Anyone experienced neck, shoulder and arm pain (muscle or spasm) while on Lexapro?
Question posted by vik10 on 20 July 2021
Last updated on 20 July 2021
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Answers
Hi, vik!
"Musculoskeletal
Common (1% to 10% of users): Arthralgia, back pain, myalgia, neck/shoulder pain"
Arthralgia is joint pain and myalgia is muscle pain.
How long have you been taking the Lexapro? These side effects usually start when you first begin taking the medication and subside over a week or two. If it's been longer than that or has been persistent you should report it to your doctor for professional advice.
Thank you. I have started it a month ago, but 2 weeks ago I increased the dose from 2.5 to 5 and this is when I started to have this pain. My doctor said it is probably pinched nerve and does not think this medication has these kind of side effects. I was taking Paxil and she said it is a similar drug.
The pain in the neck, shoulder together with burning and in the left arm so extreme that I even went to my chiropractor yesterday and today stopping this medication. Hoping since I took it for only one month, will not have withdrawal effects.
Not sure what happened to my reply that I did like 15 min ago. Do not see it so will type again.
Thank you very much for your answer! I have been on Lexapro for a month. 2 weeks on 2.5mg and other 2 weeks on 5mg. At the same time going down on Paxel. Was planning to switch from Paxel to Lexapro but got all these extreme side effects. Had stomach issues, then burning and now extreme pain in the neck, back, left shoulder and left arm. Stopping Lexapro today.
Even though you were on very low doses for a relatively short period of time you might have some discontinuation symptoms if you stop abruptly. It's never a good idea... you might need to taper down slowly preferably with your doctor's supervision.
interesting. I asked her about it and she told me just to stop.
No good deed goes unpunished
Related topics
lexapro, muscle spasm, pain, muscle, shoulder, neck
Further information
- Lexapro uses and safety info
- Lexapro prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Lexapro (detailed)
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