I started taking Lexapro and I’m having burning sensations. Is this normal?
Question posted by Efb2514 on 7 Nov 2017
Last updated on 20 June 2023
Hi, I was put on 10 mg of Lexapro and 5 mg of Buspar Thursday. Made me feel off so I took 5 mg of Lexapro and 2.5 of Buspar Friday and Saturday... It was/is causing burning sensations throughout my body. Legs cramp. I feel lightheaded and very anxious. Chest feels heavy at times. Has anyone experienced these burning sensations taking this? My PCP also put me on Paxil Oct. 20th. Took it that one day. Ended up in the ER because I was sure I was having heart attack. Did EKG, Holter monitor, cardiac profile(blood work) standard blood work. Everything came back normal. Now day 3 of not taking Lexapro or Buspar, can’t(scared to fall asleep). Still feel like my face, arms, legs are on fire at times. I was just starting to feel better after being off Paxil, now I feel like I’m back to square one. My doctor of 15 years is at his wits end as to help me. He also put me on .5 mg of Xanax to take as needed but I don’t care to take it.
I used to be subscribed 1 mg Klonopin 3x day. Two was enough. I had episodes, but was not at this state I’m in now. Someone... Anyone... please help me to understand this. Am I crazy like everyone thinks and these “side effects” are all in my head? This burning sensations and leg cramps are making my anxiety worse. I just want to feel normal again
YES I've only been on it for a four days and the burning sensation I feel is debilitating. I carry an ice pack around with me. It waves over my whole body. It's so bad that I'm refusing the medicine anymore. I've been to the ER over it.
Votes: +0
TE
Texasbabydoll24
8 Nov 2022
Omg. It’s not me. Was feeling sick after a uti that was giving me palpitations so my doctor prescribed 5mg of lexapro. I’ve been having these sensations that made everything worse. Insomnia plus the burning in my chest first, then moved to my arms. Started feeling it in my head also. Horrible headaches and stomach upset. Why give someone something that will make your issues ten times worse?
Votes: +0
WI
WildcatVet
8 Nov 2022
Hi, Texas! Because everyone responds differently to different medications. I had a terrible reaction to good old ibuprofen and also had many side effects. The thing is very few people experience side effects or, if they do, they're minimal. In general they affect 10% or less of users and usually the benefits far outweigh the risk. Unfortunately, some of just aren't that lucky...
TE
Texasbabydoll24
12 Dec 2022
Today is December 12th and have been dealing with tachycardia since stopping Lexapro. EKGs all seem fine but my pulse is way higher than normal and have had to go to the ER multiple times.
WI
WildcatVet
21 June 2023
Because 90-95% percent of users don't have side effects and the ones who do see them resolve quickly. You have a choice of getting through a short rough patch or living with months/years of the conditions it was prescribed for.
I have been on lexapro for 2 weeks so far. I am also taking Xanax to help me get over the hump until the lexapro kicks in. I also get this burning sensation for no reason at all. Sometimes it lasts 20 minutes followed by sweating. I am thinking it’s all part of the anxiety. I have never experienced anything like this so I feel your pain. It is very isolating.
Votes: +0
WI
WildcatVet
26 Sep 2022
" Common (1% to 10% of users): Paresthesia" "Common (1% to 10% of users): Increased sweating Paresthesia refers to a burning or prickling sensation that is usually felt in the hands, arms, legs, or feet, but can also occur in other parts of the body. "Side effects have been reported to be generally mild and transient. They are most common during the first 2 weeks of treatment and decrease in intensity and frequency with continued treatment. They generally do not lead to treatment cessation." I hope this is helpful. You should let your doctor know that you're having these side effects. and get their advice.
TE
Texasbabydoll24
8 Nov 2022
Hi Wildcat. I’ve been dealing with it for a while now. Can’t wait to get it out of my system. It’s a lot worse than having anxiety.
WI
WildcatVet
8 Nov 2022
You're lucky... I cannot live a functional life with my anxiety disorders. How long have you been on it because side effects generally resolve within the first two weeks. How long did you take it? It has a very long half life so it can take several days to be completely eliminated from your system but you were on a very low dose so it may go faster for you.
WI
WildcatVet
21 June 2023
You're probably all through this by now but for others the burning sensation is called parasthesia and the description of side effects (including tachycardia and a temporary increase in anxiety levels) are not unexpected side effects primarily from the Lexapro. Side effects are generally temporary and usually resolve within days to a week or so. If they are severe or persistent you'll have to let your doctor know about it. Many can be remedied with OTC products recommended by your doctor or pharmacist.
I have started lexapro 10mg i do have a feeling of burning sensation in my shoulders and arm follow by panic attack if i don’t let go of the fear. So my friend who is a pharmacist told me to start with 5mg for a week or 2 then increase the dose to 10mg. Its your body natural reaction to higher serotonin levels that your body needs time to adjust. Also what helps me is taking xanax right when i feel those side affects. It goes away after 1-3 weeks and you start feeling better. So yeah these meds you feel worse before you feel better.
Votes: +1
JE
Jeremyh7
12 Aug 2021
You are not alone I just started lexapro and I had the burning sensation in the back of my neck and my arms, got very intense last night. My doctor told me that if it is very uncomfortable I should stop taking the medication. So I have now stopped but the burning has not totally gone away yet.
Votes: +1
TA
tablomeke
30 Oct 2021
Has this gone away for you since stopping the med?
TA
tablomeke
30 Oct 2021
Has this gone away for you since stopping the med?
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vik10
20 July 2021
Anyone experienced shoulder and arm muscle pain (spasm) while on Lexapro?
Votes: +0
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vik10
20 July 2021
Also have burning on the back of my neck and glad to hear that others had same experience. My primary Dr had no idea what I am talking about.
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Trallyn
20 July 2021
Hi, yes that is among the side effects with this medication. But the good news is it will go away, I was having that issue as well so hang in there it will get better.
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vik10
21 July 2021
Did you have muscle/spasm pain in one arm and one shoulder? Is it even possible? My pain is extreme.
this is my third day on this Lexapro and I can't take the burning I went to the er because I also.thought I was having a heart attack. I I'm called the doctor this morning and told her to take .me off this medication. How long does it take to get out of my system
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TY
TyreseTl
8 March 2021
Hello, Lexapro half life (27-32hrs). Since you have been taking it for 3 days. It may take approximately 1-3 days before it’s out if your system.
TY
TyreseTl
8 March 2021
*Roughly 6 days sorry
FA
fayefaye48
8 March 2021
I hope so because it's driving me crazy.
FA
fayefaye48
8 March 2021
I hope so because it's driving me crazy.
WI
WildcatVet
8 March 2021
You might want to ask your pharmacist about some possible OTC remedies. They're generally very helpful.
FA
fayefaye48
8 March 2021
I just had a burning episode it starts in the back of my neck I hate the feeling because then it starts to move all over
TY
TyreseTl
8 March 2021
I agree with Wildcat
Ps. Is he/she planning to put you on a different medication, since lexapro didn’t work out for you?
FA
fayefaye48
8 March 2021
I told them i dont want anything
WI
WildcatVet
8 March 2021
But it was prescribed for a reason, wasn't it? Can you live with whatever it is? Yes, side effects can be hard to cope with but they do resolve as the medication takes effect.
WI
WildcatVet
8 March 2021
"Common (1% to 10% of users): Dizziness, lethargy, PARESTHESIA" "Some side effects of escitalopram may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects." "Side effects have been reported to be generally mild and transient. They are most common during the first 2 weeks of treatment and decrease in intensity and frequency with continued treatment. They generally do not lead to treatment cessation." "Sleep, energy, or appetite may show improvement within the first 1-2 weeks. Improvement in these physical symptoms can be an important early signal that the medication is working. Depressed mood, anxiety, and lack of interest in activities may need up to 6-8 weeks to fully improve."
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fayefaye48
12 March 2021
Thank you so much for taking the time out to talk to me. Some days it feels like its starting to lessing up then I feel it coming on out of nowhere. So my doctor ordered some lab work to see if my thyroid level is ok. And she also did a complete work up on me hopefully this gets resolved soon.
Been feeling the same burning sensation all day today does it go away after awhile
Votes: +0
JO
joci0404
29 Oct 2020
Hi Chris did your burning feeling ever go away? I took my first dosage of 10 mg lexapro and my scalp neck spine chest is on fire mostly my head and I hate it
SL
SleeplessInLA
9 Nov 2020
Many people have said the same thing, but since we are all likely suffering from anxiety disorder, finding a thread like this is highly relieving! Just knowing I wasn’t making up the sensation out of nowhere helps me be at peace knowing the meds are likely just doing their job. I was on Lexapro about ten years ago, was off and on but decided to try other brands over the last 8 years. Personally Zoloft was the best for me so far, aside from digestive and sexual side effects. I don’t remember Lexapro having such bad side effects for me, so I’m giving another go. 10mg and day 4 I assume the sensations stop due to other articles, other answers and the fact that it ended up really being a life saver for me ten years ago. Best of luck to us all. It’s always a journey.
WI
WildcatVet
18 May 2020
This link will take you to a site listing Lexapro's POTENTIAL side effects. I hesitate to have you read them as those of us with anxiety disorders have a tendency to "think" ourselves into "developing" many of these side effects. Don't let your anxiety get the better of you... only take into consideration those that are pertinent to your current situation. Note also that you are not alone... side effects can be common to very common for some initial users.
"Side effects have been reported to be generally mild and transient. They are most common during the first 2 weeks of treatment and decrease in intensity and frequency with continued treatment. They generally do not lead to treatment cessation."
Votes: +1
WI
WildcatVet
20 July 2021
Burning, prickling, tingling sensations are called paresthesia and it's very common. Side effects generally subside after a week or two of starting the medication. If it's been longer than that or has been persistent report it to your doctor. "Nervous system Common (1% to 10% of users): Paresthesia"
MA
maremacd
18 May 2020
I started by taking half of a 5 mg tablet for the first wk then the full 5 mg for the last three wks. I felt bloating and cramping at first but that subsided. About a week in is when I first felt hot sensations in my feet. I walk a ton and during the pandemic have been taking extended walks—trying to meet my steps goal all at once rather than spaced out. I have always been able to walk for many miles with no ill effects, but I was blaming the burning on my walks even tho I feel the sensations while stationary. At times I do feel them more acutely when walking.
I was on Prozac for years and never experienced a side effect from it, or any other drug for that matter. I have discussed this with my PCP and my psychiatric NP and while my PCP suggested it might be a side effect, the psychiatric NP thinks that it would’ve gone away by now if it were.
Tonight I can’t sleep bcuz my left foot in particular is burning up. I’m in good health otherwise. Is it reasonable to suspect the Lexapro considering the symptoms started a week into taking it and have persisted in the three and a half weeks since? I’m supposed to increase my dose but I’m now reconsidering it. I have rather severe health anxiety as it is, and I’m pretty scared and have been imagining the worst scenarios —autoimmune diseases, spine disorders, etc. Trying not to Google too much.
Votes: +0
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Devorose
18 May 2020
I totally understand the desperate feeling you have. I have been there. It is definitely reasonable to to suspect the Lexapro is causing the burning since it correlates to the time you started taking the Lexapro. However, it is also possible it is the increase in duration that you are walking. You also might be hyper aware of bodily sensations right now because of your health anxiety. I also have trouble with that. In answering your other question, the burning did go away about 2 weeks after I stopped taking Lexapro. I have noticed however, I do get a burning sensation every now and then when I am extremely anxious. So, it could also just be that taking the new ned has caused an increased anxiety level for you. Try to take comfort in the fact that others have had similar experiences, and that they will either go away as your body gets used to the meds, or they will go away if you stop taking them.
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maremacd
18 May 2020
Thanks, Devorose. I’m trying not to spin out of control. I didn’t sleep much last night and have a huge deadline tomorrow at work. Feel nauseated from worry. Your response helped.
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roughrider210
31 March 2020
yes im on day 7 of lexapro i was on it before and for me the side effects resembled the flu even more anxiety but take it every day because the benifits outweigh the side effect that will go away after your body adjusts
Votes: +1
AJ
Ajparm
26 March 2020
Yes this is normal! I was on lexapro 10 mg for 5 years then I went off 8 months ago. I decided to go back on and I’m on day 4 of 5 mg. I’m getting the burning sensation in my chest and I remember I had this when I started 5 years ago. It doesn’t bother me now because I know it will go away as my body adjusts to the med. I am a strong believer that lexapro does the job for anxiety and I cannot wait for it to take effect again!
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maremacd
18 May 2020
Are you still experiencing the burning? How long does it take to go away? I have been feeling burning or tingling in my feet off and on for a few weeks, starting a week into taking my first dose. I’m so worried.
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joci0404
29 Oct 2020
Hi I started 10 mg first day and my scalp is on fire ! I just want to stop taking the pill hate this feeling its super annoying
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joci0404
29 Oct 2020
I can’t tolerate the burning I feel it in my head spine chest and I’m only on day one lexapro 10mg
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Cb11
30 Oct 2020
I’ve been getting the burning sensation on my chest on and off all day! (Day 2 of Lexapro)
- I would describe it as a feeling of having put vapour-rub on my chest... is that somewhat what you were feeling? It might give me peace of mind and make me worry a bit less lol.
KC
KC2019
20 Nov 2020
I have a burning sensation only on my scalp? It's super weird, I had other really bad reactions to it like insomnia and suicidal thoughts so my doctor is taking me off right away. Hopefully, this burning sensation will go away too.
I found your post searching for answers. I am on 7.5 mg of Buspar am and pm, 50 mg of trazodone pm, and 5mg of lexapro in am. I started the lexapro 6 days ago. The past 2 days I've been experiencing the hot, burning skin. It feels like I scalded my skin in hot water, or that I have sunburn. I mostly feel it on my arms, hands and back, but I also feel it on my neck and scalp, and occasionally the bottoms of my feet. Is this something I should be concerned about? Will this eventually go away? Has yours gone away?
Votes: +1
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Hmworried
25 Feb 2019
Yes it will stop once u stop medication. It will lessen each day. For me it took 8 days for burning to stop. My was really bad
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Devorose
9 March 2019
Thank you for your response. I just now saw it. That is good to know. I have stopped the lexapro, and am now tapering off the trazodone. I have been waking up with hot flushes and burning skin in the middle of the night. I should be done with trazodone on Monday, and left only with Buspar. I am hoping the burning sensation goes away soon. It is really an uncomfortable feeling.
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maremacd
18 May 2020
May I ask how long after discontinuing the Lexapro your symptoms went away?
Hi there, did the burning ever stop for you? Did you stop taking the meds?
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misticreek
19 Feb 2018
Hi ebf. I am not a medical professional by any means but wanted to let you know you are not alone on the burning sensation; I also drew that short straw with Lexapro. Did your burning go away?
I was prescribed 10mg Lexapro for postpartum issues. Having never taken SSRI before I took a 5mg first night with no issue , then 10mg second night... 3 hours later my body felt like it was on fire from waist up. I stopped taking the meds and haven’t taken any since. Over the course of next 10 days it localized to chest/neck/head and lessened each day and then actually disappeared for over a week. It just returned 3 days ago
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Efb2514
19 Feb 2018
I have tried a few other depression meds since my post and and got same side effects with them. I am now just taking 1mg Klonopin for my anxiety and everything is going great. My doctor told me that some people can’t tolerate the side effects of depression meds. Especially someone in my case that’s has sever anxiety about my healt. Hope you can find the right medication that works for you.
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Worriedhm
19 Sep 2018
Did the burning sensation stop after how long?
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Devorose
24 Feb 2019
Hi there, did your burning ever resolve? I am experiencing this now.
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Hmworried
25 Feb 2019
Yes it will stop after stopping the medication. For me it stopped after 8 days. Once u stop it will lessen each day
