Welcome to DF, trg247  :welcomeani:
Definitely, call your doctor. Sorry you're having such a rough time with the side-effects. I hope you find some relief soon.

Hi everyone -- I'm an Effexor refugee.  Eileen took great care of me in the effexor room, but four months of inconsistent results was enough.  I'm now tapering off effexor and this is my fourth day of lexapro 10mg.  No side effects to mention.  My insomnia isn't nearly so bad this week, either.

GO PLACEBO EFFECT!!!!!!!!!

Seriously, with that slight serotonin/norapenephrine marinade that effexor provided, I'm hoping that Lexapro can pick up where effexor left off.  Maybe just a week or two and I'll be in good shape.

Dan

Welcome to our Celexa/Lexapro family, Dan  :welcomeani:
Wishing you well on your journey - sounds like it's starting off positively. Let us know how it's going...

My name is Phil, I'm 26 and believe to suffer from anxiety and depression for about 6 years. I've been taking 10mg Lexapro for just over 2 weeks now and I have some question's i wanted to ask but don't know if this is the right forum to ask them.

I seem to have every effect that people explain they have with A & D. From not being able to sleep, to not want to even go out or do things and thinking there are a whole bunch of things wrong with me. In the past i've taken Paxil and Zoloft and all though they seemed to help with my sleeping and my thinking a little bit, nothing seems to correct my vision problem.

When i first started getting anxiety attacks this very weird vision problem would fade into my eyes very slowly and after a little bit would go away. the best and only way to really describe this vision problem is to compare it to being a little somewhat Drunk or buzzed from a few drinks. one day i had an attack and the vision problem faded in but never faded out and I've been living with this vision problem now every day for the past 5 years and it never goes away. I have it 24 hours a day everyday for the past 5 years.It's almost like things don't even seem real at times.  I've been for lots of tests such as Bloodwork, upper GI's, Cat Scan, Equilibrium tests, and the latest an Eye Exam. I have 20/20 vision and can see just fine except for the fact that i see like im a little drunk all the time.

Does Anyone out there have the same problem or know of anyone who does, or even had it and found a way for it to go away?

Thanks

Welcome to DF, Phil  :welcomeani:
Your vision problem must weigh on you. I also have visual disturbances - enough so that I rarely drive at night any more (makes me feel older than my 81-year-old mother, who still drives at night). It would be wonderful if the Lexapro kicks in and you find your vision back to normal as the anxiety and depression come under control.
Let us know how you're doing.
Wishing you well...

Thank You

i usta be on celelxa, it worked real well at 1st, but then it sorta went away... what is the difference between lexapro and celexa exactly?

Hi,
I have just started taking Celexa. I have been on many other AD's in the past but for 5 years I have been off them. Due to personal reasons I have decided to go back on and my Pdoc suggested Celexa.
I may be jumping the horse here because I have only been on it for a week but I have noticed the sweating thing. I don't really like to sweat and in the past I have not been a great sweater. I know it's hot here in the east but the other day I thought I would die. Everyday my hair is soaked with sweat and I am beginning to notice the tiredness too.
I hope it works out for me because inspite of everything I feel so much better.

Welcome, Puma. I hope each day sees you feeling better and better, and that these bothersome side-effects lessen soon. Let us know how you're doing...

Thanks Lizard, I appreciate your concern.

Hi Everyone,

I normally post in the bi-polar section, I've been off meds for nearly 6 years but have been on a down hill slide for a couple of months and haven't been able to climb out, hit rockbottom a couple of days ago and fortunately had an appointment with my pdoc who put me on "Lexapro" one of the ones I haven't been on before. Because I'm bi-polar he's started me on 5mg daily and after two days I'm already feeling better, is this typical or is it because I'm bi-polar? Anti-depressants can put me in a manic cycle   which as far as I'm concerned is a lot better than being depressed :verysad3:

Tinkerbell

Hi, Tinkerbell, and welcome to DF and our Lexapro family  
I'm glad you seem to be pulling out of the depression so quickly now that you've started on the Lex. But I'm a little surprised that your doc didn't also put you on a mood stabilizer to help prevent a manic episode - that seems to be pretty much standard procedure, although I'm certainly no expert at bipolar. Have you ever tried this?
Let us know how you're doing. Wishing you well...

Hi All,

I'm Jill, and am about 10 days on Celexa.  From the minute I put the pill in my mouth have felt totally spaced out!  Nausea, lack of sex drive, loss of memory has all been happening.  I went down to 10mg. and will begin to take it evenings instead of mornings and try that out.  Morning dosage wipes me out for the day, and I can't do a thing!

Was just told a million different opinions regarding this medicine and have no idea what the story is.  No way of knowing if it's not suitable because these side affects are expected somewhat , but I'm just not functioning and am disoriented.  Not sure if i should giv eit a chance or go down in dosage and stop..

Just wonder if other's suffer in the beginning like me.  Don't feel myself.. Never heard of anyone being spaced out and sedated on this drug either.

Any opinions would be appreciated..

Jill

Welcome to our Celexa/Lexapro family, Jill  :welcomeani:
I got "high" on Celexa and had to change ADs, but it hasn't happened to me on other meds. Maybe the evening dose will help you sleep and not leave you lethargic all day. lf the lower dose doesn't work, there are always other ADs you can try, so hang in there.

hello everyone i hope all of you are very well. after trying effexor,prozac,and wellbutrin and finally going back to lexapro things are finally getting better.i did not know what i had till it was gone.the side effects are small compaired to much worst ones i had with other anti-depress,s.i am 50 years old have a good familly life and suffered for over 15 years with depression.as far as i am concerned if things keep inproving i will never leave lexapro agian!!! wishing the best to all! -wht-

Welcome back to Lexapro, whtrash73. I'm glad things are getting better for you.
Wishing the best to you, too...

I too am new to Cipralex.  I was only on it for 3 days when I suffered a massive panic attack and major anxiety.  So much so that I was afraid to get out of bed the next morning.  I decided to stop taking them until I see my doctor on Tuesday.  I was on Celexa last time I took anti-d's, and I didn't have any side effects at all.  I was really frightened by these ones.

Hi, I'm new to Lexapro and am on week 3.  I feel a lot better mentally, although it is not letting me sleep.  The first week I was somewhat nauseous.

I have tried Celexa before and it made me very, very sick (stomach).

I took Effexor about 5 yrs ago, for about a year or 2 and then I got hives.

I like the Lexapro so far but want to sleep.  But I have been an insomniac all my life.  I have to take Ambien a lot.  I am so worried what all this does to my body, and my brain.

Has anyone else experienced sleeplessness with Lexapro?  I also had a major crying jag today but it was brought on by something that might make a "normal" person cry as well.

I am depressed due to life circumstances:  Mom died 10 years ago and I have been really lonely since.  I have tried to be positive, and for some reason a month ago everything just "broke".  I decided to take something (which I am really against.)  Well guess I'm babbling now, will post more later.  

thanks...btw...this board has helped.

Welcome, Jane!

Lexapro makes me a little sleepy, so I take it at night.  I sure can relate to the insomnia, though.  I could never be a spy, 'cuz after a week of sleep deprivation I'd rat out my own mother!!

Insomnia for me is caused by depression, not the anti-depressant.  So if you stay with Lex a bit longer you could very well begin to sleep better.

FutureMrs.T, I'm sorry you had such a frightening experience. I hope things are going better for you now!
jane2005, there's no weakness in taking meds. They're just one tool we can use to help ourselves heal.
Welcome to both of you  :welcomeani:
I know you can find the support you need here at DF!

I've been on Lexapro for the past 8 days and have yet to really feel any therapeutic effect.  I was once on Celexa for a few years but stupidly stopped taking it about a year and a half ago.  This, of course, left me totally unprepared for the crash which I'm enduring at the moment.  

I remember Celexa making me sweat a lot at night and leaving me feeling 'foggy' at times.  Thus far, Lexapro has had the same side effects though not nearly as pronounced.  I hope to see the benefit of taking this drug soon.  I hope.

Welcome to DF, eeek30  :welcomeani:
I hope the Lexapro kicks in for you soon; try to be patient. Meanwhile, we're here for you to offer our support...

Thanks, lizard.  

I still have high hopes for Lexapro since Celexa was fairly effective last time around.

Thanks for your concern.  I've visited with my doctor now, and he's put me back on Celexa.  I'm taking 10 mg.  It may not seem like much, but it's enough for me now until I get used to it again.  I feel alot happier too, without any noticeable side effects except feeling a bit more hyper.  It's still a bit early to know, but I feel good so far.

Thanks for sharing the good news - glad you're feeling better!

Hi,

After reading countless posts on this site and others I have decided I am going to taper and quit taking Lexapro.  I do not want to gain weight (have already noticed) and I want to SLEEP!  I am so freaking tired of not sleeping.  I can barely function.  I am tired but can't sleep!  I have to work and it is embarrassing to walk around like a zombie and say stupid things.  And the weight, I've been working out more, eating less (nauseau) and I still have managed to put on a "spare tire" around my middle.

I also don't want to have to deal with all the withdrawal issues I've been reading about.

I think I am going to try St. John's Wort when the Lex. is out of my system.

Welcome to DF, jane2005  :welcomeani:
I'm sorry you've had a difficult time with the Lexapro. I hope you're making these changes under a doctor's care.
Be well ... let us know how you're doing

I'm not, I don't have insurance and only went in for the one visit where I was prscrbd Lex.  I called the dr's office today to tell them what I'm doing and they said someone will return my call, haven't heard from them.  Today I feel better than I have in a while, (took my first 5 mg dosage.)

I am looking foward to sleeping tonight (will take and ambien.)

I think I only slept about one hour last night, or should I say this morning.

I understand that Jane.  Try seeing if you can see another doctor.  You may just have needed to reduce your intake.  I know the Lexapro was too much for me as well.  Now that I'm back on Celexa and only taking 10mg, I'm starting to feel alot better.

Well today I had an extremely busy day at work and then had to rush home and get ready for a date.  I usually take my Lex. at about 11-12 PM but forgot so I didn't get to take it until around 5:30 PM.  I went out on my date and my face felt numb.  It was mainly in the cheek/tongue area.  I also felt dizzy and like I was on a sleeping pill.  Very embarrassing.

Anyways, just wanted to share to help/inform others.

Does anyone know of any good natural supplements?  I may try SJW since it has been around so long but have also heard good things about Sam-E.  

I used to be such a happy person.  Despite all odds- I lost my mother and I am young!  I just turned 33 and don't know if this is due to hormones.  Anyways, I am alone for the most part, do not have family to turn to for help.

Oh, and also lately I just want to sit at home by myself all the time.  Don't know if this is from Lexapro or not.  But then again before I took it I went through that feeling too.

I wish I could get back to the old me- always going and doing, and happy.  A few hard times, but 80 percent happy.

jane, be careful with the supplements, especially while you're still on the Lex. Check with your doctor or pharmacist. Stay safe...

Thank you.  I am not going to take supplements until the Lexapro is completely out of my system.  

I think it is odd that so many doctors prescribe it for jaw clenching.  That is a major side effect for me, it makes me clench my jaws like crazy.

Hi, I'm back again.  Where is everyone?  I know the boards will be moving.

Well, I have been taking 5 mgs for a few days now.  And let me say I feel wonderful!  And I am sleeping really well without any "help", minus taking melatonin last night (never worked for me before) and a glass of wine the night before.  I have read that melatonin is fine with lexapro, not sure about wine.

It is strange to me how at first I could not sleep at all on it, and now I can.  But the downside to this is that I am tired by 7 or 8 PM, hence I cannot have a life.  I need to get out and mingle and socialize, not sit on the couch.    

I wish I didn't have to go off it.  My stomach looks disgusting though and I am working out more than before.  My clothes aren't fitting right.  I just can't deal with gaining weight since I am single and in my 30's, and I just broke off a relationship and am ready to date.  Even if that is a shallow reason, weight gain is still not good for your body.

Will report back.

Hi Jane,

I understand about the weight gain.  I gained some after I split with my ex 5 years ago.  However, since being in my new relationship (1.5 years now) I've gained an additional 25 pounds.  That's depressing.  I look worse than before.  But, give your meds time.  Like Lizard has said to me, it takes a little bit.  So, sure enough, as soon as your meds are fully in your system, I'm sure you'll get that energy back to get off the couch.  We're all here to support each other.

FMT

Jane, if you're doing well mood-wise, I would urge you to stick with the medication. You may find it easier over time to fight the weight gain, especially if you can get a handle on your energy.
Could you take the Lexapro a few hours later and see if your energy holds out longer?

Hi all,

I'm also new to Lexapro and currently on Week 2.

After reading some of the posts in this forum, I'm quite concerned with the weight gain problem. I know gaining weight is going to make me more depressed.

I've already gained 7 kgs before I became severely depressed. I don't want my weight to continue to skyrocket as I already have difficulty fitting into my clothes currently.

I do notice an increase in my appetite after taking Lexapro. What should I do?

Hi, HopeAngel, and welcome to DF  :welcomeani:

Some suggestions to offset the weight gain would be to keep healthy munchies around, and to increase your exercise (good to help combat the depression, also).
I would stick with the med - for me, fighting the depression is a top priority.
Wishing you the best...

Hi lizard,

Thanks for your well wishes and suggestions.

Anyway, I seemed to be doing well in the first few days after taking Lexapro, but recently I crashed due to some events.... Feel that I'm back to where I was before taking the med and that I'm not improving. My concentration and memory are so bad to the extent that I find myself really struggling with conversations with friends. I'm also having co-ordination problems. Everyday is a BIG struggle..

I know I should probably give myself more time on the meds but it's frustrating when my condition seems unstable. I can be feeling better one moment and getting really down the next... Then all the negative thoughts come flooding in and I'm starting to question the effectiveness of Lexapro for me. Sigh.. Should I stick it out? I'm on the verge of giving up!

It may take 4 to 6 weeks to really make a difference, so hang in there with the Lex if you can.
Sorry you had outside stressors add to your problems. Hope things get better for you...

I'm back after being off of anti-depressants for a few years. I started taking Lexapro again because of bad anxiety attacks while I was teaching. They were pretty bad.

Anyway--this time around I'm hoping not to get pregnant on it because the withdrawals were terrible last time. Then again, I may not have a problem getting pregnant because it seems that this time my sex drive is taking a downer. Then again, I've only been on it about 1.2 weeks and I got a terrible cold that first week.

It seems that I'm not able to easily fall asleep. I know insomnia can be a problem but I'm wondering if that ever goes away once you're on it for a while.

Anyway--I guess it's good to be back here. It's a bummer I had to go back on the meds but then again, I'd do anything to live a healthier life for my little dude, Oscar. He deserves a healthy mom!

Hope all is well with everyone!

Laura :)