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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by LynneDa on May 25, 2004, at 11:34:14
In reply to Lexapro - 10mg to 20mg, posted by chloe16 on May 12, 2004, at 7:31:51
Hi Chloe -
I haven't been on in a while so I'm just catching up on posts. I went from 10mg to 20 mg after 10 weeks on 10mg.I had some side effects, but not as bad as in the very beginning. In total most of them only lasted about 10 days - a bit of nausea, some anxiety, brain fog (trouble staying on task, coming up with words, etc.), definitely night sweats, a bit of a headache if I didn't take it at the right time, some insomnia & daytime sleepiness. The only s/e's I still have are the sleepiness/fogginess and occasional night sweats (but I'm pre-menopuasal).
I've been on 20mg since January. I still have depressive symptoms about 10 - 14 days before my period - but not as bad as I was on 10mg. Good luck to you!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>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 LynneDa on May 25, 2004, at 11:37:01
In reply to Lexapro and blood sugar/pressure, posted by wanted:mind on May 24, 2004, at 10:43:25
Hi -
I've been wondering the same thing - about blood sugar. My BP is okay. I've been on Lex for 7 months (2 months at 10mg and 5 at 20mg). I think my blood sugar is off and need to have it checked. Let us know if you find anything that confirms Lex can effect it!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Has anyone noticed a connection between Lexapro and either blood sugar or blood pressure? I am not diabetic but noticed my glucose levels fluctuating significantly while on the drug. I gradually got off the Lexapro, stopping a few days ago. My bp has been unusually low as well the last week or so. It's likely that all this is due to other causes; I'm just trying to rule out the med as a cause.
Posted by Marilyn44 on May 25, 2004, at 12:10:26
In reply to Re: alcohol versus lexapro » lil' jimi, posted by oldhand on June 12, 2003, at 12:16:18
I have only been on Lexapro for 3 weeks, but am really hoping what you guys are saying is going to work. I am also an alcoholic so that would be incredible. I still want beer so it may just be too soon for me.
Posted by Mariposa on May 25, 2004, at 13:03:46
In reply to Re: Lexapro and PMS, posted by mystic on May 23, 2004, at 22:03:03
> Mariposa...You said that you didnt have any s/e with increasing....How long did it take for you to feel the effects if they were positive...You also said that you had been on the lexapro for 15 months...have you had problems with your period for the whole six months or just recently..I have upped my dosage to 15mgs and it has been a week i have been on the lex 10mgs for hmmmm maybe 3 months and still waiting to see if this going to work for me ....and still very discouraged...Thanks for your input..Mystic
Felt positive effects within a few days. The problems around period vary from month to month, but each time that I've had consectively worse problems for 3 months, my pdoc increased my dose. I think I agree w/trucker in that 5mg increases did NOT work for me, I went from 20 to 25 with no improvement for 3 months, and bumped up to 30 in March. Now I'm having trouble this month! But I also have switched from taking Yasmin to the patch (in Jan.) so not sure if that has something to do with it as well.
Hope this helps!~~~8|8
Posted by LynneDa on May 25, 2004, at 13:11:22
In reply to Re: Lexapro and PMS » mystic, posted by Mariposa on May 25, 2004, at 13:03:46
Hi Mariposa - Good to hear from you! I am curious to hear how the patch goes with you - to see if it changes your mental state around your period. That is still my troublesome time & I'm at 20mg. I'm on a low-dose pill, but the convenience of the patch sounds wonderful!
Thanks,
Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
> Felt positive effects within a few days. The problems around period vary from month to month, but each time that I've had consectively worse problems for 3 months, my pdoc increased my dose. I think I agree w/trucker in that 5mg increases did NOT work for me, I went from 20 to 25 with no improvement for 3 months, and bumped up to 30 in March. Now I'm having trouble this month! But I also have switched from taking Yasmin to the patch (in Jan.) so not sure if that has something to do with it as well.
>
> Hope this helps!~~~8|8
Posted by ednababish on May 25, 2004, at 13:18:56
In reply to Re: Lexapro and PMS » Mariposa, posted by LynneDa on May 25, 2004, at 13:11:22
Just so you know, I had hormonal related problems with the patch--swelling, headaches, gas and bloating. I looked forward to my period to take the thing off for a week!
Edna
Posted by LynneDa on May 25, 2004, at 13:25:42
In reply to Re: Lexapro and PMS, posted by ednababish on May 25, 2004, at 13:18:56
Thanks! I haven't spoken to many women who've used it so it's good to have your feedback!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Just so you know, I had hormonal related problems with the patch--swelling, headaches, gas and bloating. I looked forward to my period to take the thing off for a week!
> Edna
Posted by LynneDa on May 26, 2004, at 11:18:19
In reply to Re: lexapro withdrawal, posted by anonmom on May 21, 2004, at 16:57:33
Hi! I have a question for you if you don't mind. I've been on Lex for 5 months and have been pretty happy with it overall. But, my 2 issues are grogginess that won't go away & weight gain. Was grogginess your reason for going off of it?
The cold turkey method seems to create lots of weird effects from simple headaches, electrical flashes in the brain, dizziness, etc. I've not heard that shingles was one of them, but when your system is used to getting something regularly I guess you never know where the abrupt change will manifest. Do you think the hyperventilating was a panic attack? What were your reasons for going on Lex in the first place?
Thanks for your input!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>I, too, went off Lexapro cold turkey after 5 months. The nurse thought cold turkey would be OK because it takes a long time for the Lexapro to build up in one's system. I wanted to go off it because I started feeling groggy and like I couldn't wake up. After I quit it the grogginess did go away. Lexapro made me feel very competent. I got shingles a little over a month after I quit taking it and in the first few days of the shingles experience, I hyperventilated for the first time in my life. Any relationship(s) between all of this?
Posted by LynneDa on May 26, 2004, at 11:26:15
In reply to Re: Weight gain, posted by sexylexy on May 23, 2004, at 10:22:36
Hi Lexy -
I just found an article on the internet yesterday published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry in 1998. It said that the reason weight gain isn't mentioned as an s/e is that all the studies are done on s/e's starting immediately, in the first few weeks of SSRI usage. The weight gain seems to happen after a few months of usage in people who do gain weight. It also stated that an average of 18 - 30% will gain weight on an s/e.Not to scare you or depress you, but I have steadily gained 2 lbs per week since I upped to 20mg. My appetite has increased as well. (guess that goes together!) My doctor recommended that I only take the 20mg during the 10 days prior to my period when I get a little wacky, then stay at 10mg the rest of the month. I am trying that and will let you know how it goes. I've been on 10mg all this week and have lost 2 lbs. Don't know if it's coincidence or not.
Just thought it was interesting! How are you doing? Job-hunting yet or do you have something solid? Enjoy yourself, I'm glad you had time at the beach . . . you deserved it :-)
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Hey Ya'll
> After college I lost about 25 lbs. I kept the weight off for over a year. When I first got on Lex, I lost a good amount of weight. Now when I increased my dose to 20 I saw about a 5 lb weight gain and now am up to 8. Some of this is my fault because I have been vacationing and not working out. I feel like I am hungry more often and also can eat more...I just joined my new gym and am going to start working at it so I will let you know how it goes. Weight gain is AWFUL. yuck
> all the luck
> lexy
Posted by Nika on May 27, 2004, at 13:16:43
In reply to Re: Weight gain, posted by sexylexy on May 23, 2004, at 10:22:36
Oh my god, does Lexapro make you gain weight! I've been taking 10 mg a day for over a year and a half, and in the last year I've gained a solid TEN POUNDS. It's not going anywhere. The crazy periods I knew/felt were from the drug, and my therapist suggested upping the dosage--but admitted to being at a loss for a "good" suggestion. BUT ABOUT THOSE TEN POUNDS! The only thing that seems to help me maintain is rigorous diet and exercise. Pilates workouts have been phenomenal for all over toning, but I've got this little egg of a belly I can't seem to shake. Yoga's great for flexibility, but pilates helps build muscles so I at least LOOK more fit. I find going into these warmer months, snacking on predominately fruit really helps, too. You seem to develop quite the appetite as well.
--Nika
Posted by LynneDa on May 27, 2004, at 13:39:51
In reply to Re: Weight gain, posted by Nika on May 27, 2004, at 13:16:43
Nika - Thank you for your response, it's good to know others have experienced the weight gain and increased appetite (not that I'm happy you did, just that misery loves company!). It's just not like my pre-med self, so I feel there has to be a correlation, despite what my doc says!
I just ordered some Pilates tapes, so it's good to hear how well you feel it works. I need toning for sure, but I do wonder if I will ever lose that little belly either!!
In terms of your therapist suggesting you increase, I am doing 20mg just in the 10 days before my period - my worst time - and then 10mg the rest of the month. He said it wouldn't confuse or harm my body to go up and down since I've been on it for awhile now. I did do a 10/20 every other day before going down to 10mg. If you feel the need to increase due to your symptoms, maybe that would be an option for you.
Good luck, take care!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Oh my god, does Lexapro make you gain weight! I've been taking 10 mg a day for over a year and a half, and in the last year I've gained a solid TEN POUNDS. It's not going anywhere. The crazy periods I knew/felt were from the drug, and my therapist suggested upping the dosage--but admitted to being at a loss for a "good" suggestion. BUT ABOUT THOSE TEN POUNDS! The only thing that seems to help me maintain is rigorous diet and exercise. Pilates workouts have been phenomenal for all over toning, but I've got this little egg of a belly I can't seem to shake. Yoga's great for flexibility, but pilates helps build muscles so I at least LOOK more fit. I find going into these warmer months, snacking on predominately fruit really helps, too. You seem to develop quite the appetite as well.
> --Nika
Posted by ednababish on May 27, 2004, at 14:38:49
In reply to Re: Weight gain » Nika, posted by LynneDa on May 27, 2004, at 13:39:51
That stupid little belly! I've had it all my life, even when I weighed a skeletal 103 lbs (I'm 5'6). My niece has it and she's a twig in every other respect. I think we should all make peace with the silly thing--not necessarily welcome it per se, but just acknowledge it and begin to ignore it. Maybe then it will go away. Either that, or we should make the symbol of female empowerment. . . "Yeah, up with the tiny-pot!" "Hey girlfriend, pot's looking mighty good today! What you feeding that thing?"
Posted by Anjul on May 27, 2004, at 14:56:11
In reply to Re: Weight gain » Nika, posted by LynneDa on May 27, 2004, at 13:39:51
Lynne, my doc suggested 1 week of 15mg for the hellacious period. 1 havent tried it yet. Why did you skip 15mg and go straight to 20? why did you go back down? Thank you!!
Anjul
Posted by LynneDa on May 27, 2004, at 15:11:20
In reply to Re: Weight gain, posted by Anjul on May 27, 2004, at 14:56:11
Hi Anjul -
I'm not sure why I skipped 15mg! I went straight up from 10 to 20 (after 10 weeks at 10mg) because I was still feeling depressed, etc., for too much of the month. I didn't have awful side effects, so I guess my doc thought the jump to 20 wouldn't be bad - & it wasn't in terms of headache, stomach problems, etc.My doctor recently recommended the 10/20 combo because I reported still being soooo sleepy/foggy all day - after 5 months at 20mg - and because of the weight gain. It's a double-edged sword cuz I'm too tired to exercise to get rid of the extra lbs.!
I haven't gone a complete cycle on this new routine yet, so hopefully next month will tell if it works - decrease in fog without an increase in symptoms is what I'm hoping for!
Good luck to you on 15. Let me know how your bad week goes. I hope it's what you need!!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Lynne, my doc suggested 1 week of 15mg for the hellacious period. 1 havent tried it yet. Why did you skip 15mg and go straight to 20? why did you go back down? Thank you!!
> Anjul
Posted by sexylexy on May 27, 2004, at 16:32:31
In reply to Re: Lexapro and PMS » mystic, posted by Mariposa on May 25, 2004, at 13:03:46
Marisposa and everyone on the pill,
I am wondering how you liked Yasmin. Of course, for me, Allese was what got me in my depression. I would really like to get back on some sort of birth control but do not want to end up depressed now that I am feeling a lot better.
Any suggestionsPS.. I am seeing an OBGYN who is a hormone specialist soon so hopefully this will help as well.
Thanks 1000000,
Lexy
Posted by Nika on May 27, 2004, at 17:11:35
In reply to Re: Weight gain, posted by ednababish on May 27, 2004, at 14:38:49
I've heard of "older" women falling victim to the belly, but it is sooo comforting to know that it may just be from the drug. Here I was nagging my boyfriend for cooking so much! But if the extra curves are out of character or you really start working out and you just can't seem to shed the pounds...I don't know but for me a lifestyle change was in order, i.e. THE GYM. But I also REALLY suggest taking a pilates class at a practical time that works for you and can become part of your weekly routine. I've found that alone at home with the videos, that familiar fatigue can kick in and the motivation just isn't the same as when you have "to show up." Naptime has definitely become a neccesity. Oh, celebrating "the little belly" would be a great idea for a T-shirt...
Take care,
Nika> That stupid little belly! I've had it all my life, even when I weighed a skeletal 103 lbs (I'm 5'6). My niece has it and she's a twig in every other respect. I think we should all make peace with the silly thing--not necessarily welcome it per se, but just acknowledge it and begin to ignore it. Maybe then it will go away. Either that, or we should make the symbol of female empowerment. . . "Yeah, up with the tiny-pot!" "Hey girlfriend, pot's looking mighty good today! What you feeding that thing?"
Posted by Anjul on May 28, 2004, at 8:10:47
In reply to Re: Weight gain » Anjul, posted by LynneDa on May 27, 2004, at 15:11:20
thanks, Lynne
I am wishing YOU good luck on this cycle. I am going to try 1 month of Chinese herbs with my 10 mg's before I try the 15. I have a liver disease and am reluctant to take more meds... Keep us posted!
Anjul
Posted by LynneDa on May 28, 2004, at 9:29:36
In reply to Re: Weight gain, posted by ednababish on May 27, 2004, at 14:38:49
You are too funny!! I love it! The belly is ever-present isn't it. It just looks bigger on me the bigger I am everywhere else. Thanks for the laugh :-)
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>That stupid little belly! I've had it all my life, even when I weighed a skeletal 103 lbs (I'm 5'6). My niece has it and she's a twig in every other respect. I think we should all make peace with the silly thing--not necessarily welcome it per se, but just acknowledge it and begin to ignore it. Maybe then it will go away. Either that, or we should make the symbol of female empowerment. . . "Yeah, up with the tiny-pot!" "Hey girlfriend, pot's looking mighty good today! What you feeding that thing?"
Posted by silvertonguejen on May 28, 2004, at 11:20:26
In reply to Re: Weight gain » ednababish, posted by LynneDa on May 28, 2004, at 9:29:36
I have had the belly for years now, since going on Paxil about 7 -8 years ago! I have lost track of how many people have asked me when "I am due", when I wasn't pregnant. I had my 3rd child 10 months ago, and was ready to jump into my maternity clothes at 3 months pregnant because my tummy was already so big compared to the rest of me! Isn't that a weird side effect? I have gained a lot of weight over the years on Paxil, but my stomach literally sticks out like I am pregnant now! I always thought it was the Paxil, but when I asked my doctor she said no. Go figure! I am starting week #2 of being on Lex, and week #2 of the paxil withdrawls! This REALLY sucks! I wanted to switch becuase of all the weight gain on Paxil, and the constant fatigue, but I seem to have a greater appetite now than ever on the Paxil. Maybe I will have to try something else. I guess s/e are different for everyone.
> You are too funny!! I love it! The belly is ever-present isn't it. It just looks bigger on me the bigger I am everywhere else. Thanks for the laugh :-)
> ~ Lynne
> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>
> That stupid little belly! I've had it all my life, even when I weighed a skeletal 103 lbs (I'm 5'6). My niece has it and she's a twig in every other respect. I think we should all make peace with the silly thing--not necessarily welcome it per se, but just acknowledge it and begin to ignore it. Maybe then it will go away. Either that, or we should make the symbol of female empowerment. . . "Yeah, up with the tiny-pot!" "Hey girlfriend, pot's looking mighty good today! What you feeding that thing?"
>
>
Posted by Gator on May 28, 2004, at 11:32:05
In reply to Re: Lexapro and the pill, posted by sexylexy on May 27, 2004, at 16:32:31
Hi all!!
I haven't posted for awhile but I read every day. I have increased to 20mgs and I am doing really good. It has been a gradual thing, and I have to stop and realize that I had a good day. I really think that the old me is almost all the way back.
I have also just changed birth control pills. Now I am taking the new one called Seasonal. You only have a period every 3 months. I just started them so I will have to let you know how it goes.
I think about all of you every day, just don't know how to say things well. So I'm not ignoring anyone...just a silent partner.
Take care!!
Gator
Posted by LynneDa on May 28, 2004, at 11:38:10
In reply to Re: Weight Gain, posted by silvertonguejen on May 28, 2004, at 11:20:26
Hi! It is so hard to judge what causes what, but I read a study that said most s/e studies on meds are done only in the first few weeks of usage and weight gain seems to come later on, so the docs don't seem to believe it could be an s/e. I say that the 20 or 30 of us who've posted about the weight gain can't all be wrong!!
Good luck to you with the Lex. I really like the way it has improved my depression and anxiety, but I've never tried anything else to compare. Hang in there thru your transition!!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>I have had the belly for years now, since going on Paxil about 7 -8 years ago! I have lost track of how many people have asked me when "I am due", when I wasn't pregnant. I had my 3rd child 10 months ago, and was ready to jump into my maternity clothes at 3 months pregnant because my tummy was already so big compared to the rest of me! Isn't that a weird side effect? I have gained a lot of weight over the years on Paxil, but my stomach literally sticks out like I am pregnant now! I always thought it was the Paxil, but when I asked my doctor she said no. Go figure! I am starting week #2 of being on Lex, and week #2 of the paxil withdrawls! This REALLY sucks! I wanted to switch becuase of all the weight gain on Paxil, and the constant fatigue, but I seem to have a greater appetite now than ever on the Paxil. Maybe I will have to try something else. I guess s/e are different for everyone.
Posted by LynneDa on May 28, 2004, at 11:44:34
In reply to Re: Lexapro and the pill » sexylexy, posted by Gator on May 28, 2004, at 11:32:05
Thanks Gator, it's nice to hear from you! I'm glad to hear 20mg is working out for you. If you can let us know how the seasonal pill works for you, I'd love to hear. It sounds wonderful!
~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Hi all!!
>
> I haven't posted for awhile but I read every day. I have increased to 20mgs and I am doing really good. It has been a gradual thing, and I have to stop and realize that I had a good day. I really think that the old me is almost all the way back.
>
> I have also just changed birth control pills. Now I am taking the new one called Seasonal. You only have a period every 3 months. I just started them so I will have to let you know how it goes.
>
> I think about all of you every day, just don't know how to say things well. So I'm not ignoring anyone...just a silent partner.
>
> Take care!!
>
> Gator
Posted by mystic on May 28, 2004, at 17:05:22
In reply to Re: Lexapro and the pill » Gator, posted by LynneDa on May 28, 2004, at 11:44:34
Hey not sure if I asked this post place or not..But does anyone have experience with the lex from 10 going to 15mgs and how long it takes to feel better...I dont think it will ever happen..any input would be appreciated..thanks..mystic
Posted by Mrs. C on May 28, 2004, at 22:35:52
In reply to Re: Lexapro and the pill » sexylexy, posted by Gator on May 28, 2004, at 11:32:05
Hi Gator, what a pleasant surprise to hear from you. I am so glad that things are going well for you. I too have increased to 20 and feel alot happier and less anxious. I say "less" anxious because I do still go through some very tough anxiety issues. But all & all I am happy with the results lex has given me. Good luck to you and hope to hear from you again soon. Mrs. C
Posted by bride2be on May 28, 2004, at 23:49:05
In reply to RE::: hello everyone, posted by mystic on May 28, 2004, at 17:05:22
I WENT FROM 10 TO 20 IN THE SECOND WEEK AND WAS GREAT. NO SIDE EFFECTS AND I HIGHLY RECOMEND AN INCREASE.
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