Would like to say that I am an RN and have been on
Lexapro for about 6 months. The only side effect I have noticed while taking is sweating. I did quit taking briefly but only had mood swings as a withdrawl. I am also only taking 10mg so it appears to me the higher the dose the worse your withdrawl symptoms are. To the mom of the 14 year, I caution you having dealt with a lot of psych clients that if she is cutting herself there is more going on then depression. Some meds also intensify behaviors if they are not right for treating her condition. Meds at that age are hard due to the rapid changs she is going through. She needs to be in weekly counseling to deal with the issue and you need to find a reputable therapist who deals with adolescents. Therapy can do wonders without medication if you find the right therapist and are willing to spend the time taking her. It is a long haul and it doesn't happen over night. You have to be patient but the rewards are great. It appears to me that she may have some psychological condition other than depression. It appears she has some other psychological condition other than depression. Do your research on the web and enter in her behaviors. You need to be your daughters advocate because noone esle will. The more you know the better treatment she will receive. Self-injurious behaviors come from more than depression especially at age 14. Just be careful there are a lot of psych Doctor's who don't know squat. She needs to deal with a therapist/psychiatrist not a Family MD. I hope this helps you and remember to be patient. Home schoolong may not be a bad idea due to all of the pressure placed on teenagers today. It's a cruel world out there.