I started taking the generic manufactured by Mylan and had severe headaches. Had to stop. Has anyone else experienced this?
Has anyone tried the generic escitalopram (Lexapro) now available?
- Asked
- 12 Apr 2012 by nvchris
- Updated
- 7 May 2021
- Topics
- lexapro, headache, escitalopram, generic
57 Answers
Saffryn
12 Apr 2012
I have chronic headaches/migraines, but I did increase my medication for that around the same time the generic lexapro came out and my boost in meds (3x what I was previously taking) didn't seem to have any effect, yet it was starting to help at the lower doses and previously worked at this increased rate several years ago. I can't say for sure, but it does seem a strange coincidence. My headaches have even gotten worse. I think I'll run this idea by my psychiatrist and see about getting back on name brand to see if it helps. Maybe your doctor can do the same for you. I'm sure there will be some hoops to jump through with insurance but when you find a med that works its frustrating to play the sampling game again.
nvchris
14 Apr 2012
I appreciate your response. I don't have insurance so it costs me $40 more for Lexapro over the generic. Well worth the extra money. I have been on Lex for over 5 years. Changing to the generic I developed anxiety and bad headaches. Almost like withdrawal. The headaches have gone away and I am back on regular Lexapro. There is obviously a difference between these two even though the base drug escitalopram is the same. My doctor seems to think that it may have something to do with how they are processed. Since the generic has only been out for a little over a month, we will have to wait and see what others experience.
Virgolove
31 May 2012
I was on Lexapro for 2 yrs and stopped taking it because I felt wonderful!!! After about a year or so without it I changed jobs and found myself starting to have panic attacks again. My doctor prescribed "escitalopram" and it almost killed me. Sweating, heart racing, no sleep or appetite. They say there is no difference in the generics and name brands but I beg to differ. Lexapro works wonders and I can't wait to get it back.
Brnvc
7 Aug 2013
I have a serious cardiac arrhythmia and other complications. Lexapro steadied my heart rhythm and when the generic came out "No Subsitution" was a given. Generics can be a problem. I guess every cloud has a silver lining :-)
Akommers
16 Aug 2017
Saffryn do you think the SSRI caused your chronic headaches?
lexadict
13 Apr 2012
yes i have tried lexapro and generic brand they feel about the same I still take it now ive gained weight forget stuff a lot then sexual libido go s up and down most of the time it wont even twitch oh speaking of twitches my muscles twitched for a while now it dose it every now ant then. only part i hate is when my wife and i finally have sex my heat palpitate probably because i have slight a heart issue not bad just leaky valve but other than that it works ooh before i forget the hot flashes suck, one time it happened i would taste the medicine in my mouth and had the sensation of urinating defecating all together then there are the good days, Thank god for them.
im down to 5 mil and take it twice a day on bad day id just get sleepy and go to sleep they make u drowsy at least i can drive a little bit and i can go out side again but i still have flare ups where i have to take lorazepam to chill all the way out and not think the sky is falling and stuff, i work but no more that 20 hrs which sucks because when im tired the panic attacks come more frequent and if i do crave sex i think about screwing every thing thats moving thats when i know im in a manic state god help me! but then there are the good days
good luck
nvchris
14 Apr 2012
The generic lexapro escitalopram has been out for only about a month and a half now. I went through withdrawals changing from the brand name to the generic. I'm back on lexapro and feel great again. I've been on it for over 5 years and I think I will stay on it the rest of my life. I went off of it for over a year and it was just about the worst year of my life. On lex I feel normal. No depression or anxiety. This runs in my family unfortunately. However, having been a nurse and in denial that I ever needed it, I was absolutely amazed at how great it made me feel. Yes, sexual orgasms are far and few between. However, my husband would rather live with a happy rational individual rather than a bitchy sex addict. Hey, at 62 desire and affection will have to suffice. The alternative -depression is just not acceptable. Thanks for your response
Traveler8059
7 Jun 2013
I also have had the sexual side effects and am taking Wellbutrin to help offset that and it does help some for me but not completely but my partner and I are so much happier on it than off of it so we deal with it as best we can. Good luck to you.
khart57
24 Apr 2012
I switched to the generic about two weeks ago. Ever since, I seem to keep a mild, but annoying, headache. I am going to talk to the doctor about the generic. Lexapro has made such a huge difference for me. I have a long family history of anxiety.
Tawks2me
26 Apr 2012
I have been on Lexapro since it came out. Was the only medicine (and I tried them all!) that alleviated my depression and the dangerous anger that accompanied it. It not only gave me a handle on my self-destructive impulses due to the reduction of my angry feelings... but, it had the added benefit of reducing my headaches, which used to be daily occurrences! Since being on the generic for a month... I am having frequent headaches, some really bad! And, my feelings of underlying anger have begun to resurface, which is dangerous for me. I also feel I am having more mood-swings. I am thinking about going back to the brand name... just want to be certain before I spend even more money monthly on meds. Any one else having these issues? Thanks!!!
nvchris
27 Apr 2012
I have been back on the brand name Lexapro for about 3 weeks now and feel much better. The headaches are gone. Yes. They were really bad. Felt like a sharp pain toward the front part of my brain. The pain would go away for a couple of hours after taking Tylenol or Asprin, but then come right back. It was a constant pain deep within my head. Figured the cause was do to the generic type of escitalopram. After a couple of days off the generic and back on the Lexapro, they totally went a way. Please inform your M.D. of this because the pharmaceutical companies manufacturing the generic need to be aware of a potential problem with the new generic escitalopram.
Thanks for your response.
teddibear1
29 Apr 2012
I switched to the generic a week and a half ago when I went to pick up my prescription. I was assured it was the exact same thing. I started wondering why I was getting so much more depressed and tired. And I got the same extremely dry eyes side effect that I had when I had been on celexa before pdoc switched me to lexapro. I am on a diuretic for bp as well, and with celexa my eyes would feel like there was shampoo in them sometimes, especially when driving and a/c was on, I could hardly stand it. But it was 90% better with lexapro and definately tolerable, and my depression and anxiety improved substantially. Now I'm depressed, anxious and I'm having the same dry eye misery. Sure hope I can get my doc to approve insurance payment of lexapro.
robertestokley
1 Aug 2016
Yea I think my generic lexapro has stopped working, so I am going to the Brand name Lexapro. Just wondering if I have to go through side effects again?
Loretta28
30 Apr 2012
I changed from Lexapro to escitalopram (generic name) and I've had headaches. I've been restless, angry, wanting to cry. My head feels just strange. They can't be the same. Im not sure what I'm experiencing but it's not good. I was doing great before this. Have been on Lexapro for 9 years. I know my body and this drug is not the same as Lexapro! I've sent an email to my doctor. Hopefully he can get me back to Lexapro ASAP!
Loretta28
26 Nov 2012
I've been back on Lexapro for over 6 months now. My insurance company charged me $138 for 3 months at a time. This last time I ordered a refill, they charged me $300 for 3 months! Holy crap! I'm going to be broke soon! I pay it off just in time to get the next prescription. I told them I couldn't take the generic and it made me very sick. I guess I'm going to pay for it. What choice do I have?
margaretc
11 Dec 2012
Contact the drug manufacturing company directly Forrest Labs and explain the financial hardship.They will work something out for you.
Fitfabforty
11 Dec 2012
I totally empathise. I have bipolar2 and have been stable for months, with no episodes of craziness. I went to the chemist to get my usual lexapro script, but he was out of the real one, and suggested the generic. I have been pretty adamant about not using generic, as my doctor advised against it, but he was pretty convincing that it was the same. Well 5 days later, I am unable to get into work, everything is distressing me, I'm blowing up at the drop off hat and totally unmotivated. I felt the same as you described. It is not the same. I am not day 2 back on lexapro, and feeling slightly better, but taking it easy as it takes 10 days for it to build up in my system. Each day will be better though.
durango02
11 Feb 2013
I just started taking this med and I am also getting migraines more that usual. I am not sure I cam keep taking this.
glbr
30 May 2013
I was successfull with the manufacturer TEVA. Mfr. Mylan was the first generic I tried and within 2 weeks I had chronic fatique - could not sleep or eat. I went back on the name brand and after a few months my insurance would not pay for it so I tried another mfr and was given the generic brand TEVA and I felt great after a couple of days - the same as the name brand lexapro. Unbeknownst the me, last month my pharmacy changed the mfr to Accord Health and had the same reaction as the Mfr Mylan generic. Even the generics are not all created equal. If you can, try the TEVA Mfr - it worked for me as the name brand does.
275northwestswell
28 Jun 2013
I was so glad to read glbr's comment. I had been on the TEVA generic for about 9 months and then the pharmacy switched to Accord Health. I had actually been travelling out of the country when I ran out of the TEVA generic and started the Accord generic. I had picked up a little virus while travelling, but nothing major, but then I was just sooooooo tired for so long after the trip, and also started having side effects I don't normally have like headaches, restless legs, and needing naps several days a week to make it through the evening without feeling like a zombie.
I just had my prescription refilled today with the TEVA brand, and will be taking that one tomorrow, so it will be interesting to see if I feel a difference in the next week. I didn't want to be paranoid, but I really am convinced there is a big difference, even between certain generic brands. I wanted to try the Lexapro name brand, but it was going to be $83 for a one month prescription, so I will try my luck with TEVA again.
275northwestswell
28 Jun 2013
I should add to my last comment, that at first I thought the crummy feeling was from the virus, but I felt crummy for so long, I really do believe it was the change in generic brands to the Accord brand. And I still just don't feel as well as I did when I was on the TEVA brand, and even have had higher anxiety, which I hadn't had a problem with since I started the TEVA 9 months ago.
ajbdan
2 May 2012
I thought it might be my imagination... picked up the generic for the first time and each day I felt more depressed, headaches, fatigue and in a fog where I feel I can't concentrate on details.
I called the pharmacist and he didn't help... called the doctor and they said just get the regular Lexapro and see if that helps. I will do just that and see if everything improves. Thanks SO much for your post because since it's so new, there's not much out there and I needed my feelings validated that something is not right.
Loretta28
4 May 2012
What you are feeling is the same as the rest of us it sounds like. I wouldn't call what I was experiencing withdrawals, but rather the medicine simply not working the same way as Lexapro. I was on the generic over a week and I was getting worse each day. I've never had feelings of anger and I was angry to the point of wanting to ram my head thru a wall. It was the strangest feeling. I almost felt like I needed to be out of my body and it was scary! Dr put me back on Lexapro brand name and I'm back to normal. Hopefully insurance will cover the name brand or I'm going to be broke! It is dangerous for them to mess with these medicines I think, for us that rely on them to lead normal lives.
madelinethecat1
8 Jul 2013
OMG! I have been on the generic Lexapro, Escitalopram since it became available through Kaiser, my insurance, since the beginning of 2013, I am ready to call it in! The least of my problems are the continual headaches. I am severely depessed, overly anxious, totally isolated (because of horrible feelings of self doubt and self hate). I am having really bad chest pains: I've never had them before until this generic. They are bad enough that the Doc prescribed Nitroglycerin. But the worst of all is anger I am feeling. Unexplainable anger I have never felt before.
Flypete1963
3 May 2012
Don't switched to the Generic!
I was happy to read that my experience after switching was not imagined.
My symptoms:
Headaches, kind of a foggy feeling, ... the "bitch" in me came out severally before the balance of the active ingredient finally kicked in.
LEXAPRO has luckily no side effects for me and I should have followed my instincts and not opted for the generic
teddibear1
4 May 2012
Hopefully enough people get on these websites and complain and the manufacturer does something about this. I think it has to do with the 'fillers'. I don't think it's a 'clean' medication like lexapro. This generic stuff dries out your eyes, and just plain doesn't work the same. It scares me that they can make something like this that totally messes with people. Depression is hard enough to treat the way it is, then, you're doing good and they throw something like this at you, with no apologies, no warnings, nothing. And the pharmacists and some docs have the audacity to just tell you 'it's the same.'
nvchris
4 May 2012
I couldn't find anything on the internet about the generic back in March. So I went ahead and posted the first inquiry to see if anyone else was having the terrible headaches like I was. I thought I was going out of my mind. Having been a nurse myself I know that not all generics work as well or the same as some brand names. Many times although the base chemicals are the same, they are processed differently and that can may a big difference. I have written to Mylan laboratories and warned them about possible problems taking the new generic for Lexapro which is their form of "escitalopram."
It's awful that insurance companies dictate what you must use in order to keep their costs down. Yes. They are playing with the well-being of individuals for corporate profit. Thanks to everyone for all of your responses. Please write to the pharmaceutical company that made your generic Lexapro and let them be aware of your experience.
jalyal
7 May 2012
I've been on Lexipro for at least 5 to 6 years and it has been a miracle for me and my family. Before, I was depressed off and on, angry and irritable. After a few weeks on it, I felt normal... something I hadn't felt for sometime. I wish they had this when I was in high school. This runs in my family. I wasn't told that I was given a generic form... but I noticed the different name and thought it was likely the same. Why not save some money. After about a month and a half, I've noticed a dramatic difference. I've started becoming irritable, moody, episodes of depression and I can't seem to think straight. I've been sleeping for much longer and have zero drive. This sucks. I'm calling my doctor in the morning and getting it changed for sure. It may not be the same for everyone, but I wanted it to be known.
CBFT
2 Dec 2016
I am sorry you have had these problems this actually cured my "B" issues.
cochran45
19 Mar 2018
I have been taking the generic Lexapro for about 3 or 4 years and just starting to get my anxiety back I'm only taking 10 mg a day just put a call into my doctor about upping the milligrams
Jfamily
1 Jun 2012
I am so glad to read everyone's responses to the generic form of Lexapro. I mail order thru my insurance and they sent me the generic Lexapro. There was no savings for me and the depression and anxiety is where it was before I started name brand Lexapro...
eblewett
25 Jun 2012
I am thrilled to see that people are having the same dilemma with escitalopram as I am. I switched from Lexapro (10 mg) to escitalopram (20 mg). I cut the pills in half to take my usual 10 mg. I switched in early May and have been problems with my anxiety ever since. I cut the caffiene, quit using alcohol, have been meditating, but to no avail. I had a full blown anxiety attack last Thursday and have been struggling ever since (today is Monday). I actually had to leave work today to go see my family practitioner. My head is in a fog, I am anxious, having trouble eating and sleeping, having palpitations, and am constantly in tears. I saw my doctor today and she mentioned that switching to the generic can cause relapses, especially if your body doesn't agree with it.
I haven't felt like this in over two years! I never take xanax, but I have to take it just to get through the day! I feel nuts! I am picking up my Lexapro (10 mg) tonight and throwing out the escitalopram generic.
We need to contact the drug companies ASAP to alert them of this nasty side affect. It may not happen to everyone, but it happened to me. Beware changing to a generic! Has anyone else had similar issues with switching? I had NO problems with Lexapro for 2 years!
Jearn11
20 Apr 2013
Thank you for your post. I am so sorry to read this though. I have been experiencing the same problems. Depression so bad, can't stop crying. Nagging suicidal thoughts... I have to take a leave from work on account of this and increased confusion/clouded thinking. I agree with you about the dangers of this generic lexapro. I think the FDA needs further investigation of it.
gracieboo
30 Jun 2012
Since I have been on the generic lexapro, I have noticed my depression has become worse. It was always under control in the past on the brand name lexapro. My insurance will not pay for the brand name, but I don't care, I want to feel better. I just started taking the regular brand lexapro (2 days) so I do not notice any change yet. I'm looking forward to feeling better in the near future without this horrible sadness and depression.
Luckylu1122
13 Jul 2012
I've taken Lexapro for over a year with amazing results. In June I switched over to generic escitalopram and immediately my anxiety started to come back. It took about three weeks of being on the generic to feel it start to work (but not as well as the brand name). I get so tired now and have a really hard time waking up and I feel like I'm in a fog all day. It took me a while to realize that it definitely was the change in med - not just a temporary increase in stress. Going to go back to the brand name. There definitely is a difference!
Mandymom
30 Jul 2012
I was on Lexapro for 11 years and just switched to the generic 3 weeks ago. I thought I was going crazy because suddenly I can't sleep and I have been having major hot flashes, getting hot and cold all night. I also take Clonazepam and so my depression seems in check but lack of sleep is driving me crazy.I too have a headache which I have never had. I think I will go back to the original and see if that makes a difference. Thanks for everyone's answer.
jfranya
10 Aug 2012
Did you go back to name brand? I did about a week ago - and while I have noticed an overalll difference.. I'm still not back to where I was when I was on name brand.
Mandymom
11 Aug 2012
Yes, I did and it made a difference. Took awhile but am sleeping again, still have hot flashes and I am past the change, but can sleep again. There is hope! I wish doctor's or pharmacists would tell you these things when they change your prescription.
bakedtater
31 Jul 2012
It seems after reading a lot of posts that people who have the most problem with the generic have been on Lexapro for years. I was on Lexapro for a year and went off it... now I'm back on and starting with the generic. I'll post any updates or weird side-effects.
christmaslynn
23 Aug 2012
I only started on the generic, 10mg, about 1 1/2 months ago, and in the beginning I was able to focus and gain control of my emotions. Now, I'm eating constantly and the last couple of days I've felt really down, no motivation and tired, and have not gone to work. Obviously, this isn't working or I'm not taking the appropriate additional steps (therapy?) -- was thinking of switching to Celexa, or upping my dose, but maybe just to the real Lexapro, from what I've read here. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Jearn11
20 Apr 2013
Celexa is the 1st cousin so to speak to lexapro. You just don't know until you try it. In my personal experience with celexa: I had no sex drive, severe fatigue all day long. Lexapro has been a very good friend of mine. Just not the generic form of it. Best wishes.
decksidethoughts
24 Aug 2012
I have chronic low-level headaches & occasional migraines. When I was switched to Mylan's generic, I was also dealing with a couple of health issues that could have caused the headaches to amp up and cause the onset of static migraines/cluster headaches. It took over 2 months to finally figure out it was the generic that was the cause of the daily pounding headaches and nausea. It took well over a week for the headaches & nausea to finally abate. My deepening depression turned around more quickly. I'd thought the mood decline was a result of dealing with chronic pain. Turns out it was also the generic not working nearly as well as the name brand.
Akommers
16 Aug 2017
Did your headache go away by switching from generic to actual lexapro or by stopping ssri altoghether?
Further Information
Similar Questions
Search for questions
Still looking for answers? Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question.