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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Mariposa on January 22, 2004, at 22:37:17
In reply to Re: Ladies on lex. please respond!, posted by Missy K on January 22, 2004, at 21:27:50
I missed one entirely, late for 2, then things went back to normal.~~~8|8
Posted by KathrynLex on January 23, 2004, at 0:11:52
In reply to Ladies on lex. please respond!, posted by sexylexy on January 22, 2004, at 20:47:13
Hi Lexy,
Since I've only been taking lex for about month I've only been through my menstrual cycle once while on the med. My period came early and left quickly. Not only that, but I felt very out of sorts just before it started - almost like some of the lex side effects were coming back. I'm hoping my period will go back to normal after my body adjusts to lex. Prior to taking it my period was on a very predictable schedule.
Give it some time...you'll probably get your period in the next few days. Or, it's possible you will skip your period this month but don't let it concern you too much. It sounds like your body is trying to get settled again after having been through 2 rounds of antibiotics on top of a new med.
I'm curious, have you noticed any other signs that would indicate your period is about to arrive such as PMS or cramps? Another possibility is that you will have an entirely new cycle on lex. Wait to see what it is, I don't think it means there is anything wrong with you...rest assured that your period will show up soon.
K.
Posted by KathrynLex on January 23, 2004, at 0:24:08
Hi,
Since starting lex my attention span has gotten worse. I was having a conversation with a friend today and realized half way through that I had no idea what she was talking about. This happened occasionally before I was on lex, but since starting on lex it's occuring much more often - at least once a day. I'm also having trouble focusing on tasks at work and leisure reading has become more difficult because my mind wanders very quickly...way more quickly than it used to. Is this a side effect of the lex that will go away, or could it be something else? This is fairly disconcerting, any ideas or suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks!
K.
Posted by Simus on January 23, 2004, at 4:56:09
In reply to Could use some advice about Lex and Attn Span, posted by KathrynLex on January 23, 2004, at 0:24:08
> Hi,
>
> Since starting lex my attention span has gotten worse. I was having a conversation with a friend today and realized half way through that I had no idea what she was talking about. This happened occasionally before I was on lex, but since starting on lex it's occuring much more often - at least once a day. I'm also having trouble focusing on tasks at work and leisure reading has become more difficult because my mind wanders very quickly...way more quickly than it used to. Is this a side effect of the lex that will go away, or could it be something else? This is fairly disconcerting, any ideas or suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks!
>
> K.I agree. I have noticed that my short-term memory isn't as good on Lex as with other SSRIs either. This has been very embarrassing. Any ideas on this also???
Posted by Mrs C. on January 23, 2004, at 7:44:48
In reply to Re: Lexoloading, posted by KathrynLex on January 22, 2004, at 15:21:34
Thanks K,
I really do appreciate your support. You have been a nice addition to this board. One of the biggest lessons I have learned through all of this is that I need other people. I am not one of those women who can get along on her inner strength. Yes, it plays a very important part in my day to day functioning but it's the encouragement and support of others that really make the difference for me. How funny that complete strangers can provide more comfort to me than my own family members and close friends. I will do something nice for myself, thanks! There will be some major shopping this weekend! Have a great day! Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs C. on January 23, 2004, at 7:50:33
In reply to Ladies on lex. please respond!, posted by sexylexy on January 22, 2004, at 20:47:13
Lexy, I am two days late for mine as I write this to you. I have been experiencing some PMS symptoms though. Up to now my cycle since starting lex has been normal. I remember reading some of Mariposa's old posts and I think she experienced some changes in her cycle too. I am sure that we will be hearing from her on this subject..I hope. For now I am just waiting and hoping that it will be today and I will be relieved of this hormonal pressure I am under. Yuck! Let me know how you are feeling and I hope everything comes out okay (pun intended). Mrs. C
Posted by LynneDa on January 23, 2004, at 9:23:47
In reply to Ladies on lex. please respond!, posted by sexylexy on January 22, 2004, at 20:47:13
Hi Lexy,
My first period on Lex was practically non-existent and yes I was worried. Then, my second one made up for it by being really heavy & looong! So, who knows if it was the Lex or just stress? I"m usually very regular and consistent in my patterns where that's concerned. Try not to worry :-)
~ Lynne>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Hi Ladies,
> Again I want to thank all ya'll for your wonderful support.
> I have a lady question... I seem to be late for my period at this point only a day. It is very unlikely that I am pregnant. Did any of you have problems with your cycle on lexapro. I have also been on two rounds of antibiotics in the past month??? Just a little worried.
> Thanks 1,000,000
> Lexy
Posted by SJ on January 23, 2004, at 10:36:12
In reply to Re: scared and confused, posted by Gator on January 22, 2004, at 16:01:18
Gator - Actually, we were worried about "drugging" our kid up too. We spent a year and a half seeing a therapist who tried to help her, but my daughter's life was still miserable. She'd cry herself to sleep every night and was so mad at herself because she couldn't stop. She always complained up a lump in her throat and she worried all the time. We feel we gave it our best effort to try and help her without medication, but we couldn't, and she couldn't live like that any longer. I feel bad for kids and teens who have parents that don't want to face this. I know my husband and I struggled with the idea that our child had these types of disorders. Now looking back, we both wish we had gotten her some help sooner.
Take care.
Posted by Gator on January 23, 2004, at 10:53:06
In reply to Re: scared and confused, posted by SJ on January 23, 2004, at 10:36:12
SJ,
Well I applaud you for being intune and truly concerned. My daughter is 10 and she is abit obsessive(comes from me) and has very wide mood swings. We just started counceling and I will have to deal with my husband if it ever comes to having her take medication because he does not believe in depending on something to make you feel better. I have not let him prevent me from taking Lex(thank God). Please keep coming to this board for support and my thoughts are with your family.
Gator
Posted by gaza on January 23, 2004, at 11:13:20
In reply to Suggestions/Advice about Lex and Attn Span?, posted by KathrynLex on January 23, 2004, at 10:56:11
I was wondering. My lex seems really expensive, even with employers health insurance.
Lexapro, 10 mg, quantity=60, $35.15
Wellbutrin, 200 mg, quantity=60, $60Does that seem like a lot to you? It sure does to me.
Posted by LynneDa on January 23, 2004, at 11:15:50
In reply to Suggestions/Advice about Lex and Attn Span?, posted by KathrynLex on January 23, 2004, at 10:56:11
Hi! I did have that at first. It went away after about 7 or 8 weeks. Then I upped my dose and here it is back again. It is really disconcerting, isn't it?!? I'm at 4 weeks on the new dose & hoping it goes away soon! Hang in there! I find I have to write lots of things down!
~ Lynne
Posted by bluesfan on January 23, 2004, at 11:59:53
In reply to Costs of Lexapro Wellbutrin, posted by gaza on January 23, 2004, at 11:13:20
I wish mine was that cheap. I'm paying $60 at my hospital pharmacy for a 30 count bottle of 10mg of Lexapro.
> I was wondering. My lex seems really expensive, even with employers health insurance.
> Lexapro, 10 mg, quantity=60, $35.15
> Wellbutrin, 200 mg, quantity=60, $60
>
> Does that seem like a lot to you? It sure does to me.
Posted by LynneDa on January 23, 2004, at 12:02:32
In reply to Re: Costs of Lexapro Wellbutrin, posted by bluesfan on January 23, 2004, at 11:59:53
I just picked up my new bottle:
30 tablets, 20 mg. = $31.77. I'm on United Healthcare HMO.~ Lynne
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I wish mine was that cheap. I'm paying $60 at my hospital pharmacy for a 30 count bottle of 10mg of Lexapro.
>
> > I was wondering. My lex seems really expensive, even with employers health insurance.
> > Lexapro, 10 mg, quantity=60, $35.15
> > Wellbutrin, 200 mg, quantity=60, $60
> >
> > Does that seem like a lot to you? It sure does to me.
>
>
Posted by zingaling on January 23, 2004, at 13:10:32
In reply to Re: gout as side effect Lexapro?, posted by poddy j. fries on January 22, 2004, at 21:02:32
I have just come from a thread about withdrawal from effexor. I have a tendancy to "trust" my doctor(s) when in the hell of depression and take what they prescribe. Now I am in the throes of withdrawal from effexor and about to enter the world of Lexapro. In fact, just took my first to attempt alleviate the withdrawal from effexor.
So can someone tell me about the world I am entering? In general, what are the side effects while on Lexapro and what can I expect when the time invariably comes when I stop Lexapro?
I'd like to be a little more informed this time and you can't find NOTHING you can believe except through word of mouth amongst ourselves!
Thanks for any help.
Posted by Jayslace on January 23, 2004, at 13:24:59
In reply to Need info - pleeeaaassseee, posted by zingaling on January 23, 2004, at 13:10:32
Welcome to the Board! Can I ask, did you taper off the Effexor or go 'cold turkey'? And are you still going through the withdrawls?
I went 'cold turkey and the withdrawls had me so close to suicide I will never again stop an antideprssant without doc permission again.
I had 'brain jolts', finger, toes, all extremity tremors, pacing, and so much anxiety I wanted to unscrew my head and throw it.
I had been on 150mg daily of the Effexor. My doctor gave me Xanax to help ease all the problems and get me through the witdrawls. That's when I went on the Lexapro. Personally, I pick these side effects, that I am now starting to get over. Mine were sleepiness mostly. Now weird dreams, not nightmares like on the Effexors. I've lost weight, not gained also. I was on 10mg for 3 months and am on 20 mg for 23 days now.
I wish you all the luck!!!
Ruthie
Posted by sip on January 23, 2004, at 13:35:05
In reply to Re: Ladies on lex. please respond!, posted by LynneDa on January 23, 2004, at 9:23:47
Hi, my period was really late the first month I was on Lex (now I've been on it about 8 wks). I did notice that my PMS symptoms subsided considerably (usually PMS eats up 2 wks of my life: I'm emotional, depressed, cry a lot, super sensitive plus my breasts are sore and I'm very tired and eat everything in sight). This time I didn't have as many emotional symptoms (but I did worry Lex wasn't working because I was a little depressed). I craved foods, but when I finally got my period I was a little surprised because usually my PMS crescendoes and I know my period is about to start. Don't know if PMS will be back with a vengeance or if my period will be late again, but I think it definitely affects menstrual cycles.
Posted by LynneDa on January 23, 2004, at 13:35:17
In reply to Need info - pleeeaaassseee, posted by zingaling on January 23, 2004, at 13:10:32
Hello and welcome!
I've been on Lex a similar time as Ruthie - 10 mg for 3 months, then 20 mg. for about 4 weeks. My dx is PMDD with dysthymia.S/e's at first were a bit of nausea and some GI upset, very sleepy/foggy, some jitteriness/hyperness and this strange jaw clenching thing that others reported too. I still have insomnia - I can fall asleep, but wake up for about an hour or 90 minutes in middle of night, then fall back to sleep til morning. Had the inorgasmia (I'm female) and that's getting a bit better, but not back to normal. Have the wired but tired syndrome, but that is starting to go away. All in all, though, these s/e's are very, very tolerable compared to other SSRI's.
The good stuff: Within 2 days I felt better emotionally. By 4 - 5 weeks, about 75% of my anxiety and depression were lifted. I have about 10 really bad days per month and I'm hoping the 20 mg will get me through those because they are not fun! I'm not nearly so angry, not at all weepy, my obsessive thought patterns (not OCD) are diminishing and I'm much more productive at work. It's the small things - I have the energy to clean my house, keep in touch with my friends, do homework with my daughter, be supportive to my husband who's going through a hard career change, etc.! I am almost my old me again!
Good Luck - I hope this works for you as it has for so many of us on this Board!!
~ Lynne
Posted by Jayslace on January 23, 2004, at 13:45:12
In reply to Re: Need info - pleeeaaassseee, posted by LynneDa on January 23, 2004, at 13:35:17
Lynn,
I forgot to mention the jaw clenching too. This darn memory problem since my brain tumor surgery. Oh well... LOL But as far as being able to get my energy back, it's true here too. I just vacummed the whole house yesterday, AND went as far as dusted down the furnace and the hotwater heater. Now, tell me the Lexapro isn't working? LOL
Yes, we're going to always have a good day and bad day, but I don't know about you (and hopefully the rest of you on here) but I'm going to take all the good days, and forget about the bad.
I'm praising all of the people on this board, even the ones asking for help. That's always the first step!!!
Peace and comfort to us all!!
Ruthie
Posted by KathrynLex on January 23, 2004, at 13:45:54
In reply to Need info - pleeeaaassseee, posted by zingaling on January 23, 2004, at 13:10:32
Hi Zingaling,
Some of the side effects I experienced the first few weeks on lex include: increased anxiety, night sweats, inability to think clearly and low appetite. I've been on 10 mg for 35 days now and most of the side effects I just mentioned disappeared by week 4. Although, I've heard that people who switch from another drug to lex experience fewer side effects.
The benefits of lex have been wonderful. My anxiety/depression has been on the decline...and my general outlook has been much more optomistic lately.
I'm not sure what you can expect when you go off of lex. Some people have no problem with it, while others experience withdrawl. Each person is different. Good luck on lexapro, I hope it is able to help you!
K.
Posted by KathrynLex on January 23, 2004, at 13:57:53
In reply to Re: Need info - pleeeaaassseee » zingaling, posted by Jayslace on January 23, 2004, at 13:24:59
Hi Steve,
I was reading some of the older posts and came accross this one:
>I am so glad to hear that others are having success with Lexapro, because I surely am, I am so happy to report!!!
>I am on 5 mgs and have had such a good response that my doc told me I could stay on that dosage indefinitely, as long as it keeps working for me.
It was posted by Luzluna on April 27 2003
I remembered that you said something about your pdoc not being convinced that 5 mg of lex was enough to be effective. It seems like a lot of people have had a great deal of success at that dosage level. I would encourage you not to let your pdoc convince you to increase if you're comfortable with 5 mg. I am wishing you continued success.
K.
Posted by LynneDa on January 23, 2004, at 14:05:21
In reply to Re: Need info - pleeeaaassseee » LynneDa, posted by Jayslace on January 23, 2004, at 13:45:12
Ruthie, you sound so wonderful. I love your outlook! At least you have a good explanation for your memory problems - I can't keep a thought in my head most days & don't have much of an excuse for it at all(LOL)! My Grandma teases me that, at 84, her memory is better than mine and she's probably right! But, it is getting better as my brain fog seems to be lifting a little more each day. I have become very grateful for the hours and days that are without depression/anxiety. My family is grateful to have a cleaner house and a nicer Mom, too!
I wish everyone a weekend filled with more peaceful moments than not! We're supposed to have snow & ice here, so I'll be inside most of the time, cleaning!
~ Lynne
Posted by mopey on January 23, 2004, at 14:57:51
In reply to Steve - Comment about 5 mg Lex, posted by KathrynLex on January 23, 2004, at 13:57:53
Hi! Believe it or not, I've been on 2.5 mg for five weeks and am doing well on that. Much more mellow and less anxious than usual, and not depressed.
Doc started me on 5 mg but I threw up and had extreme anxiety, so she said to go to 2.5 mg then increase as needed. So far I haven't felt it was needed.
I do tend to be very sensitive to meidcations in general, though.
Posted by Steve3211 on January 23, 2004, at 15:34:33
In reply to Re: Steve - Comment about 5 mg Lex, posted by mopey on January 23, 2004, at 14:57:51
Thanks guys for your input. I think I am going to stay at 5 mg, maybe 7.5 tops, but I am feeling good for the last 5 days and am hopefully coming out of this. This has been the pattern of my previous depressions anyway. However, the s/e's continue a little even after a month. Currently my whole face is sore. Headache, eye ache and my mouth is hurting fierce gums and teeth. This of course when I my appetite is voracious for the first time in weeks. I am not sure if this is an s/e though, I may just have a bug of some sort. Input?
Thanks guys-Steve
Posted by KathrynLex on January 23, 2004, at 16:31:04
In reply to Re: Steve - Comment about 5 mg LexMopey K, posted by Steve3211 on January 23, 2004, at 15:34:33
Hi Steve,
I'm glad to hear you've gotten your appetite back! The sore face, headache etc...sound like you might be coming down with something. Headaches are a common s/e on lex, but I don't know about the rest. The pain in your mouth might have been caused by teeth grinding...do you do that in your sleep? Hopefully you start feeling better soon. If you're still having the same problems in 3 or 4 days you might want to call your doc.
K.
Posted by LynneDa on January 23, 2004, at 16:34:30
In reply to Re: Steve - Comment about 5 mg LexMopey K, posted by Steve3211 on January 23, 2004, at 15:34:33
Steve - I get the "sore face syndrome" when I have a very bad sinus infection. Do you feel stopped up? If decongestants and Tylenol don't make you feel better over the weekend, you may want to call your doc on Monday. I'm glad to hear things are looking up for you otherwise! Hope you feel better, let us know!
~ Lynne
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