Lexapro Forums (Page 7)

I started lexapro and after 10 days tinnitus started in my left ear. After reading only very few other cases, I thought it may be it isn't lexapro. It became worse each day (loud wishing and ringing sounds in my left ear) I decided to try every other day and then stopped lexapro completely after 2 weeks on. In two days my tinnitus disappeared. ## Hello, Lani! How are you? Yes, Tinnitus is listed as a possible side effect, by the FDA, along with nausea, dizziness, headache, dry mouth, mood swings and weight changes. Have you consulted your doctor? You may need to try a different medication.

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I was on Lexapro 20 mg. a day for years. In Aug of 2012 I changed to the generic form. After 2 days, I was having terrible side effects. My pharmacist told me that the generic was exactly the same as the Brand name and that it must be something else wrong. I recently switched back to Lexapro Brand name and have felt so much better that it is unbelievable. I have reported this to the FDA. I know that other people are suffering from this same problem. The more people that report this to FDA, the more likely something will be done about it. I called 18663004374 . I would advise anyone to report their problem with this generic so insurance can't get away with only covering the generic. Good Luck. ## Hello, Grandma! How are you? I'm very sorry about the problem you had with the gener...

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I've been on lexapro now for the past 3 years or so. I was abused for many years as a child, now in my early 30ies i feel it definately helps in dealing with everyday,and my many demons.one day at a time. however i am at a stage now where my husband and i would like to start a family. What can i take instead as you cannot become pregnant on lexapro. what can i switch to. i'll need something as am not strong enough with out it.Can some one please advise. ## Dear Ruby, As a psychotherapist, a holistic healer and a mother of two toddlers, I would like to respond to your comments. I don't know whether you have sought therapy for the abuse you faced in your childhood, but that's a very important place to begin. The medication can help you to function, which is important. But ...

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I just took my first dose of lexapro and am feeling a little itchy.Feel pretty calm and a little tired other than that.I don't have gives or a rash.Just wondering if anyone else has experienced this.Should I be worried? Is this an allergic reaction ? I took lexapro years ago with no problem. ## Hello, Brina! How are you? Since there are no hives or rash, it is most likely not an allergic reaction. However, this medication has been known to cause other skin conditions as side effects, according to the FDA. You may also experience nausea, dizziness, headache, dry mouth and weight changes. Have you consulted your doctor? You may need to switch to a different medications.

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ive been taking lexapro 5mg for 2weeks now. I'm feeling worse instead of better. I can't eat or sleep and my anxiety is threw the roof. Can I quit taking it without any withdrawals? ## Hello, Cheryl! How are you? Yes, after that short of a time period, there shouldn't be any major issues with stopping it, as long as your doctor approves. However, you've actually not been on it long enough, yet, to see if these effects will go away and the medication will work for you. That usually takes about 3 to 4 weeks, though most people find it to take about 3. In many cases, these severe symptoms early on has shown that the medication is going to work well for them. The FDA lists the typical side effects as possibly including nausea, dizziness, headache, dry mouth and weight change...

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In a nutshell, took 10mg Lex for 13 years and heeded the suggestion of my cardiologist that, "it may not be working for you anymore", however, I never felt I was experiencing "poop-out". I tapered for 4 months, and last dose was Feb 2015. Been through all the text book withdrawal and feel that it is just not worth it. I have decided to restart and wonder if anyone has any thoughts, suggestions, difficulties? I have read it may not work as well as it did the first time around. Thx in advance! ## Actually, a break for a couple months usually helps them start working, again, since your body loses its tolerance. Many doctors actually recommend medication vacations for their patients, to try to prevent them from building tolerance. The FDA lists the typical side effects of Le...

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My doctor prescribed me lexapro for crippling depression and anxiety. I have been on it for a few months, and after telling the doctor I felt like I was gaining weight, but that the anxiety was a little better, he took me off the lexapro immediately. I thought this was dangerous, but I am not a doctor. Cut to me not having taken it for going on 3 weeks. My anxiety has increased and among other withdrawal symptoms, I am so tired all the time. I had half a glass of wine this Evenjng to relax, and it almost instantly made me feel nausea and like I was constantly falling. I was sick to my stomach and can't shake this feeling like my entire brain has literally been thrown out of order. And now I can't sleep. Is this normal? How long after stopping should you avoid drinking? Thanks! #...

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Have any women taken lexapro throughout their pregnancy? Was your baby born with any complications and were there any complications through pregnancy due to meds? ## Hello, Linda! How are you? As listed in the information provided by the FDA, animal studies have shown evidence of embryonic toxicity, but there is no controlled data available for its use during human pregnancy. They've placed it in Category C, stating that risk cannot be ruled out and it would be best to use a medication that is known to be safe, unless this is the only option available. Typical side effects for Lexapro may include nausea, dizziness, dry mouth, mood swings and weight changes. Has anyone been on this while pregnant? ## Please don't risk it. The doctor will say it's ok, but look at all the side ...

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So agitation, increased anxiety, insomnia. Increased pulse,digestive disturbances, itchy skin that feels like it's crawling. The side effects from hell basically. My doctor left a message saying I could stop the med since I was only 8 tabs in. How long until I stop feeling like death warmed over? ## Hello, Dani! How are you feeling? Have things improved, yet? Those can all be normal side effects of starting a medication like this and usually last about 3 to 4 weeks. As to when they should taper off, since you were only on it for 8 days, it should only take a couple days, before you feel back to normal. Have you tried any other medications? ## Feeling a little bit better. Very itchy and still suffering chills and lack of hunger. Years ago I tried zoloft. Made me sucidal. And paxil ma...

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For a long time I've struggled with anxiety/depression but it got really bad this year. I started taking Lexapro (well, Teva-Escitalopram actually) on April 14 starting with 5 mg for 6 days and then increasing to 10 mg. So this is the beginning of my 6th week at 10 mg. I was at a really low point when I began taking the medication and compared to that point, I am doing better. During these weeks taking it, there have been periods where I've believed it was working (I've felt more focused, interested, etc.) but lately I've been experiencing more lows and still a lot of pretty intense anxiety. The other issue is that I have bad insomnia. The two days before I started the medication I had bad sleep issues (woke up at 3:30 or 4:30 and couldn't get back to sleep at all) b...

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I recently had genetic testing saying that Lexapro was not the best drug for me. So, I am being switched to Zoloft. This is day two of my transition- yeaterday went down to 10mg of Lexapro instead of 20mg and added 25mg of Zoloft. Does anyone have any experience? Just feeling off. Not liking it and need to know what to expect ## Hello, Angie! How are you? I've not done this switch, but I can tell you that feeling off for a bit is completely normal, when you go from one medication to another. You're likely experiencing some withdrawal symptoms from lowering the Lexapro accompanied by side effects from adding the Zoloft. The FDA classifies Zoloft as an SSRI antidepressant and lists its typical side effects as possibly including nausea, dizziness, dry mouth, mood swings and weight ...

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white round pill line down the middle and a 20 on other side. i was told it is an antidepressant but i wanna know the exact name and the effects ## Hello, JJ! How are you? I'm sorry, but so far, I've not been able to find a listing that matches this description. However, I'll keep looking and post back, when I have information for you. Does anyone else recognize this tablet? ## Sounds like Lexapro ## Thank you, Juke! I was able to confirm that there is a 20mg Escitalopram tablet with just the number 20 on it, however, I don't know if it is scored, or not. This is a generic for Lexapro, which the FDA classifies as an antidepressant that can also help with anxiety. Typical side effects may possibly include nausea, dizziness, headache, dry mouth and weight gain. Are there a...

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OMG! Increased from 15mg to 20mg of brand Lexapro which I take prior to bed... My food cravings and appetite are through the roof after my dose. I want to eat in the middle of the night! It's off the chart crazy. I'm fine during the day. But NOT after my one evening dose! Any ideas to help me curb my middle of the night eatting ? ... chain myself to the bed, is all I have come up with. Sue ## Hi Susan, Something you might want to consider is adding more protein to your diet, since studies suggest that it can help curb your appetite and reduce snack bingeing throughout the day/night. I've also had success trying this out for myself and can vouch for how well a higher protein diet diminishes cravings. Since I eat primarily vegan, I tend to opt for plant-based protein powders a...

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I'm in my mid-thirties and have been suffering from anxiety for a long time. Have been taking xanax for many years and while it helps, I recently decided to give Lexapro a try. I've been on 10 mg for 1 week now. I realized immediately that I was sleeping better but today I had a slight panic attack (which I understand happens in the initial stages of taking the drug). My doc discussed upping the dose eventually but there's no specific timeline. So my question is this: How long did you wait before increasing the dose from 10 mg to say 15 or 20? I have a colleague who started on 10 mg and then went to 15 after one week. Not sure if that's the norm. Any replies would be greatly appreciated. ## It is important to give the drug several weeks to work. There is no way to know a...

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I got these pills from the pharmacy and didn't realize it till I was already taking them I'm not sure if they are what they are supposed to be....I was supposed to get lexapro 20mg but the don't look like the normal ones I get can someone help me please I tried to look it up on WebMD but it couldn't find it.....it is white oval with a scorn side that has B4 and C on it the letters and number is all on one side with nothing on the other side ## Hello, Melissa! How are you? I'm sorry for the confusion and I'm happy to clear this up for you. These tablets are manufactured by Jubilant Cadista Pharmaceuticals and they them as containing 20mgs of Escitalopram, which is the generic for Lexapro. When a medication, such as this, is available as a generic, it is usually ma...

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I'm going into my 3rd week of Lexapro 10mg and my anxiety has gotten better. However, mornings are still tough with anxiety. Can anyone tell me when that goes away or when it becomes manageable. I don't expect anxiety to go away completely, but I don't expect to be as agitated in the morning. ## Hello, Brownstone88! How are you? I've found that it usually starts to improve around 21 days and goes away after about a month. If this symptoms continues past that, you should consult your doctor as it may not be the right medication for you. The FDA classifies Lexapro as being an SSRI antidepressant and its typical side effects may possibly include nausea, dizziness, dry mouth, weight gain and mood swings. Is there anything else I can help with?

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Would anyone care to share their thoughts on this article discussing "Why The Science Behind Anti-Depressants May Be Completely Backwards": huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/28/how-anti-depressants-work_n_6707272.html ## It is possible. One thing that you will frequently notice, if you study medications is that many of them are known to have a certain effect or treat a certain condition, but we can't explain how or why they do so. There are some we can explain, of course, but for many, we really only have theories on how or why they work. It is, of course, also possible that serotonin isn't a happy chemical for everyone. Eventually, we may discover that its role varies depending on certain genetic factors, or perhaps in relation to the balance of other chemicals in the body. Th...

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i am 52 yr. old female on 20mg. Lexapro for almost a year. I have noticed my desire for sex decrease and can't achieve orgasm anymore. This is embarrassing for me to post but I am a newlywed. wondering if anyone else has had this side effect. please help ## YES!! It is embarrassing and frustrating. I'm a 56 yr old female and have been married to the same very understanding man for almost 35 years. Been on antidepressants for 13 years, but lexapro was added a few years ago because my hormonal changes (menopause) were wreaking havoc with my mood swings. My Dr. suggested a don't take the lexapro one or two nights before having sex. I know, it takes some planning, but like I said my husband's understanding. I'd been fooling around with the dose for a few weeks and sudden...

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My MD started me on Lexapro a little more than a month ago. Started at 5 mg and I got such paranoia that I quit. On follow-up exam he suggested 2.5 mg and I've been doing that for about 3 weeks. Today I upped it to 5 mg. He was talking as high as 40 mg. I see no reason for anyone taking that amount especially with what I'm reading about rats coming down with retinal degeneration and adrenal failure, plus all the symptoms that come from withdrawals. I will stop at 10 mgs. I don't have social anxiety, I have a problem with motivation which I guess stems from some type of depression. ## My heel hurt so back got ## Hello, CatAddict! How are you? Lab animals are usually given far greater amounts than the therapeutic doses, so you can't really go by that. As to why some people...

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I'm on 10mg and it's been 10 days. My anxiety has gotten better and the fogginess is lifting. I'm still not feeling 100, but I'm trying to be patient. Also, my sleep is weird, I was waking up too many times in a night so I take .25 of Xanax to help. Question when does the tiredness go away? Is my Xanax causing more of a problem with morning sleepiness? ## Hello, Brownstone88! How are you? The FDA classifies Lexapro as an SSRI antidepressant and most of them can cause REM Onset Latency, which means it takes longer than usual for you to enter the REM sleep stage and you are in it for a shorter period of time, so such sleep disruptions like you've described are very common. However, just like the other side effects it can cause, such as nausea, dizziness, headache and d...

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