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Meds, Medical Conditions, and Treatment >> Prescription drug discussion

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Eeyore27
Old Hand


Reged: 07/05/04
Posts: 404
Loc: Where Misery loves Company U...
Re: Anyone else Taking Lexapro? [Re: tracerb]
      #180054 - 08/13/04 12:27 PM

Lexapro was the last AD my doc put me on before I threw in the towel and went back to benzo's. I didn't have any weird side effects to it, I just didn't feel that it worked at all for my anxiety. Maybe I didn't take it long enough, maybe it's all just in my head that nothing but a benzo is going to work for anxiety. Who knows?

Good luck with it, I hope it works for you. I have tons of samples from my doc just sitting here in my drawer, I'm such a darn packrat!!

~Eeyore

--------------------
~ R.I.P. Darrell Abbott 12/08/04


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MAGGIE12
Stranger


Reged: 11/08/04
Posts: 3
Re: Anyone else Taking Lexapro? [Re: tracerb]
      #217777 - 01/23/05 06:16 AM

JUST STARTED TAKING LEXAPRO...ALSO HAVE BEEN TAKING HYDRO FOR BACK PAIN..BY AFTERNOON I FEEL EXTREMLEY TIRED..NEVER FELT THIS WAY JUST TAKING HYDRO..ANYONE ELSE EXPERIANCE THIS?

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pwptds
Member


Reged: 09/02/04
Posts: 107
Loc: Highway to Heaven
Re: Anyone else Taking Lexapro? [Re: MAGGIE12]
      #217808 - 01/23/05 09:49 AM

I also just got on Lexapro after being on Zoloft for a year. Almost committed suicide and the docs blamed it on the Zoloft. So far the Lexapro seems to work pretty good for me, ditto on the fatigue. I am also on Zyprexa as a mood stablizer and I think it's works better than the Lex.
Maggie....I am also on hydro and feel tired as [censored] during the day. Usually don't even get started until noon! But if it keeps the demons away, I'll keep taking it
Good luck to all of you.


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wegieluv
Newbie


Reged: 01/18/05
Posts: 27
Re: Anyone else Taking Lexapro? [Re: pwptds]
      #217821 - 01/23/05 11:21 AM

I have been on Lexapro for about 6 months for depression/anxiety attacks. I have to say that I believe it has helped but I also use very small amounts of hydro everyday. When I am on both I have very high energy levels and am at my best! The Lexapro alone does seem to help but does not give much energy. When I first started taking it I had some mild side affects but nothing serious and now I don't seem to notice anything negative from taking them. It seems that Lexapro has taken the place of Celexa and it is just a new form of Prozac. The Dr's have tons of free samples of these as I had been given many packs also. I guess the drug companies are pushing the docs on this new/improved version of Prozac LOL! until they come out with the next one! Bottom line: I think it is worth taking but don't expect it by itself to perform miracles.

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jeffreydale
Journeyman


Reged: 10/26/04
Posts: 68
Re: Anyone else Taking Lexapro? [Re: wegieluv]
      #217830 - 01/23/05 12:04 PM

I've been taking lexapro 20mg for about a year and it has done wonders for me, if you're familiar with that nausiating feeling the hits your stomache the moment you wake up, you know what i mean, I haven't had this feeling since the lexapro has taken effect, and besides lowering my sex-drive a bit, I experienced virtually no side effects.

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Lisa1967
Member


Reged: 10/29/02
Posts: 125
Re: Anyone else Taking Lexapro? [Re: jeffreydale]
      #218088 - 01/24/05 08:23 AM

Eeyore,
Has your dr considered you may be bi-polar?? Perhaps the Lexapro you are taking as an AD is actually causing the anxiety,and you need a mood stabalizer to go with it?? My dh is on Depakote and lexapro,and they work wonders when used together. He was also a VERY heavy benzo user,and now that he is "clean and sober" he's been dx'd as bi-polar,and these meds are literally a life saver for him.
Perhaps you need to have a talk with your dr and consider this??
Good luck,
Lisa


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Carla70
Stranger


Reged: 09/01/04
Posts: 1
Re: Anyone else Taking Lexapro? [Re: tracerb]
      #222941 - 02/07/05 04:43 PM

I have been taking Lexapro since it came out on the market. Before then, all of the other anti depressants (serzone, buspar (uuugh!), paxil and others) were just giving me bad side effects, and I just stopped taking them. Since I have been taking it (which has been about 6 months or more, I have had very good luck with it. I highly recommend it. Since I am on 8 medications a day, not including duragesic patches for degenerative disc disease, it doesn't upset my stomach as the others do. I take 3 10's a day, and it seems to really help my moods, along with all my other meds. I am one of the most difficult of all with medications, reaction after reaction, so this is a Godsend. Good luck to you, hope it works out for you. God Bless.

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JethroBodine
Enthusiast


Reged: 06/20/03
Posts: 213
Loc: Ozark Mountains
Re: Anyone else Taking Lexapro? [Re: Carla70]
      #222951 - 02/07/05 05:16 PM

lexapro is the active isomer (mirror image molecule) of the mixed isomer celexa. Therefore it is twice as potent, mg per mg. I've taken both, but I actually prefer the older celexa. That innactive isomer is active in me! It's very difficult to describe the effects of ADs in general, and it's impossible to describe the minor difference between lexapro and celexa. Anyway, these two are by far and away the best I have ever tried. I also become very sleepy in the afternoon, and I'm also taking hydro. it also decreases my sex drive, but for me that's a good thing.

--------------------
?????????????????????????????????????????
If you can't do it for me; If you won't
even do it for yourself; PLEASE do it for
the sake of the giant three toed sloth!


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phialpha2000
Newbie


Reged: 02/02/05
Posts: 37
Re: Anyone else Taking Lexapro? [Re: MAGGIE12]
      #222958 - 02/07/05 05:39 PM

I take 10 mg Lexapro a day with no side effects that I can tell. Also on atenolol a beta blocker for high BP, which does cause some residual tiredness. I take tramadol every day as well. The combo works for me.

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JethroBodine
Enthusiast


Reged: 06/20/03
Posts: 213
Loc: Ozark Mountains
Re: Anyone else Taking Lexapro? [Re: phialpha2000]
      #222964 - 02/07/05 05:53 PM

Quote:

I take 10 mg Lexapro a day with no side effects that I can tell. Also on atenolol a beta blocker for high BP, which does cause some residual tiredness. I take tramadol every day as well. The combo works for me.




That is generally not considered a good combination. According to drugs.com:

You have searched for drug interactions between the following drugs: Lexapro,tramadol-acetaminophen,atenolol

Please note: only generic drug names are displayed.
acetaminophen-tramadol and escitalopram (major Drug-Drug)
Description:

GENERALLY AVOID:
The coadministration of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) with tramadol, which has weak serotonin reuptake inhibiting effect, may potentiate the risk of serotonin syndrome, which is a rare but serious and potentially fatal condition thought to result from hyperstimulation of brainstem 5HT1A receptors. Patients receiving this combination may also have an increased risk of seizures. Pharmacokinetically, coadministration with certain SSRIs, namely fluoxetine, paroxetine and possibly sertraline, may result in decreased plasma concentrations of the active O-demethylated (M1) metabolite of tramadol due to inhibition of CYP450 2D6, the isoenyzme responsible for the formation of the metabolite. The clinical significance of this potential interaction is unknown. However, M1 is thought to possess up to 6 times the analgesic effect of tramadol, thus diminished therapeutic response to tramadol should be considered.

MANAGEMENT:
In general, the concomitant use of SSRIs and tramadol should be avoided if possible, or otherwise approached with caution if potential benefit is deemed to outweigh the risk. Patients treated with the combination should be closely monitored for signs and symptoms of excessive serotonergic activity such as CNS irritability, altered consciousness, confusion, myoclonus, ataxia, abdominal cramping, hyperpyrexia, shivering, pupillary dilation, diaphoresis, hypertension, and tachycardia.


Please note: only generic drug names are displayed.
atenolol and escitalopram (moderate Drug-Drug)
Description:

MONITOR:
The concomitant administration of agents with hypotensive effects and psychotherapeutic agents (e.g., anxiolytics, sedatives, hypnotics, antidepressants, antipsychotics), narcotic analgesics, or muscle relaxants may additively increase hypotensive and/or central nervous system depressant effects.

MANAGEMENT:
During concomitant use of these drugs, patients should be monitored for hypotension and excessive or prolonged CNS depression. Ambulatory patients should be made aware of the possibility of additive effects (e.g., drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, confusion, orthostasis, fainting) and be cautioned about driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous tasks, and to arise slowly from a sitting or lying position. Patients should also be advised to notify their physician if they experience excessive side effects that interfere with their normal activities, or dizziness and fainting.

--------------------
?????????????????????????????????????????
If you can't do it for me; If you won't
even do it for yourself; PLEASE do it for
the sake of the giant three toed sloth!


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phialpha2000
Newbie


Reged: 02/02/05
Posts: 37
Re: Anyone else Taking Lexapro? [Re: JethroBodine]
      #222986 - 02/07/05 06:59 PM

Thanks for the info...I am aware of Seratonin Syndrome.

The atenolol is a must because of high BP, been on it many years...

I take only ONE 10 mg Lexapro each day...Ultram is up to 400 mg every 24 hrs...

I get all these from ONE FAMILY DOCTOR HERE IN TOWN and she has

been pleased with the way I have improved. Have been taking all 3 for over a yeat now...........




Everything (even supplemental RX via the web) has risks associated with it......

PATTY


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Therion
Enthusiast


Reged: 06/14/04
Posts: 209
Re: Anyone else Taking Lexapro? [Re: phialpha2000]
      #223024 - 02/07/05 10:06 PM

Has anyone noticed that Lexapro diminishes the effectiveness of opiate/opioid analgesics? Before Lexapro, a couple of Norco 10/325 would sufficiently render my CP bearable. After six months on Lexapro, I found that I could take four or five Norcos and not feel much relief at all. I don't believe it's a tolerance issue since I've regularly taken a one-week "hydro holiday" every month for years and have never experienced tolerance issues.

I'm tapering off the Lexapro now. Down to 5mg every other day. No withdrawal symptoms so far. My primary reason for discontinuing the Lexapro is its negative effect on my libido. I'm looking forward to a resurgent interest in sex and hopefully the effects of the Norco will normalize as well.


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lila
Stranger


Reged: 01/29/05
Posts: 13
Re: Anyone else Taking Lexapro? [Re: Therion]
      #223045 - 02/07/05 11:16 PM

Wow, this is all so validating. I've been on lexapro (it didn't take long to kick in for me) for a couple of years after having done the SSRI shuffle; I really think I've been on them all-- and still pine for my first great relief experienced with Zoloft. I agree that Effexor is evil, and had all those horrible withdrawal symptoms you guys mentioned, minus I think, the auditory hallucinations (but I totally had the head turning/seeing a comet trailing thing). Lexapro helped me feel better after a number of trys with other things following getting off effexor.

I was just diagnosed with serious disc bulging in four places two of which are compressing a nerve root and a large broad-based superimposed disc herniation. I've been in a great deal of pain (also numbness and tingling in one leg) for some time as a result of this and have been taking 1-3 opiates a day with a few days off here and there over the last four months or so. Recently I was given Ultram (by a friend) and find I need more of it to help with the pain (3-4 pills over 9 or 10 hours). Now I am wondering if the lexapro is interfering with my pain tolerance and also very concerned about the connection or bad interaction between SSRIs and opiate usage in general. Do they really make one MORE depressed than taking them without an SSRI (not that that is an option for me) I have a hard time imagining NOT taking an opiate as long as I have this extreme pain because nothing else really helps; strong ibuprofen, anti-anxiety and muscle relaxors; they help a bit but not significantly. But I will also likely always be on some kind of antidepressant because my depression is not really tolerable.

Any thoughts or advice on any of the above would be greatly appreciated. Apologies for such a long first post.

Thanks
Lila


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green11
Stranger


Reged: 10/03/03
Posts: 3
Re: Anyone else Taking Lexapro? [Re: lila]
      #223047 - 02/07/05 11:35 PM

It makes sense now,i've been on lexapro 6mo and I did notice
different when taking hydro and it makes sense now!
thanks
green11


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wegieluv
Newbie


Reged: 01/18/05
Posts: 27
Re: Anyone else Taking Lexapro? [Re: green11]
      #223105 - 02/08/05 07:19 AM

One thing I noticed about taking Lexapro is the weight gain!!! I am going to come off of them now because the weight gain is more depressing than the occasional panic attacks that I have! LOL!

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anxious100
Member


Reged: 11/24/04
Posts: 133
Re: Anyone else Taking Lexapro? [Re: wegieluv]
      #226986 - 02/21/05 04:24 AM

I was prescribed this stuff to come off xanax and valium, I never took it though since I've had friends complain about it too many times. I went from using benzos daily for months down to 2x weekly still taper, [censored] it's certainly not easy. Still I need my memory too much.

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cehrriins
Stranger


Reged: 08/05/04
Posts: 24
Loc: Texas
Re: Anyone else Taking Lexapro? [Re: anxious100]
      #228508 - 02/25/05 01:37 PM

My mother is currently taking Lexapro...her doctor diagnosed her with situational depression (her mother and sister died within a year of each other and there are a hundred other issues going on with her). She takes 10mg of the Lexapro every day and WOW. The difference is really something. The depression she's had going on has made her retain weight and since the beginning of January, she's lost around 30lbs., I think. I know she's gone down 4 clothing sizes at least. Her doctor is fairly certain she has a cracked tailbone, too. My mom is still doing well with NSAIDS, mainly Orudis KT (ketoprofen).

Sorry, just had to brag to someone about how well my mama is doin'. She was really going downhill for a while. In short, the Lexapro has done quite well for her. No bad side effects. I guess it's just another example of how different each person's chemistry is, huh? I hope this helps somebody even a little, or I'll feel bad for yammering so long.

Take Care!
Erin


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khixon
Newbie


Reged: 07/22/04
Posts: 39
Re: Anyone else Taking Lexapro? [Re: scrufffles]
      #228678 - 02/25/05 10:57 PM

I have been on lexapro for about a year and as long as I take the medicine aroung 9pm then I will not fill drowsy the next day.

They claim that this medicine has now withdrawls but I ran out one time and couldn't get it filled right away and by the second day I was feeling pretty ill. so make sure you keep your meds stocked ....


I hope this helps with the sleepiness....

Kelli

--------------------
Its Contagious !!!


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