![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 8059 to 8083 of 8406. Go back in thread:
Posted by calico cat on July 6, 2004, at 11:33:18
In reply to Redirected: Lexapro side-effects, posted by Dr. Bob on June 30, 2004, at 1:00:11
Please help me make an informed decision.
I was on effexor - got through that withdrawal in May. Was put on wellbutrin - it does little to nothing for me. Today I went to see a specialist who put me on lexipro - half a pill for 4 days to start.
I read a lot about the side effects of lexipro and it sounds worse than effexor. Now I am very nervous about this drug.
Any advice? Thank you.
Posted by sexylexy on July 6, 2004, at 11:39:00
In reply to Re: Redirected: Lexapro side-effects, posted by calico cat on July 6, 2004, at 11:33:18
Hey Girl,
Don't fret about taking lexapro. A lot of the people seeking help on this board are the ones who had bad side effects. I just posted about my experiences on it. My results were worth the first few weeks. A lot of people have no side effects. If you are worried start on your 5mg then slowly work your way up, what are you on for? If you want general information and support we have a great lexapro group on the social babble page...you will see my name, Mrs. C, Mystic, Trucker, Lynneda, Jlynne, Anxious Babe, Bride2be, Anakin, Susielala...and I am sure some fab people I am leaving out... we talk about everything from hair products to lexapro...your welcome to join.
cheers!
Lexy
Posted by trucker on July 6, 2004, at 14:49:05
In reply to Re: Redirected: Lexapro side-effects » calico cat, posted by sexylexy on July 6, 2004, at 11:39:00
LEXY AND all thought i'd update you alittle on jl.. funeral is this saturday.. she says she is doing well... but i often wonder about our angel.. if she is taking care of herself.... keep her in your prayers...she is so willing to help others , but does she really take care of herself in this time of need??? i pray so
trucker
Posted by flipsactown on July 6, 2004, at 15:12:03
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro?, posted by Mrs. C on July 5, 2004, at 22:58:05
I take it first thing in the morning between 5 and 6AM. I tried taking it at night and my insomnia was even worse. The Seroquel seems to at least allow me to sleep 4 to 6 hours, but not continuously. I would wake up in a couple of hours but am able to fall back asleep for 3 to 4 hours.
FST
> I did not really have insomnia during my first few weeks. I feel asleep just fine. I did however wake up at 4am everyday for the first week. It passed and I have slept like a baby ever since. When do you take your lex? Maybe playing around with the time you take it can help. Good Luck, Mrs. C
Posted by calico cat on July 6, 2004, at 16:20:23
In reply to Re: Redirected: Lexapro side-effects » calico cat, posted by sexylexy on July 6, 2004, at 11:39:00
Hi Lexy. Thanks for writing back to me. I took a half of a pill today along with 300 mg. of wellbutrin. Yes, I am quite medicated. You would think with all this medicine, I would be happy and worry free. But, I'm not. I'm on this medicine for depression and anxiety.
I did not know there was another way to write to each other. I feel like I have no one to talk to about this medication issue. How do I get on these message boards?
Thank you.
Posted by sexylexy on July 6, 2004, at 16:38:31
In reply to Re: Redirected: Lexapro side-effects, posted by calico cat on July 6, 2004, at 16:20:23
Hey Calico Cat!
At the top of the page, there should be a list of message boards. One of them is psycho-social-babble, click on that and it should bring you straight there, if not I will try to send you a link. We have kinda made a little group over there of women on lexapro and of course other meds as well. LynneDa is just starting Wellbutrin..It is a wonderful support and the best thing is you know you are never alone!!!
Cheers!!!
Lexy
Posted by JenStar on July 6, 2004, at 18:06:33
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness, posted by captain on July 6, 2004, at 9:43:01
Hi Captain,
it seems we have a lot in common! I was so sure that I had MS that I almost gave myself a nervous breakdown.I was having random muscle twitches & vibrations and my left foot started feeling numb and would tingle sometimes after hard workouts on the treadmill or cross-trainer. Then my hands started feeling it too -- the weakness & numbness. To make matters worse, I did have a friend at the gym who DOES have MS, and she loves to talk about her symptoms. It seemed to me that my symptoms were very similar to hers, and this only solidified the fact in my mind that I had MS or something much worse; probably worse, the way I saw it.
I saw a neurologist and had 2 MRI's AND a spinal tap over a period of a few months, even though he said I probably didn't need the tsts & there was prob. nothing wrong...and there was nothing wrong. Nothing except anxiety, they told me!
I was SO SURE they were mistaken...that they were missing some horrible, perhaps as-of-yet undiagnosed illness that would come to be named after me, much the way Lou Gehrig's was named after HIM. I argued with my neurologist. Could he be missing something? Was he POSITIVE I didn't have ALS? How could he be sure? How could anyone be sure? I was sure, that was for sure! (not really a joke - at the time I felt like I was going insane.)
The neurologist was the one who persisted that I go on Lexapro; my primary care concurred, so I started it, full well expecting to be dead from MS in a few months (yes, I know it doesn't work that quickly) but figuring on the off chance that it WAS anxiety -- I might as well give it a chance. Also I was on Xanax 3x/day b/c I was so stressed.
Slowly the muscle twitches & weakness subsided, as did my chronic anxiety. It happened so slowly that I didn't realize I was "better" until I went out to dinner one day with friends and didn't have a panic attack in the bathroom, didn't feel like I was putting on an act of a person having fun (I actually WAS having fun!), and didn't micro-analyze every miniscule movement of every muscle and tendon, hawking them for signs of decay and tremor.
I don't know where the muscle twitches & weakness came from; noone answered that for me. My doctor said that anxiety is mysterious and works differently on everyone -- that maybe my body handles anxiety with muscle tremors & weakness. Some people get headaches; some people get violent; some people get nausea, etc.
I guess there is still a tiny corner of my mind that believes that I DO have a neurological disease lurking; that it somehow went into remission. But I'm also thankful that my fear of diseases seems to have gone into remission with it, and I thank the Lexapro for that.
I'm trying to wean off it now, and I'm watching for signs of the muscle twitches recurring.
I know that was a terribly long post - sorry! I just wanted to let you know that there is one other person out there who thought she had a vicious neuromuscular disorder due to real symptoms, but turned out not to have one. I feel that you might be going thru the same thing. I am willing to be there is nothing wrong with you neurologically. Believe me. It CAN be stress!
At this point I can't believe I let myself get to the point of 2 MRI's and an LP (my god! what was I thinking!?) but at the time it did put my mind somewhat at ease.
Anyway - take care, be good to yourself (whether that means chocolate, a good book, or extra sleep) and remember that there are people rooting for you (me!). You're going to be OK. I promise it!
JenStar
> Jen - Thanks so much for the post! You are right - I have thought of all of the diseases the dizziness could be! It has started to subside, but of course I am now freaking out over something new!
>
> My right food has been driving me nuts - it doesn't really fall asleep but does tingle at times and i have much less feeling in that foot - particularly my toes. I even held an ice cube up against each one and could tell a major difference! I think it is in my right hand some too. I can't tell if it is the anxiety or something else. I have my 5 week lexapro checkup with my family doc on Friday - so I will run it by her and see about going to a nuerologist. I exercise a lot and it is starting to bother me!
>
> I wish I could kick this worrying! The anxiety is less, but some parts of it seem to never go away!
>
> Thanks so much for your post! It is nice to be able to relate to someone!
Posted by Dr. Bob on July 6, 2004, at 18:18:35
In reply to Re: Redirected: Lexapro side-effects » calico cat, posted by sexylexy on July 6, 2004, at 11:39:00
> If you want general information and support we have a great lexapro group on the social babble page...you will see my name, Mrs. C, Mystic, Trucker, Lynneda, Jlynne, Anxious Babe, Bride2be, Anakin, Susielala...and I am sure some fab people I am leaving out... we talk about everything from hair products to lexapro...your welcome to join.
Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20040706/msgs/363536.html
Bob
Posted by mystic on July 6, 2004, at 18:53:43
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness, posted by JenStar on July 6, 2004, at 18:06:33
Hey thanks for the post sounds like a lot of us..I have had everything from aids to ms to cancer of every organ....we are alot of like most of us on the posts....Hey if it worked for you..how come you are coming off it then..and how much lex where you on...thanks take care...Mystic
Posted by Mrs. C on July 6, 2004, at 20:55:56
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness, posted by JenStar on July 6, 2004, at 1:07:21
Hi Jenstar, It's great to hear from other hypochondriacs. It is also why I started taking Lexapro. I was worrying so much about every symptom that I was becoming anxious all the time and unable to cope with my daily responsibilities. I also became depressed. I was a mess. Lex has helped me greatly. Sounds like it has for you too. I have never had any trouble with orgasm by the way. I am on 20mg. Today I am feeling a bit anxious and worried over my health. I get this way when my period is coming. Not as bad as I used to be but still enough to make me feel nervous. Any advice? Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs. C on July 6, 2004, at 20:59:14
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness, posted by JenStar on July 6, 2004, at 1:21:24
Jenstar, I just read your post to Captain. You are so great! Will you be my friend? I need a person like you when I have my "episodes". Ha Ha. Good to have you on this board. Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs. C on July 6, 2004, at 21:03:22
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness, posted by captain on July 6, 2004, at 9:43:01
Captain, I can so relate to you! I have many of the same problems that you have. I just get over worrying about one thing and then something else comes up. Lately, it's my heart. I have extra heartbeats alot and my doc has told me not to worry that they are not serious. I have had them for eight years you'd think I'd be used to them by now. But they scare my when they happen alot and they have been happening alot! I also have this mole on my leg. Of course I have had it checked out by my doc but I still worry about it. Lexapro has helped me alot with these things but always around my time of the month I get crazed over something. It's been alot milder than it used to be but I still do it! Sometimes I hate myself for not being strong enough to overcome this. Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs. C on July 6, 2004, at 21:08:13
In reply to Re: Redirected: Lexapro side-effects, posted by calico cat on July 6, 2004, at 11:33:18
Hi Calico, for me the side effects were tolerable once I found out that others were experiencing them too. The worrying about why I was having things that wasn't in the info sheet from the pharmacy was the worst thing for me. Once I found this site and learned that others were feeling the same side effects, I was able to tolerate them alot easier. Mine consisted of jitteriness, I felt like I was shaking but I wasn't. Like way too much coffee. I also felt tired at the same time. Freaky. My jaw felt weird too and I was clenching my teeth (I still have that one). I did have some bowel problems. As far as sleeping went, I was fine except I started waking up at 4am everyday for about a week. After about 2 weeks all of the side effects pretty much disappeared. Hope this has helped. Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs. C on July 6, 2004, at 21:27:47
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness, posted by JenStar on July 6, 2004, at 18:06:33
Jenstar, I just love your posts! I too have had the mysterious muscle twitches. Still wondering what they are (still have them). They usually occur in my face. I have never mentioned them to my doc. Afraid she would laugh. I have had so many different symptoms of so many illnesses. I could probably get my medical degree for the amount of research I have done about things. Lex has helped with these things but not as much I as would like it to. Not as much as it seems to have helped you. I do feel better and stronger emotionally. I am not as anxious all the time. But I still do have the obsessions from time to time. Maybe I should try a different med, I don't know. Hmmm. Thanks for your posts, Mrs. C
Posted by JenStar on July 7, 2004, at 0:35:39
In reply to RE::: Hey jenstar, posted by mystic on July 6, 2004, at 18:53:43
hi guys,
I was on 10 mg/day and I'm currently on 5 mg/day (for abt 1 week now), planning to go down to 2.5 and then zero. The reason I went on was for severe anxiety and severe hypochondria; it was to the point where I could do nothing but obsess about what disease I currently had. Sometimes I feel so horrible -- I get all worked up about these diseases I don't even have, and then there are REAL cancer and MS victims who are upbeat and fighting strong. I admire them!The reason I'm quitting the drug (or trying to, anyway!) -- I want to have a baby and I'm nervous about being on the Lexapro while pregnant. (Of course, I have to GET pregnant first...maybe I can't get pregnant...one more worry to add the list!) Although my doc said it's generally safe to take Lex during a pregnancy I would like to be off it if possible.
My doc did say that I need to weigh the pros and cons; for example, going back to my previous anxiety level would not be good for me or the baby during pregnancy. So if I do get pregnant I need to monitor myself carefully & see her at the first sign of panic, stress, etc.
Anyway, so far it's going OK except I'm def. a bit more cranky than usual. Also I felt a bit of dizziness today during my salsa dance class. Hopefully that won't last!
Hope you're all doing well.
take care,
JenStar
Posted by JenStar on July 7, 2004, at 0:43:46
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness, posted by Mrs. C on July 6, 2004, at 21:03:22
Mrs. C --
Oh my gosh, you must be my hypochondria soul-mate. We should def. be friends & support each other!First -- don't hate yourself b/c you are anxious. It really isn't something that can be overcome just by talking or thinking...sometimes we need chemical assistance for life. It's not your fault and you're not weak - your brain is just built differently.
Second -- I too have extra heart beats and it FREAKS ME OUT every time it happens.
My doc (and the cardiologist...of course I saw one...) said not to worry about it, but like you I do. It does seem to get worse just before & during my period - not sure why. I can go weeks w/o the "skip beat" thing, sometimes even months, and then there will be a period of time when it happens frequently. Sometimes stress brings it on but not always. When I'm in a "good heart rhythm" mode I can have tons of caffeine and sleep badly and it doesn't matter, but when I switch over into the "bad heart rhythm" time, avoiding caffeine doesn't seem to help. I know this isn't a board for heart patients but it IS something that I worry about.
Taking the Lex DID seem to help me not think about my heart all the time (in addition to the MS that I thought I had!). I am worried that I will start worrying again now that i'm trying to quit Lex. I guess I'll have to see!
Anyway, I hope you're feeling well. Take care!
jenStar
Posted by calico cat on July 7, 2004, at 7:37:34
In reply to Re: Lexapro/Vertigo/Dizziness, posted by JenStar on July 7, 2004, at 0:43:46
Hello. Thanks to all of you for writing. I really like to know there are people in the world who are like me.
I made it through 24 hours on lexapro. I slept horribly last night, but I am chalking this up to coincidence.
Have any of you been on wellbutrin and lexapro? I feel like wellbutrin - even if it doesn't do much for me - is a safer drug with less side effects.
Thanks, Susan
Posted by Harlock on July 7, 2004, at 10:27:33
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro?, posted by Deesent on July 4, 2004, at 17:05:28
When I tried Lexapro, it put me to sleep, along with other symptoms I didn't like. Effexor was another bad one for me....especially when I tried to get off of it.
I'm in need of a new cocktail now as my severe depression is destroying my life.
Basically, to be blunt, if I didn't have a wife and two kids, I wouldn't be here anymore. I can't stand "living" like this.I'm curently on:
450mg Wellbutrin XL
6/50mg Symbyax
20mg AdderallNow, I have two good days, then 1 really bad day, then two good days, then 2 bad days, and so on. I go up and down like a yo-yo. Actually the "good" days aren't really good, they just have minimal depression, but it's always there, looming around like a storm cloud (that follows me everywhere).
Sleeping and dreaming is the only escape for me, and sometimes going out drinking. The dep. is worst when I'm alone... then, all I want to be is alone.
Just had a 4th of July cookout and *everyone* knew there was somehting wrong with me. Figures.. the day before I was OK, then when there's an event, and I have my bad day. Bleah.
Anyway, my road rage and hypo-manic episodes are almost gone. I used to be super irritable, have massive anger/rage issues, but these have all subsided...I'm thinking the Symbax did this. Problem is, I don't care about anything anymore.
But, I'd switch those symptoms with my depression any day. I might have got mad to frequentlty, but I was also productive and home and work, and was able to enjoy life.
Enough rambling.. ;)
> Hi Everybody,
> I am another new use of Lexapro. I am VERY med phobic. After trying several AD's (Paxil, Effexor, Zoloft, Elavil, etc.....)I finally was able to take Serzone for the last 3 1/2 years. Now all of a sudden they are discontinuing it and I have had to go through the complications of wd from that med very slowly over the past two months. My pdoc has given me Lex. I took 2.5 mg. about 4:00 p.m. yesterday, was o.k. but couldn't sleep and at 2 a.m. came down with horrid stomach cramps and I won't get graphic about the rest. Anyway finally fell asleep about 3:00 a.m. and slept until 7:00 a.m. (with the help of Xanax). I took another 2.5 mgs. today at 1:00 p.m. So far, so good. I have terrible anxiety and was almost to the point of not wanting to leave the house. My question is, how do you get through the side effects while having to work. I work a 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday shift, and was wondering how am I going to feel when I go back on Tuesday? Will I be able to handle it?
>
Posted by JenStar on July 7, 2004, at 10:43:16
In reply to Re: wellbutrin to lexapro, posted by calico cat on July 7, 2004, at 7:37:34
hi Calico Cat,
In my personal experience, side-effects can be magnified by my concern over side-effects, esp. in the first 24 hrs and first few days. For example: If I'm paranoid about getting dizzy or a headache, I watch for those symptoms aggressively and voila! I get them! Ironically, the side-effects often don't really kick in until one has taken the drug for at least a few days, so I know that my fear is contributing to some degree.I'm not saying that I manufacture side-effects out of nothing, but sometimes the fear of the unknown is enough to give me the creeps & the jitters & make any side-effects worse. For example, taking ANY new drug makes me worried, and therefore a bit of restlessness & sleeplessness usually occurs, whether it's an antibiotic or something more serious.
The first few times I took Xanax I worked myself up into a drug fear so strong that I probably completely counter-acted any sedating effects! Once I took the pill a few times & realized I wasn't going to die or have a heart attack or a seizure, I felt more comfortable. Eventually I "allowed" the Xanax to work like it should.
This was how I felt starting Lex, too. I didn't know what would happen and that made me feel horribly out of control: WAs I going to vomit...stay awake for a month...sleep all day...etc.?? After a few days I realized that things were going to be OK and it was at that point that I started feeling in control of the side-effects. Yes, there were some, but I knew I could handle them and that it was going to be OK.
Give yourself a chance on the Lexapro. Keep in mind that this board is used by many people who are struggling - there are millions of users of SSRI's out there (lucky souls) who don't have serious issues with side effects and therefore don't take time to post their success stories.
I'm analytical and studious and I read every darn thing on the web I could find on Lexapro, including the fact sheet from the mfg company, which is about 40 pages long. I convinced myself that the side-effects were not fatal and seemed to be milder than those of other SSRI's.
Well - it was another record-breaking post for me! Sorry I make these so long. I just get carried away with my quick-typing little fingers.
Anyway -- I'm sure you're going to be fine...give the drug a chance to work, and see how it goes.
Take care.
JenStar
Posted by sexylexy on July 7, 2004, at 11:10:27
In reply to Re: wellbutrin to lexapro, posted by JenStar on July 7, 2004, at 10:43:16
Hey Cat,
I know starting on a new drug is scary. I am a therapist who works with a psychiatrist. He says that lexapro is by far his fave drug to prescribe. He will even give it to children and feels it is mild enough for them. I told him that I had a "friend" who had some side effects on the drug...He said that he had seen very few people ever have side effects and if they did, it was weird dreams and night sweats. So, most people don't have any side effects, of course anxiety and depression makes it even worse because you are worried about the worst or expecting that. Try and not think about it.. I swear at this point I forget that I am even on something! You can do it!!!
Cheers!
LExy
Posted by trucker on July 7, 2004, at 11:30:43
In reply to Re: wellbutrin to lexapro, posted by calico cat on July 7, 2004, at 7:37:34
hello i am on lex and welbutrin... it has its place but it took awhile for me to like...
trucker
///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
> Hello. Thanks to all of you for writing. I really like to know there are people in the world who are like me.
>
> I made it through 24 hours on lexapro. I slept horribly last night, but I am chalking this up to coincidence.
>
> Have any of you been on wellbutrin and lexapro? I feel like wellbutrin - even if it doesn't do much for me - is a safer drug with less side effects.
>
> Thanks, Susan
Posted by calico cat on July 7, 2004, at 14:02:08
In reply to Re: wellbutrin to lexapro, posted by sexylexy on July 7, 2004, at 11:10:27
Wow - I actually feel much better about lexapro. I think I will not worry (try not to). Anyway, I really want to live my life one day at a time, and this constant worrying does not help me. Maybe if this medicine works, I will feel happy.
I feel really badly about the man with the severe depression. HOw terribly painful. Maybe, someday, there will be a way to fine tune these medications so that we are all not human guinea pigs.
Thanks again for your stories - I love hearing from all of you.
Posted by mystic on July 7, 2004, at 18:13:57
In reply to RE::: Hey jenstar, posted by JenStar on July 7, 2004, at 0:35:39
Hey Jenstar...good luck on the decreased meds and the potential pregnancy soon...My daughter had been on celexa for an eating disorder and she became pregnant and went off the celexa as they thought that it is fine for you to be on it and they told her the same thing that you have to weigh what is worse for the baby the anxiety or the lex...but she did sooooo good when she was pregnant they also say that your hormones are at their best hard to believe but she said she never felt anxious or sad or depressed she just felt soooo good so that might be something to look forward to and for all you others that might be something to think about we could all get pregnant and feel gooooooooddddd....sorry bad joke and I'm not doing it...Your friend>>>mystic
Posted by mystic on July 7, 2004, at 18:17:45
In reply to Re: wellbutrin to lexapro, posted by trucker on July 7, 2004, at 11:30:43
Hey I dont know who posted that they are discontinuing serzone what would be the reason for that...I dont take it or anything but was wondering how they discontinue a antidepresant...hmmmmm thanks...Mystic
Posted by trucker on July 7, 2004, at 18:25:46
In reply to RE::: Hey jenstar, posted by mystic on July 7, 2004, at 18:13:57
MYSTIC IS A CHICKEN... WHAT NO MORE KIDS???HA HA HA
I JOKING
TRUCKER
//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////> Hey Jenstar...good luck on the decreased meds and the potential pregnancy soon...My daughter had been on celexa for an eating disorder and she became pregnant and went off the celexa as they thought that it is fine for you to be on it and they told her the same thing that you have to weigh what is worse for the baby the anxiety or the lex...but she did sooooo good when she was pregnant they also say that your hormones are at their best hard to believe but she said she never felt anxious or sad or depressed she just felt soooo good so that might be something to look forward to and for all you others that might be something to think about we could all get pregnant and feel gooooooooddddd....sorry bad joke and I'm not doing it...Your friend>>>mystic
Go forward in thread:
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.