I was prescribed Lexapro for major depressive disorder and anxiety. Dr wanted me to start at 5 mg and work up to 10 in a week or so. I took my first dose last night, and I feel awful. My head is heavy, heart is racing, I feel like I can't breathe, I'm shaky. I honestly feel like I'm having the longest anxiety attack ever. My mind is going a million miles an hour and I can't keep myself calm. Has anyone else experienced this? If so, does it go away? I need it to. I can't function like this. I'm scared, and it's scaring my toddler...
Bad side effects of Lexapro?
Question posted by Alyson2013 on 9 Feb 2018
Last updated on 31 March 2018
Answers
Reynososiul
15 Feb 2018
These side effects tend to be normal. They might also be elevated by your own anxiety of taking a new pill. Hang in there and talk to your doctor about these symptoms. Btw how is your treatment going?
Alyson2013
15 Feb 2018
I talked to my doctor about it, and he was concerned as my anxiety wasn't too bad to begin with. And strangely enough, I was actually kind of excited rather than anxious to try a new medication. But when I told him it was bad enough that I was having trouble breathing and controlling thoughts, along with my other symptoms, he advised me to stop since I was already on the lowest dose possible. I have another appointment to see him next week so we can talk about other treatment options.
Natapca
31 March 2018
Hi I’m having the same effects on lexapro. I was wonder after you stopped the lexapro, did you return to you normal self before taking the pill? And if you did how long after the last dose of lexapro did it take for you rob comeback to your normal(how you felt before the lexapro)self.
Alyson2013
31 March 2018
Hi! It took me about 30 hours before I felt normal again. I did go back to feeling like myself, but my anxiety has gotten a little worse. I hope you feel better!
WildcatVet
9 Feb 2018
Hi, Alyson! I'm sorry to hear that you're having a rough time getting started. Unfortunately, all you're describing are common and "normal" side effects that a few people experience when starting an antidepressant. The good news is that they rarely last more than a few days to a week or so and you WILL feel better everyday as your metabolism adjusts.
You should let your doctor know that you're having side effects and get her/his professional advice, but it may just be a matter of giving it a little time.
From the literature:
"Common (1% to 10%)
Dizziness, fast or irregular heartbeat, headache, shortness of breath, unusual tiredness or weakness, agitation, anxiety, nervousness, restlessness."
"Some side effects of escitalopram may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects 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."
I hope this helps to relieve some of your anxiety and I hope you'll feel free to post again with any questions or concerns you have along the way.
Related topics
lexapro, depression, anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, side effect, dosage, prescription
Further information
- Lexapro uses and safety info
- Lexapro prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Lexapro (detailed)
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