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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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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
Posted by KathrynLex on January 23, 2004, at 17:10:23
In reply to Re: Steve - Comment about 5 mg LexMopey K » Steve3211, posted by LynneDa on January 23, 2004, at 16:34:30
I posted this earlier today and only one person has responded. This entire week has been so unproductive at work because I can't seem to focus on my job. I need to know if this will go away. I have a pdoc visit scheduled next week. But it is nice to get feedback from people who are on lex vs. a guy with a clipboard.
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 Mrs C. on January 23, 2004, at 17:50:24
In reply to Costs of Lexapro Wellbutrin, posted by gaza on January 23, 2004, at 11:13:20
Gaza, I called my insurance co about this problem. They suggested having my doctor prescribe 20mg for me with instructions to cut it in half. This way you only get 15 pills but it lasts the whole thirty days. It cut my monthly cost to $17. Ask about it. My doc had no problem doing this. Later. Mrs. C
Posted by Mrs C. on January 23, 2004, at 17:55:53
In reply to Re: Need info - pleeeaaassseee, posted by LynneDa on January 23, 2004, at 14:05:21
Hi Everyone, I too am cleaning up a storm! And I have become very talkative to everyone too! Very pleasant side effects indeed! Mrs. C
Posted by Mariposa on January 23, 2004, at 18:52:51
In reply to Has no one experienced this?, posted by KathrynLex on January 23, 2004, at 17:10:23
I had some *lapses* in the beginning it seems, but nothing real bad, another se that will hopefully go away for you in a month or so. I am still *forgetful* but I think it's old age rather than Lex.~~~8|8
Posted by SJ on January 23, 2004, at 18:54:27
In reply to Re: scared and confused » SJ, posted by Gator on January 23, 2004, at 10:53:06
> Gator-
It took a long, long time for my husband to come to grips with the idea. Things had gotten so hard for my daughter, that was undenyable (sp?). I think at first he felt like a failure as a parent, once he got beyond that point he felt better about it. His only regret now, is that we didn't do it sooner. I have to admit, reading this board scares me for her and her future, but no matter how hard it gets for her, we'll make sure she's never alone in her battles. Good luck to you and your family. Man, sometimes life just isn't fair!!
Posted by Mother of 5 on January 23, 2004, at 18:55:50
In reply to Ladies on lex. please respond!, posted by sexylexy on January 22, 2004, at 20:47:13
I'm on Lexapro and am having no problems with my period being late. At least nothing that I can blame on the Lex. Perimenopause yes, but Lexapro no.
Posted by vandy on January 23, 2004, at 20:04:05
In reply to Re: scared and confused » SJ, posted by Gator on January 23, 2004, at 10:53:06
Stop kissing your husband. Tell him you're afraid it's something he's depending on to feel better. If he doesn't get the message, take it a step farther. <grin> Remind him that air and water are both chemicals.
> 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 vandy on January 23, 2004, at 20:09:03
In reply to Re: Costs of Lexapro Wellbutrin, posted by bluesfan on January 23, 2004, at 11:59:53
You're right. That's a dose. (he laughs at his own feeble joke) But seriously, does your health care cover 90 day prescriptions by mail order. For chronic conditions you can get a long term prescription filled at 1/2 price by mail order. It's worth checking out. Merck-Medco (now a different name) comes to mind as one of the first providers in that field. The health care companies save by the bulk purchase of pharmas and negotiate to pass part of it along to you.
> 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 Journeyman on January 24, 2004, at 13:02:07
In reply to Has no one experienced this?, posted by KathrynLex on January 23, 2004, at 17:10:23
Hi K,
It's awkward, isn't it, when you find yourself in the middle of listening to you don't know what. You're not alone. Here's a snippet of my own experience in this area. While not exactly the same, it may be helpful.
I was teaching a class the other day and all of a sudden I had no idea what the connection was between the example I was giving and the original point it was supposed to illustrate. This sort of thing happens to me from time to time. 28 pairs of eyes looked at me while I said, "Where was I going with this? What were we talking about before?" Fortunately, after an awkward silence, someone actually happened to be listening and reminded me of the original thought, at which point I was able to continue. This kind of episode could result from getting insufficient sleep, or there might be some connection between it and the Lex; although yesterday when I visited my p/doc, we discussed the similar effects between caffeine and Lexapro, so that's maybe not it. Everybody forgets things, thank goodness, or we'd have competing memories for what time an appointment is today, vs what we had for breakfast five years ago today.
Perhaps it's not exactly the same thing, but it may be similar. I read recently that forgetting where you put your keys is not uncommon. It's when you find them and you don't have an "Oh yeh, now I remember putting them there" moment that it's more likely to be an issue.
Are you getting 8 or so hours (in a row) of sleep at night?
Do you do caffeine?
Are you formulating a response to someone's conversation without hearing them through, thereby maybe missing an important thread or two of information that would keep you clued in?
Do you find it difficult not to look around at other things in the room while someone is speaking to you? (a tv monitor, someone entering the room, a hunky bronzed Adonis lithely easing his handsome muscular frame across the room as his gaze penetrates first your eyes - then your mind - and suddenly your whole world? [if so, you may be granted a bit of leniency on that one])
If your thinking was a little muddled before, is it possible the Lex is just clearing things up a bit and that's why your thoughts seem to be racing around more? It's probably worth discussing these things with your p/doc the next time your see her/him.
Since you're undergoing a relatively new experience that has enormous importance to your life, it's not at all surprising that you might be dwelling on this experience more than you will down the road, and it's sometimes borrowing from your usual attention span.
Good luck. And if you didn't follow this all the way through, it's okay to go back and read it again. :-)
Journeyman
Posted by simus on January 24, 2004, at 13:30:57
In reply to Re: Has no one experienced this? » KathrynLex, posted by Journeyman on January 24, 2004, at 13:02:07
> a hunky bronzed Adonis lithely easing his handsome muscular frame across the room as his gaze penetrates first your eyes - then your mind - and suddenly your whole world?
Ohhhh...uhhhh...yeah... Sorry, what were we talking about? I got distracted for a minute. Oh yeah, "has no one experienced this?" Yes, all the time. I hate it when that happens.
(Sorry, I have to laugh once in a while in the midst of the tears.)
Posted by KathrynLex on January 24, 2004, at 14:13:27
In reply to Re: Has no one experienced this? » KathrynLex, posted by Journeyman on January 24, 2004, at 13:02:07
Thanks to everyone who responded, and to all of you on the board. It's an amazing cyber community where I don't feel so isolated and strange for being on meds. Your support is greatly appreciated and I hope I've also been something of help to many of you.
K.
Posted by kellieann7 on January 24, 2004, at 16:25:34
In reply to Ladies on lex. please respond!, posted by sexylexy on January 22, 2004, at 20:47:13
Lexy,
I have been on Lex for almost 2 months. I was 14 days late on my last cycle. Part of the reason I am on Lex is because I am having problems getting pregnant, and my baby fever in on HIGH ALERT! Before I started Lex, I had a 21 day cycle, so 14 days late is very strange for me. However, I know Lex is working, because I wasn't stressed (or picking out baby names and obsessing) because I was late. I had all the same symptoms and side effects as people here. I feel very energized and happy for the most part.
Posted by kellieann7 on January 24, 2004, at 16:38:47
In reply to Re: Need info - pleeeaaassseee, posted by Mrs C. on January 23, 2004, at 17:55:53
I have been on Lex for almost 2 months, and am a cleaning freak! I have never been thrilled with housework, but sincec I started on Lex, once I start cleaning I don't want to stop. Trust me, this is not a bad thing. I am losing weight (due to an increase in my activity level).
The pros: I am much more active, cheery, and I am excited again about life. PMS was a breeze this month, and nothing seems to irritate me. As far as sexual effects, my desire has increased, but I think this is because I feel better about myself.
The cons I have noticed: The jaw clenching is a problem. My jaw and ears hurt so badly sometimes that I can't open my mouth (and since Lex has definitely made me more talkative, this is a bad thing). I also have constant wrist and thumb joint pain (I think from clenching my fists??) and at times I can't turn my wrist at all.
Posted by Brown eyed girl on January 24, 2004, at 19:13:07
In reply to Lexapro side-effects, posted by Mandy Roberts on January 5, 2004, at 10:54:06
I am on my 5th day of lex. Having some bad nausea and my insomnia has gotten worse any suggestions.
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