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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Esmarelda on September 8, 2003, at 12:48:31
In reply to Re: Esmarelda--8/8 Wayne » Esmarelda, posted by Mariposa on September 4, 2003, at 17:32:02
I upped my dosage from 10 mg to 15 mg last Wednesday - 5 days. I seem to be doing better with that, but had another family member die last week so things are kind of yucky right now.
Posted by Esmarelda on September 8, 2003, at 13:01:49
In reply to Re: Questions about weight gain » Esmarelda, posted by galkeepinon on September 4, 2003, at 21:36:45
Me too. It's always in the morning. Usually, if I can force myself up -- it's okay. It's been worse the last couple days, but my uncle died and it was like reliving my grandmother's death.
Posted by Esmarelda on September 8, 2003, at 13:08:04
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects and UPDATE » Treb, posted by galkeepinon on September 5, 2003, at 13:54:47
I was prescribed some Trazadone a few years back for sleep and it did not work on me either. The only thing that has ever worked was Ambien or Benadryl. I got totally weirded out on the Ambien, but it did work!
Posted by collegekid on September 8, 2003, at 14:25:52
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects and UPDATE » galkeepinon, posted by Esmarelda on September 8, 2003, at 13:08:04
Posted by ezra on September 8, 2003, at 23:28:42
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects and UPDATE, posted by recumbent on September 4, 2003, at 21:29:02
i actually quit cold-turkey from 20mg per day and the only side effect i had were the electric shocks, but lord oh lord... they were bad. they lasted for about three weeks and started in my arms, until it ended up happening throughout all my extremities: my arms, legs, feet, toes, fingers.
honestly, i had more trouble when i was getting on lexapro then when i quit. i had very mild nausea, lightheadedness, and problems ejaculating for about two weeks (which was almost intolerable, haha).
Posted by KayJ on September 9, 2003, at 10:36:10
In reply to Re: about insomnia side effect » pharmrep, posted by .tabi.T.ha. on August 3, 2002, at 3:28:08
I only just started Lex..after trying just about everything else...and could not sleep the first night..couldn't even lie still. I was only taking 5 mg and I had taken my one 10 mg Pamelor for sleep. I have now been on it three days and having much the same problem, but now along with that I am having irritable bowel. I just don't think I can take SSRIS. Has anyone else had similiar experience..any solutions????
I feel like there is something wrong with me as I can't seem to take anything due to side effects. Sometimes I think the doc thinks I'm making it up...aren't they told of the side effects?
Thanks for any help you may offer.
Posted by Mariposa on September 9, 2003, at 12:01:23
In reply to Re: about insomnia side effect » .tabi.T.ha., posted by KayJ on September 9, 2003, at 10:36:10
> I only just started Lex..after trying just about everything else...and could not sleep the first night..couldn't even lie still. I was only taking 5 mg and I had taken my one 10 mg Pamelor for sleep. I have now been on it three days and having much the same problem, but now along with that I am having irritable bowel. I just don't think I can take SSRIS. Has anyone else had similiar experience..any solutions????
> I feel like there is something wrong with me as I can't seem to take anything due to side effects. Sometimes I think the doc thinks I'm making it up...aren't they told of the side effects?
> Thanks for any help you may offer.You are not alone, many people complain about the same things. I have only been on Lex, and only for 6 mos. I had terrible se's in the beginning but I toughed it out and they all went away. My doc did NOT warn me about se's, and I only learned of them after I found this site and also started experiencing them. Some people are lucky and have minor se's or almost none at all. You and I are the unlucky ones!!! All I can add is that I am doing much better now and it was worth the 2 weeks of H**L, and I would do it all over again.
Good luck to you!~~~8|8
Posted by galkeepinon on September 9, 2003, at 20:24:19
In reply to Re: Questions about weight gain, posted by Esmarelda on September 8, 2003, at 13:01:49
Hey Esmarelda, I'm so sorry to hear about the death in your family, how are you holding up?
How is the 15mg increase with the Lexapro going?
I'm feeling like I have to really force myself to do stuff lately too.
Take care ok:-)
Me too. It's always in the morning. Usually, if I can force myself up -- it's okay. It's been worse the last couple days, but my uncle died and it was like reliving my grandmother's death.
Posted by galkeepinon on September 9, 2003, at 20:27:37
In reply to Re: about insomnia side effect » .tabi.T.ha., posted by KayJ on September 9, 2003, at 10:36:10
Hi, I had IBS really bad a few years ago, Prevacid seemed to help and I think therapy too.
I had a lot of insomnia when I first started Lex, but it has passed now after about 6 weeks on the med. I couldn't lie still either, I kept rubbing my feet together~like anxiety I guess.
Are you still taking the Lex and how is it going? Any better?
Take Care.> I only just started Lex..after trying just about everything else...and could not sleep the first night..couldn't even lie still. I was only taking 5 mg and I had taken my one 10 mg Pamelor for sleep. I have now been on it three days and having much the same problem, but now along with that I am having irritable bowel. I just don't think I can take SSRIS. Has anyone else had similiar experience..any solutions????
> I feel like there is something wrong with me as I can't seem to take anything due to side effects. Sometimes I think the doc thinks I'm making it up...aren't they told of the side effects?
> Thanks for any help you may offer.
Posted by galkeepinon on September 9, 2003, at 20:30:17
In reply to Re: about insomnia side effect » KayJ, posted by Mariposa on September 9, 2003, at 12:01:23
Sounds like you are doing good *thumbs up to you*
I'm glad you seem to be doing better and just wanted to see how you were holding up:-)
You are not alone, many people complain about the same things. I have only been on Lex, and only for 6 mos. I had terrible se's in the beginning but I toughed it out and they all went away. My doc did NOT warn me about se's, and I only learned of them after I found this site and also started experiencing them. Some people are lucky and have minor se's or almost none at all. You and I are the unlucky ones!!! All I can add is that I am doing much better now and it was worth the 2 weeks of H**L, and I would do it all over again.
>
> Good luck to you!~~~8|8
Posted by KayJ on September 10, 2003, at 0:00:41
In reply to Re: about insomnia side effect » KayJ, posted by galkeepinon on September 9, 2003, at 20:27:37
Thanks so much for your reply. I did not take my dose of Lex today..I am hoping for a good nights sleep and hope to see the ibs symptoms..diarrhea mainly for me..subside. I have been seeing a psychiatrist for 11 years and am still depressed. None of the meds seem to work..or maybe it is because I give up too soon because of the side effects. There isn't really any therapy involved..he thinks meds should fix it..but I doubt I will ever find one unless they come up with something new. Lex is about the newest and I have tried all of the other SSRIS. But after reading some posts I see that Lex is basically celexa which I tried and could not take. Zoloft worked the best of any I have tried..and I have tried it several times for several months, maybe even a year at a time, but I could not tolerate the jitters. I'm embarrassed to even go back to the Doc and say once again that I can't take what he prescribed!
Posted by KayJ on September 10, 2003, at 0:10:47
In reply to (((Mariposa))) » Mariposa, posted by galkeepinon on September 9, 2003, at 20:30:17
Thanks for the encouragement, but I guess I am not as tough as you : ) I don't know how you put up with it for 2 weeks! I cut my dose in half and still feel bad. I could put up with most of everything ..for awhile..except for the diarrhea..I would have to stay home from work..it is like having stomach flu. I have occasional bouts with IBS anyhow and these meds just seem to trigger it. Maybe that is my problem..that I cannot hang in there long enough for the se's to disappear.
Posted by galkeepinon on September 10, 2003, at 0:18:10
In reply to Re: about insomnia side effect » galkeepinon, posted by KayJ on September 10, 2003, at 0:00:41
I can relate. I'm sorry you're feeling this way!
I've been through this whole depression/meds thing now for 8 years and Lex is working for me so far, but I just broke down crying tonight and increased my Lamictal to 50mg last night. I don't get it.
I've done the same thing, the SSRI's and go to the doc only to tell them they're not working or the side effects are too much to take.
There really isn't any therapy involved with me either~I went down tnat road many times for quite a while, I just don't think it will help me, I've done so much work at it and I still get depressed, and my life and goals seem to have fallen by the wayside lately. I was put on Lithium this summer and it was doing wonders for me but I could not and would not (after a fair chance) tolerate the jitters, nausea, headaches and was afraid too to tell my doc, but after a while I just told him I can't take this anymore it's making me sick, he eventually accepted that and I'm still with him. I hope you can tell your doctor how you're feeling, maybe give the Lex more time? Decrease your dose? Add another med?
Just some suggestions, but you may have already tried. I really feel for you, and I hope you can find something that works for you, try not to give up hope, I know it's hard.
take care.> Thanks so much for your reply. I did not take my dose of Lex today..I am hoping for a good nights sleep and hope to see the ibs symptoms..diarrhea mainly for me..subside. I have been seeing a psychiatrist for 11 years and am still depressed. None of the meds seem to work..or maybe it is because I give up too soon because of the side effects. There isn't really any therapy involved..he thinks meds should fix it..but I doubt I will ever find one unless they come up with something new. Lex is about the newest and I have tried all of the other SSRIS. But after reading some posts I see that Lex is basically celexa which I tried and could not take. Zoloft worked the best of any I have tried..and I have tried it several times for several months, maybe even a year at a time, but I could not tolerate the jitters. I'm embarrassed to even go back to the Doc and say once again that I can't take what he prescribed!
Posted by KayJ on September 10, 2003, at 0:21:12
In reply to Re: sick of these drugs, posted by kookabear on September 4, 2003, at 19:25:21
Just wondering how the Diovan is working for you...I have BP med too ..just started within the last 6 mos and am having trouble finding the right one. I was taking zoloft and not doing too badly until the doc added tenormin..then ibs and diarrhea. Now he has switched me to Norvasc but I am having alot of foot/ankle swelling, which is a common side effect...but it won't go away..even though he added a diuretic. I would sure like some advice since you too have high BP and need depression med too. I just can't seem to get them right. Thanks for any help you can offer.
Posted by Esmarelda on September 10, 2003, at 7:46:50
In reply to Re: Questions about weight gain » Esmarelda, posted by galkeepinon on September 9, 2003, at 20:24:19
I have been doing better Gal. I haven't had much choice, but to get up and move the last few days as the job required. I have found if I go ahead and get up, things are okay. It's when I lay there and dwell (even when I am very tired) that I can't get up. Maybe you need to up your dosage Gal if you haven't been doing good. Has something happened?
Posted by lil' jimi on September 10, 2003, at 10:42:16
In reply to Re: about insomnia side effect » galkeepinon, posted by KayJ on September 10, 2003, at 0:00:41
hi KayJ
first you post this one here see:
>> I only just started Lex..after trying just about everything else...and could not sleep the first night..couldn't even lie still. I was only taking 5 mg and I had taken my one 10 mg Pamelor for sleep. I have now been on it three days and having much the same problem, but now along with that I am having irritable bowel. I just don't think I can take SSRIS. Has anyone else had similiar experience..any solutions???? >>
>> I feel like there is something wrong with me as I can't seem to take anything due to side effects. Sometimes I think the doc thinks I'm making it up...aren't they told of the side effects?
Thanks for any help you may offer. >>
then you post this one:
> Thanks so much for your reply. I did not take my dose of Lex today..I am hoping for a good nights sleep and hope to see the ibs symptoms..diarrhea mainly for me..subside. I have been seeing a psychiatrist for 11 years and am still depressed. None of the meds seem to work..or maybe it is because I give up too soon because of the side effects. There isn't really any therapy involved..he thinks meds should fix it..but I doubt I will ever find one unless they come up with something new. Lex is about the newest and I have tried all of the other SSRIS. But after reading some posts I see that Lex is basically celexa which I tried and could not take. Zoloft worked the best of any I have tried..and I have tried it several times for several months, maybe even a year at a time, but I could not tolerate the jitters. I'm embarrassed to even go back to the Doc and say once again that I can't take what he prescribed! >... this set me off so bad i had to post this before i gave myself the chance to read the subsequent posts here ... so someone may have already gone into this ... so ...
KayJ i feel really strongly that the only one who should be embarrassed is your psychiatrist ... ...
... in a 11 YEARS of treatment you are getting basically no therapy ? ...
... your pdoc didn't even acknowledge, let alone inform you, let alone warn you, about adaptation SEs from anti-depressants?
... you have been through all of the SSRIs, never told of SEs, quit from the jitters And you get no benzo supplementation offered ?
... this psychiatrists has managed to build a bond of trust over 11 years, which has left you believing he/she thinks you make SEs up?
... AND intimidated from admitting that, his/her attempts to guess at which med will (apparently?) 'magically' "fix" you, have failed Again?KayJ, i do not see any talk based support myself, so i know nothing about getting therapy, never done it (yet), but this doesn't sound like you're getting your (or your insurance comapany's) money's worth at all ... ...
are there any care provider alternatives there?can we find a second opinion, maybe?
lexapro is different from celexa even though lexapro is a component within celexa ... ... ... more than a few celexa users posted that they could not tolerate lexapro ... ... the other isomer of lexapro, that is in celexa, must be having a much larger effect than clinical trials have indicated ...
depressed, i was prescribed 10mg of lexapro a day and took 10 mg Once (march 6) and took myself down to 5mg for month before trying 10 mg again .... been there since ... ... i never had any anxiety symptoms to speak of, but the 1st week on lex i had my 1st panic attacks ... that SE went away in days and all of my SEs faded to zero by my 3rd week ... ... ... could have been like week 5 or 6 before i felt therapeutic benefits ... ... lexapro has been good for me ...
... ... we see the posts here of folks looking for help and we may presume that there are significant numbers of lex users who never come here because they never need to come here because they don't have problems ... ... therefore it's reasonable to believe these posts to this thread represent a sample of lexapro users' reports which will tend to be more negative than a randomly selected sample ... ... it's like we are the squeaky wheels and we are trying to get some grease ... ... sorta ...
... lexapro can require a LOT of perserverance ... ... you should read Okpolosi's posts or BLKVETTES' .. ...
... in fact this message board contains the self-reported case studies of dozens (100s?) of lexapro users ... ... an invaluable resource of wisdom from other's experience(s) ... ... read as much of this board as you have time to ... ... it helps ... it helped me ...
learn how to search the board for posters names to follow their threads and by subject words, like "insomnia" ... ... Dr. Bob's FAQs are great too ... ...
post as often and as extensively as possible especially when you want support through your SEs ... ... it's good for you and it's good for us ... that's why we're here ...
thanks for your post and hang in there ...
... ... keep us informed ... posted! and
TAKE CARE !!
~ jimp.s.
a lot of posters will apologize for their post being too long ... ... ... i don't ... ... ... if is it just tooooooo loooong then they can just quit reading it and if they can see i wrote it then they should not even bother ... ... just in case they are still reading this ! ... ... ... HA!
(none of which is direct at you at all my KayJ! ... okay? )
~ j
Posted by Esmarelda on September 10, 2003, at 10:54:18
In reply to Re: about insomnia side effect » galkeepinon, posted by KayJ on September 10, 2003, at 0:00:41
KayJ - All I can say is that with me Lexapro got way worse with the way I felt before it got better, but once it kicked in and started working - about 5 months - It is a MIRACLE drug for me! Obviously, not every drug affects everyone the same so maybe it is not for you. I have insomnia, too adn take Benadryl at night. It is the ingredient in Tylenol PM that makes you sleepy. I had some nausea and diarrhea at first, but that went away, too. I even threw up a few times, but well worth it considering the ultimate outcome. Only you and your doctor can decide what is best for you. I started on 10 mg and went up to 15 mg last week (week 12). I feel pretty good now. Try to hang in there if you can. Talk to Mariposa -- she had a LOT of side effects at first and now sings the praises.
Posted by Arrianna on September 10, 2003, at 11:39:56
In reply to Re: about insomnia side effect, posted by Esmarelda on September 10, 2003, at 10:54:18
KayJ,
I understand what you're going through with the Lexapro, too. I had so many side effects during my first 2-3 weeks of taking Lex.
Honestly, I almost quit taking, too. I thought if the side effects are worse than the initial problem, why bother?
Thank God for the support I got from this board: the people here helped me get through it.
After week 3, my side effects started to diminish and honestly now, I have no se's except for a little nausea in the morning.
But, I remember the insomnia, and that was the worst! For me, it got better.
Others have posted that they take meds to help them sleep. Maybe that could be an option for you, too?
Please hang in there. I almost gave up on it, too, but now am so grateful I didn't. It will get better for you. I know it will.
Arrianna
Posted by lil' jimi on September 10, 2003, at 11:50:39
In reply to KayJ , posted by lil' jimi on September 10, 2003, at 10:42:16
p. s.
i wrote:
>> ... ... you should read Okpolosi's posts or BLKVETTES' .. ... >>Okpolosi is Mariposa's former posting name
.... she transformed
Posted by Concerned Mom_FL on September 10, 2003, at 13:30:29
In reply to Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by Dr. Bob on June 11, 2002, at 7:52:48
My 17 year old son has been on Lexapro for several months now. He sleeps almost continuously, has no energy and becomes angry very easily. The medicine has helped somewhat with the depression and anxiety he was experiencing. My question to all of you is this, if you miss a single dose of the medicine does it have a great affect on you? On three separate occasions my son has forgotten to take his mediciation at night and had a severe reaction. He either becomes excessively angry where I almostcalled the police or he shakes and cries uncontrollably. I am trying to determine if this is normal. Today for instance, we had to pick him up from school because he had an anxiety attack and started crying uncontrollably and shaking. He says he forgot to take his pill last night, he is on 20 mg, and that nothing in particular triggered the episode that he can think of. I do know he and his girlfriend had been arguing yesterday afternoon. I am seriously considering having him gradually reduce the dosage and come of the meds. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Posted by galkeepinon on September 10, 2003, at 13:57:09
In reply to Re: Questions about weight gain » galkeepinon, posted by Esmarelda on September 10, 2003, at 7:46:50
Hi Esmarelda, no nothing happened at all, I actually talked to my godmother the other day. My friends are good, I just have really been lazy I think. That's not like me at all. The lack of motivation thing worries me too~got schoolwork to do. That may have set it off. I didn't get depressed about talking to my godmother, it was more like I love her so and it was nice to talk with her after such a long time~happy tears I think. I think 10mg of Lexapro is okay for now, considering my doc just increased my Lamictal, that may have had something to do with a mood swing last night, and I think that's what it probably was. I am really dealing with things a lot better~just needed to a good cry I guess.
I do feel better, too, when I get up and go, rather than do nothing, I hear you!
Take care!
Thanks for your support:-)> I have been doing better Gal. I haven't had much choice, but to get up and move the last few days as the job required. I have found if I go ahead and get up, things are okay. It's when I lay there and dwell (even when I am very tired) that I can't get up. Maybe you need to up your dosage Gal if you haven't been doing good. Has something happened?
Posted by galkeepinon on September 10, 2003, at 14:00:32
In reply to Re: Questions about weight gain » galkeepinon, posted by Esmarelda on September 10, 2003, at 7:46:50
Esmarelda, yeah, my father is just causing some stress in our family right now. I try to ignore it, but I think it may have gotten to me last night. I think it was more about me, how I want to learn to handle things that hurt when they come up, where I am going, and what I need to do to take care of myself, and how I get started.
Posted by Esmarelda on September 10, 2003, at 14:02:15
In reply to Re: Questions about weight gain » Esmarelda, posted by galkeepinon on September 10, 2003, at 13:57:09
Keep on!!! Glad nothing upsetting happened. What does that other drug Lamactil??? do?
Posted by Esmarelda on September 10, 2003, at 14:03:47
In reply to Come to think of it.......... » Esmarelda, posted by galkeepinon on September 10, 2003, at 14:00:32
I know. Take your Lexapro, take a deep breath, pray and realize that you have no control over anyone, except your own actions and reactions ( and sometimes --not even over those - haha!)
Posted by galkeepinon on September 10, 2003, at 14:14:13
In reply to Re: Questions about weight gain » galkeepinon, posted by Esmarelda on September 10, 2003, at 14:02:15
Lamictal, from what I understand is used as a mood stabilizer for some. It's actually an anti-epileptic med used for seizures but was recently approved for use in biolar becuase of such great results in a lot of patients. I was diagnosed with bipolar 2~more depressive than manic. I hardly, if ever, get manic so the Lamictal helps in conjunction with my anti-depressant for the depression too. I actually found out too, my psychiatrist just told me at my appt the other day that it will help with my "cycling"
I will keep on! I hope the Lamictal within time will help, I was on it before and it did wonders. My psychiatrist just has me going slowly on it.
Thanks so much again.
You take care:-)
(I'm still smilin)> Keep on!!! Glad nothing upsetting happened. What does that other drug Lamactil??? do?
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