Depression advice - Lexapro (escitalopram)

AJx

Hi - due to my current circumstances which I don't really want to go into, I felt the need to reach out for help, both through counselling and using anti-depressants. I was prescribed Lexapro (escitalopram), which I started using last night. I know it will take a while for the effect to kick in, but I was reading the leaflet that came with it and there are a large amount of possible side effects listed. I was wondering if anyone has had experience using this and would share their thoughts with me? Thanks

LegacyUser

As far as I know, Lexapro is Prozac, which has been rebranded.

I was on Lexapro for a few months before switching back to Effexor, which I've taken for several years. I honestly didn't find any noticable side-effects with the Lexapro. If you are taking an anti-depressant for the first time, you might find that in the first few weeks you feel a bit antsy and on-edge, but this does wane over time.

The biggest side-effect I experience with these SSRIs is when I forget to take one - I get little "shocks" to my head, which are difficult to describe but very, very common.

Glad you took control of the problem and hope you feel better soon.

Otis Driftwood

Hi.

You really need to speak to your GP about the possible side effects.Any medication effects different people differently.

Santa Claus

I took Lexapro 2 years ago for a few months and the side effects listed on the leaflet were quite accurate (i.e. I experienced some of the common and 1 of the uncommon but none of the rare)

Flamed Diving

Talk to your GP, ffs...

tbh

moved to LTI. OP, I understand the need to talk to other people who've been taking the same medication, but to re-iterate:

you should never attempt to self-medicate. Do not change or cease your medication without talking to your doctor first.

sam34

Unregistered wrote: »

As far as I know, Lexapro is Prozac, which has been rebranded.QUOTE]

lexapro is not the same as prozac.

lexapro is the brand name for escitalopram, whereas prozac is the name for fluoxetine.

they are both SSRIs but they are not the same.

AJx

thanks for the info - I just want to stress that I'm not looking for medical advice on this, I got that info from my GP who was very helpful.

This is the first time I've been on anti-d's and I just wanted to know what some of your experiences were - I do know everyone is different. So if you have some feedback I'd appreciate the info on your experience. Thanks again.

LegacyUser

I was on Lexapro for a few months and I didn't like it. The real thing I didn't like was that it made me lethargic in the mornings and it also affected my libido.

I had my GP change me to Lustral and I have had a better experience.

Flamed Diving

AJx wrote: »

thanks for the info - I just want to stress that I'm not looking for medical advice on this, I got that info from my GP who was very helpful.

This is the first time I've been on anti-d's and I just wanted to know what some of your experiences were - I do know everyone is different. So if you have some feedback I'd appreciate the info on your experience. Thanks again.

If you acknowledge that everyone is different, then what use will peoples experiences be to you? You are destined to focus too much on the negative experiences and not the good, whether you are currently depressed or not.

Anyway, I was on them for about 9 months last year, there were no problems for me, except is caused some Psoriasis to break out on my forehead.

LegacyUser

Well done OP on acknowledging the problem and doing something to help yourself, that can often be the toughest part.

I took Lexapro 10mg for 6 months a couple of years ago and found it to be OK. I read a lot about the side effects at the time and was dreading it, but in the main I found the side effects to be minimal.

They included:
1) Dilated pupils
2) Weight loss (about 2 stone in 6 weeks, which was a bit scary)
3) Loss of appetite for the first couple of days, had to force myself to eat initially but that went away
4) A weird and hard to describe thing at night time where I'd wake up but then realise that I had been awake for ages...like being in a trance and then snapping out of it
5) Also I felt really 'happy' initially, couldn't stop smiling and found that annoying as I didn't feel like that but I think I mellowed out after a while

I was dreading coming off it after what I read on the net but actually that part was fine too, they usually cut it down bit by bit to wean you off. Like other posters have said everyone is different and responds in different ways to the medication, there are 4 different strengths available also which can mean different responses and experiences. Best of luck anyway and I hope everything works out for you

stupidusername

At the end of May my doctor put me on Lexapro 10mg. I found only a couple of side effects, but were still quite bad considering I couldn't see any positive change with it. I found that if I took lexapro without food I would get a huge urge to vomit. I wouldn't actually vomit, but it's still not nice. Of course the solution was to just eat then take lexapro. problem solved.

Other side effect was extremely bad memory. Normally I have quite a good memory, which I'm used to, so having a really bad memory like that was annoying in so many ways. I hated it. I felt really stupid cos I just couldn't remember anything. And i also found that at night (when i'm getting tired) I could have a conversation, or do something, or watch something, then the next day not even recalling it happening. Again quite frustrating.

Was on it for two months. Changed over to Prozac now. On it for one and a half months. (It's not the same as Lexapro). Find Prozac to be kinda worse. Had a needing to vomit urge one morning with it, no explanation,which again is horrible. If anything I think it makes me worse. Don't know if you're a guy or girl but it also completely messed up my period. Never had an irregular period ever, I'm on the Pill, so this was really odd for me. When I'm in an ok mood, I find the moods a little better, but when I'm down I find these moods worse.

So that's just my input...

FluffyCat

I was on citrol for 6 months last year and didnt experience any side effects. I stopped it cold turkey because it wasnt working and also had no side effect. Citrol also has a long list of side effects and I did ask my doctor about them. He told me that the biggest side effect was the tablet might not work (true in my case).
What im saying is that every drug has side effects and until you take them you wont know. Unfortunally you will just have to take the chance but if you are postive about the treatment plan then i believe the meds will work and things will get better:)

SmokeyJo84

I have been on Lexapro 10mg for the past few months now. I was initially very nervous about starting on anti-d's after reading about everyone's experiences but I have to say the Lexapro has worked well for me so far. Initially I felt foggy, lacked concentration, lost a bit of weight and had no appetite but after a month of taking it, all these symptoms have disappeared.

I feel good most days, very positive and confident that I can work my problems out. I do feel down some days, but not as tearful and depressed as I was feeling. Some people say they feel no emotions at all/ dead inside but not so for me.

Everyone's experiences on anti-d's are completely different so you just need to see how you are on them. Don't be afraid to go back to the doc if you arent feeling right taking them. You may need a different dose, different type of anti-d etc.

There will always be horror stories on the internet alongside the positive stories. Just do what you feel is right for you! and good luck, hope you feel better soon and that things work out for you!

sam34

SmokeyJo84 wrote: »

There will always be horror stories on the internet alongside the positive stories.

absolutely.

in fact, there will always be more negative stories tahn positive ones because people who are pleased with an outcome are less likely to go on a forum praising it, whereas those with negative experiences will be more likely to do so, as they'll see it as some ventilation for themselves as well as possibly warning others.

so take what you read about others experiences witha pinch of salt. it may not be truly reflective of reality at all.

LegacyUser

No1 your on them now so just go with it (your choice)
you'd be surprised how psychosymatic side effects can appear.
bottom line dont try to know everything in advance, the brain is a very powerfull
weapon..or enemy ;-)

JackReacher1980

Have to agree, everyone is very different. My problem was that I had side effects, and my doc refused to change my meds, saying "ah sure, they all have side effects". Needless to say, I changed my doctor! I've been on cipramil, lexapro, and effexor. Strangely, even though cirpamil and lexapro are so closely related, I tolerated the cipramil much better. But again, its different for everyone, there are lots of different meds, it might be a case of trial ad error (which is not very pleasant), but I believe its worth finding the one that works best for you, especially if it is the case (possibly as it will be in mine), that you may be on and off medication for some time in your life.
Also, dont neglect other things that can help - exercise, fresh air, practical things can really make a difference. Also, while counselling didnt help me, some people have major success stories from it

flyswatter

I took it for a a while and didn't have too many problems with it. It's a good drug imo, worked well for me anyway.

MUSEIST

Everybody reacts differently to these meds.

Lexapro was a nighmare for me, for the first week I was hyperactive and did'nt sleep but by the end of the week I had extremely bad panic attacks (so bad i initially thought i was having a heart attack) and constant mood swings and the doctor had to sedate me as i was so agitated.

Even after i stopped taking it i was getting anxiety attacks and extreme mood changes out of nowhere for weeks afterwards.

I am back to normal thank god now but everyone experiences different side effects, you dont know until you try it.

rosepetal

I am on lexapro 2 months now, and while I had a few side effects the first 2 weeks or so ie nausea, drowsiness etc, they are all gone now and the only one I still get is vivid, odd dreams occasionally. I was very unsure about going on lexapro initially as I didnt feel I was that bad and was also worried about the side effects. Now 2 mths in I can honestly saw it was the best decision I could have made, I feel so much better and in fact only now that I feel 'back to myself' do I recognise how low I felt before I started taking it.

Kevster

Hi,

I took Lexapro for 4 years but am now off them. I started on 40mg but for most of the time I was varying between 10 and 20mg. It will take a few months for you to really notice the effects, so please just get into the habit of taking the tablet(s) each day.

The side-effects aren't all that bad:

- You'll become more calm/mellow
- Your concentration should improve
- You will become slightly more tired
- Your sex-drive (libido) might wane somewhat

Other than that, do NOT suddenly stop taking them. At various points I decided to stop taking them against my doctor's advice and I swear to you that the feeling in my head was the worst ever. Im not talking of a headache, etc.; I am referring to a severe feeling of sadness and depression.

So, when you do come off, the dosage should be gradually lessened. Even then, however, you should ensure that there are no big life events upcoming. You will most likely feel a bit sad coming off them, but it's just your body trying to get used to life without the daily dose of Lexapro.

Overall, I see Lexapro as having saved my life.

Kevin

JackReacher1980

Hi all, I posted on this a few days ago, saying I had been on lexapro, and had changed tabs. Now I'm seriously considering trying the lexapro again, as it made me feel the most stable. The Effexor, when it works, is great, but I am having mood swings, feeling very upset, for the third time in 2 months. It might pass, but really dont think its worth it.
Came off the lexapro because of the weight gain, and the lower libido, but may just have to put up with that, as its better to be slightly overweight than this upset, and I'm only upsetting all those around me

Kevster

Jack, Lexapro is good for stabilising moods provided that you take it regularly and consistently (i.e. as prescribed). In fact, due to this fact, I've wondered why perople with Bipolar Disorder aren't given it. Instead, they seem to get more powerful drugs such as Lithium. Well, that's my observation at least.

kevin

JackReacher1980

Well, off to the doc tomorrow. Could not handle going through Christmas feeling like this. My boyfriend is getting fed up of me

sam34

Kevster wrote: »

Jack, Lexapro is good for stabilising moods provided that you take it regularly and consistently (i.e. as prescribed). In fact, due to this fact, I've wondered why perople with Bipolar Disorder aren't given it. Instead, they seem to get more powerful drugs such as Lithium. Well, that's my observation at least.

kevin

lexapro is NOT a mood stabiliser.

it is an anti-depressant.

while some people with bipolar disorder are prescribed lexapro (usually in conjunction with other meds) there is a risk it will send them high.

Kevster

I didn't mean to imply that it's a 'mood stabiliser' in the common meaning of the term. I simple meant that it can, for example, 'take away' your anger if you are a generally angry person, and it kind of mellows you out. Having taken Lexapro for four years, i am well aware of how it works, what class of drug it's in, and its side effects. Also, I think you'll find that most people with bipolar are not actually prescribed Lexapro. It is mainly for depression, anxiety, and OCD.

Kevin

locum-motion

Kevster wrote: »

... Also, I think you'll find that most people with bipolar are not actually prescribed Lexapro...

I think you'll find that Sam's well aware of what Lexapro is and what it's prescribed for. You know, what with being a psychiatrist and so on!:rolleyes:

sam34

Kevster wrote: »

I didn't mean to imply that it's a 'mood stabiliser' in the common meaning of the term.

why then did you wonder why it's not prescribed to people with bipolar disorder instead of drugs like lithium?

Kevster wrote: »

Also, I think you'll find that most people with bipolar are not actually prescribed Lexapro. It is mainly for depression, anxiety, and OCD.

i never claimed most people with bipolar disorder are on lexapro. however, a lot of people are, both those with unipolar and bipolar depression.

i know full well what its indications are, it's a drug I prescribe a lot.

Kevster

I wondered why Lexapro wasn't used for bipolar because I envisage that it could help the bipolar sufferer during their manic periods. I've already stated that I didn't mean to say Lexapro is a 'mood stabiliser' in the general meaning of the term (i.e. I know that it wouldn't have the same effect as the commonly-prescribed Lithium for bipolar sufferers).

I've been in this 'game' for a long time but, I must admit, not on a professional level. I'm going to relinquish this argument now though becvause it's not helping the OP, you, or I.

Kevin

sam34

Kevster wrote: »

I wondered why Lexapro wasn't used for bipolar because I envisage that it could help the bipolar sufferer during their manic periods.

giving an anti-depressant to a manic patient will only send them more manic.

Kevster

If that's what you have noted in your professional experience, then so-be-it. I just assumed that the idea was kind of novel; and I guess I was genuinely curious why Lexapro/SSRIs aren't used for BP. I respect your information though.

Take care,
Kevin

sam34

its not just my experience and speculation, it's fact.

it's a caution in the SPCs of anti-depressants.

it's mentioned in treatment guidelines and protocols for BPAD

some classification systems have even included a subtype of BPAD to describe exactly that, mania induced bt anti-depressants

seanybiker

I was on them before. Didnt really notice any side effects meself but it can vary from person to person.

bob50

was on lexapro 15mg for about 6 months but didnt like the side effects head hurting poor libido etc went back to cipramil 20mg they seem to be helping me but libido is not great never mind eh

Stargazer7

Hi,

I'm on lexapro for the past 7/8 months-starting on 10mg and moved up to 15mg but to be honest I haven't found that it has had much of an effect for me personally. The first week I felt very sick which is supposed to be the norm and 5 weeks in I was on a "high" for a while and easily lost my train of thought. But now I find I'm taking them and they make no real difference. I am attending counselling also for the past 15 months.

Like someone else here said, take experiences reported on the net with a pinch of salt as everyone is different and I think there is a bit of scaremongering sometimes too. Good luck with it anyway.

bob50

Hi Stargazer i was thinking of going back on lexapro say 15mg as against cipramil 2omg which i am taking at the moment i was prescribed these 6 years ago for depression and panic disorder. ie going into crowd places flying etc stress at work my doc says they are "cleaner" ie less side effects than cipramil

Stargazer7

bob50 wrote: »

Hi Stargazer i was thinking of going back on lexapro say 15mg as against cipramil 2omg which i am taking at the moment i was prescribed these 6 years ago for depression and panic disorder. ie going into crowd places flying etc stress at work my doc says they are "cleaner" ie less side effects than cipramil

To be honest I'm wondering whether or not to go back to my GP and ask for a change. I was given a 6 month perscription a month ago but I'm wondering if I'm wasting my time with a drug that isn't helping.

bob50

hi Tell your gp you dont feel any better and is there anything you can take instead i know the gp will say it takes 2 weeks before any new drug takes effect i hope you get better soon

nesf

Kevster wrote: »

If that's what you have noted in your professional experience, then so-be-it. I just assumed that the idea was kind of novel; and I guess I was genuinely curious why Lexapro/SSRIs aren't used for BP. I respect your information though.

Take care,
Kevin

It's fact. I'm a bipolar sufferer who's had an antidepressant fueled mania and believe me they're a hell of a lot worse than "normal mania" for many of us. In the correct context they can be part of a treatment regime, I'm on one atm, but they will make mania worse if they aren't balanced out by anti-manic drugs during manic periods.

If you think of it trying to get the volume coming out of your speakers at the right level when there's something increasing it on the computer side, turning the volume up (i.e. giving anti-depressants) isn't going to help if you want to get the volume down. (horribly oversimplified of course but as a basic "model" of bipolar it works).

LegacyUser

i was on prozac, then ciprimil and now for the past 3 yrs - lexapro.
It is used for anti depression - anti anxiety.
the only side effect i get from it is a slight weird sensation in my head if I dont take it right.
But I know it works for sure - went off it of my own accord last year and had a major bump and had to tell doc and he put me back on it again and made me an appointment to see the acute doc in the psych unit...
not sure what worked - the fear of going back to hosp or the lexapro but I have been feeling ok since and have had a few challenges but was ok to manage them and work through then with out going back into the hole.

LegacyUser

Hi, I started on Lexapro - 10mg - taking it at night but feeling hungover in the morning..
when is the best time to take it? day or night? and I dont wanna be sleepy in the day and i have to drive and work.. thanks..

LegacyUser

hi, when is the best time to take lexapro? morning or nite? i dont wanna be sleepy during the day...

JackReacher1980

To be honest, its different for different people. I took it at night, but sleepiness/ tiredness can be a side effect of anti-depressants. Might be worth trying the morning, and if it doesnt work for you, the evening. Either ways, maybe talk to your doc.

Stargazer7

I have a very similar problem, I'm finding myself needing to take a few hour nap in the evenings and I'm still oversleeping at night, regardless of the time I take the medication.

sam34

discuss it with your doctor

LegacyUser

hi, i did discuss it with my doc and he said people normally take it in the morning.
i have to say I am not felling hung over in the morning now - strange..
do not feel any different during the day - we'll see..

finding it hard to be motivated in this weather anyway so its hard to tell..

Liffeywalk20

I am still taking Lexapro. Was on them since last year (Janurary 2009) to now. I find them great. At first I was on 10mg. My doctor told me it best to take them in the morning. For the first 3 months I got terrible side effects, even though I continuted to take them while I had the side effects. The side effect where: Couldnt sleep, gain more weight, nightmares, sweating. I couldnt sleep for the first 3 night when I took Lexapro, so I went to the doctor, so she prescribed me sleeping tablets. I took the sleeping pills for three night and was fine after that. Now I am on 5mg and should be off the tablets by the end of February, will see what happens.

JackReacher1980

Well, I've come off citalopram twice, under doctors guidance, with no adverse effects at all. Have currently started lexapro again, aftera few months on effexor. Weaned down to 150mg of effexor, for a week, then straight onto lexapro. Its day 2 now, and I'm feeling xceptionally nauseous and anxious. I know this will pass, its just a matter of getting through it. I have an exam though next week, and am finding it very difficult to study. I've to go back to the doctor next week, and will be telling him how I feel, but just wondered if anyone else had experiences like this - I'm wondering is it effexor withdrawal, or just the lexapro settling into my system.

up for anything

I'm on Lexapro about a week now for general depression and mega stress. I was feeling nauseous before going on the tablets which I'd put down to stress and not eating properly but since I've started them it's gotten much worse. Today, my mouth is constantly filling with that strange tasting saliva that's usually a precursor to vomiting. I'm not getting the spasms, just the physical feeling that it's not too far away.

Do you have to persist with the tablets and hope that the side effects will ameliorate or is it better to look at trying a different brand? I have an appointment with my GP on Monday but I'm wondering what other people have found to be the case.

nesf

up for anything wrote: »

I'm on Lexapro about a week now for general depression and mega stress. I was feeling nauseous before going on the tablets which I'd put down to stress and not eating properly but since I've started them it's gotten much worse. Today, my mouth is constantly filling with that strange tasting saliva that's usually a precursor to vomiting. I'm not getting the spasms, just the physical feeling that it's not too far away.

Do you have to persist with the tablets and hope that the side effects will ameliorate or is it better to look at trying a different brand? I have an appointment with my GP on Monday but I'm wondering what other people have found to be the case.

A lot of symptoms present in the first few weeks don't last beyond the first month to month and a half. I've had some very nasty symptoms at the start of antidepressant treatment which didn't last belong the first few weeks.

LegacyUser

up for anything wrote: »

I'm on Lexapro about a week now for general depression and mega stress. I was feeling nauseous before going on the tablets which I'd put down to stress and not eating properly but since I've started them it's gotten much worse. Today, my mouth is constantly filling with that strange tasting saliva that's usually a precursor to vomiting. I'm not getting the spasms, just the physical feeling that it's not too far away.

Do you have to persist with the tablets and hope that the side effects will ameliorate or is it better to look at trying a different brand? I have an appointment with my GP on Monday but I'm wondering what other people have found to be the case.

I have been on Lexapro and so has my mother and neither of us experienced nausea....the tablets can take about a month to kick in .....maybe there was a reason for the nausea before you started on Lexapro so I would get that checked....with Lexapro I felt sleepy at times....and both myself and my mother experienced some weight gain.....there are other choices out there so you could switch medication....but the nausea thing may be a symptom of your depression and stress......I use to feel sick at the thoughts of going on the bus to work and being in work....which was a sign of my depression so I was given a relaxant called Gerax as well as Lexapro to stop the panic and anxiousness....you could get an anti nausea tablet which you can take with your Lexapro called Stemetil which stops nausea and sickness ....your best to go back to your doctor....or get a second opinion