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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 5637 to 5661 of 8406. Go back in thread:
Posted by ednababish on January 1, 2004, at 9:19:02
In reply to Re: Lexapro + Wellbutrin » Esmarelda, posted by Oldhand on December 31, 2003, at 21:49:35
I am wondering how much Lexapro most of you are taking, so please let me know. My psychiatrist pronounced me more depressed than I was admitting to myself the first visit; this second visit she said I needed more because I was still irratable and blue. I have been taking 10mg; she suggested 20mg, but I was concerned because two years ago 40mgs of Celexa was too much for me--I had a spell while teaching a collge class that I thought I was going to pass out. She then suggested 15mgs. Celexa and Lexapro have both made me jittery and a bit panicky until they have been levelled off in my system--but Celexa worked beautifully at 30 mgs two years ago. Any insights on this?
Posted by Mariposa on January 1, 2004, at 12:17:16
In reply to Re: Excessive Sleepiness, posted by JohnFromCalifornia on December 31, 2003, at 20:08:47
> > I have been on lex 20mg for about 3 weeks now. I am SOOO sleepy I find myself very demotivated... find myself more and more "antisocial" wanting to hibernate alone with my 2 golden retrievers ... I used to go to the gym 5x a week which I feel helped my dep/anx also but don't even feel like doing that. Any words of hope?
>
> I'm going down the very same road. After two weeks I have to drag myself out of bed. Though middle-aged I'm a cyclist and my weekly riding went from 150 miles to zero.
>
> Still, I'm going to stick it out. I figure the seratonin really must be coming back -- that chemical controls your sleep as well as your mood, so if it's affecting one area it may well affect the other.
>
> One thing I've discovered is because I sleep so well these days, if I FORCE myself out of bed and get busy at something, my mental focus and energy level is actually quite high.
>
> So I suggest you stick it out too, and hopefully side effects like sleepiness will give way to generally brighter and more placid state of mind.
>
>Have had the same experience....it's like the brain is sleepy but body is not...ignore brain, get moving and lethargy evaporates. I find Lex can be quite *energizing*.
Happy New Year everyone!~~~8|8
Posted by Mariposa on January 1, 2004, at 12:19:29
In reply to Average Lexapro dosage, posted by ednababish on January 1, 2004, at 9:19:02
> I am wondering how much Lexapro most of you are taking, so please let me know. My psychiatrist pronounced me more depressed than I was admitting to myself the first visit; this second visit she said I needed more because I was still irratable and blue. I have been taking 10mg; she suggested 20mg, but I was concerned because two years ago 40mgs of Celexa was too much for me--I had a spell while teaching a collge class that I thought I was going to pass out. She then suggested 15mgs. Celexa and Lexapro have both made me jittery and a bit panicky until they have been levelled off in my system--but Celexa worked beautifully at 30 mgs two years ago. Any insights on this?
Have been on Lex since Feb. w/good results, currently @20mg.~~~8|8
Posted by BobYuma on January 1, 2004, at 13:03:41
In reply to Average Lexapro dosage, posted by ednababish on January 1, 2004, at 9:19:02
> > > I am wondering how much Lexapro most of you are taking, so please let me know.> > >
Hello, Edna.
My doctor started me on 10 mg's of Lexapro one month ago, but told me that if I didn't think that the 10 mg's were doing the job, I could double the dosage.
However, I believe that 10 mg's is enough for me, because I haven't had any real depression since about the second day on Lex. Also, in the past few days I've started to get past the SE's, and that's one thing I'd hate to start back because of a higher doseage.
As a side note, I don't believe that my depression was nearly as "bad" as many people have, since it was caused by a particular incident. I think that [in most cases] we adapt ourselves to the various happenings of our lives and just learn to live with situations.
Take care of yourself, and good luck.
BobYuma
Posted by ginger C on January 1, 2004, at 16:22:35
In reply to Re: Lexapro + Wellbutrin » Esmarelda, posted by Oldhand on December 31, 2003, at 21:49:35
I have been on Lexapro and wellbutrin for over a year now. Lexapro works on seratonin levels and welbutrin they are noy reall sure exatcly how it works. I am taking 400mg welbutrin and 20mg Lex I have felt better on this combination than on any other meds they have tried
Posted by reluctant on January 1, 2004, at 16:30:39
In reply to Re: Lexapro + Wellbutrin, posted by ginger C on January 1, 2004, at 16:22:35
> I have been on Lexapro and wellbutrin for over a year now. Lexapro works on seratonin levels and welbutrin they are noy reall sure exatcly how it works. I am taking 400mg welbutrin and 20mg Lex I have felt better on this combination than on any other meds they have tried
that's good to hear! what had you tried before?
-r.
Posted by Neatfreak on January 1, 2004, at 17:12:18
In reply to Average Lexapro dosage, posted by ednababish on January 1, 2004, at 9:19:02
This is day 21 for Lexapro no side effects, and is it wishful thinking that perhaps my mood swings are as not as extream
Posted by BobYuma on January 1, 2004, at 17:38:32
In reply to Re: Average Lexapro dosage, posted by Neatfreak on January 1, 2004, at 17:12:18
> > >This is day 21 for Lexapro no side effects, and is it wishful thinking that perhaps my mood swings are as not as extream > >
Hi, Neat.
What amount is your dosage?
Posted by Alouette on January 1, 2004, at 18:26:28
In reply to Re: Lexapro - a TRUE test - and I passed!, posted by Mariposa on December 27, 2003, at 10:50:03
Hi All - I was on Effexor years ago (it helped my depression a lot but I hated the side effects); went off for a couple years; went on Prozac for a few years (ditto). I've been off antidepressants & doing well for about 1-1/2 years, but the last few months I've been swirling down, including loss of job. Two weeks + two days ago I went on Lexapro 10 mg a day. Yesterday was the first day I wasn't fantasizing about my own death - yay! (Don't worry - I'll never "off" myself because I have children, but when I'm depressed, sometimes it's a relief to think about suicide.) Today I'm a little glum again. Sleeping a lot, otherwise no side effects.
I sure would like to hear that there's hope that I'll feel a lot better soon on Lexapro -- especially since the side effects seem to be minimal.
Also, what are the hopes that my sex drive (which was actually way down even before I went on Lexapro) will ever return on Lexapro?
Thanks! Alouette
Posted by Gaza on January 1, 2004, at 18:39:13
In reply to Re: Lexapro, posted by Alouette on January 1, 2004, at 18:26:28
> Hi All - I was on Effexor years ago (it helped my depression a lot but I hated the side effects); went off for a couple years; went on Prozac for a few years (ditto). I've been off antidepressants & doing well for about 1-1/2 years, but the last few months I've been swirling down, including loss of job. Two weeks + two days ago I went on Lexapro 10 mg a day. Yesterday was the first day I wasn't fantasizing about my own death - yay! (Don't worry - I'll never "off" myself because I have children, but when I'm depressed, sometimes it's a relief to think about suicide.) Today I'm a little glum again. Sleeping a lot, otherwise no side effects.
>
> I sure would like to hear that there's hope that I'll feel a lot better soon on Lexapro -- especially since the side effects seem to be minimal.
>
> Also, what are the hopes that my sex drive (which was actually way down even before I went on Lexapro) will ever return on Lexapro?
>
> Thanks! AlouetteMan-o-man have I been there! Sounds like you were writing my experiences - exactly! To get the sex drive back you may need to use Welbutrin with Lexapro. Before Lex, I was so depressed that that eliminated any sex drive. Just didn't care at all. Mariposa has written well of my other experiences / feelings while sinking into that deep, deep pit. Man, it was really, really, really, bad. I've been on Lex now for about 3 months, and I haven't had those thoughts you mentioned for, at least a month. I sure feel for you. Stick with it, and maybe take 200 mg Welbutrin with the Lex. That helps the sexual situation pretty well.
Posted by ednababish on January 1, 2004, at 20:37:21
In reply to Re: Lexapro, posted by Alouette on January 1, 2004, at 18:26:28
My sexual side effects on Celexa and Lexapro have been minimal, as opposed to having no desire or response on paxil. It may not work for everyone, but it worked for me.
Posted by Neatfreak on January 1, 2004, at 21:09:57
In reply to Re: Average Lexapro dosage, posted by BobYuma on January 1, 2004, at 17:38:32
> > > >This is day 21 for Lexapro no side effects, and is it wishful thinking that perhaps my mood swings are as not as extream > >
>
> Hi, Neat.
> What amount is your dosage?Sorry left that out Bob.. it is 10mg
Posted by John2222 on January 2, 2004, at 12:12:36
In reply to Re: Average Lexapro dosage, posted by Neatfreak on January 1, 2004, at 21:09:57
Has anyone had any success with Lexapro at 5mg?
I was taking Effexor XR for about one and half years but recently tapered off the Effexor and switched to Wellbutrin.
I must say my motivation went way up after the change, and I don't sleep all the time like I was with Effexor. But, I feel kind of sad lately and the Wellbutrin doesn't seem to do much to relieve anxiety.
I was thinking of asking my dr about adding a small dose of Lexapro, maybe just 5mg. I'm hoping that a small dose will be just enough without any more side effects.
Any thoughts anyone?
John
>
> Sorry left that out Bob.. it is 10mg
Posted by Esmarelda on January 2, 2004, at 13:24:32
In reply to Average Lexapro dosage, posted by ednababish on January 1, 2004, at 9:19:02
I really appreciate everyone's input. I have taken Well with the Lex for 3 days now. I seem to have more energy and overall seem " happier." However, I woke up extremely depressed this morning and had to force myself out of bed. Since I got up and got moving, I feel fine. As for the dosage, I am on 20mg Lex now. I started on 10 in June, then upped to 15 in August and within last 2 weeks upped again to 20mg. I added Well a few days ago. I think the holidays may be dragging me down a bit. I would go from 10 to 15 and see if that helps, if not, go on up to the 20mg as suggested by your doc.
Posted by Esmarelda on January 2, 2004, at 13:28:47
In reply to Re: Average Lexapro dosage ? 5 mg ok?, posted by John2222 on January 2, 2004, at 12:12:36
There are people for which 5 or 7.5 mg has been very successful. It just depends on the person.
Posted by Mariposa on January 2, 2004, at 14:46:41
In reply to Re: Lexapro Update - Please comment » blkvettes, posted by lil' jimi on June 4, 2003, at 14:46:11
OLD POST - and a response too!
> hey there Wayne and Mariposa!
>
> Mariposa wrote:
> > > I would like to post about what's going on with me, is it just me or anyone else feeling this too???
> > >
> > > Month 5 @ 10mg - take around 2-3PM.
> > >
> > > In the last couple of weeks I have been doing so much my husband comments "You act like you're on Speed"!!! I have "detailed" bathroom w/toothbrush, caught up on huge pile of laundry, mowed the yard (1 acre) a couple of times (when needed), really cleaned up the kitchen, redecorated bedroom, it goes on..... I had let all the chores alone since Mother-in-Law passed away on my Birthday, the day we finished moving in to her house to try to take better care of her. Both husband and I had been too depressed to do much of anything....
> > >
> > > I find myself wanting to clean and do stuff now at 11PM, like I get a "speed rush" late in the evening where I was getting tired and falling asleep 3 - 4 weeks ago. Have been thinking of switching back to taking dose in the morning so I get "rush" in the afternoon.
> > >
> > > Has anyone else experienced anything like this????
> > >
> > > Any comments will be appreciated, and Best of Luck to us all
> >
> >
> then Wayne posted:
> > Hi there, I have been thinking of moving my time back to the morning also. I take mine around 4pm and before I take it Im like ready to take a nap. Then around 10 pm Im wide awake and can stay this way till 3 or 4 in the morning. In the past the lex made me so tired I could not stay awake. Like you I figure if I go back to the morning I will get tired at night. I will put all this energy to use during the day!!! The problem is I have moved my times around so many times. What I think should happen never works out. But its worth a try!!! We could always move back. What they call this feeling we get is a form of hyper mania. lil jimi will come along and give great deatail on this subject I hope!!! TAKE CARE!!!
> > WAYNE
> >
>
> ..... you Got me! ... sorry if i'm disappointing you Wayne, but ol' partners, i have No details here .... of course, i can come up with some hypotheticals ("guesses"!)!.... ha!
>
>
> y'all are both longer on lex than i have been, so maybe .... Maybe, you could be getting a new plateau of serotonin levels established and this is somehow supporting 'speedy' sort of active hyper-ness (?)....
>
> well, not exactly Great detail .... best i could come up with, and not neccessarily Even right!
> Ha!
>
> and Wayne ........
>
> TAKE CARE!!!!!
> ~ jimBO
>
> p.s. Mariposa:
> Hi! and TAKE CARE!!!!!
Posted by Mariposa on January 2, 2004, at 14:49:22
In reply to Re: Lexapro Update - my old post as promised, posted by Mariposa on January 2, 2004, at 14:46:41
> John2222 OLD POST - and a response too!
>
>
> > hey there Wayne and Mariposa!
> >
> > Mariposa wrote:
> > > > I would like to post about what's going on with me, is it just me or anyone else feeling this too???
> > > >
> > > > Month 5 @ 10mg - take around 2-3PM.
> > > >
> > > > In the last couple of weeks I have been doing so much my husband comments "You act like you're on Speed"!!! I have "detailed" bathroom w/toothbrush, caught up on huge pile of laundry, mowed the yard (1 acre) a couple of times (when needed), really cleaned up the kitchen, redecorated bedroom, it goes on..... I had let all the chores alone since Mother-in-Law passed away on my Birthday, the day we finished moving in to her house to try to take better care of her. Both husband and I had been too depressed to do much of anything....
> > > >
> > > > I find myself wanting to clean and do stuff now at 11PM, like I get a "speed rush" late in the evening where I was getting tired and falling asleep 3 - 4 weeks ago. Have been thinking of switching back to taking dose in the morning so I get "rush" in the afternoon.
> > > >
> > > > Has anyone else experienced anything like this????
> > > >
> > > > Any comments will be appreciated, and Best of Luck to us all
> > >
> > >
> > then Wayne posted:
> > > Hi there, I have been thinking of moving my time back to the morning also. I take mine around 4pm and before I take it Im like ready to take a nap. Then around 10 pm Im wide awake and can stay this way till 3 or 4 in the morning. In the past the lex made me so tired I could not stay awake. Like you I figure if I go back to the morning I will get tired at night. I will put all this energy to use during the day!!! The problem is I have moved my times around so many times. What I think should happen never works out. But its worth a try!!! We could always move back. What they call this feeling we get is a form of hyper mania. lil jimi will come along and give great deatail on this subject I hope!!! TAKE CARE!!!
> > > WAYNE
> > >
> >
> > ..... you Got me! ... sorry if i'm disappointing you Wayne, but ol' partners, i have No details here .... of course, i can come up with some hypotheticals ("guesses"!)!.... ha!
> >
> >
> > y'all are both longer on lex than i have been, so maybe .... Maybe, you could be getting a new plateau of serotonin levels established and this is somehow supporting 'speedy' sort of active hyper-ness (?)....
> >
> > well, not exactly Great detail .... best i could come up with, and not neccessarily Even right!
> > Ha!
> >
> > and Wayne ........
> >
> > TAKE CARE!!!!!
> > ~ jimBO
> >
> > p.s. Mariposa:
> > Hi! and TAKE CARE!!!!!
>
>
Posted by Mariposa on January 2, 2004, at 14:51:43
In reply to Re: Lexapro Update - my old post as promised, posted by Mariposa on January 2, 2004, at 14:46:41
> NOT John, STEVE!!! OLD POST - and a response too!
>
>
> > hey there Wayne and Mariposa!
> >
> > Mariposa wrote:
> > > > I would like to post about what's going on with me, is it just me or anyone else feeling this too???
> > > >
> > > > Month 5 @ 10mg - take around 2-3PM.
> > > >
> > > > In the last couple of weeks I have been doing so much my husband comments "You act like you're on Speed"!!! I have "detailed" bathroom w/toothbrush, caught up on huge pile of laundry, mowed the yard (1 acre) a couple of times (when needed), really cleaned up the kitchen, redecorated bedroom, it goes on..... I had let all the chores alone since Mother-in-Law passed away on my Birthday, the day we finished moving in to her house to try to take better care of her. Both husband and I had been too depressed to do much of anything....
> > > >
> > > > I find myself wanting to clean and do stuff now at 11PM, like I get a "speed rush" late in the evening where I was getting tired and falling asleep 3 - 4 weeks ago. Have been thinking of switching back to taking dose in the morning so I get "rush" in the afternoon.
> > > >
> > > > Has anyone else experienced anything like this????
> > > >
> > > > Any comments will be appreciated, and Best of Luck to us all
> > >
> > >
> > then Wayne posted:
> > > Hi there, I have been thinking of moving my time back to the morning also. I take mine around 4pm and before I take it Im like ready to take a nap. Then around 10 pm Im wide awake and can stay this way till 3 or 4 in the morning. In the past the lex made me so tired I could not stay awake. Like you I figure if I go back to the morning I will get tired at night. I will put all this energy to use during the day!!! The problem is I have moved my times around so many times. What I think should happen never works out. But its worth a try!!! We could always move back. What they call this feeling we get is a form of hyper mania. lil jimi will come along and give great deatail on this subject I hope!!! TAKE CARE!!!
> > > WAYNE
> > >
> >
> > ..... you Got me! ... sorry if i'm disappointing you Wayne, but ol' partners, i have No details here .... of course, i can come up with some hypotheticals ("guesses"!)!.... ha!
> >
> >
> > y'all are both longer on lex than i have been, so maybe .... Maybe, you could be getting a new plateau of serotonin levels established and this is somehow supporting 'speedy' sort of active hyper-ness (?)....
> >
> > well, not exactly Great detail .... best i could come up with, and not neccessarily Even right!
> > Ha!
> >
> > and Wayne ........
> >
> > TAKE CARE!!!!!
> > ~ jimBO
> >
> > p.s. Mariposa:
> > Hi! and TAKE CARE!!!!!
>
>
Posted by Anjul on January 2, 2004, at 17:36:43
In reply to Re: Average Lexapro dosage ? 5 mg ok? » John2222, posted by Esmarelda on January 2, 2004, at 13:28:47
I was taking 10 mg's and speeding happily (losing weight, not sleeping). The lack of sleep got to me, so I lowered to 5 mg. Big mistake! i crashed so hard! Now, I am taking 7.5 for the last 10 days. I'm going to give it a month and see what happens. I am sleeping really well and feeling so-so. Not the high of the 10mg, but not the crash of the 5 mg. I am hopeful!
Posted by Neatfreak on January 2, 2004, at 20:14:47
In reply to Re: Average Lexapro dosage ? 5 mg ok?, posted by Anjul on January 2, 2004, at 17:36:43
>How long did you take the Lexapro 10mg, I do not understand this medication 10mg is my dose I have no side effects, and if anything perhaps my sleep has increased fractionaly for sure no high
I was taking 10 mg's and speeding happily (losing weight, not sleeping). The lack of sleep got to me, so I lowered to 5 mg. Big mistake! i crashed so hard! Now, I am taking 7.5 for the last 10 days. I'm going to give it a month and see what happens. I am sleeping really well and feeling so-so. Not the high of the 10mg, but not the crash of the 5 mg. I am hopeful!
Posted by Alouette on January 2, 2004, at 20:22:11
In reply to Re: Lexapro, posted by Gaza on January 1, 2004, at 18:39:13
Thank you so much Gaza and everyone. All your responses and are helpful.
You know, way back when I was on Effexor, I tried Wellbutrin for the lowered sex drive - but my mouth tasted TERRIBLE all the time, so bad I discontinued it. Has anyone experienced this? Did it continue or go away? Maybe I would have a different experience this time on Lexapro.... Anyway, your responses give me the impetus to be more open to Wellbutrin when I see to my p-doc when I see her in two weeks. Last month she had suggested that we might substitute Wellbutrin for Lex at a later date "when I stablize," but I was negative due to the "bad taste in my mouth" (joke!) But with your support, I may give it a second chance I think.
Thanks so much for being there everyone!
Happy New Year from Alouette
Posted by steve3211 on January 2, 2004, at 22:11:34
In reply to Re: Lexapro Update - OOPS!!! For STEVE3211, posted by Mariposa on January 2, 2004, at 14:51:43
Mariposa,
Thanks for the post. I hope this speed effect does not last. I think Lexapro is working but I won't use it if this effect continues.
Steve
Posted by sip on January 2, 2004, at 22:14:13
In reply to Re: Lexapro Week 5 Blues, posted by nicky847 on December 30, 2003, at 16:41:51
I can't find my old post responding to this thread. I think I wrote it earlier in the week re: feeling a little down in my 4th week. I increased to 10 mg from 5 mg on Sat. nite 12/27, about a week ago. I forgot to take my Lexapro New Year's Eve, when I also got my way overdue period and had one hit of marijuana but no alcohol. Yesterday 1/1 I was very tired and at night I took my usual dose. I woke up extremely tired and I started feeling a little depressed as the day went on and I don't know if missing one dose + period + a little marijuana could possibly have triggered this?
I also am leaving a job I have loved. I run groups for adolescents and tonight was my last time running one such group and the kids said very beautiful things appreciating me. I know this made me sad and a little anxious about the decision I made, but my current mood is more of a depressed feeling then just sadness.
Just wondering if anyone has any perspective because I think I am lacking in that department right now. I know people have said there are ups and downs with this (and all) meds and maybe this is just my down but I am feeling a little discouraged and concerned that Lex isn't working for me anymore. Thanks.
Posted by sip on January 2, 2004, at 22:17:32
In reply to Re: Lexapro Week 5 Blues, posted by sip on January 2, 2004, at 22:14:13
I am coming to the end of my 5th week on Lexapro. First 4 weeks on 5 mg and this week I've been on 10 mg.
> I can't find my old post responding to this thread. I think I wrote it earlier in the week re: feeling a little down in my 4th week. I increased to 10 mg from 5 mg on Sat. nite 12/27, about a week ago. I forgot to take my Lexapro New Year's Eve, when I also got my way overdue period and had one hit of marijuana but no alcohol. Yesterday 1/1 I was very tired and at night I took my usual dose. I woke up extremely tired and I started feeling a little depressed as the day went on and I don't know if missing one dose + period + a little marijuana could possibly have triggered this?
>
> I also am leaving a job I have loved. I run groups for adolescents and tonight was my last time running one such group and the kids said very beautiful things appreciating me. I know this made me sad and a little anxious about the decision I made, but my current mood is more of a depressed feeling then just sadness.
>
> Just wondering if anyone has any perspective because I think I am lacking in that department right now. I know people have said there are ups and downs with this (and all) meds and maybe this is just my down but I am feeling a little discouraged and concerned that Lex isn't working for me anymore. Thanks.
>
>
Posted by Mariposa on January 3, 2004, at 8:41:14
In reply to Just to clarify, posted by sip on January 2, 2004, at 22:17:32
> I am coming to the end of my 5th week on Lexapro. First 4 weeks on 5 mg and this week I've been on 10 mg.
>
> > I can't find my old post responding to this thread. I think I wrote it earlier in the week re: feeling a little down in my 4th week. I increased to 10 mg from 5 mg on Sat. nite 12/27, about a week ago. I forgot to take my Lexapro New Year's Eve, when I also got my way overdue period and had one hit of marijuana but no alcohol. Yesterday 1/1 I was very tired and at night I took my usual dose. I woke up extremely tired and I started feeling a little depressed as the day went on and I don't know if missing one dose + period + a little marijuana could possibly have triggered this?
> >
> > I also am leaving a job I have loved. I run groups for adolescents and tonight was my last time running one such group and the kids said very beautiful things appreciating me. I know this made me sad and a little anxious about the decision I made, but my current mood is more of a depressed feeling then just sadness.
> >
> > Just wondering if anyone has any perspective because I think I am lacking in that department right now. I know people have said there are ups and downs with this (and all) meds and maybe this is just my down but I am feeling a little discouraged and concerned that Lex isn't working for me anymore. Thanks.
> >
> >
>
>
I had the same kind of trouble (feeling more down, like Lex wasn't working, etc.) around week 5. My doc raised dose from 5mg to 10mg and that seemed to help. I didn't feel like Lex started working until 9th week.
Currently @20mg. Have up days and down days, just not nearly as bad or debilitating as before Lex.Good luck~~~8|8
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