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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by nitowl17 on July 7, 2003, at 22:21:11
In reply to Re: Lexapro Dosing...10 mg or bust?????? » BLKVETTES, posted by Capri on July 7, 2003, at 20:55:33
I can so relate to your e-mail it's not funny.
Posted by MikeBC on July 7, 2003, at 22:47:59
In reply to Re: Lexapro Dosing...10 mg or bust??????, posted by nitowl17 on July 7, 2003, at 22:21:11
I have been taking 2.5 mg lexapro for about 3 or 4 weeks now and definitely notice side effects and therapeutic value so don't let anyone tell you you need 10 mg minimum. Side effects for me are insomnia in the morning (waking up at 5 am and not able to get back to sleep) and the typical male sexual side effects. I take it at night an hour or two after I eat dinner.
Posted by oldhand on July 8, 2003, at 0:13:02
In reply to Lexapro Dosing...10 mg or bust??????, posted by McPac on July 5, 2003, at 23:54:20
> The study I read says that there's very little difference between 10 and 20 mg of Lexapro.
> So if someone took the 10 mg dosage and that didn't do enough, then they're screwed? I mean, with other meds such as Zoloft for example, you try 50mg...if you don't feel enough effect, you could increase to 75....then 100....then 150 if need be...and so on. But with lex it's just take the 10 mg. and if that doesn't have enough anti-depressant effect or ocd effect, then there's nothing you can do???? One dosage either works or that's it? What the Hell? OCD'ers typically need a higher dose of a med than for depressives---so how is 10 lousy mg's going to do the job? Never heard of a 'one-dosage' med before, again, so if 10 mg isn't doing the job then that's it, nothing you can do but drop it and try another? Makes no sense. Anybody get a better effect at 20 mg than 10? Anybody taking MORE than 20 mg? Thanks!Hello!
I went from 10mg to 20mg of Lexapro and feel better than I did on 10mg. Can you cite the study you read? I would be interested in reading it. This is the first I've heard of any such limitation to the medication and it has been used (what will be) a year in September. Thanks.
Posted by oldhand on July 8, 2003, at 0:22:19
In reply to LEXAPRO UPDATE, posted by BLKVETTES on July 7, 2003, at 12:04:03
> I guess its been over 5 months on the lexapro. I thought I was recently going through some kind of poop out stage. I was really scared for over a week. But Im doing fine again. I think it was because of a busy week and a lot of bad things happening all at once. So I guess I passed the test. No panic attacks or depression, but I do get some anxiety time to time, this from going somewhere new or just a real busy day. Its not bad anxiety, just enough to get my attention. I only take xanax at night now to relax. I also have been sleeping really well the last week. I have had life long insomnia so this is a welcomed change. Im sure the insomnia will come back so I better rest up. Anyone suffering from panic attacks or anxiety I will say this takes a long time to overcome. I kept getting a little better each week. Once the med works if it does you have to change your thoughts and face your fears. Repetition is the key. Take care everyone!!!!
> WAYNEHi Wayne! I am so glad to hear you are doing so well. I remember some of your first posts, when I first came on board and you have come such a long way since then. Anyone who needs encouragement should go back and read all your posts. Your patience and strength are a wonderful example. Keep posting your encouragements!
Posted by BLKVETTES on July 8, 2003, at 9:04:45
In reply to Re: Lexapro Dosing...10 mg or bust?????? » McPac, posted by oldhand on July 8, 2003, at 0:13:02
> > The study I read says that there's very little difference between 10 and 20 mg of Lexapro.
> > So if someone took the 10 mg dosage and that didn't do enough, then they're screwed? I mean, with other meds such as Zoloft for example, you try 50mg...if you don't feel enough effect, you could increase to 75....then 100....then 150 if need be...and so on. But with lex it's just take the 10 mg. and if that doesn't have enough anti-depressant effect or ocd effect, then there's nothing you can do???? One dosage either works or that's it? What the Hell? OCD'ers typically need a higher dose of a med than for depressives---so how is 10 lousy mg's going to do the job? Never heard of a 'one-dosage' med before, again, so if 10 mg isn't doing the job then that's it, nothing you can do but drop it and try another? Makes no sense. Anybody get a better effect at 20 mg than 10? Anybody taking MORE than 20 mg? Thanks!
>
> Hello!
> I went from 10mg to 20mg of Lexapro and feel better than I did on 10mg. Can you cite the study you read? I would be interested in reading it. This is the first I've heard of any such limitation to the medication and it has been used (what will be) a year in September. Thanks.Hi there, here is a little bit of what I read about 10 versus 20. I have read other articles but they mean nothing since we are so different. Like oldhand said 20 was better than 10 and that has worked.
http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/lexapro_ids.htm
Posted by vandy on July 8, 2003, at 21:14:45
In reply to Re: Lexapro Dosing...10 mg or bust??????, posted by trucker on July 7, 2003, at 21:42:06
I sure can't tell you about how it may affect you but I just stopped being exhausted and it's been about 9 weeks for me. You can possibly do better. Others have.
Posted by vandy on July 8, 2003, at 21:17:27
In reply to Re: Lexapro Dosing...10 mg or bust??????, posted by BLKVETTES on July 8, 2003, at 9:04:45
10 mg. did nothing for me. Twenty is helpful.
Posted by trucker on July 8, 2003, at 22:33:02
In reply to Re: Lexapro Dosing...10 mg or bust??????, posted by vandy on July 8, 2003, at 21:14:45
> I sure can't tell you about how it may affect you but I just stopped being exhausted and it's been about 9 weeks for me. You can possibly do better. Others have.
hey thanks, glad to hear there is hope. i do like the control of the anxiety and the depression. i look forward to being not lazy. this is so different for me. i feel worthless because i am so lazy on it. i have things that need done and i am only able to acomplish about half before i am so week and exhausted. i do have good naps in the afternoon. better than my nite sleep. thanks again for the info.trucker
Posted by Donia on July 9, 2003, at 19:18:40
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
hello all, its been a while since I have been here. I am on month 6 or 7 now of lexapro. I am feeling really good. I dont know if it is all from the lexapro or the weather or the great vacation I just got back from. Probably all three. Thanks Wayne!! Check your mail, your real mail. Well I will try to catch up here a little.
Posted by McPac on July 9, 2003, at 23:26:47
In reply to Re: Lexapro Dosing...10 mg or bust?????? » McPac, posted by tm on July 7, 2003, at 17:00:06
Thanks for ALL responses! Much appreciated!
So it DOES seem like some (perhaps many?) DO get better results at doses greater than 10 mg.
Been on Lex now 9 days (still at 10 mg's) and I have been getting the "panicky" feelings from the med........I get them strong when I first wake up...once I've been up for a while, and have eaten, they seem to subside....hopefully that panicky feeling will go away someday soon......I was wondering if Celexa caused those same panicky feelings? Thanks!
Posted by joebob on July 9, 2003, at 23:40:15
In reply to My experience with Lexapro, posted by Tama on December 27, 2002, at 21:26:20
i was told to try a 2 week predose of depakote prior to starting lexapro...........
and then read all this horrible stuff about the depakote..........
will neurontin do the same thing, i.e. prepare the brain for the ssri rush..........?
i had a mild manic break on the 3rd day of trying lexapro at a very low dose...........
any advice or experience
Posted by lil' jimi on July 10, 2003, at 2:51:44
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by trucker on July 6, 2003, at 17:38:52
hi trucker,
thank you for your post ...
you wrote:
> i switched from zoloft 200mg to lexapro 20 mg.
>
> i wasn't informed of the way it would affect me.
>
> this thing is screaming feed me all of a sudden and before i had NO desire at all. now its almost out of control. my other half is still use to no not interested and i am trying to get him to give me some. if you catch my drift. i am more like my younger years at this point. hope i stay like this. this is my experience!and i'm writing this:
i hear what you are saying ... i have had similiar experience with lexapro ... .. ... i have asked our lex posters before if anyone else experienced beneficial sexual side effects with lex and a few responded positively ... ... i initially suffered anorgasmia as a SE from lex, but after about a week that went away and things changed for the better ... ... well, and even better ...how long we're you on zoloft?
how long have you been on lex?
how was your transition like?
how has your other half adjusted? yet?thanks again for the positive post ... never get enough of those here ...
good luck !
take good care!!!
~ jim
Posted by lil' jimi on July 10, 2003, at 3:36:02
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by billk on July 6, 2003, at 19:27:57
hi billk,
> Now that this thread is over a year old, I am wondering if any consensus has been reached about Celexa vx. Lexapro.
>
> Is there an improvement in effectiveness and/or side effects or is it all just marketing hype?i don't know about celexa ... never taken any.
but IMHO, if my experience with lexapro is just marketing hype, i'll have some more, please ... ... it's working fine for me ...
thanks,
~ jim
Posted by lil' jimi on July 10, 2003, at 3:49:59
In reply to Lexapro Urination, posted by bruce_w6 on July 7, 2003, at 18:55:02
hi bruce_w6,
> I remember seeing posts in the beginning about urination habits changing when on Lexapro. How do I find these posts? Has anyone noticed their urination habits changing since taking Lexapro?
this is another initial side-effect i had that went away in a little more than a week ... i have posted about this, but i can't remember what subject line i used and i don't recall that anyone responded ...
when this was happening to me i had to take a very deliberate appraoch to peeing .... ... whereas it was an autonomic point and shoot before, it became a much more elaborate challenge, which sometimes caused a series of attempts to get my bladder really empty ... ... after a about 2 weeks this problem was completely gone ... .... but it had me a little worried there for a while ...
take care,
~ jim
Posted by lil' jimi on July 10, 2003, at 4:06:44
In reply to Re: Lexapro Dosing...10 mg or bust??????, posted by BLKVETTES on July 7, 2003, at 21:41:22
hi Wayne,
hi Capri!i'm so glad you met Wayne, Capri ... he's great ...
... ... i just wanted to say that that link Wayne's posted is great too ... ... information our doctors should be telling us, but unless they're reading these boards, they don't know ... !> > Hi Wayne,
> >
> >
> > The Pdoc I see isn't worth a dime but I have no choice until my insurance changes in the new year (sounds far off I know). He has no sensitivity whatsoever. If he knew I was only take 5 mg literally he would laugh at me. He tells me I think too much about side effects before I even take the meds which is so not true! I'm no stranger to these meds over the years. I am super sensitive. I don't know what kind of patients he sees but they all must tolerate meds well.
> >
> > Ok getting back to the side effects. I had a bad headache for the first 7 days, dry mouth, hyperness (panicky feelings), insomnia. I can't believe that this med did 180 turn on me and now make me exhausted. I guess I won't be able to increase the dose until the tiredness goes away right? If I need to stay on 5 mg will that be a theraputic dose being 10mg is the starting dose??
> >
> > Thanks,
> > Capri
> >
>
> Hi there, I have had 4 pdocs in 8 months. I have seen people get results on 5mg before. I got results on 7mg. There really is no hurry for you to move up. Do it when you feel comfortable I guess. Thats what I did. You can do it a little at a time. I think pdocs are trained to get your mind off side effects like they dont exist. Just go at your own pace if your doing it your self. You take care and be patient. Here is a link!!!
> WAYNE
> http://panicdisorder.about.com/features/blmed1.htm
>thanks, Wayne! ... ... and Please keep bringing us the good stuff!
TAKE CARE !!!!
~ jim
Posted by lil' jimi on July 10, 2003, at 4:21:50
In reply to Re: Lexapro Dosing...10 mg or bust??????, posted by trucker on July 7, 2003, at 21:42:06
hi trucker,
> thanks folks! i now know why i am tired all the time. occationally i have an energenic day but they are rare. i was on 10 mg of lex for 2 wks. now i have been bumped up to 20 mg of lex. the anxiety is better managed, the depression too. just don't get a lot done in a days time. ya give ya take. at least i am closer to my normal self..... if i ever was normal!!! thanks ya'll for the info... how long does this tiredness usually last???i have been on the 20mg now for a week or so.
> trucker!i have been trying something for my afternoon fatigue that Wayne and Bill L suggested a while back:
Dark Chocolate (NOT milk chocolate, says brother Bill and so say i)i have been eating an ounce between 2 and 4 in the afternoon ... .. ... if i was getting sleepy-tired i'd maybe eat 2 ounces ... .. ... however, i have found that if i eat that much at 4, it interferred with my appetite for dinner ... so lately i'm doing a half ounce after lunch, like dessert ..?
and i have been losing some weight ... some of the 5 lbs i gained in april maybe ... ... but i think that i'm getting my bioflavinoids from the chocolate to help satisfy my hunger better and i am eating less.
take good care of yourself!
~ jim
Posted by lil' jimi on July 10, 2003, at 4:44:29
In reply to Re: Lexapro Dosing...10 mg or bust?????? » McPac, posted by oldhand on July 8, 2003, at 0:13:02
hi oldhand!
great to read your post!
glad you're feeling better!
hope it's going okay with your folks ... ... i've been sending you positive vibrations ... ...> Hello!
> I went from 10mg to 20mg of Lexapro and feel better than I did on 10mg. Can you cite the study you read? I would be interested in reading it. This is the first I've heard of any such limitation to the medication and it has been used (what will be) a year in September. Thanks.i'm so glad you're hanging in there ... ... thanks for the update!
TAKE CARE !!!
~ jim
Posted by lil' jimi on July 10, 2003, at 4:48:47
In reply to Hello!!, posted by Donia on July 9, 2003, at 19:18:40
Posted by lil' jimi on July 10, 2003, at 5:10:46
In reply to LEXAPRO UPDATE, posted by BLKVETTES on July 7, 2003, at 12:04:03
hi Wayne!
you have written:
> I guess its been over 5 months on the lexapro. I thought I was recently going through some kind of poop out stage. I was really scared for over a week. But Im doing fine again. I think it was because of a busy week and a lot of bad things happening all at once. So I guess I passed the test. No panic attacks or depression, but I do get some anxiety time to time, this from going somewhere new or just a real busy day. Its not bad anxiety, just enough to get my attention. I only take xanax at night now to relax. I also have been sleeping really well the last week. I have had life long insomnia so this is a welcomed change. Im sure the insomnia will come back so I better rest up. Anyone suffering from panic attacks or anxiety I will say this takes a long time to overcome. I kept getting a little better each week. Once the med works if it does you have to change your thoughts and face your fears. Repetition is the key. Take care everyone!!!!
> WAYNE... ... when i read you were going through a tough time and were worried about our favorite med, i about panicked because i was too busy to post back to you the support i wanted to express ... ...
... ... so i am especially grateful to hear this good news that you're doing better .... YEAH!! .... on "just" 7mg, too ...
... i'm still on 10mg and it's fine, but, you know, i wonder if it would be better on 15mg? ... ... i'm not going to because i really don't have any complaints ... ... 10mg is working real good ... ... but i wonder .... .....
... have you considered upping your 7mg? ... how are you measuring out your *7*, anyway ?... ... tried any dark chocolate lately? ... ... did it cause you problems?... something, ... i almost remember?
... it is good to read you holding down the fort here while i was out .... thanks, man!
TAKE CARE!!!!! (yes!)
~ jim
Posted by lil' jimi on July 10, 2003, at 5:19:59
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
Posted by BLKVETTES on July 10, 2003, at 8:25:48
In reply to re: LEXAPRO UPDATE » BLKVETTES, posted by lil' jimi on July 10, 2003, at 5:10:46
> hi Wayne!
>
> you have written:
> > I guess its been over 5 months on the lexapro. I thought I was recently going through some kind of poop out stage. I was really scared for over a week. But Im doing fine again. I think it was because of a busy week and a lot of bad things happening all at once. So I guess I passed the test. No panic attacks or depression, but I do get some anxiety time to time, this from going somewhere new or just a real busy day. Its not bad anxiety, just enough to get my attention. I only take xanax at night now to relax. I also have been sleeping really well the last week. I have had life long insomnia so this is a welcomed change. Im sure the insomnia will come back so I better rest up. Anyone suffering from panic attacks or anxiety I will say this takes a long time to overcome. I kept getting a little better each week. Once the med works if it does you have to change your thoughts and face your fears. Repetition is the key. Take care everyone!!!!
> > WAYNE
>
> ... ... when i read you were going through a tough time and were worried about our favorite med, i about panicked because i was too busy to post back to you the support i wanted to express ... ...
>
> ... ... so i am especially grateful to hear this good news that you're doing better .... YEAH!! .... on "just" 7mg, too ...
>
> ... i'm still on 10mg and it's fine, but, you know, i wonder if it would be better on 15mg? ... ... i'm not going to because i really don't have any complaints ... ... 10mg is working real good ... ... but i wonder .... .....
> ... have you considered upping your 7mg? ... how are you measuring out your *7*, anyway ?
>
> ... ... tried any dark chocolate lately? ... ... did it cause you problems?... something, ... i almost remember?
>
> ... it is good to read you holding down the fort here while i was out .... thanks, man!
>
> TAKE CARE!!!!! (yes!)
> ~ jimHi Jim, glad to see you posting. At this moment I feel great, subject to change of course. How do I get 7mg, its not exact I just cut those suckers. I have been up to 10mg several times and just did not like the feeling. Seemed anxiety was higher and just felt worse overall. I eat my chocolate as well in fact it sits by the computer. I eat both kinds of chocolate but never anymore than an ounce a day. But I love chocolate and sometimes cant resist. Im so glad your doing well. TAKE CARE!!!
WAYNE
Posted by e503 on July 10, 2003, at 8:54:44
In reply to re: LEXAPRO UPDATE, posted by BLKVETTES on July 10, 2003, at 8:25:48
Started my son on lexapro 9 days ago. Since he is very sensitive to meds started him on 2.5 mg. First 4 days he seemed a little better, so upped to 5 mg. He was GREAT for a few days, then I noticed he started to get a little agitated right before he was due his next dose (he takes it about 8:00 p.m.). Cut back again to 2.5 mg. Seemed to be a little agitated again the next day (yesterday). He also takes risperdal. I am trying to figure out what to do now......does this anxiety go away? (It's been 9 days since he started). Do I keep him at this dose for a while to see if it goes away, or do I incrase to see if that helps? Any ideas? HELP!
elise
Posted by BLKVETTES on July 10, 2003, at 10:54:04
In reply to LEXAPRO ?, posted by e503 on July 10, 2003, at 8:54:44
> Started my son on lexapro 9 days ago. Since he is very sensitive to meds started him on 2.5 mg. First 4 days he seemed a little better, so upped to 5 mg. He was GREAT for a few days, then I noticed he started to get a little agitated right before he was due his next dose (he takes it about 8:00 p.m.). Cut back again to 2.5 mg. Seemed to be a little agitated again the next day (yesterday). He also takes risperdal. I am trying to figure out what to do now......does this anxiety go away? (It's been 9 days since he started). Do I keep him at this dose for a while to see if it goes away, or do I incrase to see if that helps? Any ideas? HELP!
> eliseHi there, what is he being treated for? How old is he? For anyone taking meds you should move the dose up slowly. Stay at 2.5mg for awhile. Look at the link below. TAKE CARE!!!
WAYNE
http://panicdisorder.about.com/features/blmed1.htm
Posted by dc75 on July 10, 2003, at 11:12:15
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
Hi! - Right now I am on 5 mg of Lexapro. I started a week ago. Almost immediately, I started feeling better. I have side effects, but I hope they will subside in time. One of my biggest complaints is that, though it has already helped my depression, it hasn't stopped me from thinking, thinking, thinking soooo much. There isn't a time when something is not going on in my mind. I feel just a bit more manic on this drug, though before, this would really get me down, but now I feel better able to cope.
Ok, finally my question: My doctor wanted me to go up to 10mgs after a week. Do you think upping the dose will help my mind calm down a bit, or do you all think it will make it worse? I'm taking this both for depression and obsessive thoughts. Like I said before, has definately helped for the depression, and a little less so for the obsessive thoughts. Should I stay at 5mg and see what happens, or go up to 10 like my doc wanted me to? What do you guys think?
Thanks,
Dc75
Posted by BLKVETTES on July 10, 2003, at 13:30:23
In reply to Please advice, posted by dc75 on July 10, 2003, at 11:12:15
> Hi! - Right now I am on 5 mg of Lexapro. I started a week ago. Almost immediately, I started feeling better. I have side effects, but I hope they will subside in time. One of my biggest complaints is that, though it has already helped my depression, it hasn't stopped me from thinking, thinking, thinking soooo much. There isn't a time when something is not going on in my mind. I feel just a bit more manic on this drug, though before, this would really get me down, but now I feel better able to cope.
> Ok, finally my question: My doctor wanted me to go up to 10mgs after a week. Do you think upping the dose will help my mind calm down a bit, or do you all think it will make it worse? I'm taking this both for depression and obsessive thoughts. Like I said before, has definately helped for the depression, and a little less so for the obsessive thoughts. Should I stay at 5mg and see what happens, or go up to 10 like my doc wanted me to? What do you guys think?
> Thanks,
> Dc75Hi DC75, I will answer this way. One week is hardly any time for the med to fully do its job. I have heard that it has helped in only a week though. After just a few days I stopped crying for the first time in like 70 days. Waiting wont hurt and going up wont hurt I guess. If you do up the dose I would not go any further for a good 4 weeks or so. Just be aware of how your feeling and you can go back down to 5 if it gets to be to much. GOOD LUCK!!!
WAYNE
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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