Hi all

Basically I had a horrible time with my first dose of Effexor (37.5mg) on Saturday feeling very light headed and dizzy and ended up being sick. It was scary and unpleasant.

I've now got Cipralex (which I think you in the US call Lexapro) at the lowest dose (5mg.) I'll see how it goes and may "up" it from there to 10, 15 or 20mg.

I've just taken my first one after a light meal and so far feel a little dizzy and some nausea.

Quick question: how long do these side-effects last? Will the dizziness pass after a certain time and/or will I stop getting it altogether after I've been on the drug for a while.

Is what I'm feeling normal / OK? (I'm quite scared by the side effects, but anxiety is a big part of my depression, so it's Catch 22: the anti-anxiety drugs side-effects make me anxious!)

I'm just looking for some advice / reassurance / experiences.

Thanks again, you guys are stars.

Hi revilo-

I have been on Lexapro for approx. 3 weeks now. At first I felt really nauseous, but that went away in the first couple of days. Then I had a lingering headache for the next week or less. Now I just feel tired during the day, which is a bit discouraging, but I am keeping with it until I see my psych. I am hoping the tiredness will subside. I notice a huge difference in my mood as I was taking 5 mg, but then after 4 days I had to up to 10mg. I got a bit shaky and I have not notice a significant change in my mood/anxiety level. I am trying to be as patient as possible and stick with it. Sometimes it takes awhile for benefits to be felt/seen.

Remember that all side effects are different for all people. I did not feel dizzy necessarily, only shaky. Good luck and keep me updated on how you are doing!

Julia

Thanks Julia

I really appreciate hearing your experience, it has given me hope and made me feel a bit more normal.

I'll let you know how it goes, but so far: sleepy and a bit of nausea.

Thanks again, this means so much to me.

Ollie

When I first started taking Citalopram I was put on 20mg and felt dizzy and generally a bit spaced out for about 2 weeks I think. The doctor told me to take 10mg then up to 20mg after the first week. Once the side-effects dissapeared I felt fantastic, so try and stick it out for at least 6 weeks otherwise you're not giving your body a chance to adjust. It does pass, try and think of the temporary dizziness as the price you have to pay for long term happiness.

Hi revilo,

It really is early days and it can take up to 8 weeks to really get to an effective dose. In the meantime your side effects should settle down, and it shold start to life you mood so you really notice itn

Everyone is different so give it at least 2-3 months at the most. No every SSRI med will suit everybody, but your Doc will dcide with you, in time, if this med is the right one for you.

Best Wishes

Jim Bow

Thank-you all so much, just hearing your experiences is so encouraging and makes me feel I'm not alone or unique.

I really need encouragement.

Are chest pains a normal side-effect.

Hi revilo


I would always see a Doc abour chest pains. It may well be a side effect but I would suggest you see you doc to be on the safe side at it could be something else.

So get it checked out.

Jim Bow

Thanks, called the GP and was reassured (which itself is important to me right now).

I really appreciate this place, thanks again.

Ollie

Hi Ollie:

I have a pretty good link to info on Lexapro. Has a pretty good run down on side effects and what % of people experience them. Unfortunately the forum doesn't allow us to post links. If you PM me I'll send you the link.

i just switched from WB to lexapro i had chest pains while on wb but wasnt related to the meds just related to my anxiety had ekg xrays etc done after all the money spent atleast i got a clean bill of health so far first night of lexapro 10mg is ok no side effects maybe a tad tired i was off WB for 2 days before i switched doctor said i shouldnt have many s/e because i have wb in my system. goodluck

This post has been edited by LeroyRocket: Jul 8 2009, 09:06 PM

My wife just switched to Lexapro from Zoloft.

On Zoloft she was having almost daily anxiety attacks and generally having a rough time. She's been on the Lexapro for a month now and she's gone 5 days without so much as any anxiety. I've seen her smile and laugh more in the past 3 or 4 days than I have for a very long time.

From what I've read, Lexapro is supposed to be one of the absolute best SSRI's for anxiety. Hang in there and give it time to work. If it's not working by the 6-8 week mark, or the SE's don't fade, then talk to your doc about switching.

Thank-you so much everyone.

Today will be my third dose (5mg) and I feel worse, not better.

Restless, agitated, anxious and -- last night -- the worst headache ever.

I'm taking Zopiclone (7mg) at night to sleep but can I take painkillers (paracetamol) for these flu-like symptoms of aches and chills?

Thank-you all; I feel I'm not alone or dying!

God bless you.

I think a pain reliever with acetaminophen is ok. NSAIDs (like ibuprophen and others) are not. To be sure check with your pharmacist tho.

Thanks everyone.

I'm now on day 8 @ 5mg and through the SE's (nasty first three or four days) and now really better; not completely well but significantly better. i think I'll need a bigger dose but so far so good

Thanks everyone, I really appreciate all your support and advice.

(((revilo)))

I'm glad to hear things are improving for you. Sounds like the meds are starting to work and they should do you some good. Hang in there and expect some rocky times for the coming weeks. These meds often take time to get stable and up's and down's, commonly called the "yo-yo phase" is normal. I went through weeks and weeks of this before I finally realized I was doing well. Sometimes it can take a couple months for things to really even out and you begin to feel like yourself again, or you feel well I should say.

Just so you know, my wife is doing great on Lex. She's on 10mg and I've never seen her smile as much as I have in the past 2 weeks. It's been an amazing transformation and I'm SO glad.

revilo, I didn't experience much nausea or dizziness with 10mg lexapro (I started at that dosage), but I did experience other side effects. At first I felt emotionally numb, very tired, and I lacked motivation. I was diagnosed with major depression and generalized anxiety disorder, and I realized after awhile that my worrying about these side effects was just a manifestation of my anxiety. Certainly, if the side effects start to become a big interference in your daily life, consulting your doctor would be wise. But as you have noticed, the side effects gradually lessen. It took about eight weeks for my chronic drowsiness to wane. Unless the side effects are severe, try not to think or worry about them. Spend time working on yourself, confronting your anxiety. Asking about the side effects on this forum is a good example, too. Now that you realize that side effects are common (though vary for each individual), it's clear that what you're experiencing is normal; there isn't a need to worry. My point being that when you find yourself having anxiety about things, like side effects, ask yourself if there is a need to be concerned. People experience the same problems, you don't need to think of yourself any different (I hope that doesn't sound harsh, I'm not trying to be. I just want to relay the semi off-topic message that having anxiety about problems is universal. Confronting the anxiety with questions about their origins is a great way to deal with anxiety).

Sorry for being a bit off-topic. Good luck!

Thanks Doug, I appreciate the info. As it happens after three good days today is not so good, so it was timely advice.

Seeing the GP tomorrow and hoping to go up to 10mg but understand that thing take a while and it's one day at a time.

Bless you all; I really feel understood and supported here.

Ollie