Lexpro

[crillmom]

Does anyone's child take lexpro? Any side effects any sucesses? PLease let me know. We are thinking of giving this to my son

[milesofsmiles]

I took it as an adult, and it had no affect on me other than making me extremely tired and hindered some of our "adult activities". I still did not care as much as I should have and found myself sleeping my life away. So my dr switched me to Effexor. They say I should know in 4-6 weeks.

Miles

[crillmom]

milesofsmiles
I have found that lexepro is working to keep my sons jemotions under control but he seems tired and not as "sharp" he did poorly on two tests last week when previously he was getting a's and b's. do you think you think this is the lexepro. he has only been on it for 2 weeks could we see results this fast? Thanks

[Jorgy]

the biggest side effect of ANY antidepressant is sleepyness. Fortunantly this is a side effect that will go away. Antidepressants need to build up a level in the system. This generally takes about 6 weeks. You start seeing the good effects of them in approx 2-3 weeks but it takes 6 weeks for the full effect. I have also seen cases where the sleepiness lasts 3-4 weeks. If you can "hang" in there it is a very good and effective med. Good luck, Sue

[crillmom]

thanks jorgy for your response are you taking lexepro or your child? do you think the results of his tests were because of the meds? once this effect wears off will he be back to himself? do anti-depressents lessen the effects of stimulants? he is on a low dose of stim and I do not want to raise it. he is also taking omega 3 and mag/cal/zinc supplement? one more question, if we want to stop lexepro do you need to taper down as with paxil or can we just stop? thanks so much for your help!!!!!!!!!! ;DTEXT















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[Brenda]

I have been on Lexapro for 6 weeks and it is working some.I don't scream at my kids or husband as much and I seem to not care if the house is spotless anymore.My doctor said to give it another month because it can take a while to work completely.Brenda

[Jorgy]

;D crillmom, glad to help. Actually I take generic Prozac and my son takes Wellbutrin but I am a nurse and a lot of our patients use Lexepro as an antidepressant. When used in ADHD, antidepressants work as a "booster" to the stims. They inhance the stimulants effect. Yes, you do have to ween off antidepressants you just can't stop cold in most cases. Hope this helps, Sue

[crillmom]

sue, you are also a wealth of knowledge. I really enjoy learning from everyone. If the ant-depressants boost the stims, then I should really wait a bit before I up his concerta dose, right? he has only been on it for about 2 weeks. He is doing well in school but still acts a little "kooky" also is it safe that I give him omega-3 and mag/cal/zinc with the meds. thanks again and by the way I am also Sue,(susan)

[Jorgy]

hi again, antidepressants boost the effect of stims. As with any med, you should let your dr know about any other meds and/or suppliments your child is taking. Hope this helps, Sue

[mskris]

The following is from the Concerta package insert:

Human pharmacologic studies have shown that methylphenidate may inhibit the metabolism of coumarin anticoagulants, anticonvulsants (eg, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone), and some antidepressants (tricyclics and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) NOTE: LEXAPRO IS A SELECTIVE SEROTONIN REUPTAKE INHIBITOR, AS ARE PAXIL, ZOLOFT, PROZAC, ETC.. Downward dose adjustment of these drugs may be required when given concomitantly with methylphenidate. It may be necessary to adjust the dosage and monitor plasma drug concentrations (or, in the case of coumarin, coagulation times), when Initiating or discontinuing concomitant methylphenidate.

Serious adverse events have been reported in concomitant use with clonidine, although no causality for the combination has been established. The safety of using methylphenidate in combination with clonidine or other centrally acting alpha-2 agonists has not been systematically evaluated.

I'd ask your doc about this combination and any dose adjustments that might be necessary.

Kris

[Jorgy]

SSRI + Concerta= increased effect of the SSRI. Thus for the desired effect of the SSRI it would need to be decreased. This would be for the sinerio of being on an SSRI for depression and then starting Concerta. The SSRI dosage would have to be decreased. If you are on Concerta for ADHD and add an SSRI there will be an increased effect of the concerta, not decreased. Hope this make sense. Sue

[crillmom]

It makes alot of sense but that is not what we are finding, so my conclusion is that the becalm'd were helping for his add and now that he no longer takes becalm'd he needs an increase of concerta. Huh? Anyway thanks again for taking the time to explain.

[Jorgy]

Always go with your gut I have found. As a mom you are the one who knows your child best. If Becalmed works go with it. You can't argue with success. ;D Good luck and God Bless, Sue

[crillmom]

jorgy
what is considered a low dose of lexepro? My son is taking 1/2 a teaspoon full. I think that is considered 2.5 mg. I would like to have him on as low dose as possible. Thanks in advance for your help.

[Jorgy]

Sue, I have to research this one as I am fimiliar with only adult doses. I get back to you. Sue