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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by sapphira on November 4, 2003, at 23:09:42
In reply to Re: about insomnia side effect » KayJ, posted by Mariposa on September 9, 2003, at 12:01:23
> > I only just started Lex..after trying just about everything else...and could not sleep the first night..couldn't even lie still. I was only taking 5 mg and I had taken my one 10 mg Pamelor for sleep. I have now been on it three days and having much the same problem, but now along with that I am having irritable bowel. I just don't think I can take SSRIS. Has anyone else had similiar experience..any solutions????
> > I feel like there is something wrong with me as I can't seem to take anything due to side effects. Sometimes I think the doc thinks I'm making it up...aren't they told of the side effects?
> > Thanks for any help you may offer.
>
> You are not alone, many people complain about the same things. I have only been on Lex, and only for 6 mos. I had terrible se's in the beginning but I toughed it out and they all went away. My doc did NOT warn me about se's, and I only learned of them after I found this site and also started experiencing them. Some people are lucky and have minor se's or almost none at all. You and I are the unlucky ones!!! All I can add is that I am doing much better now and it was worth the 2 weeks of H**L, and I would do it all over again.
>
> Good luck to you!~~~8|8I just started with Lexapro and am happy to read that you said you would go through the two weeks of he** as you are now feeling so much better. I'm having a rough time with severe nausea (I feel like I have the stomach flu) and a bit of insomnia. You're right about the Drs. not mentioning the s/es to you, mine didn't and when the nausea hit I was surprised.
sapphira
Posted by jane47 on November 5, 2003, at 6:25:39
In reply to Re: about insomnia side effect, posted by sapphira on November 4, 2003, at 23:09:42
the insomnia gets better. hang in there. i am going on 2 weeks now (lex) and am feeling much better. anyone notice the inability to cry. i don't seem to be producing tears. take care everyone and be patient.
jane
Posted by LynneDa on November 5, 2003, at 8:54:46
In reply to Re: about insomnia side effect » sapphira, posted by jane47 on November 5, 2003, at 6:25:39
The inability to cry - I have that too. And I used to cry over everything, Hallmark commercials, news stories about missing children, or for no reason at all. I'm taking 10mg Lex, on Day 15. I guess there are worse side effects, but it indicates the dulling of senses you get from ADs.
~Lynne
Posted by sapphira on November 5, 2003, at 9:02:46
In reply to Re: about insomnia side effect » sapphira, posted by jane47 on November 5, 2003, at 6:25:39
has anyone else had the nausea?? that has been the worst s/e for me.
sapphira
Posted by LynneDa on November 5, 2003, at 9:36:02
In reply to Re: about insomnia side effect, posted by sapphira on November 5, 2003, at 9:02:46
Sapphira -
I was nauseous for about the first 5 days or so; it diminished a bit day by day. If I don't eat anything before taking it, I'm a little unsettled for about an hour. I ate a lot of crackers at first! Hang in there, it should go away!
~Lynne
Posted by Scribbler on November 5, 2003, at 9:59:22
In reply to Re: about insomnia side effect, posted by sapphira on November 5, 2003, at 9:02:46
Yup, the nausea. My dr. didn't mention that to me so I was kind of surprised when I threw up my supper after taking my first pill that first day. In the midst of feeling sick and sorry for myself I found this Board and was immediately assured by others that it would be so much better the next day! And it was. Every day got better. Mostly I just lost my appetite completely for about a week -- and am now getting it back to normal (week #4) -- not the worst SE because I can fit into skinny jeans again. It's so weird, some people are bothered by things that others never feel (side effects, I mean). I still cry tears (someone mentioned the absence of tears) and have not had the carb craving that others complained of -- though I got after my husband last night for polishing off the bag of Cheetos before I could nibble those last cheesy crumbs. So just relax and let the Lex do its thing. I found Yoga breathing helped a lot, and positive affirmations. And a week of great afternoon naps. Don't give up!
Posted by Angel1 on November 5, 2003, at 12:21:18
In reply to Re: lexapro side effects » jane47, posted by Scribbler on November 4, 2003, at 11:36:34
HI all,
I have been on Lexapro since Oct 4th. Yesterday was the first day I really felt its ANTI-depressant effects. However, I have been having high blood pressure and was wondering if it could be the Lex. It seems my high BP started shortly after starting the lexapro? Anybody with some insight or similar issues out there. Thanks as always. Dosage was 20mg....I cut it in half to 10.
Angel1
Posted by SandyWeb on November 5, 2003, at 14:54:36
In reply to Re: lexapro side effects:HIGH BLOOD pressure?, posted by Angel1 on November 5, 2003, at 12:21:18
Hi Angel1,
I am not on Lexapro, but I am on Celexa. Since they are similar, I thought I'd mention that it caused my blood pressure to rise as well.
The only way I was able to continue on the Celexa was to use a beta blocker every day. I've been taking Inderal LA, and it helps tremendously. Now I can take the Celexa without any problems.
You may want to ask your doctor about a beta blocker.
Sandra
Posted by cait9745 on November 5, 2003, at 17:12:02
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I recently went off Lexapro, and have been experiencing tremendous dizziness for 4 days straight. Has anyone heard of withdrawal symptoms like this?
Posted by Scribbler on November 5, 2003, at 17:53:38
In reply to going off lexapro, posted by cait9745 on November 5, 2003, at 17:12:02
Did you go off Lex cold turkey, or gradually? Seems that tapering off is advocated. Good luck with this!
Posted by faith on November 5, 2003, at 20:03:01
In reply to going off lexapro, posted by cait9745 on November 5, 2003, at 17:12:02
> I recently went off Lexapro, and have been experiencing tremendous dizziness for 4 days straight. Has anyone heard of withdrawal symptoms like this?
it's been11 days since i stopped taking lexapro cold turkey.I've had the dizziness and moodiness and even sweats,they are easing up some now....
Posted by cait9745 on November 5, 2003, at 22:50:14
In reply to Re: going off lexapro, posted by faith on November 5, 2003, at 20:03:01
I gradually went off under the supervision of my doc, but after two days of not having it in my system, the dizziness started. I have an appointment with my doc soon, but since lexapro is fairly new, the side effects (both going on and off of the drug) are unfortunately not well documented yet. I'm just frustrated with the way I'm feeling, but don't want to go on another anti-depressant, as I switched to Lex from Celexa in February, after several years on celexa.
Posted by MissB on November 5, 2003, at 22:54:04
In reply to Re: lexapro side effects, posted by Gator on November 4, 2003, at 13:57:21
I was on Celexa for a while and was fine then I got laid off. My insurance ran out at the end of October and my doctor gave me Lexapro samples to get me through the next few months. I've had nausea and then today I noticed that food is tasting different. It sounds weird, but something is up with my lips too. My smile is crooked and when I was drinking pop it was dribbling out. Reminds me of when you do to the dentist and they numb you, but my face isn't numb - its just the muscles. Help, I'm kind of freaking out.
Posted by sapphira on November 5, 2003, at 22:56:50
In reply to Re: going off lexapro, posted by cait9745 on November 5, 2003, at 22:50:14
hi, i'm wondering why you're going off of it? is it not helping you?
sapphira
Posted by MissB on November 5, 2003, at 23:04:38
In reply to Re: going off lexapro, posted by cait9745 on November 5, 2003, at 22:50:14
I once tried to get off Celexa and the results were similar. I was really dizzy. Out of curiosity, what was going on that made you want to get off the drugs completely?
Posted by vandy on November 5, 2003, at 23:13:30
In reply to Re: lexapro side effects:HIGH BLOOD pressure?, posted by Angel1 on November 5, 2003, at 12:21:18
My wife takes medication for hypertension. Her PCP put her on both that and the Lexapro. She hasn't had an issue with BP and Lex but you know that ol' "individual differences" thing! :)
Posted by BLKVETTES on November 6, 2003, at 0:27:40
In reply to going off lexapro, posted by cait9745 on November 5, 2003, at 17:12:02
> I recently went off Lexapro, and have been experiencing tremendous dizziness for 4 days straight. Has anyone heard of withdrawal symptoms like this?
If anyone goes off a med cold turkey. Please know this is dangerous and you could get seizures just for starters. If any doctor says to quit cold turkey he is not very smart. There is a smart way to taper off meds and even the doctors that have you taper off still dont do this the best way possible.
Posted by BLKVETTES on November 6, 2003, at 0:37:30
In reply to Re: about insomnia side effect, posted by sapphira on November 4, 2003, at 23:09:42
> > > I only just started Lex..after trying just about everything else...and could not sleep the first night..couldn't even lie still. I was only taking 5 mg and I had taken my one 10 mg Pamelor for sleep. I have now been on it three days and having much the same problem, but now along with that I am having irritable bowel. I just don't think I can take SSRIS. Has anyone else had similiar experience..any solutions????
> > > I feel like there is something wrong with me as I can't seem to take anything due to side effects. Sometimes I think the doc thinks I'm making it up...aren't they told of the side effects?
> > > Thanks for any help you may offer.
> >
> > You are not alone, many people complain about the same things. I have only been on Lex, and only for 6 mos. I had terrible se's in the beginning but I toughed it out and they all went away. My doc did NOT warn me about se's, and I only learned of them after I found this site and also started experiencing them. Some people are lucky and have minor se's or almost none at all. You and I are the unlucky ones!!! All I can add is that I am doing much better now and it was worth the 2 weeks of H**L, and I would do it all over again.
> >
> > Good luck to you!~~~8|8
>
> I just started with Lexapro and am happy to read that you said you would go through the two weeks of he** as you are now feeling so much better. I'm having a rough time with severe nausea (I feel like I have the stomach flu) and a bit of insomnia. You're right about the Drs. not mentioning the s/es to you, mine didn't and when the nausea hit I was surprised.
>
> sapphira
>
>Gee what a surprise!!!!! Doctors not mentioning side effects!!!! Ive only heard that about 100 times on different boards. There is an insert that comes with these meds when purchased. Most of the common side effects are listed. Make sure you take a full glass of water with the lexapro.
Posted by cait9745 on November 6, 2003, at 7:46:42
In reply to Re: going off lexapro, posted by MissB on November 5, 2003, at 23:04:38
I have anxiety, and was given another drug for that, and after talking to my doc about the bad headaches I was getting, he said it could be from the Lexapro. I did go off very gradually, and haven't been depressed at all in the process. To tell you the truth, I was sick of being on meds. I'm 20, and I started on Celexa when I was 16. I recently started acupuncture treatments for my anxiety as well, hoping they will be of some help. But this diziness is driving me crazy. I rather be on meds than feel like this.
Posted by Wildflower on November 6, 2003, at 8:59:45
In reply to Re: about insomnia side effect, posted by BLKVETTES on November 6, 2003, at 0:37:30
Gee what a surprise!!!!! Doctors not mentioning side effects!!!! Ive only heard that about 100 times on different boards. There is an insert that comes with these meds when purchased. Most of the common side effects are listed. Make sure you take a full glass of water with the lexapro.
>Just curious why you would suggest a glass of water with the Lex. I usually just take a little sip and then I'm off to work.
Posted by MissB on November 6, 2003, at 10:29:54
In reply to Re: going off lexapro, posted by cait9745 on November 6, 2003, at 7:46:42
Why do Dr's do this? No explanation of the SE's and as a result we get scared, stressed out, and possibly end up making decisions about our meds that are quick and wrong. I was given a bag full of Lexapro samples to take - there was no inserts. I did ask my Dr. about the SE's - her response was that since I've been on Celexa I shouldn't have to deal with any. I never had these SE's with Celexa. I'm very angry. We go to our Dr. in trust looking for answers on living a healthier life only to have information withheld. Why? Don't they think we need to know?
Posted by vandy on November 6, 2003, at 10:40:08
In reply to No warning - why?, posted by MissB on November 6, 2003, at 10:29:54
Be kind to the Doc! In the early part of the thread there was a doctor who slammed Lexapro because he claimed it was just an attempt to get around a patent expiration. Everybody has an agenda. Unfortunately, we all forget that. Here's a guess about your Doc: She heard that point of view about the patent expiration and gave it some credibility. Lexapro is about 50% less dosage than Celexa. Logic told her that she could cut your dosage and the side effect should be identical, since it was the same drug in different clothing. Hey, despite the fact that we frequently deify them, doctors are only human. Besides, if they knew everything we wouldn't need each other and I would never have had the chance to meet you! I like this way better. ;)
> Why do Dr's do this? No explanation of the SE's and as a result we get scared, stressed out, and possibly end up making decisions about our meds that are quick and wrong. I was given a bag full of Lexapro samples to take - there was no inserts. I did ask my Dr. about the SE's - her response was that since I've been on Celexa I shouldn't have to deal with any. I never had these SE's with Celexa. I'm very angry. We go to our Dr. in trust looking for answers on living a healthier life only to have information withheld. Why? Don't they think we need to know?
Posted by Shandra on November 6, 2003, at 11:09:59
In reply to No warning - why?, posted by MissB on November 6, 2003, at 10:29:54
Could it be that they don't have all the facts themselves?
Posted by Dinah on November 6, 2003, at 11:14:54
In reply to No warning - why?, posted by MissB on November 6, 2003, at 10:29:54
I suspect that my pdoc thinks I'm suggestible. I think he thinks if he mentions the side effects, I'll be sure to show them.
But he also neglects to mention the blood glucose side effects, which I think is unwise in a diabetic.
Posted by LynneDa on November 6, 2003, at 11:15:06
In reply to Re: No warning - why?, posted by Shandra on November 6, 2003, at 11:09:59
I asked my therapist about this. She suspects that they don't want to put the thoughts in your head in case the s/e's would manifest as a result of the telling. Go figure! The most important info. I think we need is to know that for most people, the s/e's do go away after awhile & we should be encouraged to tolerate them to a certain point. I plan to "advise" my doctor that he needs to be more forthcoming with his next patient he puts on meds about the s/e's!
~Lynne
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