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Mental Health (Expert Forum)
Effexor XR to Lexapro-Another Question
Answered by
Roger Gould, M.D. - Mental Health, Wellness
Questions posted in the Mental Health forum are being answered by Dr. Roger L. Gould, author of the Mastering Stress and Depression program and affiliated with the UCLA. Department of Psychiatry. Topics covered include anger, attention deficit disorder (ADD) , bipolar disorder , dementia , electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) , learning disabilities, memory, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) , panic , personality disorders, phobias , post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) , schizophrenia , stress , transitions, and work problems.
Effexor XR to Lexapro-Another Question
by Baby123, Apr 30, 2004 12:00AM
Below is my first message I sent the other day. Unfortunately, my Dr. is out of town this week so I had another question for you. I am continuing to have some anxiety, not too bad during the day but at night and it causes me not to sleep. Should I go back to the 5 mg. dose and stay at that dose awhile longer (and go ahead and come completely off the effexor since I am taking only 1/2 of 37.5 mg anyway)? I have been on the Lexapro 2 weeks today. I am VERY sensitive to meds so I wonder if staying at the lower dose would help until I adjust more to the medication. How long does it normally take for your body to adjust and side effects to start going away? I know it will be different with each person but wondered how long I should try to stick it out. I took 20 mg. prozac for several years and once I adjusted, I was able to come off the Klonopin and had no side effects but that was 11 years ago and I don't remember how long I had the side effects. Should my body adjust to the stimulating effects? I exercise regularly, don't drink caffeine or eat sugar, and do breathing and relaxation techniques every day. Thanks for your help! BTW, I am experiencing no other side effects at all.
"I have been diagnosed with GAD and also have Mitral Valve Prolapse. I am in the process of changing from 75 mg. Effexor to Lexapro after 4 months on effexor. My Dr. said for one week to cut down effexor to 37.5 and take half a 10 mg. Lexapro. Then second week to take half the 37.5 and 3/4 pill of Lexapro, then stop effexor completely and take the full 10 mg. of Lexapro. I also take 1 mg. Klonopin three times a day and 50 mg. Tenormin for the MVP/anxiety. For the first 10 days I felt great. Very relaxed, sleeping great and no anxiety at all. Then last night (the third day on the lowest effexor and higher lexapro) I didn't sleep, was very anxious and tense feeling. Had a good peaceful weekend so don't think it is environmental. Today, I still feel anxious and of course tired from not sleeping. Could it be my body adjusting to the change in meds or is it Effexor withdrawals? If so, how long should it last. Should I go ahead and start taking the full 10 mg. of Lexapro until I am completely off the effexor. Could it be side effects from the Lexapro. I would have thought I would have side effects right away if I were going to have any on the Lexapro. Just wondered what your thoughts are on this. Thanks for your help."
"I have been diagnosed with GAD and also have Mitral Valve Prolapse. I am in the process of changing from 75 mg. Effexor to Lexapro after 4 months on effexor. My Dr. said for one week to cut down effexor to 37.5 and take half a 10 mg. Lexapro. Then second week to take half the 37.5 and 3/4 pill of Lexapro, then stop effexor completely and take the full 10 mg. of Lexapro. I also take 1 mg. Klonopin three times a day and 50 mg. Tenormin for the MVP/anxiety. For the first 10 days I felt great. Very relaxed, sleeping great and no anxiety at all. Then last night (the third day on the lowest effexor and higher lexapro) I didn't sleep, was very anxious and tense feeling. Had a good peaceful weekend so don't think it is environmental. Today, I still feel anxious and of course tired from not sleeping. Could it be my body adjusting to the change in meds or is it Effexor withdrawals? If so, how long should it last. Should I go ahead and start taking the full 10 mg. of Lexapro until I am completely off the effexor. Could it be side effects from the Lexapro. I would have thought I would have side effects right away if I were going to have any on the Lexapro. Just wondered what your thoughts are on this. Thanks for your help."
Doctor's Answer
by Roger Gould, M.D., Apr 30, 2004 12:00AM
, Apr 30, 2004 12:00AM
I think you have the right approach...staying at the lowest dose of Lexapro and stop the Effexor. If you are sensitive,as you describe, that should work for you, and you should not be having any side effects...I can not prescribe for you since I am not your doctor and do not know everything about you, so please consult your doctor about these changes you are making.
