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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 3414 to 3438 of 8406. Go back in thread:
Posted by McPac on June 30, 2003, at 20:46:10
In reply to Re: Just Starting on Lexapro....20 mg/day to START????, posted by BLKVETTES on June 30, 2003, at 20:37:42
Hi Wayne!
"Are you still taking the zoloft?"
>>>>>>>>Yes, I haven't started the Lex yet nor have I begun the Zoloft taper.
"There may be some withdrawl that you will go through. Its best to come off it slowly".
>>>>>>>>>>>Wayne, will I STILL get Zoloft withdrawal IF I take the Lex at the same time that I'm tapering the Z (will the Lex NEGATE the Z withdrawal)?
Posted by lil' jimi on June 30, 2003, at 20:58:47
In reply to Just Starting on Lexapro....20 mg/day to START????, posted by McPac on June 30, 2003, at 20:16:24
hi McPac,
what do you think your gp is thinking? ... SOP is to start 10mg , which as you mention is pretty steep for a lot of folks here, me included ... .. ... would your gp have a reason to believe your med resistant ... or something?
as you have probably read, starting off slow is believed (around here anyway) to lessen the impact of those potential lex start-up SEs ... .... ... my way of looking at it is your md's rx is a target, suggestion and we work our way up to it any way we can .... If we can ... .... Everybody is so different with this stuff; each of us has to just feel our way through .... some folks do best on 2 1/2 mg, a lot of folks like 5mg ..... i've been at 10 for 2 mos. now, and we can expect some people need 30 or 40mg ...
.... ... so how does a doc know before you try? ... ... they can't! ... ...... and, yes siree, be prepared for the POSSIBILITY (probablity?) of lex-induced initial anxiety SE ... ... it can happen ... .... if you're prone to anxiety, the standard treatment is to use benzo supplementation to get you over the adaptaion SEs ... heh! ... like i know what the heck "standard" treatment is! ... ....let's try: "i have read about this often here" ... (that's more like it!)
and i read all of the old posts debating the celexa-to-lex equivalency .... i seem to remember the pharm rep post that 10 to 40 exchange rate .. never had any AD other than lex ...
so what happened with your zoloft?
i have read some of your posts, but i can't recall your dx / sx / history / story / other meds?
TAKE CARE !!! ! ! !!!!! (hey! to wayne o' the 'vettes!)
~ jim> I'm trying to switch from Zoloft to Lexapro.....my GP has instructed me to START OUT on the Lexapro at 20 mg/day........from reading a few posts on the Babble board, THAT dosage sounds too high!!!! I've read a few posts saying to start out slowly, like 5 mg/day.........also, reading about these crummy panic-type feelings that many get makes me leary....okay, question please, what is the equivalent Lexapro-to-Celexa dose? (Is it 10 mg of Lexapro = 40 mg of Celexa??)........I took ONE Celexa pill (20 mg, it was one of my mom's) about a week ago just to see what kind of reaction I might get from Celexa; it made me a little tired, if anything...is THAT any indication of what Lexapro may be like also for me, since Lex is really the same thing as Celexa? THANK YOU to any and all that responds!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by prodgirl on June 30, 2003, at 21:03:53
In reply to Just Starting on Lexapro....20 mg/day to START????, posted by McPac on June 30, 2003, at 20:16:24
20mg seems a little high...I started out at 10mg. Other than the initial "buzz" I got when my body was getting used to Lexapro, I never felt anything. It was great, until it pooped out on me.
Good Luck!
Posted by vandy on June 30, 2003, at 21:12:58
In reply to re: 20 mg/day to START? » McPac, posted by lil' jimi on June 30, 2003, at 20:58:47
Hi, All!
I've noticed all the dossage discussion and thought to myself, "I was give an initial of 20mg from the get-go." But I'm 6' 4" and weigh 270 pound and the doc mentioned those numbers when he wrote the script.
Posted by BBoo on June 30, 2003, at 21:26:01
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects for me, posted by Office_LB on June 29, 2003, at 15:42:54
Hi, I'm new and have enjoyed reading all the support y'all give to each other. I was trying to quit Lexapro over the last 2 weeks because my insurance quits paying for it tomorrow. (I also take 3 other meds.) I have felt so horrible-dizzy, "floaty," panicky, fuzzy, just strange-that I finally called my dr. back and asked him to put me back on it today. I'll figure out something about the $$ or try to come off V-E-R-Y slowly. I only take 10mg. The things we do just to survive!... Thanks for listening.
Posted by CarrieL on June 30, 2003, at 21:42:23
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects for me, posted by Freaked Out Cat on June 29, 2003, at 15:09:17
Hi there. Curiously, had you ever sleepwalked BEFORE the Lexapro??? I have been on 10 mg's for about 6 months, and until I started taking multi-vitamins "religiously", it was making me really sluggish, too. But now, it seems my only SE is my skin breaking out now and then. Other than that, I'm quite happy with it.
You say you get 12 hours of sleep??? That's really way too much, even if the sleep IS broken by your sleepwalking. I've noticed that if I get more than 9 hours of sleep, I am really tired that day. It's like my body was too use to sleeping and can't wake up, and then your circadian rhthym is whacked. If I were you, I'd consider setting your alarm clock to get only 8 or 9 hours of sleep for a few nights and see if you start feeling better. Believe it or not, it IS possible to get too much sleep. Also, you might want to consider the multi-vitamins...
Best of luck !!!
Posted by lil' jimi on June 30, 2003, at 21:51:49
In reply to Re: Just Starting on Lexapro....20 mg/day to START????, posted by prodgirl on June 30, 2003, at 21:03:53
hi prodgirl,
you're the only lex poop out i've read about ...
> 20mg seems a little high...I started out at 10mg. Other than the initial "buzz" I got when my body was getting used to Lexapro, I never felt anything. It was great, until it pooped out on me.
>how long did you do lex / when did it poop out on you ??
was 10mg the most you took?
what AD do you use now?
how are you doing?
thanks for your post!!
i would appreciate any details about your lex poop out, Please? Pretty Please?
... ... please post again!
Thank You !!TAKE CARE !!!!
~ jim
Posted by lil' jimi on June 30, 2003, at 21:55:49
In reply to re: 20 mg/day to START?, posted by vandy on June 30, 2003, at 21:12:58
Posted by lil' jimi on June 30, 2003, at 22:03:23
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects for me, posted by BBoo on June 30, 2003, at 21:26:01
hi BBoo,
sorry to hear your having such trouble ... ... it can be hard to quit an SSRI ... i appreciate your post ... thanks!
... ... so why would your insurance quit covering your lexapro?take good care of yourself and let us hear from you!
~ jim
Posted by McPac on June 30, 2003, at 22:36:03
In reply to re: 20 mg/day to START? » McPac, posted by lil' jimi on June 30, 2003, at 20:58:47
hi McPac,
>>>>>>>Hi Jim!
... SOP is to start 10mg
>>>>>>>JUST took 10 mg Lex only minutes ago...I'm starting at 10 mg NOT 20!
as you have probably read, starting off slow is believed (around here anyway) to lessen the impact of those potential lex start-up SEs
>>>>>>>>>>Makes sense to me.
... and, yes siree, be prepared for the POSSIBILITY (probablity?) of lex-induced initial anxiety SE
>>>>>>>>>> I hear ya!
and i read all of the old posts debating the celexa-to-lex equivalency .... i seem to remember the pharm rep post that 10 to 40 exchange rate ..
>>>>>>>>>>I still need to find that kind of info out.
so what happened with your zoloft?
>>>>>>>Zoloft (at higher doses, which I needed) caused bad anger/temper problems for me (at lower doses it was much better but I needed a higher dose...thus, the switch to a different med)
i have read some of your posts, but i can't recall your dx / sx / history / story / other meds?
>>>>>>>>>>>OCD and Depression for SURE (possibly a tad of bipolar?)
TAKE CARE !!! ! ! !!!!!
>>>>>>>>>You take care too!!
Posted by lil' jimi on June 30, 2003, at 22:41:49
In reply to Re: Just Starting on Lexapro....20 mg/day to START????, posted by McPac on June 30, 2003, at 20:46:10
hi McPac,
i guess Wayne's busy .... which should be a good thing!
> Hi Wayne!
>
> "Are you still taking the zoloft?"
>
> >>>>>>>>Yes, I haven't started the Lex yet nor have I begun the Zoloft taper.
>
> "There may be some withdrawl that you will go through. Its best to come off it slowly".
>
> >>>>>>>>>>>Wayne, will I STILL get Zoloft withdrawal IF I take the Lex at the same time that I'm tapering the Z (will the Lex NEGATE the Z withdrawal)?.... ... so i thought i'd give it a shot for you:
(disclaimer: this is ONLY from what i've read ... i have never had zoloft.)
... ... the posts have complaints from folks trying to come from another ssri to lex and they're having to fight BOTH initial lex SEs AND ssri withdrawals ("wds"?) ... ... some folks have had a real rough time ... some like jackie (2beornot2benuts) just had too hard a time to handle and had to quit lex ... some like mariposa (Hola, Chica?) can make it through the ses and do great ... ... so i'm inclined to answer your question, no.... .. .. but i have never really understood why it is that we should Not be able to get the relief you suggest from mutually tapering ssris .... ... or just staying on one while getting onto the 2nd before quitting the 1st ... it would seem to make sense ... the posts seem to fail to document this success ....
however ... a Much higher percentage of our poster are going to be users with problems (looking for help) and fewer posters post their success stories ... so it is Not Impossible that it is happening out there somewhere ... ...
... man, i hope it works for you !!
TAKE CARE !!!!! (always an homage to bro. wayne!!)
~ jim
Posted by lil' jimi on June 30, 2003, at 23:07:40
In reply to lil jimi, re: 20 mg/day to START?, posted by McPac on June 30, 2003, at 22:36:03
> hi McPac,
>
> >>>>>>>Hi Jim!
>
> ... SOP is to start 10mg
>
> >>>>>>>JUST took 10 mg Lex only minutes ago...I'm starting at 10 mg NOT 20!
>
> as you have probably read, starting off slow is believed (around here anyway) to lessen the impact of those potential lex start-up SEs
>
> >>>>>>>>>>Makes sense to me.
>
> ... and, yes siree, be prepared for the POSSIBILITY (probablity?) of lex-induced initial anxiety SE
>
> >>>>>>>>>> I hear ya!
>
> and i read all of the old posts debating the celexa-to-lex equivalency .... i seem to remember the pharm rep post that 10 to 40 exchange rate ..
>
> >>>>>>>>>>I still need to find that kind of info out.
>
> so what happened with your zoloft?
>
> >>>>>>>Zoloft (at higher doses, which I needed) caused bad anger/temper problems for me (at lower doses it was much better but I needed a higher dose...thus, the switch to a different med)
>
> i have read some of your posts, but i can't recall your dx / sx / history / story / other meds?
>
> >>>>>>>>>>>OCD and Depression for SURE (possibly a tad of bipolar?)
>
> TAKE CARE !!! ! ! !!!!!
>
> >>>>>>>>>You take care too!!
>
thanks, man!when my start up lex SEs hit me, i went ocd, in my own way ... ... ... i read every post in this thread from june 2002 ... took me a week of my "spare" time ... (we have a 4 yr old boy) .... i learned a lot ... and now i feel like i've been on lex 20 years! .. ... ha! ... .... it has really only been 3 1/2 months ....
to research specific details though, you can:
1) click on the thread link
" Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl Dr. Bob 6/11/02" at http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020609/msgs/109458.html
so that you get the entire thread in one window;
2) click your edit menu in your browser and
select "Find in This Page" ... this will open a little dialog box
3) then enter a search term like "celexa"
and each time you click "Find" you should get another post with 'celexa' in its subject line.hope this helps
good luck!!
~ jim
Posted by McPac on June 30, 2003, at 23:37:49
In reply to re: how to get specific lex thread info » McPac, posted by lil' jimi on June 30, 2003, at 23:07:40
Posted by BLKVETTES on June 30, 2003, at 23:47:16
In reply to re: Lexapro , insurance won't cover? » BBoo, posted by lil' jimi on June 30, 2003, at 22:03:23
> hi BBoo,
>
> sorry to hear your having such trouble ... ... it can be hard to quit an SSRI ... i appreciate your post ... thanks!
> ... ... so why would your insurance quit covering your lexapro?
>
> take good care of yourself and let us hear from you!
> ~ jimI had to fight about a month for my insurance to cover it. The reason being it cost more than other meds because its new. They wanted me to try something else first. It was like hello, I have already been on 2 other meds. TAKE CARE!!!
WAYNE
Posted by prodgirl on July 1, 2003, at 0:00:10
In reply to re: Lexapro pooped out! » prodgirl, posted by lil' jimi on June 30, 2003, at 21:51:49
hey jim;
I took 10mg for about 4 weeks, then started having insomnia problems, which brought on 20mg of Trazadone. At 7-8 weeks, I started withdrawing from people at work and getting really sad (this is a problem because my life blood is touring). My dr told me that some people have a problem with Lexapro "plateauing" or "pooping out". She upped the doseage to 20mg. Again, after 7-8 weeks, I was having the same problem, but this time I couldn't get off the couch, cried all day and couldn't sleep for four days. We talked about going to 30mg, but thought that the chances of me plateauing again were greater. I'm in the process of switching to Effexor XR. It's been five days and I've had a headache for about 36 hours now, and haven't really slept. Tonight will be my first ambien night, so I'm excited to sleep!
With the switch, I came upon this site as I wanted to do some research on Effexor...and I would be lying if I didn't say I was a bit concerned after hearing some of the reports here. Anyone have a really positive experience with Effexor XR??
> how long did you do lex / when did it poop out on you ??
> was 10mg the most you took?
> what AD do you use now?
> how are you doing?
> thanks for your post!!
> i would appreciate any details about your lex poop out, Please? Pretty Please?
> ... ... please post again!
> Thank You !!
>
> TAKE CARE !!!!
> ~ jim
Posted by BLKVETTES on July 1, 2003, at 0:27:12
In reply to re: Lexapro pooped out!, posted by prodgirl on July 1, 2003, at 0:00:10
Hi there, I go to a lot of different boards. Effexor has worked for others. Its one of those things where your not going to know until you try because we are all so different. Did you ever feel good on the lexapro? Im trying to decide if you had poop out or just never got the med to work. Im at 20 weeks or so on the lex. I quit counting the days so Im not sure. Im fearing this poop out thing right this minute. This last week has not been the best. Im hoping its because of a very busy week. I went to see the pdoc on my own for the first time. I went and bought furniture. My computer died and the air conditioning went out. I then did 2 days of yard work. I was so sore I could not get out of bed for 2 days. I was also very tired and weak. So Im just hoping that its because I took charge for the first time in about a year. I also took xanax today for the first time since about 10 to 14 days. It has helped me even out for the day. It has been more the depression than my panic side. Im guessing the pain is playing with my mind. I will know more in the next day or two. I keep thinking of the book flowers for algernon. I cant go back again and start over. Zoloft and paxil gave me severe allergic reactions. Whats after lexapro if needed for me. Is it celexa, I hate to even think about whats next. GOOD LUCK!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by lil' jimi on July 1, 2003, at 0:37:25
In reply to re: Lexapro pooped out!, posted by prodgirl on July 1, 2003, at 0:00:10
hi prodgirl,
my doctor offered me effexor and i will consider it if lexapro quits on me.
so sorry you are having such a hard time ... ... make sure you're getting enough fluids, espicially water ... and nutrients, omega-3 oils, vitamins, fruits, sunshine if you can find it ... and ... ...
... .. sleep~ jim
Posted by prodgirl on July 1, 2003, at 0:41:03
In reply to PRODGIRL AND EFFEXOR AND POOP OUT, posted by BLKVETTES on July 1, 2003, at 0:27:12
> Did you ever feel good on the lexapro? Im trying to decide if you had poop out or just never got the med to work. Im at 20 weeks or so on the lex. I quit counting the days so Im not sure. Im fearing this poop out thing right this minute.
Wayne;
I felt great after the Lex kicked in, and then again once I upped the doseage. I wouldn't fear the poop out, you'll know when it does. I went back to old bad habits. Worrying about it will just make it worse.
I'm sure you were exhaused b'c it sounds like you totally kicked everything into gear! Don't go over board. B'c of my work, I always make a big list of things I need to accomplish. I don't make a big deal if I don't get my personal stuff done like this...but one of my girlfriends, who suffers from depression, says that she makes a little list for herself everyday. Not too big, but enough that she feels like she is accomplishing something and overcoming her depression. Maybe that's a good idea for you?
Good luck!
prod girl
Posted by BBoo on July 1, 2003, at 13:21:17
In reply to re: Lexapro , insurance won't cover?, posted by BLKVETTES on June 30, 2003, at 23:47:16
> > hi BBoo,
> > sorry to hear your having such trouble ... it can be hard to quit an SSRI ... i appreciate your post ... thanks!
> > ... so why would your insurance quit covering your lexapro?
> > take good care of yourself and let us hear from you!
> > ~ jim
>
> I had to fight about a month for my insurance to cover it. The reason being it cost more than other meds because its new. They wanted me to try something else first. It was like hello, I have already been on 2 other meds. TAKE CARE!!!
> WAYNE
>
>Hi, same here, they paid part of it this last year but today the new fiscal year starts and it's not on the "preferred list" so they pay hardly anything (and you know it's VERY expensive) and it won't count toward my deductible or the stop-loss total. Plus my other 3 Rx co-pays all double today, too. And the premiums, deductibles, office co-pays, etc. all go up, too. But I only got a 1.5% cost-of-living "raise" this year! Ain't life grand?!
Posted by BLKVETTES on July 1, 2003, at 14:43:36
In reply to re: Lexapro , insurance won't cover?, posted by BBoo on July 1, 2003, at 13:21:17
> > > hi BBoo,
> > > sorry to hear your having such trouble ... it can be hard to quit an SSRI ... i appreciate your post ... thanks!
> > > ... so why would your insurance quit covering your lexapro?
> > > take good care of yourself and let us hear from you!
> > > ~ jim
> >
> > I had to fight about a month for my insurance to cover it. The reason being it cost more than other meds because its new. They wanted me to try something else first. It was like hello, I have already been on 2 other meds. TAKE CARE!!!
> > WAYNE
> >
> >
>
> Hi, same here, they paid part of it this last year but today the new fiscal year starts and it's not on the "preferred list" so they pay hardly anything (and you know it's VERY expensive) and it won't count toward my deductible or the stop-loss total. Plus my other 3 Rx co-pays all double today, too. And the premiums, deductibles, office co-pays, etc. all go up, too. But I only got a 1.5% cost-of-living "raise" this year! Ain't life grand?!
>Sorry about the insurance woes!!!! I think as far as these meds the insurance companies have no clue. Before the lexapro I ran up a bill of over $100,000 because of panic attacks. Long stays in the hospital and many tests. You would think it would be cheaper to get the person on the right med instead of risking paying bills for doctor and hospital visits. Makes no sense!!! Others on different boards have had to quit meds because of insurance problems. GOOD LUCK!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by lil' jimi on July 1, 2003, at 14:58:24
In reply to re: Lexapro , insurance won't cover?, posted by BBoo on July 1, 2003, at 13:21:17
hey Wayne!
hi BBoo!i am very upset to hear this!
> > > hi BBoo,
> > > sorry to hear your having such trouble ... it can be hard to quit an SSRI ... i appreciate your post ... thanks!
> > > ... so why would your insurance quit covering your lexapro?
> > > take good care of yourself and let us hear from you!
> > > ~ jim
> >
> > I had to fight about a month for my insurance to cover it. The reason being it cost more than other meds because its new. They wanted me to try something else first. It was like hello, I have already been on 2 other meds. TAKE CARE!!!
> > WAYNE
> >
> >
>
> Hi, same here, they paid part of it this last year but today the new fiscal year starts and it's not on the "preferred list" so they pay hardly anything (and you know it's VERY expensive) and it won't count toward my deductible or the stop-loss total. Plus my other 3 Rx co-pays all double today, too. And the premiums, deductibles, office co-pays, etc. all go up, too. But I only got a 1.5% cost-of-living "raise" this year! Ain't life grand?!
>clueless me! ... i had No Idea!! ... ... i am outraged!!
How in the World can we endure our insurance companies choosing which anti-deprerssant / SSRI we should use !!!!!
<insert sound of scream here!!>
i only WISH my outrage could do anybody any good!!
AAAAAAARRRRRGGGGGHHHHHHHHH!!!!!
how many people are having to endure this ABUSE ! !!!!
It IS WRONG !!!i co-pay $25 for 30 10mg pills of lex ... about 84 cents a pill .... How much does lex retail for really? .... what AD does your insurance "prescribe"?
i am angry!!
~ jim
Posted by Office_LB on July 1, 2003, at 15:58:09
In reply to re: Lexapro , insurance Won't cover!! AAARRRGGH!! » BBoo, posted by lil' jimi on July 1, 2003, at 14:58:24
> hey Wayne!
> hi BBoo!
>
> i am very upset to hear this!
>
> > > > hi BBoo,
> > > > sorry to hear your having such trouble ... it can be hard to quit an SSRI ... i appreciate your post ... thanks!
> > > > ... so why would your insurance quit covering your lexapro?
> > > > take good care of yourself and let us hear from you!
> > > > ~ jim
> > >
> > > I had to fight about a month for my insurance to cover it. The reason being it cost more than other meds because its new. They wanted me to try something else first. It was like hello, I have already been on 2 other meds. TAKE CARE!!!
> > > WAYNE
> > >
> > >
> >
> > Hi, same here, they paid part of it this last year but today the new fiscal year starts and it's not on the "preferred list" so they pay hardly anything (and you know it's VERY expensive) and it won't count toward my deductible or the stop-loss total. Plus my other 3 Rx co-pays all double today, too. And the premiums, deductibles, office co-pays, etc. all go up, too. But I only got a 1.5% cost-of-living "raise" this year! Ain't life grand?!
> >
>
> clueless me! ... i had No Idea!! ... ... i am outraged!!
>
> How in the World can we endure our insurance companies choosing which anti-deprerssant / SSRI we should use !!!!!
>
> <insert sound of scream here!!>
>
> i only WISH my outrage could do anybody any good!!
>
> AAAAAAARRRRRGGGGGHHHHHHHHH!!!!!
>
> how many people are having to endure this ABUSE ! !!!!
> It IS WRONG !!!
>
> i co-pay $25 for 30 10mg pills of lex ... about 84 cents a pill .... How much does lex retail for really? .... what AD does your insurance "prescribe"?
>
> i am angry!!
> ~ jimMy copay is $25 as well. But my doseage is 20 mg/day so that 30 20 mg pills. I saw the sheet that said how much it cost retail and I believe it was $78.
Hope this helps.
Posted by lil' jimi on July 1, 2003, at 16:16:56
In reply to Thanks lil jimi!!! (NM)re: how to get specific lex (nm), posted by McPac on June 30, 2003, at 23:37:49
Posted by theo on July 1, 2003, at 16:47:12
In reply to re: you are very welcomed McPac:: Good luck! (nm) » McPac, posted by lil' jimi on July 1, 2003, at 16:16:56
Posted by lil' jimi on July 1, 2003, at 17:55:50
In reply to Are you still taking Lexapro?? (nm) » lil' jimi, posted by theo on July 1, 2003, at 16:47:12
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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