![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 19 of 19. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by sip on December 3, 2003, at 0:57:48
I just started Lexapro today. I have resisted anti-d's for a long time. I have been in therapy for over 10 years and both my old therapist (whom I was with up til this past year) and now my new one have urged me to consider meds. I didn't go on them because I have felt uncomfortable with the idea of being on medication AND because I am scared of gaining weight and sexual se's.
This past fall I came to realize that when I feel OK or content in my life it feels like a treat, a rare exception, and that the norm is either depression or waiting for depression. I was tired of it and decided to be a little more open minded.
I spoke to my doctor (whom I trust and have known a long time) about meds. I asked her about Wellbutrin because I had heard that there are no sexual se's with it, but from her screening of me she felt it would not be helpful because it would not address my anxiety which she feels is part of the depression. So she is having me try Lexapro.
Now I look around this board and it really seems like everyone who is on Lexapro or has been on Lexapro can't come, don't want to have sex, or have a really hard time enjoying sex!
So a function of my depression is to fixate on the negative and I am trying really hard not to do this here. I am going to give this a chance. But is there ANYONE who has found Lexapro to help with depression AND not ruin your sex life?????? Or pack on the pounds? Anyone?
(I am a female in my 30s btw).
Posted by Annette2 on December 3, 2003, at 1:58:18
In reply to this is SO depressing - Lexapro, posted by sip on December 3, 2003, at 0:57:48
Hey...Well I'm afraid I have no good news to report in the sexual arena. In fact, I have yet to read comments from anyone who has claimed their sex life has improved with Lex or any other med. Someone on this message board has suggested that if one is anticipating sex in a day or two, to go ahead and skip a few doses, have the (planned!) sex, then resume the meds. If the meds do build up in one's system, I don't know how that approach could hurt. But then again, it would depend upon the particular med and the severity of the person's illness. As for weight, I've probably gained...but since it was Thanksgiving week and football weekend, there was lots of food around so maybe the weight would have come on anyway.
Posted by shadows721 on December 3, 2003, at 11:06:56
In reply to Re: this is SO depressing - Lexapro, posted by Annette2 on December 3, 2003, at 1:58:18
I agree that Lexapro has some powerful chemical properties that just kill patients in the sexual arena. I know this is true for me. I like you have serious reservations about medications. I didn't want to give up my perfect weight and my sex drive, but I got so damn depressed that I gave into taking a medication. I felt that it was more important for me to be able to function that fit in my size 4 jeans and have my urge for sex. It really is a sacrifice. Isn't it.
I tried wellbutrin with the lexapro, but I have had difficulties with it. It did make me more anxious. My hands shook and I questioned that I had a seizure in the middle of the night with it. Finally, I had the itching all over. I have researched meds almost continuously to find one without the weight gain and sexual s/e. There's really not much out there for someone with anxiousness and depression. Serzone is one, but I had a violent throwing up spell with that one. Some countries like Canada want to stop it's production due to the risk of liver failure. Remeron helps in the sexual s/e, but major weight gain is notorious. Remeron makes people crave carbs, so I have read. I am sure there are people who have not had this. I hope. Wellbutrin is VERY stimulating to the central nervous system. I could hardly write on that drug. So, I have bowed down and take Lexapro. It is calming and does help depression. That is my experience with it. It worked fast too. I read in the PDR that it does increase appetite. That may be why some gain weight or it might be the slowing down of the resting metabolism. Not sure on that one. I plan on really watching the menu and drink plenty of water to help any cravings. I have read that some have had no proplem with weight gain. Some have said they got their sexual abilities back in one month time frame. I haven't.:<
I guess it really depends on how debilitating your symptoms are in regard to accepting treatment. So, you have to ask yourself, "How functioning am I?" How much is my depression affecting my relationships, work, and etc?" For me, I was feeling like I couldn't work or be around people. It's been a year, since I have worked. That's very severe.
Posted by Karalyn on December 3, 2003, at 16:57:48
In reply to this is SO depressing - Lexapro, posted by sip on December 3, 2003, at 0:57:48
> I just started Lexapro today. I have resisted anti-d's for a long time. I have been in therapy for over 10 years and both my old therapist (whom I was with up til this past year) and now my new one have urged me to consider meds. I didn't go on them because I have felt uncomfortable with the idea of being on medication AND because I am scared of gaining weight and sexual se's.
>
> This past fall I came to realize that when I feel OK or content in my life it feels like a treat, a rare exception, and that the norm is either depression or waiting for depression. I was tired of it and decided to be a little more open minded.
>
> I spoke to my doctor (whom I trust and have known a long time) about meds. I asked her about Wellbutrin because I had heard that there are no sexual se's with it, but from her screening of me she felt it would not be helpful because it would not address my anxiety which she feels is part of the depression. So she is having me try Lexapro.
>
> Now I look around this board and it really seems like everyone who is on Lexapro or has been on Lexapro can't come, don't want to have sex, or have a really hard time enjoying sex!
>
> So a function of my depression is to fixate on the negative and I am trying really hard not to do this here. I am going to give this a chance. But is there ANYONE who has found Lexapro to help with depression AND not ruin your sex life?????? Or pack on the pounds? Anyone?
>
> (I am a female in my 30s btw).
>
> hey, Ive only been on lex two and a half weeks. so i dont know if ill help ya much. so far Ive noticed less desire for sex but once my partner starts and does a lil foreplay (takes a lil longer) i respond just the same. It may just take a bit longer and more work. Dont just give up on it at first either. Like, a few times he wanted to and I didnt, but i gave in and then found later that it was fine. good luck.
Posted by Patient on December 8, 2003, at 13:28:47
In reply to this is SO depressing - Lexapro, posted by sip on December 3, 2003, at 0:57:48
Hi,
You might be interested in reading the following from "The Antidepressant Survival Guide" by Robert Hedaya, M.D.
Hypoglycemia self-evaluation test
http://www.rxlist.com/rxboard/paxil.pl?read=7517The Five-Day Jump Start
http://www.rxlist.com/rxboard/paxil.pl?read=7518I've not had a problem with weight gain from antidepressants (each of us acts differently toward these meds.) and I've been on several different ones (Zoloft, Celexa, Prozac, Wellbutrin, and Lexapro). I actually had a slight weight problem from binge eating before starting on ADs-originally started on Zoloft-and my carb. craving I once had has disappeared. I think I may not be average when it comes to weight gain and medicines. I do have problems with an increase in appetite from carbamazepine, which is used as a mood stabiliser, and even antihistamine Benadryl. Benadryl, like antidepressant Remeron (mirtazapine), are both H1 antagonists, which actually cause an increase in appetite. Most people complaining of weight gain from antidepressants, especially SSRI's and Effexor, say it makes them crave carbs., but others say they gained weight without a change in their diet.
The key to preventing the weight gain is steering clear of simple carbohydrates, which the American diet is so high in. Stay clear of hydrogenated fats, as well-these are in practically every processed food so you really have to read the label. I tell people to switch to brown rice instead of white, eat WASA whole grain crackers, nuts and seeds as snacks, avoid white bread-eat toasted bread instead of soft bread (the toasting makes for roughage), avoid sugar; well the above information will tell you. It's difficult to generalise the side effects of the antidepressants, but for the most part, Prozac is the least likely to gain weight and Paxil is the worst-but there have been some that have had the opposite effect to these generalisations.
As for sex drive and Lexapro, I had a low sex drive due to my problems with borderline personality disorder/depression/high anxiety, so losing my libido after starting on an SSRI (Zoloft) was no big deal. The good thing was antidepressants made me more relaxed where I could enjoy sex once again, even if I didn't have an orgasm. So far, Celexa 20mg daily has been the only SSRI that didn't cause anorgasmia-Zoloft (I was mainly taking 25mg.) being the worst.
Yeah, you can skip a day-some doctors will suggest skipping Friday and Saturday's dose, then restart on Sunday if you usually have sex on the weekends. This can be tricky though, especially for short-acting antidepressants, like regular Paxil, which can result in a return of depression/anxiety or withdrawal symptoms. Doctors will also suggest taking the lowest dose that works for your depression to reduce side effects. I found 5mg of Lexapro to work for me, any higher and it caused me to be anxious, but it wasn't strong enough (pretty weak in my opinion-I felt the need to take something in the evening to calm me-like a glass of wine or 0.5mg lorazapam). I felt ten times better when I took the Lexapro with 100mg of Wellubtrin SR. The Wellbutrin didn't make me nervous as I thought it would, but made me feel calm. Once again, each of us is different, making it hard to predict how you will be affected. I'm now taking 20mg Prozac, for budget reasons-it's working well.
Well, the best to you, and hope I didn't overwhelm you!
Posted by sip on December 10, 2003, at 22:34:57
In reply to Re: Preventing weight gain from medications, posted by Patient on December 8, 2003, at 13:28:47
Hey, thanks to everyone for your responses (and links)! I had trouble finding my way back to my thread on this board. It's my 8th day on Lexapro. My doc started me on 5 mg and I was supposed to up to 10 last night but I decided not to because I am in grad school and have a final next week and may wait til after that to up the dose -- I FINALLY feel clear headed and don't want to be foggy, drowsy, cotton headed, and in a bit of a daze for my final. PLUS I noticed I had trouble with orgasm and sex drive until about 2 days ago. It's kind of nice that that seems to have gone away (sexual s/e). I suspect if I go up to 10 mg it might really affect that area (although maybe that would dissipate as well after awhile).
I also think (although I am not sure) I am feeling fairly decent so I wonder if I should just stick with 5 mg? I hadn't realized til reading your post that some people might do OK on just 5 -- I wondered if it was too small an amount to make a difference. But maybe this is just the placebo effect because it seems awfully soon to be seeing any sort of results.
Anyway I am supposed to see my doctor for a f/u in a few weeks so I will discuss with her but may well stick with 5 mg til then since I am feeling OK. Just curious if anyone else is on 5 mg of Lexapro???
(Re: my appetite -- it's diminished a little but that may be a s/e that's temporary).
Thanks for the comments and commiseration.
> Hi,
>
> You might be interested in reading the following from "The Antidepressant Survival Guide" by Robert Hedaya, M.D.
>
> Hypoglycemia self-evaluation test
> http://www.rxlist.com/rxboard/paxil.pl?read=7517
>
> The Five-Day Jump Start
> http://www.rxlist.com/rxboard/paxil.pl?read=7518
>
> I've not had a problem with weight gain from antidepressants (each of us acts differently toward these meds.) and I've been on several different ones (Zoloft, Celexa, Prozac, Wellbutrin, and Lexapro). I actually had a slight weight problem from binge eating before starting on ADs-originally started on Zoloft-and my carb. craving I once had has disappeared. I think I may not be average when it comes to weight gain and medicines. I do have problems with an increase in appetite from carbamazepine, which is used as a mood stabiliser, and even antihistamine Benadryl. Benadryl, like antidepressant Remeron (mirtazapine), are both H1 antagonists, which actually cause an increase in appetite. Most people complaining of weight gain from antidepressants, especially SSRI's and Effexor, say it makes them crave carbs., but others say they gained weight without a change in their diet.
>
> The key to preventing the weight gain is steering clear of simple carbohydrates, which the American diet is so high in. Stay clear of hydrogenated fats, as well-these are in practically every processed food so you really have to read the label. I tell people to switch to brown rice instead of white, eat WASA whole grain crackers, nuts and seeds as snacks, avoid white bread-eat toasted bread instead of soft bread (the toasting makes for roughage), avoid sugar; well the above information will tell you. It's difficult to generalise the side effects of the antidepressants, but for the most part, Prozac is the least likely to gain weight and Paxil is the worst-but there have been some that have had the opposite effect to these generalisations.
>
> As for sex drive and Lexapro, I had a low sex drive due to my problems with borderline personality disorder/depression/high anxiety, so losing my libido after starting on an SSRI (Zoloft) was no big deal. The good thing was antidepressants made me more relaxed where I could enjoy sex once again, even if I didn't have an orgasm. So far, Celexa 20mg daily has been the only SSRI that didn't cause anorgasmia-Zoloft (I was mainly taking 25mg.) being the worst.
>
> Yeah, you can skip a day-some doctors will suggest skipping Friday and Saturday's dose, then restart on Sunday if you usually have sex on the weekends. This can be tricky though, especially for short-acting antidepressants, like regular Paxil, which can result in a return of depression/anxiety or withdrawal symptoms. Doctors will also suggest taking the lowest dose that works for your depression to reduce side effects. I found 5mg of Lexapro to work for me, any higher and it caused me to be anxious, but it wasn't strong enough (pretty weak in my opinion-I felt the need to take something in the evening to calm me-like a glass of wine or 0.5mg lorazapam). I felt ten times better when I took the Lexapro with 100mg of Wellubtrin SR. The Wellbutrin didn't make me nervous as I thought it would, but made me feel calm. Once again, each of us is different, making it hard to predict how you will be affected. I'm now taking 20mg Prozac, for budget reasons-it's working well.
>
> Well, the best to you, and hope I didn't overwhelm you!
Posted by Mariposa on December 10, 2003, at 22:42:42
In reply to 5 mg of Lexapro -- common?, posted by sip on December 10, 2003, at 22:34:57
Yes, it is common. I started @5mg, went to 10mg 5th week, 20mg 5th month. And some people do very well on 5mg or 7.5mg. It all depends on you. I would say if you feel pretty good and don't want to increase, there is no hurry to raise your dose. Of course, you should always consult doc.
Best of luck!~~~8|8
Posted by Patient on December 11, 2003, at 13:59:31
In reply to 5 mg of Lexapro -- common?, posted by sip on December 10, 2003, at 22:34:57
Yes, it's common, as Mariposa said.
The pharmaceutical information on Lexapro says that 10mg Lexapro is about equivelant to 20mg of Celexa, from which Lexapro is derived. Also, it is said that Lexapro starts to work faster than other SSRI's, as well as Effexor, or Remeron-most of these usually take about 4-6 weeks before one begins to feel better. For me, when I first started any antidepressant, it was a very low dose of Zoloft (25mg) and I began to feel better within two days. I've read that fast responders to SSRI's can indicate bi-polar disorder or manic-depressive illness. My doctor has loosely diagnosed me with borderline personality disorder, moderate depression and severe anxiety. Of course, there is more to diagnosing bi-polar disorder than just how you react to an antidepressant, and as I've said, Lexapro begins to work quickly compared to other similar medicines. If 5mg is working fine, than there is no need to increase. When I tried to increase to from 5mg to 10mg (mornings) I felt anxious after a few hours, especially in the late afternoons/early evenings. I tried taking 5mg mornings and 5mg in mid to late afternoon which reduced anxiety effect, but it seemed it did no better than 5mg. That was how I reacted to it anyway. I also would have certain bits of songs going over and over in my head-I'd sing them over and over and it would drive me nuts. I don't know why this occured-a bit less severe after I recently switched to Prozac.
I started taking 5mg Lexapro in February, along with 200mg of carbamaxepine-an anticonvulsant drug that is also used as a mood stabiliser. I was having problems with irritablility prior to Lexapro/carbamazepine-was taking 20mg of Celexa for a few months, but it wasn't helping with PMS irritablility and mood swings. The doctor was hoping the carbamazepine with Lexapro would help during that time of the month for me, but it didn't help. I stopped taking the carbamazepine and took only Lexapro and it was working so-so for me-I still felt anxious and a bit irritable in the early evenings. Wellbutrin SR 100mg was added and this combined with Lexapro worked ten times better for me-but the cost was out of our budget, so lately I have been taking Prozac. Talk about foggy, drowsy, cotton-headed-Prozac is making me feel all these, plus short-term memory problem and word-finding difficulty. I hope the 5mg works out for you. Glad to hear that Lexapro is working for Mariposa. I go to my psychiatrist next month and will discuss further of what med. would be right for me. They all seem to stop working after a few months, or maybe I am bi-polar, which requires different med. combinations.
Take care-
Posted by NightOwl_Trisha on December 12, 2003, at 20:03:25
In reply to this is SO depressing - Lexapro, posted by sip on December 3, 2003, at 0:57:48
> I just started Lexapro today. I have resisted anti-d's for a long time. I have been in therapy for over 10 years and both my old therapist (whom I was with up til this past year) and now my new one have urged me to consider meds. I didn't go on them because I have felt uncomfortable with the idea of being on medication AND because I am scared of gaining weight and sexual se's.
>
> This past fall I came to realize that when I feel OK or content in my life it feels like a treat, a rare exception, and that the norm is either depression or waiting for depression. I was tired of it and decided to be a little more open minded.
>
> I spoke to my doctor (whom I trust and have known a long time) about meds. I asked her about Wellbutrin because I had heard that there are no sexual se's with it, but from her screening of me she felt it would not be helpful because it would not address my anxiety which she feels is part of the depression. So she is having me try Lexapro.
>
> Now I look around this board and it really seems like everyone who is on Lexapro or has been on Lexapro can't come, don't want to have sex, or have a really hard time enjoying sex!
>
> So a function of my depression is to fixate on the negative and I am trying really hard not to do this here. I am going to give this a chance. But is there ANYONE who has found Lexapro to help with depression AND not ruin your sex life?????? Or pack on the pounds? Anyone?
>
> (I am a female in my 30s btw).
I don't have answers because, like you, I am a woman in my 30's who resisted a/d's because of the side effects but finally started on Lexapro 5 mg yesterday. Day two and I don't have any side effects! YAY! (I was on Effexor once, I won't even start on how horrible that was for me).I just wante dyou to know you are not alone and that I have the same fears and feelings as you do.
I want to feel happy and content but I don't want to lose my sexual desire and ability. I didn't with Effexor so I am hoping for the best with Lexapro.
Good luck to both of us :)
Trisha
Posted by sip on December 13, 2003, at 23:12:09
In reply to Re: this is SO depressing - Lexapro, posted by NightOwl_Trisha on December 12, 2003, at 20:03:25
Trisha - thanks so much for your message. I am on week 2 (I think?) and just had a slight anxiety bout because I think i am putting on a little weight. And it DOES take me longer to reach orgasm -- but am holding out in hopes that my body will get used to the meds. I have a friend on Celexa who said his first month he had a lot of s/e's -- including sexual -- that went away. But it's nice to know I am not vain/frivolous (well, maybe I am -- ;)) for thinking sex matters. Good luck back to us!
Patiet and Mariposa - thanks for your response about my dose. I think after my final exam on Weds. I will up to 10 mg even though I already see some s/e's that I don't like (see above) but I am going to give it 6-8 weeks. Plus I see my doctor in two weeks and will see what she says.
>
> I just wante dyou to know you are not alone and that I have the same fears and feelings as you do.
>
> I want to feel happy and content but I don't want to lose my sexual desire and ability. I didn't with Effexor so I am hoping for the best with Lexapro.
>
> Good luck to both of us :)
> Trisha
>
>
Posted by BobYuma on December 30, 2003, at 16:26:49
In reply to Re: 5 mg of Lexapro -- common?, posted by Patient on December 11, 2003, at 13:59:31
> > > I tried taking 5mg [Lexapro] mornings and 5mg in mid to late afternoon which reduced anxiety effect, but it seemed it did no better than 5mg. That was how I reacted to it anyway. I also would have certain bits of songs going over and over in my head-I'd sing them over and over and it would drive me nuts. I don't know why this occured-a bit less severe after I recently switched to Prozac. > > >
Hi, I can't believe you wrote about the bits of songs going over and over in your head. I have the very same thing happening.
I've been on 10 mg of Lexapro for nearly four weeks, and this is one thing that has been almost constant with me ... most of the time I have to literally make myself stop with the repeating of who-knows-what in my head.
I'm also still having a big problem with clenching my jaws and teeth. I do this mostly in my sleep [because I can control it if I'm awake, I suppose] and wake up every morning with very sore jaws, which now, during the day, turn into an ache [much like a terrible headache].
Thanks for your post, and good luck.
BobYuma
Posted by KathrynLex on December 30, 2003, at 16:46:20
In reply to Re: 5 mg of Lexapro -- common?, posted by BobYuma on December 30, 2003, at 16:26:49
Ever since I started lex 2 weeks ago I have had music coming in to my head and repeating itself over and over. It's so good to know that this is happening to other people! What a strange side effect.
Posted by Steve3211 on December 31, 2003, at 15:33:54
In reply to Re: 5 mg of Lexapro -- common?, posted by BobYuma on December 30, 2003, at 16:26:49
> > > > I tried taking 5mg [Lexapro] mornings and 5mg in mid to late afternoon which reduced anxiety effect, but it seemed it did no better than 5mg. That was how I reacted to it anyway. I also would have certain bits of songs going over and over in my head-I'd sing them over and over and it would drive me nuts. I don't know why this occured-a bit less severe after I recently switched to Prozac. > > >
>
> Hi, I can't believe you wrote about the bits of songs going over and over in your head. I have the very same thing happening.
> I've been on 10 mg of Lexapro for nearly four weeks, and this is one thing that has been almost constant with me ... most of the time I have to literally make myself stop with the repeating of who-knows-what in my head.
> I'm also still having a big problem with clenching my jaws and teeth. I do this mostly in my sleep [because I can control it if I'm awake, I suppose] and wake up every morning with very sore jaws, which now, during the day, turn into an ache [much like a terrible headache].
> Thanks for your post, and good luck.
> BobYuma
Hi,Same thing with me. Songs going on in my head, but only when I am anxious whick is a lot. Hoping this goes away as anxiety subsides. Pissing me off about my appetite too. Don't know if it is the lexapro or the depression.
Steve
Posted by Steve3211 on December 31, 2003, at 15:47:22
In reply to 5 mg of Lexapro -- common?, posted by sip on December 10, 2003, at 22:34:57
> Hey, thanks to everyone for your responses (and links)! I had trouble finding my way back to my thread on this board. It's my 8th day on Lexapro. My doc started me on 5 mg and I was supposed to up to 10 last night but I decided not to because I am in grad school and have a final next week and may wait til after that to up the dose -- I FINALLY feel clear headed and don't want to be foggy, drowsy, cotton headed, and in a bit of a daze for my final. PLUS I noticed I had trouble with orgasm and sex drive until about 2 days ago. It's kind of nice that that seems to have gone away (sexual s/e). I suspect if I go up to 10 mg it might really affect that area (although maybe that would dissipate as well after awhile).
>
> I also think (although I am not sure) I am feeling fairly decent so I wonder if I should just stick with 5 mg? I hadn't realized til reading your post that some people might do OK on just 5 -- I wondered if it was too small an amount to make a difference. But maybe this is just the placebo effect because it seems awfully soon to be seeing any sort of results.
>
> Anyway I am supposed to see my doctor for a f/u in a few weeks so I will discuss with her but may well stick with 5 mg til then since I am feeling OK. Just curious if anyone else is on 5 mg of Lexapro???
>
> (Re: my appetite -- it's diminished a little but that may be a s/e that's temporary).
>
> Thanks for the comments and commiseration.
>
>
> > Hi,
> >
> > You might be interested in reading the following from "The Antidepressant Survival Guide" by Robert Hedaya, M.D.
> >
> > Hypoglycemia self-evaluation test
> > http://www.rxlist.com/rxboard/paxil.pl?read=7517
> >
> > The Five-Day Jump Start
> > http://www.rxlist.com/rxboard/paxil.pl?read=7518
> >
> > I've not had a problem with weight gain from antidepressants (each of us acts differently toward these meds.) and I've been on several different ones (Zoloft, Celexa, Prozac, Wellbutrin, and Lexapro). I actually had a slight weight problem from binge eating before starting on ADs-originally started on Zoloft-and my carb. craving I once had has disappeared. I think I may not be average when it comes to weight gain and medicines. I do have problems with an increase in appetite from carbamazepine, which is used as a mood stabiliser, and even antihistamine Benadryl. Benadryl, like antidepressant Remeron (mirtazapine), are both H1 antagonists, which actually cause an increase in appetite. Most people complaining of weight gain from antidepressants, especially SSRI's and Effexor, say it makes them crave carbs., but others say they gained weight without a change in their diet.
> >
> > The key to preventing the weight gain is steering clear of simple carbohydrates, which the American diet is so high in. Stay clear of hydrogenated fats, as well-these are in practically every processed food so you really have to read the label. I tell people to switch to brown rice instead of white, eat WASA whole grain crackers, nuts and seeds as snacks, avoid white bread-eat toasted bread instead of soft bread (the toasting makes for roughage), avoid sugar; well the above information will tell you. It's difficult to generalise the side effects of the antidepressants, but for the most part, Prozac is the least likely to gain weight and Paxil is the worst-but there have been some that have had the opposite effect to these generalisations.
> >
> > As for sex drive and Lexapro, I had a low sex drive due to my problems with borderline personality disorder/depression/high anxiety, so losing my libido after starting on an SSRI (Zoloft) was no big deal. The good thing was antidepressants made me more relaxed where I could enjoy sex once again, even if I didn't have an orgasm. So far, Celexa 20mg daily has been the only SSRI that didn't cause anorgasmia-Zoloft (I was mainly taking 25mg.) being the worst.
> >
> > Yeah, you can skip a day-some doctors will suggest skipping Friday and Saturday's dose, then restart on Sunday if you usually have sex on the weekends. This can be tricky though, especially for short-acting antidepressants, like regular Paxil, which can result in a return of depression/anxiety or withdrawal symptoms. Doctors will also suggest taking the lowest dose that works for your depression to reduce side effects. I found 5mg of Lexapro to work for me, any higher and it caused me to be anxious, but it wasn't strong enough (pretty weak in my opinion-I felt the need to take something in the evening to calm me-like a glass of wine or 0.5mg lorazapam). I felt ten times better when I took the Lexapro with 100mg of Wellubtrin SR. The Wellbutrin didn't make me nervous as I thought it would, but made me feel calm. Once again, each of us is different, making it hard to predict how you will be affected. I'm now taking 20mg Prozac, for budget reasons-it's working well.
> >
> > Well, the best to you, and hope I didn't overwhelm you!
>
>I'm on 5 mg and on my 8th day. Severe retching but hoping that passes. Somewhat hopeful at this point. Definately would like my appetite back however.
Steve
Posted by Patient on January 1, 2004, at 16:07:09
In reply to Re: 5 mg of Lexapro -- common?, posted by Steve3211 on December 31, 2003, at 15:47:22
Hi,
It's interesting to see how many other people have this aggravating side effect as well. Lexapro, as most of the SSRI's I've tried (my recent experience with Lexapro is more fresh in my memory), made me chew my fingers in the evening, sometimes all day and into the night. Lexapro, though, was the worst. My husband and I watched Back To The Future movie and I just couldn't stop singing Huey Lewis and the New's "Power of Love". Seems SSRI's make me feel good, but also cause like a sort of agitation/anxiety that also includes a sensitivity to bright lights (have to turn away when flashy commercials are on tv) or to certain sounds. What a mix: euphoria and anxiety!
The nausea can be reduced if you can lower the dose to half-that's if you're able to split the 5mg. then increase dose when you can. Try taking it with a BIG glass of water, or after a meal.
Posted by John2222 on January 2, 2004, at 12:19:15
In reply to Re: 5 mg of Lexapro -- common?, posted by BobYuma on December 30, 2003, at 16:26:49
I went to my dentist and had a mouth/teeth guard made. The dentist confirmed I was grinding my teeth at night. (He also was very much against the drug store night-guards because he said they don't keep your teeth aligned and can cause more harm that good.)
Anyway, that helped with the morning headaches. The headaches were prevelent when I was taking Effexor XR and also having more stress at home.
John
> I'm also still having a big problem with clenching my jaws and teeth. I do this mostly in my sleep [because I can control it if I'm awake, I suppose] and wake up every morning with very sore jaws, which now, during the day, turn into an ache [much like a terrible headache].
> Thanks for your post, and good luck.
> BobYuma
Posted by Steve3211 on January 6, 2004, at 18:17:15
In reply to Re: 5 mg of Lexapro-wretching/songs in the head, posted by Patient on January 1, 2004, at 16:07:09
> Hi,
>
> It's interesting to see how many other people have this aggravating side effect as well. Lexapro, as most of the SSRI's I've tried (my recent experience with Lexapro is more fresh in my memory), made me chew my fingers in the evening, sometimes all day and into the night. Lexapro, though, was the worst. My husband and I watched Back To The Future movie and I just couldn't stop singing Huey Lewis and the New's "Power of Love". Seems SSRI's make me feel good, but also cause like a sort of agitation/anxiety that also includes a sensitivity to bright lights (have to turn away when flashy commercials are on tv) or to certain sounds. What a mix: euphoria and anxiety!
>
> The nausea can be reduced if you can lower the dose to half-that's if you're able to split the 5mg. then increase dose when you can. Try taking it with a BIG glass of water, or after a meal.As soon as I read this, yep you guessed it power of love was playing in my head. Steve
Posted by reluctant on January 6, 2004, at 22:21:03
In reply to Re: 5 mg of Lexapro-wretching/songs in the head, posted by Steve3211 on January 6, 2004, at 18:17:15
My GOD, do you people have no mercy?I've always had the songs-in-my-head syndrome, all my life, on and off meds, and lexapro has made it no worse - but huey lewis, good lord, you're going to need to take something else to counter that side effect. He's one of the worst for annoying-stuck-in-head-songs. I just KNOW I'm going to have a huey lewis stint now - thanks bunches.
some mornings I wake up with "head like a hole" by Nine Inch Nails stuck in my head - which is odd as I was never a fan - bad way to start the day. Anyway, if this is something that will actually go away for you folks, more power to you. Personally, I'd pick the rash.
-r.
Posted by KathrynLex on January 7, 2004, at 14:42:52
In reply to AAAGH! HUEY LEWIS! noooo . . . » Steve3211, posted by reluctant on January 6, 2004, at 22:21:03
:) Thanks for the laugh, reluctant. I agree that having NIN stuck in you head is not a good way to start the day.
This is the end of the thread.
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