I have been on 5mg Lexapro for 7 days now and started feeling my skin become hot or a burning sensation. Is this a side effect, is this normal and will it subside with time. I was told it takes 4 weeks for Lexapro to work.
Lexapro - My skin feels hot like a burning sensation all over, does this go away with time?
Question posted by Cnash06 on 9 Oct 2021
Last updated on 22 April 2022 by carlynlittlejohn
3 Answers
carlynlittlejohn
22 April 2022
I took Lexapro for approximately 3 weeks and didn’t like the head pressure I felt so asked to be weaned off. I stopped taking it on Monday and now am experiencing a burning sensation in my head. I’m sad but happy to know what I feel is happening to someone else.
clm1970
10 Oct 2021
Hi there,
I have had some people experience this; however, remember, not everyone's physiology is the same. Please call your prescriber and just make sure that this is something he and or she may expect for you to potentially experience with this therapeutic. And, that what you are experiencing isn't an allergy or adverse event or even an interaction with another medication, prescription or over the counter you maybe taking simultaneously.
Cindy
WildcatVet
9 Oct 2021
Hi, Cnash!
It's probably paresthesia... a burning or prickling sensation in this case a side effect of your medication which should resolve over the next few days to a week or so. It affects about 1-10% of users.
Most people will begin to see improvements in the first few weeks but it can take 4-8 weeks for the drug to become fully effective depending on how quickly your metabolism adjusts.
Best regards,
Wildcat
Cnash06
10 Oct 2021
Thank you! I am
Concerned because I had a few days I felt better. Then within hours the same day I had a heaviness in my chest, couldn’t cry but had so much shaky/jitteriness. I am becoming more anxious due to the burning sensation all over. Also my muscle feel weak/tired is this normal as well? You think this will go away with time and how much longer before I am going to feel great as most of the comments from others are stating :( am I rushing the progress? My dr prescribed me 5mg and I’m on week 2 she has also ask me to take Klonopin.5 once a day but I become anxious due to me not being comfortable with taking medication. I am in this situation of anxiety and panic attacks due to not wanting to try medications.
WildcatVet
11 Oct 2021
You've got to try to not let your anxiety overwhelm you... that's why you're taking the medication. It's either the meds or live with anxiety and panic.
These side effects will subside if you can hold on a bit longer and you're only in a little over a week.
The ups and downs are what we call the "roller coaster" effect and it's just a sign that the medication is beginning to work... It'll just take time for your metabolism to adjust. It's like your brain is re-booting itself with the help of the drug.
Try to look for the improvements... the better days... rather than dwelling on the things that your anxiety is telling you is something wrong. It doesn't want you to get better, plain and simple, so you've got to take control.
Give it time and you will feel great too!
WC
Cnash06
11 Oct 2021
Thank you WC, my concern is why am I feeling shaking and anxious after taking my klonopin now? Is this the klonopin (very low dose) or Lexapro 5mg Tomorrow will be 14 days on both medications. I want to stick it out, do I need to ask to increase the Lexapro or stop the klonopin?
WildcatVet
12 Oct 2021
If you're taking a very low dose of the Klonopin it may not be strong enough to counteract the side effects of the Lexapro. As much as I personally have no love for benzodiazepines it's possible that you may need to slightly increase your dose of Klonopin until the Lexapro really kicks in.
I don't know as I'm not a doctor so I think you should let your doctor know that you're having these side effects and get their opinion and advice.
Hang in there,
WC
Related topics
lexapro, anxiety, side effect, skin, burning
Further information
- Lexapro uses and safety info
- Lexapro prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Lexapro (detailed)
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