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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by baracuda on March 18, 2003, at 15:28:42
In reply to FIRST WEEK USER, posted by REGIS188 on March 18, 2003, at 12:13:08
thats how i felt on the first few days on lexapro - so i switched and started taking it right before bedtime - that way i would be asleep when all the bad feelings happened... it has seemed to work so far... except for im real lazy in the morning now...hope that helps!
Posted by Okpolosi on March 18, 2003, at 16:17:58
In reply to Re: FIRST WEEK USER, posted by baracuda on March 18, 2003, at 15:28:42
I'm about to start week 8, 10mg Lex. I also had a rough start - stomach aches, nausea, fatigue, anxiety, depression, I could go on....
Not sure but my headaches seemed to come on if I ate sugar of any kind, and that includes chocolate.
Began taking dose in the AM and found I was sleepy right after dinner. Have now switched to taking it at 2:00PM and go to sleep at around 11:00PM.
I used to be quite the insomniac, rarely getting a good night's sleep. With Lex, I fall asleep easier and stay asleep, no more waking up at 3:00AM and not being able to go back to sleep.Have not yet experienced the good Lex has given others, not quite as angry as I used to be, but still fighting depression, take it one day at a time....
Posted by Hollygirl on March 18, 2003, at 18:12:45
In reply to LEXAPRO AND CHOCOLATE UPDATE, posted by blkvettes on March 18, 2003, at 14:28:42
blkvettes- I am glad you are feeling better and able to get out more. I absolutely LOVE chocolate so thanks for giving me the justification to chow down even more on it :)
Posted by annlanka on March 18, 2003, at 20:08:35
In reply to LEX wieght gain anybody,or not?, posted by male34 on February 12, 2003, at 15:29:25
hi- i hav e been on lexapro about 3 months now and the first week i started taking it i had an immediate increase in energy. I could feel my heart beating at times. I felt that it sped my metabolism up but also increased my appetite and craving for junk food- does anyone else seem to have these effects?
Posted by blkvettes on March 18, 2003, at 20:26:50
In reply to Re: LEX wieght gain anybody,or not?, posted by annlanka on March 18, 2003, at 20:08:35
> hi- i hav e been on lexapro about 3 months now and the first week i started taking it i had an immediate increase in energy. I could feel my heart beating at times. I felt that it sped my metabolism up but also increased my appetite and craving for junk food- does anyone else seem to have these effects?
Hi there, After starting lexapro I ate like crazy and still do. But I lost a lot of weight and need to gain it back. TAKE CARE!!!!!!
Posted by oldhand on March 18, 2003, at 21:03:45
In reply to LEXAPRO AND CHOCOLATE UPDATE, posted by blkvettes on March 18, 2003, at 14:28:42
I am so glad you are feeling better, blkvettes, and able to leave the house. I am so pleased for your progress as a week or so ago you were having such a difficult time. It's great to hear.
And now about the chocolate covered Lexapro.......think you should contact the makers and suggest it and get a huge sum of money for such a good idea!! He, He, He.
Posted by handmemymidol on March 19, 2003, at 7:26:26
In reply to LEXAPRO AND CHOCOLATE UPDATE, posted by blkvettes on March 18, 2003, at 14:28:42
Hi Wayne!
I may know the answer to the chocolate vs no chocolate mystery :)
When my dr first suggested meds to me, I was very anxious about it. I wanted to know what they would do, how they worked, etc. She told me about the serotonin levels being imbalanced, blah, blah, blah, I didn't like the idea that it was all hit or miss. I wanted to know if I made too much serotonin or too little. She said that docs didn't really know, there were no tests to measure. That is why they experiment with different kinds, different doses to see what works for the individual.
Perhaps you make too little so the chocolate boosting serotonin is good for you. And perhaps the people who make too much should avoid chocolate because they already have an overabundance. I dunno. Just a thought that occurred to me :)
Have a great day all!
Posted by blkvettes on March 19, 2003, at 8:51:57
In reply to Re: LEXAPRO AND CHOCOLATE UPDATE » blkvettes, posted by handmemymidol on March 19, 2003, at 7:26:26
> Hi Wayne!
>
> I may know the answer to the chocolate vs no chocolate mystery :)
> When my dr first suggested meds to me, I was very anxious about it. I wanted to know what they would do, how they worked, etc. She told me about the serotonin levels being imbalanced, blah, blah, blah, I didn't like the idea that it was all hit or miss. I wanted to know if I made too much serotonin or too little. She said that docs didn't really know, there were no tests to measure. That is why they experiment with different kinds, different doses to see what works for the individual.
> Perhaps you make too little so the chocolate boosting serotonin is good for you. And perhaps the people who make too much should avoid chocolate because they already have an overabundance. I dunno. Just a thought that occurred to me :)
> Have a great day all!
>I have read about people having to much serotonin and people not having enough. I have also read some bad things about the meds we take. But dont want to share because it may scare someone. I hope your doing well. TAKE CARE!!!!!!!!!
Posted by newuser2 on March 19, 2003, at 9:51:21
In reply to Re: Lexapro and depression, posted by blkvettes on March 18, 2003, at 8:41:07
I have been taking Lexapro since November(10 mg). It is my understanding that Lexapro is a "weight neutral" medication, meaning that it does not cause weight gain or loss. However, for me, I believe that I have gained weight from taking the lexapro. Even worse, I can't get the weight off. I have joined Weight Watchers and exercise 5-6 times a week (usually 45 minutes of cardio per workout). I am really nervous because I am diligently trying to get the weight off and nothing is working. It has been more than 3 weeks and I have not lost one pound. Is it possible that Lexapro has an impact on ability to lose weight? Please help!
Thank you.
Posted by annlanka on March 19, 2003, at 9:59:39
In reply to Lexapro and weight, posted by newuser2 on March 19, 2003, at 9:51:21
Hi newuser2- i too have trouble losing weight with lexapro- i find i have food cravings all the time! i have gained about 15 pounds since being on it and am starting to change my eating habits now and lost about 10 pounds. I am an athlete and exercise a lot- like 2hrs a day - and it is very frustrating when you feel like you wrok to lose the weight but nothing happens. I guess my best advice- the way i lost weight- is to eat mainly vegetables- steamed, grilled, stir fried and then only a little meat, dairy and fruit. I know i should cut out a lot of th ecrap i eat, but it is just so hard- esp when you are feeling bad and your serotonin levels are screwed up and calling out- feed me bundles of chocolate and bread.
good luck!
Posted by blkvettes on March 19, 2003, at 10:12:25
In reply to Lexapro and weight, posted by newuser2 on March 19, 2003, at 9:54:11
> I have been taking Lexapro since November(10 mg). It is my understanding that Lexapro is a "weight neutral" medication, meaning that it does not cause weight gain or loss. However, for me, I believe that I have gained weight from taking the lexapro. Even worse, I can't get the weight off. I have joined Weight Watchers and exercise 5-6 times a week (usually 45 minutes of cardio per workout). I am really nervous because I am diligently trying to get the weight off and nothing is working. It has been more than 3 weeks and I have not lost one pound. Is it possible that Lexapro has an impact on ability to lose weight? Please help!
> Thank you.It has been shown that the meds slow down the metabolism (spelling) in some people. Maybe you could go to your family doctor and be given advice on how to speed it up a little. I know weight is very important to women and this can make them depressed. Good luck!!! TAKE CARE!!!!!!
Posted by baracuda on March 19, 2003, at 12:16:21
In reply to Re: Lexapro and weight, posted by blkvettes on March 19, 2003, at 10:12:25
im on my 7th day of lexapro and have lost 6 lbs of the 17 i gained on prozac in 7 months. like i said in another post,.. the lex doesnt make me crave sugars like prozac did... my appetite is super increased, but im craving meals with veggies and protein rather than the donuts.
i was told that prozac was a weight lost aid as well as an AD but for me it was the complete opposite. i guess we are all just different. on prozac i was really trying to diet and exercise but this week on lex i havent done anything but eat less sugar and that has contributed to my weight loss this week anyway...
Posted by oldhand on March 19, 2003, at 12:34:09
In reply to Lexapro and weight, posted by newuser2 on March 19, 2003, at 9:51:21
> I have been taking Lexapro since November(10 mg). It is my understanding that Lexapro is a "weight neutral" medication, meaning that it does not cause weight gain or loss. However, for me, I believe that I have gained weight from taking the lexapro. Even worse, I can't get the weight off. I have joined Weight Watchers and exercise 5-6 times a week (usually 45 minutes of cardio per workout). I am really nervous because I am diligently trying to get the weight off and nothing is working. It has been more than 3 weeks and I have not lost one pound. Is it possible that Lexapro has an impact on ability to lose weight? Please help!
> Thank you.I have actually lost weight on the Lexapro. I had gained fifty pounds on a combination of Celexa and Remeron. Could not go to bed without taking a meal with me. Have been on Lexapro since November and find it fairly eary to control the big hungries. It has helped considerably that I don't have to buy new clothes but am back into some of the ones I had to buy since the big weight gain. Guess it just confirms how different we all are in the action of the meds. Don't be discouraged please and be well.
Posted by pumpkin on March 19, 2003, at 13:00:47
In reply to FIRST WEEK USER, posted by REGIS188 on March 18, 2003, at 12:13:08
Dear Regis,
Read your post, and just wanted you to know that
it could me the "symptoms" of the sickness, and
not the med.Even though you may be feeling worse at the
beginning, the med is starting to work in your
brain- physically.I know, my first week was very hard. I'm in my
second week-still not feeling great (I think my
med needs to be "uped"), but I'm taking it one
step at a time! Please have patience with your
self, your doctor, and your family. This didn't
happen in one "zap"- it's going to take time.
This is one of the crappiest things to remember!I'll be praying for you!
Posted by REGIS188 on March 19, 2003, at 14:00:48
In reply to Re: FIRST WEEK USER, posted by Okpolosi on March 18, 2003, at 16:17:58
ok day 7 on Lexapro and yesterday afternoon I felt Horrible to the point I put myself into a mild panic attack, I was ok when going to bed, but felt horrible again this morning. This morning was ht eworst I have felt in a long time, my stomach hurt and I was thinkinh that the next breath I take may be my last. I know this is all signs of Anxiety/Panic but I am getting worse feelings than before I took the lex. Is this something that I need to get through and it could possibly get better or should I wein off of the lex? I had to take a attivan this morning to settle down and that was after I had to vommit, now I just feel detached and lazy
Posted by blkvettes on March 19, 2003, at 14:45:04
In reply to looking for advice, posted by REGIS188 on March 19, 2003, at 14:00:48
> ok day 7 on Lexapro and yesterday afternoon I felt Horrible to the point I put myself into a mild panic attack, I was ok when going to bed, but felt horrible again this morning. This morning was ht eworst I have felt in a long time, my stomach hurt and I was thinkinh that the next breath I take may be my last. I know this is all signs of Anxiety/Panic but I am getting worse feelings than before I took the lex. Is this something that I need to get through and it could possibly get better or should I wein off of the lex? I had to take a attivan this morning to settle down and that was after I had to vommit, now I just feel detached and lazy
Hi there I understand your frustration, is this your 1st med? Sick to your stomach, is this the only side effect from lexapro. Were you sick to your stomach before lexapro? What is your dose? What do you mean by worse feelings? People on lexapro have reported being sick the 1st week and it goes away. Give a little more info if you can.
Posted by pumpkin on March 19, 2003, at 19:34:45
In reply to looking for advice, posted by REGIS188 on March 19, 2003, at 14:00:48
Dear R,
When do you see your doctor again? You might
want to try to call, and tell him/her what is
going on.I would still try to wait alittle and see what
happens. When do you take your med? Besides
Ativan, what else do you take?Years ago, for me, this all started over panic
attacks, and depression. I broke down, ended up
in the local hospital, and spent the next 7-8
years on nothing at all. Then I went and was put
on Klonopin and Pamelor- which worked for 10
years. Two years ago, I hit bottom again, and
haven't been able to "get back" since. However,
I'm now on Depakote-mood stabilizer, and Lexapro
(5 mg.). I know I'll probably have to be uped
on the Lexapro, but I won't be able to get to
sleep again. So, I might have to go back onto
Klonopin to help. I can honestly say that I haven't had a full blown panic attack while I've
been on Depakote. I was off my anti-depressant,
so Lex is new to me.I think (check) that Lex is used for depression
and panic attacks, but again, I think a possible
side effect is anxiety. Again, it has to work
into your system- even when you feel like your
going crazy! I know that panic attacks are
maddening- to say the least, but, you aren't the
only one that is going through it. Try to watch
what you eat, and during the good times- do
something that you enjoy. It's going to be o.k.
when you have an attack- no matter how bad it
seems- it will stop! Repeat after me "I will
get through just this next minute". Your feelings
are "normal" for what you're going through.
Don't give up!
Posted by kb on March 20, 2003, at 8:19:15
In reply to LEXAPRO AND CHOCOLATE UPDATE, posted by blkvettes on March 18, 2003, at 14:28:42
I've found that a good way to measure my depression level is by my craving for chocolate!
Posted by okagain on March 20, 2003, at 11:32:24
In reply to looking for advice, posted by REGIS188 on March 19, 2003, at 14:00:48
After having panic attacks and feeling extremely stressed, I was put on 10 mg of lexapro. The first few days I wanted to cry and sleep and complain it was miserable. It took 4 1/2 weeks for the medicine to kick in and I had a few mild attacks which I also got a xanax prescription which works immediately when needed. I just woke up one day and all of a sudden had more energy and was back to "normal" again, but it was 4 1/2 weeks of is this ever gonna work and some days made you more depressed. But I feel great now. Good Luck!
Posted by ayuda on March 20, 2003, at 13:04:10
In reply to Lexapro and weight, posted by newuser2 on March 19, 2003, at 9:51:21
> I have been taking Lexapro since November(10 mg). It is my understanding that Lexapro is a "weight neutral" medication, meaning that it does not cause weight gain or loss. However, for me, I believe that I have gained weight from taking the lexapro. Even worse, I can't get the weight off. I have joined Weight Watchers and exercise 5-6 times a week (usually 45 minutes of cardio per workout). I am really nervous because I am diligently trying to get the weight off and nothing is working. It has been more than 3 weeks and I have not lost one pound. Is it possible that Lexapro has an impact on ability to lose weight? Please help!
> Thank you.How do your clothes fit, though? Sometimes you don't lose any weight from exercise, you might actually gain it because of muscle mass, but judge by how your clothes are fitting, not what the scale says. If you are doing 45 minutes of cardio 5x a week, you should be toning up. It's not entirely implausible that the Lexapro is messing with your metabolism, but don't just measure this side effect by the scale. Are you feeling better? Healthier? I don't just mean emotionally, but physically? Now, if you are really not toning up, and your clothes are getting smaller, then that would be a sign that the Lexapro is seriously defeating your exercise routine.
But even if you aren't particularly losing weight, don't stop exercising, because exercise can actually help against the depression, too.
Good luck!
Posted by meadowlark on March 20, 2003, at 14:40:41
In reply to Re: Lexapro and weight » newuser2, posted by ayuda on March 20, 2003, at 13:04:10
I have been taking Lexapro for a little over a week now after my doctor prescribed it for my depression and anxiety. I'm so glad I found this message board. My doctor didn't spend any time discussing side effects with me, so I wasn't sure what to expect with these meds. Reading all of your posts has been very helpful--I now know what I can expect and/or what is common. Thanks!!!
Posted by blkvettes on March 20, 2003, at 14:43:34
In reply to new Lexapro user, posted by meadowlark on March 20, 2003, at 14:40:41
> I have been taking Lexapro for a little over a week now after my doctor prescribed it for my depression and anxiety. I'm so glad I found this message board. My doctor didn't spend any time discussing side effects with me, so I wasn't sure what to expect with these meds. Reading all of your posts has been very helpful--I now know what I can expect and/or what is common. Thanks!!!
Hi there, I hope the lex works for you and keep coming back and sharing with updates!!! TAKE CARE
Posted by Nisa on March 20, 2003, at 14:58:22
In reply to Re: new Lexapro user, posted by blkvettes on March 20, 2003, at 14:43:34
Is this normal? I just don't understand why I am so exhausted. I mean, I can barely stay awake right now, which is making me more depressed. I can't even force myself to smile right now. Does this pass? And, having recently lost 26 pounds (which NEEDED to be lost) I am frightened that I am going to balloon back up again...and I don't have the strength to exercise right now.
If anyone has any information to share, can you send it to me at thegoddess_cher@yahoo.com?
Thanks. Good luck to all.
Posted by meadowlark on March 20, 2003, at 15:35:30
In reply to Re: new Lexapro user, posted by blkvettes on March 20, 2003, at 14:43:34
I really feel like the lexapro is helping my anxiety, but since I haven't been on it that long, I wonder if it isn't just the placebo effect. Either way, I'm glad I feel better. I began taking Lexapro because I've been having trouble dealing with my impending layoff from my job. It has been devastating. It is so hard to go to work knowing that in a month or two you won't have a job anymore. Trying to keep up with your responsibilities is very hard when you feel like the rug has been pulled out from under you. I have been experiencing some side effects--sleepiness, yawning, jaw clenching and sometimes I just seem to zone out. Is this common?
Posted by lil' Jimi on March 20, 2003, at 15:44:28
In reply to day two on lex...and im so tired., posted by Nisa on March 20, 2003, at 14:58:22
> Is this normal? I just don't understand why I am so exhausted. I mean, I can barely stay awake right now, which is making me more depressed. I can't even force myself to smile right now. Does this pass? And, having recently lost 26 pounds (which NEEDED to be lost) I am frightened that I am going to balloon back up again...and I don't have the strength to exercise right now.
>
> If anyone has any information to share, can you send it to me at thegoddess_cher@yahoo.com?
>
> Thanks. Good luck to all.Hi Nisa and all of our posters,
I'm a new poster, but I've read every post since summer of '02, just before Lexapro became available in the US. I'm a 52 yr-old guy. My wife and my GP think I'm depressed and I have been on 5 mg of lex since March 6th. One thing we learn from our posters here is that Lex, like all other SSRIs, can take from 4 to 8 weeks to show their benefits and overcome the most severe side effects. And the 1st week or 3 is usually the hardest. The catch phrase at this message board seems to be "Hang In There!" It can be very hard at first, but it usually gets better.
Reading the past posts has really, REALLY helped me. Because each of us is unique, we each experience every side-effect in the book. It is "normal". Day 2 for me was my worst. I'd never knew what an anxiety attack was, but I had one. Scared me. Then I found this message board/ support site. Nisa, these folks are the best. Reminds me of the line from the movie "Starman", when our alien hero says about human beings: "When things are at their worst, you are at your best."
have hope,
~ Jim
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