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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 3 of 3. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by butrfly on January 26, 2004, at 12:04:45
I have been on Lex for about 9 weeks. I dont want to give up on it, b/c it has helped me alot w/my depression and anxiety. I never have any energy and all I want to do is sleep. At night, when I sleep - I wake up alot. I take the Lex at night before I go to bed. I have headaches, I have a really bad time concentrating on anything. I don't know if I should try it for a little longer or maybe cut it in half and take 5mg a day. I have other SE's, just didnt want to ramble on and on. If anyone has any comments/suggestions - I would really appreciate it. :)
Posted by KathrynLex on January 26, 2004, at 15:17:54
In reply to Help w/SE's of Lexapro, posted by butrfly on January 26, 2004, at 12:04:45
Hi Butrfly,
I'm sorry to hear that you're having problems with lexapro. What has your pdoc said about the side effects you're experiencing?
You might be tired all the time because it doesn't sound like you're getting much sleep. Tylenol PM is fairly mild and might help with your insomnia. If it doesn't there are more potent sleeping meds your pdoc can prescribe.
Lowering your dose might help, but I would suggest going to 7.5 mg rather than 5 mg. Suddenly cutting your dose in half might send your body through a loop, it's better to do it gradually.
I hope some of my suggestions are useful. It's wonderful that lex has helped with your depression/anxiety! Please keep us posted on how you're doing.
K.
Posted by Chairman_MAO on January 26, 2004, at 18:16:25
In reply to Help w/SE's of Lexapro, posted by butrfly on January 26, 2004, at 12:04:45
Ask your doctor for 15mg of Remeron (mirtazapine) to take at bedtime. This will almost certainly eliminate your insomnia as well as help, to varying degrees, with a whole host of other side effects (sexual dysfunction, gastrointestinal distress). Unfortunately, it is highly sedating for most people during the day.For lack of energy/poor concentration, assuming your pdoc will prescribe it, Ritalin and amphetamine will most certainly do the trick. If controlled substances are no-go, try Mirapex (pramipexole). If this isn't feasible or your doctor won't do it, you could try bromocriptine, amantadine, or Wellbutrin. Alternatively, if tolerated, you could take Effexor at 150mg or more a day for improved energy and cognition. There are most certainly other options I have forgotten.
If you list your other side effects, I'm sure others can relate their experiences in treating them. Best of luck!
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