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?
Question posted by nvchris on 12 April 2012
Last updated on 17 April 2023
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
64 Answers Page 4
QueenBean619
22 Nov 2012
Thank you, Thank you All! I thought I was going crazy!!! I just went to the doctor and he put me back on name brand Lexapro. I have been on Lex for nearly 10 years and all was good - I ran the gamet on antidepressants from straight phenobarbital, buspar, prozac, cymbalta, celexa, all of them and when I found Lexapro I thought I was in heaven. Then the all-knowing insurance company decided that generic was what I needed. Now I have panic attacks, I cry, I get so angry that I want to stab people in the head and that is so not me - I am anxious to get back onto the name brand and if the insurance won't pay for it I will pay for it out of my own pocket as the quality of my life was A one and now with the generic it is the lowest I have been in alot of years. I will be lodging a complaint/concern with the FDA - I don't believe this generic brand is even close to the real deal.
I currently am taking 20 mg of valium to counter the angry and self destructive and suicidal thoughts I have been experience which dulls my senses but I am positive it will keep me out of jail until the real Lexapro kicks back in. Shame on you the insurance companies - it is just all about money and it doesn't matter whether or not the patient's quality of life is compromised to the point of misery as long as they are saving a buck!!! Once again, thank you all - I now know that I am not alone and help is one the way! Best of luck to you all and I encourage you to also contact the FDA through FDA.com to let them know your story - we are all in the same boat and we need to join and make this happen.
Jorae
27 Sep 2012
This is day three of using the generic escitalopram... and boy do I have a head ache. So tired, but can't sleep... and twiching... I called the pharmist and he said because I am on MediCaid, they were required to switch me to the generic. He said I could talk to the doctor and he would send a request to go back to Lexapro... but he didn't sound too opptomistic about it happening. I sure can't afford Lexapro and I sure can't stay on this medication. I will call my Doctor in the morning and tell her my side effects... and I guess I will just have to start taking half the escitalopram pill in hopes to not have withdrawls and ease the side effects. I'll have to ween me off this stuff and use nothing if it can't be changed back.
mspatola1122
13 Sep 2012
ya know whats so weird, for a couple weeks im so on edge. more then usual lol , i thought since i was going through a breakup it could be that cause with anxiety its hard to pinpoint if its anxiey or real issues but reading this maybe the past 2 months ive been on the generic and i havnt felt myself. i feel like i used to years ago before i started taking lexapro. I am in a panic state, i have panic attacks often. chest pains trouble breathing.clenching my jaw, just all worked up. everything bothers me. i feel like im a nut job. im more compulsive and stressed, and its out of nowhere and im thinking it couldnt help to go back on the regular lexapro to see if the generic is screwing me up. i was even thinking of upping my dosage but maybe the generic is a problem since so many people feel this way. i dunno if anyone else feels this way but i get so sad and dissapointed when i start to regress into old habits and ive come so far.
im hoping if i go back on lexapro ill feel better cause lately i am emotional and sad, hopeless, stressed, in a constant state of panic. its almost like if these pills arent working why even take them.
bakedtater
24 Aug 2012
I've been on the generic now for almost a month and have been feeling fine, I have a few side effects here and there, but nothing a Xanax couldn't handle. I started out at 10mg for a couple of weeks and then bumped it up to 20mg. As with the Lexapro, I don't expect to feel 100% for at least 6-8 weeks. So far I have no complaints about the generic.
estrogenie
2 Sep 2012
I am so glad that I found this thread. I have had headaches ever since I switched to the generic several months ago. Last week I took the escitalopram on an empty stomach and my headache lasted for 6 days! My pharmacist told me that while the active ingredients are the same as lexapro, the fillers and binders could be different which could be resulting in my headaches.
Today I switched back to Lexapro and no headache. It's worth the extra $40 to me!
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?
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 April 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.
bakedtater
31 July 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.
Mandymom
30 July 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.
Luckylu1122
13 July 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!
gracieboo
30 June 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.
eblewett
25 June 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 April 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.
Jfamily
1 June 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...
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 March 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
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 July 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.
Loretta28
30 April 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 June 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 June 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.
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