Posted by BobYuma on January 15, 2004, at 10:51:16
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful, posted by Danab on January 14, 2004, at 22:44:44
> > Hi, my name name is Dana. I'm new to this site...I was searching on Lexapro info and found you guys. I just took my first dose about 1/2 hour ago and after reading these posts, well, I'm a freaking nervous wreck. The side effects seem horrible. I'm waiting to at any minute start throwing up, have an anxiety attack, get a rash, feel like I have the flu or eat like crazy ( just what I don't need!). My doc (primary care) originally suggested Effexor but I was not comfortable with that after reading the info on it and he went to Lexapro. I actually did not get any specific instructions ( he gave me a month of samples)---Can someone tell me the best time to take this med? The samples are 10mg, which I broke in half (again, because I got no instructions I just thought I would start out as low as possible). I spoke to a pharmacist and she said before bed, but from what I've read here it seems most people take it much earlier in the day. I also take Ambien. I'm not even sure this drug is what I actually need. I would not say I'm very depressed ( although some friends would disagree with me) but more anxiety ridden. I think I have Body Dysmorphic Disorder---anyone know if Lexapro is an appropriate drug for that type of disorder?? Sorry this is so long...any insight would be greatly appreciated. Now back to waiting for those awful side effects to begin...
Dana in New Orleans > > > >Hello, Dana. How's the weather in New Orleans?
I think most of us can truly relate to what you're feeling right now. Remember, all of us on the board were "starters" with Lexapro at one time. And for the most part, we are still on Lex. In other words, it was never bad enough to make us quit.
You may have read my post "Lexapro and Expectations" -- If you did you saw that my final analysis of Lexapro [after talking about all the side effects] was, "The bottom line - Thank God for Lexapro." This is the way that most of us feel about taking Lex. What does that say? It says that whatever side effects we may suffer from are all worth the positive effects that we receive from Lex. That says a lot, right? And I believe that you'll feel the same way in just a few short weeks, maybe sooner.I was satisfied that my doc had picked the right med for me within two days after I started Lex. That was even with the side effects which had already started. The reason was that my depression was practically gone in those two days.
Do me a favor. Don't read about any more of the side effects on the message board. Wait until you think that you may be experiencing a particular side effect and then right a message on the board asking about that side effect. You'll receive some helpful answers that will aid you in coping with any side effect, plus you'll have an idea of how long to expect it to last. Reading about all the side effects only makes you look for them in yourself. Besides, you may be like I was, I had very few side effects, no nausea or sickness at all, and the few side effects I did have were fairly easily handled. But trust me, it's good to know that others have been through what you are going through and came out feeling better than they ever expected to.
As far as the amount to take, you'll probably have fewer and less "angry" side effects with 5 mgs. As far as when to take the Lexapro, it seems everyone is different where that's concerned. WIth me it works best if I take it before I go to bed, but like I said, everyone is different.Concerning Body Dysmorphic Disorder and Lexapro, I found the information below on the site: www.bodyimageprogram.com/
Take care, and God Bless.
BobYuma
Lexapro and Body Dysmorphic Disorder
"The medications that are most promising are serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SRIs or SSRIs). These medications are fluvoxamine (Luvox), fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), paroxetine (Paxil), citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro) and clomipramine (Anafranil). These medications are not addicting and are usually well tolerated. They can significantly relieve BDD [Body Dysmorphic Disorder] symptoms, diminishing bodily preoccupation, distress, depression, and anxiety; significantly increasing control over one's thoughts and behaviors; and improving functioning. In some cases, they are lifesaving."
poster:BobYuma
thread:109458
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040114/msgs/301125.html