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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by mystic on April 9, 2004, at 19:51:37
In reply to Re: stopping lexapro, posted by GZZAPMAN on April 9, 2004, at 19:37:17
Wow I hope that you feel better soon...Did you go off abruptly..I know that you are supposed to go off gradually...that doesnt sound like a lot of fun..why did you decide to go off your meds??..and did you go off gradually...take care and hope that those effects stop soon...Mystic
Posted by bride2be on April 9, 2004, at 20:12:17
In reply to Re: stopping lexapro, posted by GZZAPMAN on April 9, 2004, at 19:37:17
you may want to call your doctor, i dont think you should stop cold turkey. your side effects sound bad. i hope you get to feeling better soon! were here if you need us!
Posted by trucker on April 9, 2004, at 23:13:24
In reply to Lexapro update+question?, posted by bride2be on April 9, 2004, at 16:53:48
it gets better all the way. the only reason i'm on webutrin is because the hubby isn't carring the load. he thinks i should carry the burden and my shoulders aren't that broad. my sdoc said she was going to kill him.
i guess i get to watch..
trucker
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> HI! i just wanted to tell you how great i am doing since my switch from 10 to 20. I feel wonderful today. the first day of my period sucked, but today is the best day i have had since i started lex. this is only my 19th day! Did anyone else start feeling this awesome so soon! i was not expecting great results until my 6th week. does it get even better? let me know what happened with you guys, i am really interested to hear your story! what a great day! NO MOOD SWINGS AT ALL! YEAH FOR ME! :)
Posted by Dr. Bob on April 10, 2004, at 7:10:31
In reply to RE:: Bridetobe, posted by mystic on April 9, 2004, at 18:14:39
> have you been over to the redirected lexaproers site that is where you can talk more social on this site we are supposed to talk about just meds..You should come on over...
Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20040305/msgs/323847.html
It's actually not a separate site, though it may seem like it, just one thread on another board. To see the other threads there, click on the "Psycho-Social-Babble" link at the top or bottom of any post there.
Bob
Posted by bride2be on April 10, 2004, at 19:36:44
In reply to RE: Redirected Lexaproers, posted by Dr. Bob on April 10, 2004, at 7:10:31
You are a trip, thanks for the input. i will keep you guys informed on the up to 20, going great so far!
Posted by mystic on April 11, 2004, at 9:05:33
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
Hey Mel how is going on the meds...havent heard from you for a while a little worried..Happy easter...Mystic
Posted by aspensm0mmy on April 12, 2004, at 1:32:29
In reply to Re: Lexapro update+question? » bride2be, posted by trucker on April 9, 2004, at 23:13:24
I started using Paxil about 14 months ago for PPD. I have had major problems with excessive sweating and a non-existant sex drive. My PhD just prescribed Lexapro instead. . .does anyone have any advice/experience? I am worried about the difference in dosage, on Paxil I was at 37.5 with Lexapro I will be taking 10. . .is that comperable? I have a week until my Paxil script is gone. Please let me know if you have any thoughts. Thanks!
Posted by want info on April 12, 2004, at 9:20:18
In reply to Paxil VS Lexapro, posted by aspensm0mmy on April 12, 2004, at 1:32:29
hi there. i was on paxil 20mg for 8 years. it worked great for me...i have severe anxiety, inherited. i switched to lex and started at 10mg...i am now finally seeing results at 20. the advice you'll see from most ppl on here is that lower doses (10, 15) are effective for depression while higher is often needed for anxiety. i take .5 mg xanax daily as well and am weaning off as the lex begins to work. good luck! emily
Posted by ednababish on April 12, 2004, at 10:15:56
In reply to Paxil VS Lexapro, posted by aspensm0mmy on April 12, 2004, at 1:32:29
I took 25 mgs PaxilCR for 4 months--I was not even able to get aroused, and I was a bit of a zombie--forgetful about big things AND not terribly concerned about the times I dropped the ball like I should have been. I felt like I got my brain back on lexapro at 15 mgs. I have just upped to 20 because I have felt stressed and have been having problems concentrating again (one of my most problematic depression symptoms).
I think you may find that 10mgs is not enough--you will probably need 20-30mgs lex. I just started taking 10mgs lex on a friday--after my last dose of paxil on a thurs. with no break. At about two weeks I went up to 15--where I stayed for about three months. During my switch I had about four weeks of increased depression and irritability, no real increase in anxiety, and a clearer head. I have found it much better overall and would like to wish you good luck.
Posted by male 50 on April 13, 2004, at 22:49:41
In reply to Sexual Dysfunction and Lexapro? Need Feedback, posted by sideorder on March 19, 2004, at 16:23:05
> I was just prescribed Lexapro by my doctor for general stress/anxiety reduction. I was told that the sexual side effects were minimal...primarily "ejaclatory delay" (and only happens to a small precentage).... I guess if it's "delayed", it wouldn't be that big of a deal---just so it eventually happens. Also wondering if it causes any erectile dysfunction or decreased libido. I really don't want to become sexually dysfunctional in any way. Any men out there taking Lexapro (or women who are with men taking Lexapro) that can give me the lowdown? I have a VERY healthy sex life with my girlfriend and hate to see it take a turn just because I'm taking an anti-anxiety drug. Any advice/comments or feedback would be appreciated. Also, don't even know if I'm "posting" in the right place...I'm totally new to this.
>I have been taking Lexapro for the past six months. There has definitely been an effect on my ability to ejaculate. As with the previous user, I too was on Effexor and that caused erectile dysfunction. That has not been the case with the Lexapro, but I often find that I am unable to achieve orgasm no matter how long I wait. I am also unable to bring myself to orgasm, so it is frustrating.
Posted by shadows721 on April 14, 2004, at 22:55:19
In reply to Re: Sexual Dysfunction and Lexapro? Need Feedback, posted by male 50 on April 13, 2004, at 22:49:41
I am a female and this stuff just crushed my sex drive and orgasms.
Posted by corgisinga on April 15, 2004, at 1:36:21
In reply to Re: Sexual Dysfunction and Lexapro? Need Feedback, posted by shadows721 on April 14, 2004, at 22:55:19
> I am a female and this stuff just crushed my sex drive and orgasms.
My partner is on Lexapro and same thing happened plus it didn't help her ugly moods-anxiety,anger,depression, etc. She lashes out constantly. Her psychiatrist then put her on Wellbutrin in addition to the Lexapro because it "would counteract the loss of sex drive/orgasm problems that Lexapro caused".
1st, Wellbutrin has NOT made the sex drive come back, it's worse! 2nd- the other behavior problems are worse and she disassociates more than ever. I've taken Wellbutrin (pre-menopausal depression) for 2 yrs and no problems at all (luckily). But the combo she's on and his reasoning make no sense to me.
Plus she's so irrational that although she complains/cries @ the sex problems, she won't get 2nd opinion, or confront the psychiatrist, who she only sees for the meds. She sees another psychologist for therapy, but just keeps regressing. I'm really worried @ her & our 17yr relationship.
Posted by sideorder on April 15, 2004, at 17:18:09
In reply to Re: Sexual Dysfunction and Lexapro? Need Feedback, posted by male 50 on April 13, 2004, at 22:49:41
I appreciate all of the replys. My original post was almost a month ago. I'm sorry to hear about some of the sexual side effects everyone is having out there. Fortunately after being on Lex for almost 1 month now, the only sexual SE I've experienced is the ol' ejaculatory delay...but, I do acheive an orgasm. Just makes it a longer ride getting there---which my girlfriend doesn't seem to mind. My libido has stayed intact too.Don't know if things will change after being on Lex for an extended period of time. I've read about the need to increase the dosage and if I get to that point hope it doesn't cause any of the effects that people have presented to me. I'm handling things better these days...still get a little down and worry (become anxious) some, but on Lex it's not as debilitating and I'm able to roll it all allot better than before...it's also helped to alleviate my social anxiety. I'm hangin' in there---good luck to you all.
Posted by bride2be on April 15, 2004, at 17:26:03
In reply to Re: Sexual Dysfunction and Lexapro? Need Feedback » shadows721, posted by corgisinga on April 15, 2004, at 1:36:21
I AM HAVING MAJOR PROBLEMS HAVING AN ORGASM! WHEN WILL THIS SIDE EFFECT GO AWAY? OR IS IT HERE TO STAY! ahhhhhhhhhhhh!
Posted by bride2be on April 15, 2004, at 17:29:45
In reply to Re: Sexual Dysfunction and Lexapro? Need Feedback, posted by male 50 on April 13, 2004, at 22:49:41
MY FIANCE IS ON PAXIL AND THE ONLY THING I NOTICED IT IS TAKES A LITTLE WHILE LONGER TO EJACUALTE THEN USUAL, BUT IT IS NO BIG DEAL . I ON THE OTHER HAND AM ON LEXAPRO AND I CANT GET OFF TO SAVE MY LIFE. I HOPE IT GETS BETTER SOON. IF YOU WISH ME LUCK, I WILL WISH YOU LUCK TOO. HOPE THAT HELPS A LITTLE. DONT GET FRUSTERATE THOUGH, I AM SURE IT WILL GET BETTER. IF YOU NEED ANY MORE ADVICE LET ME KNOW! I AM HERE FOR YA!
Posted by corgisinga on April 15, 2004, at 17:59:30
In reply to Re: Sexual Dysfunction and Lexapro? Need Feedback, posted by bride2be on April 15, 2004, at 17:29:45
I'm way past frustration now but however codependent it may be, I won't give up yet - we've been together a long time and it would be a terrible waste. Unfortunately she has to figure that out on her own. I printed out more info last night on side effects,etc. and hopefully it'll be the basis for further productive discussion rather than argument.
What's so weird is both of us have always put a high priority on that part of our relationship. She more so than me most of the time. The bad news is that from the research I've done over the last few months, that particular side effect(main effect!!) won't go away, even after adding Wellbutrin, if it hasn't by now. She added that in early Jan. this year.
Oh well. Tks again for the kind words of support.
Posted by bride2be on April 15, 2004, at 18:04:01
In reply to Re: Sexual Dysfunction and Lexapro? Need Feedback, posted by corgisinga on April 15, 2004, at 17:59:30
I DONT KNOW WHAT TO DO, I GO SEE MY DOC ON TUESDAY, SO I WILL PASS ON TO YOU ANY ADVICE THAT SHE MAY GIVE ME. IT REALLY SUCKS. I AM GETTING MARRIED IN 3 MONTHS AND I CANT HAVE THIS HUGE PROBLEM. STRESS IS THE LAST THING I NEED! I WILL LET YOU KNOW WHAT MY DOC SAYS AND FILL YOU IN ON TUESDAY! I KNOW IT SUCKS, BUT WE CAN BE HERE FOR EACH OTHER! GOOD LUCK!
Posted by shadows721 on April 16, 2004, at 1:43:15
In reply to Re: Sexual Dysfunction and Lexapro? Need Feedback » shadows721, posted by corgisinga on April 15, 2004, at 1:36:21
Yep, I tried Wellbutrin and I didn't get any results except itching all over. I had to stop from the allergic reaction. PLUS, the darn stuff made me shake like a junkie. I have even tried Viagra and I thought at 1st it would help, but nope again. I haven't had a normal orgasm, since I started Lexapro. That was 5 months ago. I was a Hell cat, before lexapro. I was arguing about anything and everything. I couldn't stand traffic or even the noise from the tv set. That's the only reason why I am still on this stuff. Prozac didn't affect my orgasms like this med. Buspar has done nothing for the Lexapro side effect either. I heard that Remeron may help. But, darn, I don't feel like buying a new wardrobe, because I will gain weight over night. Oh, I also tried trazodone. Again, this Lexapro won out. I can't have an orgasm for anything in the world. Sex is just a job now to me. I just say, "Well, let's just get it over." To put it point blank, my crotch is dead. It will not orgasm for anything. If I even start to feel turned on, I feel like my heart is going to stop. Wow, that's a real turn on. I just don't know what to do. This is the same effect as not being able to taste food. It's like what's the point of eating. This side effect is totally underestimated and is just awful.
Posted by HannahW on April 17, 2004, at 16:54:41
In reply to Sexual Dysfunction from Lexapro is absolutely Hell, posted by shadows721 on April 16, 2004, at 1:43:15
This was a huge issue for me too, and I tried all those same things that you have...Viagra, Buspar, Wellbutrin...nothing worked.
At a loss of what else to suggest, my pdoc suggested I try ginko biloba. IT WORKED! It didn't make it as good as it was before, but I was willing to take any improvement.
Even better...my pdoc went to some conference somewhere and heard about this other "drug" and mentioned it to me in case I wanted to try it. It's called Maca. It's available in some of the bigger health food stores.
I have to tell you that for me, that stuff is MAGIC!! It's almost impossible to believe, but sex is BETTER now than it was *before* I went on the anti-depressants.
I don't know if it's the combination of the ginko and the maca, or what...I just know that it was a lifesaver for me!
Posted by shadows721 on April 17, 2004, at 20:31:56
In reply to Re: Sexual Dysfunction from Lexapro is absolutely Hell, posted by HannahW on April 17, 2004, at 16:54:41
Posted by shadows721 on April 18, 2004, at 2:00:09
In reply to Re: Sexual Dysfunction from Lexapro is absolutely Hell, posted by HannahW on April 17, 2004, at 16:54:41
I ran out and got the liquid Ginko. Wow, I thought I was going to gag to death. For a split second, I thought I was cured of depression! Whew! That stuff taste undescribable.
What form of Ginko did you use and how much? (hoping it's not the liquid form)
Posted by bride2be on April 18, 2004, at 16:09:01
In reply to Re: Sexual Dysfunction from Lexapro is absolutely Hell, posted by shadows721 on April 18, 2004, at 2:00:09
not only does the lex make me not orgasm, but now i dont even want to do it. any suggestions for me? i know other are in the same boat. we need to research together and see what we can come up with?
Posted by mystic on April 18, 2004, at 21:17:56
In reply to Re: Sexual Dysfunction from Lexapro is absolutely Hell, posted by bride2be on April 18, 2004, at 16:09:01
I'm with you bridetobe..I have no desire whatsoever and they told me that the lex didnt have that s/e..>But I have no interest at all I dont even care if I orgasm or not...ever...Hope someone can help come up with something...Mystic
Posted by sexylexy on April 19, 2004, at 9:44:10
In reply to Re: Sexual Dysfunction from Lexapro is absolutely Hell, posted by mystic on April 18, 2004, at 21:17:56
Hi Ya'll
I am currently on 20mg of Lexapro. It seems like after increasing my dose, I am seeing a lot of weight gain. I have gained 4 lbs and am the biggest I have been in over a year. I know 4lbs does not seem like a lot but I work really hard to keep my body in shape. I do not know what to do...Has anyone else gained weight or actually been able to lose weight while on lexapro (after the first few months and on 20mg)????
Lexy
Posted by Scott in Vermont on April 19, 2004, at 10:35:54
In reply to Re: Sexual Dysfunction from Lexapro is absolutely Hell, posted by HannahW on April 17, 2004, at 16:54:41
Perhaps I'm still too "new" on Lexapro, or I'm just lucky, but I have noticed that while it takes longer to happen (and to recover) I'm still able to carry on pretty much as I did before.
I have noticed a drop in interest, but I attribute that to life in general and not the Lexapro specifically. But when I want to I can, and I can experience it from beginning to end.
When I first started Lexapro, I was freaked out about the possibility of sexual dysfunction (been there before and it was terrible) and I think I psyched myself out.
As it stands now, I'm at 3 weeks (10 mg daily, mornings) and things seem to be going ok.
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