Posted by shoebox on September 3, 2003, at 10:44:36
In reply to Re: Lexapro side effects, posted by Treb on September 3, 2003, at 2:24:38
I had been on meds since 1990, only for depression, up until July 2000, when I had a full-blown manic episode and my doc finally realized I was BP II and put me on Depakote. In retrospect I saw that I had had at least one other major manic episode. I just didn't know what it was at the time (I had fallen into a deep depression and experienced a dissociate trance-like state that lasted several days--I guess you could call it a nervous breakdown, if that is not an obsolete term--and I was put on massive doses of WB and Serzone, which made me manic).
I did well on Depakote for the first several months, but my appetite was out of control and the next thing I knew I had gained 25 pounds, which made me absolutely miserable. Then the Depakote started to wear off. It's an excellent antimanic, I agree, and it made me feel serene for the first time in my life, but it also blunted me emotionally and my depression seemed to seep back. I was put back on WB and Lamictal was added, along with Ritalin for my ADD. Then my doc decided he wanted me weaned off the WB, and that was a disaster--within weeks I was suicidal again. Back on WB, I did well for several months, then last Xmas I had a manic episode and was put on Seroquel. Felt WONDERFUL. For 2 months. Then it wore off. (Plus I got fat.) Switched to Geodon. Felt very good. Didn't get as fat. Wore off. Both these drugs made me so "relaxed" that I lost all my energy. I didn't feel tired, I just didn't care about anything. And forget my sex drive. Buh bye. My husband said I seemed a little zombie-ish. I felt fuzzy-headed too, though Lamictal is part of that. It does a real number on my memory and ability to come up with "the right word" when I am speaking or writing. I feel like Ronald Reagan sometimes. Right now I am in the process of lowering Lamictal a little bit at a time to see if I regain my mental function. It has helped. But I have also gotten more depressed--could it be the lower dose of Lamictal? Who knows?
I was on Celexa for about two months--plenty, I thought, to determine whether or not it was the right drug for me. I was EXHAUSTED on Celexa. It was just awful. Now Lexapro does the same thing plus it gives me this constant diarrhea ( Day 10 and counting). I have been on Lexapro since 8/18, and am willing to give it a little more time, but I just don't think it's for me.
I was on Pamelor at one time--worthless--and am not too keen on the idea of MAOIs (esp. with my kidney problems). There are a number of antiepileptics I have not tried, but I don't think they are the answer. I need an antidepressant, and that's all there is to it. Losing Wellbutrin from my arsenal was a major blow. Funny how it is, the "magic formula"--you never know which combination will be the one, and waiting for it is so frustrating!
> Hi, I was diagnosed about 20 mos ago as Bipolar with severe depressive episodes. Depakote has been the tried and true from the get go, although it took some experimenting with dosages and times. I take 500mgs at night and morning.
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> I take Risperdal .25mgs at morning and night and pdoc says when needed for stress. I'll skip the in betweens but now am on 10 mgs Lexapro for the 20th day and it seems to be the elusive catalyst to bring all these meds together for a happy me.
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> I had diarrhea heavy the first day and only on occasion now. I recommend Metamucil. It provided fiber and substance for those loose moments. It is considered a laxative but it does provide bulk. It's another miracle thing for me. A happy pooper contributes to a happy person. I see these cranky people at work and think "Wow, they need Metamucil"
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> Please let us know how it goes! Thanks, Treb
poster:shoebox
thread:256477
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030902/msgs/256622.html