irritable, anxious, and not myself.
> >
> > Could it be that the lexapro is losing it's effectiveness for me (been taking it now for 3 months)?? Is it time for a dose increase (been on 10mg for the whole 3months)?? It feels like it's not "working" like it used to, but then again it may just be that I need more time to adjust to work, etc.
> >
> > I don't want to blame Lexapro for what I'm experiencing, and most likely it is just this new change, yet I could really use some outside input. I have alot of other things going on in my life right now as well: leaving my son's dad at the end of the month who I've been with for 5years.
> >
> > Would it be a good idea to increase my dose to help me through this time, even if my "poop-out" isn't from lexapro losing it's effectiveness??
> >
> > Any help or suggestions please.
> > Thanks,
> > Arrianna
>
> Hi, I have felt this way a couple of times myself. I can usually figure out why I feel like I do. It has gone away each time. Sounds like you have figured it out also. Your going through a big change with having to be somewhere at a certain time, learning your new job, getting used to new people and much more. Try your best not to let everything overwhelm you. Also going up 5mg. will not hurt and you can always go back down. Congrats on the new job and try to have fun with it!!!! TAKE CARE!!!!!!!!
> WAYNE
>
>I have been taking the Lex 10mg each morning for 8 days now. I never had the problem of not being able to get up, I just started taking it because for the last 6 months I have been feeling really angry all the time. I have noticed that for the last few mornings I have a hard time getting out of bed and when I do make it to work I can barely keep my eyes open. Has anyone else experienced this? Also I have noticed that now all of a sudden I have no sex drive where before I did.
Posted by Esmarelda on October 16, 2003, at 10:41:50
In reply to Just Started and having trouble, posted by Chotzy on October 16, 2003, at 10:30:41
I was really, really sleepy in the mornings for a couple months on Lex. Your lucky that you can even get up, I couldn't. Of course, I had the lingering depression that was keeping me in bed, too. I have never been a morning person, but within the last month have been able to get up easily and am not overly tired during the day. Hang in there! As we know, there are certainly worse things than sleepiness!
Posted by bruce_w6 on October 16, 2003, at 10:45:11
In reply to Just Started and having trouble, posted by Chotzy on October 16, 2003, at 10:30:41
Going from 15mg Lex to 10mg Lex & 300mg Neuronton 3 times a day. 10 Lex & 300 Neuronton at bedtime, 300mg Neuronton am & 300 mg Neuronton afternoon. This is a small dose of Neuronton. I fell wonderful this 1st couple of days. If This continues I will cut the Lex back even further. My hope is a higher dose of Neuronton could possibly replace the Lex. Neuronton does not have the side effects of Lex. Neuronton is used for many things, even extreme cases of bi-polar.
Posted by Arrianna on October 16, 2003, at 11:30:47
In reply to Just Started and having trouble, posted by Chotzy on October 16, 2003, at 10:30:41
Sounds like you are suffering from the initial SE's of Lex. Nausea and lack of sexual interest. That is completely normal.
I, among others, have encountered these problems when first starting. We also made it through them, too, as you will, too, as long as you just hang in there!!
Take it easy and get as much rest as you can. Your body may be telling you something.
Keep us posted,
Arrianna
Posted by memphistigers2004 on October 16, 2003, at 12:46:17
In reply to Re: Help! First day: Nausea and Lexapro » Scribbler, posted by oldhand on October 14, 2003, at 23:17:48
I just started taking Lex yesterday and I also suffer from migraines. My dr said that the Lex should also help my headaches. So far, so good! But, I feel kind of wierd with the Lex, but I am hoping it goes well, like it has for everyone else.
Posted by BLKVETTES on October 16, 2003, at 12:51:24
In reply to Dosage, posted by tah54 on October 15, 2003, at 23:49:12
> I've tried several other similar medications but they made me feel heavily drugged at their lowest standard dosages. With Lexapro I started with a ten mg. dose and giggled the evening away. Fine short-term fun, but I can't operate like that. The main thing I noticed was that I didn't feel in a stupor. So I split the pill into five mg. halves and have been taking that for a month now. My wife has got the guy she married back; I don't want to strangle rude idiot drivers; I'm more organized in my daily activities and am not tied up in knots all the time.
>
> The thing I'm wondering is whether others find the 'standard' dosages of medications too much for their system. I'm sensitive to Allegra and have fine results with 30mg instead of the normal 180mg dose. I don't know if I'm particularly sensitive, or if everyone else has simply learned how to maintain the outward appearance of normalcy while taking these medications. In my experience the pharmacutical industry is pretty heavy-handed with dosage; perhaps to keep up with the over-the-top lifestyle of most Americans - mega everything in the eXtreme. Or, maybe I'm just a pharmacutical wimp.
>
> Your thoughts?Ive been that way my whole life!!!!!! Im also allergic to a lot of medications. I take 7.5mg of lexapro for panic disorder. Just a little xanax will do a number on me. Years ago when I drank, a couple of drinks had me drunk. We are all so different!!!!!! TAKE CARE!!!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by Scribbler on October 16, 2003, at 13:38:25
In reply to Re: Help! First day: Nausea and Lexapro, posted by memphistigers2004 on October 16, 2003, at 12:46:17
> I just started taking Lex yesterday and I also suffer from migraines. My dr said that the Lex should also help my headaches. So far, so good! But, I feel kind of wierd with the Lex, but I am hoping it goes well, like it has for everyone else.
Good luck with both migraines and Lexapro -- I'm hoping you're right, that we won't have them any more! The headache I had for three days is gone today and I actually feel pretty good, except I have no appetite, need to force myself to eat or my stomach aches and growls. Am wondering if I should have begun this at a lower dose because it hit me with such surprising force that first day. I seem to be adjusting, however, and encouragement from others is invaluable. Yes, we're all different. Each day I feel so much better.
Posted by Scribbler on October 17, 2003, at 12:59:03
In reply to Re: Help! First day: Nausea and Lexapro, posted by Scribbler on October 16, 2003, at 13:38:25
Okay, so it's Day #5 on Lex and I feel pretty good except for a noisy, gassy stomach and no appetite. Anticipating dinner guests this weekend -- kind of awkward, not to eat what I've prepared for them! Maybe tomorrow will be better. Since Day #1, tomorrow has *always* been better. Appreciate your encouragement. Tell me I will be hungry and enjoy food again!
Also, do you share info with friends about taking Lex or keep it to yourself? Just curious. My husband says not to tell our (grown) kids and see if they eventually notice a change. How can then NOT notice a change! I've been a hand-wringing worry-wort for so many years! Scribbler
Posted by theo on October 17, 2003, at 15:05:25
In reply to Re: SSRIs and Beyond, posted by mchappy on October 15, 2003, at 12:34:15
I'm on the same combo but 150mg Wellbutrin XL and 5mg of Lexapro. How much Wellbutrin XL are you taking?
Posted by JohnR on October 17, 2003, at 16:34:19
In reply to Lexapro Loss of Appetite, posted by Scribbler on October 17, 2003, at 12:59:03
Hi Scribbler,
It took a full week for my appetite to return. During that week my co-workers would stop by to see if I wanted to join them for lunch and I told them I had given up eating. :) It was almost true. Now everything has returned to normal on that front.I'm feeling better and sleeping pretty well now too. It's been two and a half weeks since I started taking the stuff. The only remaining problem is with my umm... male equipment. It's the same problem other men have from what I've read here. I have my fingers crossed that problem will still resolve itself.
I haven't told any of my friends or family that I started taking it. I don't want the attention.
Take care,
John
Posted by Scribbler on October 17, 2003, at 16:51:51
In reply to Re: Lexapro Loss of Appetite Scribbler, posted by JohnR on October 17, 2003, at 16:34:19
John, thanks for your reassurance. Wish I could help you out with your other problem :-) but can only add that my husband had prostate surgery about six years ago and we've invented satisfying solutions to a similar dilemma. Apparently Lexapro isn't as bad as Zoloft in that "department." Glad to hear you're feeling well and otherwise back to normal; that's encouraging.
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