Lexapro

January 3, 2005

In a message dated 1/3/05 12:17:34 AM Mountain Standard Time,

SSRI medications writes:

> When he did see a doctor, they tried to give him samples of medicine like

> Lexapro (an anti-depressant), which wasn't doing anything. "

>

Yeah, right, it wasn't doing anything except turning him into a homicidal

maniac. Mix that drug with booze and you've got a psychic landmine.

" Blind Reason "

a novel of pharmaceutical intrigue

Think your antidepressant is safe? Think again. It's

Unsafe At Any Dose

January 23, 2005

My MD has recently ask me to try Lexapro for generalized anxiety. I am

finding it very difficult to tolerate. We thought that it might be

beneficial to me because my sister is on it with great results and

absolutely no side effects. For me it winds me up. If I take it at night I

can't sleep. When I take it I get these weird body aches and seem to want

to sit an stare with a heightened feeling of anxiety. It also seems to jack

up my blood pressure a little. However, a few hours later I do feel more

relaxed and less tense. My Dr wants me to stay on it another week at a

reduced dose to see if the side effects resolve. It's supposed to take a

few weeks to work anyway. Has anyone else had similar experiences with

Lexapro or other SUI drugs while being treated for PA? I'm on Enbrel.

[ ] Sam-e and Lexapro

I recently tried Lexapro at 1/2 the normal does and I thought the anxiety

it caused was going to drive me insane. Thanks, Rae

March 8, 2005

pamma,

I have tremendous empathy for your situation and I know it's very

frustrating. I too have a mother who has struggled with

antidepressants and bad doctors.

What I can tell you emphatically is that you need to find a good

doctor before you start changing meds. Both my mom and her husband

have ended up in the hospital over half a dozen times each from trying

to do this. (This experience was one of the reasons I avoided

treatment myself for many years.)

The only reason I started this treatment is because I have a wonderful

doctor who is available, listens, is incredibly well-read and is

simply a delight to work with. I wish everyone in the world could

have her as a primary care doc.

Good luck,

Mike

On Tue, 08 Mar 2005 18:49:31 -0000, pamma55 <pamma55@...> wrote:

>

> I decided yesterday to stop taking this drug altogether. I had some

> Welbutrin XL left from months ago so I took 300mgs and cancelled my

> doctors appt. I find him an idiot....but other than ordering drugs

> online (which I am considering) a phychiatrist is the only way to

> get them. I called this morning and left an emergency message with

> his assistant...he wasn't in...I made another appt...don't know if

> I'll keep it or not. So far he has not called and it's been 5 hours.

> I have weaned myself off Lexapro before...so many times I forget.

> It has never worked. So why bother. I just refuse to take it.

> This drug..at least with me...when taken too long..I'm with it 4

> years begins to give you an illness. I've read alot....Akathisia is

> probably what I feel it has given me. Yes, I am a genetically

> depressed...high anxiety individual. I have a mother and 3 brothers

> who suffer the same.

> But when a drug ceases to help and worse starts to make you feel

> worse...the doctor should address that immediately. Not tell you

> that " it's you " ...

> I am using klonopin or xanax very sparingly when the shaking gets

> too bad. I do everything I can to keep myself awake, but fail most

> of the time. I have a good life...problems like everyone. This is

> NOT me...this is the drug.

> My shrink will either listen to me or I will buy online what I feel

> I need.....

>

March 8, 2005

>

wow Pamma. I feel for you and I relate. I have been on lex about 5

months and it is not working and in fact is making me feel like shit.

no one is listening to me either ( dr I mean) . what is up with these

drs. we do know our bodies best. sure things can get confused with

the mind and body being so connected but if you feel bad you feel

bad ..how much more clear could it be.. the drug is not working..

can you see another dr? unfortunate for me I cannot I am going to a

free clinic.

also drs seem to have the certain drug that they feel is the mirical

one ..at least that is how mine acts. lexapro this lexapro that. It

is THE wonder drug. did she forget everyone is different or what? I

do nto get these people. sorry if I sound yucky but I am frustrated

for both of us and anyone else in the same boat,. hang in there.

ps if you know the wellbutrin works why did you go to lex?

alison

> I decided yesterday to stop taking this drug altogether. I had

some

> Welbutrin XL left from months ago so I took 300mgs and cancelled my

> doctors appt. I find him an idiot....but other than ordering drugs

> online (which I am considering) a phychiatrist is the only way to

> get them. I called this morning and left an emergency message with

> his assistant...he wasn't in...I made another appt...don't know if

> I'll keep it or not. So far he has not called and it's been 5

hours.

> I have weaned myself off Lexapro before...so many times I forget.

> It has never worked. So why bother. I just refuse to take it.

> This drug..at least with me...when taken too long..I'm with it 4

> years begins to give you an illness. I've read alot....Akathisia

is

> probably what I feel it has given me. Yes, I am a genetically

> depressed...high anxiety individual. I have a mother and 3

brothers

> who suffer the same.

> But when a drug ceases to help and worse starts to make you feel

> worse...the doctor should address that immediately. Not tell you

> that " it's you " ...

> I am using klonopin or xanax very sparingly when the shaking gets

> too bad. I do everything I can to keep myself awake, but fail most

> of the time. I have a good life...problems like everyone. This is

> NOT me...this is the drug.

> My shrink will either listen to me or I will buy online what I feel

> I need.....

March 9, 2005

How true Mike....the right doctor is the key.

Unfortunately, in these times it's purely a crap

shoot. I'm from NJ....if I call a psychiatrist, the

receptionist immediately tells me the doctor is a

MEDICAL MANAGER only and prescribes meds period...she

doesn't want here anything in other words...that's

what I deal with. I can't afford a therapist and a

shrink ergo my joining this site. I did take the WB

XL yesterday 300 and the day before and I must say the

extreme fatigue is passing. I was actually able to do

something. Except sleep. It would never let me sleep

so I take something for that. But I know..since Ive

done this before many times that not taking the

lexapro (this is day 3) is going to really kick in

soon and I'm scared.

--- mike chambers <j.m.chambers@...> wrote:

> pamma,

>

> I have tremendous empathy for your situation and I

> know it's very

> frustrating. I too have a mother who has struggled

> with

> antidepressants and bad doctors.

>

> What I can tell you emphatically is that you need to

> find a good

> doctor before you start changing meds. Both my mom

> and her husband

> have ended up in the hospital over half a dozen

> times each from trying

> to do this. (This experience was one of the reasons

> I avoided

> treatment myself for many years.)

>

> The only reason I started this treatment is because

> I have a wonderful

> doctor who is available, listens, is incredibly

> well-read and is

> simply a delight to work with. I wish everyone in

> the world could

> have her as a primary care doc.

>

> Good luck,

>

> Mike

>

> On Tue, 08 Mar 2005 18:49:31 -0000, pamma55

> <pamma55@...> wrote:

> >

> > I decided yesterday to stop taking this drug

> altogether. I had some

> > Welbutrin XL left from months ago so I took 300mgs

> and cancelled my

> > doctors appt. I find him an idiot....but other

> than ordering drugs

> > online (which I am considering) a phychiatrist is

> the only way to

> > get them. I called this morning and left an

> emergency message with

> > his assistant...he wasn't in...I made another

> appt...don't know if

> > I'll keep it or not. So far he has not called and

> it's been 5 hours.

> > I have weaned myself off Lexapro before...so many

> times I forget.

> > It has never worked. So why bother. I just

> refuse to take it.

> > This drug..at least with me...when taken too

> long..I'm with it 4

> > years begins to give you an illness. I've read

> alot....Akathisia is

> > probably what I feel it has given me. Yes, I am a

> genetically

> > depressed...high anxiety individual. I have a

> mother and 3 brothers

> > who suffer the same.

> > But when a drug ceases to help and worse starts to

> make you feel

> > worse...the doctor should address that

> immediately. Not tell you

> > that " it's you " ...

> > I am using klonopin or xanax very sparingly when

> the shaking gets

> > too bad. I do everything I can to keep myself

> awake, but fail most

> > of the time. I have a good life...problems like

> everyone. This is

> > NOT me...this is the drug.

> > My shrink will either listen to me or I will buy

> online what I feel

> > I need.....

> >

May 12, 2005

my sister is on lexapro too and she also has gained weight

i am just cutting calories and exercising more. i am 43 too so that makes it

harder...you know menapauso...lol..

lexapro

>

> In a message dated 5/12/2005 12:19:08 A.M. Eastern Standard Time,

> golddreams@... writes:

>

> yes i have put on 30 pounds which i am trying to lose now! it has been

> hard

> because i have been going through some rough times...my sister had a brain

> tumor removed in may 2004 and just last week had an operation again for an

> infectionin the brain that she is dealing with...so i guess i have been

> eating emotionally,

>

> Hello again, I don't think I got a reponse to my post a couple days ago,

> but also have gained 30 pounds was overweight to begin with. I am 5'8

> and

> weighed 180 a year ago while taking zoloft (no weight gain) and now Im

> like

> 210-208. I don't know if its the lex or not but how are you all losing

> weight?

> What are you doing to loose the weight those who have gained and is it

> working? I don't feel as if Im eating more at all?

> Thx

> M

>

May 12, 2005

I haven't gained weight on Lexapro, but I definitely

have more of an appetite. I exercise 3 times/week at

the gym, and also weigh myself there. Exercise helps

me a lot with anxiety--I wouldn't be able to stick

with it otherwise. But it does have the nice effect

of helping with weight issues.

Leela

--- blondyinnh@... wrote:

>

> In a message dated 5/12/2005 12:19:08 A.M. Eastern

> Standard Time,

> golddreams@... writes:

>

> yes i have put on 30 pounds which i am trying to

> lose now! it has been hard

> because i have been going through some rough

> times...my sister had a brain

> tumor removed in may 2004 and just last week had an

> operation again for an

> infectionin the brain that she is dealing with...so

> i guess i have been

> eating emotionally,

>

> Hello again, I don't think I got a reponse to my

> post a couple days ago,

> but also have gained 30 pounds was overweight to

> begin with. I am 5'8 and

> weighed 180 a year ago while taking zoloft (no

> weight gain) and now Im like

> 210-208. I don't know if its the lex or not but how

> are you all losing weight?

> What are you doing to loose the weight those who

> have gained and is it

> working? I don't feel as if Im eating more at all?

> Thx

> M

>

> [Non-text portions of this message have been

> removed]

>

Stay connected, organized, and protected. Take the tour:

http://tour.mail./mailtour.html

August 9, 2005

I understand the fears and doubts that the reports of suicide and

violence can bring.

The Lexapro, 20mg at 14 years old, my son takes has given him his

life back.....there are no side effects now that the initial

sleepiness and ticciness has worn off. His anxiety level is down to

1 or 2 and prelexapro it was 8!!!! 8 all day long...every day.

That's no way for a child to live.

There are possible behavioral side effects from ssri's that must be

carefully watched for. One ssri may bring these on while another

does not.

My son's psychiatrist, when I asked him about the suicide reports,

said that (in his opinion) studies are going to show what

psychiatrists have known for a while about the effect of an ssri on

someone with bipolar. People with bipolar can react horribly to an

ssri. His opinion is that these bad reactions to an ssri will

ultimately be found to have been undiagnosed bipolar in those

children.

When we started Cody on the ssri I was crushed and cried (secretly)

for days. I watched him very very closely. I was ready to stop

giving it to him the moment I suspected there was something wrong or

it wasn't helping. I was also ready to try another ssri because I

hear over and over again that they are all different and each person

reacts to them differently and you must try each and every one before

giving up on them.

Fear of violence and suicide? Oh my God, YES.

Fear of watching my child suffer from OCD? YES, YES, YES

This is not the situation we ever wanted to be in with our children.

August 9, 2005

,

I can relate to what you said in your post. All the talk of suicide

from ssri's. Bre(now14) came to me with thoughts of killing herself.

That is how we found out she had ocd. I still watch her closely and

believe me, asked alot of questions when she was placed on luvox. But

I had to get her relief from her anxiety. Ocd is so demanding and

tricky. I realize now she won't harm herself, but still I am always on

guard and like all the others, HATE OCD!

Sandy

December 28, 2005

The incidence of sexual side effects with lexapro are just as

high as with celexa or any other SSRI. ---

If you can point to some clinical evidence of this, it might carry

more weight with me than the testimony of two unaffiliated doctors,

one of whom had experience with this drug in her practice in Europe,

and the other who has a healthy contempt for the FDA and the

pharmaceutical cos. The article at the link you posted does not give

any references.

---- Also, some people on the SSRI board have persistent sexual

problems long after quitting lexapro. Not just ED, but problems with

orgasm and desire etc.----

Anecdotal accounts can be a reliable source especially if many

persons report the same result. The credibility of such reports

hinges on knowing some unmentioned facts such as: were these men

also taking another SSRI before or while taking lexapro? Do they

suffer from clinical depression? If so, depression itself (in the

absence of an AD treatment med) invariably destroys libido.

---- Removing the r-enantiomer does not eliminate the sexual side

effects because the r-enantiomer is basically biologically inert. It

doesn't do anything, positive or negative. BTW, removing an

enantiomer can sometimes make a more toxic drug.----

You have just contradicted yourself. The fact is that the actions or

inactions of an r-enantiomer vary from one chemical substance to the

next.

IN THE CASE OF CELEXA it was discovered that negative side effects

(including sexual side effects) were associated with the r-

enantiomer. My sister took celexa for a period of time before

lexapro became available and reported that celexa's side effects of

severe insomnia and insatiable thirst are completely absent with

lexapro. She didn't mention sexual difficulties and I didn't ask.

But from her account it is pretty clear that the two drugs are not

identical and at least two side effects are certainly associated with

the " R " side of this particular medication.

December 28, 2005

> If you can point to some clinical evidence of this, it might carry

> more weight with me than the testimony of two unaffiliated doctors,

> one of whom had experience with this drug in her practice in Europe,

> and the other who has a healthy contempt for the FDA and the

> pharmaceutical cos. The article at the link you posted does not give

> any references.

Huh? Check out this list of side effects from the Lexparo homepage itself ,

courtesy of Forest Labs! " The most frequent side effects reported with Lexapro

are nausea, insomnia, problems with ejaculation, somnolence, increased sweating,

fatigue, decreased libido, and anorgasmia.1,2 " If the manufacturer of the drug

lists these side effects, you can be very sure that they occur at high

frequency. Sounds just like celexa or any other SSRI to me.

References: 1. Burke WJ, Gergel I, Bose A. Fixed-dosed trial of the single

isomer SSRI escitalopram in depressed outpatients. J Clin Psychiatry.

2002;63:331-336. 2. Data on file, Forest Laboratories, Inc.

http://www.lexapro.com/english/about_lexapro/side_effects.aspx

Also, you might be interetested to read this paper which was published in

Europe:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve & db=pubmed & dopt=Abstra\

ct & list_uids=14665791 & query_hl=3 & itool=pubmed_DocSum

Now please provide references for your assertion that the r-enantiomer or celexa

causes the sexual side effects.

>

> ---- Also, some people on the SSRI board have persistent sexual

> problems long after quitting lexapro. Not just ED, but problems with

> orgasm and desire etc.----

>

> Anecdotal accounts can be a reliable source especially if many

> persons report the same result. The credibility of such reports

> hinges on knowing some unmentioned facts such as: were these men

> also taking another SSRI before or while taking lexapro? Do they

> suffer from clinical depression? If so, depression itself (in the

> absence of an AD treatment med) invariably destroys libido.

No, they were not taking another SSRI before lexapro, and no they do not suffer

from clinical depression.

>

> ---- Removing the r-enantiomer does not eliminate the sexual side

> effects because the r-enantiomer is basically biologically inert. It

> doesn't do anything, positive or negative. BTW, removing an

> enantiomer can sometimes make a more toxic drug.----

>

> You have just contradicted yourself. The fact is that the actions or

> inactions of an r-enantiomer vary from one chemical substance to the

> next.

I didn't contradict myself at all. I said that the r-enantiomer of celexa is

inert not in all drugs. You might recall that I said r-fluoxetine is

cardio-toxic so how am I contradicting myself? Be careful with your incorrect

interpretations. And what you are saying doesn't make sense. If the

r-enantiomer has no serotonin reuptake inhibitory activity, why would it cause

the sexual side effects? How would it do this? And why are sexual side effects

listed as the major side effects for lexapro by Forest labs themselves?

>

> IN THE CASE OF CELEXA it was discovered that negative side effects

> (including sexual side effects) were associated with the r-

> enantiomer.

Again, please provide references for said asssertion. And not just what a

couple of psychiatrists said or anecdotal recounting of what your sister claims.

My sister took celexa for a period of time before

> lexapro became available and reported that celexa's side effects of

> severe insomnia and insatiable thirst are completely absent with

> lexapro. She didn't mention sexual difficulties and I didn't ask.

> But from her account it is pretty clear that the two drugs are not

> identical and at least two side effects are certainly associated with

> the " R " side of this particular medication.

>

December 28, 2005

Huh? Check out this list of side effects from the Lexparo

homepage itself , courtesy of Forest Labs! " The most frequent side

effects reported with Lexapro are nausea, insomnia, problems with

ejaculation, somnolence, increased sweating, fatigue, decreased

libido, and anorgasmia.1,2 " If the manufacturer of the drug lists

these side effects, you can be very sure that they occur at high

frequency. ----

You will not find ANY medication that does not list side-effects.

There is no medication that does not adversely affect some users.

----Sounds just like celexa or any other SSRI to me.----

Then you should re-read the results of the studies at the link you

provided:

http://www.lexapro.com/english/about_lexapro/side_effects.aspx

Lexapro was compared to a number of other SSRIs and reported to cause

considerably less side effects.

The other link you posted of a European study refuted Forest Labs'

claims that their product performed better than other meds in the

same class. Lexapro's superior performance in the treatment of

depression has no relevance to the side-effects issue and I have no

opinion about or interest in this subject.

----If the r-enantiomer has no serotonin reuptake inhibitory

activity, why would it cause the sexual side effects? How would it

do this? ----

This insinuation is in direct conflict with the entire second

paragraph of your post dated Tue Dec 27, 2005 7:01 pm:

" Removing the r-enantiomer (from celexa) does not eliminate the

sexual side effects because the r-enantiomer is basically

biologically inert. It doesn't do anything, positive or negative. "

Now apparently you are saying the opposite.

To answer your question: lexapro most likely causes side effects

through a different action. MAOIs also list sexual dysfunctions as

possible side effects, as do blood pressure medications and many

other pharmaceutical products. None of these medications exert

serotonin reuptake inhibitory activity.

And for the record I made no claim that the r-enantiomer of lexapro

exerts no serotonin reuptake inhibitory activity - this assertion is

made by the manufacturer and has not been disproved to my knowledge.

---- Again, please provide references for said asssertion. And not

just what a couple of psychiatrists said or anecdotal recounting of

what your sister claims.----

I related anecdotal information from trustworthy sources and offered

it for what it is worth. As such, it is not incumbant upon me to

substantiate my words with clinical data. However when you reply

with an assertion that my information is completely wrong and post a

link with no references, it is not unreasonable for me to state that

I might be inclined to believe your words over those of two trusted

doctors and a close relative IF you were to provide legitimate

medical sources to back up your claim. So far the only source that

you have posted of a comparison of side effects of lexapro vs other

SSRIs paints lexapro in a favorable light.

I'm curious as to what anti-depressant medication you *would*

recommend to someone who is suffering from major depressive illness.

According to your archived posts, your only experience with AD meds

was an SSRI misprescribed for anxiety. I hope you never do

experience true crushing depression but it would certainly change

your perspective about the necessity for AD meds. I have experienced

both severe sexual dysfunction (zero libido and went nearly 10 yrs w/

no sex) as a result of hormone deficiency; and I have also

experienced inherited clinical depression. I can tell you that the

latter snuffs out all aspects of life, while sexual impairment no

matter how serious, still leaves some aspects of one's life intact.

Thus I would think that a man in need of AD treatment would prefer to

have an awareness of some possible treatment options that are

preported to carry a lessened likelihood of sexual impairment.

December 28, 2005

Huh? Check out this list of side effects from the Lexparo

> homepage itself , courtesy of Forest Labs! " The most frequent

side

> effects reported with Lexapro are nausea, insomnia, problems with

> ejaculation, somnolence, increased sweating, fatigue, decreased

> libido, and anorgasmia.1,2 " If the manufacturer of the drug lists

> these side effects, you can be very sure that they occur at high

> frequency. ----

>

> You will not find ANY medication that does not list side-effects.

> There is no medication that does not adversely affect some users.

I think your posturing and arrogance on this is starting to look

rather silly. You started out saying that lexapro does not carry

sexual side effect because the r-enantiomer of celexa is repsonsible

for the sexual side effects. Now, not only have I related reliable

anecdotal info from the SSRI board of users experiencing persistent

sexual side effects, but Forest labs itself lists sexual side

effects as the major side effects associated with celexa. Now how

does this sit with you original assertion? Not very well...truth is

you cannot prove that the r-enantiomer causes the sexual side

effects.

>

> ----Sounds just like celexa or any other SSRI to me.----

>

> Then you should re-read the results of the studies at the link you

> provided:

> http://www.lexapro.com/english/about_lexapro/side_effects.aspx

> Lexapro was compared to a number of other SSRIs and reported to

cause

> considerably less side effects.

Well, of course it was reported to have less side effects because

those studies were performed by Forest labs. But *even they* admit

that lexapro causes sexual side effects. You apparently, do not.

>

> The other link you posted of a European study refuted Forest Labs'

> claims that their product performed better than other meds in the

> same class. Lexapro's superior performance in the treatment of

> depression has no relevance to the side-effects issue and I have

no

> opinion about or interest in this subject.

What?

>

> ----If the r-enantiomer has no serotonin reuptake inhibitory

> activity, why would it cause the sexual side effects? How would

it

> do this? ----

>

> This insinuation is in direct conflict with the entire second

> paragraph of your post dated Tue Dec 27, 2005 7:01 pm:

>

> " Removing the r-enantiomer (from celexa) does not eliminate the

> sexual side effects because the r-enantiomer is basically

> biologically inert. It doesn't do anything, positive or negative. "

>

> Now apparently you are saying the opposite.

No, it doesn't. You seem to be lacking the basic fundamentals of

logic. I said that the r-enantiomer is inert and has no SSRI

activity so how does it cause sexual side effects?

>

> To answer your question: lexapro most likely causes side effects

> through a different action. MAOIs also list sexual dysfunctions

as

> possible side effects, as do blood pressure medications and many

> other pharmaceutical products. None of these medications exert

> serotonin reuptake inhibitory activity.

So *now* you're saying that *lexapro* exerts side effects through a

non-SSRI mechanism now? And are you admiting that lexapro does

cause sexual side effects? I don't understand what you're trying to

say here. Go and read my posts again because you seem to be failing

here.

> And for the record I made no claim that the r-enantiomer of

lexapro

> exerts no serotonin reuptake inhibitory activity - this assertion

is

> made by the manufacturer and has not been disproved to my

knowledge.

>

> ---- Again, please provide references for said asssertion. And

not

> just what a couple of psychiatrists said or anecdotal recounting

of

> what your sister claims.----

>

> I related anecdotal information from trustworthy sources and

offered

> it for what it is worth.

As did I, but you discounted it, so I will discount yours. The rest

of your rhetoric below is completely irrelevant. If you want to

continue recommending lexapro to the gents on this board with

depresssion, then please go ahead. They will have you to thank if

they develop persistent seuxual dysfunction.

As such, it is not incumbant upon me to

> substantiate my words with clinical data. However when you reply

> with an assertion that my information is completely wrong and post

a

> link with no references, it is not unreasonable for me to state

that

> I might be inclined to believe your words over those of two

trusted

> doctors and a close relative IF you were to provide legitimate

> medical sources to back up your claim. So far the only source

that

> you have posted of a comparison of side effects of lexapro vs

other

> SSRIs paints lexapro in a favorable light.

>

> I'm curious as to what anti-depressant medication you *would*

> recommend to someone who is suffering from major depressive

illness.

>

> According to your archived posts, your only experience with AD

meds

> was an SSRI misprescribed for anxiety. I hope you never do

> experience true crushing depression but it would certainly change

> your perspective about the necessity for AD meds. I have

experienced

> both severe sexual dysfunction (zero libido and went nearly 10 yrs

w/

> no sex) as a result of hormone deficiency; and I have also

> experienced inherited clinical depression. I can tell you that

the

> latter snuffs out all aspects of life, while sexual impairment no

> matter how serious, still leaves some aspects of one's life intact.

>

> Thus I would think that a man in need of AD treatment would prefer

to

> have an awareness of some possible treatment options that are

> preported to carry a lessened likelihood of sexual impairment.

>

December 29, 2005

My understanding of the manufaturers side effects listing, is that it is to

cover them and users so that no one can say " I didnt know i could get this "

Its like associated effects of Klinefelters Syndrome, just because you're

XXY doesnt mean you will have all or most of the problems associated with

KFS, just something to look out for. If we have hypogonadism associated

with anything, we will likely have some level of ED, libido reduction, etc.

anyway, wether or not we are on anti-depressants.

Trevor Ffrench

_____

From: [mailto: ]

On Behalf Of v0rnan19

Sent: Wednesday, 28 December 2005 12:27 AM

Subject: Re: lexapro

> If you can point to some clinical evidence of this, it might carry

> more weight with me than the testimony of two unaffiliated doctors,

> one of whom had experience with this drug in her practice in Europe,

> and the other who has a healthy contempt for the FDA and the

> pharmaceutical cos. The article at the link you posted does not give

> any references.

Huh? Check out this list of side effects from the Lexparo homepage itself ,

courtesy of Forest Labs! " The most frequent side effects reported with

Lexapro are nausea, insomnia, problems with ejaculation, somnolence,

increased sweating, fatigue, decreased libido, and anorgasmia.1,2 " If the

manufacturer of the drug lists these side effects, you can be very sure that

they occur at high frequency. Sounds just like celexa or any other SSRI to

me.

References: 1. Burke WJ, Gergel I, Bose A. Fixed-dosed trial of the single

isomer SSRI escitalopram in depressed outpatients. J Clin Psychiatry.

2002;63:331-336. 2. Data on file, Forest Laboratories, Inc.

http://www.lexapro.com/english/about_lexapro/side_effects.aspx

Also, you might be interetested to read this paper which was published in

Europe:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve

<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve & db=pubmed & dopt=A

bstract & list_uids=14665791 & query_hl=3 & itool=pubmed_DocSum>

& db=pubmed & dopt=Abstract & list_uids=14665791 & query_hl=3 & itool=pubmed_DocSum

Now please provide references for your assertion that the r-enantiomer or

celexa causes the sexual side effects.

>

> ---- Also, some people on the SSRI board have persistent sexual

> problems long after quitting lexapro. Not just ED, but problems with

> orgasm and desire etc.----

>

> Anecdotal accounts can be a reliable source especially if many

> persons report the same result. The credibility of such reports

> hinges on knowing some unmentioned facts such as: were these men

> also taking another SSRI before or while taking lexapro? Do they

> suffer from clinical depression? If so, depression itself (in the

> absence of an AD treatment med) invariably destroys libido.

No, they were not taking another SSRI before lexapro, and no they do not

suffer from clinical depression.

>

> ---- Removing the r-enantiomer does not eliminate the sexual side

> effects because the r-enantiomer is basically biologically inert. It

> doesn't do anything, positive or negative. BTW, removing an

> enantiomer can sometimes make a more toxic drug.----

>

> You have just contradicted yourself. The fact is that the actions or

> inactions of an r-enantiomer vary from one chemical substance to the

> next.

I didn't contradict myself at all. I said that the r-enantiomer of celexa

is inert not in all drugs. You might recall that I said r-fluoxetine is

cardio-toxic so how am I contradicting myself? Be careful with your

incorrect interpretations. And what you are saying doesn't make sense. If

the r-enantiomer has no serotonin reuptake inhibitory activity, why would it

cause the sexual side effects? How would it do this? And why are sexual

side effects listed as the major side effects for lexapro by Forest labs

themselves?

>

> IN THE CASE OF CELEXA it was discovered that negative side effects

> (including sexual side effects) were associated with the r-

> enantiomer.

Again, please provide references for said asssertion. And not just what a

couple of psychiatrists said or anecdotal recounting of what your sister

claims.

My sister took celexa for a period of time before

> lexapro became available and reported that celexa's side effects of

> severe insomnia and insatiable thirst are completely absent with

> lexapro. She didn't mention sexual difficulties and I didn't ask.

> But from her account it is pretty clear that the two drugs are not

> identical and at least two side effects are certainly associated with

> the " R " side of this particular medication.

>

February 4, 2006

Wish I could lose weight its coming off soo slowly.

ann

" Professional Nanny "

_http://www.myspace.com/maryann12345_ (http://www.myspace.com/maryann12345)

(http://www.freeweblayouts.net/)

February 5, 2006

I am having the same trouble. On Paxil I gained alot of weight. When I went off

it was so hard to lose. I went on Lexapro and was afraid it would happen. I was

so happy when I was actually losing weight. Now I am gaining and haven't changed

anything. And losing is out of the question. I have good days and am disapointed

that I gain weight. Go figure. feel better and gain weight...Shirley Jo

-------------- Original message --------------

From: " jessica_glamour " <mayfieldfan_19@...>

Well I was one of the first to brag, I lost weight on Lexapro 10mg. 5

months later here I am and I am slowly gaining back the loss. What's

the deal. I almost think the depression was causing my loss of

appetite.. and all I did was sleep so I didn't eat at much. Now,

feeling a bit better I eat a bit normal and my weight is getting back

to norm and my color is better. People at work where starting to

question my weightloss. I found it impossible for them to tell, but

they did. It was only 8 pounds. I am 5'7 so maybe the 147 to 139 was

noticable? I told them I was happy to hear it but I wasn't trying and

that I have a loss of stress on me now.. and I still do, I just have

Lexi (lexapro stage name) to hold my hand through it! They don't know

that I am on any meds. I am also still seeing my counselor whom is

helping me with several issues. Sometimes just talking to her and

telling her all my beef really takes a load off me.

Well I hope I don't gain any more weight back. But I do hope I continue

to feel a bit better each day through. I wish the same to all. It's not

fun not feeling good.

February 5, 2006

The problem is these drugs seem to change ones metabolism. Slows it way

down. Gaining weight for most of us is inevitable as is trying to lose it.

Barbara

Re: Lexapro

>I am having the same trouble. On Paxil I gained alot of weight. When I went

>off it was so hard to lose. I went on Lexapro and was afraid it would

>happen. I was so happy when I was actually losing weight. Now I am gaining

>and haven't changed anything. And losing is out of the question. I have

>good days and am disapointed that I gain weight. Go figure. feel better and

>gain weight...Shirley Jo

>

> -------------- Original message --------------

> From: " jessica_glamour " <mayfieldfan_19@...>

> Well I was one of the first to brag, I lost weight on Lexapro 10mg. 5

> months later here I am and I am slowly gaining back the loss. What's

> the deal. I almost think the depression was causing my loss of

> appetite.. and all I did was sleep so I didn't eat at much. Now,

> feeling a bit better I eat a bit normal and my weight is getting back

> to norm and my color is better. People at work where starting to

> question my weightloss. I found it impossible for them to tell, but

> they did. It was only 8 pounds. I am 5'7 so maybe the 147 to 139 was

> noticable? I told them I was happy to hear it but I wasn't trying and

> that I have a loss of stress on me now.. and I still do, I just have

> Lexi (lexapro stage name) to hold my hand through it! They don't know

> that I am on any meds. I am also still seeing my counselor whom is

> helping me with several issues. Sometimes just talking to her and

> telling her all my beef really takes a load off me.

> Well I hope I don't gain any more weight back. But I do hope I continue

> to feel a bit better each day through. I wish the same to all. It's not

> fun not feeling good.

>

February 6, 2006

I've finally leveled out at 15 pounds above the norm

Re: Lexapro

The problem is these drugs seem to change ones metabolism. Slows it way

down. Gaining weight for most of us is inevitable as is trying to lose

it.

Barbara

Re: Lexapro

>I am having the same trouble. On Paxil I gained alot of weight. When I

went

>off it was so hard to lose. I went on Lexapro and was afraid it would

>happen. I was so happy when I was actually losing weight. Now I am

gaining

>and haven't changed anything. And losing is out of the question. I have

>good days and am disapointed that I gain weight. Go figure. feel better

and