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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Erin1679 on November 30, 2003, at 0:47:12
In reply to Re: I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro, posted by C.Burton on November 29, 2003, at 20:31:58
I've been taking Lexapro for a little over two months because of my anxiety and constant worry.
Just a question...when you take the pill...what exactly does it do? Does it take a while for it to build up in your system or something? Or is it like asprin or something that wears off. Is it doing something to my brain? (If anyone knows a website where I can educate myself on this, please let me know)
I am taking 10mg, and I dont know if it is doing anything. Is it because I am not suffering from depression? I thought that I was supposed to feel better than I ever felt, but I still have the same stress, I'm still snappy at times, and I still worry about the same irrational things. (sorry...just started rambling)
Posted by jane47 on November 30, 2003, at 7:06:05
In reply to Questions, posted by Erin1679 on November 30, 2003, at 0:47:12
Lexapro increases the serotonin levels in your brain. Serotonin effects mood. I too am on 10 mg of lexapro. It's been 5 weeks. I was put on this by my doc because of anxiety and constant worrying. It has helped me tremendously. It does take a while to feel the full effects. (between 4-6 weeks). Like any drug there are side effects. They vary from person to person. These postings really help you learn about the effects of meds from a laymans perspective. Talk to your doctor. Get as much info as you can so you can make informed decisions. If it is not helping you might need more or it may not be the drug of choice for you. Good luck
...Jane
Posted by ddev99 on November 30, 2003, at 13:12:13
In reply to Questions, posted by Erin1679 on November 30, 2003, at 0:47:12
> I've been taking Lexapro for a little over two months because of my anxiety and constant worry.
> Just a question...when you take the pill...what exactly does it do? Does it take a while for it to build up in your system or something? Or is it like asprin or something that wears off. Is it doing something to my brain? (If anyone knows a website where I can educate myself on this, please let me know)
> I am taking 10mg, and I dont know if it is doing anything. Is it because I am not suffering from depression? I thought that I was supposed to feel better than I ever felt, but I still have the same stress, I'm still snappy at times, and I still worry about the same irrational things. (sorry...just started rambling)Hello, Erin... here is a link that may answer some of your questions about Lexapro. Keep in mind, this is THE Lexapro site, and so will paint the rosiest picture it can. Still good for addressing your basic questions, though. My thought is, if you haven't noticed improvement after 8 weeks, this may not be the drug you need.--ddev
http://www.lexapro.com/about_lexapro/faqs.asp
Posted by Erin1679 on November 30, 2003, at 13:40:35
In reply to Re: Questions » Erin1679, posted by ddev99 on November 30, 2003, at 13:12:13
My thought is, if you haven't noticed improvement after 8 weeks, this may not be the drug you need.--ddev
> http://www.lexapro.com/about_lexapro/faqs.asp
>I've been thinking the same thing, thank you for your reply. I am going to make an appointment with the doctor. Maybe I need a higher dosage, or something totally different.
As I said before, I am not suffering from depression. I just get very stressed out and worry about things that others would think is trivial. I am also getting married next October, and I am a 24 year old Special Ed teacher, teaching Preschool Autistic children ages 3-5 (which is physically, mentally and emotionally stressful in itself)
I just figured that extra serotonin would be beneficial to anyone, and that I should feel a difference.....my fiance notices a small difference, and I must admit I do too....but after 2 months I thought I'd be at the "peak" already......
I'll talk to my doc, and let you all know what I've decided. Thanks again :)
Posted by Bill435 on November 30, 2003, at 19:46:15
In reply to Re: I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro, posted by C.Burton on November 29, 2003, at 20:31:58
Have your husband try skipping a dose prior to sex. This may not be a medically approved option, however it has worked for me, with no effect on depression.
Posted by LynneLaf on November 30, 2003, at 21:01:02
In reply to Re: I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro, posted by Bill435 on November 30, 2003, at 19:46:15
Quick question for anyone. I have been on Lex for 1 week, for the last 2 days I have had a terrible headache in my neck and up to my sinuses. I have a lot of sinus issues to begin with so I can't tell if this is a side effect or my sinuses acting up. Anyone have headaches? I have noticed a little difference in my mood, I am more able to control my temper a little longer with dealing with my children who are 3 and 5 and my husband. I am really tired though, I could sleep all the time and I have no energy for anything. Thanks for listening to me bable. Have a good night.
Posted by Mariposa on November 30, 2003, at 21:22:30
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects - FLU!, posted by Mariposa on November 29, 2003, at 19:02:13
> > > Week 1 - Nausea for a few hours after taking, mild diahrea, REALLY bad Headaches in the evening. Felt tired and foggy headed in the afternoon. Noticed some mild anxiety. No trouble sleeping. Towards end of week started feeling like I was getting the flu. Noticed my teeth hurt and realized I was clenching. Didn't want to eat at all, no appetite.
> > This is one of my old posts. ~~~8|8
>
Posted by Karalyn on December 1, 2003, at 1:29:29
In reply to Side Effects, posted by LynneLaf on November 30, 2003, at 21:01:02
I had headaches too. i still do a little. im on the second week. I also think I have a cold now that i got a few days ago. i wondered if it was the med at first but now that my throat and everything is acting like its a full fledged cold thats what i think i have. i think you could call your doctor about this too though. he or she would be able to help you knowing your history of sinus issues.
> Quick question for anyone. I have been on Lex for 1 week, for the last 2 days I have had a terrible headache in my neck and up to my sinuses. I have a lot of sinus issues to begin with so I can't tell if this is a side effect or my sinuses acting up. Anyone have headaches? I have noticed a little difference in my mood, I am more able to control my temper a little longer with dealing with my children who are 3 and 5 and my husband. I am really tired though, I could sleep all the time and I have no energy for anything. Thanks for listening to me bable. Have a good night.
Posted by LynneLaf on December 1, 2003, at 7:25:53
In reply to Re: Side Effects, posted by Karalyn on December 1, 2003, at 1:29:29
Thanks for the advice. I have no headache really today, just I am very tired and foggy. I know this is from the meds. I am looking foward to being a little clearer as the weeks go on.
Posted by brian19876 on December 1, 2003, at 10:22:02
In reply to Re: Side Effects, posted by LynneLaf on December 1, 2003, at 7:25:53
ive been on lexapo for 16 days now i am sick in the stomach, tired all the time and its hard to achive a climax will this pass in time
Posted by melley on December 1, 2003, at 16:36:15
In reply to I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro, posted by Bill435 on November 27, 2003, at 14:27:41
I can't imagine how you could have a caffeiney feeling on lexapro! I took 10mg and was practically asleep all the time; now I take 5 mg and it is virtually side effect free. I took wellbutrin but had a bad reaction to it. Was on effexor for a year (nightmare drug). Lexapro is great. Just calms me down with no side effects. And on only 5mg. I am all for it. And think it can't hurt to try something because it might be just the right thing.> For several years I have been taking Wellbutrin 150mg and Celexa 20mg. That has been OK, except for the sexual side effect which I found a way to work around (see earlier post). My doctor suggested changing the Celexa to Lexapro 10mg. So far, (about a week) I'm not convinced. Some headache and a case of nerves, like the way too much caffiene feeling. So, unless things change, it will be back to Celexa for me.
> Bill
> PS - Happy Thanksgiving - tomorrow I turn 62, and exactly half those years have been spent taking, off and on, some kind of depresion medication.
Posted by Mrs C. on December 1, 2003, at 20:45:57
In reply to Side Effects, posted by LynneLaf on November 30, 2003, at 21:01:02
> Quick question for anyone. I have been on Lex for 1 week, for the last 2 days I have had a terrible headache in my neck and up to my sinuses. I have a lot of sinus issues to begin with so I can't tell if this is a side effect or my sinuses acting up. Anyone have headaches? I have noticed a little difference in my mood, I am more able to control my temper a little longer with dealing with my children who are 3 and 5 and my husband. I am really tired though, I could sleep all the time and I have no energy for anything. Thanks for listening to me bable. Have a good night.
Hi, I really haven't had headaches as a side effect on Lex but I
have read that Lex can cause headaches. Good Luck to you.
Posted by COOP on December 1, 2003, at 23:03:38
In reply to Re: Side Effects, posted by brian19876 on December 1, 2003, at 10:22:02
> ive been on lexapo for 16 days now i am sick in the stomach, tired all the time and its hard to achive a climax will this pass in time
I had all your SE. Felt worse with the drug.
In the middle of my 5th week felt great like waking up from a nightmare. Most of the SE are gone and I can control my feelings and reason now.
The best
Posted by MissPBY on December 1, 2003, at 23:14:00
In reply to Re: Side Effects, posted by Mrs C. on December 1, 2003, at 20:45:57
Hi, I've been on Lex for 3 months and I get the same kind of headaches. I didn't have them before so I do think they are because of the Lex.
> Quick question for anyone. I have been on Lex for 1 week, for the last 2 days I have had a terrible headache in my neck and up to my sinuses. I have a lot of sinus issues to begin with so I can't tell if this is a side effect or my sinuses acting up. Anyone have headaches? I have noticed a little difference in my mood, I am more able to control my temper a little longer with dealing with my children who are 3 and 5 and my husband. I am really tired though, I could sleep all the time and I have no energy for anything. Thanks for listening to me bable. Have a good night.
>
> Hi, I really haven't had headaches as a side effect on Lex but I
> have read that Lex can cause headaches. Good Luck to you.
Posted by Bill435 on December 1, 2003, at 23:22:09
In reply to Re: Side Effects, posted by COOP on December 1, 2003, at 23:03:38
If anybody wants another source for evaluations of Lexapro effectiveness, check out this website. The respondents here provide an actual rating based upon their experience. However, I was not able to find how these ratings compare with other AD medications.
Bill
Posted by Bill435 on December 1, 2003, at 23:32:01
In reply to Another website on Lexapro, posted by Bill435 on December 1, 2003, at 23:22:09
Followup on previous post -
Went back and looked again - yes the website does provide a long list of medications and other therapy, with number ratings. Lexapro is rated just under Celexa - and just above aroma therapy! (I'm serious.)
Bill
Posted by C.Burton on December 2, 2003, at 16:21:43
In reply to Re: I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro, posted by Bill435 on November 30, 2003, at 19:46:15
Thanks for the responses! I really appreciate anyone's help. I am starting to get very downhearted about this whole medicine thing already and it has only been a week for my husband. I don't see how all of you have dealt with these issues for so long. I commend you all. My question is does anyone know of a better med for my husband's depression. He just has been on the Lexapro for a week but all of his "depression" symptoms(sleeping too much and hostility)have not seemed to abated at all. Actually, he is sleeping more if anything!! It is so hard to get him motivated. If he is not working on a particular day then he just eats and sleeps all day!!
Someone help
Posted by Annette2 on December 2, 2003, at 16:59:14
In reply to Another website on Lexapro, posted by Bill435 on December 1, 2003, at 23:22:09
Hi Bill, Thanks for the link. I have read about 5 pages of patient comments/ratings about Lexapro. A few people here and there seem to be helped by it, but almost everyone is sleepy and gaining weight.
Posted by Annette2 on December 2, 2003, at 17:01:56
In reply to Re: Another website on Lexapro, posted by Annette2 on December 2, 2003, at 16:59:14
I forgot to say in the first message that it seems on Remedy.com that most of the Lexapro users report a deadened libido. Gee, I wonder why so many docs are prescribing this med.
Posted by Mrs C. on December 2, 2003, at 20:03:46
In reply to Re: I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro, posted by C.Burton on December 2, 2003, at 16:21:43
> Thanks for the responses! I really appreciate anyone's help. I am starting to get very downhearted about this whole medicine thing already and it has only been a week for my husband. I don't see how all of you have dealt with these issues for so long. I commend you all. My question is does anyone know of a better med for my husband's depression. He just has been on the Lexapro for a week but all of his "depression" symptoms(sleeping too much and hostility)have not seemed to abated at all. Actually, he is sleeping more if anything!! It is so hard to get him motivated. If he is not working on a particular day then he just eats and sleeps all day!!
> Someone helpPlease give it some time. A week is not very long. I too felt like
giving up in the beginning. I am on my fifth week and am only now
starting to feel better. As hard as it is to wait, I think it will be
worth from what I've read on this board. Good luck.
Posted by Karalyn on December 2, 2003, at 22:10:57
In reply to Re: Why not Wellbutrin?, posted by Mike228 on November 26, 2003, at 22:27:02
I think im gaining a few pounds on lexapro...at least im not losing any. I just ordered my wedding dress and it fit perfectly. Im not getting married for 6 months and i dont want to gain weight on lex. i think i gained about 15 pounds when on Effexor. if you gain weight on one drug does it make you more prone to gaining on every drug? I just want to feel better and have a reasonable life without getting fat. ahhhh. im just venting, but I would appreciate anyone responding. oh yeah and i feel to tired and not healthy enough to even go work out.
Posted by Oldhand on December 2, 2003, at 23:31:00
In reply to Re: I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro, posted by C.Burton on December 2, 2003, at 16:21:43
> Thanks for the responses! I really appreciate anyone's help. I am starting to get very downhearted about this whole medicine thing already and it has only been a week for my husband. I don't see how all of you have dealt with these issues for so long. I commend you all. My question is does anyone know of a better med for my husband's depression. He just has been on the Lexapro for a week but all of his "depression" symptoms(sleeping too much and hostility)have not seemed to abated at all. Actually, he is sleeping more if anything!! It is so hard to get him motivated. If he is not working on a particular day then he just eats and sleeps all day!!
> Someone helpPlease give the Lexapro some time to work. For some it takes six to eight weeks to kick in. It must be very hard for you to see your husband this way but most of these AD's take time to work. If it is the medication for him, you will be glad you waited. If not there are other choices and combinations to work with. Best wishes,
Shelley
Posted by jane47 on December 3, 2003, at 6:01:29
In reply to I dont want to gain weight!, posted by Karalyn on December 2, 2003, at 22:10:57
I have been on Lex for 6 weeks. I have not gained any weight. On prozac I packed on the weight. Eat healthy and exercise and you should be fine. Also eating healthy small meals frequently keeps your metabolism going and that should help with any weight gain. good luck to you
...jane
Posted by Mrs. R on December 3, 2003, at 9:08:25
In reply to Re: I dont want to gain weight! » Karalyn, posted by jane47 on December 3, 2003, at 6:01:29
> I have been on Lex for 6 weeks. I have not gained any weight. On prozac I packed on the weight. Eat healthy and exercise and you should be fine. Also eating healthy small meals frequently keeps your metabolism going and that should help with any weight gain. good luck to you
> ...janeI was on Lexapro 10mg/day for 4 wks and had an uncontrolled weight gain. My doctor put me on Wellbutrin in addition to the Lexapro. Have been on both for 3.5 weeks and have lost 5 pounds. These meds work differently on each of us.
Mrs. R
Posted by Esmarelda on December 3, 2003, at 10:40:28
In reply to Re: I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro, posted by C.Burton on December 2, 2003, at 16:21:43
Tell you husband to hang it there. When I first started Lexapro back in June, I actually got worse before I got better. The meds finally kicked in at about week 5 or 6 and I have considered it a miracle drug ever since!
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