Lexapro giving me HUGE moodswings?

Question

I just started taking it for my somadic depression and anxiety.

i have been having HUGE mood swings,
(not related to menstral cycle)
i will be quiet and nontalkative and rather grouchy,
to me not being able to sit still and think straight, and go 5 seconds without talking.

i am a rather mellow person,
but i am also being looked at for manic (bi-polar).

so basically, my question is could this medication be giving me these HUGE mood swings?

or is it just my body getting used to it?

or could it because of my (possible) manic?

Answer 1

Depending on how long you have been taking it, it is possible that the effects will calm down. If you have been taking it for four weeks or more, and nothing has changed (or it's gotten worse), talk to your dr about getting a better diagnosis (are you truly bipolar) or different medication.

As other respondents have noted, SSRI antidepressants such as Lexapro can cause mania in bipolar patients. Lithium is often added to control and avoid this effect. Anyone who is bipolar and taking SSRIs should always be carefully monitored by a dr.

It is important to control the mood swings if you are indeed bipolar. Uncontrolled bipolar disorder can become worse over time and lead to shorter and shorter time periods between the "ups" and "downs". Good luck with finding the appropriate medication(s) for your condition, and I hope you feel better soon.

Answer 2

It absolutely can.Any antidepressant can cause a person with bipolar to have mania, so this could be your problem.
I am bipolar and my psychiatrist always makes sure I watch out for mania symptoms. that is why a person with bipolar MUST be on a mood stabilizar as well.

Answer 3

My wife, who is bi-polar, was taking Lexapro for almost a year until we were told by another psychiatrist that it can cause mania especially in patients with bi-polar disorder. I would defintely suggest that you speak with your doctor about this.