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Lexapro Side Effects -
Lexapro Withdrawal - Lexapro Stories
The Web Site you are on now, The Road Back, offers information on how to get off
Lexapro, prevent Lexapro withdrawal side effects as well as eliminating current
Lexapro side effects.
You will find on this site
the complete book, How to Get Off Psychiatric Drugs Safely. Since 1999,
over 30,000 people have now used this information to get off Lexapro or other
type of psychoactive medication.
You can follow the steps in
the book or send an e-mail to
info@theroadback.org
and we can guide you through the process.
The Road Back offers this as a FREE SERVICE.
We know many of you coming
to this site are in the middle of Lexapro withdrawal or quit Lexapro cold turkey
and are suffering and reading anything is very difficult. Either call us, send
us an e-mail or click the link on the top left that is red.
Already in Withdrawal or Went Off Medication Cold Turkey.
To begin reading the book
on this site, look to the left and locate the first chapter:
You can also
click here
and watch a short video from a nationally aired television show about The Road
Back.
1. The Road Back Basics.
All chapters are located on the left side of each page for your ease of use.
Your hope may be depleted and you may very well
feel like there is no way out of this. There is Hope and There is a Solution.
Read what a medical doctor had to say about this program:
"I am weeping tears of gratitude as I write this. I shall be eternally grateful
to James Harper and his work, The Road Back Program, and his fine books
especially "How To Get Off Psychiatric Drugs Safely" and all his other wonderful
books available here on Amazon.com. James Harper has not only literally saved my
life---but he has given my life back to me, my loved ones, and to my many
patients. How does one give thanks to another human being for literally saving
one's life?
ANYONE who is suffering the nightmare side or withdrawal effects from
Antipsychotics, Antidepressants, Sleeping medications,(Ambien): Benzodiazepines,
ADD or ADHD drugs, is foolish not to acquire and read Harper's book(s.)
I have been addicted to Benzodiazepines (in one form or another) Xanax, Ativan,
Klonopin, etc., Antidepressants: Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Effexor, Antipsychotics
such as Zyprexa, Seroquel, Risperdal: Sleepers including Ambien, Sonata and
Lunesta---and on and on. I have FAILED 11 in hospital 28 day detox programs, and
have attempted withdrawal on my own over 100 times, and always failed because
the pain of the withdrawal symptoms became too much to bear, and I would have to
"re-intoxicate" myself on the drugs to get some relief.
Not so with James Harper's "The Road Back Program." I followed ALL of his
suggestions to the letter, and for the first time in 41 years I have been DRUG
free for 32 days, and counting, with virtually NO withdrawal side effects or
pain whatsoever! I offer this personal account from an attitude of humility and
deep respect."
Dr. Peter Evans M.D.
Another story
"I took medication for anxiety and mild depression on and off for 9 years.
During the last 6 years I was taking Lexapro.
I attempted on 2 separate occasions to come off of this medication simply
by following my doctor's instructions to cut the pill in halves and then fourths
over the course of 2 weeks. When I
told him about my withdrawal effects, he seemed in disbelief because he had been
told by drug reps that this medication was non habit-forming. His approach to
weaning off was unsuccessful and I ended up right back on this dreadful
medication and endured the unwanted side effects because I couldn't cope with my
anxiety otherwise.
It was quite some time after I initially came across The Road Back website that
I actually decided I was ready to try tapering off again.
I began mentally preparing myself to begin the taper off of Lexapro during the
winter of 2008. I decided to wait
until the summer when life would be less stressful for me.
In the meantime, I strengthened my nervous system with the supplements as
part of the pretaper program.
I was confident that I would finally be rid of this medication for good.
Over the course of 2 months I tapered off of Lexapro.
I was taking 10 mg tablets when I began, and gradually reduced until I
got to 2.5 mg.
I feel that the Ultimate Omega 3s are really what saved me as far as the
bothersome brain zaps. Now, two
months after being rid of the medication I am feeling better than I can remember
feeling in a long time. My anxiety
is even less than what it was while on the medication and my sleep is much more
restful.
I still take various supplements to help with
stress and anxiety and I am learning more natural ways to cope, such as exercise
and relaxation techniques. I am so
thankful that I found help through The Road Back program!"
L.S.
Do not quit
Lexapro cold turkey.
For
more information: Visit the FDA
site
Click here Type the name
Lexapro in search box.
Visit
Lexapro site
Click here
Lexapro side effects
Body
Lexapro side effects
Dry Mouth - The usual amount to moisture in the mouth is noticeably less.
Lexapro side effects
Sweating Increased - A large quantity of perspiration that is medically
caused.
Cardiovascular (Involving
the heart and the blood vessels)
Lexapro side effects
Palpitation - Unusual and not normal heartbeat that is sometimes
irregular, but rapid and forceful thumping or fluttering. It can be
brought on by shock, excitement, exertion, or medical stimulants. A person
is normally unaware of his/her heartbeat.
Lexapro side effects
Hypertension - is high blood pressure, which is a symptom of disease in
the blood vessels leading away from the heart. Hypertension is known as
the silent killer. The symptoms are usually not obvious; however, it can
lead to damage to the heart, brain, kidneys and eye, and even to stroke and
kidney failure. Treatment includes dietary and lifestyle changes.
Lexapro side effects
Bradycardia - The heart rate is slowed
from 72 beats per minute, which is normal, to below 60 beats per minute in an
adult.
Lexapro side effects
Tachycardia - The heart rate is speeded up to above 100 beats per minute
in an adult. Normal adult heart rate is 72 beats per minute.
Lexapro side effects
ECG Abnormal - A test called an
electrocardiogram (ECG) that records the activity of the heart. It
measures heartbeats as will as the position and size of the hearts four
chambers. It also measures if there is damage to the heart and the effects of
drugs or mechanical devices like a pacemaker on the heart. When the test
is abnormal this means that one or more of the following are present: heart
disease, defects, beating too fast or too slow, disease of the blood vessels
leading from the heart or of the heart valves, and/or a past or about to occur
heart attack.
Lexapro side effects
Flushing - The skin all over the body turns red.
Lexapro side effects
Varicose Vein - Unusually swollen veins
near the surface of the skin that sometimes appear twisted and knotted, but
always enlarged. They are called hemorrhoids when they appear around the
rectum. The cause is attributed to hereditary weakness in the veins
aggravated by obesity, pregnancy, pressure from standing, aging, etc.
Severe cases may develop swelling in the legs, ankles and feet, eczema and/or
ulcers in the affected areas.
Gastrointestinal (Involving the
stomach and the intestines)
Lexapro side effects
Abdominal Cramp/Pain - Sudden, severe,
uncontrollable and painful shortening and thickening of the muscles in the
belly. The belly includes the stomach as well as the intestines, liver,
kidneys, pancreas, spleen, gall bladder, and urinary bladder.
Lexapro side effects
Belching - Noisy release of gas from the stomach through the mouth; a
burp.
Lexapro side effects
Bloating - Swelling of the belly caused by excessive intestinal gas.
Lexapro side effects
Constipation - Difficulty in having a
bowel movement where the material in the bowels is hard due to a lack of
exercise, fluid intake, and roughage in the diet, or due to certain drugs.
Lexapro side effects
Diarrhea - Unusually frequent and excessive, runny bowel movements that
may result in severe dehydration and shock.
Lexapro side effects
Dyspepsia - Indigestion. This is the discomfort you experience
after eating. It can be heartburn, gas, nausea, a bellyache or bloating.
Lexapro side effects
Flatulence - More gas than normal in the digestive organs.
Lexapro side effects
Gagging - Involuntary choking and/or involuntary throwing up.
Lexapro side effects
Gastritis - A severe irritation of the mucus lining of the stomach either
short in duration or lasting for a long period of time.
Lexapro side effects
Gastroenteritis - A condition where the
membranes of the stomach and intestines are irritated.
Lexapro side effects
Gastroesophageal Reflux - A continuous state where stomach juices flow
back into the throat causing acid indigestion and heartburn and possibly injury
to the throat.
Lexapro side effects
Heartburn - A burning pain in the area of the breastbone caused by
stomach juices flowing back up into the throat.
Lexapro side effects
Hemorrhoids - Small rounded purplish
swollen veins that either bleed, itch or are painful and appear around the anus.
Lexapro side effects
Increased Stool frequency - Diarrhea.
Lexapro side effects
Indigestion - Unable to properly consume and absorb food in the digestive
tract causing constipation, nausea, stomach ache, gas, swollen belly, pain and
general discomfort or sickness.
Lexapro side effects
Nausea - Stomach irritation with a queasy sensation similar to motion
sickness and a feeling that one is going to vomit.
Lexapro side effects
Polyposis Gastric - Tumors that grow on stems in the lining of the
stomach, which usually become cancerous.
Lexapro side effects
Swallowing Difficulty - A feeling that food is stuck in the throat or
upper chest area and wont go down, making it difficult to swallow.
Lexapro side effects
Toothache - Pain in a tooth above and below the gum line.
Lexapro side effects
Vomiting - Involuntarily throwing up the contents of the stomach and
usually getting a nauseated, sick feeling just prior to doing so.
General
Lexapro side effects
Allergy - The extreme sensitivity of
body tissues triggered by substances in the air, drugs, or foods causing a
reaction like sneezing, itching, asthma, hay fever, skin rashes, nausea and/or
vomiting.
Lexapro side effects
Anaphylaxis - A violent, sudden, and severe drop in blood pressure caused
by a re-exposure to a foreign protein or a second dosage of a drug that may be
fatal unless emergency treatment is given right away.
Lexapro side effects
Asthenia - A physically weak condition.
Lexapro side effects
Chest Pains - Severe discomfort in the chest caused by not enough oxygen
going to the heart because of narrowing of the blood vessels or spasms.
Lexapro side effects
Chills - Appearing pale while cold and shivering; sometimes with a fever.
Lexapro side effects
Edema of Extremities
- Abnormal swelling of the bodys tissue
caused by the collection of fluid.
Lexapro side effects
Fall - To suddenly lose your
normal standing upright position.
Lexapro side effects
Fatigue - Loss of normal strength
so as to not be able to do the usual physical and mental activities.
Lexapro side effects
Fever - Abnormally high body temperature, the normal being 98 degrees
Fahrenheit or 37 degrees Centigrade in humans, which is a symptom of disease or
disorder in the body. The body is affected by feeling hot, chilled,
sweaty, weak and exhausted. If the fever goes too high, death can result.
Lexapro side effects
Hot Flashes - Brief, abnormal
enlargement of the blood vessels that causes a sudden heat sensation over the
entire body. Women in menopause will sometimes experience this.
Lexapro side effects
Influenza-like Symptoms - Demonstrating
irritation of the respiratory tract (organs of breathing) such as a cold, sudden
fever, aches and pains, as well as feeling weak and seeking bed rest, which is
similar to having the flu.
Lexapro side effects
Leg Pain - A hurtful sensation in the legs that is caused by excessive
stimulation of the nerve endings in the legs and results in extreme discomfort.
Lexapro side effects
Malaise - The somewhat unclear feeling
of discomfort you get when you start to feel sick.
Lexapro side effects
Pain in Limb - Sudden, sharp and
uncontrolled leg discomfort.
Lexapro side effects
Syncope -
A short period of light headedness or unconsciousness (black-out) also
know as fainting caused by lack of oxygen to the brain because of an
interruption in blood flowing to the brain.
Lexapro side effects
Tightness of Chest - Mild or sharp discomfort, tightness or pressure in
the chest area (anywhere between the throat and belly). The causes can be
mild or seriously life-threatening because they include the heart, lungs and
surrounding muscles.
Hemic and Lymphatic Disorders
(Involving the blood and the clear fluids in the tissues that contain white
blood cells)
Lexapro side effects
Bruise - Damage to the skin resulting in a purple-green-yellow skin
coloration thats caused by breaking the blood vessels in the area without
breaking the surface of the skin.
Lexapro side effects
Anemia - A condition where the blood is
no longer carrying enough oxygen, so the person looks pale and easily gets
dizzy, weak and tired. More severely, a person can end up with an abnormal
heart, as well as breathing and digestive difficulties. The causes of
anemia are not enough protein in the red blood cells, or missing and chemically
destroyed red blood cells, as well as diseased or destroyed bone marrow.
Lexapro side effects
Nosebleed - Blood lost from the part of the face that has the organs of
smell and is where the body takes in oxygen.
Lexapro side effects
Hematoma - Broken blood vessels that cause a swelling in an area on the
body.
Lexapro side effects
Lymphadenopathy Cervical - The lymph
nodes in the neck, which are part of the bodys immune system get swollen and
enlarge by reacting to the presence of a drug. The swelling is the result
of the white blood cells multiplying in order to fight the invasion of the drug.
Metabolic and Nutritional
Disorders (Energy
and health)
Lexapro side effects
Arthralgia - Sudden sharp nerve pain in
one or more joints.
Lexapro side effects
Arthropathy - Having joint
disease or abnormal joints.
Lexapro side effects
Arthritis
- Painfully inflamed and swollen joints.
The reddened and swollen condition is brought on by a serious injury or shock to
the body either from physical or emotional causes.
Lexapro side effects
Back Discomfort - Severe physical distress in the area from the neck to
the pelvis along the backbone.
Lexapro side effects
Bilirubin Increased - Bilirubin is a
waste product of the breakdown of old blood cells. Bilirubin is sent to
the liver to be made water-soluble so it can be eliminated from the body through
emptying the bladder. A drug can interfere with or damage this normal
liver function creating liver disease.
Lexapro side effects
Decreased Weight - Uncontrolled and measured loss of heaviness or weight.
Lexapro side effects
Gout - A severe arthritis condition that is caused by the dumping of a
waste product called uric acid in the tissues and joints. It can become
worse and cause the body to develop a deformity after going through stages of
pain, inflammation, severe tenderness, and stiffness.
Lexapro side effects
Hepatic Enzymes Increased - An increase in the amount of paired liver
proteins that regulate liver processes causing a condition where the liver
functions abnormally.
Lexapro side effects
Hypercholesterolemia - Too much
cholesterol in the blood cells.
Lexapro side effects
Hyperglycemia - An unhealthy amount of sugar in the blood.
Lexapro side effects
Increased Weight - A concentration and storage of fat in the body
accumulating over a period of time caused by unhealthy eating patterns, that can
predispose the body to many disorders and diseases.
Lexapro side effects
Jaw Pain - The pain due to irritation and swelling of the nerves
associated with the mouth area where it opens and closes just in front of the
ear. Some of the symptoms are pain when chewing, head aches, losing your
balance, stuffy ears or ringing in the ears, and teeth grinding.
Lexapro side effects
Jaw Stiffness - The result of squeezing and grinding the teeth while
asleep that can cause your teeth to deteriorate as well as the muscles and
joints of the jaw.
Lexapro side effects
Joint Stiffness - A loss of free motion and easy flexibility where any
two bones come together.
Lexapro side effects
Muscle Cramp - When muscles contract uncontrollably without warning and
do not relax. The muscles of any of the bodys organs can cramp.
Lexapro side effects
Muscle Stiffness - Tightening of muscles making it difficult to bend.
Lexapro side effects
Muscle Weakness - Loss of physical strength.
Lexapro side effects
Myalgia - A general widespread pain and tenderness of the muscles.
Lexapro side effects
Thirst - A strong, unnatural craving for
moisture/water in the mouth and throat.
Nervous System
(Sensory channels)
Lexapro side effects
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - A pinched nerve in the wrist that causes pain,
tingling, and numbing.
Lexapro side effects
Coordination Abnormal - A lack of normal, harmonious interaction of the
parts of the body when it is in motion.
Lexapro side effects
Dizziness - Losing ones balance while feeling unsteady and lightheaded
which may lead to fainting.
Lexapro side effects
Disequilibrium - Lack of mental and emotional balance.
Lexapro side effects
Faintness - A temporary condition where one is likely to go unconscious
and fall.
Lexapro side effects
Headache - A sharp or dull persistent pain in the head
Lexapro side effects
Hyperreflexia - A not normal and involuntary increased response in the
tissues connecting the bones to the muscles.
Lexapro side effects
Light-headed Feeling Uncontrolled and usually brief loss of
consciousness caused by lack of oxygen to the brain.
Lexapro side effects
Migraine - Reoccurring severe head pain usually with nausea, vomiting,
dizziness, flashes or spots before the eyes, and ringing in the ears
Lexapro side effects
Muscle Contractions Involuntary - Spontaneous and uncontrollable
tightening reaction of the muscles caused by electrical impulses from the
nervous system.
Lexapro side effects
Muscular Tone Increased -
Uncontrolled and exaggeration muscle tension. Muscles are normally
partially tensed and this is what gives us muscle tone.
Lexapro side effects
Paresthesia - Burning, prickly, itchy, or tingling skin with no obvious
or understood physical cause.
Lexapro side effects
Restless Legs - A need to move the legs without any apparent reason.
Sometimes there is pain, twitching, jerking, cramping, burning, or a
creepy-crawly sensation associated with the movements. It worsens when a
person is inactive and can interrupt ones sleep so one feels the need to move
to gain some relief.
Lexapro side effects
Shaking - Uncontrolled quivering and trembling as if one is cold and
chilled.
Lexapro side effects
Sluggishness - Lack of alertness and energy, as well as being slow to
respond or perform in life.
Lexapro side effects
Tics - A contraction of a muscle causing a repeated movement not under
the control of the person usually on the face or limbs.
Lexapro side effects
Tremor - A nervous and involuntary vibrating or quivering of the body.
Lexapro side effects
Twitching - Sharp, jerky and spastic motion sometimes with a sharp sudden
pain.
Lexapro side effects
Vertigo - A sensation of dizziness with disorientation and confusion.
Psychiatric Disorders (Mental and emotional)
Lexapro side effects
Aggravated Nervousness - A progressively worsening, irritated and
troubled state of mind.
Lexapro side effects
Agitation - Suddenly violent and forceful, emotionally disturbed state of
mind.
Lexapro side effects
Amnesia - Long term or short term, partial or full memory loss created by
emotional or physical shock, severe illness, or a blow to the head where the
person was caused pain and became unconsciousness.
Lexapro side effects
Anxiety Attack - Sudden and intense feelings of fear, terror, and dread
physically creating shortness of breath, sweating, trembling and heart
palpitations.
Lexapro side effects
Apathy - Complete lack of concern or interest for things that ordinarily
would be regarded as important or would normally cause concern.
Lexapro side effects
Appetite Decreased - Having a lack of appetite despite the ordinary
caloric demands of living with a resulting unintentional loss of weight.
Lexapro side effects
Appetite Increased - An unusual hunger causing one to overeat.
Lexapro side effects
Auditory Hallucination - Hearing things without the voices or noises
being present.
Lexapro side effects
Bruxism - Grinding and clenching of teeth while sleeping.
Lexapro side effects
Carbohydrate Craving - A drive and craving to eat foods rich in sugar and
starches (sweets, snacks and junk foods) that intensifies as the diet becomes
more and more unbalanced due to the unbalancing of the proper nutritional
requirements of the body.
Lexapro side effects
Concentration Impaired - Unable to easily focus your attention for long
periods of time.
Lexapro side effects
Confusion - Not able to think clearly and understand in order to make a
logical decision.
Lexapro side effects
Crying Abnormal - Unusual and not normal fits of weeping for short or
long periods of time for no apparent reason.
Lexapro side effects
Depersonalization - A condition where one has lost a normal sense of
personal identity.
Lexapro side effects
Depression - A hopeless feeling of failure, loss and sadness that can
deteriorate into thoughts of death.
Lexapro side effects
Disorientation - A loss of sense of direction, place, time or
surroundings as well as mental confusion on personal identity.
Lexapro side effects
Dreaming Abnormal - Dreaming that leaves a very clear, detailed picture
and impression when awake that can last for a long period of time and sometimes
be unpleasant.
Lexapro side effects
Emotional Lability - Suddenly breaking out in laughter or crying or doing
both without being able to control the outburst of emotion. These episodes
are unstable as they are caused by things that normally would not have this
effect on an individual.
Lexapro side effects
Excitability - Uncontrollably responding to stimuli.
Lexapro side effects
Feeling Unreal - The awareness that one has an undesirable emotion like
fear but cant seem to shake off the irrational feeling. For example,
feeling like one is going crazy but rationally knowing that it is not true.
The quality of this side effect resembles being in a bad dream and not being
able to wake up.
Lexapro side effects
Forgetfulness - Unable to remember what one ordinarily would remember.
Lexapro side effects
Insomnia - Sleeplessness caused by physical stress, mental stress or
stimulants such as coffee or medications; it is a condition of being abnormally
awake when one would ordinarily be able to fall and remain asleep.
Lexapro side effects
Irritability - Abnormally annoyed in response to a stimulus.
Lexapro side effects
Jitteriness - Nervous fidgeting without an apparent cause.
Lexapro side effects
Lethargy - Mental and physical sluggishness and apathy that can
deteriorate into an unconscious state resembling deep sleep. A numbed
state of mind.
Lexapro side effects
Libido Decreased - An abnormal loss of sexual energy or desire.
Lexapro side effects
Panic Reaction - A sudden, overpowering, chaotic and confused mental
state of terror resulting in being doubt ridden often accompanied with
hyperventilation, and extreme anxiety.
Lexapro side effects
Restlessness Aggravated - A constantly worsening troubled state of mind
characterized by the person being increasingly nervous, unable to relax, and
easily angered.
Lexapro side effects
Somnolence - Feeling sleepy all the time or having a condition of
semi-consciousness.
Lexapro side effects
Suicide Attempt - An unsuccessful deliberate attack on ones own life
with the intention of ending it.
Lexapro side effects
Suicidal Tendency - Most likely will attempt to kill oneself.
Lexapro side effects
Tremulousness Nervous - Very jumpy, shaky, and uneasy while feeling
fearful and timid. The condition is characterized by thoughts of dreading
the future, involuntary quivering, trembling, and feeling distressed and
suddenly upset.
Lexapro side effects
Yawning - involuntary opening of the mouth with deep inhalation of air.
Reproductive
Disorder Female
Lexapro side effects
Breast Neoplasm - A tumor or cancer, of
either of the two milk-secreting organs on the chest of a woman.
Lexapro side effects
Menorrhagia - Abnormally heavy menstrual period or a menstrual flow that
has continued for an unusually long period of time.
Lexapro side effects
Menstrual Cramps - Painful, involuntary uterus contractions that women
experience around the time of their menstrual period, sometimes causing pain in
the lower back and thighs.
Lexapro side effects
Menstrual Disorder - A disturbance or derangement in the normal function
of a womans menstrual period.
Lexapro side effects
Pelvic Inflammation - The reaction of the body to infectious, allergic,
or chemical irritation, which in turn causes tissue irritation, injury, or
bacterial infection characterized by pain, redness, swelling, and sometimes loss
of function. The reaction usually begins in the uterus and spreads to the
fallopian tubes, ovaries, and other areas in the hipbone region of the
body.
Lexapro side effects
Premenstrual Syndrome - Various physical and mental symptoms commonly
experienced by women of childbearing age usually 2 to 7 days before the start of
their monthly period. There are over 150 symptoms including eating binges,
behavioral changes, moodiness, irritability, fatigue, fluid retention, breast
tenderness, headaches, bloating, anxiety, and depression. The symptoms
cease shortly after the period begins, and disappear with menopause.
Lexapro side effects
Spotting Between Menses - Abnormal bleeding between periods.
Unusual spotting between menstrual cycles.
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
(Organs involved in breathing)
Lexapro side effects
Asthma - A disease of the breathing system
initiated by and allergic reaction or a chemical with repeated attacks of
coughing, sticky mucus, wheezing, shortness of breath, and a tight feeling in
the chest. The disease can reach a state where it stops a person from
exhaling, leading to unconsciousness and death.
Lexapro side effects
Breath Shortness - Unnatural breathing using a lot off effort resulting
in not enough air taken in by the body.
Lexapro side effects
Bronchitis - Inflammation of the two main breathing tubes leading from
the windpipe to the lungs. The disease is marked with coughing, a
low-grade fever, chest pains, and hoarseness, caused by an allergic reaction.
Lexapro side effects
Coughing - A cough is the response to an irritation, such as mucus, that
causes the muscles controlling the breathing process to expel air from the lungs
suddenly and noisily to keep the air passages free from the irritating material.
Lexapro side effects
Laryngitis - Inflammation of the
voice box characterized by hoarseness, sore throat, and coughing. It can
be cause by straining the voice or exposure to infectious, allergic or chemical
irritation.
Lexapro side effects
Nasal Congestion - The presence of an abnormal amount of fluid in the
nose.
Lexapro side effects
Pneumonia Tracheitis - Bacterial infection of the air passageways and
lungs that causes redness, swelling and pain in the windpipe. Other
symptoms are high fever, chills, pain in the chest, difficulty in breathing, and
coughing with mucus discharge.
Lexapro side effects
Rhinitis - Chemical irritation causing pain, redness and swelling in the
mucus membranes of the nose.
Lexapro side effects
Sinus Congestion - The mucus-lined areas of the bones in the face that
are thought to help warm and moisten air to the nose. These areas become
clogged with excess fluid or infected.
Lexapro side effects
Sinus Headache - The abnormal amount of fluid in the hollows of the face
bone area especially around the nose. This excess fluid creates pressure,
causing pain in the head.
Lexapro side effects
Sinusitis - The body reacting to chemical irritation causing redness,
swelling and pain in the area of the hollows in the facial bones especially
around the nose.
SKELETAL
Lexapro side effects
Neck/Shoulder Pain - Hurtful sensations of the nerve endings caused by
damage to the tissues in the neck and shoulder signaling danger of disease.
SKIN
and APPENDAGES DISORDERS (Skin, legs and arms)
Lexapro side effects
Acne - Eruptions of the oils glands of the skin, especially on the face,
marked by pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, bumps, and more severely, by cysts
and scarring.
Lexapro side effects
Alopecia - The loss of hair or baldness.
Lexapro side effects
Eczema - A severe or continuing skin disease marked by redness, crusting
and scaling with watery blisters and itching. It is often difficult to
treat and will sometimes go away only to reappear again.
Lexapro side effects
Dermatitis - Generally irritated skin that can be caused by any of a
number of irritating things such as parasites, fungus, bacteria, or foreign
substances causing an allergic
reaction. It is a general inflammation of the skin.
Lexapro side effects
Dry Lips - The lack of normal moisture in the fleshy folds that surround
the mouth.
Lexapro side effects
Dry Skin - The lack of
normal moisture/oils in the surface layer of the body. The skin is the
bodys largest organ.
Lexapro side effects
Folliculitis - Inflammation of a follicle (small body sac) especially a hair
follicle. A hair follicle contains the root of a hair.
Lexapro side effects
Furunculosis - Skin boils
that show up repeatedly.
Lexapro side effects
Lipoma - A tumor of mostly
fat cells that is not health endangering.
Lexapro side effects
Pruritus - Extreme itching of often-undamaged skin.
Lexapro side effects
Rash - A skin eruption or discoloration that may or may not be itching,
tingling, burning, or painful. It may be caused by an allergy, an skin
irritation, a skin disease.
Lexapro side effects
Skin Nodule - A bulge, knob, swelling or outgrowth in the skin that is a
mass of tissue or cells.
SPECIAL SENSES
Lexapro side effects
Conjunctivitis - Infection of the membrane that covers the eyeball and
lines the eyelid, caused by a virus, allergic reaction, or an irritating
chemical. It is characterized by redness, a discharge of fluid and
itching.
Lexapro side effects
Dry Eyes - Not enough moisture in the eyes.
Lexapro side effects
Earache - Pain in the ear.
Lexapro side effects
Eye Infection - The invasion of the eye tissue by a bacteria, virus,
fungus, etc, causing damage to the tissue, with toxicity. Infection
spreading in the body progresses into disease.
Lexapro side effects
Eye Irritation - An inflammation of the eye.
Lexapro side effects
Metallic Taste - A range of taste impairment from distorted taste to a
complete loss of taste.
Lexapro side effects
Pupils Dilated - Abnormal expansion of the blace circular opening in the
center of the eye.
Lexapro side effects
Taste alteration - Abnormal flavor detection in food.
Lexapro side effects
Tinnitus - A buzzing, ringing, or whistling sound in one or both ears
occurring from the internal use of certain drugs.
Lexapro side effects
Vision Abnormal - Normal images are seen differently by the viewer.
Lexapro side effects
Vision Blurred - Eyesight is dim or indistinct and hazy in outline or
appearance.
Lexapro side effects
Visual Disturbance - Eyesight is interfered with or interrupted.
Some disturbances are light sensitivity and the inability to easily distinguish
colors.
URINARY SYSTEM DISORDER
Lexapro side effects
Blood in Urine - Blood is present when one empties liquid waste product
of the kidneys through the bladder by urinating in the toilet turning the water
pink to bright red. Or you could see pots of blood in the water after
urinating.
Lexapro side effects
Dysuria - Difficult or painful urination.
Lexapro side effects
Kidney Stone - Small hard masses of salt deposits that the kidney forms.
Lexapro side effects
Urinary Frequency - Having to urinate more often than usual or between
unusually short time periods.
Lexapro side effects
Urinary Tract Infection - An invasion of bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc.,
of the system in the body that starts with the kidneys and eliminates urine from
the body. If the invasion goes unchecked it can injure tissue and progress
into disease.
Lexapro side effects
Urinary Urgency - A sudden compelling urge to urinate, accompanied by
discomfort in the bladder.
UROGENITAL
(Urinary tract and genital structures or functions)
Lexapro side effects
Anorgasmia - Failure to experience an orgasm.
Lexapro side effects
Ejaculation Disorder - Dysfunction of the discharge of semen during
orgasm.
Lexapro side effects
Menstrual Disorder - Dysfunction of the discharge during the monthly
menstrual cycle.
Lexapro side effects
Acute Renal Failure - The kidneys stop functioning properly to excrete
wastes.
Lexapro side effects
Angioedema - Intensely itching and swelling welts on the skin called
hives caused by an allergic reaction to internal or external agents. The
reaction is common to a food or a drug. Chronic cases can last for a long period
of time.
Lexapro side effects
Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis - An abnormal condition where a large portion
of skin becomes intensely red and peels off like a second-degree burn.
Often the symptoms include blistering.
Lexapro side effects
Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage - Stomach and intestinal excessive internal
bleeding.
Lexapro side effects
Grand Mal Seizures (or Convulsions) - A recurring sudden violent and
involuntary attack of muscle spasms with a loss of consciousness.
Lexapro side effects
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome - A life threatening, rare reaction to an
anti-psychotic drug marked by fever, muscular rigidity, changed mental status,
and dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system.
Lexapro side effects
Pancreatitis - Chemical irritation with redness, swelling, and pain in
the pancreas where digestive enzymes and hormones are secreted.
Lexapro side effects
QT Prolongation - A very fast heart rhythm disturbance that is too fast
for the heart to beat effectively so the blood to the brain falls causing a
sudden loss of consciousness and may cause sudden cardiac death.
Lexapro side effects
Rhabdomyolysis - The breakdown of muscle fibers that releases the fibers
into the circulatory system. Some of the fibers are poisonous to the
kidney and frequently result in kidney damage.
Lexapro side effects
Serotonin Syndrome - A disorder brought on by excessive levels of
serotonin caused by drugs and can be fatal as death from this side effect can
come very rapidly.
Lexapro side effects
Thrombocytopenia - An abnormal decrease in the number of blood platelets
in the circulatory system. A decrease in platelets would cause a decrease in the
ability of the blood to clot when necessary.
Lexapro side effects
Torsades de Pointes - Unusual rapid heart rhythm starting in the lower
heart chambers. If the short bursts of rapid heart rhythm continue for a
prolonged period it can degenerate into a more rapid rhythm and can be fatal.
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Lexapro Withdrawal
Lexapro withdrawal - Anorexia No longer having a desire to eat.
Lexapro withdrawal - Apothous Stomatitis Painful red and swollen open
sores on a mucus membrane of the mouth commonly called a canker sore.
Lexapro withdrawal - Ataxia Loss of the ability to move the body with
coordination.
Lexapro withdrawal - Arterial Fibrillation A condition of abnormal
twitching of the muscles in the blood vessels that moves the oxygenated blood
from the heart to the rest of the body. The unusual twitching is rapid and
irregular and replaces the normal rhythm of contraction of the muscle, which
sometimes causes a lack of circulation and pulse.
Lexapro withdrawal - Blood Cholesterol Increased An abnormal condition
where there is a greater amount in the blood of the oily/fatty substances known
as cholesterol. Cholesterol is a necessary part of living cells
(along with proteins and carbohydrates). Because cholesterol only slightly
dissolves in water, it can build up on the walls of the blood vessels, therefore
blocking/decreasing the amount of blood flow, which causes blood pressure to go
up. If not corrected, this condition is associated with coronary artery
disease.
Lexapro withdrawal - Blood Creatinine Increased A greater than normal
number of creatinine or muscular chemical waste molecules in the blood.
Creatinine plays a major role in energy production in muscles. Since
creatinine levels are normally maintained by the kidneys, Blood Creatinine
Increased is an indicator of kidney malfunction or failure.
Lexapro withdrawal - Blood in Stool The blood that is in your bowel
movement usually comes from any place along your digestive tract (from your
mouth to your anus). The stool can appear black and foul-smelling (usually
from the upper part of your digestive tract) or red or maroon-colored (usually
from the large intestine area). Hemorrhoids are the usual cause for blood
in the bowels.
Lexapro withdrawal -
Bundle Branch Block Right These are specialized cells in
the upper right heart chamber and are the hearts pacemaker. They send
electrical signals to the heart that keeps it beating or contracting regularly.
Normally the signal goes to the lower heart chambers at the same time through
the bundle of His (hiss) on both the left and right sides of the heart, so the
lower chambers contract at the same time. When the bundle is damaged on
the right side, the signal does not fire at the same time as the left, which
changes the pace of blood flow. This can lead to a person fainting.
Lexapro withdrawal - Cardiac Failure A heart disorder where the heart
does not function as usual and may completely stop working.
Lexapro withdrawal - Cardiac Failure Congestive The body is asking for
the heart to supply more blood than it is capable of producing and maintaining.
Normally, a body can tolerate an increased amount of work for quite some time.
The condition is characterized by weakness, shortness of breath, and a fluid
build-up in the body tissues causing swelling.
Lexapro withdrawal - Cold Sweat The skin is clammy and moist and you
feel chilled. This is a reaction to a shock or pain as well as to fear and
nervousness.
Lexapro withdrawal - Colitis A condition where the large intestine
becomes irritated from the use of the drug.
Lexapro withdrawal - Coronary Artery Disease A condition where the
blood vessels that mainly carry the blood away from the heart become clogged up
or narrowed usually by fatty deposits. The first symptom is pain spreading
from the upper left body caused by not enough oxygen reaching the heart.
Lexapro withdrawal - Dehydration An extreme loss of water from the body
or the organs of the body as in sickness or not drinking enough fluids.
Lexapro withdrawal - Diplopia The condition where a person is looking a
one object and instead of normally seeing just the one object he sees two.
This is also call double vision.
Lexapro withdrawal - Diverticulitis There are pouches or sacs on the
inside of the intestines that look like fingers. This increases the area
for the body to absorb nutrients as they pass through the intestines.
These sacs become irritated and swollen and end up trapping waste that would
normally be eliminated, causing pain and constipation.
Lexapro withdrawal - Dysarthria The inability to control the mouth
muscles when forming words so the words are not clearly spoken and heard.
Lexapro withdrawal - Dyslipidemia The normal fat metabolism in the
blood is interfered with.
Lexapro withdrawal - Dysphagia Trouble swallowing or the inability to
swallow.
Lexapro withdrawal - Ecchymosis When a blood vessel breaks and creates
a purple discoloration of the skin.
Lexapro withdrawal - Edema An abnormal build up of excess fluids in the
cells, tissues, and the spaces between the tissues creating swelling.
Lexapro withdrawal - Edema Peripheral The abnormal build up of fluids
in the tissues of the ankles and legs causing painless swelling in the legs,
ankles, and feet. If you squeeze the swollen area it leaves an indentation
on the skin for a few minutes.
Lexapro withdrawal - Ejaculation Delayed The man is not able to release
sperm either during sexual intercourse or with manual stimulation in the
presence of his sexual partner in spite of his wish to do so.
Lexapro withdrawal - Ejaculation Dysfunction A condition where the man
has one or more of the following symptoms: He is not able to have an
erection, not able to have an orgasm, has a decreased interest in sex, is
sexually inhibited, or it is painful to ejaculate sperm.
Lexapro withdrawal - Erectile Dysfunction Incapable of having sexual
intercourse. Even though a man desires sex he is inhibited in his sexual
activity and is unable to have or maintain an erection of the penis.
Lexapro withdrawal - Erythema a skin redness caused by the swelling
with blood of the tiny blood vessels of the skin as in burns.
Lexapro withdrawal - Erythematous Rash Redness of the skin from the
swelling of the tiny blood vessels with skin irritation (itching, burning,
tingling, pain) and breakouts (eruptions).
Lexapro withdrawal - Esophageal Stenosis Acquired The tube that moves
food from the mouth to the stomach narrows.
Lexapro withdrawal - Exfoliative Dermatitis The unusual and not normal
condition of scaling and shedding of the skin cells. The skin is usually
red colored.
Lexapro withdrawal - Face Edema The tissues of the face become swollen.
Lexapro withdrawal - Feeling Jittery A physical sensation of nervous
unease.
Lexapro withdrawal - Gastric Irritation An inflamed and sore stomach.
Lexapro withdrawal - Gastric Ulcer An open, irritated, and infected
sore in the wall of the stomach.
Lexapro withdrawal - Gingivitis Sore, swollen and red gums in the mouth
that bleed easily.
Lexapro withdrawal - Glaucoma The delicate nerve to the eye, the optic
nerve, becomes easily damaged with the build-up of excess fluid pressure within
the eyeball. The first sign of glaucoma is loss of peripheral (side)
vision. It can progress to total blindness.
Lexapro withdrawal - Hepatic Steatosis Excessive amounts of fat in the
liver.
Lexapro withdrawal - Hyperhidrosis The triggering of an excess of sweat
being produced on the soles of the feet, the palms, or the underarms which can
cause embarrassment or losing grip on a pen or other items.
Lexapro withdrawal - Hyperkeratosis An abnormal enlargement of the skin
tissues causing the skin cells to increase in size.
Lexapro withdrawal - Hyperlipidemia An abnormally high number of fat
cells in the blood.
Lexapro withdrawal - Hypertriglyceridemia Too many triglycerides in the
blood.
Triglycerides are three fatty acids bound together
in one molecule stored by the body and available to create high levels of energy
when used.
Lexapro withdrawal - Hypoesthesia A partial loss of sensation or
general loss of awareness.
Lexapro withdrawal - Impaired Gastric Emptying The contents of the
stomach are not passed into the intestines as normal due to the stomach losing
the muscular strength to do so.
Lexapro withdrawal - Increased White Blood cell Count This is an
increase in the number of cells in the blood that are responsible for the
removal of bacteria and other unwanted particles. They fight disease and
infection by enclosing foreign particles and removing them. An example of
a disease that would increase white blood cell count would be Leukemia.
Lexapro withdrawal - Insomnia Not able to fall asleep or sleeping for a
shorter time than desired, thus not being able to properly rest and feeling
un-refreshed. As a result, a person can become irritable, have difficulty
concentrating and feel a lack of energy. This can be caused by stimulants
such as by caffeine or drugs or by mental anxiety and stress. Mental
stress can be communicated and relieved.
Lexapro withdrawal - Irritable Bowel Syndrome A painful condition where
the either the muscles or the nerves of the lower intestines, are not responding
normally. This results in an alternating condition of diarrhea followed by
constipation, back and forth.
Lexapro withdrawal - Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca A condition where the
outer coating of the eyeball is dry because of a decrease in the normal amount
of tears in the eye. As a result, the eyeball and inside of the eyelid
thickens and hardens sometimes causing the vision to be less sharp.
Lexapro withdrawal - Leukopenia An unnaturally low number of white
blood cells circulating in the blood.
Lexapro withdrawal - Loose Stools The bowel movement is runny instead
of formed.
Lexapro withdrawal - Lower Abdominal Pain A hurtful irritation of the
nerve endings in the area of the hipbones housing the lower digestive tract.
Pain usually means tissue damage.
Lexapro withdrawal - Lymphadenopathy The lymph nodes, where the immune
cells are located, become larger than is normal because of a high concentration
of white blood cells.
Lexapro withdrawal - Macular Degeneration The gradual loss of central
vision, which is the sharpest vision while peripheral eyesight, is unaffected.
Lexapro withdrawal - Maculopathy An abnormal condition of the yellow
spot of the eye, which is located in the center of the inner lining of the
eyeball and connected to the main nerve to the eye and is responsible for sharp
vision.
Lexapro withdrawal - Mania Unusually irrational, excessive and/or
exaggerated behavior or moods ranging from enthusiasm, sexuality, gaiety,
impulsiveness and irritability to violence.
Lexapro withdrawal - Melena Abnormally darkly colored stools as a
result of hemorrhaging in the digestive tract where the blood has interacted
with the digestive juices creating the dark color in the bowel movement.
Lexapro withdrawal - Micturition Urgency A sudden desire to urinate
usually followed by leakage.
Lexapro withdrawal - Mood Swings An emotional shifting as from a state
of happiness to a state of depression for a period of time.
Lexapro withdrawal - Myocardial Infarction The blood going to the heart
is delayed or stopped causing middle muscle tissue in the heart wall to die.
Lexapro withdrawal - Nasopharyngitis Irritation, redness and swelling
tissues in the nose and the tube leading from the mouth to the voice box as well
as the tubes leading to the ears.
Lexapro withdrawal - Nephropathy An abnormally functioning or diseased
kidney.
Lexapro withdrawal - Nervousness Jumpy, jittery, anxious, and troubled
with an irritable temperament.
Lexapro withdrawal - Night Sweats The water-salt, waste product the
skin releases is called sweat or perspiration. With night sweats you
become wide awake in the middle of the night shivering and cold and wet with
your sheets/pajamas soaked in perspiration making it difficult to go back to
sleep.
Lexapro withdrawal - Nightmare Dreams that make you afraid or leave
feelings of fear, terror, and upset long after waking up.
Lexapro withdrawal - Orgasm Abnormal Unable to have an orgasm with
normal sexual stimulation.
Lexapro withdrawal - Oropharyngeal Swelling A swelling in the area from
the soft part of the roof of the mouth to the back of the mouth.
Lexapro withdrawal - Pain in Extremity A painful feeling in the legs,
arms, hands, and feet.
Lexapro withdrawal - Pharyngolaryngeal Pain Pain in the area of the
respiratory tract (organs of breathing) from the throat to the voice box and
above the windpipe.
Lexapro withdrawal - Photopsia A condition where a person see lights,
sparks or colors in front of your eyes.
Lexapro withdrawal - Photosensitivity Reaction An exaggerated sunburn
reaction that is not normal in proportion to the amount of exposure to the
light.
Lexapro withdrawal - Pollakiuria Urinating much more frequently than
normal as often as once every five to fifteen minutes.
Lexapro withdrawal - Pressure of Speech A condition where the
individual cannot voice his ideas fast enough with the pressure of there being
not enough time to say it.
Lexapro withdrawal - Pruritic Rash Extremely itchy, red, swollen bumps
on the skin.
Lexapro withdrawal - Pyrexia Fever or the increase in body temperature
that is usually a sign of infection.
Lexapro withdrawal - Retinal Detachment The thin layer lining the back
of the eyeball (the retina) detaches from the back of the eyeball. This
thin layer is like the film of a camera because it sends the images a person
views to the brain. When it detaches it causes a reduced ability to see.
Lexapro withdrawal - Rigors Shivering or shaking of the body as if
chilled, preventing normal responses.
Lexapro withdrawal - Skin Ulcer An open sore or infected skin eruption
with swelling, redness, pus, and irritation.
Lexapro withdrawal - Sleep Disorder These are a list of sleep disorders
such as teeth grinding, insomnia, jet lag, sleep walking, abnormally falling
asleep during the middle of a conversation after a full nights rest,
uncontrolled body motions keeping one awake, etc.
Lexapro withdrawal - Suicide, Completed An attempted attack on oneself
that is life threatening results in death.
Lexapro withdrawal - Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Where the organs
of breathing near the mouth such as the nose and sinuses, become infected and
are usually treated by antibiotics.
Lexapro withdrawal - Urinary Hesitation Hard to start or hard to
continue emptying ones bladder.
Lexapro withdrawal - Urinary Incontinence Urinating without intending
to do so because of a weakening of the muscles in the hip area from the drug
affecting the nerves or the drug blocking a persons thinking process.
Lexapro withdrawal - Urinary Retention The inability to completely
empty the bladder despite having the urge to do so. This can lead to
infections or damage to the urinary organs.
Lexapro withdrawal - Urine Flow Decreased Dehydration of the body
causing a lesser flow of urine than normal with the body reabsorbing the waste.
Lexapro withdrawal - Urine Output Decreased A condition where the
output of urine produced in a 24-hour period is less than 500 ml.
Lexapro withdrawal - Weight Decreased Unintentional weight loss.
Lexapro withdrawal Weight Increased An unusual, usually rapid weight
increase.
Below, you
can read what others have gone through with Lexapro. What you might be feeling
is not your imagination, Lexapro and other antidepressants do cause these side
effects.
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"Extreme flu-like symptoms when
beginning to take Lexapro. Had to be bumped up twice because it didn't
seem to be working. Ended up getting an additional drug prescribed to
help. Now trying to "detox" my body from Lexapro and I feel like I got
run over by a truck. Muscle soreness, can't lift head, headache,
flu-like symptoms, increased tiredness and super increased sweating.
Like menopause hot flashes. I tried once before to get off of Lexapro
and decided to forego the side effects of getting off the drug because I
couldn't handle it, but now I am going to do my best."
"My symptoms, lack of libido, not being
able to climax, bruising, forgetfulness, and "brain zaps" My doctor told
me there was no significant side effects. I told the doctor that I
wanted to get off the medication but he did not recommend it. (I
initially started on Effexor after the birth of my second child. I did
have more side effects on the Effexor and was switched to Lexapro.) Not
until, after seeing a Tom Cruise interview, did I realize the dangers of
this drug. I decided to wean myself off these drugs but am having
horrible withdrawal symptoms. Unbelievable dizzy spells, brain zaps and
nausea. My doctor told me there are no side effects to getting off these
drugs and basically told me I had an inner ear infection. I researched
"stopping Lexapro" on the web and and read many similar stories. I am
now starting a program to help me get off Lexapro safely. This program
helps you get off these drugs with little or no side effects. I
encourage others to do the same."
"After reading the above I am angry. I, too, have been on 5 different
drugs over a 7 year period for depression. I am an intelligent,
successful full time working mom with 2 small boys, a husband and a
mortgage. How can I deal my whole life with headaches, insomnia, dizziness,
inability to remember things, and panic? The makers of Lexapro should
be jailed for the garbage they put on their web site about side effects
"no clinically important weight gain reported" What's clinically
important for them
-- 100 lbs?"
"Very difficult to achieve climax, dizziness, much increase of panic
disorder which had been under control for years. Couldn't get back to
sleep if awakened during the night. Decreased sex drive (I'm female)"
"I have been using Lexapro for about a year I exercise regularly and watch
my diet, I have gained 15lbs and can't figure out why after reading the side
effects of Lexapro I do believe it is from that, I am going to taper off
this drug and try natural remedies."
"On just 5mg. I am sleepy and very tired. The back of my neck hurts
and usually turns into a headache."
"I was given Lexapro by my doctor because it was to have very few
side effects. Well I took the first dose and had flu like symptoms. The
second day I continued to have flu like symptoms, and also ended up with a migraine.
I was put on this because of depression, but as I write this I can honestly
tell you this is my third day, and I will never, never use this med.
again!!!!!"
"I just took Lexapro for the first time about 7 hours ago. I am
experiencing nausea, dizziness, decreased sex drive, and I keep grinding my
teeth. I have been shaky and unable to focus on anything. Typing
this statement took me nearly 10 minutes. I'm my opinion this drug
should not be legal."
"My son (17) was just prescribed this medication after the Celexa had
stopped working so well for him. He has had tremendous mood swings and
violent outrages, he gets very angry very easily. I have taken him off
this medication after 3 days due to all this plus other side effects.
There has to be something out there to help him, I just don't know what it
may be. His treatment is for borderline severe depression, due to loss
of grandparents and father (divorced and not much contact). Thank you
for this page it has helped me make my decision for my son."
"I have been taking Lexapro for 8 weeks now, first 10 mg/day and for
the past 3 weeks I have been taking 20 mg a day. I don't know which of
these side effects are a result of Lexapro, but my blood pressure has risen
to ungodly levels, such as 220/120 and 202/120. I also have severe
insomnia (but I have that from PTSD too) and am terribly fatigued much of
the time. I don't cry as much, though, and am not as irritable as I
was. I am getting headaches, though, and feel dizzy. I am not
sure this medicine is good for me."
"I honestly didn't realize that there were so many side effects
associated with this drug. I'm a female who has been on
Lexapro for about a year now. My psychiatrist recommended the drug,
saying that it had minimal side effects and would NOT cause me to gain
weight. Since being on the drug, I've gained 20 pounds. I'm
worse off now than I was before the drug. I've recently tried to stop
taking it, and have been without it for a week...and the last week has been
extremely unpleasant. Headaches, nausea, chills, tremors...it's
horrible."
"I've been taking Lexapro for 6 months now and trying to get off it
for 2 months. I have to start taking it again because horrible dizziness and
vomiting form being dizzy. This medicine has disabled me."
"I have been on Lexapro for almost a month. The side effects are
horrible. I can't think clearly, I feel like I am unable to carry on
conversations. I have no appetite. I feel my mind has slipped. This is a
terrible drug."
"I was prescribed Lexapro for Bipolar and depression. I have
been on it for the last 10 months since then I have gained 30lbs. I am more
depressed now than before because of the weight gain. I have also
experienced drowsiness and fatigue. I am going to try and get my Dr. to take
me off and deal with this disorder differently. I am on 20mg. I'm done!"
"So far I've been taking Lexapro for about a month now and I seem to
get irritated a lot and the other day I had to go to the hospital because I
punched my hand through the glass."
"I can't seem to remember things. I'm in class and I can't retain
hardly anything."
"I have been taking Lexapro for several months now. Not until reading
the side effects of others did i become aware of the side effects that I
have. I have gained 20 lbs, my memory or should I say what memory??? My sex
life with my boyfriend has become non-existent. I have no motivation to do
anything. I would like to thank this website for some insight and I will be
making an appt. with my doctor tomorrow."
"I have been on Lexapro for 3 weeks. I was on Effexor (for 2 weeks
until I was warned about its awful side effects). I feel better (less
anxiety), however I have the following side effects with Lexapro: sweating,
stomach pain, chest pain, arm and hand pains, nightmares, and strong
headaches."
"TRUST me do not let your doctor talk you in to talking LEXAPRO! Guys
try getting it up at night! all the VIAGRA in the world will not even
help!!!"
"I have been on Lexapro for almost a month. The side effects are
horrible. I can't think clearly, I feel like I am unable to carry on
conversations. I have no appetite. I feel my mind has slipped. This is a
terrible drug."
"I was given samples of 10mg. Lexapro tabs to help with anxiety
associated with menopause. After the first dose I felt like I had
taken speed. My blood pressure was off the charts, my head ached, my
heart was pounding and my mouth was dry down to my stomach. I couldn't
eat. It took over 24 hours for the effects to wear off. Never
again."
"I was prescribed Lexapro after my therapist claimed I have BPD.
I only took the 10 MG tablet ONCE and these were what happened:
I felt like I was tripping on acid, I could barely breathe, I went from
depressed to extremely agitated in a very short time, I went from really
tired after taking it to extremely awake, I didn't dream at all that night,
I was still feeling funky the next day, and people claim it isn't until
weeks into treatment you finally see side affects-HAH! I will never
take this drug again-and I switched therapists!"
"Lexapro caused me vivid dreams, profuse sweating, leg muscle cramps, sever wrist and
hand pain, arthritic type pain in most all joints - hate it."
"My doctor gave me a few weeks worth to try. I gained weight, then
more weight, then more. I put on 14 pounds in two weeks!!! I also felt as
though it did not relieve my feelings of anxiety."
"I requested Lexapro to my doctor as a means of dealing with symptoms
associated with a disk hernia, work related stress and anxiety I am
experiencing in relation to these two issues. I have experienced
increased fatigue, anxiety, head and neck pain, sinus pain, dry skin,
itching, confusion, increased sweating (especially at night) with at the
same time as having the chills, nausea and a feeling of the need to
vomit, frequent urination, body aches, painful joints and
popping/cracking joints as well as a whole host of less bothersome side
affects. I've found that I an increased appetite, lethargy and
constant, energy draining feverish symptom that never seems to go away.
This winter I used the medication for a couple of months or so but did
not seems to experience all the side affects that I have this summer.
It seems to me that heat and/or sun causes more adverse reaction for me.
I feel so worn down with this drug. It just seems to exacerbate my
original problems!
I am more depressed, more anxious, more agitated and irritable and more
uncomfortable than I was before beginning taking the product. I would
be cautious using Lexapro and advise my physician immediately if or when you
have any serious side effects that are particularly bothersome for you.
I think I'm going to try something else or seeks some sort of alternative
treatments. I am extremely uncomfortable taking it."
"I was prescribed Lexapro for anxiety and mild depression. I
didn't notice any side effects at first. I was told by the pharmacist
that there weren't really any. I have been on Lexapro now for about 6
months. I have gained about 15-20 pounds in that time. That is
why I came online looking to see if this was possibly due to the medicine.
I only take 10 mg a day, but I am still eating about the same as I did
before. Yes, it is very frustrating. After reading some of the
postings on this website, I think I am having some other side effects that I
didn't even realize. I am tired a lot. I don't have a lot of
energy. I think it is time to see the doctor again."
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"4 weeks ago my doctor increased my dosage of Lexapro to 20 mg.
from l5 mg. In the last week I have experienced fluctuation in blood pressure,
my usual pressure is l00/60 and the pressure about an hour or less upon
awakening in a.m. was reading 88/59,one day in the afternoon it was 77/49. My
internal med doctor is suggesting I lower the meds to l5 mg. and see if these
readings approve, I also have constipation, nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort,
burping, etc. I am getting palpitations, headaches."
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