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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by klinkc on December 9, 2003, at 17:42:54
In reply to Re: going off lexapro, posted by cait9745 on November 6, 2003, at 7:46:42
I started on 20mg of Lexapro and have been tapered down to 10 and 5. After 3 days of not having anythign I had to take some today. I was really dizzy and could hardly drive or stand straight. I wanted to close my eyes all the time! Going off of antidepressants is hard, but if you are feeling better, it is a good thing. I was on Paxil for a year, 4 years ago, and it was MUCH MUCH worse than this. I think I'll be shaving off a little at a time. I would recommend giving it a try and when you are really close to the end, make it on a weekend or holiday to go completely off. That way you can sleep or just hang out at home.
Good luck, I'd also recommend investing in a couple of depression/anxiety books in case you feel a little nervous coming off!
Posted by RayJ on December 9, 2003, at 20:11:35
In reply to thank you, posted by happyK on December 9, 2003, at 15:29:59
Another thing you might want to try (which my doctor recommended) is to take it at bedtime. That way the worst of the dizziness & lethargy happens while you're asleep. This has worked pretty well for me.
Posted by Esmarelda on December 10, 2003, at 9:05:44
In reply to Re: thank you, posted by RayJ on December 9, 2003, at 20:11:35
The sleepiness lasted a month or two for me, but ultimately went away. Like everything else about Lexapro, it was worth the wait. Just hang in there.
Posted by LynneLaf on December 10, 2003, at 10:45:35
In reply to new user, posted by jennielaughs on December 5, 2003, at 9:37:00
HI, I just wanted to add my 2 cents. I am on 10 mg and this is my 3rd week. I was cloudy for 2 weeks and had headaches. Now that I am in my 3rd week, I feel better. I still am very tired but I think if i get on a consistant sleep schedule that will help. I hate getting out of bed, but I am feeling better about everything else in my life. My Mom is on the this med too and she has been for over a year and she feels great and is just a wonderful all around person. She'll never get off this med, it would drive us all nuts.
Hope I have helped.
Posted by Kiks on December 13, 2003, at 4:13:19
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects » dr. dave, posted by Ritch on June 19, 2002, at 9:11:56
My boyfriend has been taking Lexapro for a little more than a week, he was on it before but quit taking it because he thought it wasn't doing anything. Now he is experiencing more panic than ever before, soreness in his arms, like he can't lift them sometimes, headaches, trouble sleeping, tightness in his chest, trouble breathing, and more uncomfortable side effects. Does anyone have any positivce things to say about Lexapro?
Kiks
Posted by BobYuma on December 13, 2003, at 7:39:06
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by Kiks on December 13, 2003, at 4:13:19
> My boyfriend has been taking Lexapro for a little more than a week, he was on it before but quit taking it because he thought it wasn't doing anything. Now he is experiencing more panic than ever before, soreness in his arms, like he can't lift them sometimes, headaches, trouble sleeping, tightness in his chest, trouble breathing, and more uncomfortable side effects. Does anyone have any positivce things to say about Lexapro?
Kiks
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Hi, Kiks.
Gee, I'm sorry to hear that about your boyfriend. I'm no expert, but if I had all of those side effects, I'd go see my doctor. It could be that he just isn't able to take Lexapro, some people can't. But I'd see or call my doctor right away, especially considering the breathing problems.
I'm going into my second week on Lexapro. I haven't had any really terrible side effects so far. At first I thought they were bad [the jitters, sleeplessness, and a few other mild ones] but the more I read about other's SE's, I guess mine aren't so bad after all.
I had a pretty "low" feeling most of yesterday, but I've heard from some that the second week can be the worse as far as SE's are concerned.
On a positive note, I had the best night's sleep I've had in quite a while last night. I only woke up once or twice but went right back to seep and slept until 7:30 this morning. It felt great!I certainly hope that your boyfriend finds an answer for his panic. My prayers will include you both today.
BobYuma
Posted by Bali on December 13, 2003, at 17:29:26
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by Kiks on December 13, 2003, at 4:13:19
Kiks,
I am on my 7th week of Lexapro and started Wellbutrin 2 weeks ago to counteract the sexual s/e's. (I don't yet know about the effectiveness of Wellbutrin for this, but when I find out, I'll let everyone know.) I feel like a new person on Lex!!! I enjoy small things, for example, this a.m., while driving my son (8 years old) to his basketball game we saw a beautiful little blue bird and I actually stopped the car, and we watched it for a few minutes. I found real joy in this! Before Lex I would have said, "Come on, we've got to get to the gym!" I have infinite patience now and seem to really like people instead of harboring secret loathing for their shortcomings. I have not felt this kind of patience and happiness for at least 10 years. I'm not kidding! Maybe your boyfriend could just stick it out for a while. There are wonderful stories on this message board from people who have really been helped and have had their lives literally turned around. (Me being one of them.)
I like myself now. I didn't think I was having trouble with that until I realized two weeks ago (week 5) that I wasn't constantly thinking to myself: "You're too fat...you're getting old looking" (I am 46)
Now I am thinking...."Hey you look pretty damn good for a 46 year old!" I am not just trying to convince myself of this....I actually feel it!
So...........try to stick it out through the side effects. It may be a miracle medicine for your boyfriend. Most people on the site have noted that they really feel the difference at or around the fifth week mark. Everybody is different. However, for me, it has really, truly changed my entire perspective about my life. Bali
Posted by vandy on December 13, 2003, at 18:11:55
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by Bali on December 13, 2003, at 17:29:26
> Kiks,
> I am on my 7th week of Lexapro and started Wellbutrin 2 weeks ago to counteract the sexual s/e's. (I don't yet know about the effectiveness of Wellbutrin for this, but when I find out, I'll let everyone know.) I feel like a new person on Lex!!! I enjoy small things, for example, this a.m., while driving my son (8 years old) to his basketball game we saw a beautiful little blue bird and I actually stopped the car, and we watched it for a few minutes. I found real joy in this! Before Lex I would have said, "Come on, we've got to get to the gym!" I have infinite patience now and seem to really like people instead of harboring secret loathing for their shortcomings. I have not felt this kind of patience and happiness for at least 10 years. I'm not kidding! Maybe your boyfriend could just stick it out for a while. There are wonderful stories on this message board from people who have really been helped and have had their lives literally turned around. (Me being one of them.)
> I like myself now. I didn't think I was having trouble with that until I realized two weeks ago (week 5) that I wasn't constantly thinking to myself: "You're too fat...you're getting old looking" (I am 46)
> Now I am thinking...."Hey you look pretty damn good for a 46 year old!" I am not just trying to convince myself of this....I actually feel it!
> So...........try to stick it out through the side effects. It may be a miracle medicine for your boyfriend. Most people on the site have noted that they really feel the difference at or around the fifth week mark. Everybody is different. However, for me, it has really, truly changed my entire perspective about my life. BaliRIGHT ON THE BUTTON, BALI!
(i apologize. my bad. you're probably sick of that one in its various forms)But it's truly well said.
Posted by Mariposa on December 13, 2003, at 19:15:25
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by vandy on December 13, 2003, at 18:11:55
>
> But it's truly well said.
>
>I agree! @20mg have been taking since Feb. Colors are more beautiful I can't help but stare at the beauty I see everywhere. Patient also...work in customer service, deal w/a lot of usually upset people. Befor Lex I'd had several complaints and write-ups at work, was always upset myself, and now I can deal with anyone, and I'm not so depressed I can't function.
2nd week was worst for me, most bad se's gone by 4th wk, got worse, doc raised dose from 5 to 10mg, actually started to feel good 9th wk.
HANG in there IT'S WORTH IT! if it works for you too, and sorry to say it seems you should give it 6-8 weeks for an honest try.
Good luck!~~~8|8
Posted by shadyut on December 13, 2003, at 19:25:09
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by Mariposa on December 13, 2003, at 19:15:25
Sorry to report that colors aren't any brighter for me, and the birds ain't any prettier, but.... I do appreciate some good humor more now. For instance I was watching Chris Rock do some stand up and the stuff he was saying, I haven't had a good laugh like that in over a year. That's just one instance. If someone says something clever I really enjoy it for some reason, I sit back and think about and enjoy their comment for some reason. I dunno, I'm weird but thats by experience with Lex!
Posted by happyK on December 13, 2003, at 21:18:26
In reply to Re: thank you, posted by RayJ on December 9, 2003, at 20:11:35
> Another thing you might want to try (which my doctor recommended) is to take it at bedtime. That way the worst of the dizziness & lethargy happens while you're asleep. This has worked pretty well for me.
>RayJ, did taking it at bedtime make it hard to wake up in the morning? I tried taking it once before bedtime but literally felt hung over when I woke up. I also have a cold so this could be a contributing factor. Have you felt this way?
Posted by LynneLaf on December 13, 2003, at 21:35:05
In reply to Re: thank you, posted by happyK on December 13, 2003, at 21:18:26
I had the SE in the beginning and I am taking them at bedtime. I have started taking them a few hours before I am ready to go do bed so I don't have so many tired feelings in the morning. I too had issues of getttin up but I have found that this works better. I am on my 3rd week and I am starting to feel better, the empty whole inside of me is filling in.
Good Luck.
Lynne
Posted by RayJ on December 14, 2003, at 11:28:04
In reply to Re: thank you, posted by happyK on December 13, 2003, at 21:17:44
It did make me feel a little sluggish in the morning, but not too bad and it passes quickly, and also dimishes day by day as you take it longer. And like I said before, I've recently given up alcohol so the Lex hangover pales in comparison to the real ones I used to have.
Posted by Bill435 on December 14, 2003, at 12:33:40
In reply to Re: Another website on Lexapro » Bill435, posted by Journeyman on December 3, 2003, at 20:42:07
Journeyman, you made an excellent point RE: number of responses on rating Lexapro - or anything.
Bill
Posted by Bill435 on December 14, 2003, at 12:45:18
In reply to Re: I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro, posted by vandy on December 3, 2003, at 15:11:13
OK, I started this thread (I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro), so I should also post my conclusion. I DID switch from Celexa to Lexapro. I was concerned initially about a hyper too much coffee feeling. That went away. And there seems to be no sexual side effect for me like with Celexa (no ejaculation). So even though I'm an old married guy of 62 that tipped the balance.
Bill
Posted by lucy00 on December 14, 2003, at 16:06:43
In reply to Re: I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro (Conclusion), posted by Bill435 on December 14, 2003, at 12:45:18
I switched from Celexa to Lexapro a few months ago. At first, I also had the too much coffee feeling. I didn't feel as relaxed as I did on Celexa. Those feelings went away and I have actually felt more like "myself" on Lexapro than I did on Celexa--who wants to feel complacent all the time anyway? I have been happy with the switch. I also take 150 mg/ Wellbutrin twice a day. The combination has worked well for me. I am female, and I have had no sexual side effects since switching from Celexa to Lexapro. I did have some sexual side effects on Celexa. I do think the Wellbutrin helps with that, though, because the sexual side effects decreased when I added Wellbutrin to the Celexa. It has gotten even better since I switched to the Lexapro.
Posted by Kiks on December 14, 2003, at 18:41:15
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects » dr. dave, posted by Ritch on June 19, 2002, at 9:11:56
Thank you all so much! Although I think that he has started taking only a half a tab. He was taking 10mg, now only 5mgs... so far he has been improving significantly. He actually slept last night and he felt great. I just want to know if there is anyone who has had arm pain and tightness in the chest? Thank you again so much.
Kiks
Posted by vandy on December 14, 2003, at 23:05:59
In reply to Re: I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro (Conclusion), posted by Bill435 on December 14, 2003, at 12:45:18
That would decide things for me, too! And I'm a young married guy of 60.
Keep 'em flying.
> OK, I started this thread (I'm leaning towards no on Lexapro), so I should also post my conclusion. I DID switch from Celexa to Lexapro. I was concerned initially about a hyper too much coffee feeling. That went away. And there seems to be no sexual side effect for me like with Celexa (no ejaculation). So even though I'm an old married guy of 62 that tipped the balance.
> Bill
Posted by Kim B. on December 15, 2003, at 14:43:26
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro? « ggrrl, posted by susan b. anthony on March 29, 2003, at 13:41:34
I have just started Lexapro today and have a weird drugged feeling on 5 mg. Is this normal? and how long should it last?
Posted by Esmarelda on December 15, 2003, at 14:58:03
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by Mariposa on December 13, 2003, at 19:15:25
I pretty much have the same to say that Bali, Vandy and Mariposa did. I felt alot worse before I got better, but when I got better, I thought of Lexapro as a miracle drug. I couldn't even get out of bed some mornings. I don't think I had SE's as bad as some people, but definitely felt worse before it got better (around week 5). I started with 10 mg in June, went up to 15 in August and starting around Thanksgiving, started feeling a little depressed and anxious again. I really think it is the holidays so I upped the dosage a couple days ago to 20mg. We will see how I do on that. I think Mariposa had the same experience, right?
Posted by Mariposa on December 15, 2003, at 18:12:03
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects, posted by Esmarelda on December 15, 2003, at 14:58:03
> I pretty much have the same to say that Bali, Vandy and Mariposa did. I felt alot worse before I got better, but when I got better, I thought of Lexapro as a miracle drug. I couldn't even get out of bed some mornings. I don't think I had SE's as bad as some people, but definitely felt worse before it got better (around week 5). I started with 10 mg in June, went up to 15 in August and starting around Thanksgiving, started feeling a little depressed and anxious again. I really think it is the holidays so I upped the dosage a couple days ago to 20mg. We will see how I do on that. I think Mariposa had the same experience, right?
Yes.....Have been on 20mg since Sept. and still doing much better than I was before Lex!~~~8|8
Posted by lucy00 on December 15, 2003, at 18:46:36
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro?, posted by Kim B. on December 15, 2003, at 14:43:26
> I have just started Lexapro today and have a weird drugged feeling on 5 mg. Is this normal? and how long should it last?
Yes, I had the same experience. I felt drugged out, like I was separated from the rest of the world. My voice even sounded different to me. I felt a bit dizzy as well. It went away in a few days (I think around 4 for me).
Posted by Erin1679 on December 15, 2003, at 19:21:40
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro?, posted by lucy00 on December 15, 2003, at 18:46:36
I just fainted last night and was unconscious for a few seconds. I have been on Lex for about 3 months. Could it have been from that? I cant get a doctor's appointment for TWO weeks! Ugh! This stresses me out even more!
Posted by BobYuma on December 16, 2003, at 7:58:19
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro?, posted by Kim B. on December 15, 2003, at 14:43:26
> I have just started Lexapro today and have a weird drugged feeling on 5 mg. Is this normal? and how long should it last?
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Hi, Kim.
That feeling is a natural side affect with Lexapro from what I've read since I came to the message board.
I had the same feeling for a few days myself the first week I was on Lexapro. I'm five days into my second week now, and believe it or not, most of the side affects have completely gone away. I know that it takes some people up to four or five weeks to be rid of the SE's, but it looks like I won't take as long. I'm on 10 mgs a day, and I think it's working well enough that I won't have to increase the amount.
I can say all of this after I just went through an emergency heart catheterization with my Dad yesterday. They also found the problem and spent an hour and a half repairing an artery. I'm happy to say that I made it through the day just fine, without any feelings of panic at all, and my Dad is doing great right now. I figure yesterday was like a test for me, and if I made it through that, then I can make it through anything else.
My thanks to everyone for the support I've received here on the message board.
I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Healthy and Fruitful New Year.
Sincerely, BobYuma
Posted by LynneDa on December 16, 2003, at 9:22:51
In reply to Re: Anyone switched to Lexapro?, posted by Erin1679 on December 15, 2003, at 19:21:40
Hi Erin - fainting doesn't sound good! Do you have a history of that? What did your doctor's office say, are they concerned? I'm surprised they didn't get you in right away! How's your blood pressure? Maybe if you feel badly again you should go to a walk-in clinic type of place. Good luck and take good care!
~ Lynne
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