Lexapro side effects?

Question

In the past (before I was pregnant), I was on 20mg daily of Lexapro for just under 2 years. During my pregnancy, I stopped.

Now I am back on 15mg daily (which seems to be working fine), and I have been back on it for just about 5 months.
I am taking it for GAD (general anxiety disorder) & depression.
I have NOT had side effects such as: nausea, sleeplessness, anorgasmia, etc.

I am generally more happy! But, these are wierd things I've noticed, anybody know if these symptoms/side effects are normal, or even from the meds?: hard to concentrate, zone out easily, either really talkative or not at all, some lightheadedness, wierd dreams/nightmares...

Any insight is appreciated :)

Answer 1

It appears that the meds are in fact WORKING! :)

I'm only saying this because you wrote that you are "Generally more happy!"

That is GREAT!! and you should be happy about it.

The fact is, meds alone may not solve all your problems. GAD is a very REAL disorder. Essentially, it's a misfiring of your central nervous systems (CNS) stress function. However, there is a component of GAD which comes from learned behavior (e.g. Your social upgringing, enviornment and even your genes).

The meds are designed to help take the edge off so you can function normally, but if you're still struggling, it may be worth it to speak with someone. There are Psychotherapy treatments designed to help you learn how to manage GAD through behavior modification or a more popular branded treatment called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). The premis of this therapy is that our thoughts (cognition) and actions (behaviors) are linked. The therapy helps you understand how the two are linked (including their effects) and help you learn how to make changes to curb the results, namely your anxiety.

I'm not saying this is what you should do; I'm just trying to give you info. I suggest you learn as much as you can about your diagnosis, treatments (medication and psychotherapy) and talk to a Dr. you trust to improve your life.

Good Luck

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

Side Effects Of Escitalopram

Answer 4

Excessive yawning, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth delayed ejaculation, and depersonalization are all definitely normal side effects for lexapro (escitalopram) and our found in the patient information sheet that is given to you with the medication. Most of these should subside with time, however you should really weigh up the benefits to the side effects. I wish you the best of luck and hope you are feeling better.

Answer 5

I have been on lexoprol for about 2 years and been on 20 mg dose. The only side effects I've had is when i went from 10 mg to 20 mg I got really really anxious and couldn't sit still.....slowly we went up to 20 and no side effects. So i would say the only thing that seems to be from lexaprol is the hard to concentrate/zone out.

I would talk to your doctor about the different effects you think it might be having. Just call them/their nurse so you don't have to set up an appointment and get charged......they'll know what to do.

Answer 6

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He also does need time because you are the only one he has been with so once he gets used to it, you can really enjoy it once he gets his techniques down pat. Tell him what you like. Get some books and videos also until you both are experienced. Or you could even have a quickie in the morning, when you get home and then at night. he will diffently last longer because his mind has been free twice already. You get on top of him and you control the situation. Also my boyfriend tells me that he thinks about none sexual things for a while to help control him, tell him to think about a sport or something that calms him. If that doesn't work then just do IT over until you are satisfied

Answer 7

www.webmd.com and click on drugs A-Z. They have an on-line 'Physicians Desk Reference' which is the prescription drug 'bible' and lists all the precautions and side effects.

Answer 8

i was on lexapro for a while...here is what i experienced...

-chronic diarreah
-euphoria
-flatulance
-noises in my head
-crapping my pants in public
-wetting my pants in public
-more flatulance

hope this helps :)

Answer 9

you have noticed your self . don't let it get you down work with it . your doing good .
most anti depresants give me the screamin shts .
prozac .

Answer 10

Lexapro
Generic Name: escitalopram (EE si TAL o pram)


What is the most important information I should know about Lexapro?
You may have an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior at the start of treatment with an antidepressant medication, especially if you are under 18 years old. Talk with your doctor about this risk. While you are taking Lexapro you will need to be monitored for worsening symptoms of depression and/or suicidal thoughts during the first weeks of treatment, or whenever your dose is changed. In addition to you watching for changes in your own symptoms, your family or other caregivers should be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits for at least the first 12 weeks of treatment.

Contact your doctor promptly if you have any of the following side effects, especially if they are new symptoms or if they get worse: mood changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, irritability, agitation, aggressiveness, severe restlessness, mania (mental and/or physical hyperactivity), thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself. Do not take Lexapro together with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate). You must wait at least 14 days after stopping an MAOI before you can take Lexapro. After you stop taking Lexapro, you must wait at least 14 days before you start taking an MAOI. SSRI antidepressants may cause serious or life-threatening lung problems in newborn babies whose mothers take the medication during pregnancy. However, you may have a relapse of depression if you stop taking your antidepressant during pregnancy. If you are planning a pregnancy, or if you become pregnant while taking Lexapro, do not stop taking the medication without first talking to your doctor.

What is Lexapro?
Lexapro is an antidepressant in a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Lexapro affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression or anxiety.

Lexapro is used to treat anxiety and major depressive disorder.

Lexapro may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.


What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Lexapro?
You may have an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior at the start of treatment with an antidepressant medication, especially if you are under 18 years old. Talk with your doctor about this risk. While you are taking Lexapro you will need to be monitored for worsening symptoms of depression and/or suicidal thoughts during the first weeks of treatment, or whenever your dose is changed. In addition to you watching for changes in your own symptoms, your family or other caregivers should be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits for at least the first 12 weeks of treatment.

Do not use Lexapro if you are using an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), or selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam). Serious and sometimes fatal reactions can occur when these medicines are taken with Lexapro. You must wait at least 14 days after stopping an MAO inhibitor before you can take Lexapro. After you stop taking Lexapro, you must wait at least 14 days before you start taking an MAOI.
Before taking Lexapro, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

liver or kidney disease;
seizures or epilepsy;

bipolar disorder (manic depression); or

a history of drug abuse or suicidal thoughts.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use Lexapro, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category C. SSRI antidepressants may cause serious or life-threatening lung problems in newborn babies whose mothers take the medication during pregnancy. However, you may have a relapse of depression if you stop taking your antidepressant during pregnancy. If you are planning a pregnancy, or if you become pregnant while taking Lexapro, do not stop taking the medication without first talking to your doctor. Lexapro can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Lexapro?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from the medication.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.
Try to take the medicine at the same time each day. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

To be sure you get the correct dose of liquid Lexapro, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

It may take 4 weeks or longer before you start feeling better. Do not stop using Lexapro without first talking to your doctor. You may have unpleasant side effects if you stop taking this medication suddenly. Store Lexapro at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose of Lexapro?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.


What happens if I overdose with Lexapro?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have taken too much of this medication. Symptoms of an Lexapro overdose may include nausea, vomiting, tremor, sweating, rapid heartbeat, confusion, dizziness, seizures, and coma.

What should I avoid while taking Lexapro?
Do not take Lexapro together with citalopram (Celexa), isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate). Avoid drinking alcohol, which can increase some of the side effects of Lexapro.
Avoid using other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold medicine, pain medication, muscle relaxers, medicine for seizures, other medication for depression or anxiety). They can add to sleepiness caused by Lexapro.

Lexapro can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

What are the possible side effects of Lexapro?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: skin rash or hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Contact your doctor promptly if you have any of the following side effects, especially if they are new symptoms or if they get worse: mood changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, irritability, agitation, aggressiveness, severe restlessness, mania (mental and/or physical hyperactivity), thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

seizure (convulsions);

tremors, shivering, muscle stiffness or twitching;

problems with balance or coordination; or

agitation, confusion, sweating, fast heartbeat.

Other less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:

feeling nervous, restless, or unable to sit still;

headache, trouble concentrating;

drowsiness, dizziness;

sleep problems (insomnia);

nausea, diarrhea, heartburn;

weight changes;

decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm; or

dry mouth, ringing in your ears.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.


What other drugs will affect Lexapro?
Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine for pain, arthritis, fever, or swelling. This includes aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), diclofenac (Voltaren), indomethacin, piroxicam (Feldene), nabumetone (Relafen), etodolac (Lodine), and others. Taking any of these drugs with Lexapro may cause you to bruise or bleed easily.

Before taking Lexapro, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following medicines:

carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol);
cimetidine (Tagamet);

lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith);

a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin);

any other antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil), citalopram (Celexa), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), fluvoxamine (Luvox), imipramine (Tofranil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), paroxetine (Paxil), or sertraline (Zoloft); or

almotriptan (Axert), frovatriptan (Frova), sumatriptan (Imitrex), naratriptan (Amerge), rizatriptan (Maxalt), or zolmitriptan (Zomig).

If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use Lexapro, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

There may be other drugs not listed that can affect Lexapro. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.


Where can I get more information on Lexapro?
Your pharmacist has additional information about Lexapro written for health professionals that you may read.
What does my medication look like?
Escitalopram is available with a prescription under the brand name Lexapro. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

Lexapro 5 mg--white, round, tablets

Lexapro 10 mg-white, round, scored tablets

Lexapro 20 mg-white, round, scored tablets

Lexapro 5 mg/5 mL-peppermint-flavored oral solution


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Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and only use this medication for the indication prescribed.
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