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Posted by John2222 on January 13, 2004, at 11:25:40
In reply to Re: Loosing my mind on Lex? - HELP » hanging on, posted by LynneDa on January 13, 2004, at 9:54:04
Is Lexapro (and other SSRI's) a cause of sleep problems? I'm only taking 5mg of Lexapro and yet like clockwork, I go to sleep easily at 10pm, then wake up 4 hours later. I read or watch tv for an hour, then get sleepy again, and sleep for another 4 hours. Net effect is 8 hours/night.
I think I read somewhere that SSRI's affect REM sleep patterns (not sure what that is exactly).
Anyone else having the 4 hour cycle?
Posted by Gaza on January 13, 2004, at 11:39:53
In reply to Re: Lexapro SLEEP problems ??, posted by John2222 on January 13, 2004, at 11:25:40
They're missing.
For people who have been on lex for a long time, do they ever come back to normal, or come back to 50%, or come back 70% but they're different, or...?
I'm on 20mg, with 300 mg wellbutrin.
Posted by LynneDa on January 13, 2004, at 11:45:59
In reply to Orgasms on the side of milk cartons, posted by Gaza on January 13, 2004, at 11:39:53
3 months on Lex and they're rare or take a long time. I'm female and prior to this they were absolutely not a problem! I miss them too.
~ Lynne
Posted by sexylexy on January 13, 2004, at 12:41:39
In reply to Re: Orgasms on the side of milk cartons, posted by LynneDa on January 13, 2004, at 11:45:59
Hi Guys,
Thanks for the relationship support. I want so much to get better so that my boyfriend and I can continue what we had. Ya'lls stories of rediscovering that such a hope to me! As I look back I realize that things are getting better. I just don't feel that light, happy warm feeling I used to have. Its like my depression took away my ability to feel satisfied and content. Anyone else experienced this? I am praying to get there!
As for orgasms on the side of the milk carton, I too feel that it takes me longer to get there. I am thankful that the desire to get there and be physical with my boyfriend is still well in tact. Is everyone elses desire stayed the same as you have progressed. I think of few things worse than not wanting to kiss or hold my boyfriend (besides being terribly depressed of course!)
Thinking of you all!
Lexy
Posted by LynneDa on January 13, 2004, at 12:54:10
In reply to Re: Orgasms on the side of milk cartons, posted by sexylexy on January 13, 2004, at 12:41:39
Lexy - Yes! Desire is still there, thank goodness! I agree about the feeling less satisfied and content, but that will change as time goes on. I am definitely much happier and have warm feelings more frequently than I used to (I'm at 3 months). I'm still a little cautious to accept this new state of well-being - I keep expecting it to go away. But as every week goes by, I feel more comfortable with it. You will get there, just hang in there and look for the small improvements in your behaviors each week!
~ Lynne
Posted by Gaza on January 13, 2004, at 13:06:57
In reply to Re: Orgasms on the side of milk cartons, posted by LynneDa on January 13, 2004, at 12:54:10
But wait Lynne! You didn't answer the question of whether / how much the orgasm capability / experience comes back, if it does.
> Lexy - Yes! Desire is still there, thank goodness! I agree about the feeling less satisfied and content, but that will change as time goes on. I am definitely much happier and have warm feelings more frequently than I used to (I'm at 3 months). I'm still a little cautious to accept this new state of well-being - I keep expecting it to go away. But as every week goes by, I feel more comfortable with it. You will get there, just hang in there and look for the small improvements in your behaviors each week!
> ~ Lynne
Posted by LynneDa on January 13, 2004, at 13:15:16
In reply to Re: Orgasms on the side of milk cartons, posted by Gaza on January 13, 2004, at 13:06:57
Sorry, it was actually in a previous post :-). I am still having trouble in that area - takes a looong time unfortunately. They are not as intense. This is not the norm for me at all! But, they are there now and sometimes they last longer than they used to, which is something new.
In the long run though, it's less important to me because I'm happier in other areas of my life. It bothers my husband more than me cuz it makes him feel somehow inadequate! I've heard Wellbutrin helps them come back, but I'm not ready to add another drug to the mix quite yet!
My counselor gave me all sorts of advice to help with this issue since she's on an SSRI too. I've never had to work at sex though, so it was kind of weird!
Good luck, be patient. . . everyone reacts differently in this area!
~ Lynne
Posted by Gaza on January 13, 2004, at 13:50:18
In reply to Re: Orgasms on the side of milk cartons, posted by LynneDa on January 13, 2004, at 13:15:16
When I added Wellbutrin to the Lex, the orgasm's came back, but not nearly as often. Erections are NO PROB! However, when I do orgasm, they're longer & more intense - almost worth the wait.
I don't know if it's because that Lex SE was wearing off, or it was from adding the Wellbutrin. You've been on Lex long enough that I think you would know a difference if you added Wellbutrin. Maybe you should try it? Let us know?> Sorry, it was actually in a previous post :-). I am still having trouble in that area - takes a looong time unfortunately. They are not as intense. This is not the norm for me at all! But, they are there now and sometimes they last longer than they used to, which is something new.
>
> In the long run though, it's less important to me because I'm happier in other areas of my life. It bothers my husband more than me cuz it makes him feel somehow inadequate! I've heard Wellbutrin helps them come back, but I'm not ready to add another drug to the mix quite yet!
>
> My counselor gave me all sorts of advice to help with this issue since she's on an SSRI too. I've never had to work at sex though, so it was kind of weird!
>
> Good luck, be patient. . . everyone reacts differently in this area!
> ~ Lynne
>
Posted by Alain on January 13, 2004, at 14:09:55
In reply to Re: I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro » Bill435, posted by Mariposa on November 27, 2003, at 15:16:25
Hi everyone, Just started lexapro 4 days ago. Started with 5mgs. I take it at night. Gives me real bad headaches. Wake up feeling spacey and full of anxiety. Is anxiety a side effect of Lexapro? Does it go away? I was on Lexapro before and within 5 weeks I was feeling pretty good. I don't remember it making me anxious. Would appreciate any advice...
Posted by hanging on on January 13, 2004, at 14:22:07
In reply to Re: I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro, posted by Alain on January 13, 2004, at 14:09:55
> Hi everyone, Just started lexapro 4 days ago. Started with 5mgs. I take it at night. Gives me real bad headaches. Wake up feeling spacey and full of anxiety. Is anxiety a side effect of Lexapro? Does it go away? I was on Lexapro before and within 5 weeks I was feeling pretty good. I don't remember it making me anxious. Would appreciate any advice...
Hi, well I'm not the voice of experience on day 7 of lex, but I had bad headaches at the start. Took ibuprofen (2-200mg) and that helped alot. Not having them much at all anymore. Did have the morning anxiety real bad too. Don't know if it was due to the lex because I have had that before on and off effexor.
On day 7 and feeling a little better except for extreme gastro problems that I think are going a little away (with some immodium-ad). I guess the only thing to do is treat the symptoms until we get over the hump... and support each other. :-)
Posted by hanging on on January 13, 2004, at 14:24:54
In reply to Re: Loosing my mind on Lex? - HELP , posted by KathrynLex on January 13, 2004, at 11:12:20
> Hi Hanging On,
>
> I lost several pounds the first few weeks I took Lex. I'm on day 25 of 10 mg of Lex and my appetite has slowly started coming back. Don't be too concerned with your upset stomach unless it's causing you pain for an extended period of time. If it does, you might want to check with your doc.
>
> How long did you say you've been on Lex? For me, the first two weeks were very difficult (made easier with the support of the wonderful people on this board!) and I noticed a significant improvement in side effects/mood by week 3. Hang on for a few weeks to give your body time to adjust. Even though it's difficult, it is worth it!
>
> K.
only been on lex for 7 days... very much in need of the support from this forum and thankful for it. Its difficult not to hope for a miracle with this drug when you feel so bad.C.
Posted by Esmarelda on January 13, 2004, at 14:25:18
In reply to Re: I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro, posted by hanging on on January 13, 2004, at 14:22:07
I have been on Lex for 7 months. I did not really have any side effects except for some loss of appetite and nausea. I did feel more depressed and anxious before I got better. At week 5 or so, the Lex really kicked in and I felt a lot better. Hang in there!
Posted by Gaza on January 13, 2004, at 14:28:17
In reply to Re: I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro, posted by Esmarelda on January 13, 2004, at 14:25:18
7 months?! Can you answer the orgasm question from the previous post. It sure would be nice to know what to expect 7 months out. Please?
> I have been on Lex for 7 months. I did not really have any side effects except for some loss of appetite and nausea. I did feel more depressed and anxious before I got better. At week 5 or so, the Lex really kicked in and I felt a lot better. Hang in there!
Posted by Gaza on January 13, 2004, at 14:32:26
In reply to Re: Loosing my mind on Lex? - HELP , posted by hanging on on January 13, 2004, at 14:24:54
Esmarelda, hang in there. What I did was take 30 mg my first day. Man, did I think that was a mistake, I really suffered for 3 days. But you know what? That seems to have made it very noticably kick in within 8 days. Man was that a relief! I was at the very very end of my rope!
> only been on lex for 7 days... very much in need of the support from this forum and thankful for it. Its difficult not to hope for a miracle with this drug when you feel so bad.
>
> C.
Posted by Kim B. on January 13, 2004, at 14:33:27
In reply to Re: Lexapro SLEEP problems ??, posted by John2222 on January 13, 2004, at 11:25:40
> Is Lexapro (and other SSRI's) a cause of sleep problems? I'm only taking 5mg of Lexapro and yet like clockwork, I go to sleep easily at 10pm, then wake up 4 hours later. I read or watch tv for an hour, then get sleepy again, and sleep for another 4 hours. Net effect is 8 hours/night.
>
> I think I read somewhere that SSRI's affect REM sleep patterns (not sure what that is exactly).
>
Hi,I also experience the 4 hour sleep cycle but it doesn't seem too hard to fall back to sleep so I just go with it. I have noticed in the mornings though that I feel very groggy or spacy and nauseated, does anyone know if this would still be a side effect of the Lexapro this would be week 5 for me. ( I have just switched to 10mg vs the 5 mg a week ago) Thanks to any one who can help.
Posted by Jayslace on January 13, 2004, at 14:35:49
In reply to Re: I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro, posted by Gaza on January 13, 2004, at 14:28:17
I'm having excellent luck with my Lex. I was on the 10mg for at least 4 months. Now on 20mg since Jan 1st. That took me for a loop by making me so tired and feeling like a robot. But for the last few days I have been doing lots better. And , just the 10mg itself pulled me out of a deep, suicidal ideation depression. I don't feel anxiety so much, I feel more energetic I would call it. All in all, I'm all for the Lex. And we're all here to help us all get past these side effects.
Stick with it if you can.
Ruthie
Posted by sexylexy on January 13, 2004, at 14:44:45
In reply to Re: I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro, posted by Alain on January 13, 2004, at 14:09:55
Welcome to Lexapro~
No just kidding, I can tell you that Lexapro is not the most fun thing to get over side effects of but little by little they will begin to go away. I was so spacey the other day that I wanted to quite and now its cleared up some.... I am only 22 days in but I think you should stick it out. Use the board for support these people are wonderful and offer inspiring stories which make the wait worth it!
Good luck
Lexy
Posted by Esmarelda on January 13, 2004, at 14:46:36
In reply to Re: I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro, posted by Gaza on January 13, 2004, at 14:28:17
I am not sure that I can really be helpful, Gaza. I have noticed that it is more difficult, but during this time period, I have also broken up with my significant other and I don't have much drive if you know what I mean so it's hard to tell whether it's me or the Lex. I wish I could help you. I didn't notice it affecting my drive or the big O at first.
Posted by Esmarelda on January 13, 2004, at 14:47:41
In reply to Re: I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro, posted by sexylexy on January 13, 2004, at 14:44:45
I think it will be worth it to you, lexy.
Posted by KathrynLex on January 13, 2004, at 15:14:30
In reply to Re: I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro, posted by Alain on January 13, 2004, at 14:09:55
Hi Alain,
The first few days I took Lexapro it made me fairly anxious. (I'm on day 25 of 10 mg of Lex) The anxiety went away by the beginning of the third week. I felt extremely out of it, very "spacey" until just recently.
I would give it 5 weeks, since that is how long it took for you to feel good when you were on it before. So far, the side effects you have experienced are fairly common. Yes, they're unpleasant, but worth getting through so you can feel better. Good luck!
K.
Posted by KathrynLex on January 13, 2004, at 15:21:35
In reply to Re: Loosing my mind on Lex? - HELP , posted by Gaza on January 13, 2004, at 14:32:26
It's unfortunate that these drugs take so long to kick in, especially when you are so depressed. When I first started on Lex my pdoc prescribed risperdal and said it can help Lex kick in faster. It was too intense for me, but you might want to look into it.
K.
Posted by mopey on January 13, 2004, at 15:26:47
In reply to Re: I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro, posted by Alain on January 13, 2004, at 14:09:55
For the first week or two i was taking lex at bedtime and woke up a couple of hours later really anxious and thoughts racing, all from one disaster scenario to another.
I switched ot taking it in the morning and that helped, as I was distracted with other things, but still felt a bit spacy after taking it.
Yesterday I tried 6 p.m. and that worked the best. I'm certainly feeling way less anxious during the day too.
Good luck!
Posted by Mariposa on January 13, 2004, at 16:42:12
In reply to Re: Long term Lex users - please comment, posted by Mariposa on January 13, 2004, at 8:26:32
> In Feb. I'll have been on Lexapro one year. Currently at 20mg, and I'm starting to get that *feeling* that Lex isn't quite working. Had 3 days off and just sat on the couch not feeling quite right. I know I should probably increase my dosage again.
>
> My question is....will this continue, will I need an increase again in 4-5 months? I would appreciate any comments from long term users on how much you are taking, and how long has that dosage worked, how long did it take between raising your dose?
>
> Any comments would be appreciated!~~~8|8ANYBODY OUT THERE??? Don't mean to *scare* any newbies, but I worry about this A LOT!!!~~~8|8
P.S. Have pdoc appt. in Feb.
Posted by workerbee on January 13, 2004, at 16:46:00
In reply to Re: Orgasms on the side of milk cartons, posted by Gaza on January 13, 2004, at 13:50:18
YES!! Thank you all for this website! You have helped tremendously!
I too have experienced trouble with Orgasms and being on 10mg of Lex for a few months now, I can happily say that the side effects, although they can be a pain, are getting better. I used to wake up very groggy and had a pounding headache. After the first few weeks this has diminished. Reaching orgasm, initially was also a big problem for me and disappointing because I had always reached them easily. They too have gradually come back. At first i thought i would never get there. But little by little they would take shorter time and now i am *almost* back to normal and am feeling GREAT! Also bear in mind that while you are in the act, you may also be convincing yourself that you cant reach orgasm therefore won't. Just try not to think about it.For those of you struggling with the side effects of Lexapro..i strongly recommend you try to muscle through them. I know it is tough!! I have been there! Trust me - reaping the rewards of this is well worth the pain of the side effects.
You should all be proud of yourselves for being strong enough and brave enough to improve the quality of your lives! I am rootin for you all!
Keep your spirits up and have faith that you will feel better!!
Posted by Esmarelda on January 13, 2004, at 16:50:08
In reply to Re: IS IT THE DREADED *POOP-OUT*???, posted by Mariposa on January 13, 2004, at 16:42:12
I responded earlier. I am having same experience only sooner.
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