Recently I was diagnosed with Depression and given medication to help with it. I need to know somethings that maybe some of you could help me with.
I'm taking Lexapro and one of the side effects are drowsiness or extreme drowsiness. I'm the kinda person who, if the medication has even the slightest chance to make you tired, will be affected.
I started the pills yesterday and within 30 min. I was so tired that I had to take a nap...a 4 hour nap.
My question is, should I talk to my doctor about this? Or will it eventually go away. I know I should have asked her but I didn't think this would have been a problem...I guess because I kinda didn't think that depression medication would make anyone tired.
So any advice would be great. Thanks
2006-11-02 04:07:18 · 10 answers · asked by stargazer673 6 in Health ➔ Mental Health
I started 10mg of Lexapro about 4 weeks ago, the drowsiness for me went away about into the 3rd week. Sometimes after a long day, I just lay down and take a nap. It does help, the benefits though of Lexapro outweigh the side effects. There are side effects with ALL medications. The good news is with antidepressants they eventually evaporate, or should anyway, if after a month it gets worse, or no better talk to your doc, he/she may have to change either the dosage or the med, or the time you are taking it. They will help you, BUT you have to be patient and give it some time to do the job. I know, I was inpatient too. He first put me on zoloft and I turned into a zombie for 3 weeks, he took me off and put me on Lexapro. I definitly had less side effects. Hang in there, it could be worse, trust me.
Good luck
2006-11-02 04:20:06 · answer #1 · answered by Kay M 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well as with any medication, the side effections usually accure within 20-35 minutes of taking the pill and last 4-12 hours depending on the medication. Side effects usually wear off after the first couple of weeks but if they become a bother then definately call your doctor. Good luck...
2006-11-02 04:42:19 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Usually, SSRI's (selective seritonin reuptake inhibitors)like lexapro, have the opposite effect of makeing a new patient jittery. However, it can take several days before a therapeutic level of the drug is reached in your blood stream. You need to be on it for a few weeks before you can decide if the side effects are persistent. Many people with depression have very poor sleep prior to taking the medication, and you may have been making up a sleep deficit. I have been on lexapro and it did not make me tired, but everyone is unique. Do not discontinue taking it cold turkey, there are withdrawal side effects if you do that. It must be tapered down slowly.
2006-11-02 04:16:51 · answer #3 · answered by phantomlimb7 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Always be willing to talk to your doctor. I also was susceptible to drugs like this. I always had my dose reduced by at least half.Sleeping is also a symptom of depression, and its worse when the medicine that is supposed to make us feel better actually drags us down. There are so many anti-depressants on the market. Lexapro is one of the newer ones. Ask for samples or try the older ones, they usually come in generic form and are more economical.Sometimes these medicines take 3 to 6 weeks to start feeling the benefits from.Good luck!
2006-11-02 04:18:10 · answer #4 · answered by auntgnu62 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's always a good idea to let your doctor know of any side effects you are having from your medication. Perhaps you can try to take your meds at night instead of during the day. Drowsiness from anti-depressants may lessen over time as your body adjusts to it.
2006-11-02 04:55:07 · answer #5 · answered by Jess 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If the drowsiness affects your day like prevents you from going to work or running errands you might want to ask your doctor about switching medications.
About it going away it really depends on the person. For me, drowsiness eventually goes away but not for a lot of people I know.
2006-11-02 04:13:01 · answer #6 · answered by christigmc 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Take the medicine before bed. That is how I handled the sleepy side effect. Most side effects go away as soon as our body adjusts to the medicine. Remember though, no one responds the same to medicines. Your doctor will doubtlessly give you the same advice, but all side effects should be reported to your doctor.
My mom is like you...I gave her the same advice and its working great for her.
2006-11-02 04:21:03 · answer #7 · answered by Dust in the Wind 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
once your body gets used to it you will feel better...takes about 2 weeks....lexapro is one of the better meds...my son takes it and its the only thing that works for him....he also went through a period of fatigue but now hes okay
2006-11-02 04:15:56 · answer #8 · answered by cookiesmom 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Please call your doctor about the medication. He may want to do a med check or prescribe another med.
I take Lexapro and no problems.
2006-11-02 05:04:41 · answer #9 · answered by grammy 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
well it do anything for me,,its a good time to hybernate if u can anyway
2006-11-02 04:14:14 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋