My doctor prescribed me Lexapro 10mg to deal with my depression and anxiety. I’ve been on the meds for two weeks and notice some changes. Mostly side effects, such as when I take the pill in the morning before I go off to school, college student, in the late evening, I would feel tired and begin to develop a migraine. My whole body would give a sign that it will soon give up if I go on with my work or studies. I need at least 16 hrs in a day to do what I do. Is this side effect normal? Please help. Share your thoughts.
2006-07-18 17:19:11 · 11 answers · asked by Inquisit 2 in Health ➔ Mental Health
I believe strongly that ANY medication can cause almost ANY side effect and that it's very individualized. Lexapro is a great medication and very good at treating both depression and anxiety. That said, Lexapro works wonderfully for some people and not others. One respondent said Paxil CR works much better for her. I do not doubt it although there are as many people out there who are better on Lexapro than Paxil CR. And those that do best on Zoloft, or Celexa, or Luvox, or Effexor XR, or Prozac.
These are all similar medications that work very well for those disorders. The side effects are different for each and don't happen to everyone in the same way (I've seen some people who can't sleep on Lexapro and others who can't stay awake). Paxil tends to cause weight gain; Zoloft seems to cause initial upset stomach.
I think the very best thing is to call your doctor IMMEDIATELY, discuss your side effect, and see if he/she would like you to try a different medication. The doc may suggest taking the Lexapro before bed (or at dinner) or splitting the pill so you take half in the morning and half at night. It's difficult to say. You do need to talk about it soon so that you can get the problem resolved as quickly as possible. If your doc is a PCP who doesn't feel comfortable with other meds see if he/she can give you the name of a psychiatrist he/she trusts. Good Luck!
2006-07-18 17:39:52 · answer #1 · answered by ? 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most of the new antidepressants, known as SSRI's take up to four weeks to work. They may have some side effects as the body gets used to them, but often, if the person can continue taking them, will begin to notice the benefit around four weeks. Your migraines are likely a result from being tired rather than from the Lexapro, and as someone who has a long history of depression and taking anti-depressants, I would urge you to continue taking it and see your doctor at the end of the four weeks or when ever your follow up appointment is scheduled. Sometimes, if you don't notice an improvement, a higher dose might be necessary. Your need for so much sleep is also likely related to your depression. If you are not doing it already, you might consider some counseling to help you towards feeling better. Best of luck.
2006-07-19 01:47:45 · answer #2 · answered by gahrahstah 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think your side effect is abnormal, but it is interfering with your lifestyle, so you need to call your doctor and try something else. Thankfully for me, the only real side effects came when I went cold turkey, off of medication, so do make sure you check this out and don't just stop the meds. Go to the website someone provided for you, too. Course, listening to your body is a good thing as well.
2006-07-19 00:35:32 · answer #3 · answered by Isthisnametaken2 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have been taking Lexapro for a few years now and I haven't experienced any of the side effects you have mentioned. In fact, my doctor prescribed it for me BECAUSE it has few or no side effects. I would suggest talking this over with your doctor.
2006-07-19 00:24:14 · answer #4 · answered by chrstnwrtr 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have been on Lexapro for 7 months now. I love it. My doctor told me to take it at night only. You should try it at night,
But if it still makes you feel bad, talk to your doctor. He might could try you on Cymbalta, my brother is on that and he thinks it is the best (he has been on several different ones). Nevertheless, if you do not get to feeling better, go on and talk to your doc. You just may not be able to take Lexapro. Do not wait too long. They had me on crestor for my cholesterol and I almost died. So do not play around with medicine. Every medicine is not for everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2006-07-19 00:54:58 · answer #5 · answered by nself04@yahoo.com 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i take lexapro 20 miligrams i dont have any side effects like that,and i think it dose really well i use it for anxiety,although someone else i know takes it and when she first started taking it she was tired alot,then it went away ,maybe you just have to get use to it,but its a good medication i think the best for anxiety and depression and i have tried many,hope this info helps.
2006-07-19 00:26:53 · answer #6 · answered by patti g 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to remember, your body is new to this med. You probably will have side affects until your body gets use to the med. Give it time if and you don't see any improvement contact your doctor asap. Sorry you have this trouble. Bad enough that some of us need meds. like this. Hang in there.
2006-07-19 00:52:23 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
10 mg Lexapro actually keeps me awake (and it doesn't seem to be a side effect that will go away anytime soon). It doesn't work as well as Paxil CR for me.
2006-07-19 00:23:59 · answer #8 · answered by It's me again 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds as if your having a reaction to the medication that needs to be discussed with your Dr. You might also go to Lexapro.com and read some information.
Good luck and God Bless.
2006-07-19 00:24:45 · answer #9 · answered by okiemom67 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When I took it, it made me dizzy and hyper-active. So it's different for everyone. Like the commercials say, "talk to your doctor."
2006-07-19 00:40:41 · answer #10 · answered by Fili 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋