![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 3283 to 3307 of 8406. Go back in thread:
Posted by Mariposa on June 13, 2003, at 11:45:36
In reply to Any significant weight gain or loss on Lexapro????, posted by AnnieJ on June 12, 2003, at 22:47:02
> I just started 10 mg of Lexapro about 2 weeks ago. I was on Paxil CR and my doctor eventually weaned me off. I found that when I was on the Paxil my appetite had increased...I was curious if anyone noticed any significant weight loss or gain while taking the Lexapro???? I'm trying to lose about 20lbs and I don't want anything to hinder that??? Any comments would be really appreciated!!! Thanks a bunch!!! mzanna
I have been on Lex almost 5 months. I lost 10lbs. during the first month and I have not gained it back. I did not TRY to lose, I just found my appetite was less and I ate less. I'm still about 5lbs. overweight and would like to lose them but I have not been trying to.
I should add though that a lot of people have also posted in previous periods that they have gained weight while on Lex.
Best of Luck to you!~~~8|8
Posted by 2beornot2benuts on June 13, 2003, at 13:36:08
In reply to Re: Hot showers and Jalapenos Jackie, posted by Napaba on June 13, 2003, at 8:55:32
Hello there, It's Jackie, So, you're in week two of Lexiproblem? You definately need more time and possibly a higher dose. But, Hey! I aint no pdoc! Although, once I'm done with this (my) mess, I could probably wipe the floor with my pdoc, and learn him up a thing or two! Ha! The jerk took me from 150mg of Effexor xr and then added 10mg of Lex to the mix and I have been in psychopharmaceutical agony since!! I wish for you quick and lasting relief... Keep in touch:) Jackie
Posted by Napaba on June 13, 2003, at 13:51:03
In reply to Re:Napababaloo!!, posted by 2beornot2benuts on June 13, 2003, at 13:36:08
Jackie,
I don't think I could have gone from 150 EXR directly to the Lexapro. I dropped to 75 EXR for about a month. Did you have a lot of side effects while on Effexor? I wanted to die. I think it should be removed from the market. Lexapro I'm not sure on yet. I'll give it two more weeks and if I'm still down I will need either a higher dose or something else.
Do you think your side effects are from the EXR or the Lex? I'm not having any from the Lex. (fingers crossed)
Napaba (the only thing I could get to take that I wouldn't forget)
> Hello there, It's Jackie, So, you're in week two of Lexiproblem? You definately need more time and possibly a higher dose. But, Hey! I aint no pdoc! Although, once I'm done with this (my) mess, I could probably wipe the floor with my pdoc, and learn him up a thing or two! Ha! The jerk took me from 150mg of Effexor xr and then added 10mg of Lex to the mix and I have been in psychopharmaceutical agony since!! I wish for you quick and lasting relief... Keep in touch:) Jackie
Posted by Mariposa on June 13, 2003, at 15:31:49
In reply to Re: Alternative - DC, posted by DC on June 13, 2003, at 14:52:23
> Now I do have a serious question; I have been noticing
> that my hair brush is getting full much more than
> usual. Also, just running my fingers through my
> hair I can constantly have many strands that come
> out. Has anyone experienced this with Lex? My
> hair is thin enough as it is and will change if
> hair loss is a SE.
>
> Have a good one all.
> DC
>It seems I have noticed more hair comming out, but I have not noticed any thinning, my pony-tail still feels like the same thickness. I am not sure if it's Lex or just old age???
Good luck all ~~~8|8
Posted by DC on June 13, 2003, at 15:59:46
In reply to Re: Any significant weight gain or loss on Lexapro????, posted by Ninki on June 13, 2003, at 8:43:47
> I made the same switch. Gained on the Paxil and after 4 weeks on the lexapro, still seem to be gaining. But have heard it's too early to make any judgements. I will say that I definately feel better on the lexapro and think the weight gain is worth it.
I notice a weight loss when I started the Lex.
Posted by blkvettes on June 13, 2003, at 17:31:01
In reply to Re: Hair Loss » DC, posted by Mariposa on June 13, 2003, at 15:31:49
>
> > Now I do have a serious question; I have been noticing
> > that my hair brush is getting full much more than
> > usual. Also, just running my fingers through my
> > hair I can constantly have many strands that come
> > out. Has anyone experienced this with Lex? My
> > hair is thin enough as it is and will change if
> > hair loss is a SE.
> >
> > Have a good one all.
> > DC
> >
>
> It seems I have noticed more hair comming out, but I have not noticed any thinning, my pony-tail still feels like the same thickness. I am not sure if it's Lex or just old age???
>
> Good luck all ~~~8|8http://familydoctor.org/handouts/081.html
Posted by Dr. Bob on June 13, 2003, at 18:06:13
In reply to Redirect: Alternative, posted by Dr. Bob on June 12, 2003, at 18:03:57
> I'd also like other posts about religious faith to be redirected to Psycho-Social-Babble. And follow-ups regarding posting policies, and complaints about posts, to be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration.
Here are links:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20030604/msgs/233759.html
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20030508/msgs/233757.htmlBob
Posted by 2beornot2benuts on June 13, 2003, at 18:21:29
In reply to Re: Any significant weight gain or loss on Lexapro????, posted by DC on June 13, 2003, at 15:59:46
O.K., It's been nearly 3 1/2 weeks or 24 days, and I'm still sick as can be! I never had this many SE's, I think I'm gonna increase my dose from 10mg to 15mg tonight. I'm scared!!! The rediculous part is, my joke of a pdoc told me this new A/D (Lex), "Has a very clean SE profile"!!! I'm losing alot of hair too! I'm still clenching my jaws!!Plus all the other stuff I've been complaining (suffering from) about since I started posting here! NO lights have come on over here!!!(meaning the drug has started working) Some of you guys/gals waited 4 months?!?! F@#!%K THAT!!! If this dose increase doesn't do the trick, I'm going back to Zoloft (or serious street drugs!) THANK YOU for letting me rant...Gotta go lay down, the room is spinning...again..Jackie
Posted by jdgjdg on June 13, 2003, at 19:52:09
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I switched to Lexapro from Zoloft about 4 months ago. I went from 300mg of Zoloft to 20 of Lexapro. I attempted 30 of Lexapro, but I had terrible night sweats and nightmares nightly. I take the Lexapro for OCD. I am about 90% symptom free regarding the OCD. I still suffer from Atypical depression. The lexapro doesn't seem to do much for that. I've recently been prescribed Wellbutrin for the depression. It's only been a month, but I am not having any additional side effects yet(except wonderful weight loss). I would recommend lexapro to anyone over Zoloft. Make sure you warn them of the zoloft "withdrawl" it was horrible!
Take care
Posted by jdgjdg on June 13, 2003, at 19:58:37
In reply to Re: alcohol versus lexapro » lil' jimi, posted by oldhand on June 10, 2003, at 22:08:46
I'm glad you increased your Lexapro to 20, I saw a huge improvement when I went up to 20. But be aware if you raise the dosage again. 30mg is a lot to tolerate. I generally have very mild side effects with the ssri's(i took 300mg of zoloft with no problems), and 30mg of lexapro gave me terrible nightmares and night sweats. I was also very paranoid. I've found it's better for me to add another drug(wellbutrin) than to increase above 20mg of lexapro. Good luck.
Posted by Mariposa on June 13, 2003, at 23:12:37
In reply to Re: Is this drug a joke?Rant, posted by 2beornot2benuts on June 13, 2003, at 18:21:29
> O.K., It's been nearly 3 1/2 weeks or 24 days, and I'm still sick as can be! I never had this many SE's, I think I'm gonna increase my dose from 10mg to 15mg tonight. I'm scared!!! The rediculous part is, my joke of a pdoc told me this new A/D (Lex), "Has a very clean SE profile"!!! I'm losing alot of hair too! I'm still clenching my jaws!!Plus all the other stuff I've been complaining (suffering from) about since I started posting here! NO lights have come on over here!!!(meaning the drug has started working) Some of you guys/gals waited 4 months?!?! F@#!%K THAT!!! If this dose increase doesn't do the trick, I'm going back to Zoloft (or serious street drugs!) THANK YOU for letting me rant...Gotta go lay down, the room is spinning...again..Jackie
I know how you are feeling....been there, done that. Not sure who had to wait 4 months??? that's a bit exessive, and I certainly wouldn't wait that long. Most of the literature, studies, opinions, word of mouth, folklore, suggest 6 to 8 weeks. I suffered a lot w/initial SE's but they all have gone away and I'm doing MUCH better now...going on 5 months. You've gone this far, please consider giving it the 8 weeks befor you decide, because the worst of it is probably over now, or will be shortly.
We're all pulling for you~~~8|8
Posted by 2beornot2benuts on June 14, 2003, at 0:08:28
In reply to Re: Is this drug a joke?Rant » 2beornot2benuts, posted by Mariposa on June 13, 2003, at 23:12:37
Hello there, Thanks for the post, I'm glad your'e getting some relief after 5 months, I just don't recall ever having this much trouble adjusting to a new A/D before! I know you hope (advise?) that I give the med a full 8 weeks. I will give it my best shot, but it's been way too bumpy a ride so far!! Im in 3 1/2 weeks already and I'm just about to up my dose from 10mg to 15mg in just a few minutes...I'm scared!! I'll check in with you tomorrow...Have a good night and a great weekend...Jackie
Posted by male34 on June 14, 2003, at 8:46:46
In reply to Re: My Lexpro update good news, posted by tm on June 8, 2003, at 19:49:57
lex jan 2003 now june 2002 it works anxiety it takes a long while for me but it did work, id say march it was working full but dont quit give it a while
Posted by tm on June 14, 2003, at 10:40:11
In reply to Re: My Lexpro update good news, posted by male34 on June 14, 2003, at 8:46:46
> lex jan 2003 now june 2002 it works anxiety it takes a long while for me but it did work, id say march it was working full but dont quit give it a while
I have a couple of questions for you. My main problem is also anxiety. Do you take anything besides the Lex? Are all days or mornings perfect or do have to remind youself that you are ok? I ask because I am doing better, but I have woken up early the last two mornings and I do have thoughts that I still have to work through at times, it's not everyday. The difference is now my mind will work through them. Thanks Tim and glad to hear you are doing!!
Posted by flight on June 14, 2003, at 16:07:27
In reply to Re: My Lexpro update good news » male34, posted by tm on June 14, 2003, at 10:40:11
I just started taking 5mg of Lexapro 3-4 days ago, I have an overwhelming sense of terror and panic more now than ever before, I wake up at 4 am and my legs and arms are shaking, I have severe leg cramps, vertigo, insomnia, and I end up crying all night long with pain and anxiety that something terrible is wrong with me like Lupus or cancer! My Dr. gave it to me for IBS but I don't think all these side effects are worth it, do they go away or are these not side effects from this drug? Is something else wrong with me? I am freaking out. Any professionals have any advice, this is the 5th antidepressant drug that I have tried in the past 8 months and they all either give me terrible shakes and more anxiety or severe nausea and diarhea! CathyFlight@aol.com
Posted by flight on June 14, 2003, at 16:15:26
In reply to Re: Hair Loss » DC, posted by Mariposa on June 13, 2003, at 15:31:49
Does anyone get muscle pain or vertigo or shakiness while on Lexapro, especially the first week? I don't know if it's me all messed up or the drug making me feel like that!
Posted by Mariposa on June 14, 2003, at 16:54:35
In reply to Lex- Muscle pain anyone?, posted by flight on June 14, 2003, at 16:15:26
> Does anyone get muscle pain or vertigo or shakiness while on Lexapro, especially the first week? I don't know if it's me all messed up or the drug making me feel like that!
what you describe sound like common Lexapro SE's, the first 2-3 weeks are the worst, SE's taper off and DO GO AWAY, you may not experience any "relief" until 6 - 8 weeks. Please hang in there and be strong, Lex has done wonders for me and many others!!
Best of Luck and keep us posted.~~~8|8
Posted by tm on June 14, 2003, at 18:23:34
In reply to Re: My Lexpro update good news » male34, posted by tm on June 14, 2003, at 10:40:11
> > lex jan 2003 now june 2002 it works anxiety it takes a long while for me but it did work, id say march it was working full but dont quit give it a while
>
> I have a couple of questions for you. My main problem is also anxiety. Do you take anything besides the Lex? Are all days or mornings perfect or do have to remind youself that you are ok? I ask because I am doing better, but I have woken up early the last two mornings and I do have thoughts that I still have to work through at times, it's not everyday. The difference is now my mind will work through them. Thanks Tim and glad to hear you are doing!!Mariposa will you look at my question and give me your thoughts. thanks Tim (TM)
Posted by 2beornot2benuts on June 14, 2003, at 20:24:02
In reply to Lexapro and sheer terror!, posted by flight on June 14, 2003, at 16:07:27
Hi Cathy, Sorry to hear of the side effects you're going through. They're rough, believe me I know. Not to discourage you, but a few days on the med isn't alot of time. But everyone is different,yours may pass soon(I hope).I have to admit I've never heard of treating IBS (irritable bowel syndrome?) with antidepressants. The symptoms you describe, insomnia,shakes,panic,ect. sound very much like Lex side effects. And the dose that your on is small (5mg). I hope that you keep in touch with the doctor who prescribes this, let him or her know what's up with your suffering. I feel for you, it's sheer misery. Maybe you can take 2.5mg of the Lex, and hopefully something for the panic and insomnia. I'm in a state of misery myself with Lex, and I just increased my dose! That's what my doc told me to do, so...anyhow, I wish you some relief...Take care...Jackie
Posted by CarrieL on June 14, 2003, at 22:08:41
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
I have been taking mg's of Lexapro in December, 2002. When I first began taking it, I noticed some slight short-term memory loss... like I'd forgot what I was looking for, etc. Also, recently, my skin has been breaking out... not in pimples but in these "bumps" on my face. I'm thinking maybe it's a reaction with the sun, now that summer is here. Anyone have similar reactions?
Posted by jdgjdg on June 14, 2003, at 22:21:49
In reply to Re: My Lexpro update good news Mariposa ???, posted by tm on June 14, 2003, at 18:23:34
I have similar results with my anxiety. I really don't think any meds. will take your anxiety away completely. I think that's something you have to work on with a therapist. The lexapro has made me feel a lot better, but I think what it really does is just take the edge off. I also take Wellbutrin, but that is prescribed for depression. I think the Wellbutrin helps with the dopamine levels in the brain as well as seratonin. I think the best thing to do is talk to your doctor. I get much better advice from my psychiatrist than my general doctor. Good Luck
Posted by Sabina on June 14, 2003, at 23:55:16
In reply to Lexapro and sheer terror!, posted by flight on June 14, 2003, at 16:07:27
I started Lex on 6/4 to treat anxiety/depression stemming from Fibromyalgia/Chronic Fatigue Symdrome. Incidentally, IBS *can* be a piggyback condition of FM/CFS, so I'm not surprised to hear it was given to you for that reason. My first seven days were sheer hell. Too many SE's to even list here, including leg pain (even though my doc said that I *wasn't* having any side effects from the Lex). She was just plain wrong. I'm really sensitive to SSRI's. This is the 4th one I've tried, after Prozac, Paxil, and Zoloft. My doc added some Xanax to take the edge off my anxiety and I have to say that I'm definitely doing better for the past three days. I would also urge you to push on through and wait for it to get better. My line of reasoning, or mantra, if you will, was, "I don't want to have gone through all this crap for nothing." Good luck!
Posted by theo on June 16, 2003, at 0:24:03
In reply to Skin break-outs and short-term memory loss, posted by CarrieL on June 14, 2003, at 22:08:41
Yes, my skin doesn't seem as smooth and I have a pretty good bump on my left cheek but have currently been in the sun. Being in the sun has not caused bumps on me before. I'm 39 and have not had many bumps or pimples in years! I just noticed this today as I was shaving. It's not discolored but like a little knot. I started Lexapro 10mg on May 7th. I'll keep you posted as I hope it diminishes quick!
Posted by Mariposa on June 16, 2003, at 10:38:02
In reply to Re: My Lexpro update good news Mariposa ???, posted by tm on June 14, 2003, at 18:23:34
> > > lex jan 2003 now june 2002 it works anxiety it takes a long while for me but it did work, id say march it was working full but dont quit give it a while
> >
> > I have a couple of questions for you. My main problem is also anxiety. Do you take anything besides the Lex? Are all days or mornings perfect or do have to remind youself that you are ok? I ask because I am doing better, but I have woken up early the last two mornings and I do have thoughts that I still have to work through at times, it's not everyday. The difference is now my mind will work through them. Thanks Tim and glad to hear you are doing!!
>
> Mariposa will you look at my question and give me your thoughts. thanks Tim (TM)
>
>TM - I am only taking Lex, no other meds, DX - depression,I do not have anxiety. I too have trouble some mornings, still feel depressed and don't want to get up, so I know how you are feeling. I too have to work through it and force myself, but it is a lot easier than it used to be. I really don't have an answer for you, but you should let your DR know.
Posted by MB on June 16, 2003, at 18:59:58
In reply to Lexapro and sheer terror!, posted by flight on June 14, 2003, at 16:07:27
I always thought it was so strange that doctors prescribe SSRIs for Irritable Bowel Syndrome. I know that there are serotonin receptors in the stomach and in the intestines, but it seems to me that stimulating these would make IBS worse! I'm only going on my own personal experiences which are that SSRIs are very hard on my stomach and intestines. I'm on Lexapro right now with occasional stomach/intestinal cramps, and with irregular "bowel patterns." In fact, I thought that the Lexapro was *giving* me Irritable Bowel Syndrome, so I looked up the treatments for IBS (hoping to find some way to alleviate it). Lo and behold, the treatment of choice is an SSRI. I couldn't believe my eyes. Wouldn't it make more sense to block the serotonin receptors in the stomach and intestine to treat this disorder? I'm confused. I'm reading a paper that describes the serotonin receptors in the gut (mainly 5HT-4), and it says that stimulation of these causes contraction. It says antagonists of these 5HT-4 receptors might be helpful for IBS. If this is the case, why use a drug that increases serotonergic tone throughout the entire body (as SSRIs do) to treat IBS? Can someone explain?
By the way, the paper can be found at:
http://www.biotrend.com/pdf/serot.pdf
MB
Go forward in thread:
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.