Posted by Wildman on January 26, 2004, at 9:34:32
In reply to Re: Lexapro effects, posted by Blackfoot on January 26, 2004, at 9:07:18
> Thank you so much Wildman, That information is very helpful. I have been wondering if one of the side affects of Lex is more anxiety. It seems like it gets worse each day in the morning. But by the afternoon it is more tollerable but i think it also has to do with knowing my day is ending and I will be going home to comfort. Please keep in touch.
I read where peak serum levels of Lex are achieved at 5 hours after taking the medication. Since I always take my med at 7AM while I'm waiting for my coffee to brew, this means that I would get "hit" with the heart palpitations and anxiety at around noon. It would last for about three hours and then I'd be much better. That lovely sitation happened on day 2-5 or so, then went away for a couple of weeks. I've had that happen only sporadically since then.
What time do you take your Lex? My pdoc recommended taking it first thing each day, and that has been useful advice for me.
Some people have characterized the Lex anxiety as wanting to "jump out of your skin", which is a great description. I've likened it to a "nicotine fit gone bad", and I wanted to run 10 miles in hopes that it would subside. No fun.
Fortunately, that is a fleeting side effect. Later on, you may experience what has been called the "Lex Flu" where you are sluggish and dragging and maybe achy. Lex does give me occasional insomnia, and the next day after that is rough.
I know that after an "insomnia night" (even though I do get _some_ sleep) I really am dragging much more than I ever would before I started taking the Lex. I find it very helpful to REALLY WORK ON GETTING PROPER SLEEP while on Lex. That, for me, has been the key for my positive Lex experience.
Of course, it's wintertime, and this is a sleepier time of the year for me than the summer so I guess I'm fortunate to have started taking it during the darkest time of the year, when I am least active.
poster:Wildman
thread:305357
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040122/msgs/305551.html