![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 3071 to 3095 of 8406. Go back in thread:
Posted by blkvettes on May 28, 2003, at 10:56:21
In reply to Re: Switch from Lexapro to Effexor XR???, posted by tm on May 28, 2003, at 10:10:05
> > > I've been taking Lexapro for a few weeks and going to give it more time. Effexor XR claims to help with motivation, and the 10mg Lexapro seems to make me feel spacey and lack of motivation. Any input???
> >
> >
> > Hi there, the side effects you describe are very normal. I felt that way for quite awhile.At a few weeks this is not near enough time for the med to work unless you get real lucky. You have to give it a good 8 weeks at least. Dont mess with going up or down with the dose. Just be patient and give it time. I hope it works for you. No med is going to work in a few weeks and they will all have side effects for weeks. TAKE CARE!!!!
> > WAYNE
> >
> >
> I'm new to all of this, I started suffering the first of March and I'm 44 yrs. old. I had no problems before that. and was on Paxil at first and did not like the side efffect. I have been on Lex for about four weeks(15mg). I still fight nausea, anxiety, and some depression. I take Xanax four times a day and the mornings are the pits. I have not lost motivation I just have a hard time getting started in the morning because of the anxiety. So Wayne it sounds like the Lex. is working for you and do you take anything else?
> Thanks Tim
>
>Hi Tim, just curious who bumped you up to 15mg at this stage? Were you diagnosed with depression and anxiety? Did you have panic attacks also? Well I will try to answer the best I can and remember everyone is different. My depression went away in the 5 to 6 week time frame. The anxiety took longer for me because of panic attacks. In fact if I do something I have not done in awhile I get anxiety. Im going to the mall today, so I will get anxiety when I get there. Then that fear will be gone. I do take xanax, I just take less than .5mg per day. I used to take more when things were much worse. I did not get this crap until I was almost 46 in the last year. The good thing is we did not have to suffer at an early age. I hope that makes you feel better!!! Any more questions, I will try to help!!!! TAKE CARE!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by Mariposa on May 28, 2003, at 11:12:51
In reply to Re: Switch from Lexapro to Effexor XR??? » theo, posted by Napaba on May 28, 2003, at 10:04:42
> > Stay away from Effexor. It's a bad one. My Dr. switched me to Lexapro yesterday. Can anyone give me a scoop on what to expect?
>
> The side effects I experience on Effexor include, but are not limited to:
>
> Blurred vision
> vivid nightmares
> 2-4 sweet outbreaks a day
> easy bruising
> vaginitis
> severe joint pain (hip and neck)
> acne
> change in menstral cycle
> SEVERE constipation
>
>
> I'm 22 days with Lexapro and continuing it to give it a chance, trying to be patient. I may try and add an SNRI such as Strattera, instead of trying Effexor which is only one claiming to effect both serotonin and norepinephrine.
>
>I experienced many of these same SE's w/Lex. But I am glad to say it was worth it to suffer through them to get to where I am now. It's like a new lease on life, I feel like "MY OLD SELF" again....depression and anxiety pretty much alleviated and I can get up in the morning and get things DONE!!
PLEASE don't get discouraged, give the Lex time to work (for me it took about 9 weeks), and you may be the next "Butterfly"!!!
PS - if curious about "butterfly" story, go to old post and read how Okpolosi "TRANSFORMED"
Posted by Napaba on May 28, 2003, at 11:48:09
In reply to Re: Switch from Lexapro to Effexor XR???, posted by Mariposa on May 28, 2003, at 11:12:51
Did your side effects go away? Or are you still experiencing them? For me I don't feel the side effects I experience on Effexor are worth the benefits. I'm not depressed on Effexor, but I feel and look auful. I take meds to sleep at night and something for the joint pain during the day (between 6-10 mortrin, advil, or Alieve).
I will check out the "transformed" post
> > > Stay away from Effexor. It's a bad one. My Dr. switched me to Lexapro yesterday. Can anyone give me a scoop on what to expect?
> >
> > The side effects I experience on Effexor include, but are not limited to:
> >
> > Blurred vision
> > vivid nightmares
> > 2-4 sweet outbreaks a day
> > easy bruising
> > vaginitis
> > severe joint pain (hip and neck)
> > acne
> > change in menstral cycle
> > SEVERE constipation
> >
> >
> > I'm 22 days with Lexapro and continuing it to give it a chance, trying to be patient. I may try and add an SNRI such as Strattera, instead of trying Effexor which is only one claiming to effect both serotonin and norepinephrine.
> >
> >
>
> I experienced many of these same SE's w/Lex. But I am glad to say it was worth it to suffer through them to get to where I am now. It's like a new lease on life, I feel like "MY OLD SELF" again....depression and anxiety pretty much alleviated and I can get up in the morning and get things DONE!!
>
> PLEASE don't get discouraged, give the Lex time to work (for me it took about 9 weeks), and you may be the next "Butterfly"!!!
>
>
> PS - if curious about "butterfly" story, go to old post and read how Okpolosi "TRANSFORMED"
Posted by tm on May 28, 2003, at 13:10:15
In reply to Re: Switch from Lexapro to Effexor XR???, posted by blkvettes on May 28, 2003, at 10:56:21
> > > > I've been taking Lexapro for a few weeks and going to give it more time. Effexor XR claims to help with motivation, and the 10mg Lexapro seems to make me feel spacey and lack of motivation. Any input???
> > >
> > >
> > > Hi there, the side effects you describe are very normal. I felt that way for quite awhile.At a few weeks this is not near enough time for the med to work unless you get real lucky. You have to give it a good 8 weeks at least. Dont mess with going up or down with the dose. Just be patient and give it time. I hope it works for you. No med is going to work in a few weeks and they will all have side effects for weeks. TAKE CARE!!!!
> > > WAYNE
> > >
> > >
> > I'm new to all of this, I started suffering the first of March and I'm 44 yrs. old. I had no problems before that. and was on Paxil at first and did not like the side efffect. I have been on Lex for about four weeks(15mg). I still fight nausea, anxiety, and some depression. I take Xanax four times a day and the mornings are the pits. I have not lost motivation I just have a hard time getting started in the morning because of the anxiety. So Wayne it sounds like the Lex. is working for you and do you take anything else?
> > Thanks Tim
> >
> >
>
> Hi Tim, just curious who bumped you up to 15mg at this stage? Were you diagnosed with depression and anxiety? Did you have panic attacks also? Well I will try to answer the best I can and remember everyone is different. My depression went away in the 5 to 6 week time frame. The anxiety took longer for me because of panic attacks. In fact if I do something I have not done in awhile I get anxiety. Im going to the mall today, so I will get anxiety when I get there. Then that fear will be gone. I do take xanax, I just take less than .5mg per day. I used to take more when things were much worse. I did not get this crap until I was almost 46 in the last year. The good thing is we did not have to suffer at an early age. I hope that makes you feel better!!! Any more questions, I will try to help!!!! TAKE CARE!!!!
> WAYNE
>Wayne,
My doc raised my level. My Doc. has the same problems that I do so that gives me some comfort. I went to the hospital with chest pains that I have been having for 13 yrs., but never went to the emergency room for. I went to my own Doctor years ago and I found out that taking 1000 mg of Ibuprophen would make it go away, but this time it would not. So I went to the emergency room on a Saturday and they did all the tests and I was in good shape. On Tuesday I came home from work just scared that I was going to die and leave my wife and four kids behind. I was then on a downward slide. I am no longer scared of death. I have been in Ga. for a year now and had lived in Chas. SC since 65. I now get into trouble when I go back to Chas., don't know why. I have a close knit family. My dad also suffers and has been for 42 yrs. My doc. says it sounds like I have Anxiety and depression. I have good weeks, but when I go home I come back and suffer for 10 days or so. I get depressed because I feel bad for so long. I am going to Jacksonville next week and it will be a tough morning, but I am hoping I will get over it once I get on the road. My wife and I have been making this same trip for ten years.Thanks Tim
>
Posted by Mariposa on May 28, 2003, at 19:23:06
In reply to Re: Switch from Lexapro to Effexor XR??? » Mariposa, posted by Napaba on May 28, 2003, at 11:48:09
> Did your side effects go away? Or are you still experiencing them? For me I don't feel the side effects I experience on Effexor are worth the benefits. I'm not depressed on Effexor, but I feel and look auful. I take meds to sleep at night and something for the joint pain during the day (between 6-10 mortrin, advil, or Alieve).
>
Yes, SE's have all gone away, except mild occassional jaw clenching.Much of the worst of the SE's were gone by 6th week for me, but still didn't feel "BETTER" until 9th week. Had a pretty rough time w/anxiety-depression 4th-5th weeks, that's when DR upped dosage from 5mg to 10mg.
Posted by Ally on May 28, 2003, at 20:45:19
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I'm fairly new to lexapro- have been taking it for about 3 weeks now....My doc started me on 10 mg, went for follow- up appt & was bumped up to 20 mg...have felt nothing, no side-effects, maybe a little more insomnia than usual...am wondering if this is right for me...
Posted by Mariposa on May 28, 2003, at 20:59:22
In reply to New to lexapro, posted by Ally on May 28, 2003, at 20:45:19
> I'm fairly new to lexapro- have been taking it for about 3 weeks now....My doc started me on 10 mg, went for follow- up appt & was bumped up to 20 mg...have felt nothing, no side-effects, maybe a little more insomnia than usual...am wondering if this is right for me...
I had a terrible time w/SE's, but now I'm doing really GREAT on Lex
Are you taking other meds also?
Lex is the only med I have ever taken, so I don't know if I would have bad SE's with other meds. Maybe you are one of those who will have an easier time of it?
I think 3 weeks is a little early to tell if it will work for you. Most of the literature, studies, DRs, say it takes 6 - 8 weeks. For me it was 9 weeks.
Hope this helps and good luck!!
Posted by Ally on May 29, 2003, at 0:05:58
In reply to Re: New to lexapro » Ally, posted by Mariposa on May 28, 2003, at 20:59:22
> I had a terrible time w/SE's, but now I'm doing really GREAT on Lex
>
> Are you taking other meds also?
>
> Lex is the only med I have ever taken, so I don't know if I would have bad SE's with other meds. Maybe you are one of those who will have an easier time of it?
>
> I think 3 weeks is a little early to tell if it will work for you. Most of the literature, studies, DRs, say it takes 6 - 8 weeks. For me it was 9 weeks.
>
> Hope this helps and good luck!!Thanks! Not taking any other meds & this is the 1st I've been on for depression. Glad to hear you've had great results..I will give it some more time & hope to start feeling better, more motivated...I was surprised b/c my doc acted like I should've been feeling results in 2 weeks, but after reading the posts here, seems it takes a lot longer.
Posted by tm on May 29, 2003, at 5:22:15
In reply to Re: New to lexapro, posted by Ally on May 29, 2003, at 0:05:58
> > I had a terrible time w/SE's, but now I'm doing really GREAT on Lex
> >
> > Are you taking other meds also?
> >
> > Lex is the only med I have ever taken, so I don't know if I would have bad SE's with other meds. Maybe you are one of those who will have an easier time of it?
> >
> > I think 3 weeks is a little early to tell if it will work for you. Most of the literature, studies, DRs, say it takes 6 - 8 weeks. For me it was 9 weeks.
> >
> > Hope this helps and good luck!!
>
> Thanks! Not taking any other meds & this is the 1st I've been on for depression. Glad to hear you've had great results..I will give it some more time & hope to start feeling better, more motivated...I was surprised b/c my doc acted like I should've been feeling results in 2 weeks, but after reading the posts here, seems it takes a lot longer.
>
I'm also new to this my doctor raised my to 15mg after two weeks. I also take .75 mg of Xanax four times a day. I normally wake up with anxiety and sometimes suffer with that all day for a few weeks which causes depression, at that point I just think negative. I agree, with all I have read I'm willing to give it more time to see the final results. Mine all started with a panic attack in March. I wish you the best of luck, I know it's tough. I get some relief by reading these postings.Tim
>
Posted by cswife on May 29, 2003, at 5:31:58
In reply to Re: New to lexapro, posted by tm on May 29, 2003, at 5:22:15
Just wanted to thank all of you for continuing to post your experiences. I'm not on Lexapro, but my husband is, and understanding what he is feeling helps me to help him. He's only been on it a little over a week. He had a great day on Tuesday, but yesterday was awful. The doc told him he would feel better "immediately". Evidently the doc has never taken Lex.
Thanks again,
C's wife
Posted by blkvettes on May 29, 2003, at 7:24:35
In reply to Re: New to lexapro, posted by cswife on May 29, 2003, at 5:31:58
> Just wanted to thank all of you for continuing to post your experiences. I'm not on Lexapro, but my husband is, and understanding what he is feeling helps me to help him. He's only been on it a little over a week. He had a great day on Tuesday, but yesterday was awful. The doc told him he would feel better "immediately". Evidently the doc has never taken Lex.
> Thanks again,
> C's wifeHi, the doctor must be a family doctor and not someone in the mental health field. If its the right med, somewhere between 4 to 8 weeks things should really start to get better. By the way thumbs up to you for looking for answers for your husband!!!! TAKE CARE!!!
WAYNE
Posted by Mariposa on May 29, 2003, at 11:39:39
In reply to Re: New to lexapro, posted by cswife on May 29, 2003, at 5:31:58
> Just wanted to thank all of you for continuing to post your experiences. I'm not on Lexapro, but my husband is, and understanding what he is feeling helps me to help him. He's only been on it a little over a week. He had a great day on Tuesday, but yesterday was awful. The doc told him he would feel better "immediately". Evidently the doc has never taken Lex.
> Thanks again,
> C's wifeI'm not really sure why the DR said what he said, "immediately" is just not possible!!!
It takes time for the body to adjust and for the meds to get into your system. Some people who have posted here have shown improvement in as little as 2-3 weeks, but I have not read ANY posts that indicated this med would work right away.
Just a bit of a warning.....if your husband's experience goes like mine....I got worse (anxiety and depression) befor I got better. The only thing that kept me going was the GREAT PEOPLE ON THIS BOARD!!!
BEST OF LUCK!!
Posted by lil' jimi on May 29, 2003, at 14:07:51
In reply to Advice please..., posted by pumpkin on May 27, 2003, at 16:50:34
> Have been on Lexapro for a few months now, and
> still having problems with intense headaches
> and upset stomachs. Found that regular asprin
> helps, but the pain is in my "sinuses", and neck
> area(s). Didn't have them until I started Lex.
> My doctor keeps saying that it's allergies, but
> I totally disagree. I guess I'm getting tired
> of having to lay down all the time now!
>
> Went off Klonopin last Saturday. Have been having
> some problems- but tolorable for now. My doctor
> knows about this. Depression is still around,
> but I feel more alive since going off Depakote
> (awhile ago). However, it's not easy by far.
>
> Happy for you guys that are feeling better on the
> Lex. Hope I get there someday, although it might
> be on another AD.
>hi pumpkin!
great to read your post here again .... thanks for your update.
sorry it has been so long and hard for you there .... for what it's worth i'm pulling for you!
you have been hanging in there for a while now .... i can see where it would be hard to differentiate SEs from the different meds .... although it sounds like maybe lex is giving you a hard time.
i know nothing about klonopin nor depakote.
i'm still on my one and only: lexapro has been good to me..... i hope it works out for you .... you certainly have been giving it a good try .... advise? (?) ....keep on keeping on!
if you were to have to try another AD, which one would you think it might be? for instance, should lex try to poop out, i'd consider effexor ..... but i have not heard of any lex poop outs yet!
you know, i'm just not sure what advice you might want despite the subject line of your post ..... could you give me a hint, maybe? thanks!
TAKE CARE!!!!!!! (and a 'hey!' to wayne!!)!
~ jim
Posted by Napaba on May 29, 2003, at 14:54:51
In reply to Re: Advice please... » pumpkin, posted by lil' jimi on May 29, 2003, at 14:07:51
> > Have been on Lexapro for a few months now, and
> > still having problems with intense headaches
> > and upset stomachs. Found that regular asprin
> > helps, but the pain is in my "sinuses", and neck
> > area(s). Didn't have them until I started Lex.
> > My doctor keeps saying that it's allergies, but
> > I totally disagree. I guess I'm getting tired
> > of having to lay down all the time now!
> >
> > Went off Klonopin last Saturday. Have been having
> > some problems- but tolorable for now. My doctor
> > knows about this. Depression is still around,
> > but I feel more alive since going off Depakote
> > (awhile ago). However, it's not easy by far.
> >
> > Happy for you guys that are feeling better on the
> > Lex. Hope I get there someday, although it might
> > be on another AD.
> >
>
> hi pumpkin!
>
> great to read your post here again .... thanks for your update.
>
> sorry it has been so long and hard for you there .... for what it's worth i'm pulling for you!
>
> you have been hanging in there for a while now .... i can see where it would be hard to differentiate SEs from the different meds .... although it sounds like maybe lex is giving you a hard time.
>
> i know nothing about klonopin nor depakote.
>
> i'm still on my one and only: lexapro has been good to me..... i hope it works out for you .... you certainly have been giving it a good try .... advise? (?) ....keep on keeping on!
>
> if you were to have to try another AD, which one would you think it might be? for instance, should lex try to poop out, i'd consider effexor ..... but i have not heard of any lex poop outs yet!
>
> you know, i'm just not sure what advice you might want despite the subject line of your post ..... could you give me a hint, maybe? thanks!
>
> TAKE CARE!!!!!!! (and a 'hey!' to wayne!!)!
> ~ jim
STAY AWAY FROM EFFEXOR. It should be removed from the market. I take it and have been switched to Lex, I'm not sure I'm going to take the Lexapro though. I need to do more research. If your concidering Effexor look into the the posts from those who are taking it or trying to get off it. The side effects are numerous.
Posted by BWII on May 29, 2003, at 15:48:56
In reply to Re: Advice please..., posted by Napaba on May 29, 2003, at 14:54:51
Well, 2nd full day with Lexapro 10mg after 3 days without Effexor XR.
The brain shocks seem to finally have left, as I have also taken multi-vitamins and continued my Depacote (1 year into it).
The Depacote seems to have no effect since the Effexor was overpowering everything. With the Effexor, I was even able to drink 2-3 times as much with a clear head, which cannot be good on the body.
Posted by lil' jimi on May 29, 2003, at 16:32:13
In reply to Re: Advice please..., posted by Napaba on May 29, 2003, at 14:54:51
hi Napaba!
> STAY AWAY FROM EFFEXOR. It should be removed from the market. I take it and have been switched to Lex, I'm not sure I'm going to take the Lexapro though. I need to do more research. If your concidering Effexor look into the the posts from those who are taking it or trying to get off it. The side effects are numerous.
>
>And thank you for the forewarning! ....Very much!!
i have had my doubts about effexor and continue to be very doubtful about my gp's suggestion/threat, but i have wanted to get feedback from folks like yourself..... Thanks again!
we(los lexos)'re hoping that it never comes to having to go to another SSRI .... but i have been considering the options .... options i'm hoping i never need.
i have read a lot of effexor tragedies here abouts.
which effexor SEs did you experience?
thanks again for you post .... keep on posting!
~ jim
Posted by Napaba on May 30, 2003, at 11:09:08
In reply to Re: Advice please... » Napaba, posted by lil' jimi on May 29, 2003, at 16:32:13
Hi jim
The side effects I experience on Effexor are:
These are the ones that didn't go away after the first couple of months.
Severe joint pain (hip and shoulder/neck area - I take so much Motrin, Advil, Alieve its unreal)
Severe constipation
Vivid/weird dreams (I've had them about weird things like aliens to insisting people are talking about my hair growing 10 inches in day)
Vaginitis (never had this problem before)
Messed up periods (before Effexor always 28 days, now I never know, it could be anywhere from 30-40 days)
Blurred vision (to the point it's hard to drive)
Bruising (I get bruises from the slightest bump - I can't wear shorts or short sleeves because people ask what’s wrong)
Developed acne
Brian shivers (if a miss one dose)None of these symptoms are things I experienced before Effexor, I've lowered my dose from 150 mgs a day to 75 and noticed the joint pain in my shoulder/neck area has lessened, but my depression has increased.
My concern is if I notice all of these side effects, what is it doing to my body that I'm not aware of?
I had other symptoms, like lose of appetite, insomnia, and always tired, but they went away after the first month or so.
So tell me about Lexapro. I still haven't started the switch. If the side effects are as severe as those brought on by Effexor then I'm going back to the doctor. I'm not going through Effexor withdraw for nothing.
hi Napaba!
>
> > STAY AWAY FROM EFFEXOR. It should be removed from the market. I take it and have been switched to Lex, I'm not sure I'm going to take the Lexapro though. I need to do more research. If your concidering Effexor look into the the posts from those who are taking it or trying to get off it. The side effects are numerous.
> >
> >
>
> And thank you for the forewarning! ....Very much!!
>
> i have had my doubts about effexor and continue to be very doubtful about my gp's suggestion/threat, but i have wanted to get feedback from folks like yourself..... Thanks again!
>
> we(los lexos)'re hoping that it never comes to having to go to another SSRI .... but i have been considering the options .... options i'm hoping i never need.
>
> i have read a lot of effexor tragedies here abouts.
>
> which effexor SEs did you experience?
>
> thanks again for you post .... keep on posting!
>
> ~ jim
Posted by pumpkin on May 30, 2003, at 13:50:11
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
My husband takes this med, and I'm about ready
to call the doctor- although he doesn't want me
to.He has been on for about 2 years, and doesn't
know exactly what he does when he's asleep, but
I do.My experience as a wife. "Lord, don't let him
attack me again"! I've had enough of it. He
wakes up from the stupidest nightmare(s), and
"attacks" me. Everywhere from kicking, to hitting, to trying to "snap" my neck. Last night,
he actually went digging into my side. I woke up
and yelled because of the pain. Most of the time
he doesn't remember what he's dreaming about- other times, he will wake us up- screaming out
loud. It's really scarey for me and the kids.
They hear him, and want me to sleep elsewhere
for "safety". It's sweet, because my youngest
daughter wants me to sleep with her so that I
will have a bed.For him, I lay in bed wide awake, and try to soothe him as his muscles go "running" everywhere.
He tells me that the anxiety is bad, and he has
to do something to get it out. He's never had
"anxiety" like this before! Then, he can't sleep
in a few hours and gets up for awhile. I really
can't see how he's making it- I'm not! But, I
pray, and grin and bear it. I asked him if I could meet his doctor, and talk with them both-
but he's reluctant for some reason. Lord knows
that he's been with me to my doctor. Is this a
"man" thing? He told me last night that he wasen't "feeling" well- physically, and emotionally. But today- he's fine again. His
memory is "blitzing" too. Family knows this, but
he denies it. I just don't get it. After 23 years of marriage (May 24), I'm not stupid, and
I tell him this. He's never had these "problems"
before. So, I will stand by him, and keep praying, and possibly sleep elsewhere (hint for
him?) for a night! I've gotta get some Z's too!As for me, my Lex is staying at 15 mg. Depakote,
and Klonopin are well gone for now. Since I don't
have a thyroid gland- I have to take that med,
along with a multi-vitamin. I'm "staying" with
this. My doctor finially called me today! I
had to reschedule an appointment, and really didn't care when he called- if he would. But,
I can't believe he actually called! I am going
off the Lex however. I don't know what's in store- but going from 20 to 15 mg. took the
intense headaches away. Still have "tinges",
but nothing like I did. Have to see what "I'm"
like after 12 plus years of med. (Lord willing-
not too bad!) I'll keep in contact, and keep
posting. It's not been easy...you can feel weird
also from coming off. Trying to tell the difference between coming off, and possible
"symptoms"- except for anxiety (ouch!).Keep up those posts!
Posted by lil' jimi on May 30, 2003, at 16:32:16
In reply to Re: Advice please... » lil' jimi, posted by Napaba on May 30, 2003, at 11:09:08
> Hi jim
>
......
> So tell me about Lexapro. I still haven't started the switch. If the side effects are as severe as those brought on by Effexor then I'm going back to the doctor. I'm not going through Effexor withdraw for nothing.
>hi Napaba!
thanks for your response to my post!
well, your's is another nail in effexor’s coffin for me .... effexor’s withdrawals are notorious; then there’s sexual side effects; et cetera .... thanks again for your input. .... (my next targeted SSRI alternative is wellbutrin.)i am blessed that our discussion of effexor is entirely speculative and that i have Zero need for a replacement SSRI ... right now anyway
this is because lexapro ”has been very good for me”! (ho, ho!) .... in fact, i have been so fortunate in my response to lex that i would not think i was even indicative of the more typical lexapro experience, but this is what it’s been like for me:
good.
march 6 i took 10mg of lex and i had some SIDE EFFECTS, which spooked me enough that i went to 5mg march 7 through april 9, when i went back up to 10 mg where i have been since ....
those SIDE EFFECTS included panic attacks, which i had never had before, grogginess, flu-like symptoms, depersonalization (“kinda trippy”), some anorgasmia, some weird hyper-awareness of my appetite (?), episodic sweats, some at night ..... all of which went away completely in 2 weeks except for the sweats, and they diminished to almost zero by about 4 weeks, although i get them very rarely now and when i do i sweat only a little .... and now that i think about it, i haven’t had any lex’ sweats in more than a week ..... so maybe that one’s gone too.
these came back, in somewhat lessened form, when i increased my dose to 10mg, for maybe a week, 2 weeks at most.... then All Better.
at about 4 or 5 weeks i began to feel therapeutic benefits from lexapro:
less irritability; less worry; less depression; less rage; more tolerance; more contentment ...(i have mild depression .... my wife asked me to tell my gp she suspected i was depressed .... my gp handed me 3 weeks of lex samples .... my problem symptom is lack of motivation/ initiative.)
lexapro has completely solved any mood disorder i had (i am way cheerful now) and improved my experience of myself (i find i am much more alert to signals from my body: food tastes better; colors are brighter ((?) or something); music has more appeal; digestion keeps me informed (?) .... good things.
however i continue to be anti-motivational .... i have an attitude disorder still, but it’s much better and much more easily tolerated. ........ so that’s where i am now.
as for lexapro: possibly lots of initial adaptation SEs, some can be severe (but not for me, really), which may last as much as 4 to 6 weeks (but much less for me) and for this it’s recommended to slowly build up from low doses to a higher dose ..... some folks who have had great lex success (see Okpolosi/Mariposa’s posts) had bad SEs for Nine Weeks ... then success.
but for the folks that lexapro works for, all SEs go away completely ..... eventually
then there are the folks who spend 10 or 12 weeks trying to adapt to lex, but suffer nausea and diarrhea every day and more .... they have to quit, because lex is not for them.(march 7th i found this board and i then read All of the posts in this lexapro thread from june of 2002 up to now ..... most valuable resource (praise to dr. bob!) ... i would not have stayed with my med were it not for finding psycho-babble!)
summary:
1) lex has adaptation SEs
2) they go away ... usually
3) no poop out has been reported
4) if it works ..... it works
5) no way to know for sure without trying it, which means dealing with 1)
6) we read that the same initial SEs are likely when quitting lex, but can be lessened by progressively decreasing the doseagei hope this helps you.... mariposa, blkvettes and i could be your poster chidren for lex ....
the thing which gets my gp going for effexor is that it effects two neurotransmitters, instead of just the serotonin levels .... we have heard that this other neurotransmitter helps motivation, see ..... but we don’t want ot go there.
thanks again for writing back ..... post again as soon as you're in the mood.
TAKE CARE!!!!!! (<grin!> to blkvettes!)
~ jim
Posted by Mariposa on May 30, 2003, at 20:29:07
In reply to Re: Advice please » Napaba, posted by lil' jimi on May 30, 2003, at 16:32:16
YES I WOULD CONSIDER MYSELF A POSTER CHILD FOR LEXAPRO!!!!
I had a rough time w/SE's, but all gone now (except mild occassional jaw clenching).
I have had good results so far, and seem to have lots of motivtion and energy, my husband commented that I was acting like I was on speed!
Best of luck to you!!
Posted by tm on May 30, 2003, at 20:31:40
In reply to Re: Advice please - Poster child, posted by Mariposa on May 30, 2003, at 20:29:07
How long did it take for you to feel the full effects and at what strength are? tHanks Tim
Posted by Mariposa on May 30, 2003, at 20:42:02
In reply to Re: Advice please - Poster child, posted by tm on May 30, 2003, at 20:31:40
> How long did it take for you to feel the full effects and at what strength are? tHanks Tim
I would say I probably started feeling better at 9 weeks, and by 11th week I was sure I was doing MUCH better.
I started at 5mg, at end of 4th week went to 10mg, still at 10mg going into 5th month.
Posted by tm on May 31, 2003, at 8:15:34
In reply to Re: Advice please - Poster child » tm, posted by Mariposa on May 30, 2003, at 20:42:02
> > How long did it take for you to feel the full effects and at what strength are? tHanks Tim
>
> I would say I probably started feeling better at 9 weeks, and by 11th week I was sure I was doing MUCH better.
>
> I started at 5mg, at end of 4th week went to 10mg, still at 10mg going into 5th month.
I wake up with so much anxiety which is one of my problems and not caused by the Lex. I take .75 Xanax while I'm still laying in bed. Did you have or do you have this problem?
Posted by lil' jimi on May 31, 2003, at 12:48:39
In reply to Re: Advice please - Poster child » Mariposa, posted by tm on May 31, 2003, at 8:15:34
hi tim,
i am hoping to get blkvettes (Wayne)'s attention for you.
TM asks:
> > > How long did it take for you to feel the full effects and at what strength are? tHanks Tim
> >
Mariposa replied:
> > I would say I probably started feeling better at 9 weeks, and by 11th week I was sure I was doing MUCH better.
> >
> > I started at 5mg, at end of 4th week went to 10mg, still at 10mg going into 5th month.
>and now (this is where Wayne can help us) TM asks:
> I wake up with so much anxiety which is one of my problems and not caused by the Lex. I take .75 Xanax while I'm still laying in bed. Did you have or do you have this problem?
>Wayne has lex experience with anxiety and social phobia.
if he is busy, you could use the search at Babble to check Wayne's old posts .... they really are quite inspirational ...... just check for blkvettes' older posts..... that's 'blkvettes', as in "black Corvettes".
and as Wayne inspired me to say, with his closing....
TAKE CARE !!!!
and keep on posting!
~ jim
Posted by tm on May 31, 2003, at 12:58:41
In reply to Re: anxiety?! ..Hey, Wayne! » tm, posted by lil' jimi on May 31, 2003, at 12:48:39
> hi tim,
>
> i am hoping to get blkvettes (Wayne)'s attention for you.
>
> TM asks:
> > > > How long did it take for you to feel the full effects and at what strength are? tHanks Tim
> > >
> Mariposa replied:
> > > I would say I probably started feeling better at 9 weeks, and by 11th week I was sure I was doing MUCH better.
> > >
> > > I started at 5mg, at end of 4th week went to 10mg, still at 10mg going into 5th month.
> >
>
> and now (this is where Wayne can help us) TM asks:
> > I wake up with so much anxiety which is one of my problems and not caused by the Lex. I take .75 Xanax while I'm still laying in bed. Did you have or do you have this problem?
> >
>
> Wayne has lex experience with anxiety and social phobia.
>
> if he is busy, you could use the search at Babble to check Wayne's old posts .... they really are quite inspirational ...... just check for blkvettes' older posts..... that's 'blkvettes', as in "black Corvettes".
>
> and as Wayne inspired me to say, with his closing....
>
> TAKE CARE !!!!
> and keep on posting!
> ~ jim
>
Thanks I'll start looking, I have noticed some of his posts and not so sure we haven't crossed paths, but I new at this.
Tim
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