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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 3421 to 3445 of 8406. Go back in thread:
Posted by lil' jimi on June 30, 2003, at 21:55:49
In reply to re: 20 mg/day to START?, posted by vandy on June 30, 2003, at 21:12:58
Posted by lil' jimi on June 30, 2003, at 22:03:23
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects for me, posted by BBoo on June 30, 2003, at 21:26:01
hi BBoo,
sorry to hear your having such trouble ... ... it can be hard to quit an SSRI ... i appreciate your post ... thanks!
... ... so why would your insurance quit covering your lexapro?take good care of yourself and let us hear from you!
~ jim
Posted by McPac on June 30, 2003, at 22:36:03
In reply to re: 20 mg/day to START? » McPac, posted by lil' jimi on June 30, 2003, at 20:58:47
hi McPac,
>>>>>>>Hi Jim!
... SOP is to start 10mg
>>>>>>>JUST took 10 mg Lex only minutes ago...I'm starting at 10 mg NOT 20!
as you have probably read, starting off slow is believed (around here anyway) to lessen the impact of those potential lex start-up SEs
>>>>>>>>>>Makes sense to me.
... and, yes siree, be prepared for the POSSIBILITY (probablity?) of lex-induced initial anxiety SE
>>>>>>>>>> I hear ya!
and i read all of the old posts debating the celexa-to-lex equivalency .... i seem to remember the pharm rep post that 10 to 40 exchange rate ..
>>>>>>>>>>I still need to find that kind of info out.
so what happened with your zoloft?
>>>>>>>Zoloft (at higher doses, which I needed) caused bad anger/temper problems for me (at lower doses it was much better but I needed a higher dose...thus, the switch to a different med)
i have read some of your posts, but i can't recall your dx / sx / history / story / other meds?
>>>>>>>>>>>OCD and Depression for SURE (possibly a tad of bipolar?)
TAKE CARE !!! ! ! !!!!!
>>>>>>>>>You take care too!!
Posted by lil' jimi on June 30, 2003, at 22:41:49
In reply to Re: Just Starting on Lexapro....20 mg/day to START????, posted by McPac on June 30, 2003, at 20:46:10
hi McPac,
i guess Wayne's busy .... which should be a good thing!
> Hi Wayne!
>
> "Are you still taking the zoloft?"
>
> >>>>>>>>Yes, I haven't started the Lex yet nor have I begun the Zoloft taper.
>
> "There may be some withdrawl that you will go through. Its best to come off it slowly".
>
> >>>>>>>>>>>Wayne, will I STILL get Zoloft withdrawal IF I take the Lex at the same time that I'm tapering the Z (will the Lex NEGATE the Z withdrawal)?.... ... so i thought i'd give it a shot for you:
(disclaimer: this is ONLY from what i've read ... i have never had zoloft.)
... ... the posts have complaints from folks trying to come from another ssri to lex and they're having to fight BOTH initial lex SEs AND ssri withdrawals ("wds"?) ... ... some folks have had a real rough time ... some like jackie (2beornot2benuts) just had too hard a time to handle and had to quit lex ... some like mariposa (Hola, Chica?) can make it through the ses and do great ... ... so i'm inclined to answer your question, no.... .. .. but i have never really understood why it is that we should Not be able to get the relief you suggest from mutually tapering ssris .... ... or just staying on one while getting onto the 2nd before quitting the 1st ... it would seem to make sense ... the posts seem to fail to document this success ....
however ... a Much higher percentage of our poster are going to be users with problems (looking for help) and fewer posters post their success stories ... so it is Not Impossible that it is happening out there somewhere ... ...
... man, i hope it works for you !!
TAKE CARE !!!!! (always an homage to bro. wayne!!)
~ jim
Posted by lil' jimi on June 30, 2003, at 23:07:40
In reply to lil jimi, re: 20 mg/day to START?, posted by McPac on June 30, 2003, at 22:36:03
> hi McPac,
>
> >>>>>>>Hi Jim!
>
> ... SOP is to start 10mg
>
> >>>>>>>JUST took 10 mg Lex only minutes ago...I'm starting at 10 mg NOT 20!
>
> as you have probably read, starting off slow is believed (around here anyway) to lessen the impact of those potential lex start-up SEs
>
> >>>>>>>>>>Makes sense to me.
>
> ... and, yes siree, be prepared for the POSSIBILITY (probablity?) of lex-induced initial anxiety SE
>
> >>>>>>>>>> I hear ya!
>
> and i read all of the old posts debating the celexa-to-lex equivalency .... i seem to remember the pharm rep post that 10 to 40 exchange rate ..
>
> >>>>>>>>>>I still need to find that kind of info out.
>
> so what happened with your zoloft?
>
> >>>>>>>Zoloft (at higher doses, which I needed) caused bad anger/temper problems for me (at lower doses it was much better but I needed a higher dose...thus, the switch to a different med)
>
> i have read some of your posts, but i can't recall your dx / sx / history / story / other meds?
>
> >>>>>>>>>>>OCD and Depression for SURE (possibly a tad of bipolar?)
>
> TAKE CARE !!! ! ! !!!!!
>
> >>>>>>>>>You take care too!!
>
thanks, man!when my start up lex SEs hit me, i went ocd, in my own way ... ... ... i read every post in this thread from june 2002 ... took me a week of my "spare" time ... (we have a 4 yr old boy) .... i learned a lot ... and now i feel like i've been on lex 20 years! .. ... ha! ... .... it has really only been 3 1/2 months ....
to research specific details though, you can:
1) click on the thread link
" Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl Dr. Bob 6/11/02" at http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020609/msgs/109458.html
so that you get the entire thread in one window;
2) click your edit menu in your browser and
select "Find in This Page" ... this will open a little dialog box
3) then enter a search term like "celexa"
and each time you click "Find" you should get another post with 'celexa' in its subject line.hope this helps
good luck!!
~ jim
Posted by McPac on June 30, 2003, at 23:37:49
In reply to re: how to get specific lex thread info » McPac, posted by lil' jimi on June 30, 2003, at 23:07:40
Posted by BLKVETTES on June 30, 2003, at 23:47:16
In reply to re: Lexapro , insurance won't cover? » BBoo, posted by lil' jimi on June 30, 2003, at 22:03:23
> hi BBoo,
>
> sorry to hear your having such trouble ... ... it can be hard to quit an SSRI ... i appreciate your post ... thanks!
> ... ... so why would your insurance quit covering your lexapro?
>
> take good care of yourself and let us hear from you!
> ~ jimI had to fight about a month for my insurance to cover it. The reason being it cost more than other meds because its new. They wanted me to try something else first. It was like hello, I have already been on 2 other meds. TAKE CARE!!!
WAYNE
Posted by prodgirl on July 1, 2003, at 0:00:10
In reply to re: Lexapro pooped out! » prodgirl, posted by lil' jimi on June 30, 2003, at 21:51:49
hey jim;
I took 10mg for about 4 weeks, then started having insomnia problems, which brought on 20mg of Trazadone. At 7-8 weeks, I started withdrawing from people at work and getting really sad (this is a problem because my life blood is touring). My dr told me that some people have a problem with Lexapro "plateauing" or "pooping out". She upped the doseage to 20mg. Again, after 7-8 weeks, I was having the same problem, but this time I couldn't get off the couch, cried all day and couldn't sleep for four days. We talked about going to 30mg, but thought that the chances of me plateauing again were greater. I'm in the process of switching to Effexor XR. It's been five days and I've had a headache for about 36 hours now, and haven't really slept. Tonight will be my first ambien night, so I'm excited to sleep!
With the switch, I came upon this site as I wanted to do some research on Effexor...and I would be lying if I didn't say I was a bit concerned after hearing some of the reports here. Anyone have a really positive experience with Effexor XR??
> how long did you do lex / when did it poop out on you ??
> was 10mg the most you took?
> what AD do you use now?
> how are you doing?
> thanks for your post!!
> i would appreciate any details about your lex poop out, Please? Pretty Please?
> ... ... please post again!
> Thank You !!
>
> TAKE CARE !!!!
> ~ jim
Posted by BLKVETTES on July 1, 2003, at 0:27:12
In reply to re: Lexapro pooped out!, posted by prodgirl on July 1, 2003, at 0:00:10
Hi there, I go to a lot of different boards. Effexor has worked for others. Its one of those things where your not going to know until you try because we are all so different. Did you ever feel good on the lexapro? Im trying to decide if you had poop out or just never got the med to work. Im at 20 weeks or so on the lex. I quit counting the days so Im not sure. Im fearing this poop out thing right this minute. This last week has not been the best. Im hoping its because of a very busy week. I went to see the pdoc on my own for the first time. I went and bought furniture. My computer died and the air conditioning went out. I then did 2 days of yard work. I was so sore I could not get out of bed for 2 days. I was also very tired and weak. So Im just hoping that its because I took charge for the first time in about a year. I also took xanax today for the first time since about 10 to 14 days. It has helped me even out for the day. It has been more the depression than my panic side. Im guessing the pain is playing with my mind. I will know more in the next day or two. I keep thinking of the book flowers for algernon. I cant go back again and start over. Zoloft and paxil gave me severe allergic reactions. Whats after lexapro if needed for me. Is it celexa, I hate to even think about whats next. GOOD LUCK!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by lil' jimi on July 1, 2003, at 0:37:25
In reply to re: Lexapro pooped out!, posted by prodgirl on July 1, 2003, at 0:00:10
hi prodgirl,
my doctor offered me effexor and i will consider it if lexapro quits on me.
so sorry you are having such a hard time ... ... make sure you're getting enough fluids, espicially water ... and nutrients, omega-3 oils, vitamins, fruits, sunshine if you can find it ... and ... ...
... .. sleep~ jim
Posted by prodgirl on July 1, 2003, at 0:41:03
In reply to PRODGIRL AND EFFEXOR AND POOP OUT, posted by BLKVETTES on July 1, 2003, at 0:27:12
> Did you ever feel good on the lexapro? Im trying to decide if you had poop out or just never got the med to work. Im at 20 weeks or so on the lex. I quit counting the days so Im not sure. Im fearing this poop out thing right this minute.
Wayne;
I felt great after the Lex kicked in, and then again once I upped the doseage. I wouldn't fear the poop out, you'll know when it does. I went back to old bad habits. Worrying about it will just make it worse.
I'm sure you were exhaused b'c it sounds like you totally kicked everything into gear! Don't go over board. B'c of my work, I always make a big list of things I need to accomplish. I don't make a big deal if I don't get my personal stuff done like this...but one of my girlfriends, who suffers from depression, says that she makes a little list for herself everyday. Not too big, but enough that she feels like she is accomplishing something and overcoming her depression. Maybe that's a good idea for you?
Good luck!
prod girl
Posted by BBoo on July 1, 2003, at 13:21:17
In reply to re: Lexapro , insurance won't cover?, posted by BLKVETTES on June 30, 2003, at 23:47:16
> > hi BBoo,
> > sorry to hear your having such trouble ... it can be hard to quit an SSRI ... i appreciate your post ... thanks!
> > ... so why would your insurance quit covering your lexapro?
> > take good care of yourself and let us hear from you!
> > ~ jim
>
> I had to fight about a month for my insurance to cover it. The reason being it cost more than other meds because its new. They wanted me to try something else first. It was like hello, I have already been on 2 other meds. TAKE CARE!!!
> WAYNE
>
>Hi, same here, they paid part of it this last year but today the new fiscal year starts and it's not on the "preferred list" so they pay hardly anything (and you know it's VERY expensive) and it won't count toward my deductible or the stop-loss total. Plus my other 3 Rx co-pays all double today, too. And the premiums, deductibles, office co-pays, etc. all go up, too. But I only got a 1.5% cost-of-living "raise" this year! Ain't life grand?!
Posted by BLKVETTES on July 1, 2003, at 14:43:36
In reply to re: Lexapro , insurance won't cover?, posted by BBoo on July 1, 2003, at 13:21:17
> > > hi BBoo,
> > > sorry to hear your having such trouble ... it can be hard to quit an SSRI ... i appreciate your post ... thanks!
> > > ... so why would your insurance quit covering your lexapro?
> > > take good care of yourself and let us hear from you!
> > > ~ jim
> >
> > I had to fight about a month for my insurance to cover it. The reason being it cost more than other meds because its new. They wanted me to try something else first. It was like hello, I have already been on 2 other meds. TAKE CARE!!!
> > WAYNE
> >
> >
>
> Hi, same here, they paid part of it this last year but today the new fiscal year starts and it's not on the "preferred list" so they pay hardly anything (and you know it's VERY expensive) and it won't count toward my deductible or the stop-loss total. Plus my other 3 Rx co-pays all double today, too. And the premiums, deductibles, office co-pays, etc. all go up, too. But I only got a 1.5% cost-of-living "raise" this year! Ain't life grand?!
>Sorry about the insurance woes!!!! I think as far as these meds the insurance companies have no clue. Before the lexapro I ran up a bill of over $100,000 because of panic attacks. Long stays in the hospital and many tests. You would think it would be cheaper to get the person on the right med instead of risking paying bills for doctor and hospital visits. Makes no sense!!! Others on different boards have had to quit meds because of insurance problems. GOOD LUCK!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by lil' jimi on July 1, 2003, at 14:58:24
In reply to re: Lexapro , insurance won't cover?, posted by BBoo on July 1, 2003, at 13:21:17
hey Wayne!
hi BBoo!i am very upset to hear this!
> > > hi BBoo,
> > > sorry to hear your having such trouble ... it can be hard to quit an SSRI ... i appreciate your post ... thanks!
> > > ... so why would your insurance quit covering your lexapro?
> > > take good care of yourself and let us hear from you!
> > > ~ jim
> >
> > I had to fight about a month for my insurance to cover it. The reason being it cost more than other meds because its new. They wanted me to try something else first. It was like hello, I have already been on 2 other meds. TAKE CARE!!!
> > WAYNE
> >
> >
>
> Hi, same here, they paid part of it this last year but today the new fiscal year starts and it's not on the "preferred list" so they pay hardly anything (and you know it's VERY expensive) and it won't count toward my deductible or the stop-loss total. Plus my other 3 Rx co-pays all double today, too. And the premiums, deductibles, office co-pays, etc. all go up, too. But I only got a 1.5% cost-of-living "raise" this year! Ain't life grand?!
>clueless me! ... i had No Idea!! ... ... i am outraged!!
How in the World can we endure our insurance companies choosing which anti-deprerssant / SSRI we should use !!!!!
<insert sound of scream here!!>
i only WISH my outrage could do anybody any good!!
AAAAAAARRRRRGGGGGHHHHHHHHH!!!!!
how many people are having to endure this ABUSE ! !!!!
It IS WRONG !!!i co-pay $25 for 30 10mg pills of lex ... about 84 cents a pill .... How much does lex retail for really? .... what AD does your insurance "prescribe"?
i am angry!!
~ jim
Posted by Office_LB on July 1, 2003, at 15:58:09
In reply to re: Lexapro , insurance Won't cover!! AAARRRGGH!! » BBoo, posted by lil' jimi on July 1, 2003, at 14:58:24
> hey Wayne!
> hi BBoo!
>
> i am very upset to hear this!
>
> > > > hi BBoo,
> > > > sorry to hear your having such trouble ... it can be hard to quit an SSRI ... i appreciate your post ... thanks!
> > > > ... so why would your insurance quit covering your lexapro?
> > > > take good care of yourself and let us hear from you!
> > > > ~ jim
> > >
> > > I had to fight about a month for my insurance to cover it. The reason being it cost more than other meds because its new. They wanted me to try something else first. It was like hello, I have already been on 2 other meds. TAKE CARE!!!
> > > WAYNE
> > >
> > >
> >
> > Hi, same here, they paid part of it this last year but today the new fiscal year starts and it's not on the "preferred list" so they pay hardly anything (and you know it's VERY expensive) and it won't count toward my deductible or the stop-loss total. Plus my other 3 Rx co-pays all double today, too. And the premiums, deductibles, office co-pays, etc. all go up, too. But I only got a 1.5% cost-of-living "raise" this year! Ain't life grand?!
> >
>
> clueless me! ... i had No Idea!! ... ... i am outraged!!
>
> How in the World can we endure our insurance companies choosing which anti-deprerssant / SSRI we should use !!!!!
>
> <insert sound of scream here!!>
>
> i only WISH my outrage could do anybody any good!!
>
> AAAAAAARRRRRGGGGGHHHHHHHHH!!!!!
>
> how many people are having to endure this ABUSE ! !!!!
> It IS WRONG !!!
>
> i co-pay $25 for 30 10mg pills of lex ... about 84 cents a pill .... How much does lex retail for really? .... what AD does your insurance "prescribe"?
>
> i am angry!!
> ~ jimMy copay is $25 as well. But my doseage is 20 mg/day so that 30 20 mg pills. I saw the sheet that said how much it cost retail and I believe it was $78.
Hope this helps.
Posted by lil' jimi on July 1, 2003, at 16:16:56
In reply to Thanks lil jimi!!! (NM)re: how to get specific lex (nm), posted by McPac on June 30, 2003, at 23:37:49
Posted by theo on July 1, 2003, at 16:47:12
In reply to re: you are very welcomed McPac:: Good luck! (nm) » McPac, posted by lil' jimi on July 1, 2003, at 16:16:56
Posted by lil' jimi on July 1, 2003, at 17:55:50
In reply to Are you still taking Lexapro?? (nm) » lil' jimi, posted by theo on July 1, 2003, at 16:47:12
Posted by Office_LB on July 2, 2003, at 10:03:05
In reply to re: Yes:: 10mg/day for last 2 months (nm) » theo, posted by lil' jimi on July 1, 2003, at 17:55:50
It's annoying!
Posted by theo on July 2, 2003, at 10:11:43
In reply to Don't use the subject field to communicate!, posted by Office_LB on July 2, 2003, at 10:03:05
I guess if it's annoying they shouldn't have a box in the posting area to check reading "no message, just post above subject"!!!!! Go take your meds and quit whining.
Posted by lil' jimi on July 2, 2003, at 10:24:18
In reply to Don't use the subject field to communicate!, posted by Office_LB on July 2, 2003, at 10:03:05
hi Office_LB,
From: Office_LB
Re: Don't use the subject field to communicate!
> It's annoying!okay ....
sorry about that ... ...
hadn't meant to annoy / thought anyone would be
annoyed.fwiw, it's a regular practice here ...
and the reason why Dr. Bob offers us the
"no message, just post above subject"
option on our
"Enter Your Post" window ... ...
... ... just in case you had not noticed ...however, if this is annoying you, i can write out my messages down here in the ol' message body, just like i am now, No Problemo ... ...
so how's that? eh?
TAKE CARE !!!
~ jim
Posted by lil' jimi on July 2, 2003, at 10:37:01
In reply to Re: Don't use the subject field to communicate! » Office_LB, posted by theo on July 2, 2003, at 10:11:43
hi theo,
i share your sentiments, but we know we can't really express them that way here ... ... we are blessed that our civility police are watching ....
... ... and we can reasonably expect (because we have taken our meds) (well, i don't take my 10mg of Lexapro until noon yet ...) that telling folks to "stop their whining" will be considered kind of uncivil like, you know .... ........ .... (of course, me accusing you of being uncivil might be considered a put down and it could make you feel bad, And therfore i would be guilty of being uncivil to you, too (!) ... ... i have not meant to offend you nor bum you out either, man ... really)
hang in there!
~ jim
Posted by theo on July 2, 2003, at 11:02:46
In reply to Re: Don't use the subject field to communicate! » theo, posted by lil' jimi on July 2, 2003, at 10:37:01
My direction was a little sarcastic humor but I understand people easily annoyed may not take it that way. Point taken.
Posted by lil' jimi on July 2, 2003, at 12:39:12
In reply to Re: Don't use the subject field to communicate! » lil' jimi, posted by theo on July 2, 2003, at 11:02:46
hi theo,
> My direction was a little sarcastic humor but I understand people easily annoyed may not take it that way. Point taken.
dude, you're way cool! thanks for being a good sport, man!
i really apprecaite it that you didn't take it wrong .... (and that we've laid off doing what is a prefectly legit thing to do ... after all, it is the typical way Dr. Bob, himself, communicates with us .... .... but heckfire, we can be cool! ... it ain't all that tough, if it's bugging anyone ...
thanks again,
~ jim
Posted by lil' jimi on July 2, 2003, at 13:04:46
In reply to re: Lexapro , insurance Won't cover!! AAARRRGGH!!, posted by Office_LB on July 1, 2003, at 15:58:09
hi Office_LB,
>
> My copay is $25 as well. But my doseage is 20 mg/day so that 30 20 mg pills. I saw the sheet that said how much it cost retail and I believe it was $78.
>
> Hope this helps.thanks for your post and i appreciate the info ...
.. of course our co-pays set amounts for like 30 day supply, independent of that dose per pill ... which of course explains what looks like you're getting a bargain compared to me: twice the lex at the same "price" (copay) .... but you know all that ... ...whereas we may believe the $78 (or whatever price) is a real world patient cost and would be like $2.60/20mg pill ... compared to your 84cents/pill ... ... maybe ... i could try to look up online prices for lex ...
more to my point is the very idea of ANYONE (other than your own health care professional and your own self) choosing your antidepressant
IS INSANE !!!!!!!
thanks for letting me vent some more!
~ jim
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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