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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by mopey on January 23, 2004, at 14:57:51
In reply to Steve - Comment about 5 mg Lex, posted by KathrynLex on January 23, 2004, at 13:57:53
Hi! Believe it or not, I've been on 2.5 mg for five weeks and am doing well on that. Much more mellow and less anxious than usual, and not depressed.
Doc started me on 5 mg but I threw up and had extreme anxiety, so she said to go to 2.5 mg then increase as needed. So far I haven't felt it was needed.
I do tend to be very sensitive to meidcations in general, though.
Posted by Steve3211 on January 23, 2004, at 15:34:33
In reply to Re: Steve - Comment about 5 mg Lex, posted by mopey on January 23, 2004, at 14:57:51
Thanks guys for your input. I think I am going to stay at 5 mg, maybe 7.5 tops, but I am feeling good for the last 5 days and am hopefully coming out of this. This has been the pattern of my previous depressions anyway. However, the s/e's continue a little even after a month. Currently my whole face is sore. Headache, eye ache and my mouth is hurting fierce gums and teeth. This of course when I my appetite is voracious for the first time in weeks. I am not sure if this is an s/e though, I may just have a bug of some sort. Input?
Thanks guys-Steve
Posted by KathrynLex on January 23, 2004, at 16:31:04
In reply to Re: Steve - Comment about 5 mg LexMopey K, posted by Steve3211 on January 23, 2004, at 15:34:33
Hi Steve,
I'm glad to hear you've gotten your appetite back! The sore face, headache etc...sound like you might be coming down with something. Headaches are a common s/e on lex, but I don't know about the rest. The pain in your mouth might have been caused by teeth grinding...do you do that in your sleep? Hopefully you start feeling better soon. If you're still having the same problems in 3 or 4 days you might want to call your doc.
K.
Posted by LynneDa on January 23, 2004, at 16:34:30
In reply to Re: Steve - Comment about 5 mg LexMopey K, posted by Steve3211 on January 23, 2004, at 15:34:33
Steve - I get the "sore face syndrome" when I have a very bad sinus infection. Do you feel stopped up? If decongestants and Tylenol don't make you feel better over the weekend, you may want to call your doc on Monday. I'm glad to hear things are looking up for you otherwise! Hope you feel better, let us know!
~ Lynne
Posted by KathrynLex on January 23, 2004, at 17:10:23
In reply to Re: Steve - Comment about 5 mg LexMopey K » Steve3211, posted by LynneDa on January 23, 2004, at 16:34:30
I posted this earlier today and only one person has responded. This entire week has been so unproductive at work because I can't seem to focus on my job. I need to know if this will go away. I have a pdoc visit scheduled next week. But it is nice to get feedback from people who are on lex vs. a guy with a clipboard.
Hi,
>
> Since starting lex my attention span has gotten worse. I was having a conversation with a friend today and realized half way through that I had no idea what she was talking about. This happened occasionally before I was on lex, but since starting on lex it's occuring much more often - at least once a day. I'm also having trouble focusing on tasks at work and leisure reading has become more difficult because my mind wanders very quickly...way more quickly than it used to. Is this a side effect of the lex that will go away, or could it be something else? This is fairly disconcerting, any ideas or suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks!
>
> K.
Posted by Mrs C. on January 23, 2004, at 17:50:24
In reply to Costs of Lexapro Wellbutrin, posted by gaza on January 23, 2004, at 11:13:20
Gaza, I called my insurance co about this problem. They suggested having my doctor prescribe 20mg for me with instructions to cut it in half. This way you only get 15 pills but it lasts the whole thirty days. It cut my monthly cost to $17. Ask about it. My doc had no problem doing this. Later. Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs C. on January 23, 2004, at 17:55:53
In reply to Re: Need info - pleeeaaassseee, posted by LynneDa on January 23, 2004, at 14:05:21
Hi Everyone, I too am cleaning up a storm! And I have become very talkative to everyone too! Very pleasant side effects indeed! Mrs. C
Posted by Mariposa on January 23, 2004, at 18:52:51
In reply to Has no one experienced this?, posted by KathrynLex on January 23, 2004, at 17:10:23
I had some *lapses* in the beginning it seems, but nothing real bad, another se that will hopefully go away for you in a month or so. I am still *forgetful* but I think it's old age rather than Lex.~~~8|8
Posted by SJ on January 23, 2004, at 18:54:27
In reply to Re: scared and confused » SJ, posted by Gator on January 23, 2004, at 10:53:06
> Gator-
It took a long, long time for my husband to come to grips with the idea. Things had gotten so hard for my daughter, that was undenyable (sp?). I think at first he felt like a failure as a parent, once he got beyond that point he felt better about it. His only regret now, is that we didn't do it sooner. I have to admit, reading this board scares me for her and her future, but no matter how hard it gets for her, we'll make sure she's never alone in her battles. Good luck to you and your family. Man, sometimes life just isn't fair!!
Posted by Mother of 5 on January 23, 2004, at 18:55:50
In reply to Ladies on lex. please respond!, posted by sexylexy on January 22, 2004, at 20:47:13
I'm on Lexapro and am having no problems with my period being late. At least nothing that I can blame on the Lex. Perimenopause yes, but Lexapro no.
Posted by vandy on January 23, 2004, at 20:04:05
In reply to Re: scared and confused » SJ, posted by Gator on January 23, 2004, at 10:53:06
Stop kissing your husband. Tell him you're afraid it's something he's depending on to feel better. If he doesn't get the message, take it a step farther. <grin> Remind him that air and water are both chemicals.
> SJ,
>
> Well I applaud you for being intune and truly concerned. My daughter is 10 and she is abit obsessive(comes from me) and has very wide mood swings. We just started counceling and I will have to deal with my husband if it ever comes to having her take medication because he does not believe in depending on something to make you feel better. I have not let him prevent me from taking Lex(thank God). Please keep coming to this board for support and my thoughts are with your family.
>
> Gator
Posted by vandy on January 23, 2004, at 20:09:03
In reply to Re: Costs of Lexapro Wellbutrin, posted by bluesfan on January 23, 2004, at 11:59:53
You're right. That's a dose. (he laughs at his own feeble joke) But seriously, does your health care cover 90 day prescriptions by mail order. For chronic conditions you can get a long term prescription filled at 1/2 price by mail order. It's worth checking out. Merck-Medco (now a different name) comes to mind as one of the first providers in that field. The health care companies save by the bulk purchase of pharmas and negotiate to pass part of it along to you.
> I wish mine was that cheap. I'm paying $60 at my hospital pharmacy for a 30 count bottle of 10mg of Lexapro.
>
> > I was wondering. My lex seems really expensive, even with employers health insurance.
> > Lexapro, 10 mg, quantity=60, $35.15
> > Wellbutrin, 200 mg, quantity=60, $60
> >
> > Does that seem like a lot to you? It sure does to me.
>
>
Posted by Journeyman on January 24, 2004, at 13:02:07
In reply to Has no one experienced this?, posted by KathrynLex on January 23, 2004, at 17:10:23
Hi K,
It's awkward, isn't it, when you find yourself in the middle of listening to you don't know what. You're not alone. Here's a snippet of my own experience in this area. While not exactly the same, it may be helpful.
I was teaching a class the other day and all of a sudden I had no idea what the connection was between the example I was giving and the original point it was supposed to illustrate. This sort of thing happens to me from time to time. 28 pairs of eyes looked at me while I said, "Where was I going with this? What were we talking about before?" Fortunately, after an awkward silence, someone actually happened to be listening and reminded me of the original thought, at which point I was able to continue. This kind of episode could result from getting insufficient sleep, or there might be some connection between it and the Lex; although yesterday when I visited my p/doc, we discussed the similar effects between caffeine and Lexapro, so that's maybe not it. Everybody forgets things, thank goodness, or we'd have competing memories for what time an appointment is today, vs what we had for breakfast five years ago today.
Perhaps it's not exactly the same thing, but it may be similar. I read recently that forgetting where you put your keys is not uncommon. It's when you find them and you don't have an "Oh yeh, now I remember putting them there" moment that it's more likely to be an issue.
Are you getting 8 or so hours (in a row) of sleep at night?
Do you do caffeine?
Are you formulating a response to someone's conversation without hearing them through, thereby maybe missing an important thread or two of information that would keep you clued in?
Do you find it difficult not to look around at other things in the room while someone is speaking to you? (a tv monitor, someone entering the room, a hunky bronzed Adonis lithely easing his handsome muscular frame across the room as his gaze penetrates first your eyes - then your mind - and suddenly your whole world? [if so, you may be granted a bit of leniency on that one])
If your thinking was a little muddled before, is it possible the Lex is just clearing things up a bit and that's why your thoughts seem to be racing around more? It's probably worth discussing these things with your p/doc the next time your see her/him.
Since you're undergoing a relatively new experience that has enormous importance to your life, it's not at all surprising that you might be dwelling on this experience more than you will down the road, and it's sometimes borrowing from your usual attention span.
Good luck. And if you didn't follow this all the way through, it's okay to go back and read it again. :-)
Journeyman
Posted by simus on January 24, 2004, at 13:30:57
In reply to Re: Has no one experienced this? » KathrynLex, posted by Journeyman on January 24, 2004, at 13:02:07
> a hunky bronzed Adonis lithely easing his handsome muscular frame across the room as his gaze penetrates first your eyes - then your mind - and suddenly your whole world?
Ohhhh...uhhhh...yeah... Sorry, what were we talking about? I got distracted for a minute. Oh yeah, "has no one experienced this?" Yes, all the time. I hate it when that happens.
(Sorry, I have to laugh once in a while in the midst of the tears.)
Posted by KathrynLex on January 24, 2004, at 14:13:27
In reply to Re: Has no one experienced this? » KathrynLex, posted by Journeyman on January 24, 2004, at 13:02:07
Thanks to everyone who responded, and to all of you on the board. It's an amazing cyber community where I don't feel so isolated and strange for being on meds. Your support is greatly appreciated and I hope I've also been something of help to many of you.
K.
Posted by kellieann7 on January 24, 2004, at 16:25:34
In reply to Ladies on lex. please respond!, posted by sexylexy on January 22, 2004, at 20:47:13
Lexy,
I have been on Lex for almost 2 months. I was 14 days late on my last cycle. Part of the reason I am on Lex is because I am having problems getting pregnant, and my baby fever in on HIGH ALERT! Before I started Lex, I had a 21 day cycle, so 14 days late is very strange for me. However, I know Lex is working, because I wasn't stressed (or picking out baby names and obsessing) because I was late. I had all the same symptoms and side effects as people here. I feel very energized and happy for the most part.
Posted by kellieann7 on January 24, 2004, at 16:38:47
In reply to Re: Need info - pleeeaaassseee, posted by Mrs C. on January 23, 2004, at 17:55:53
I have been on Lex for almost 2 months, and am a cleaning freak! I have never been thrilled with housework, but sincec I started on Lex, once I start cleaning I don't want to stop. Trust me, this is not a bad thing. I am losing weight (due to an increase in my activity level).
The pros: I am much more active, cheery, and I am excited again about life. PMS was a breeze this month, and nothing seems to irritate me. As far as sexual effects, my desire has increased, but I think this is because I feel better about myself.
The cons I have noticed: The jaw clenching is a problem. My jaw and ears hurt so badly sometimes that I can't open my mouth (and since Lex has definitely made me more talkative, this is a bad thing). I also have constant wrist and thumb joint pain (I think from clenching my fists??) and at times I can't turn my wrist at all.
Posted by Brown eyed girl on January 24, 2004, at 19:13:07
In reply to Lexapro side-effects, posted by Mandy Roberts on January 5, 2004, at 10:54:06
I am on my 5th day of lex. Having some bad nausea and my insomnia has gotten worse any suggestions.
Posted by Missy K on January 24, 2004, at 20:17:01
In reply to Re: Need info - pleeeaaassseee, posted by LynneDa on January 23, 2004, at 13:35:17
Hey everyone.
Last week I was posting complaining about wicked anxiety attacks. I thought, in the interest of the other new users, that I should say that they are gone. The depression lifted almost right away, and I'm sleeping better (not all night, but it's a bit better each night). The only complaint I have is (this is intimate, but nothing is really sacred here, is it?) my inability to "get all the way there", so to speak (I believe it is called inorgasmia?). I still enjoy it, but I'm not myself, you know? But this is a small complaint compared to everything else. Thank you all for getting me through that first week, that was tough, but worth it to feel as good as I do now (pleasant side effect, I lost a good deal of weight, now I have to keep it off with my appetite returning.)
Posted by Mrs C. on January 24, 2004, at 22:33:17
In reply to getting better, posted by Missy K on January 24, 2004, at 20:17:01
Hi MissyK, I am so glad to hear that you are feeling better! I wish you luck with the other intimate detail. I do hear from others that it will return slowly to normal. I have not had that problem myself luckily. However I do wish I had experienced the loss of appetite and weight loss that some of you have talked about. I am struggling right now to lose 20 pounds before our vacation in April. My weight is not related to the lexapro at all. I've needed to lose this for some time now and I think that now that I'm feeling better I have the strenght and willpower I need. Well, continued good mental health to you. Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs C. on January 24, 2004, at 22:36:12
In reply to Re: Has no one experienced this? » Journeyman, posted by simus on January 24, 2004, at 13:30:57
Richard, there you go again! How do you come up with these things? Anyway, I'm glad you do. Thanks for the laugh! Mrs. C
Posted by KathrynLex on January 25, 2004, at 1:00:29
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by Brown eyed girl on January 24, 2004, at 19:13:07
Hi Brown Eyed Girl,
I've heard that Tylenol PM can help with the insomnia. I never took a sleeping pill to get through the insomnia, which lasted about 4 wks.
For the nausea I can only suggest really mild foods that aren't hard to digest like soup, toast, yogurt etc... This should keep the nausea from getting worse.
Remember that all the side effects you're experiencing are temporary and they will go away in the next couple of weeks.
K.
Posted by KathrynLex on January 25, 2004, at 1:04:30
In reply to getting better, posted by Missy K on January 24, 2004, at 20:17:01
Missy K,
It's wonderful that you're feeling better. Getting rid of depression is such a relief, and I love hearing success stories! You'll start sleeping through the night again very soon and I'm wishing you continued success.
K.
Posted by Bali on January 25, 2004, at 10:32:45
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by Brown eyed girl on January 24, 2004, at 19:13:07
Brown eyed girl,
Melatonin might also help with your insomnia. I suffered from that for about a month, but every day I seemed to be able to sleep a little more and a little better. Now, after 3 months on Lex, I am sleeping through the night, no problem. I also don't need the melatonin anymore. As far as the nausea, I didn't find anything to actually take it away, but I only had the nausea for about a week. I ate saltines and drank water and lost weight....but appetite came back second week and my stomach was back to normal. Just hang in there...it will go away, promise! ~Bali> I am on my 5th day of lex. Having some bad nausea and my insomnia has gotten worse any suggestions.
Posted by hanging on on January 25, 2004, at 10:55:30
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by Brown eyed girl on January 24, 2004, at 19:13:07
I had a rough time with my stomach for the first week or two. Not too much to do about it, but it really did pass. I never thought it would and didn't know if I would be able to stay on lex, but it did go away. I still have little to no appetite in the morning, but can eat pretty well in the evening. I'm on day about 19. Still waiting to feel less anxious and depressed, but don't seem to have anymore se's.
Hang in there. This board is great for support so stick around. :-)
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