Lexapro and Headaches: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Jan...
• February 15, 2014

For Depression "I was started on Lexapro for generalized anxiety disorder because the Xanax I've been on for the past few years is now Schedule 8. I have been on it for 10 days now, and I hate the side effects, so I will not be taking any more tomorrow. I started out on 5mg for five days and felt nausea, intense headaches, excessive drowsiness, tremors, and total lack of concentration. Then I was advised to up the dose to 10mg, and things are worse as I feel extremely anxious and haven't left the house all weekend. Another side effect is extreme muscle jerking through the night. Definitely not for me."

• Chr...
• July 27, 2019

For Anxiety "I'm 51 and have been on 10 mg of Lexapro for about 18 years, and it has done wonders. I've been feeling some uptick in my anxiety and depression, so the doctor upped my dosage to 15 mg. It's been a week now, and the side effects are awful. I feel lethargic, sad, unmotivated, terrible headache, and have 0 appetite - I've lost about 10 lbs. in a week. I'm going to cut back to 10 mg and hope these wicked side effects go away quickly and deal with my anxiety differently."

• Anonymous
• November 5, 2015

For Anxiety "I suffer from major anxiety and panic attacks. My doctor started me on 5 mg of Lexapro, and I've been taking it for 6 days now. I'm not sure if I should continue the medication. I'm having weird feelings in my chest: tightness, fluttering feeling that makes me cough. Also, I feel a lot of pressure in my head and daily headaches. It causes more anxiety for me, so I'm taking Xanax to help. Anyone having these side effects?"

• Anonymous
• November 5, 2015

For Anxiety "I suffer from major anxiety and panic attacks. My doctor started me on 5 mg of Lexapro, and I've been taking it for 6 days now. I'm not sure if I should continue the medication. I'm having weird feelings in my chest: tightness, fluttering feeling that makes me cough. Also, I feel a lot of pressure in my head and daily headaches. It causes more anxiety for me, so I'm taking Xanax to help. Anyone having these side effects?"

• anx...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 8, 2018

For Anxiety "I unfortunately was one of those people who it took 4-5 weeks to see any benefit from Lexapro, but once it kicked in, it was life-changing. I went from debilitating anxiety to where I couldn't even leave my house to finally feeling like the 'old' me again. It was a slow transition, nothing black-and-white, but I can look back and see how the med slowly started to work. Side effects lasted a couple of weeks and included headaches, endless fatigue, and I have to be careful what I eat because I have gained about 5 lbs., but I'd take those side effects over living in a constant dream-like state from anxiety. Started on 10 mg and am now on 15 mg. Give it a shot!"

• Sta...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 27, 2018

For Anxiety "24 years of age, and I've experienced chronic depression, anxiety, OCD, and body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) for about the last 12 years. I have been on various medications, and I can say that by taking Lexapro, I'm finally getting my life and self back. Before this medication, my OCD/BDD rituals and thoughts were consuming anywhere from 3 to 10 hours of my day. Since week 2 of this medication, the thoughts and rituals have been less and less. I'm on week 5, and I feel like it's helping more and more each day with anxious, obsessive thoughts and the down moods. I pray this medication continues to work for me because I finally feel like I can be something and accomplish what I've always wanted for myself. I'm so grateful for this medication and the very few side effects I experienced starting this drug (mild headaches, slight dizziness, and dry mouth). Overall, I'm very satisfied with this medication so far."

• RS0...
• October 19, 2016

For Anxiety "I've been taking 10 mg Lexapro for anxiety for 5 days now. Off and on in the past year, my level of anxiety has escalated so much that I thought I might have a nervous breakdown or something. I became antisocial and angry. I would break down in tears if I thought about anything for more than 3 seconds. I felt hopeless and helpless. I also take Adderall XR 20 mg. My doctor gave me Lexapro 10 mg and said I might experience the side effects and call her in 1 week if it was too much to handle. Headache for a couple of hours was all I experienced. I feel awesome! Like a wet blanket has been lifted off of me. I don't avoid people anymore, and I feel like I can face the world and be me again. I think now that the tension is lifted, I feel better physically!"

• jha...
• April 20, 2016

For Depression "I have taken Lexapro for 10 years. I had severe depression/anxiety and was put on Lexapro and Xanax (initially). If I skipped or didn't take my Lexapro on time, I would have a bad bout of anxiety within a day. Too much or doubling up, and my brain was on fire with severe anxiety. But, it has been a life saver. I am totally myself with no weird thoughts or dreams and am happy! Your body will let you know when you should lower your dosage, but that will take a while, like years (headaches were my symptoms). Note for women, I still felt off right before my period. My doctor added the mini-pill for the estrogen, and now I am 100% all month. P.S. watch some of the generics, some have bad side effects!!!!"

• Anonymous
• September 5, 2019

For Anxiety "I was put on 10 mg once a day for anxiety and panic disorder. I took my first dose on an empty stomach around 5 pm, about an hour later, I noticed a strong sense of anxiety. I was not hungry for dinner. When I lay down to go to sleep later that night, I noticed I was super restless, like restless leg syndrome, and taking my Ativan 1 mg and my Ambien didn’t even put me to sleep. I knew this was going to be hard, but I told myself to do what you need to and try to get through two weeks because it’s supposed to get better. I’m on day 4 or 5, and I finally went outside. It’s getting better. Not anxious 24/7 anymore, my body is adapting. Still have muscle twitching, and I’m only hungry rarely, but I’m hoping it will improve. The headaches are subsiding, the first three days were the worst in terms of headaches. I’m excited to see how I feel in a week. This drug sucks, hopefully, it will be worth it."

• Dav...
• March 3, 2009

For Depression "I started Lexapro about two weeks ago. Currently, I am happy to say the benefits have outweighed the negative side effects. My side effects have been: nausea, ear ringing, headaches, sleep problems, dry mouth, and sore teeth. However, my energy has increased, and I am in much better shape than I was two weeks ago. Two weeks ago, I would not leave my house, I did not go to work or go out socially. I would randomly get upset, and I was not motivated to do anything. I am slowly going out more and becoming more the old me."

• Sto...
• September 22, 2016

For Anxiety "I had immediate results. I definitely felt less edgy just 3 days into my 10 mg nightly dose. I had a headache the first two days but took pain relief, and it knocked it out. So far, it has already provided relief from my constant anxiety and edginess."

• Jul...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 20, 2020

For Anxiety "I can’t say much yet, but don’t think I’ll have the chance to since I don’t think this drug is working for me. It’s been almost 2 weeks on 5 mg to treat my GAD, and I have experienced on and off burning/tingling sensations in my limbs, decreased appetite, headache, change in vision, increased anxiety, and the absolute worst panic attacks of my life (felt like I was going to die and lasted over an hour). These side effects are absolutely horrible, and I don’t know if I can make it through to see it work. I have never felt worse."

• Jul...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 20, 2019

For Anxiety "Stay away from Lexapro!! I started taking 5 mg Lexapro 4 months ago. Starting the medication was rough, I experienced every terrible side effect it could offer. The worst was depression. I began Lexapro because of panic and anxiety, I’d never had a depressed thought in my life before taking this. After 3 weeks, I started to feel a little better, and my anxiety was under control. Fast forward to now - I am absolutely miserable! I’ve never had an issue sleeping, and now I have extreme insomnia. My anxiety and panic attacks are back and worse than before. My head hurts to the point of almost feeling like I have a brain tumor. I have zero motivation for life, which has made me a completely different person than I was before taking this medication. Taking Lexapro was the worst decision I’ve ever made. Don’t risk it."

• Jux...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 14, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "I've been on Lexapro for 3 days at 10 mg. My doctor prescribed it for my depression and anxiety. Every single day I've taken this, I've had horrible symptoms ranging from blurry vision, headaches, drowsiness, dizziness, disorientation, nausea, confusion, panic attacks, tightness in the chest. My whole body would begin to burn, and my hands would tingle. I'd have a weird jerking in my legs. Just bad side effects that affected my job and personal relationships. My doctor said she'd see me again in 2 months, but I'm not taking this stuff anymore, and I plan to call her in the morning. This is horrible!"

• sha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 14, 2019

For Anxiety "I am a 62-year-old male and have been taking 10 mg of Lexapro for 7 weeks and have been experiencing a myriad of side effects. I have had mild headaches, teeth aches, gas that could launch a small rocket, heartburn, loss of libido, inability to ejaculate, and extremely sleepy shortly after taking it. I have gained about 10 lbs in 7 weeks due to eating everything in sight. While my family says my mood has improved, I personally do not see or feel enough of an improvement to put up with all these side effects."

• Coo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 22, 2021

For Anxiety "Today, my 4th day on this med, my doctor started me on a 10 mg dose. The side effects have been horrible: headaches, nausea. The worst side effect is that I literally can't get out of bed, and I haven't been to work in 4 days. The doctor told me to cut the 10 mg tablet in half and start taking it at night because my body is getting used to the serotonin. I can't sleep, and it has been like this for a couple of days. I haven't gotten anxiety but have gotten panic attacks very little. I will update."

• Cel...
• January 30, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Started Lexapro 3/2018 after brain surgery. Dr. recommended for anxiety. 1st week was 5mg/morning. I felt sleepy, headaches, and some nausea. 2nd week headaches and slight nausea but totally fine after week 2. This pill also helped to mask pains from my chronic illness, Chiari malformation. I was walking 2 1/2 miles every day, traveled with my family. The short temper or bad moods were gone. The biggest letdown was the weight gain! I kept telling the docs, and they kept saying I shouldn't gain much more. I was on it for 6 months and gained 30 lbs even while exercising and eating clean, DASH diet. Lexapro slows down the metabolism and increases appetite. I HAD to come off because of the weight gain. I stopped it 3 months ago and have not lost not 1 lb! Withdrawal symptoms were worse than going on the pill. Took a month and a half to taper off 10mg. I felt zaps, jolts, irritability, and my chronic pains are totally back. I am struggling to lose this weight so bad. The weight is the factor for me coming off it."

• Anonymous
• August 22, 2011

For Depression "Been on this for four weeks now and have seen definite improvement in the lessening of anxiety and depression. Finding the exact dosage and best time to take it seems to be both a bit tricky and the key to success. Tried 10 mg in the morning and was spaced out and headachy (but not anxious nor depressed) all day. Switched to 5 mg at night, but still too slowed down in the daytime. Finally hit on 2.5 mg (1/2 a 5 mg) before bed and this seems to be perfect for me. Not overly anxious anymore, but not groggy or fatigued either. So if you are just going on this, do yourself a favor and experiment with dosage/times before deciding it's not right for you."

• MAS...
• January 10, 2013

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Prescribed for anxiety, GAD, MDD. After being on Zoloft for several years, when my depression and anxiety spectrum returned, we decided to try Lexapro. It just never felt 'right' from day one. After several months, I noticed the feelings did not improve, and I figured I would need to live with it. Now almost a year since starting, I've made the switch back to a low dose of Zoloft. Within weeks, I again feel 'normal,' and I am not plagued by the overall unease I felt on Lexapro (specifically increased anxiety, developing agoraphobia, EXTREME laziness and no motivation, obsessive thoughts, and headaches). Being mindful now, everyone is different. We all are wired uniquely. I know many people who love Lexapro. Not for me, though."

• Tan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 17, 2017

For Anxiety "Difficult personal situations caused my Ativan usage to creep up to 3-4x/day. When I started being perimenopausal, I was also suffering from terrible depression, which I had never had before. My GYN prescribed Lexapro, and I've always been against taking an SSRI because of the side effects and feeling like I could just 'work through' the anxiety, but the depression was debilitating. I forced myself to take the first pill, and the next day, I realized I wasn't under a cloud of stress anymore. It worked well for about 3 weeks, and then I was irritable and the anxiety was back. I just started on 20mg and feel optimistic. Only minor side effects: headache, some nausea the first few days, insomnia. I've lost weight, which is a plus!"

• Bs1...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 23, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Horrible drug in my experience. I started this Lexapro for GAD. Dr. started me on 10 mg, I took it for 2 weeks and had shivers, sweating, no sex drive, insomnia, dry mouth, headaches, blurry vision, night terrors, dysphoria, 12-hour panic attacks, and suicidal thoughts. Returned to the doctor, and they said because it had only been 2 weeks at 10 mg, I could stop cold turkey and should be okay because the drug needs longer than that to really build up in the system. I’m on day 2 without taking it, and although I don’t feel great yet, I do feel much better. I can live with my anxiety, but I absolutely cannot live with those side effects! I urge anyone thinking of starting this drug to think long and hard about it before starting!!"

• Kay...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 13, 2020

For Anxiety "Well, I got prescribed this because I’m a self-proclaimed hypochondriac, and I'm constantly in fear of having a serious illness. Also, I had been hospitalized for severe panic attacks. I just took my first dose today (10mg) with food. As soon as I took the pill, I got mildly nauseous and had to lay down. About 3 hours later, I felt sooo nice, kind of like I was high, just an overall good feeling and a little drowsiness. Then, a couple of hours later, the nausea returned but with a horrible headache. Almost felt like I had the flu and made me check my temperature (no fever). Now I’m laying in bed, unable to sleep because I feel sick, and I have muscle twitches. Hope this wears off, or else I’m going to stop it immediately."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 7, 2016

For Anxiety "Due to my increasing anxiety and panic attacks, I was prescribed Lexapro 10 mg. During the first few weeks, I became very sensitive and would nearly cry over simple things like a customer saying, 'Please don't put this item in the bag with that item...'. I had very high blood pressure, bad headaches, rapid heartbeat, I would feel weak and my body would start shaking (especially my hands). One time, I even thought I was having a minor heart attack. I decided to wean off Lexapro and change medication."

• sli...
• September 14, 2009

For Depression "I started taking Lexapro going on 3 weeks ago, and I think it's great. The side effects that I suffered in the very beginning were headaches, but they are all pretty much gone. I also did not put on any additional weight. I actually lost about 4 pounds. It seems to suppress my appetite. I highly recommend it."

• J88...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 14, 2015

For Anxiety "This med is amazing. 23-year-old Christian college grad with every type of anxiety for the past 2 years. Could barely go to class or the grocery store, felt dissociated, distant, and terrified of people (including friends). Was scared to try any drug, but after losing my job and needing to go out and interview, I decided to try something. 3 days in and I feel totally changed. No anxiety. Clear head. Feel like I could even move countries to work, and I've been out more in a weekend than I have been in 3 months combined. I take 5 mg and 25 mg of hydroxyzine to balance out the side effects (blurry vision, headaches, muscle spasms, etc.). Don't be scared, just try it. I regret not going on this sooner."