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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by CraigD on September 13, 2004, at 11:02:33
In reply to Lexapro and Lamictal, shortness of breath, posted by Ann1983 on September 13, 2004, at 7:49:13
> I am going to my Psych today and asking to be taken off Lamictal for mood stabilizing. I have been on 200mg daily for several months. I haven't noticed any difference. Nor have the people closest to me. Anyone gone off Lamictal that can tell me how they did it to minimize withdrawl symptoms? I am also taking 10mg a day of Lexapro. F.Y.I. Tried other meds but they made me high as a kite. Especially Paxil. Prozac gave me instant panic attacks. Also, does anyone suffer from shortness of breath, like you can't get enough oxygen? I still get that way sometimes. This was my sympton at the beginning of taking meds nearly 2 years ago. I hate to increase my meds intake and hate that I am still taking Xanax this long into the game. I take 1 mg XR in the morning and .25 at night before bed with my Lamictal and Atarax (supposedly for allergies, but really to help me sleep). Also, since I have been on meds, I take an afternoon nap nearly everyday. Anyone out there that can relate to this?
I recently added Lamictal to my Celexa (same as Lexapro) with the hopes of reducing my Celexa dose and decrease the manic behavior I display on SSRI's. That's worked great. Helped quite a bit with the social anxiety and ruminations as well.It did give me some strange dreams and keep me from sleeping well, so I moved the dosage to the morning and that took care of the problem. Perhaps trying this will allow you to sleep better at night and nap less during the day.
Good Luck,
Craig
Posted by Mrs. C on September 14, 2004, at 20:41:17
In reply to Re: Anyone Combining Lexapro and Lamictal? » Ann1983, posted by flipsactown on September 13, 2004, at 0:29:23
Hi FST,
Thank you for your post. It's nice to hear some positive thoughts about AD's. I have been worrying that maybe I am doing harm to myself for being on Lexapro almost a year now. But I feel so much better emotionally that I never want to go back to where I was before. Your post really helped me to see that. Thanks. Mrs.C
Posted by flipsactown on September 14, 2004, at 21:28:50
In reply to Re: Anyone Combining Lexapro and Lamictal?, posted by Mrs. C on September 14, 2004, at 20:41:17
That's the beauty of this forum! By sharing our personal experiences, we empower ourselves with knowledge, support and most importantly, the strength in knowing that we are not alone in our suffering. I hope for a continued depression free, Lexapro filled, future for you.
FST
> Hi FST,
> Thank you for your post. It's nice to hear some positive thoughts about AD's. I have been worrying that maybe I am doing harm to myself for being on Lexapro almost a year now. But I feel so much better emotionally that I never want to go back to where I was before. Your post really helped me to see that. Thanks. Mrs.C
Posted by mystic on October 7, 2004, at 22:25:51
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro and feeling awful » jjana, posted by worrywort on May 13, 2003, at 12:43:06
Hey not even sure anyone still posts here it has been forever..holy moly...well i was just trying to get some feedback...
I am having the worst problem with the weight gain that I have had 10lbs I try to think of reasons it could be..but I still work out like a maniac 5-6 days a week and have tried weight watchers faithfully for the last 2 weeks with no luck..and my weight is alllll in my belly...i was just wondering if anyone else had this problem..but not sure anyone is posting or reading on here anymore..hmmmm..well hope to hear from someone..take care allll...Mystic
Posted by flipsactown on October 8, 2004, at 1:45:43
In reply to RE::: Hey everyone, posted by mystic on October 7, 2004, at 22:25:51
I have been taking Lexapro, currently at 30mg, and experienced some weight loss initially, due to feeling so tired that I did not feel like eating and just slept. This went on for 2 weeks. Then on the 3rd week, I started having insomnia and soon after that I started eating and have gained back the 10lbs I lost. Currently, I am struggling not to gain any more weight. However, the most important thing is that I am currently unipolar depression free. It took 45 days for Lex to kick in and the first couple of weeks were difficult, but the end result for me is what counts. I recommend Lexapro especially if you have tried all the other SSRI's, TCA's, SNRI's or MAOI's like I have. I have been on AD's for over 12 years.
FST
> Hey not even sure anyone still posts here it has been forever..holy moly...well i was just trying to get some feedback...
>
> I am having the worst problem with the weight gain that I have had 10lbs I try to think of reasons it could be..but I still work out like a maniac 5-6 days a week and have tried weight watchers faithfully for the last 2 weeks with no luck..and my weight is alllll in my belly...i was just wondering if anyone else had this problem..but not sure anyone is posting or reading on here anymore..hmmmm..well hope to hear from someone..take care allll...Mystic
Posted by mystic on October 8, 2004, at 7:58:23
In reply to RE::: Hey everyone » mystic, posted by flipsactown on October 8, 2004, at 1:45:43
Thank you so much for posting...and I totally agree the outcome is hopefully feeling better and trying to live a somewhat normal life (who knows what normal is)..I am just worried as I have had a problem with my cholesterol since i was in my 20's and now i'm in my 40's so that is a concern...We always worry about what we look like and weight is always the number one concern with woman that is for sure..but I'm very very happy that you are doing so well I love to hear it when people are back on track...It took me a long time on the lex i would say at least 3 months before it finally evened out...it has always been that way with me ...but god bless you and glad to see someone is still around..thanks for the post and talk to you soon...Your friend Mystic
Posted by watergirl on October 8, 2004, at 13:46:28
In reply to Re: Dosage/see bottom » hawkeye, posted by pharmrep on September 21, 2002, at 23:59:42
Hi. I just want to clarify theDose Equivalence between Lexapro & Celexa.
Is:
10mg Lexapro = 20mg Celexa
or
10mg Lexapro = 40mg CelexaThanks & Best Wishes,
Cindy
> > Does this data mean that approx. 7mgs of Lexapro is the functional equivalent of 40mgs of Celexa?
> >
> > [7mgs of Lex. raises brain seretonin by %2100;
> > 40mgs of Cel raises brain seretonin by %2000
> >
> > "The new study shows that Lexapro (the S-enantiomer of citalopram), when given at 2 mg/kg subcutaneously (s.c.), was more than twice as potent as Celexa at 4 mg/kg s.c. (2.0 mg/kg S-enantiomer + 2.0 mg/kg R-enantiomer) in increasing brain serotonin levels (about 300 percent vs. 200 percent, respectively). In contrast to Lexapro, the R-enantiomer of citalopram, when given at 2.5 mg/kg s.c., did not increase brain serotonin levels."
> >
> > http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/020624/nym009_1.html
> >
> > It has been my understanding that while 40mgs of Celexa is the recomended dosage, that comparable results may also be obtained at 20mgs.
> >
> > "In a 6-week fixed-dose study, patients received citalopram, 20 or 40 mg/day, or placebo (n=64 to 70 per group). Patients treated with citalopram 40 mg/day, showed significantly greater improvement than placebo-treated patients. The difference between the lower dose of citalopram and placebo was not significant. "
> >
> > "The effectiveness of citalopram in preventing relapse was assessed in two long-term studies. Depressed patients who responded to citalopram during an initial 6 or 8 weeks of acute treatment (fixed doses of 20 or 40 mg/day in one study and flexible doses of 20-60 mg/day in the second study) were randomized to continue on citalopram or receive placebo. The number of patients who received citalopram and placebo was 257 and 116, respectively. In both studies, patients who continued on citalopram experienced significantly lower relapse rates over the subsequent 6 months compared to those receiving placebo. In the fixed-dose study, the relapse rates were similar at the 20 and 40 mg/day doses, namely 10% and 12%, respectively. "
> >
> > http://www.mentalhealth.com/drug/p30-c04.html#Head_3
> >
> > So, maybe 5mgs of Celexa Professional Edition will be more than enough.
>
> ** great question. 10mg of Lex is at least as efficacious as 40mg of cx...but with less s/e, less drug to drug interactions, and less discontinuation due to adverse events, and will work as fast as 1-2 weeks for most people. It is linear, however...5mg will not work as fast, and is not the recommended starting dose. In general, for most drugs many doctors reduce dosages to avoid side effects, but since Lexapro at 10mg is "comparable to placebo" it shouldnt be needed. In the Dr's I've seen...I would say 95%+ are starting w/ 10mg...only a few have gone to 20mg (only 2 weeks out now) and maybe a few Dr's are just "set in there ways" and are starting with 5mg (for a week or so...then up to 10mg) So far...I have only heard good responses from them, but most of their patients havent been back for their "monthly" visit...I'll hear more in about 2 weeks or so.
> PS...the starting dose for celexa was 20mg (62% of patients stayed there)...40mg was at about 30% (for a total of 92% of all Celexa prescriptions...the last 8% were at 60mg or higher.) I think Lexapro at 10mg will be effective for 80%+ of patients...then 15mg+ will make up the last 20%
Posted by Dave001 on October 8, 2004, at 21:57:45
In reply to Lexapro / Celexa Dose Equivalence Question, posted by watergirl on October 8, 2004, at 13:46:28
> Hi. I just want to clarify theDose Equivalence between Lexapro & Celexa.
> Is:
> 10mg Lexapro = 20mg Celexa
> or
> 10mg Lexapro = 40mg Celexa
>That's a good question, and while there are plenty of folks I'm sure will offer you an answer, the truth is that nobody really knows yet. My guess would be that it falls somewhere in between. The clinical trials published on Forest's web site compare Lexapro with Celexa at a 1-to-2 ratio.
Dave
Posted by Zena on October 8, 2004, at 22:23:42
In reply to RE::: Hey everyone, posted by mystic on October 7, 2004, at 22:25:51
> Hey not even sure anyone still posts here it has been forever..holy moly...well i was just trying to get some feedback...
>
> I am having the worst problem with the weight gain that I have had 10lbs I try to think of reasons it could be..but I still work out like a maniac 5-6 days a week and have tried weight watchers faithfully for the last 2 weeks with no luck..and my weight is alllll in my belly...i was just wondering if anyone else had this problem..but not sure anyone is posting or reading on here anymore..hmmmm..well hope to hear from someone..take care allll...MysticMystic,
I am currently on 10mg.of lex & 15 mg. remeron. I haven't gained any weight but my stomach is bigger. I mentioned this to my Dr. & he said it's from the lex. So your not the only one experiencing this problem. I have been on remeron for 2 yrs. & the lex since Jan. Hope this helps.
Zena
Posted by sexylexy on October 8, 2004, at 22:26:01
In reply to RE::: Hey everyone, posted by Zena on October 8, 2004, at 22:23:42
Hey Mystic,
Well, I am feeling fat tonight but the boyfriend and I went to the State Fair and ate fried chicken, fried pickles and friend Oreos...soooooo... I know this doesnt help, just thought it was funny.
Love you!
Lexy
Posted by ednababish on October 10, 2004, at 10:41:23
In reply to Lexapro / Celexa Dose Equivalence Question, posted by watergirl on October 8, 2004, at 13:46:28
Just to add my two cents, I had comparable results with 30mgs Celexa and 20 mgs Lexapro. I am switching back from 20mg lex to 30 mgs celexa to cut back on weight gain and sse's and I will let you know how it has gone.
Edna Babish
Posted by jujube on October 10, 2004, at 13:28:47
In reply to Re: Lexapro / Celexa Dose Equivalence Question, posted by ednababish on October 10, 2004, at 10:41:23
Edna,
If you don't mind my asking, did you have good results while on Celexa? How long did it take for you to feel better? Anything you can tell me would be appreciated.
Thanks.
Tamara
> Just to add my two cents, I had comparable results with 30mgs Celexa and 20 mgs Lexapro. I am switching back from 20mg lex to 30 mgs celexa to cut back on weight gain and sse's and I will let you know how it has gone.
>
> Edna Babish
Posted by newwife on October 10, 2004, at 15:37:49
In reply to Re: Lexapro / Celexa Dose Equivalence Question » ednababish, posted by jujube on October 10, 2004, at 13:28:47
i am also switching back to celexa next week. they are alot alike, but the celexa is cheaper and every little bit helps. keep me updated. do you think the change over will have bad side effects. has anyone done this switch before. i interested in any input about this change. thanks
Posted by ednababish on October 10, 2004, at 20:24:31
In reply to Re: Lexapro / Celexa Dose Equivalence Question » ednababish, posted by jujube on October 10, 2004, at 13:28:47
Dear Tamara,
I had very good results at 30mgs; I went off while I was pregnant, had a moody pregnancy, and then had post-partum issues like panic attacks, anxiety, and insomnia. My gp put me back on 20mgs, but it just wasn't working. She left the practice and moved away; one of her colleagues put me on paxil, which was awful because I was so relaxed and forgetful--I would forget stuff to do for class and not care. I was also incapable of getting physically aroused, let alone reaching an orgasm. He refered me to a psychiatrist, who put me on 15mgs of lexapro, which we agreed to raise to 20 in April.
Celexa worked about the same, probably a bit better. I laughed a lot more, and the sexual side effects weren't as bad. I've read these same remarks at other sites, so it's not just me.
The first time I took it, I was at 30mgs for a month before I stopped freaking out while driving, and about two months before I stopped being paralyzed by anxiety. All in all, I would say that I felt better more quickly with celexa, but that just may have been because I was new to ADs.My husband and I will begin to try to conceive this winter--and this time I plan to continue AD therapy through delivery. I have an illness that I have no control over, and my children are better off with a sane mother.
You keep us posted, too, Tamara and Jess.
Edna Babish
Posted by mystic on October 10, 2004, at 21:23:04
In reply to Re: Lexapro / Celexa Dose Equivalence Question, posted by ednababish on October 10, 2004, at 20:24:31
That is great that you will be adding another little one they are just great....I have had friends that have continued on there meds while pregnant with no problems...I'm still struggling this weekend feeling like a blob I dont know if I should excersise more or eat less but i'm really not eating that much i just dont understand I just feel bloated all the time..I have thought about lowering my meds i'm at 17.5 right now of the lex but had a hard time at the mall today with anxiety to remind me that it is still there...big ugly head..but I dont know...Has anyone had any success with anything losing this belly weight..HELP!!!....Take care Mystic
Posted by jujube on October 10, 2004, at 22:21:43
In reply to Re: Lexapro / Celexa Dose Equivalence Question, posted by ednababish on October 10, 2004, at 20:24:31
Dear Edna,
Thanks so much for the response. I am so hoping that Celexa will be good for me. I really did not have the best response to Effexor (always feeling apprehensive, apathetic, unmotivated, night sweats). I think I need to be patient. It has been just slightly over 4 weeks that I am on the Celexa, and less than a week at 40 mg. Plus, I have to keep in mind that I have been suffering emotional and physical side effects (big time) from my first Depo Provera shot. I have never experienced anything like it. I have had so many thoughts of death since I have been on it, and I have never had those kinds of thoughts before. I was due for my next shot on October 21, but I will not be going. I want my sanity back. I am now counting the days until the shot wears off and I can, hopefully, start to live my life again. Anyways, thanks again. Take care.
Tamara
> Dear Tamara,
>
> I had very good results at 30mgs; I went off while I was pregnant, had a moody pregnancy, and then had post-partum issues like panic attacks, anxiety, and insomnia. My gp put me back on 20mgs, but it just wasn't working. She left the practice and moved away; one of her colleagues put me on paxil, which was awful because I was so relaxed and forgetful--I would forget stuff to do for class and not care. I was also incapable of getting physically aroused, let alone reaching an orgasm. He refered me to a psychiatrist, who put me on 15mgs of lexapro, which we agreed to raise to 20 in April.
>
> Celexa worked about the same, probably a bit better. I laughed a lot more, and the sexual side effects weren't as bad. I've read these same remarks at other sites, so it's not just me.
> The first time I took it, I was at 30mgs for a month before I stopped freaking out while driving, and about two months before I stopped being paralyzed by anxiety. All in all, I would say that I felt better more quickly with celexa, but that just may have been because I was new to ADs.
>
> My husband and I will begin to try to conceive this winter--and this time I plan to continue AD therapy through delivery. I have an illness that I have no control over, and my children are better off with a sane mother.
>
> You keep us posted, too, Tamara and Jess.
>
> Edna Babish
Posted by ednababish on October 11, 2004, at 10:09:32
In reply to Re: Lexapro / Celexa Dose Equivalence Question » ednababish, posted by jujube on October 10, 2004, at 22:21:43
Tamara,
You are not alone in suffering from hormonally-induced depression brought on from birth-control. At 23yrs, I had an awful response to a birth control pill; Lexy's depression was also brought on by a bcp. I was convinced I was dying of any and everything, then the panic attacks started, I had suicidal thoughts, and I couldn't sleep or eat. Because it was a pill, I felt better almost immediately after I stopped taking it--or I at least felt a lot more able to cope.
It does take a while for any AD to work--it takes medicines twice as long as the makers suggest to work for me. And for you, you have wait for the shot to wear off on top of that. While waiting for my ADs to work, I focused on very small things, one task at a time, and gave a lot of my attention to details--it made the time go faster until I one day I woke up and I thought I feel better. I also watched a lot of old sitcoms and read Star magazine.
Hope this helps. Keep us posted.
Edna Babish
Posted by ednababish on October 11, 2004, at 10:23:29
In reply to RE:: Edna, posted by mystic on October 10, 2004, at 21:23:04
Mystic,
Is your system backed up? Could that be why you're bloating? Do you get enough water? I know it sounds crazy, but I'm less bloated when I drink two liters of water and keep myself regular--by drastic measures when necessary. I don't think you want to drop your lex, but you may want to watch those simple carbs (bread, sugars, skinless potatoes, rice) fried foods, and to try to get a lowfat serving of prtein in at every meal. I am looking into doing two weeks of the fat flushing diet, so I'll let you know how that goes.
Good luck,
Edna
Posted by mystic on October 11, 2004, at 11:18:05
In reply to Re: Lexapro / Celexa Dose Equivalence Question, posted by ednababish on October 11, 2004, at 10:09:32
You have some really really good advise and thank you so much for caring enough to share..I really appreciate it...The ideas of giving up the carbs is a good one I think..I do not eat a whole lot of carbs but sugar is a biggy for me..So I will watch myself better...and I'm starting weight watchers today along with anxious as I feel it is the best life long plan...but with the empahsis on lowering our carbs...Thanks so much...Your a great help
As far as the hormonal thing oh yes I'm there also...I'm 42 and in perimenapause and that is where I think mine comes from..And like you it takes me a lot lot lot longer for something to kick in I started the lex in feb and didnt really start to feel a full month of feeling better until july...so some people it takes longer..so dont give up anyone ....
As far as lowering my lex well i thought about it because of the weight gain but the weekend was rough so rethinknig that for now and will really put my effort into dieting and just watching myself...
Thanks again edna for your fast response to the posts you a great person..your friend Mystic
Posted by jujube on October 11, 2004, at 12:19:39
In reply to Re: Lexapro / Celexa Dose Equivalence Question, posted by ednababish on October 11, 2004, at 10:09:32
Edna,
Thanks so much for the response. I have never been through anything like this before. It's so horrible to wake up everyday and feel like your life is not worth living. It scares me so much because I have never really had thoughts like that before. I wasn't told much about the Depo before I got the shot except that I might gain weight and my cycle could stop. When I started feeling "off", I started to do some research and found out just how bad the side effects can be for some women. I was on Effexor at the time mostly for anxiety, and even that did not cushion the blow. Anxiety went through the roof and my mood sunk lower than even my worst PMS. Well, enough of my whining. I have less than 3 weeks to go before the shot wears off so I'll try to keep my chin up and lots of kleenex at hand.
Tamara
> Tamara,
>
> You are not alone in suffering from hormonally-induced depression brought on from birth-control. At 23yrs, I had an awful response to a birth control pill; Lexy's depression was also brought on by a bcp. I was convinced I was dying of any and everything, then the panic attacks started, I had suicidal thoughts, and I couldn't sleep or eat. Because it was a pill, I felt better almost immediately after I stopped taking it--or I at least felt a lot more able to cope.
>
> It does take a while for any AD to work--it takes medicines twice as long as the makers suggest to work for me. And for you, you have wait for the shot to wear off on top of that. While waiting for my ADs to work, I focused on very small things, one task at a time, and gave a lot of my attention to details--it made the time go faster until I one day I woke up and I thought I feel better. I also watched a lot of old sitcoms and read Star magazine.
>
> Hope this helps. Keep us posted.
>
> Edna Babish
Posted by ednababish on October 11, 2004, at 12:36:41
In reply to Re: Lexapro / Celexa Dose Equivalence Question » ednababish, posted by jujube on October 11, 2004, at 12:19:39
Tamara,
That is horrible! To think that a substance with FDA approval like that can do so much damage. And to think that you said you'd "suck it up"! I am furious for you; I will remember this and pass this information on. Not that I had any depression related issues, but I had some really strange things happen while using the patch, like my hair became really thick and oily, I put on weight and had violent headaches. But I know a lot of women who have had problems with depression who have used depo provera--like two of my nieces.
Keep us informed. We are sending good, healing vibes your way
Edna Babish
Posted by jujube on October 11, 2004, at 12:45:19
In reply to Re: Lexapro / Celexa Dose Equivalence Question, posted by ednababish on October 11, 2004, at 12:36:41
Edna,
Thanks for the healing vibes. Have a good day, and take good care.
Tamara
> Tamara,
>
> That is horrible! To think that a substance with FDA approval like that can do so much damage. And to think that you said you'd "suck it up"! I am furious for you; I will remember this and pass this information on. Not that I had any depression related issues, but I had some really strange things happen while using the patch, like my hair became really thick and oily, I put on weight and had violent headaches. But I know a lot of women who have had problems with depression who have used depo provera--like two of my nieces.
>
> Keep us informed. We are sending good, healing vibes your way
>
> Edna Babish
Posted by mystic on October 11, 2004, at 12:46:14
In reply to Re: Lexapro / Celexa Dose Equivalence Question » ednababish, posted by jujube on October 11, 2004, at 12:19:39
Hey Jujube...I have always been afraid of something that you would have in your system for 3 months in case their were s/e...I'm so sorry that you are dealing with it...I pray that your dr reports this s/e as you would be part of the percentage..I know I had a terrible reaction to bactrim a month ago and was in the hospital for 3 days and they did all kinds of tests and said "oh no it isnt the bactrim"..that isnt really reported well that is the only thing that was different and finally my dr said you know if you cant find something wrong then sometimes you just have to listen to the patient and he did report it as it was a s/e but only a 1 percent well i was in that 1 percent...
Thank you for sharing and i pray that you feel better soon please do not give up hope...You will get better and post when you can...Mystic
Posted by jujube on October 11, 2004, at 12:53:53
In reply to RE:: Jujube, posted by mystic on October 11, 2004, at 12:46:14
Mystic,
Thanks so much for your kind words. It's very frustrating to try to tell doctors about our own personal adverse reactions to medications. I know when I tried to tell the doc about persistent and annoying side effects I was having on Effexor, I was told it was virtually impossible. The same thing with the Depo. I certainly didn't feel like this before the shot, so I'll trust my own body's reaction rather than the docs Physicians' Desk Reference. Oh well. Life will go on and I will no doubt be feeling like myself soon.
Tamara
> Hey Jujube...I have always been afraid of something that you would have in your system for 3 months in case their were s/e...I'm so sorry that you are dealing with it...I pray that your dr reports this s/e as you would be part of the percentage..I know I had a terrible reaction to bactrim a month ago and was in the hospital for 3 days and they did all kinds of tests and said "oh no it isnt the bactrim"..that isnt really reported well that is the only thing that was different and finally my dr said you know if you cant find something wrong then sometimes you just have to listen to the patient and he did report it as it was a s/e but only a 1 percent well i was in that 1 percent...
>
> Thank you for sharing and i pray that you feel better soon please do not give up hope...You will get better and post when you can...Mystic
Posted by sexylexy on October 11, 2004, at 15:58:51
In reply to RE:: Jujube » mystic, posted by jujube on October 11, 2004, at 12:53:53
Jujube,
Believe me, trust yourself and not the Doctors. I am going though a depressive episode because of the birth control pill. I asked the doctor and he said it could not be, low and behold, when I got off it I was fine. Also other weird stuff...only you can know your body...like when MYstic went through the bactim stuff, the docs said no way, then I looked it up for her and found an entire website of people with similar problems!!!
Lexy
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