![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 7767 to 7791 of 8406. Go back in thread:
Posted by silvertonguejen on May 11, 2004, at 8:40:12
In reply to RE:: wow quiet in here, posted by mystic on May 9, 2004, at 18:16:03
I have been on Paxil for about 7 years, went from 20mg to 40mg a few years ago. The side effects of continual weight gain, extreme fatigue and lack of a sex drive brought me to my doctor yesterday to see if there is an alternative with less side effects. She is weaning me off Paxil and then I will start Lexapro in about 2 weeks, starting at 10mg. How does 40mg of Paxil compare to 10mg of Lexapro? And does anyone have info on comparing the two SSRI's? I am nervous about going thru the "Paxil withdrawls". My doc said to cut my dosage in half for the first week, then cut that in half (to 10mg) for the week after that, then begin the Lexapro. Why can't you start on one while cutting down on the other to reduce withdrawl symptoms? Any advice is greatly appreciated!
Posted by want info on May 11, 2004, at 9:03:30
In reply to Switching from Paxil to Lexapro, posted by silvertonguejen on May 11, 2004, at 8:40:12
i switched from paxil to lex after 8 years. i was on 20mg paxil with no problems. i weaned off it like your doc suggested and gradually added lex. ive been on lex alone now for 3 months. i was at 10mg and found it wasnt enough. it seems to be the consensus on this board and other places that lower doses of lex (5 or 10 mg) are effective for depression and higher doses (15 or 20) for anxiety. i was on 20 but was feeling foggy, so i'm now on 17.5. hope it helps!
emily
Posted by aspensm0mmy on May 11, 2004, at 11:50:19
In reply to Switching from Paxil to Lexapro, posted by silvertonguejen on May 11, 2004, at 8:40:12
Hi!!
I was taking PaxilCR 37.5 for 14 months. I had the same type is side effects that you've described plus some! I was extremely tired all day, had difficulty sleeping or difficulty waking up, excessive sweating (eeewwww), absolutely no sex drive. . .I was a walking side effect list! About a month ago I just swapped out my Paxil for 10mg of Lex. LOVE IT!!! I don't know if it is from withdrawing from Pax or adding Lex but the libido hasn't been better! Less sweating (thank heavens), normal sleepiness. I did experience a foggy feeling on Paxil and didn't really care about things that I should have cared about. With Lex I care about missing appointments. . .it's a good thing. I just jumped over and I did experience some "brain shocks" but no more than when I was on Paxil and missed a day or took my dose late. Hope that all goes well!!!
Posted by Mariposa on May 11, 2004, at 12:37:15
In reply to Re: lex REDUCING dosage...HELP?? » BLKVETTES, posted by want info on May 10, 2004, at 9:15:27
At 30mg Lex, have been taking fro 15mos.
Recently have had trouble w/nail biting - cuticle destruction. Had it pretty much under control for years, but now I find I'm doing it again, and have trouble controlling it. Besides, it drives hubby NUTZ. Any one else experience this?~~~8|8
Posted by ednababish on May 11, 2004, at 13:57:47
In reply to Switching from Paxil to Lexapro, posted by silvertonguejen on May 11, 2004, at 8:40:12
Jen,
I don't think that weaning is absolutely necessary--I know plenty of people who cut the dose for one while starting on the minimal dosage for the other. I went from 25 mgs of Paxil CR to 10 mgs of Lexapro in December, and I took my last Paxil on Thursday and my first Lexapro on Friday. What to expect? Some blue feelings, potentially a lot of anxiety, but not out and out despair. Good luck.
Edna Babish
Posted by mystic on May 11, 2004, at 18:25:22
In reply to Switching from Paxil to Lexapro, posted by silvertonguejen on May 11, 2004, at 8:40:12
Hey Jen...I was taking Paxil 10mgs from 30mgs but I was weened to the 10 for a about 3 years but I also did well on the paxil but the weight gain was bad 45lbs...but it worked really really good...SO anyway then when I started to get really stressed again and have panic attacks so decided well I didnt decide my dr decided for me to try lexapro so he just had me take the paxil one night and the lex the next no more decrease...It was not too bad the depression goes away first but I did have a lot of anxiety in the beginning it sure does take a while and I'm still struggling to increase to 15mg but i have a terrible phobia of meds so that takes time..I hope that you have good luck with it but just take time and you have come to the right place for support I wouldve never made it without these wonderful wonderful people..we are also in a more social site which is Redirected Lexaproers you might want to come on over and check it out..It is more for when you dont want to talk about the direct meds but how you are feeling...SO take care and hope you do well...Mystic
Posted by chloe16 on May 12, 2004, at 7:31:51
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro, posted by brandij on April 29, 2003, at 10:20:32
I have been on 10mg for two months and was just upped to 20 because it wasnt working like it had the past few weeks. I am now having major night sweats, anxiety, mental confusion and severe bruising. Has anyone experienced this. Maybe I should go back to 10 but I just wanted to feel as good as I had in my 6th week.
Thank you!
Posted by Mrs. C on May 12, 2004, at 7:56:27
In reply to Lexapro - 10mg to 20mg, posted by chloe16 on May 12, 2004, at 7:31:51
I just increased to 20 about 3 weeks ago. I did have night sweats and a little bit of increased anxiety but those have subsided. I feel pretty good now and the side effects I felt were very mild. How long has it been since you increased. I say give it time unless you are very uncomfortable, then call your doc. Mrs. C
Posted by ramsea on May 12, 2004, at 13:30:31
In reply to RE:: wow quiet in here, posted by mystic on May 9, 2004, at 18:16:03
I would be grateful for any clues. My mouth has felt just awful for two days now. Kind of like if you wake up after a night of sickness and your tongue feels thick and a little sore, coated, and kind of dry even after lots of water. Also kind of hot, so that I have been sucking on frozen raspberries which stops it for a few minutes. Eating will change the mouth environment for about 20 mins. but I have been overeating in an effort to stop it.
My teeth are well brushed so that's not it. It's just a nasty feeling and having it 24/7 ain't nice. Any one know anything like this???? I do take lithium and low-dose Seroquel, with Kemadrin for SEs, but only 5-10 mgs. Yuck. Oh yeah---Please don't remind me to have a doc check it out or dentist---I do know, thanks!!!!!! I'm just curious if some of you experienced souls have a clue about this.
Posted by lil' jimi on May 12, 2004, at 15:06:06
In reply to Re: OCD's worse on Lex?, posted by Mariposa on May 11, 2004, at 12:37:15
hello Mariposa,
.... .... i haven't been so ocd as anybody has ever mentioned it ... but i could see where that more buzzy/speedy feeling (epinephrine?) from lexapro could fuel nail biting kind of stuff ... but i would theorize/expect/hope that any extra epinephrine levels would subside with time ... ... what do i know?
i'm still doing my ol' 10 milligrams of lex a day now for more than a year ... ... i remember that buzziness, but i haven't felt it in a long time
take care, sweet Butterfly,
~ jim
Posted by Mrs. C on May 12, 2004, at 21:29:07
In reply to RE:: my mouth feels hot and horrible???, posted by ramsea on May 12, 2004, at 13:30:31
Hi, I did have some weird feelings in my mouth but not really what you are describing. Mine was from clenching my teeth. My teeth and jaw ached and my jaw felt very strange. I still get the feeling from time to time and I still clench alot. Wish that I could help more. Hope you find some answers. Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs. C on May 12, 2004, at 21:33:02
In reply to Re: OCD's worse on Lex? » Mariposa, posted by lil' jimi on May 12, 2004, at 15:06:06
Mariposa, You must be very frustrated. I dont really have any experience with that form of OCD. Mine is more of an obsessive thought kind of thing. I still do it alot but I seem to deal with it better now that I am on Lex. Therapy is supposed to help with it too but I just started that and haven't really seen any results yet. Are you biting more when nervous or do you do it without even noticing that you are doing it? Sounds like a question for the pdoc if it doesn't stop. Good Luck, Mrs. C
Posted by ramsea on May 13, 2004, at 3:13:32
In reply to RE:: my mouth feels hot and horrible???, posted by Mrs. C on May 12, 2004, at 21:29:07
Thank you, Mrs C. I have also had this jaw thing, which is med related. You might try the night mouth guard that TMJ people use. But thanks anyway.
Posted by ednababish on May 13, 2004, at 20:31:21
In reply to RE:: my mouth feels hot and horrible???, posted by ramsea on May 12, 2004, at 13:30:31
I have had a similar feeling--I have had swollen taste buds and my tongue is getting in the way of my speech. I noticed this from about week three through week seven. This too shall pass. . .Edna B
Posted by lavell patterson on May 13, 2004, at 23:15:50
In reply to RE:: my mouth feels hot and horrible???, posted by ednababish on May 13, 2004, at 20:31:21
hey everyone I been taking lexapro for anxiey in depression and just 10 mgs I still have a little anxiety but its nothing to worry about. I just want you to know that there is hope. A few years ago I had nothing now I have my own place, a job, a girlfriend, and a lot of positive friends. we must realize that we are in charge of our life, and our thoughts. I want you to know that Im on three government boards for recovery from all types of mental illness. People who have anxiety attacks or panic attacks I want you not to fear them because they will go away if you just have them Its the fear that get them going. So go out in have them and have some fun.
Posted by socalkris29 on May 14, 2004, at 0:19:44
In reply to Re: Lexapro and Wellbutrin SR » bridgette, posted by Leo Bostar on February 9, 2003, at 16:10:05
I have just started taking 150 mg Wellbutrin XL in addition to my usual 10 mg Lexapro. At day 17, I started itching like MAD!!! Hands, fingers, scalp, back, neck, feet, etc. Feels similar to the itch of athlete's foot. No rash, hives, or skin irritation (except for my constant rubbing raw of the itchy areas). On day 19 I decided to quit taking the Wellbutrin, and believe it or not, that is also the day it finally kicked in and I have A LOT more energy now.
So, I started taking it again, and I'm wondering if there are any others out there that experienced the itching and if/when it stopped? I'm really pleased with my mood now and am hoping the itching will pass...
Thanks in advance for any replies.
> Wellbutrin never did anything for me when taken alone. In combination with other drugs, it amplified the negative side effects.
>
> If it works for you and you have a health plan that covers some of the expenses, count your blessings.
>
> > Is anyone on the combination of Lexapro AND Wellbutrin SR/ I am on 10mg Lexapro and 150 mg os Wellbutrin Sr. I like combining them because of the sexual side effects of the SSRI and I think Wellbutrin enhances it---anyone else trying this???
>
>
Posted by ramsea on May 14, 2004, at 3:45:34
In reply to RE:: my mouth feels hot and horrible???, posted by ednababish on May 13, 2004, at 20:31:21
Posted by Mrs. C on May 14, 2004, at 9:32:07
In reply to RE:: my mouth feels hot and horrible??? » Mrs. C, posted by ramsea on May 13, 2004, at 3:13:32
Ramsea, the dentist told me the same thing at my last visit. I also have had many weird things happen in my face since starting Lex. I wonder if it's all from the jaw clenching. I get alot of muscle twitches. I had one in my lip, one on my chin, the side of my head and today it is in my lower eyelid. These last about a week and then go away for awhile. Do you think these are also med related? How's your mouth feeling today? Mrs. C
Posted by ednababish on May 15, 2004, at 10:05:45
In reply to Re: Lexapro and Wellbutrin SR, posted by socalkris29 on May 14, 2004, at 0:19:44
Hey all, and especially KathrynLex,
My p-doc suggested adding wellbutrin to the mix because I still have some irritability, sexual side effects, and problems with concentration. She's left it up to me, and I asked her for a month to think about it because it is the end of the semester, I had a sinus infection and felt bluer than usual, and my fibromyalgia was acting up. In other words, a lot going on right now. I'm not sure about this move, I feel great today, and one day in probably the next six months we'll be starting another baby. What do you know about wellbutrin and pregnancy, about potential side effect, immediate and long range results, etc? I fear I may be ADD which would explain the restlessness and inability to concentrate, and someone suggested that wellbutrin is used for ADD and for fibromyalgia. Has anyone heard any of this? And where is Lexy? Thanks and God bless,
Edna B
Posted by BLKVETTES on May 15, 2004, at 11:34:56
In reply to RE:: my mouth feels hot and horrible???, posted by Mrs. C on May 14, 2004, at 9:32:07
> Ramsea, the dentist told me the same thing at my last visit. I also have had many weird things happen in my face since starting Lex. I wonder if it's all from the jaw clenching. I get alot of muscle twitches. I had one in my lip, one on my chin, the side of my head and today it is in my lower eyelid. These last about a week and then go away for awhile. Do you think these are also med related? How's your mouth feeling today? Mrs. C
I used to get those spasms also. But I had panic disorder and couldnt tell you if it was the lexapro or the disorder. But the one around my eye would drive me crazy. But when the med started working these spasms went away.
<:-)
Posted by mystic on May 15, 2004, at 11:35:38
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful » jjana, posted by worrywort on May 13, 2003, at 12:43:06
Lavell..thank you so much for sharing you may be right...it is the fear that gets to us all...I'm starting on 15mgs today..I had wished to get by with just he 10mg but just dont think that is going to happen..I'm very med phobic so this is a hard step for me but will wait it out and see if it helps...Thanks for sharing it is always great to hear from someone new and to see other views...Mystic
Posted by trucker on May 16, 2004, at 13:58:24
In reply to Re: Lexapro and Wellbutrin SR, posted by socalkris29 on May 14, 2004, at 0:19:44
YES ITCHING YES I TO HAVE THIS EFFECT... DRINK MOLRE WATER.. AND SEE IF IT HELPS I NOTICE THAT IT DEHIDRATES ME SO I ITCH!
TRUCKER
//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
> I have just started taking 150 mg Wellbutrin XL in addition to my usual 10 mg Lexapro. At day 17, I started itching like MAD!!! Hands, fingers, scalp, back, neck, feet, etc. Feels similar to the itch of athlete's foot. No rash, hives, or skin irritation (except for my constant rubbing raw of the itchy areas). On day 19 I decided to quit taking the Wellbutrin, and believe it or not, that is also the day it finally kicked in and I have A LOT more energy now.
>
> So, I started taking it again, and I'm wondering if there are any others out there that experienced the itching and if/when it stopped? I'm really pleased with my mood now and am hoping the itching will pass...
>
> Thanks in advance for any replies.
>
>
>
>
> > Wellbutrin never did anything for me when taken alone. In combination with other drugs, it amplified the negative side effects.
> >
> > If it works for you and you have a health plan that covers some of the expenses, count your blessings.
> >
> > > Is anyone on the combination of Lexapro AND Wellbutrin SR/ I am on 10mg Lexapro and 150 mg os Wellbutrin Sr. I like combining them because of the sexual side effects of the SSRI and I think Wellbutrin enhances it---anyone else trying this???
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by trucker on May 16, 2004, at 14:10:24
In reply to Re: OCD's worse on Lex? » Mariposa, posted by lil' jimi on May 12, 2004, at 15:06:06
JIM ARE YOU THE ONE I USED TO SPEAK TO A YEAR5 OR SO AGO?
TRUCKER
////////////////////////////////////////////////////
> hello Mariposa,
>
> .... .... i haven't been so ocd as anybody has ever mentioned it ... but i could see where that more buzzy/speedy feeling (epinephrine?) from lexapro could fuel nail biting kind of stuff ... but i would theorize/expect/hope that any extra epinephrine levels would subside with time ... ... what do i know?
>
> i'm still doing my ol' 10 milligrams of lex a day now for more than a year ... ... i remember that buzziness, but i haven't felt it in a long time
>
> take care, sweet Butterfly,
> ~ jim
Posted by lil' jimi on May 17, 2004, at 3:12:58
In reply to Re: OCD's worse on Lex?, posted by trucker on May 16, 2004, at 14:10:24
hi trucker!
yes ... this is me
... how you doing?
... i'm okay here ...i've been on 10 miliigrams of lexapro a day for the past year now ... (gotta make like "med" talk here on the med page like, eh?)
take care!
~ jim
Posted by trucker on May 17, 2004, at 10:40:16
In reply to re: trucker, posted by lil' jimi on May 17, 2004, at 3:12:58
hey glad you are still around. come to social babble. we can talk there. or come to babble open the chat room. glad to kmow you are out there. GOD bless>on 20 mg of lex and 150 mg of welbutrin
trucker
///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
hi trucker!
>
> yes ... this is me
> ... how you doing?
> ... i'm okay here ...
>
> i've been on 10 miliigrams of lexapro a day for the past year now ... (gotta make like "med" talk here on the med page like, eh?)
>
> take care!
> ~ jim
Go forward in thread:
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.