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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Valerie on May 15, 2003, at 8:45:56
In reply to How does Lexapro affect sleep, posted by shoff on May 10, 2003, at 2:08:17
> I started Lexapro a few days ago (no real effect yet) and my sleep patterns seems to be terrible since. Is this a common side effect?
I am a morning person and I can't get up in the mornings because it has affected my sleeping so much. I think that because one of the SE's is intense dreaming that I am probably restless all night. I wake up feeling as though I just literally experienced the dream. The dreams are just incredibly realistic and vivid. The dreams are getting more and more intense and frequent so I take xanax before bed to help get some rest.
Posted by Lexi on May 15, 2003, at 12:58:26
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I've been on 10mg for about 6 weeks now. It seems to work better than Prozac (I was on and off for 10 years and developed a tolerance) but I was wondering if 20mg was the more standard dosage. I get the headaches and fatigue, but my mood is still a little depressive. Will the increased side-effects be worth it? Any suggestions?
Posted by DC on May 15, 2003, at 13:03:35
In reply to Re: How does Lexapro affect sleep, posted by Valerie on May 15, 2003, at 8:45:56
> > I started Lexapro a few days ago (no real effect yet) and my sleep patterns seems to be terrible since. Is this a common side effect?
>
> I am a morning person and I can't get up in the mornings because it has affected my sleeping so much. I think that because one of the SE's is intense dreaming that I am probably restless all night. I wake up feeling as though I just literally experienced the dream. The dreams are just incredibly realistic and vivid. The dreams are getting more and more intense and frequent so I take xanax before bed to help get some rest.
>
>I have had the same situation with the dreams lately.
Some seem so realistic that if they have a conversation
or something with my son, I almost want to ask him
if we really did have the conversation or not. Or
I will bring up a subject and have him not have a
clue what I am talking about and I stop and think
it was possibly one of my dreams. I have never awakened
in the middle of the night absolutely freaked or
scared from a dream, but have since the Lexapro.
Actually woke myself up due to a gasp/scream type
reaction to the dream. I seem to be taking my
Ambien more often in order to get a more restfull
sleep. I am hoping that the Ambien doesn't get too
addicting though.
Posted by DC on May 15, 2003, at 13:21:08
In reply to Dosage on Lexapro, posted by Lexi on May 15, 2003, at 12:58:26
> I've been on 10mg for about 6 weeks now. It seems to work better than Prozac (I was on and off for 10 years and developed a tolerance) but I was wondering if 20mg was the more standard dosage. I get the headaches and fatigue, but my mood is still a little depressive. Will the increased side-effects be worth it? Any suggestions?
I am also curious of any suggestions regarding Lexapro.
I have started at 5mg, then 10mg and now 20mg for about
3 weeks at the level of 20mg. My depressive state
seems to still be lingering around me. Being the
type that wants instant gratification (who doesn't LOL)
I am not sure how long I should wait. Some of my
family states they have noticed a "change" but I
don't see or really feel it. Also on 300mg of
Wellbutrin daily (150mg in the a.m. and 150mg in the
p.m.) Still get the "feelings" that if it wasn't
for my son I may not have "stuck around" anymore.
Just not sure where to turn????
Posted by blkvettes on May 15, 2003, at 13:49:33
In reply to Re: Dosage on Lexapro » Lexi, posted by DC on May 15, 2003, at 13:21:08
> > I've been on 10mg for about 6 weeks now. It seems to work better than Prozac (I was on and off for 10 years and developed a tolerance) but I was wondering if 20mg was the more standard dosage. I get the headaches and fatigue, but my mood is still a little depressive. Will the increased side-effects be worth it? Any suggestions?
>
> I am also curious of any suggestions regarding Lexapro.
> I have started at 5mg, then 10mg and now 20mg for about
> 3 weeks at the level of 20mg. My depressive state
> seems to still be lingering around me. Being the
> type that wants instant gratification (who doesn't LOL)
> I am not sure how long I should wait. Some of my
> family states they have noticed a "change" but I
> don't see or really feel it. Also on 300mg of
> Wellbutrin daily (150mg in the a.m. and 150mg in the
> p.m.) Still get the "feelings" that if it wasn't
> for my son I may not have "stuck around" anymore.
> Just not sure where to turn????Hi DC, how long you been taking it? People also said to me I was different before I felt it myself. By sticking around I hope that does not mean harming yourself. I to have felt that way!!!! GOD BLESS!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by blkvettes on May 15, 2003, at 13:51:48
In reply to Dosage on Lexapro, posted by Lexi on May 15, 2003, at 12:58:26
> I've been on 10mg for about 6 weeks now. It seems to work better than Prozac (I was on and off for 10 years and developed a tolerance) but I was wondering if 20mg was the more standard dosage. I get the headaches and fatigue, but my mood is still a little depressive. Will the increased side-effects be worth it? Any suggestions?
Hi 6 weeks is not long, try to be patient.
WAYNE
Posted by Cortney on May 15, 2003, at 14:27:36
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
Has anyone had anxiety problems with Lexapro?
I had severe panic attacks with Celexa and am afraid the same thing will happen with Lexapro since they are related. Panic attacks went away with Paxil and Effexor, but my brain seems to like to build up a tolerance to antidepressants.
Also used Prozac, Serzone, Zoloft.
Anyone?
Posted by DC on May 15, 2003, at 15:31:14
In reply to Re: Dosage on Lexapro, posted by blkvettes on May 15, 2003, at 13:49:33
> > > I've been on 10mg for about 6 weeks now. It seems to work better than Prozac (I was on and off for 10 years and developed a tolerance) but I was wondering if 20mg was the more standard dosage. I get the headaches and fatigue, but my mood is still a little depressive. Will the increased side-effects be worth it? Any suggestions?
> >
> > I am also curious of any suggestions regarding Lexapro.
> > I have started at 5mg, then 10mg and now 20mg for about
> > 3 weeks at the level of 20mg. My depressive state
> > seems to still be lingering around me. Being the
> > type that wants instant gratification (who doesn't LOL)
> > I am not sure how long I should wait. Some of my
> > family states they have noticed a "change" but I
> > don't see or really feel it. Also on 300mg of
> > Wellbutrin daily (150mg in the a.m. and 150mg in the
> > p.m.) Still get the "feelings" that if it wasn't
> > for my son I may not have "stuck around" anymore.
> > Just not sure where to turn????
>
>
>
> Hi DC, how long you been taking it? People also said to me I was different before I felt it myself. By sticking around I hope that does not mean harming yourself. I to have felt that way!!!! GOD BLESS!!!!
> WAYNE
>
>I started the Lexapro about mid to late February.
It feels like it has been much longer, but I have
just relocated in January and know I changed my
appointment to a new doctor afterwards. As for
"sticking around" I have had "thoughts" but honestly
this is my theory: my grandmother is too old, my
brother too young, my mother too neurotic and my
son's father's side (father deceased) can't even
explain, so will stay for him. :-) I just don't
feel like there is that much of change in myself,
but guess others would notice more than I would
being I am extremely hard on myself to begin with.
Posted by blkvettes on May 15, 2003, at 16:18:07
In reply to Anxiety and Lexapro, posted by Cortney on May 15, 2003, at 14:27:36
> Has anyone had anxiety problems with Lexapro?
> I had severe panic attacks with Celexa and am afraid the same thing will happen with Lexapro since they are related. Panic attacks went away with Paxil and Effexor, but my brain seems to like to build up a tolerance to antidepressants.
> Also used Prozac, Serzone, Zoloft.
> Anyone?
Hi there, cant really answer your question. I dont think anyone can to be honest with you. The only thing I can say is keep trying and dont give up. Lexapro has done wonders for me and my panic attacks!!!!!!!! GOOD LUCK!!!!!
Posted by blkvettes on May 15, 2003, at 16:32:58
In reply to Re: Dosage on Lexapro » blkvettes, posted by DC on May 15, 2003, at 15:31:14
> > > > I've been on 10mg for about 6 weeks now. It seems to work better than Prozac (I was on and off for 10 years and developed a tolerance) but I was wondering if 20mg was the more standard dosage. I get the headaches and fatigue, but my mood is still a little depressive. Will the increased side-effects be worth it? Any suggestions?
> > >
> > > I am also curious of any suggestions regarding Lexapro.
> > > I have started at 5mg, then 10mg and now 20mg for about
> > > 3 weeks at the level of 20mg. My depressive state
> > > seems to still be lingering around me. Being the
> > > type that wants instant gratification (who doesn't LOL)
> > > I am not sure how long I should wait. Some of my
> > > family states they have noticed a "change" but I
> > > don't see or really feel it. Also on 300mg of
> > > Wellbutrin daily (150mg in the a.m. and 150mg in the
> > > p.m.) Still get the "feelings" that if it wasn't
> > > for my son I may not have "stuck around" anymore.
> > > Just not sure where to turn????
> >
> >
> >
> > Hi DC, how long you been taking it? People also said to me I was different before I felt it myself. By sticking around I hope that does not mean harming yourself. I to have felt that way!!!! GOD BLESS!!!!
> > WAYNE
> >
> >
>
> I started the Lexapro about mid to late February.
> It feels like it has been much longer, but I have
> just relocated in January and know I changed my
> appointment to a new doctor afterwards. As for
> "sticking around" I have had "thoughts" but honestly
> this is my theory: my grandmother is too old, my
> brother too young, my mother too neurotic and my
> son's father's side (father deceased) can't even
> explain, so will stay for him. :-) I just don't
> feel like there is that much of change in myself,
> but guess others would notice more than I would
> being I am extremely hard on myself to begin with.Hi DC, I am very hard on myself also!!! Just the slightest thing that goes wrong sets me off. If I feel good one day and the next day I dont feel the same I get depressed. I know I am going to have normal bad days just like everyone else. But us with this illness magnify everything to great extremes. Just since I last posted my best friend on the net wont be able to contact me for about 4 weeks. We were both crying and dont know what I will do!!!!!! She knows everything about my recovery and me hers. We have emailed and chatted for months every single day, sometimes for hours. I right now feel like I have died inside!!!! You take a lot more lex than I do. Maybe give it another month if you can and see if your body adjusts. If you decide to quit the lex, wean off slowly and you might get lucky and hit a good dose on the way down. Nobody knows how this is suppose work for us all. I just hope you keep trying and it all works for you in time. As for me I will probably cry myself to sleep and hope for a better day tomorrow. But I wont quit and refuse to let this illness win!!!!!!!!!!! GOD BLESS YOU DC!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by mills on May 15, 2003, at 16:36:18
In reply to Thinking...., posted by pumpkin on May 14, 2003, at 20:25:11
I like your thinking pumpkin; in fact, I think about this sort of thing all the time. I too suspect there are universal fundamental factors that have not yet been realized, or if not universal, then common things that would allow us to better understand the different categories of mental disorders or imbalances like the ones we are dealing with. Just think about before doctors knew that microorganisms caused sickness, and when that started being understood, and then there was a distinction between bacteria and viruses, etc.
Anyway, here's my two cents, for whatever it's worth. Rather than depression, or maybe in addition to depression as a causal factor in a lot of these disorders, I suspect that it is anxiety, some kind of core anxiety, that is at the bottom of depression, OCD, panic, phobias, malaise, generalized anxiety disorder and social anxiety, etc. And, if you want to go further, I suspect it's just plain old fear that is at the bottom of that.
So what do you think?
> Might sound totally off board, but I'm starting
> to wonder if all the diagnosis and labels that
> are placed on people like you and me, if the
> MAIN problem is depression coming in so many
> forms, and severities? Ex. Some people may
> see things, others may hear things, some have
> anxiety, OBS, insomnia, etc... Any thoughts?
> There's got to be some MAJOR link for all!
>
> Had to go down on Depakote (mood stabilizer).
> It "wiped" me out, and got depressed moreso.
> Plus, have had some other bad SE's. What a trip
> I've been on the last two days! But, I'm starting
> to feel better alittle.
>
> Also, I do not have a thyroid gland. But T3's,
> T4's, TSH's should be tested on regular basis
> no matter what. Yes, it could also be a major
> factor, along with good old hormones!
>
> Keep on posting...
Posted by shoff on May 16, 2003, at 15:50:59
In reply to Thinking...., posted by pumpkin on May 14, 2003, at 20:25:11
I've been taking Lexapro (10mg) for about 12 days now. And as of yesterday I started to feel a bit hyper and or anxious, like i should take a walk or go to the gym. Is this normal and will it pass? Any suggestions would be great.
Posted by Cortney on May 16, 2003, at 16:29:12
In reply to Feeling anxious on Lexapro, posted by shoff on May 16, 2003, at 15:50:59
I don't know if it will pass.
I had the same problem on Celexa.
It got to the point that I felt like I could jump out of my own skin and I had to go off it.
I just started Lexapro a few days ago and have not had any anxiety symptoms as of yet.
Posted by oregon on May 16, 2003, at 17:17:04
In reply to Feeling anxious on Lexapro, posted by shoff on May 16, 2003, at 15:50:59
I was getting tired, more anxious during the day, I switched taking medication from am to pm. I have dentures, I wear them at night also. Upon awakening, I had cletched my jaw so tight that it cut into the gum area :( . I can actually feel the split in my gums and my jaw felt really tired.
My overall window of the world has improved, I am getting more things done and I am happier.
One thing for sure we are all survivors, we are strong individuals I wish I could meet you all :). Take Care and BLESS YOU :) Sharon
Posted by pumpkin on May 17, 2003, at 13:46:03
In reply to Re: Thinking...., posted by mills on May 15, 2003, at 16:36:18
Dear Mills,
It's one of those "chicken" stories- what came
first!I do have to agree about anxiety- which is fear.
I know this from experience. When I was off
anti-depressants, I started to experience again
the same "fears". Went onto Lex., and stayed on
my Depakote- found that I was going through
the same depresssion. Went off Depakote, and felt
pretty good until my mind started "racing" and I
couldn't sleep. Went back on Depakote (small
dose), and now I feel like terrible in all ways.
I'm going off again. I've had enough! My next
step is slowly going off the Lex- going through
withdrawel and anguish, and dealing with what
"pops" (memories) into my head. I do know that
some terrible things have happened to me, and I'm
ready (despite the pain) to deal with it. I'm
not concerned about the .25 Klonopin I take as
yet. My goal (if the Lord wills), is to go off
the meds, but again this is my goal. I don't
know what the Lord has in store. I do however
know that I have to do my part in not being
"drugged up". I can't live like this, I hate
feeling drugged. The Lord has been most gracious
to heal me from alot of past trauma's- I count
on Him to continue. But until this is done, I will go one step at a time.I agree with you. Whether it's depression, or
anxiety- there has to be a common factor in all
this! For me, I'm just in the middle of a "di-
section" period. I have nothing to loose! I
have to find out whether it's is biochemical,
traumas, or both mixed- since it runs in my family. This is most interesting to me, and
can effect my future generations! Staying on
20 mgs. of Lex for now.Thanks for your post.
Posted by shoff on May 17, 2003, at 17:09:26
In reply to Re: Feeling anxious on Lexapro, posted by Cortney on May 16, 2003, at 16:29:12
Hello???????????? Anyone out there?????????
Posted by blkvettes on May 17, 2003, at 17:19:12
In reply to Feeling anxious on Lexapro, posted by shoff on May 16, 2003, at 15:50:59
> I've been taking Lexapro (10mg) for about 12 days now. And as of yesterday I started to feel a bit hyper and or anxious, like i should take a walk or go to the gym. Is this normal and will it pass? Any suggestions would be great.
Hi there, this feeling should go away in time. I take 7.5mg of the lex. Try to be patient, maybe a benzo such as xanax or klonopin would help. Speak with your doctor. Sometimes this board gets slow!!!!!! TAKE CARE!!!!!!!!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by blkvettes on May 17, 2003, at 17:21:37
In reply to Re: Feeling anxious on Lexapro, posted by shoff on May 17, 2003, at 17:09:26
> Hello???????????? Anyone out there?????????
Hi there, the board gets slow!!!!!!! There is good info on the old posts if you have patience to read them!!!!!!!! GOD BLESS!!!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by lil' jimi on May 18, 2003, at 1:45:26
In reply to Feeling anxious on Lexapro, posted by shoff on May 16, 2003, at 15:50:59
> I've been taking Lexapro (10mg) for about 12 days now. And as of yesterday I started to feel a bit hyper and or anxious, like i should take a walk or go to the gym. Is this normal and will it pass? Any suggestions would be great.
hi to shoff and cortney,
welcome and thank you for posting .... there's always a listening ear here .... even if we may not be up to getting our lazy ... bones to work the keyboard, real quick.
i had anxiety when i first started taking lexapro ..... i took 10mg on march 6th and had some pretty intense SEs which made me cut back to 5mg and got me to find this message board which gave me the encouragement to endure my SEs and keep taking lexapro .... i went back up to 10mg on april 9th.
i had panic-anxiety attacks which for me were more unnerving because i had never had them before .... to me, it was very much like there was an electric - hyper - nervous - wound-up energy aspect to lexapro, reminiscent of amphetamines, and at times, after taking a dose, there would be these episodes of depersonalization, not unlike lsd. ... . i also suffered sweating spells, muscle tension, upset stomach, anorgasmia and depression....
for about a week
panic attacks: days 2 and 3 .... (day 3 i find psycho-babble)
anxiety: days 2 through 7
anorgasmia: days 2 through 5 1/2
bad stomach: days 1 through 5
sweating: a couple of weeks .... i still have some sweating, but not often and not at night.by day 10 i was fine and except for the sweats and they continue to get better.
so: i was anxious when i started lex, but it was one of the initial adaptation side effects (SEs), and it went away.
the archives of this thread contain an invaluable wealth of validation and encouragement and must be highly recommended for every new lex user.(update for our weight conscious lex users: i had been weight neutral since i began lex,
But i have gained
5 lbs
from april 9 to may 1
.... should this keep up, i’m having my triglycerides checked again.)everyone’s posts have been extremely helpful to me and i thank our posters, one and all.
may all lex users find success.
(w/a tip o’ the hat to wayne=>)
TAKE CARE ! ! ! ! !
~ jim
Posted by Okpolosi on May 18, 2003, at 10:55:45
In reply to Anxiety and Lexapro, posted by Cortney on May 15, 2003, at 14:27:36
> Has anyone had anxiety problems with Lexapro?
> I had severe panic attacks with Celexa and am afraid the same thing will happen with Lexapro since they are related. Panic attacks went away with Paxil and Effexor, but my brain seems to like to build up a tolerance to antidepressants.
> Also used Prozac, Serzone, Zoloft.
> Anyone?I have never had anxiety attacks before, but I did have them at weeks 4-5 on Lex. For me, it was another in a long line of side effects that went away. Now at 4 mos. and only SE I still notice occasionally is jaw clenching. Otherwise I have had good results.
Posted by Okpolosi on May 18, 2003, at 11:00:56
In reply to Feeling anxious on Lexapro, posted by shoff on May 16, 2003, at 15:50:59
> I've been taking Lexapro (10mg) for about 12 days now. And as of yesterday I started to feel a bit hyper and or anxious, like i should take a walk or go to the gym. Is this normal and will it pass? Any suggestions would be great.
My DR told me Lex may take 6-8 weeks to work. Lex has a long list of possible side effects, including anxiety, which usually go away. I never had anxiety attacks before, but did get some bad ones at weeks 4-5. Now at 4 mos. and only SE I still have occasionally is jaw clenching.
HANG IN THERE AND GIVE THE MEDS A CHANCE TO WORK!!
Posted by Okpolosi on May 18, 2003, at 11:07:10
In reply to Re: Feeling anxious on Lexapro, posted by blkvettes on May 17, 2003, at 17:21:37
> > Hello???????????? Anyone out there?????????
>
>
>
> Hi there, the board gets slow!!!!!!! There is good info on the old posts if you have patience to read them!!!!!!!! GOD BLESS!!!!!!
> WAYNE
>
> I found going back and reading old posts to be MOST HELPFUL!!! Many of the questions you will have, have been asked by others befor, and many good responses can be found there also.Also it seems the board is much more active during the week, much slower to respond over the weekends.
GOOD LUCK TO YOU!!!
Posted by Okpolosi on May 18, 2003, at 11:16:01
In reply to Re: Feeling anxious on Lexapro » shoff, posted by lil' jimi on May 18, 2003, at 1:45:26
I have also had some problems in the weight area...that business w/period and gaining 5 lbs over a weekend!!!
Since starting Lex I have lost 10lbs. Those 5 I gained went away almost as fast as I gained them.
Though I still crave carbs and I feel Like I eat much worse than I used to ( more quantity, and also more "bad" stuff ), I have still lost the weight.
So far I kind of like it because I feel I look better, but I have had several people at work comment on it in a concerned manner ( "are you sick?" ).
For now I will continue, and will try to eat BETTER.
Posted by lil' jimi on May 18, 2003, at 12:49:19
In reply to Re: Feeling anxious on Lexapro - lil jimi, posted by Okpolosi on May 18, 2003, at 11:16:01
hey there, okpolosi,
how's it going?> I have also had some problems in the weight area...that business w/period and gaining 5 lbs over a weekend!!!
>
> Since starting Lex I have lost 10lbs. Those 5 I gained went away almost as fast as I gained them.
>
> Though I still crave carbs and I feel Like I eat much worse than I used to ( more quantity, and also more "bad" stuff ), I have still lost the weight.
>
> So far I kind of like it because I feel I look better, but I have had several people at work comment on it in a concerned manner ( "are you sick?" ).
>
> For now I will continue, and will try to eat BETTER.
oddly for me, is that i had/have not changed my diet nor exercise .... if anything, i have been eating better quality food .... i was surprised when they weighed me at my doc's, although the gain did match up with my sense that my pants are snugger. ..... i'm going to go with a water-retention theory for now ....maybe? (?)it worries me that your weight loss evokes such concern from observers .... please be sure to let us know about changes in this situation .... i just don't want you becoming sick .... i'll bet you have seen your doctor lately? .... and everything's okay? .... well, at least 'internal medicine' okay?
we continue, as always, to depend on you to take care of our okpolosi for us ..... please.
by the bye, i take a whole shipload of supplements .... how about you?
take good care of yourself!!!!
~jim
Posted by Jst4me on May 18, 2003, at 18:57:06
In reply to Re: Dosage on Lexapro » blkvettes, posted by DC on May 15, 2003, at 15:31:14
I've been taking Lex for 2 months now. Started at 10 for the first 4 weeks and bumped to 20 for the past 4 weeks...honestly, short of weight gain I'm not seeing any significant differences.
I was on Paxil about 3 years ago, and then went off to get pregnant. Fast forward to now, I decided to give it a shot again. Tried the new Paxil CR - hated it. I figured it must have been placebo b/c there was no change at all. My husband was as annoying as ever!
The only considerable change is the SE's I have. The sweating can be really bad for me, and I have never been a "sweater", I also have noticed an increase in jaw clenching...but attributed that to my lack of patience. Maybe it's the Lex. I guess I can't say for sure.
What I have noticed is that the indecisiveness (is that even a word?) has not lessened at all. And now, since minor things tend to not be sooo major anymore - I am less likely to have any compassion for my husbands tantrums about computer nonsense...thus causing an argument.Anyway - it has also caused me to ramble on quite a bit!
I am most concerned about the weight gain. I have not altered my diet in any way, and I am in the gym at least 4 days a week faithfully. A little more than 15lbs in less than 2 months is a big concern. Has anyone else had this problem??
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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