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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by cocohoneynut on January 20, 2004, at 20:14:02
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects - COCOHONEYNUT pls read, posted by Mariposa on January 20, 2004, at 17:47:11
Mariposa...thank you for the information!! Seems as if you had a rough time, but hanging in there!! As I type this email, my head is throbbing a little, not much. What time of day do you take your Lex?? Let's keep in touch, okay? I need someone to relay my symptoms to and this way we can "compare-notes"!! Don't be a BITCH to no one else at work...easy does it (smile) :-)
> > > I have been reading posts here for a month or so and decided I should share my Lex experiences, too. What I have read has been so helpfull and thank you all for sharing.
> > > I'm in week 5 on 5mg and I take it late morning, around 10:00AM. Female 47, diagnosed with PMDD and depression, have never taken any meds before. Just haven't felt like my usual self for a couple of years it seems. Thought I was peri-menopausal, but Dr says it's PMDD. Was having terrible fights w/husband and fits of rage at work, while having to deal with customers, NOT good! Recently lost Mother-in-Law, we were pretty close, and both me and husband were hit pretty hard. Inherited a big house that needs a lot of work.
> > > 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.
> > > Week 2 - People at work have the flu, I called in sick all week, really felt terrible and don't know for sure if it was Lex or flu, had no fever, but had headaches, congestion, runny nose, chills, diahrea, slept A LOT, day and night. Eat like a pig but actually lost a pound or two, realy crave carbs ( Potatoe chips, Chex mix, etc. ). Occasional anxiety. Got an itchy rash all over my back and top of my arms. Head feels "big" and spacey. Have to tell self not to clench teeth.
> > > Week 3 - "Flu" symptoms going away, feel very tired, no energy, short of breath if I do anything. Head still feels funny - spacey. Sweaty armpits on some days, blurry vision, a few mild night sweats, but in general no trouble sleeping. Still have mild diahrea. Had one day of bad lower back pain. Anxiety seems to occur less often. Gained back the pounds I lost.
> > > Week 4 - Feel better physically, not mentally - still very angry and irritable, period is coming. A little trouble sleeping, want to blame husband for keeping me awake. Sweaty pits seem to have gone away, head doesn't feel funny any more, still have mild diahrea (not really a problem, just different than usual). Energy returning, able to do a lot more at work without feeling out of breath. Still clenching some but not as bad.
> > > Week 5 - Actually haven't finished week 5, only half way through. Got a customer complaint at work because I was such a BITCH! Supposed to be having period but hasn't actually started yet. Snapped at husband for no reason. Blurry vision improved slightly. Still don't want to get out of bed in the morning. Am starting to wonder if I should take 7.5mg or even 10 as I don't feel "better", but then figure I should still give it another week or 2, not sure I have given Lex long enough to help.
> > > I will update, and again want to thank everyone for your input, it helps to know you are not alone!!!
> >
> > This is one of my old posts. Save you some trouble, hope it helps
>
> This is in answer to your step by step question in another thread~~~8|8
>
Posted by Journeyman on January 20, 2004, at 22:19:38
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects - COCOHONEYNUT pls read, posted by Mariposa on January 20, 2004, at 17:47:11
Mrs. C
You're not alone. Tomorrow marks two months that I've been taking 5 mg. of Lexapro and side effects are not a significant problem for me, but they are there, nonetheless.
They include:
Weight gain -(I don't know where everybody's missing socks have gone, but the weight they've lost has been found. By some technological quirk, I seem to have absorbed it through digital contact with my laptop's keyboard). Am thinking of offsetting med. costs by securing sponsorship from Michelin.
Lightheadedness - it's almost a pleasant 'buzz,' but since it isn't normally there, I'd prefer not to have it.
Napmongoring - I don't experience any of the morning drowsiness that many folks mention, or clouded thinking. In fact, I'm pretty chipper until the early afternoon, at which point I often want nothing more than to drift off to lala land for an hour or two.
Wired for Business - Whether I nap or not, I'm running on high octane from about 4 pm to around midnight.
Upset stomach - not bad, but it comes around every once in a while, and since I basically have a cast-iron quality stomach, I know it's not from something I've eaten.
Diarrhea - Ditto.
It's just a reminder that people have different physical responses to the drug (no surprise there).
I'll take the mild on-again/off-again medicine symptoms over the oppressive heaviness of depression anyday (or night).
Peace to you and all,
Richard
Posted by KathrynLex on January 20, 2004, at 22:45:27
In reply to Special Effects, posted by Journeyman on January 20, 2004, at 22:19:38
"Weight gain -(I don't know where everybody's missing socks have gone, but the weight they've lost has been found. By some technological quirk, I seem to have absorbed it through digital contact with my laptop's keyboard). Am thinking of offsetting med. costs by securing sponsorship from Michelin."
He, he, he! Thank you for the laugh before bed Richard. I'll be giggling about that one as I lay under the covers tonight.K.
Posted by Journeyman on January 20, 2004, at 22:49:34
In reply to Special Effects, posted by Journeyman on January 20, 2004, at 22:19:38
And speaking of side effects, this little gem is from a book called "Disorder in the Court," a collection of actual court transcriptions.
I imagine the defendant as someone who's taking Lexapro, with less than satisfactory results in the sex dept.Q: Are you sexually active?
A: No, I just lie there.
Laughter's the best medicine. Lightheartedness to us all.Journeyman
Posted by Journeyman on January 20, 2004, at 23:07:40
In reply to Re: Special Effects, posted by KathrynLex on January 20, 2004, at 22:45:27
Dear K,
I'm so pleased that my ever-increasing girth could bring you such delight and maybe even help you sleep better!
I'll be jiggling about that one as I lie under the covers tonight. (BTW, I'm being totally facetious):-)
PS Want to make a run to Costco's with me and see if they sell Krispy Kremes in bulk?
Posted by Yogi on January 21, 2004, at 5:37:00
In reply to Re: Lexapro side-effects - COCOHONEYNUT pls read » Mariposa, posted by cocohoneynut on January 20, 2004, at 20:14:02
I have OCD and I have to get some kind of help. I went to a DR today and he prescribed Lexapro. I have looked at it twice and put it away. I don't mind telling anyone, I'm scared. I'm so very scared and confused. Tonight I read a lot of the posts on this thread. It seems to me that Lexapro can be pretty rough. I just got out of the shower and I just stood in there crying. I had bad side effects years ago with Paxil. I had side effects with Prozac but nothing as bad as Paxil and as some of you are describing with Lexapro. I want to be rid of the OCD so very much or at least be able to live a somewhat normal life day to day. I just wish there was a more natural way. Some of these side effects can really mess a person up. It's almost overwhelming if one thinks about it. To try a new drug is a big gamble. If it presents bad side effects then one has to gradually stop taking it. That can cause a person to be screwed up for months. I'm so scared and so confused.
Posted by emiliacole on January 21, 2004, at 6:40:36
In reply to Re: How much longer until... » KathrynLex, posted by muddled on January 8, 2004, at 14:20:00
yup, you won't want to eat for the first few weeks...and then all of a sudden you'll eat like a cow and eventually gain lots of weight, like me, 35 pounds in 8 months...
i just went off lexapro and now have the worst withdrawal ever...very BAD drug..
good luck
Posted by Gator on January 21, 2004, at 8:16:51
In reply to Re: How much longer until..., posted by emiliacole on January 21, 2004, at 6:40:36
emiliacole,
I'm sorry that Lexapro did not work for you. Yes, the side effects were rough in the begining, but I am 150% happier now. I am really starting to feel like myself 10 years ago.I wish you well in your search for happiness!!
Good Luck,
Gator
Posted by LynneDa on January 21, 2004, at 9:03:44
In reply to The Joy of Lex, posted by Journeyman on January 20, 2004, at 22:49:34
Richard - you are so clever . . . thanks for the smiles in your last 2 posts! Actually, your quote sounds like something Woody Allen would say.
I hope everyone finds something to smile about today, it sure helps!
~ Lynne
Posted by Mrs C. on January 21, 2004, at 9:07:11
In reply to Re: Anxious after 25 days?Mrs. C., posted by Gator on January 20, 2004, at 16:28:52
Thanks Gator, I already feel better. I just wanted to know if this was a common thing. I'm so relieved to know that I am not alone. You guys are so wonderful and I am lucky to have found such a great group of supportive "e-friends". Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs C. on January 21, 2004, at 9:13:48
In reply to Special Effects, posted by Journeyman on January 20, 2004, at 22:19:38
Thank you Richard for your enlightening post. I realize now after hearing from you and others that I still may feel some side effects from time to time. They are certainly not as strong as they were in the early weeks but still seem to come and go. With my personality, even on Lex, I tend to worry about things that aren't "normal" for me. But I guess this is "normal" now. You have been an inspiration to me over the past few months and I thank you! Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs C. on January 21, 2004, at 9:17:17
In reply to Re: Special Effects » KathrynLex, posted by Journeyman on January 20, 2004, at 23:07:40
You two are so funny! I am enjoying my entertainment for the day! I too, have gained weight since taking Lex but I blame it on my taste for Christmas cookies! I have since lost 10 pounds! Keep up the humor, we all need it from time to time. Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs C. on January 21, 2004, at 9:22:39
In reply to Re: How much longer until..., posted by emiliacole on January 21, 2004, at 6:40:36
I'm sorry but I have to speak up. I realize that you are having an awful time but some of us have been saved by this drug! While I appreciate your feelings I do think that it is unfair to scare people with your negative comments. Try to think of something positive that has come from your Lex use. This could be realizing that SSRIs are not for you. How long were you taking Lex? And why did you quit cold turkey? Hope you are not offended by my comments but I'm thinking of the new people on this board who may not try lex and who could be helped by it. The s/e's are short lived and manageable for most of us. Thanks for listening. Mrs. C
Posted by Mariposa on January 21, 2004, at 9:23:40
In reply to Re: How much longer until..., posted by emiliacole on January 21, 2004, at 6:40:36
> yup, you won't want to eat for the first few weeks...and then all of a sudden you'll eat like a cow and eventually gain lots of weight, like me, 35 pounds in 8 months...
>
> i just went off lexapro and now have the worst withdrawal ever...very BAD drug..
>
> good luckVery bad for you maybe, but for many of us who post here, Lexapro has been a *life saver*, I feel like I have my old self back. I also lost 10 pounds, so A general dismissal of the drug is not in order for the rest of us, what is bad for you is good for us and we hope you can find something that works as well for you.~~~8|8
Posted by LynneDa on January 21, 2004, at 9:25:53
In reply to scared and confused, posted by Yogi on January 21, 2004, at 5:37:00
Yogi -
I think we all went through the scared and confused stage!!! I understand how you feel. I was very resistant to taking meds. But, when my misery from depression & anxiety became more than my fear of the potential side effects, I took the plunge. I have heard that the s/e's from Lex are less severe than other meds people have taken.The first 2 weeks were uncomfortable for me, but I was very functional. I went to work, took care of my family . . . and went to bed around 9pm every night! The good people on this site helped me a lot. After 2 weeks or so, it got better and it's continued to get better since then. I'm at about the 3 month mark and feeling pretty darn good!
We'll be here to support you! I wish you peace!
~ Lynne
Posted by Gaza on January 21, 2004, at 10:24:37
In reply to scared and confused, posted by Yogi on January 21, 2004, at 5:37:00
Take your lexapro and look forward one month. Mark your calander and wait for that date. I have had almost no side effects, so little in fact, that it seems that many people on this board are exaggerating the side effects for effect and dramatics. I don't want to insult anybody by that, but so many people have been helped so much, they've left and forgotten about this board. They are so cured of depression, they haven't bothered coming back to input on this board.
I know how it feels to be so depressed that you get out of the shower, and just start crying. The depth of sadness is very acute and debilitating. It's beyond description.
Take your lex and don't look for the side effects, look for the relief. Be watching out for it. It will come.
> I have OCD and I have to get some kind of help. I went to a DR today and he prescribed Lexapro. I have looked at it twice and put it away. I don't mind telling anyone, I'm scared. I'm so very scared and confused. Tonight I read a lot of the posts on this thread. It seems to me that Lexapro can be pretty rough. I just got out of the shower and I just stood in there crying. I had bad side effects years ago with Paxil. I had side effects with Prozac but nothing as bad as Paxil and as some of you are describing with Lexapro. I want to be rid of the OCD so very much or at least be able to live a somewhat normal life day to day. I just wish there was a more natural way. Some of these side effects can really mess a person up. It's almost overwhelming if one thinks about it. To try a new drug is a big gamble. If it presents bad side effects then one has to gradually stop taking it. That can cause a person to be screwed up for months. I'm so scared and so confused.
Posted by sexylexy on January 21, 2004, at 11:28:06
In reply to Re: scared and confused, posted by Gaza on January 21, 2004, at 10:24:37
Hi ...
i can tell you one thing that helped me. I went back and looked at some earlier postings that had to do with lexapro. I noticed that the sign in names were extremely unfamilar being that most people use this board when they are scared, feeling terrible and need support as all who are starting a new drug seem to need. As they tend to feel better there use becomes more and more distant as the enjoyment of life comes back. It may help give you encouragement to do the same. Good luck to you and use the board as your e support group.
Lexy (10 mg, about to start week 5 and beinging to remember my old self)
Posted by Gaza on January 21, 2004, at 11:42:23
In reply to Re: scared and confused, posted by sexylexy on January 21, 2004, at 11:28:06
Thanks for doing that research sexlex. Some people had earlier wondered if there were lex manufactorers posting to this board, giving it kudos. What if the reverse is true; lex's competitors posting to this board saying how bad it is?
I like what it's doing for me, including the loss of appetite.
> Hi ...
> i can tell you one thing that helped me. I went back and looked at some earlier postings that had to do with lexapro. I noticed that the sign in names were extremely unfamilar being that most people use this board when they are scared, feeling terrible and need support as all who are starting a new drug seem to need. As they tend to feel better there use becomes more and more distant as the enjoyment of life comes back. It may help give you encouragement to do the same. Good luck to you and use the board as your e support group.
> Lexy (10 mg, about to start week 5 and beinging to remember my old self)
Posted by KathrynLex on January 21, 2004, at 13:48:10
In reply to scared and confused, posted by Yogi on January 21, 2004, at 5:37:10
Hi Yogi,
Taking a new drug can be scary. I was uncomfortable about starting lex too. My pdoc prescribed it after I tried Paxil and went through 3 days of horrific side effects that were so bad I couldn't take it on day 4. When I began lex I worried that I'd experience the same kind of nightmare I'd been in on Paxil. But, the side effects of lex have been tolerable. Like all side effects, they're uncomfortable. But they have not been impossible to deal with.
Try taking it for a few weeks at a low dose. Some people start out at 2.5 mg and raise that to 5 mg then 10 mg. This helps your body to adjust to the new med and you might experience fewer side effects this way. You probably want to discuss it with your pdoc if you decide to take it this way, he/she can probably give you the best advice.
For me, waiting through the side effects has been worth it because I'm starting to feel like a normal person again. It might do the same for you, and I encourage you to try it and return to the board for support if you have any problems.
K.
Posted by tiredman on January 21, 2004, at 14:51:56
In reply to Re: Getting desperate. What's the max lex I can take, posted by LynneDa on January 20, 2004, at 13:07:31
Lynn,After about a week, every increase so far has worked. I have never felt great but
"Neutral" is good enough for me. Neutral lasts for about a week (or maybe two)
then I start feeling bad again.If you are having trouble sleeping, talk to your pdoc. I take 50 mg Trazadone
(which is now perscribed more often then sleeping pills) and 2mg Ativan. I sleep
weather my jacked-up brain wants me to or not. I am probably addicted to Ativan
but my pdoc thinks that it is the least of my problems right now.Do you have any idea what is the max. of Lex people are taking on this board?
Hope things work out for you!
Posted by tiredman on January 21, 2004, at 14:59:50
In reply to Re: Getting desperate. What's the max lex I can take » tiredman, posted by Mariposa on January 20, 2004, at 13:38:24
Mariposa,
100!!!!
That's very, very high.That must be a special case. My pdoc says that if 25
doesn't work for me I should start trying other things. I am getting the biggest
dose of all her patients at 25.The brutal thing about this is that every increase from 2.5 mg up to 20 has had
good (albeit short lived results). Every night I go to bed wondering if I will
still feel good in the morning, knowing that sooner or later I will not. It's
torture!
Posted by LynneDa on January 21, 2004, at 15:06:17
In reply to Lynn - Re: Getting desperate. What's the max lex I, posted by tiredman on January 21, 2004, at 14:51:56
> Thanks for your response. I am getting to the point where I need to ask my p-doc for something for the sleep interruptions! I can't really judge if the Lex is working properly if I'm tired all the time.
The max I've heard on this board is 40mg. After that it seems like people start adding other things like Wellbutrin.
Your situation has me curious as to how the brain chemistry/med connection works. Maybe yours is not a serotonin deficiency as much as it is something else? When you think about what an SSRI does - keeps serotonin from leaving your brain so quickly - the nice up must even you out for a short time, but then there must be something else that your brain is lacking or something else that is more quickly depleting your serotonin supply?
I shouldn't play amateur shrink, but I'm trying to think logically why you would respond that way! Or maybe your brain is just resistant to the re-uptake process and needs more Lex. I hope you can discover the solution cuz this is definitely not good for your body :-).
~ Lynne>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
> Lynn,
>
> After about a week, every increase so far has worked. I have never felt great but
> "Neutral" is good enough for me. Neutral lasts for about a week (or maybe two)
> then I start feeling bad again.
>
> If you are having trouble sleeping, talk to your pdoc. I take 50 mg Trazadone
> (which is now perscribed more often then sleeping pills) and 2mg Ativan. I sleep
> weather my jacked-up brain wants me to or not. I am probably addicted to Ativan
> but my pdoc thinks that it is the least of my problems right now.
>
> Do you have any idea what is the max. of Lex people are taking on this board?
>
> Hope things work out for you!
>
Posted by Mrs C. on January 21, 2004, at 15:31:11
In reply to Re: scared and confused » Yogi, posted by LynneDa on January 21, 2004, at 9:25:53
Yogi, I absolutely agree with Lynda. Noone wants to be on medication but sometimes that medication can make an incredible difference in your life. I suffered with my emotional problems for years before I finally admitted there was a problem and that I needed treatment. I am so glad I did. My doctor tried to prescribe meds for me years ago and I laughed. I thought that I wasn't in need of help. So I let the problems go on and on until I literally could not stand them any longer. Lex has changed my life. In the end the decision is up to you but do not let fear hold you back. Nothing in this life is easy but with the help of family, friends and us I believe that you won't be sorry. Good Luck to you no matter what you decide. Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs C. on January 21, 2004, at 15:32:44
In reply to Re: scared and confused, posted by Gaza on January 21, 2004, at 10:24:37
Yogi, I forgot to add that I too suffered from OCD. Mrs. C
Posted by Yogi on January 21, 2004, at 15:42:48
In reply to Re: scared and confused » Yogi, posted by LynneDa on January 21, 2004, at 9:25:53
Lynne, Gaza, Sexylexy, Kathryn and Mrs. C,
Thanks so very much to each of you. Thanks for your kind, thoughtful and positive words. Trust me, I needed to read these today. Also, thanks so much for offering future support.
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