[77private]

Lexapro
Generic Name: escitalopram

What is Lexapro?
Lexapro (escitalopram) is in a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
Lexapro is used in the treatment of depression and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

You will find information on Lexapro at Drugs.com

Consumer Information
http://lexapro.drugs.com/

PDR Professional Information
http://www.drugs.com/PDR/Lexapro_Tablets.html





I have been taking Lexapro to relieve neuropathy due to the chemotherapy. Has anyone had any problems with this drug, such as weight gain, liver problems. Thank you.

[NILOUFAR]

Hi,
I hope you are very well.
I think it is much better to discuss the possible side effects with your doctor or pharmacist. people are responding quite differently to each drug and some people might experince some side effects while others might not!
If you are worried that you might suffer from a liver disease later on in life you should have regular blood test.
By the way, I am an undergraduate pharmacy student in uk, if you could give me the generic name of lexapro, i would be grateful to give you more information regarding the side effects.

Hope you get better soon.

NEL

[sleuth]

You will find Consumer Information on Lexapro at

http://lexapro.drugs.com

Detailed information (PDR) can be found at

http://www.drugs.com/PDR/Lexapro_Tablets.html

[Wendell]

quote:Originally posted by 77private


I have been taking Lexapro to relieve neuropathy due to the chemotherapy. Has anyone had any problems with this drug, such as weight gain, liver problems. Thank you.

Hi. I have been taking Lexapro for about six months. It's one of the newer SSRI's (selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors, and was recommended by my MD as a better pharmaceutical way to address depression than, say, Zoloft, because it appears to provide results a bit more quickly and is advertised as having fewer unpleasant side effects. These often include loss of libido, dryness of the mouth, slight dizziness or loss of appetite. Personally I don't feel that any of the SSRI's can fulfill such promises, but at least it has not produced that cottony mouth or dizziness in my case. I interpret neuropathy to be the degradation of nerve cells that can result in a wide variety of reduced function, from impaired eyesight to ringing in the ears to trembling hands, etc. Of course I understand that chemotherapy is no walk in the park either, and I wish you well with that process. As to your specific worries, I have not experienced weight gain or any compromise of liver function. In a way, Lexapro is like a vitamin for the brain: your body will use as much of it as necessary and excrete the rest. In my experience dosage was a big issue. Since most non-psychiatric MDs will start a patient off on 20mgs taken each morning. I started at 20 mgs. but soon began to experience what is called "emotional blunting," which is exactly what it sounds like. I've levelled out at 10mgs. daily. The primary purpose of a drug like Lexapro is not to make a person suddenly bouncy and joyful all the time, but to smooth out the peaks and valleys of emotion that I imagine chemotherapy can make even rougher, and also in your case, "lubricate" nerve connections in the brain with slightly increased levels of serotonin in order to reduce the severity of the symptoms of the neuropathies you are experiencing. I agree with your pharmacology student responder from the UK: it's best to consult with your physician -- always. The problem is that it can be difficult to get an oncologist to take the time to go into the metabolic processes of what is considered by most to be a drug used solely to treat depression. I am not a doctor, but from my personal experience with Lexapro and my reading on SSRIs in general, the drug is very unlikely to directly cause any adverse effects on systemic metabolic functions like liver, kidney, gastrointestinal, etc.

Best wishes

Wendell

[NILOUFAR]

Dear Arlene,
Hi, it’s Nel, pharmacy student again, hope you’re doing fine.
The generic name of loxapro is Escitalopram oxalate, This belongs to a group ofdrug called called selective serotonin inhibitors(SSRIs).
Lexapro works by boosting levels of serotonin, one of the chief chemical messengers in the brain. The drug is a close chemical cousin of the antidepressant medication Celexa. Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor to help your condition as much as possible.
Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.
Weight Gain/Weight Loss
Although not reported as a side-effect of this particular SSRI, weight gain has been reported on many occasions as a side-effect of Lexapro. Weight loss is also a possibility due to digestion disorders caused by the drug. This is a very dangerous way to lose weight, however, and we emphatically don't recommend it.
Liver and kidney problem
You should also be tested for a dangerous drug metabolism issue before consumption of this or similar drugs.
Also make sure that the doctor knows if you have liver problems or severe kidney disease. Your dosage may need adjustment. But if your kidneys and liver are doing fine you shouldn’t be worried too much, just try to have regular blood tests and Try to drink plenty of water and eat at least 5 kind of vegetable and fruit daily, as I think you are on few medication so your body needs to expel the toxins from the body.
If you need more info, I would be more than happy to be much of a help.
Best wishes
Nel[:I]

[rseazow]

quote:Originally posted by 77private


I have been taking Lexapro to relieve neuropathy due to the chemotherapy. Has anyone had any problems with this drug, such as weight gain, liver problems. Thank you.

yes greetings i had changed from paxil that caused alot of weight gain and very dangerous to stop on you own, switched to lexapro am losing weight and i like it much better no cravings i can stop anytime without any adverse effects.

RENEE SEABROOKS

[77private]

Thank you so much for your kind words and replies. I have read them all. When taking the Lexapro I did notice a weight gain, and stomach pains. That is when I decided to stop this on my own, and see if these problems would stop, and they did. Except when I went for a blood test I had the abnormal liver function. My doctor suggested I have a ultrasound of the abdomen, and I am going to have this done next Friday. After I get the results of this test I will see what is developing, hopefully nothing. Again I also have been taking Zocor for 4 years and this can do damage also so I have read. The reason I was taking Lexapro is because I was very depressed from the breast cancer that I had and now thank God I am in remission. But I developed this neuropathy in the sole of my feet and that occurred after my treatments of chemotherapy. So that is the reason for the Lexapro, and Elavil. I have stopped both medications. This Wednesday I will be going to a Neurologist to check the neuropathy to see if I have permanent damage. I went to a Neurologist last year and he said it would regenerate eventually, but no such luck. Thank you all once again, your messages mean allot to me. Wishing you all good health.

[medicinalgypsy]

Ready to get technical?

Here is the pharmaceutical history on Lexapro:

It was developed by Forest pharmaceuticals. It is basically what I refer to as the "new improved celexa". The main shareholder of Forest pharmaceuticals helped develop Celexa for his very depressed son. His son was not improving on any of the other old standbys. (i.e. paxil, zoloft, etc.) Anyhow with this guys money and genuine personal interest Celexa was born. Celexa worked well but it, like other anti-depressants had side effects. As with all drugs, the goal was to get a drug that worked well but without the side effects.
This is were you should put on your visual thinking cap:
The molecular structure of Celexa is, how can I put it? Well pick any object that has two basically identical hemispheres (tree, brain, earth, etc.) Let's use the earth. Two hemispheres right? Well the research showed that while one hemisphere worked well it was the second hemisphere that was causing the side effects. So the solution was get rid of that second hemisphere/molecule. And it worked the side effects are extremely low.
Anyhow, I really dislike pharmaceutical companies, but I will give Forrest Pharmaceuticals credit. They could have kept Celexa alive and kicking for decades to come but instead they are discontinuing making Celexa and replacing it with its molecular superior Lexapro.

I am a medical student and thankfully I haven't had the need to take an antidepressant yet, but if I had to start one, Lexapro would be the one I would want. Most people do well on 10mg. It just takes a few weeks and up to 30 days for some before it really reaches its full potential.
I have seen this drug help alot of people already. My only concern with any newer drug is that long-term studies have not yet been done.
Good Luck, I wish you well.

Oh and to a previous person's reply. "Paxil Packs it On!" is our slogan. Especially for women it cause major weight gain even if you have never had weight problems before.

[Locus]

I was on lexapro for a few months about a year or two ago. Didn't notice any side effects actually at all. Lexapro I think is better pertaining to side effects than other antidepressants. I was taking it for pain rather than depression though and it didn't really help in that case. Anyway, Good Luck with your situation

[Peggy]

Wow, can't believe I finially found Lexapro topic page...
My Dr. has prescribed Lexapro (10mg) to help with the "anger" phase of the task to stop smoking. After reading - and rereading - the side effect - not sleeping -- sleepy- loss of concenttration-SWEATS- and the very thing it is to releive ---- depression, I becam quite concerned and am not sure this is the drug to be using to help stop smoking. Any observations would be certainly appreciated.

[Kev]

hi everyone
I'm new and just wanted to say first that i really love this forum, have read alot of posts and great information is always provided. I am currently on zoloft 100mg a day and get the tight jaws, very bad loss of libido, dry mouth.
My question is has anyone experienced any improvement in their libido area since changing to Lexapro, as i have lost mind completely since being on the zoloft and was not told by my doctor about this side effect or any other for that matter. i know i will probably always get some side effects but losing my libido is one i really would like to lose (excuse pun).

It got to the point in december last year that my wife of 10 years walked out on me and did not come back and making love was one of the main reasons among others she gave me.
It totally destroyed my family life as i have no family in australia except for my mum in New Zealand. We have a beautiful daughter Elizabeth 4 years old and i thought everything else was okay. So i am really struggling now with esteem, libido issues and depression and would really appreciate any help or advice from anyone who is using it or know from people who have used it. I dont feel complete anymore and have no chance of meeting or retaining a future relationship in my current state,

Hope someone can help with advice
Thanks
Kev

[moodswing1]

Recently some professional and legal issues exacerbated a depressive condition that started when my dad passed away unexpectedly in 2000. Recently I'v become suicidal and because of this I knew that it was time to see a psychiatrist. He started me on Lexapro. I'm on my 3rd day of 10mg daily. I anticipate being on this for a few months; at least until my legal issues are resolved but possibly longer. I feel better but I don't know if it's because I'm getting the help I need or the Lexapro. I was told it would probably take a couple weeks to fully kick in. I've felt more hopeful and a tad more energetic. Look forward to giving an update in several weeks. Haven't noticed any negative side effects yet.

[mstraple]

Peggy, I have never heard of Lexapro used to help quit smoking. You should talk to your doctor about Wellbutrin. It is the same thing as Zyban(specifically used to quit smoking) only it is usually cheaper and it also helps with anxiety and depression if you've got it.

[labamba]

HI all!
I am glad as well to see some people discussing lexapro. I have been on 10 mg for 3 1/2 weeks and have to say that it had some unpleasant side effects in the beginning but they all went away after about 2 weeks. The first 9 days I was always dizzy, especially when I moved my head to fast. It was a kind of dizziness I have not experienced like this before. Somehow as if my center of balance was off and that made me stumble a little through my day. In the first week I was also quite tired, especially the third day, I had to leave work to lay down at home. I also experienced tummy cramps and slight nausea. This all went away after 9 days. Then I had an episode of 3 days where I felt my blood pressure was increased (it was a little higher than normal) and my heart felt like it was racing. All those effects have gone away after 12 days. Altogether I felt more awake and had the feeling I could laugh more. I was prescribed lexapro for a low level depression I have had over several years as well as for worrying a lot and some slight obsessive compulsive behavior. One of the reasons I finally was ready to take something was that I have trouble going to sleep. Not sleeping itself though. Althogether after 3 weeks I have only felt a subtle improvement in my daily mood and I feel if I feel down I can get out of the valley a little faster. Talking with my doctor she had the opinion I should see more positive effects and put me on 20 mg now. I started taking this today and experience dizziness again, although a little less so far. I am not sure if the 20 mg is the right way to go, especially after I read about the "emotional blunting".
If anyone has some remarks or experiences or comments, I would appreciate it. Thanks.

[jellybean32882]

I've been on Lexapro (10mg a day) for a couple months, and I really haven't noticed any improvement with it. I expected a little boost of energy or decreased appetite at least, but no can do. It may have helped a little with mood, but that doesn't do much with motivation.

[ebanss]

quote:Originally posted by Kev

hi everyone
I'm new and just wanted to say first that i really love this forum, have read alot of posts and great information is always provided. I am currently on zoloft 100mg a day and get the tight jaws, very bad loss of libido, dry mouth.
My question is has anyone experienced any improvement in their libido area since changing to Lexapro, as i have lost mind completely since being on the zoloft and was not told by my doctor about this side effect or any other for that matter. i know i will probably always get some side effects but losing my libido is one i really would like to lose (excuse pun).

It got to the point in december last year that my wife of 10 years walked out on me and did not come back and making love was one of the main reasons among others she gave me.
It totally destroyed my family life as i have no family in australia except for my mum in New Zealand. We have a beautiful daughter Elizabeth 4 years old and i thought everything else was okay. So i am really struggling now with esteem, libido issues and depression and would really appreciate any help or advice from anyone who is using it or know from people who have used it. I dont feel complete anymore and have no chance of meeting or retaining a future relationship in my current state,

Hope someone can help with advice
Thanks
Kev

[ebanss]

quote:Originally posted by Kev

hi everyone
I'm new and just wanted to say first that i really love this forum, have read alot of posts and great information is always provided. I am currently on zoloft 100mg a day and get the tight jaws, very bad loss of libido, dry mouth.
My question is has anyone experienced any improvement in their libido area since changing to Lexapro, as i have lost mind completely since being on the zoloft and was not told by my doctor about this side effect or any other for that matter. i know i will probably always get some side effects but losing my libido is one i really would like to lose (excuse pun).

It got to the point in december last year that my wife of 10 years walked out on me and did not come back and making love was one of the main reasons among others she gave me.
It totally destroyed my family life as i have no family in australia except for my mum in New Zealand. We have a beautiful daughter Elizabeth 4 years old and i thought everything else was okay. So i am really struggling now with esteem, libido issues and depression and would really appreciate any help or advice from anyone who is using it or know from people who have used it. I dont feel complete anymore and have no chance of meeting or retaining a future relationship in my current state,

Hope someone can help with advice
Thanks
Kev

Kev, have your doctor check your testosterone level. With testos inj., my libido is great but my wife could care less about sex. I spent the last three years debating with myself as to leaving her and find someone more motivated. I decided not to because all women after menopause will loose interest in sex and leave you to manage on your own. I recomend finding a girl friend after you gain back your libido and have fun. Jim

[Nurse48]

I have been taking Lexapro for about 8 months now, and it works great for me. I am wondering if anyone has ever had a rash with Lexapro? My niece went on Lexapro and developed a rash and her doc took her off it. I have a small rash on my elbow and a small patch at the hair line on the back of my head. I never associated the rash with Lexapro, until she told me why she had to get off the Lexapro. Has anyone heard of this before?
Thanks
Anita

[lb519@excite.com]

Iam also a newbe. On 10mg Lexapro for 2 weeks only changes have been slight change in sleeping and a slight loss in energy. Dr.raising dose to 20mg next week.Previously on anti depressants several years ago.Started on Paxil and progressed thru 3 more, changing every 3 months for a year.None of these produced a change that I noticed but my wife said I wasn't quite as mean. A decline of sex drive was the only noticable side effect. Am taking Lexapro for a very sensitive emotional reaction,very glad to hear of the blunting effect.
Will Report more later

[Jen7]

I've been on lexapro for about 9 months now and have gained 25-30 pounds. I've been doing some research and have found that all SSRI anti depressents cause your metabolism to slow, can increase your appatite and can increase your carb cravings. Yesterdy my theripist suggested trying to take the lexapro in conjunction w/ wellbutrin to counter act the weight gain. I tried wellbutrin first but my anxiety was increased and that was why I stopped so she thinks that taking the two together might help. Has anyone else tried taking both?

[lb519@excite.com]

FOLLOW UP: No weight gain, No diff that I can tell.Does seem to negate sporadically the effects of "FLOMAX" so must be effecting the prostate.

[Casey55]

8 years ago I suffered a Major Depression and found out I had OCD which had gone out of control. The SSRI Luvox worked best for my OCD, but didn't do anything for my depression. I tried all the other SSRI's, including Lexapro, with no help for my depression so I went back to the Luvox. SSRI's are used for depression and OCD and things like social anxiety etc. The two biggest reasons people go off SSRI's is weight gain and sexual side effects. Those are two side effects, if you have them, they probably aren't going to go away with time. Many of the other side effects do after a few weeks if you can ride it out. But a rash could indicate an allergic reaction and it should be stopped immediately. I know literally over 1,000 people on SSRIs and I have never heard of them getting rashes, but that doesn't mean it can't happen. You should contact your doctor right away. Anyone can have an allergic reaction to any medicine.

There are some ways to deal with the sexual side effects, some that work for some of the SSRI's. Dr Michael Jenike, Psychopharmacologist and leading expert on SSRI's in the world has reported with some of the SSRIS, such as Prozac, you can take a holiday or vacation from it for a day or two, and this is possible because it has a long half life. This couldn't be done with Paxil, it has the shortest half life. Talk to your doctor about ways to help with this issue.

Dr Jenike has written an extensive article about SSRIs which you can read by going to: http://www.ocfoundation.org/ocf1050a.htm Medications for Adults (remember you are in an OCD site, but the drugs are the same and the information is the same no matter what reason you are taking the SSRI, depression or OCD.) You will see that the degree of sexual side effects can vary from lowering sex drive, to delayed ability to have orgasm, to complete inability to have an erection or orgasm. It can take an SSRI up to 10-12 weeks before it starts working for OCD, but just a few weeks for depression. Lower doses can generally be used for depression, where the top dose is recommended for OCD.

In general, Lexapro is supposed to have the least amount of side effects of all the SSRI's including weight gain and sexual side effects. But it can still happen, it just depends on the person, different people can have different side effects and reactions. As someone mentioned, Paxil is known as the worst of the SSRI's for weight gain and for many doctors it is a last choice if all the other SSRI's have failed. But, look at me, I lost 30 lbs on Paxil. You just never know.

Also, as far as listed side effects for medicines, just because it is listed does not mean you will have it. It will be different for everyone and that is why so many are listed. Different people in the trials had different reactions so they have to report them. So you will only know by trying it. It is very common to see opposite side effects listed for the same medicine like diarrhea and constipation or weight gain and weight loss, as a side effect for the same drug. It could go either way depending on the person, or you may not have either.

And remember, you could have a side effect from any medicine that is not listed under the reported side effects. Any new symptoms you develop after going on a new medicine, should be checked out with your doctor. I just had this happen a few months ago. I took a short acting drug for severe anxiety and after the second dose I got lock jaw. That is not listed but when I reported it to my doctor he said it is known that can happen with this drug.

I have never ever heard of Lexapro or any other SSRI being used for anger from stopping smoking. Lots of drugs are used for other reasons than they are approved for so it is possible some people have had success with it for this reason. If it helps, then that is good, but if it isn't helping, there are plenty of other drugs that are commonly used for this that may be better. I think as mstraple does, that Wellbutrin would be a good choice because it has the same active ingredient as Zyban. I don't know if you are taking Zyban, but if you are, you would have to check with your doctor about also taking Wellbutrin with it, that may not be recommend for you because:

"Since Wellbutrin causes seizures in some people, do not take it if you have any type of seizure disorder or if you are taking another medication containing bupropion, such as Zyban, the quit smoking aid. If you have a seizure while taking Wellbutrin, stop taking the drug and never take it again." healthsquare.com/newrx/wel1488.htm

If you are on Lexapro 10mgs and not getting much or any relief from your depression, talk to you doctor about upping your dosage before giving up on it. It was originally report that 20mgs was the high dose, apparently what it was tested for, but Psychiatrists are using 40mgs for many people and some even higher. As reported in Dr Jenikes article, as far as they know, there are no irreversible side effects caused by the standard anti-obsessional drugs. Many patients have used them for years without difficulties. BUT, it is true, that true long term effects, like 20 or 30 years is not known and won't be for some time. It is a choice you have to make for yourself. You might only need to be on them for a short period of time and not have to worry about long term effects. For me, I will be on Luvox for the rest of my life and I don't worry about long term effects because I wouldn't have a life if I wasn't taking it.

There are plenty of other new antidepressants out there that are not SSRI's, Wellbutrin is a common first choice for depression. I started taking Wellbutrin with my SSRI almost 2 yrs ago and after 7 straight years of Major Depression, it finally got better. That doesn't mean it will be that way with everyone. Everyone has to find a medicine or combination of meds. that work for them. Heaven knows, I had taken just about every med and combination with no improvement until the Wellbutrin with the Luvox.

Casey

[ktplus4]

I am glad that I found this forum! I just started taking Lexapro at 10mg/day. I'm on my 3rd day and already i've noticed a possible sexual side effect. I'm really freaked out by it. Is this something that may come and go? Or dissapate as time goes by? This is the first antidepressant that I've tried and I have always been reluctant to take meds for my depression because i didn't want to endure this side effect. I'm very dissapointed and depressed by this develepment, because I've been in the pits of depression for years and I really want to feel better but not at such a high cost. I guess I'll keep taking Lexapro until my follow up in a month and discuss it with my doctor.
Thanks,


KT

[Casey55]

Hi KT,

Welcome. Lexapro is the latest of the 6 SSRIs to come on the market and it was touted as having less side effects, sexual included. You might try sticking it out for a few weeks as sometimes some side effects will go away after that.

But you should know there are plenty of other antidepressants that are not SSRI's and do not have these side effects. I tried all six of the SSRI's and not one of them touched my Major depression. I now take Wellbutrin XL with no sexual or weight gain side effects. After 7 yrs of living in severe depression, I have been free of it for almost 2 yrs now. You might want to talk to your psychiatrist about other meds than SSRI's. Just don't give up, there are many you can try and sometimes we have to try a lot of them before we find one that works.

Best Wishes, I hope you feel better soon,
Casey

[why oh why]

hi everyone,
I just want to add that I've been on Lexapro for only 5 months, but 10 days ago I decided I no longer wanted to take it. I didn't see my GP as I knew he would just tell me to stay on it. I've gone cold turkey and feel awful. I've been feeling unwell for 8 days now and I only realised today that I'm having withdrawals. I'm constantly dizzy, have splitting headaches, have a tingling sensation in my hands and feet and am experiencing occassional palpitations. Has anyone else gone through this? Am I putting my health at risk?
Thanks

[why oh why]

PS I'm 22 and Lexapro has stolen my libido! well I'm grabbing it back with both hands as soon as these horrible withdrawals clear!
All the best to everyone

[kuplo]

Im rather confused as to why my Dr. prescribed me Lexapro. Im not depressed, but I do have occasional anxiety attacks brought on by daily worries of one sort or another (The kind of anxiety attacks that I get will often cause me to start couging violently then go into gagging and eventually vomiting, but lately Ive been able to avoid that and just think of other things and happy places and it subsides). He is our family doctor and my 98 year old grandmothers physician, my grandmother is dying at this point (old age), but Im not depressed (I mean heck shes lead a really fun and full life and now theres a new life to experience when she departs us *as she puts it*).

And I never mentioned to the DR about any anxiety, but rather my problems are high blood pressure and and having to drink 375ml of whiskey every night just to let me try to sleep through the night. If I dont drink, I wake up every hour, and just toss and turn in my sleep.

So he prescribed me Lexapro and Diovan, but why Lexapro? At the moment my Mother is a virtual pharmacy (though shy fills prescriptions, she hates pills so she never takes them), so she's giving me Xanax and Ambian to try out and see which one lets me sleep better and feel better the next morning with the least side effects.

I took a generic Xanax from a friend the other night and I slept through the entire night without tossing and turning and without waking up once.

But Im really curious why a DR would prescribe Lexapro for me when Im not depressed and really just want to stop drinking and be able to sleep through the night.

I started to drink 3 years ago when I found that it allowed me to sleep through the night This is only my 3rd day on the Diovan and Lexapro, so Im sure its too early to tell if it's going to do anything to help me sleep overall.

I didnt really care for the effects of the Xanax the first night as after I awoke I didnt have good coordination (I took it at bedtime) and when I woke up found a lack of coordination to a certain degree, and instead of walking around like normal I was more or less just kind of shuffling my feet.

Anyway, why Lexapro for someone that can't sleep properly?

P.S. No Im not drinking any alcohol when taking the xanax or ambian.

[chazzb]

Ive been taking lexapro now for about 6 months for mild bi-polar. after Ive tried prozac, paxil, well butrin the last 5 years and 85 extra pounds later, im through with all of them. I lost the 85 pounds then very nervously, under my psych. descrition tried lexapro, well it's been no different. ive gaine aobut 50 of the 85lbs back andjust this past week quite cold turkey only after talking about it wth my doctor; consequently, the Doctor said no withdrawel effecrts from lexapro. This is BS, ive been feeling very disoriented and light headness almost like the floating sinsations i had on paxil. Plus the headaches have becoming intense.This is only the 5th day w/o the pill and i was only on 10 to 20 mg a day. ive decided and discuss with my doctor that i will stick with addarall 15xr a day(been on it for 3 years for adult add) and deal with the bi-polar (lows)through exercise and diet. Also, I have come to the conclusion that all of the SSRI have basically the same affect on me. Its like they make me not give a **** about myself and overly indulge and punish myself and my sorrows through eating and then sleeping it off to keep from dealing with my feelings. Alo, I became very anti social on lexapro in that I didnt want to be around people at all, not in a depressed kind of way , but more of a self pity mood.
thank you, and I hope others can benifit from my nice ladying about lexapro...charles

[chazzb]

Just wanted you know the reason i ended up here was to see what others was saying about w/drawels from lexapro to help me because im going through it right now ,LOL and after reading what everyone else said, the freaking out then turned to releaved anger.[}] so thats why i appeared a little sarcastict.

[Chopinesque]

Charles,

I quit Lexapro after tapering, taking the last 5 mg about a month ago. I experienced some pretty hellaceous side effects, the worst being the jangling nerves (feels like little shocks to the brain), especially when moving my eyes. Also, mania and extreme irritability. I would find something that pisses me off and just rant about it forever.
I was tempted to go back on it but hung in there.

Most of the side effects have disappeared now, after about a month. I'm still quite irritable, but I think that's just my inherent personality. I'm just going to learn to deal with that one in more natural ways, e.g., counting to 100 instead of reading someone the riot act when they piss me off.

Fortunately, I've not experienced any depression. I was prescribed Lexapro for sub-thymic depression (mild). Was on it for a year and a half at 20 mg. The particular esisode that set off my depression is over, so now so is the Lexapro.

I'm glad to be off it. Some of the emotions that had been blunted while on it have returned, such as I've regained my passion for playing piano. I'll take that along with the irritable personality that is mine.

In your case, it sounds like you have been diagnosed with more than one 'syndrome' though, so I wouldn't know how to address the bipolar aspects, or even if Lexapro has anything to do with it. I've always wondered how these drugs interact with each other and whether or not it's good for a person to be on more than one psychoactive med at a time. Only a psychiatrist can answer that one, I guess.

Good luck and I hope this was of some help.

quote:Originally posted by chazzb

Just wanted you know the reason i ended up here was to see what others was saying about w/drawels from lexapro to help me because im going through it right now ,LOL and after reading what everyone else said, the freaking out then turned to releaved anger.[}] so thats why i appeared a little sarcastict.