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Lexapro Side Effects -
Lexapro Withdrawal - Lexapro Stories
The Web Site you are on now, The
Road Back, offers information 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 their antidepressant or other type of
psychiatric medication.
In April 2009, The Road Back Program was used for continuing educational units
in California for health care providers.
We suggest you begin by reading a review found on
Amazon.com about this program. The review is by a doctor that has used 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
Antipsychotic, Antidepression, 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
How to Get Off Lexapro Safely is available on
Amazon.com and Target.com. HOWEVER, the entire book How to Get Off
Psychiatric Drugs Safely is available on this site, in its entirety, for
FREE. You can use this book to get off Lexapro or handle existing Lexapro
induced side effects.
The Road Back also offers FREE continual support by telephone or e-mail.
Click the Free Consultations link on the top of this page for contact info.
There is no need to do this alone. There is hope
and there is a SOLUTION.
 The book How to Get Off Lexaproฎ
Safely is now available directly from Amazon.com.
Click Here
How to Get Off Lexapro Safely is now available at Target,
click here
If you prefer to use the general tapering
instructions, click here to begin your journey
"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.
February 25, 2009 - Federal
prosecutors say drug maker Forest Labs tried to pay doctors for prescribing its
antidepressants Celexa and Lexapro and pushed the drugs for unapproved use on
children.
A federal court complaint says the New York-based drug maker
offered cash payments, expensive meals and entertainment to induce doctors and
others to prescribe the drugs. It also says Forest promoted Celexa for pediatric
use, even though a study showed it was no more effective than a placebo for
children.
Pharmaceutical companies are prohibited from promoting
drugs for uses not approved by the
Food and Drug Administration.
Forest representatives could not be reached for comment.
Comment by James Harper, author of How to Get Off Lexapro
Safely - "Each time some story hits the news wire, such as the one just
released about Lexapro, The Road Back receives thousands of calls and e-mails
from people that abruptly stopped the medication after read the news story.
Please do not abruptly stop taking Lexapro or any other psychoactive medication.
This is not safe to do and can be quite harmful to you and your body. A
structured method of tapering off the Lexapro needs to be followed and a
competent physician should be included in the process.
This is especially true if a child was given Lexapro or
Celexa."
Lexapro does have a rather long
list of side effects as well as withdrawal side effects. We have defined the
medical terms used to describe the side effects for easier understanding of what
they are really. Take your time, read through this list.
We have included stories from other
people that have taken Lexapro for you to read. See if any of the Lexapro
stories sound familiar. You are not the only one. Know that.
Click here for stories or continue down this page.
All you have to lose is your anxiety or
depression.
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 -
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.
8. 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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