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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by mills on January 21, 2003, at 11:36:10
In reply to Re: effexor xr and lexapro anyone? » mills, posted by Sadsack on January 19, 2003, at 17:44:14
Sad, you miss my point, but it's no use debating. The only thing I was responding to was the "points" on the paper, the overbreadth and lack of precision. Just look at the breadth of the statements made and my response. Just a little sensitivity and care is all I advocate in discussing matters of importance.
peace
> Mills,
> I have to say ayuda has some valid points. Many of us have self medicated with alcohol when we should have been on AD's or our AD's were not optimal. It doesn't make us feel less depressed, just numbed the pain temporarily. I know that when I am on an effective AD the desire for alcohol diminishes radically. I think your experience is probably more atypical (not invalid by any means but perhaps not the norm). As far as physiogical fact, ayuda is on target.
> There's room for both of your perspectives here. That's what the forum is all about.
> Take Care,
>
> > Please relax. You misunderstand. What was wrong was a few things you said, not what you may have intended to say. Look at what you said earlier and what I said. You made the statement that alcohol "counteracts any AD." That is simply not necessarily true, and therefore is not a fact.
> > I know what alcohol is, and that it may be classed as a "depressant." It's the broad generalization about its effects that is wrong.
> >
> > Also, you didn't say anything in your first post suggesting addiction to alcohol. You didn't say anything about NEED. You said "want," and so you just need to be more careful in holding yourself as counseling people on "facts" here who may have no idea what the "facts" are and think you know what you are talking about.
> >
> > And finally, you made this statement:
> >
> > "drinking even once a day will stop the action of the AD. In fact, I've found that when someone wants to drink, that probably means their AD isn't working."
> >
> > Those are simply ridiculous unfounded statements and I don't want anyone here misled by ignorance.
> >
> > peace
> >
> > > NO, it is a fact that alcohol is a depressant. That is what it is, period. Just because you don't personally feel "depressed" after drinking does not mean it is not a depressant. It is a chemical fact that it IS a depressant, and NOT just an emotional depressant. It depresses bodily functions, which is why it causes lessened inhibitions, blood vessel constrictions, etc., as part of the physical depression of a person's system. Just because you don't personally feel "depressed" after drinking does not mean that it doesn't do that, even not to you.
> > >
> > > And when I talk about the need to drink alcohol, I mean people who NEED to drink alcohol. And if you NEED to drink alcohol, that is a good indication that you have a problem, and ADs are designed to help take care of such problems. If you NEED to drink alcohol while taking an AD, chances are you are suffering from depression and your AD isn't working. I am sticking to the facts about alcohol and ADs here, not personal experience, which isn't factual.
> > >
> > > > Wrong! sorry, but that is just not my experience and so you can't make a generalization about alcohol that applies to everyone--especially a statement about "wanting" alcohol meaning your AD isn't working. Moderate alcohol use does not depress me in the least.
> > > >
> > > > peace
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > > I switched from 225 mg of Effexor XR to Lexapro within the last 2 months. I was having similar problems to what you are having, except that I rarely drink alcohol, but I was also lethargic and having a hard time. If your doc has put you on Lexapro, I don't know why they don't just wean you off the Effexor, the two together are overkill, and unnecessary if the Effexor XR isn't working. It took me 6 weeks to taper off the Effexor, but I am doing MUCH better on 20mg of Lexapro now.
> > > > >
> > > > > Also, I agree with EGR -- alcohol is a depressant, and it counteracts any AD. Having a glass of wine with a meal every once in a while, or a couple of beers once a month won't really hurt, but drinking even once a day will stop the action of the AD. In fact, I've found that when someone wants to drink, that probably means their AD isn't working.
> > > > >
> > > > > You didn't say if you were having any side effects from the Effexor XR (I had seriously unbearable nausea and developed an ulcer while on it and gained 40 pounds), but even if you aren't, you should ask your doctor why you are taking both meds.
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > > HI
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Anyone taking Effexor xr and Lexapro?
> > > > > >
> > > > > > I have been on Effexor xr for 4 months currently at 225. Doesn't seem to be working.I can hardly get out of bed. Wondering if alcohol may have something to do with it. My PD has just prescribed 10 mg of Lexapro along with the Effexor.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Does anyone have expeerience with Effexor xr and Lexapro?
> > > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by leslieg on January 21, 2003, at 12:01:14
In reply to lexapro and pregnancy, posted by newuser2 on January 21, 2003, at 8:28:50
Such a difficult decision. We're talking seriously about trying starting around August. (We've got a 20 month old). Our belief is that there simply isn't enough research, especially long-term, to take the risk of my taking anything so systemically potent during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Unless I were suicidal or doing self-injury or packing my bags to run away. I'm very nervous about getting off Lexapro before at least 1 year has gone past, as I believe there is research that shows that a minimum of one year is needed before your body is capable of carrying on the new levels of neurotransmitters on its own.
If we do decide to get pregnant, I will spend at least 3-4 weeks tapering off of Lexapro. I had very bad withdrawal from Effexor and will never go through a fast reduction in ADs again.
I know pregnancy will be very hard. On all of us. I'm already trying to find ways to keep myself sane when I have no drugs. Thinking about comedy TV series I haven't seen that we could borrow or buy on DVD to watch regularly. That sort of thing. Thinking about expressing milk while I'm pregnant and drug-free and storing it so if I have to go back on drugs after giving birth my baby has some breast milk. Planning on cutting back on as many commitments, etc. as I can so if I spend a day "freaked out" in bed, I won't have to apologize to people I don't know well. And if we deicde I need to go back on Lex (or another AD) while pregnant, I'm going to postpone it as long as possible.
Oh yes, I'm also going to be taking fish oil, as that can be very good for baby brains anyway. It may help take the edge off...
Good luck,
Leslie G.> My husband and I are talking about starting a family soon. I have been on lexapro for severe panic attacks for about 12 weeks. Does anyone have infomation regarding the effects of lexapro during pregnancy? Are there alternative medications safe to use during pregnancy? It is possible to quit Lexapro "cold-turkey" during the pregnancy? Any information would be helpful!
> Thank you!
Posted by sweetcilantro on January 21, 2003, at 19:32:51
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
Hey everyone... I was just prescribed Lexapro and am wondering how it is working for people and what the side effects are. Feel free to let me know. Thanks!
Jess
Posted by EGR on January 21, 2003, at 23:21:01
In reply to Re: lexapro and pregnancy » newuser2, posted by leslieg on January 21, 2003, at 12:01:14
It's not worth either risk. You need to be healthy before you have a baby or you're not doing any of the 3 of you a favor. Why risk nutting out?... why risk harming the baby? A year isn't as long as it seems and it would be much better for everyone involved. Stay on your meds, post-pone the baby, and get pregnant in a year when you're healthy.
EGR
Posted by EGR on January 21, 2003, at 23:27:11
In reply to New to Lexapro, posted by sweetcilantro on January 21, 2003, at 19:32:51
Works great for me! Side effects include (for some) "sexual problems"... trouble with orgasms... tiredness or insomnia, some have one, some the other, some none. Tightening of the jaw muscles, tight neck and upper back/shoulder muscles... it seems that these lessen after time. Some get headaches (I wonder if that's becuase of the jaw clenching?), but some don't. Some of us were in a fog at the beginning, some weren't. The plusses are that we're "happier", get more accomplished, can blow off things that used to send us in a frenzy... we're bolder and more confident. I think that's about it in 25 (?) words or less.
Good luck and welcome aboard!
EGR
> Hey everyone... I was just prescribed Lexapro and am wondering how it is working for people and what the side effects are. Feel free to let me know. Thanks!
>
> Jess
Posted by juanantoniod on January 22, 2003, at 2:05:21
In reply to Re: Lexapro is different » Patson, posted by pharmrep on August 20, 2002, at 0:06:06
Thanks, pharmrep.
I started Lexapro today and it is nice to read so much positive information about it. I know it may not work, but it's nice to have some hope. As for the sexual side effects, I don't have sex now, with depression. I won't miss it if I can get the rest of my life back.
Posted by Dysfunk on January 22, 2003, at 9:30:02
In reply to New to Lexapro, posted by sweetcilantro on January 21, 2003, at 19:32:51
This is my 4th day on Lexipro. The first day I fell asleep midday- something I never do. I am a bit nauseous, but it is tolerable. I am, however, finding it very difficult to fall asleep at night- even with temezapan and xanax. Hopefully this will wear off. I have gained some weight. It may be me compensating for the nausea by eating pretzels and things to settle my stomach. As far as its effectiveness- too soon to tell.
Posted by leslieg on January 22, 2003, at 12:00:10
In reply to Re: lexapro and pregnancy » leslieg, posted by EGR on January 21, 2003, at 23:21:01
Because I'm 39, my husband is 46. Every month we wait adds to the risk of genetic birth defects, schizophrenia, etc. We're in couples counselling and talk about having a baby a lot. He really, really, really wants another one and thinks he'd be resentful for the rest of his life if we didn't (or, at least tried to). I'm A LOT more cautious, worried, etc. He's doing what he can to help figure out how to releive my stress, etc.
Life is one big balancing act...
Leslie G.
> It's not worth either risk. You need to be healthy before you have a baby or you're not doing any of the 3 of you a favor. Why risk nutting out?... why risk harming the baby? A year isn't as long as it seems and it would be much better for everyone involved. Stay on your meds, post-pone the baby, and get pregnant in a year when you're healthy.
>
> EGR
Posted by biscuit on January 22, 2003, at 13:45:29
In reply to Re: New to Lexapro, posted by Dysfunk on January 22, 2003, at 9:30:02
I started taking this last night, I am horribly nauseated today.. can anyone else who has taken this tell me how long the nausea lasts.. does your body just get used to it after a while?
Posted by LA on January 22, 2003, at 19:04:36
In reply to Also New to Lexapro, posted by biscuit on January 22, 2003, at 13:45:29
Hi All,
Anyone have any thougths on the combination of effexor xr 225 and lexapro 10? In the 4 months that I have taken effexor xr I have worked my way up to 225 mg. This week I have added Lexapro 10 mg. I have started having pains in my hands and ankles. Does this sound familar to anyone?
I was thinking that I might just take the lexapro every other night instead of every night. After hearing about seritonin syndrom I'm wondering if I should be concerned about the amout of medication I am taking. My PD has never mentioned seritonin syndrom to me, but has said if this doesn't do it for me she will refer me to another doctor.
Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
Posted by JaneB on January 22, 2003, at 20:47:25
In reply to Also New to Lexapro, posted by biscuit on January 22, 2003, at 13:45:29
> I started taking this last night, I am horribly nauseated today.. can anyone else who has taken this tell me how long the nausea lasts.. does your body just get used to it after a while?
I had nausea before taking Lexapro (whenever I am not on an antidepressant.) I started Lexapro and while the nausea was increasing I took generic Pepcid AC (over the counter.) It helped a lot. Now I don't need any and the nausea is totally gone. Lexapro is working great. I started it the second week of December and gradually worked up to 10 mg. Each week I had different side effects and almost stopped (pounding heart, fatigue, dizziness, insomnia, vivid dreams, etc.) Now I am sleeping better (with a little Klonopin), have more energy, concentration and life enjoyment. I am really glad I stuck with it. Now the main side effect is neck stiffness. I am trusting that will pass also. Best to you.
JaneB
Posted by ayuda on January 22, 2003, at 21:10:41
In reply to Lexapro and Effexor xr , posted by LA on January 22, 2003, at 19:04:36
> Hi All,
>
> Anyone have any thougths on the combination of effexor xr 225 and lexapro 10? In the 4 months that I have taken effexor xr I have worked my way up to 225 mg. This week I have added Lexapro 10 mg. I have started having pains in my hands and ankles. Does this sound familar to anyone?
>
> I was thinking that I might just take the lexapro every other night instead of every night. After hearing about seritonin syndrom I'm wondering if I should be concerned about the amout of medication I am taking. My PD has never mentioned seritonin syndrom to me, but has said if this doesn't do it for me she will refer me to another doctor.
> Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
>What is the issue that made your doctor add on the Lexapro? I was up to 225 mg Effexor XR, then tapered off it as I went onto Lexapro. I am fine on just the Lexapro 20mg. You might be taking way too much medication -- if the Effexor is working enough that you can afford to take the Lexapro every other day, then why are you taking the Lex, and if the Effexor isn't completely working, maybe you just need a change. Lexapro is great on its own.
Posted by EGR on January 22, 2003, at 22:58:01
In reply to Re: lexapro and pregnancy » EGR, posted by leslieg on January 22, 2003, at 12:00:10
> Because I'm 39, my husband is 46. Every month we wait adds to the risk of genetic birth defects, schizophrenia, etc. We're in couples counselling and talk about having a baby a lot. He really, really, really wants another one and thinks he'd be resentful for the rest of his life if we didn't (or, at least tried to). I'm A LOT more cautious, worried, etc. He's doing what he can to help figure out how to releive my stress, etc.
I wish you all the best. I'll pray for you (all).
EGR
Posted by newuser2 on January 23, 2003, at 8:39:29
In reply to Re: lexapro and pregnancy » leslieg, posted by EGR on January 22, 2003, at 22:58:01
Hello Everyone,
I have posted before about night sweats and lexapro. I have been on lexapro for more than 12 weeks. I didn't start having night sweats until week 6 or so. They are getting worse. I am up at least 4 times a night trying to dry off. I take lexapro at 6:30am. I am wondering if I should switch to taking it before I go to bed instead? Does anyone have experience with night sweats while taking lexapro just before bed? I spoke to my Primary Doc about the Sweat s/e. He said that I am responding well to the med and he doesn't want me to switch. I currently take 10mg. Should I cut back to 5? I am on lexapro for severe panic attacks. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Posted by JaneB on January 23, 2003, at 9:03:50
In reply to Night sweats and Lexapro, posted by newuser2 on January 23, 2003, at 8:39:29
> Hello Everyone,
> I have posted before about night sweats and lexapro. I have been on lexapro for more than 12 weeks. I didn't start having night sweats until week 6 or so. They are getting worse. I am up at least 4 times a night trying to dry off. I take lexapro at 6:30am. I am wondering if I should switch to taking it before I go to bed instead? Does anyone have experience with night sweats while taking lexapro just before bed? I spoke to my Primary Doc about the Sweat s/e. He said that I am responding well to the med and he doesn't want me to switch. I currently take 10mg. Should I cut back to 5? I am on lexapro for severe panic attacks. Any information would be greatly appreciated.How old are you?
Posted by teriwynn on January 23, 2003, at 9:16:04
In reply to Also New to Lexapro, posted by biscuit on January 22, 2003, at 13:45:29
**Comes and goes, but definitely worst in the very beginning. Empty stomach seems to be the cause. Try keeping crackers or something nearby.
> I started taking this last night, I am horribly nauseated today.. can anyone else who has taken this tell me how long the nausea lasts.. does your body just get used to it after a while?
Posted by teriwynn on January 23, 2003, at 9:20:37
In reply to Night sweats and Lexapro, posted by newuser2 on January 23, 2003, at 8:39:29
I have been suffering from night sweats as well. Also periods of extreme hot flashes at various times of the day. I have experienced this on various anti-depressants. I don't think it matters what time of day you take them as I have taken them in both the a.m.'s and the p.m.'s. I think it's just one of those side effects you have to learn to live with. Anyone have a solution that I don't know about??
Posted by newuser2 on January 23, 2003, at 9:38:40
In reply to Re: Night sweats and Lexapro » newuser2, posted by JaneB on January 23, 2003, at 9:03:50
> >
I am a 25 y.o female.
Hello Everyone,
> > I have posted before about night sweats and lexapro. I have been on lexapro for more than 12 weeks. I didn't start having night sweats until week 6 or so. They are getting worse. I am up at least 4 times a night trying to dry off. I take lexapro at 6:30am. I am wondering if I should switch to taking it before I go to bed instead? Does anyone have experience with night sweats while taking lexapro just before bed? I spoke to my Primary Doc about the Sweat s/e. He said that I am responding well to the med and he doesn't want me to switch. I currently take 10mg. Should I cut back to 5? I am on lexapro for severe panic attacks. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
>
> How old are you?
>
>
Posted by JaneB on January 23, 2003, at 10:08:32
In reply to Re: Night sweats and Lexapro, posted by newuser2 on January 23, 2003, at 9:38:40
Posted by proud mary on January 23, 2003, at 12:09:56
In reply to Re: lexapro -IBS » vero, posted by Phil on January 20, 2003, at 20:47:45
OK, guys...this is me on day 13 of Lexapro (off the zoloft completely now):
1. Am ok waking up, all daytime sleepiness has gone away
2. as the day goes on, I start to feel less "ok" and more cranky, unsettled.
3. by the evening, when I'm dealing with the kids after school/dinner/bed, I'm so cranky I'm almost out of control.
4. by evening, VERY unsettled, one .5 mg of Klonopin isn't helping much anymore, now I'm up to 1 mg, just to stay sane
5. usually end up going to bed to put myself out of my misery.
6. next day starts all over again
7. having occasional mild "zings" which are annoying, but not too unbearable.
8. On an "up" note, I seem to have escaped all of the bad sexual side effects...can still have some kick a** orgasms (by myself) and can still respond to hubby, a little more delayed, though...luckily he's a determined man...anyone got any advice for me? Should I call my pdoc? have I given it the good try or should I give it more time?
any advice greatly appreciated....Mary
Posted by proud mary on January 23, 2003, at 16:43:12
In reply to Re: meds alcohol » Sadsack, posted by EGR on January 19, 2003, at 19:23:17
Hey guys (or gals) I'm going to jump in here (AGAIN)...hope you all don't mind, but the thing about alcohol and ADs has me intrigued.
I have not admitted to anyone (therapist/pdoc) that I have been drinking on my ADs for a couple of years now. I worry about my drinking, but I've been reading these postings and now I'm wondering if the zoloft was wearing out long before I knew it and I was self-medicating, or if I ruined my zoloft affect by drinking alcohol ... plus, my husband insists I am not remiss for drinking some beers every night at the typical "witching hour" with the kids. I made the same aurgument with him that alcohol was a depressant and that I was undoing the good that the zoloft was doing..but then I read in this posting that the difference is in NEEDING it rather than wanting it. I've never felt I needed alcohol, but I sure enjoyed it and would want it (a more behavior-induced type wanting). I need some advice about this. I've been switched to lexapro and it's not really settling with me so well (I've made an extended posting on 1/23 about that) so I tend to drink a beer or two in the evenings to try to make myself feel better (it isn't working like it did with the zoloft). However, I can say, I have cut my alcohol consumption in half with the lexapro just because I don't feel very well overall (mentally, not really physically). HELP...need advice (as usual).....Mary
Posted by oldhand on January 23, 2003, at 19:06:12
In reply to Re: meds alcohol » EGR, posted by proud mary on January 23, 2003, at 16:43:12
> Hey guys (or gals) I'm going to jump in here (AGAIN)...hope you all don't mind, but the thing about alcohol and ADs has me intrigued.
>
> I have not admitted to anyone (therapist/pdoc) that I have been drinking on my ADs for a couple of years now. I worry about my drinking, but I've been reading these postings and now I'm wondering if the zoloft was wearing out long before I knew it and I was self-medicating, or if I ruined my zoloft affect by drinking alcohol ... plus, my husband insists I am not remiss for drinking some beers every night at the typical "witching hour" with the kids. I made the same aurgument with him that alcohol was a depressant and that I was undoing the good that the zoloft was doing..but then I read in this posting that the difference is in NEEDING it rather than wanting it. I've never felt I needed alcohol, but I sure enjoyed it and would want it (a more behavior-induced type wanting). I need some advice about this. I've been switched to lexapro and it's not really settling with me so well (I've made an extended posting on 1/23 about that) so I tend to drink a beer or two in the evenings to try to make myself feel better (it isn't working like it did with the zoloft). However, I can say, I have cut my alcohol consumption in half with the lexapro just because I don't feel very well overall (mentally, not really physically). HELP...need advice (as usual).....MaryMary,
I did the same thing, not telling the doc about drinking while on the ADs. I lied and said I had quit drinking all together while I was getting hammered three or four nights a week. This may be only in my mind but I believe I foiled the ADs by drinking and perhaps even contributed to their "pooping out" with this behavior. When Celexa pooped out on me I went to Effexor but never made it past 175mg cause it made me so sick (still drinking). Tried to quit it cold turkey until I had a crises and called the doc. He eased me off the Effexor and put me on Lexapro, 10mg. Since I had been so sick after the Effexor I did not drink for a while. When I did drink on the Lexapro I felt so awful the next day (worse that the average hangover) that I did not drink again til mid December. Two and a half beers made me feel like hell the next day and they didn't even taste good going down.
Haven't had anything since, not saying I will never drink again, only that I don't feel the NEED on the Lexapro. Hope my experience can help someone else. Good luck and health.
Posted by pickychicky2001 on January 23, 2003, at 19:30:32
In reply to Re: meds alcohol » proud mary, posted by oldhand on January 23, 2003, at 19:06:12
Hello--I am new to this board. I have been on a few different meds, trying to find one that works for tension/temper and anxiety. I was on celexa, then buspar. I just quit taking buspar because my temper got horrible. My doc just gave me samples of lexapro 10 mg, to start tomorrow. Can anyone tell me if this will help with tension/temper problems?
Posted by skycladgrrl on January 24, 2003, at 1:20:16
In reply to Re: Lexapro has been very good for me, posted by oldhand on January 17, 2003, at 23:52:24
hey everyone,
after 3 years of trying tons of meds for my OCD and panic attacks, lexapro is the first one that has really helped and that i've been able to stick too. all the others made me feel really spacey and out of it. also before i was using my xanax every day to stay calm, now on the lexapro i hardly need it- maybe once every 2 weeks. of course i have no sex drive, and once and a while i feel numb. but overall i feel that it's been the best one yet. i would really suggest it to any one out there who is fed up of trying different meds. skycladgrrl@yahoo.com
Posted by syringachalet on January 24, 2003, at 5:42:32
In reply to Re: meds alcohol » EGR, posted by proud mary on January 23, 2003, at 16:43:12
Hey, proudmary,
I can only tell you that for me having an occasional glass of white wine with my dinner has never caused me to have a bad result from
my Lexapro.
But for me it has always been the timing. I have been taking psych meds for years and just adjust the timing to fit my lifestyle.
I normally take my Lexapro and other meds at bedtime with a cracker and some water. If I had the chance to go out with friends and have a nice dinner with a glass of wine, I just take my meds the next morning with breakfast. ( that way if any nausea is possible, it is buffered by the food-usually just a grandola bar and milk.)Find what works for you and know that you have might have to be on these meds for a long time and you need to control how and when you take them and as long as they are within safe time limits(most have long half-lives in the blood stream) you can take them when it least negatively impacts your lifestyle...
A toast to you, Mary, wherever you are...
syringachalet
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