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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 4675 to 4699 of 8406. Go back in thread:
Posted by oldhand on September 28, 2003, at 12:27:49
In reply to re: re: oldhand, posted by lil' jimi on September 28, 2003, at 2:56:25
> hi Oldhand,
>
> you wrote:
> > Have been on Lexapro since November 2002. I still take 100mg of Trazodone at bedtime too.
> > I'm doing fine on the Lexapro at 20mg. The addition of the Wellbutrin XL about a week ago has also improved my sense of wellbeing but has some pretty discouraging SE's. The major one being diarrhea. I had experienced this with plain old Wellbutrin a couple of years ago and had to quit it. Hoped that the XL formulation wouldn't repeat the problem. Am also sweating alot again but that I can handle but I hate it when my legs fall asleep from being on the toilet too long (grin). >
>
> really sorry to hear you're suffering diarrhea ... ...
> ... diarrhea can cause dehydration ...
> ... lexapro can induce dehydration ...
> ... wellbutrin can induce dehydration ...
> ... dehydration can cause diarrhea ...
>
> i guess what i'm trying to say ...
> (and i'm sorry, i didn't mean to make that so ominous there!)
> ... stay hydrated ... drink lots of water and juices ... ... which also means we take our vitamins ... can't get deficient .... and our electrolytes ... omega3s and magnesium, heard about them from larry hoover here ...
>
> but if you're not at least replacing the fluids you lose to diarrhea, then you're getting more dehydrated ... ... of course ....
>
> > Am going to try to tough it out for another week or so in hopes my body adjusts. >
>
> best of luck ... make sure your prescriber knows about your SEs ... ... they could have suggestions for the diarrhea maybe ...
>
> > Thanks for the holler and I am going to work on a pome!! >
>
> yeah, well, you know, it's my pleasure really ...
> ... can't help but become fond of folks we have suffered and shared with this long here ...
> ... it's always good for me to read your posts and i appreciate them ...
>
> i am impressed with what i've read about wellbutrin ... ... i would definitely want to try to give it every chance to work for you ...
> ... have you seen this link?
> http://www.mentalhealth.com/drug/p30-b04.html#Head_1
> ... in case you felt like details ... bupripion being older, is much better studied than lexapro ... and it's in its own class ... it's the only aminoketone antidepressant ...
>
> i think we all struggle to find our therapeutic dose and optimum combo ... ... you moreso than i have ... ... it's tough to have our brain chemistry stirred up ... ... i admire your stamina through it ... ... hang in there !
>
> ... i am looking forward to that pome!
> ... i may have to write me an ode to a pome ...
>
> Take Care !
> ~ jimOK, I slept on it and here's my contribution to the mix:
Lexapro,
Up from the depths I go
Climbing the mountain I slid down.
Forging the streams that once were torrents
I could not swim.Surfacing slowly I see
The light ahead of me
While I wrestle foes that once were
Monsters I could not tame.
Gonna keep fighting and winning. Peace,
Shelley
Posted by melley on September 28, 2003, at 16:47:42
In reply to Re: Anyone have weight gain???, posted by blkvettes on September 26, 2003, at 1:37:20
I thought people might find this interesting. I was taking 10mg of lexapro and then started acupuncture. The acupuncturist who is also a nurse told me the process might lessen my need for lexapro. After a few weeks I was so tired all the time. So I talked it over with the psychiatrist and he said that acupuncture could make meds more potent in your system. So I went down to 5 mg and feel great. Thought others might like to try this. It balances out your mental state as well as helping with physical stuff.
Posted by lil' jimi on September 28, 2003, at 16:49:31
In reply to re: re: oldhand » lil' jimi, posted by oldhand on September 28, 2003, at 12:27:49
hi Shelley,
you wrote:
>
> Lexapro,
> Up from the depths I go
> Climbing the mountain I slid down.
> Forging the streams that once were torrents
> I could not swim.
>
> Surfacing slowly I see
> The light ahead of me
> While I wrestle foes that once were
> Monsters I could not tame.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Gonna keep fighting and winning.
> Peace,
> Shelleythank you very much! ... ... simply excellent ...
thank you ...
~ jim
Posted by theo on September 28, 2003, at 17:05:46
In reply to Re: oldhand » lil' jimi, posted by oldhand on September 27, 2003, at 23:29:02
I'm on the same combo but in reverse. Have been on Wellbutrin SR 150mg (now XL) for a few months and my pdoc added Lex for slight anxiety and panic. The Well's doing a pretty good job but just added the Lex about a week ago, just trying 5mg. Did your doctor suggest this is a good combo? Just curious to hear anothers opinion on the WellPro combo.
Posted by Dr. Bob on September 28, 2003, at 19:47:14
In reply to re: vandy's URL, posted by lil' jimi on September 27, 2003, at 21:51:02
> > > you can post links that will work by including all that "http://" prefix jazz with the url ...
>
> ... pBabble tried to make just the prefix into a link as well ...Sorry, should be fixed now...
Bob
Posted by Dr. Bob on September 28, 2003, at 19:56:47
In reply to re: re: oldhand » lil' jimi, posted by oldhand on September 28, 2003, at 12:27:49
> OK, I slept on it and here's my contribution to the mix...
Thanks, it's great to see so much creativity, but I'd like to redirect poems to Psycho-Social-Babble. Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20030913/msgs/264111.html
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by Sunshine4u on September 29, 2003, at 11:11:00
In reply to Re: Lexapro Withdrawal Dizziness » blkvettes, posted by jjalruby on September 26, 2003, at 11:53:51
Hi Everyone,
I wanted to share my withdrawal experience with all of you that have tried Lexapro. I have mild depression and have used many anti-depressants and this by far has been the worst one for me. I have been on it for about 3 months and realized that I did not laugh anymore. Nothing was funny and although I wasn't depressed, I sure didn't feel happy either. I have quit cold turkey on meds before and NEVER had withdrawal from any of them. This one has caused the dizziness and made me feel sick to my stomach and I am sooooo verrrry tired all the time! My sense of humor is coming back, but still after being off Lexapro for 3 weeks now, the withdrawal symptoms have made me feel so very bad. I also have gained about 10 pounds while on it. I was only on 10 mg's a day, and this by far has be the worst pill for me. I see my DR today and I don't know if I will be able to go back on anything else, because this had truly scared me. I think I would rather be depressed than feel like this. For those of you who have had success, I am happy for you. God Bless Everyone.
Posted by PHV on September 29, 2003, at 20:39:15
In reply to lexapro and acupuncture, posted by melley on September 28, 2003, at 16:47:42
Hello all -
Thought I'd check in again to update my Lexapro experience. I started Lex in July for depression. Felt rather immediate results and then started suffering severe anxiety suddenly during week ten. With the support of this board, I went to see my pdoc right away and she prescribed Busbar for daily use and Xanex for extreme anxiety days - which fortunately have been fairly rare. I am beginning week three of dealing with anxiety for the first time in my life. I guess in some aspect, I'm starting to get used to it. However, it's difficult when I'm at my desk during work having to perform rather mundane tasks. I excel under pressure now with all this energy - but it kills me when I don't have to constantly be on the go. I'm contemplating visiting my pdoc again shortly. I would like to discuss other possibilities her. As much as I get frustrated at being so wired most of the day with the anxiety and jaw clenching - my life is so much better and more bearable than it's been for years. I'm now really starting to realize how long I was suffering from depression. I feel like I'm back to my old self. I guess I'm afraid if the doc tries to bring my "high" down too low - I'll be as low as I was before. I'm sure there's a happy medium somewhere in between - and thanks to all these posts here - I read them every day and feel as though I'm struggling with many others and I'm not alone. So thanks for that everyone.
Hoping this finds you all well - and thanks again for being my sounding board.
Patty
Posted by Diva Blue on September 29, 2003, at 20:54:00
In reply to Patty Update, posted by PHV on September 29, 2003, at 20:39:15
hello all.
I just wanted to touch base. Miss hearing from some of you...hope you are all well.
lex is starting to make me sleepier---I was enjoying the little bit of "zip" I had felt at first. Wondering, since this drug seems to cause so many ups and downs just during the course of a normal day, if the "zip" will eventually return.
Am less hungry...which is a great thing...but I still feel like my appetite isnt as decreased as it was the first few days.
Another thing...and this is VERY strange, and I cant believe I am even talking about this....but, I have noticed that my saliva glands seem to be in overdrive. I wake up at night, with my pillow wet (not damp) WET from me drooling on it in my sleep. Gross. Anyone else experience this? or am I just going crazy in addition to being depressed?
Please let me know how you all are. I look forward to checkin in here and hearing something from you all.
Take care.
Posted by vandy on September 29, 2003, at 21:02:17
In reply to diva update, posted by Diva Blue on September 29, 2003, at 20:54:00
> hello all.
>
> I just wanted to touch base. Miss hearing from some of you...hope you are all well.
>
> lex is starting to make me sleepier---I was enjoying the little bit of "zip" I had felt at first. Wondering, since this drug seems to cause so many ups and downs just during the course of a normal day, if the "zip" will eventually return.
>
> Am less hungry...which is a great thing...but I still feel like my appetite isnt as decreased as it was the first few days.
>
> Another thing...and this is VERY strange, and I cant believe I am even talking about this....but, I have noticed that my saliva glands seem to be in overdrive. I wake up at night, with my pillow wet (not damp) WET from me drooling on it in my sleep. Gross. Anyone else experience this? or am I just going crazy in addition to being depressed?
>
> Please let me know how you all are. I look forward to checkin in here and hearing something from you all.
>
> Take care.
>Wow! It's not just me! I noticed the "salavation overload" when I was new to Lex. I thought it was that ancient curse: "Girls RULE, boys drool!" Now that I have evidence of a girl drooling it puts two concerns to rest!
Keep your chin up!
Posted by PHV on September 29, 2003, at 21:07:31
In reply to diva update, posted by Diva Blue on September 29, 2003, at 20:54:00
> hello all.
>
> I just wanted to touch base. Miss hearing from some of you...hope you are all well.
>
> lex is starting to make me sleepier---I was enjoying the little bit of "zip" I had felt at first. Wondering, since this drug seems to cause so many ups and downs just during the course of a normal day, if the "zip" will eventually return.
>
> Am less hungry...which is a great thing...but I still feel like my appetite isnt as decreased as it was the first few days.
>
> Another thing...and this is VERY strange, and I cant believe I am even talking about this....but, I have noticed that my saliva glands seem to be in overdrive. I wake up at night, with my pillow wet (not damp) WET from me drooling on it in my sleep. Gross. Anyone else experience this? or am I just going crazy in addition to being depressed?
>
> Please let me know how you all are. I look forward to checkin in here and hearing something from you all.
>
> Take care.
>
That's odd. I wake up after drooling a bunch too! What a strage SE! I also wake up in the night much more frequently and the dreams are so vivid! My beau said I started snoring more freqently - which I hardly ever do. I'm thinking it could be cuz I'm one of the unfortunate ones whose appetite has INCREASED - and I snore when I have more weight on than when I'm skinny - man does that stink!Thanks for the post!
Patty
Posted by oldhand on September 29, 2003, at 21:28:10
In reply to Re: oldhand » oldhand, posted by theo on September 28, 2003, at 17:05:46
> I'm on the same combo but in reverse. Have been on Wellbutrin SR 150mg (now XL) for a few months and my pdoc added Lex for slight anxiety and panic. The Well's doing a pretty good job but just added the Lex about a week ago, just trying 5mg. Did your doctor suggest this is a good combo? Just curious to hear anothers opinion on the WellPro combo.
Hi Theo and all.
My doc gave me the Wellbutrin XL because I told her I still was not where I want to be moodwise. That I was somewhat short-tempered and felt I might never feel like "me" again. She promised to have me "tuned up" before winter kicks my butt. She mentioned upping the Lex to 30mg but I see her in mid October to evaluate progress with the Wellbutrin. Am glad to say I think the SE may be diminishing some.
Best wishes and
Peace,
Shelley
Posted by cc6308 on September 30, 2003, at 6:59:10
In reply to When did you start lexapro? and » reifiedbeans, posted by johnj on September 16, 2002, at 14:41:33
I have been on lexapro for 6 months now and feel I can stop taking it. I know i shouldnt just stop all together. How do I gradually stop with the least amount of side effects?
Posted by cateyes on September 30, 2003, at 7:15:33
In reply to How to stop taking lexapro, posted by cc6308 on September 30, 2003, at 6:59:10
My fiance has panic attacks & the dr just prescribed Lexapro........I'm slightly concerned about side effects of this drug as well as liquor effects. can anyone tell me if it is alright to drink while on this, a few beers or does he not take the Lexapro if he knows he will be drinking later on.
Thanks
Posted by cc6308 on September 30, 2003, at 7:22:08
In reply to Questions, posted by cateyes on September 30, 2003, at 7:15:33
> My fiance has panic attacks & the dr just prescribed Lexapro........I'm slightly concerned about side effects of this drug as well as liquor effects. can anyone tell me if it is alright to drink while on this, a few beers or does he not take the Lexapro if he knows he will be drinking later on.
>
> ThanksI was able to drink while taking Lexapro with no side effects from it. I only drank beer, no liquor so i dont know if there would be side effects to that.
Posted by BLKVETTES on September 30, 2003, at 7:39:16
In reply to How to stop taking lexapro, posted by cc6308 on September 30, 2003, at 6:59:10
> I have been on lexapro for 6 months now and feel I can stop taking it. I know i shouldnt just stop all together. How do I gradually stop with the least amount of side effects?
Hi, I will say this if you mean that your stopping lexapro because you feel better that is great news. But I would do a little research first if I were you. Some statistics show that a person who quits their meds within the 1st 3 years 2 out of 3 relapse. But I hope it works for you!!!!!!!!! Below is a withdrawal guide for paxil!!! The guide should work for any med if you use the same strategy!!!!!!! This could be quick and simple or it could be the worst hell you ever go through!!!!!!! GOOD LUCK!!!!
WAYNE
http://paxil.bizland.com/jbuzzw.htm
Posted by BLKVETTES on September 30, 2003, at 7:54:22
In reply to Questions, posted by cateyes on September 30, 2003, at 7:15:33
> My fiance has panic attacks & the dr just prescribed Lexapro........I'm slightly concerned about side effects of this drug as well as liquor effects. can anyone tell me if it is alright to drink while on this, a few beers or does he not take the Lexapro if he knows he will be drinking later on.
>
> ThanksDrinking alcohol is not really a good idea while taking lexapro. A beer now and then who knows!!!! Some do still have a drink or two. Is he one to drink a 6 pack or two time to time. Talk with the doctor on this one. You should not drink alcohol with any antidepressant. I suggest he cut way back on the beer and take the lexapro. Cant imagine living with panic attacks and drinking also. Instead of beer maybe he should see the doc and also take a benzo such as xanax, klonopin or ativan. I had severe panic attacks and have recovered. TAKE CARE!!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by cc6308 on September 30, 2003, at 8:15:50
In reply to Re: How to stop taking lexapro, posted by BLKVETTES on September 30, 2003, at 7:39:16
> > I have been on lexapro for 6 months now and feel I can stop taking it. I know i shouldnt just stop all together. How do I gradually stop with the least amount of side effects?
>
> Hi, I will say this if you mean that your stopping lexapro because you feel better that is great news. But I would do a little research first if I were you. Some statistics show that a person who quits their meds within the 1st 3 years 2 out of 3 relapse. But I hope it works for you!!!!!!!!! Below is a withdrawal guide for paxil!!! The guide should work for any med if you use the same strategy!!!!!!! This could be quick and simple or it could be the worst hell you ever go through!!!!!!! GOOD LUCK!!!!
> WAYNE
> http://paxil.bizland.com/jbuzzw.htmIf i am taking 10mg of Lexapro a day, according to that withdrawal guide, I guess I will cut down to 5mg a day and then maybe go every other day on 5mg to 2.5mg to 0mg. Does that sound correct?
>
>
>
>
Posted by blkvettes on September 30, 2003, at 10:23:34
In reply to Re: How to stop taking lexapro, posted by cc6308 on September 30, 2003, at 8:15:50
> > > I have been on lexapro for 6 months now and feel I can stop taking it. I know i shouldnt just stop all together. How do I gradually stop with the least amount of side effects?
> >
> > Hi, I will say this if you mean that your stopping lexapro because you feel better that is great news. But I would do a little research first if I were you. Some statistics show that a person who quits their meds within the 1st 3 years 2 out of 3 relapse. But I hope it works for you!!!!!!!!! Below is a withdrawal guide for paxil!!! The guide should work for any med if you use the same strategy!!!!!!! This could be quick and simple or it could be the worst hell you ever go through!!!!!!! GOOD LUCK!!!!
> > WAYNE
> > http://paxil.bizland.com/jbuzzw.htm
>
> If i am taking 10mg of Lexapro a day, according to that withdrawal guide, I guess I will cut down to 5mg a day and then maybe go every other day on 5mg to 2.5mg to 0mg. Does that sound correct?
> >
> >
> >
> >
>Hi, that info is just basic help. If it were me I would go down to 7.5mg for a week. If you noticed no difference then another 2.5mg for a week. Keep going till you get to zero. But like the link said your body will tell you if your going to fast!!!!!! Lexapro can be cut into quarters or whatever you want to cut it down to. Take it slow, dont try to rush it!!!!!!! TAKE CARE!!!!!
WAYNE
>
Posted by blkvettes on September 30, 2003, at 10:28:11
In reply to Re: How to stop taking lexapro, posted by blkvettes on September 30, 2003, at 10:23:34
> > > > I have been on lexapro for 6 months now and feel I can stop taking it. I know i shouldnt just stop all together. How do I gradually stop with the least amount of side effects?
> > >
> > > Hi, I will say this if you mean that your stopping lexapro because you feel better that is great news. But I would do a little research first if I were you. Some statistics show that a person who quits their meds within the 1st 3 years 2 out of 3 relapse. But I hope it works for you!!!!!!!!! Below is a withdrawal guide for paxil!!! The guide should work for any med if you use the same strategy!!!!!!! This could be quick and simple or it could be the worst hell you ever go through!!!!!!! GOOD LUCK!!!!
> > > WAYNE
> > > http://paxil.bizland.com/jbuzzw.htm
> >
> > If i am taking 10mg of Lexapro a day, according to that withdrawal guide, I guess I will cut down to 5mg a day and then maybe go every other day on 5mg to 2.5mg to 0mg. Does that sound correct?
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
>
> Hi, that info is just basic help. If it were me I would go down to 7.5mg for a week. If you noticed no difference then another 2.5mg for a week. Keep going till you get to zero. But like the link said your body will tell you if your going to fast!!!!!! Lexapro can be cut into quarters or whatever you want to cut it down to. Take it slow, dont try to rush it!!!!!!! TAKE CARE!!!!!
> WAYNE
> >
>
>Want to make sure Im clear here. Drop 2.5mg each time!!!!! Have you spokenwith your doctor on this not that they no anything about withdrawal symptoms. But please listen to your body!!!!
Posted by cc6308 on September 30, 2003, at 10:40:53
In reply to Re: How to stop taking lexapro, posted by blkvettes on September 30, 2003, at 10:28:11
> Want to make sure Im clear here. Drop 2.5mg each time!!!!! Have you spokenwith your doctor on this not that they no anything about withdrawal symptoms. But please listen to your body!!!!
>
> My doctor told me to take 10mg every other day for 2 weeks. That just didnt make sense to me.
I didnt understand how that helps a person to withdraw from any drug when you dont really quit taking it until you run out of medication. It would still be going cold turkey . So you really think I should drop only 2.5mg a day instead of 5mg, correct?
Thanks so much for the suggestions. Its been very helpful and informative.
Posted by Diva Blue on September 30, 2003, at 11:56:38
In reply to Re: How to stop taking lexapro, posted by cc6308 on September 30, 2003, at 10:40:53
Hey guys...
thanks so much for replying. Makes me feel a little better to know I am not the only one drooling. :)
Posted by blkvettes on September 30, 2003, at 13:23:14
In reply to Re: How to stop taking lexapro, posted by cc6308 on September 30, 2003, at 10:40:53
>
>
>
> > Want to make sure Im clear here. Drop 2.5mg each time!!!!! Have you spokenwith your doctor on this not that they no anything about withdrawal symptoms. But please listen to your body!!!!
> >
> > My doctor told me to take 10mg every other day for 2 weeks. That just didnt make sense to me.
> I didnt understand how that helps a person to withdraw from any drug when you dont really quit taking it until you run out of medication. It would still be going cold turkey . So you really think I should drop only 2.5mg a day instead of 5mg, correct?
> Thanks so much for the suggestions. Its been very helpful and informative.
>
>
Hey, thats what I would do 2.5mg at a time. A few quit meds cold turkey and get no withdrawal. I wish you luck!!!!! TAKE CARE!!!!!!
WAYNE
Posted by Esmarelda on September 30, 2003, at 13:54:58
In reply to Re: oldhand » lil' jimi, posted by oldhand on September 27, 2003, at 23:29:02
What does adding the Wellbutrin to Lex do for you that just Lex, alone, does not?? I used to take Wellbutrin some years ago, and now just take Lex. Thanks.
Posted by Esmarelda on September 30, 2003, at 13:57:19
In reply to Re: update, posted by Diva Blue on September 27, 2003, at 16:57:56
Good for you, Diva! Sounds like the Lex is starting to give you benefit! Good luck and hang in there. My worst weeks were at about 2-4. Then, BAM - Miracle drug!
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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