Anyone on Lexapro?

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-18-2003
Anyone on Lexapro?
7
Sat, 12-13-2003 - 9:22pm
Hi,

I just started taking Lexapro about a week ago. I'm curious to hear what experiences people have had on the drug. So far I haven't had any significantly noticeable side effects (knock wood), but I also haven't really noticed any improvement in my symptoms yet either (I know it's supposed to take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks). Any feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks,

BEcky

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-13-2003
In reply to: beckls
Sat, 12-13-2003 - 10:16pm
hi becky

i was diagnosed w/ depression about six months ago. My doctor prescribed lexapro 10mg daily about 3 months ago. It has helped me so much! i have read lots of articles about lexapro and found out that its now one of the best medicines to treat depression for women. It also has the least number of side effects. During the first week of taking it, i didn't quite feel like myself, but i didn't feel like myself anyway because of the depression. I felt a bit disoriented. but after about two weeks i noticed a real improvement. It was a lot easier to get out of bed in the morning, and put one foot in front of the other. Its not one hundred percent relief, but it gives you an extra push to help function in everyday life, and cope with your symptoms. Every week you take it you will feel a little bit better and more like yourself. Things seem a lot better and you begin smiling and feeling the excitement that was lost at one time. Even my boyfriend said i seemed a lot happier and my friends claim i'm back to my normal self. I had no side effects and usually if you have any they only last a couple of weeks and then the body adjusts. Good luck with everything and hope the medicine has done for you as it has done for me!!! If you ever need anyone to chat with or any advice about this sort of thing feel free to drop an email.

:-) Liza
Visitor (not verified)
anonymous user
In reply to: beckls
Sun, 12-14-2003 - 10:00am
That is the medication my husband was on when he committed suicide in october.. He was on the 10 milligram for fourteen days. Since he was given the sample packets, the side effects listed in that packet were glossed over and made to sound like they were nothing.

By day ten he was shaking so badly he couldn't drive, his heart was racing out of his chest, he couldn't sleep, he was so dizzy he could hardly stand up without assistance. He went back to the doctor and told him what was going on.. I don't even think the doctor realized that these were side effects, my husband didn't, he thought he was losing his mind.

The doctor doubled his dosage and four days later my husband killed himself. Women apparently suffer fewer side effects on this medication, men are seven times more likely to committ suicide while taking it, and it is also documented in rampage killings.

I have several female friends currently taking lexapro and are fine, it seems to work very well for them..

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-05-2003
In reply to: beckls
Mon, 12-15-2003 - 3:55pm
MEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

I've been on it for about a year now. First time taking it, TERRIBLE headaches and nausia, but about after 2 weeks, I'm all good. It's helped out when I needed it most, and then again, doesn't most meds? Well, maybe not. I really like it, and have found it to help me a whole lot. Hope you have the same luck as I have!

Trix

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-31-2003
In reply to: beckls
Tue, 12-16-2003 - 10:57am
I started taking Lexapro on Saturday. At 5mg for a week, then I will switch to 10mg. So far I have noticed I feel more awake in the mornings and a bit more motivated to actually get off the couch (I did before, with 2 small children you have to, but it was an effort).

My only side effects so far have been headaches (but I was having them all last week before starting the drug) and my eyes are very dry. Just got some eye drops to help that. I work on the computer, so dry eyes is probably worse with that.

Let your doctor know about anything that concerns you! My Doctor even gave me his cell phone number.

Jacqueline mom of Talia Rhiannon (05/04/98) & Ellowyn Nerys (02/07/02)

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-06-2003
In reply to: beckls
Tue, 12-16-2003 - 9:47pm
I took Lexapro for about 2 months. It made me stoned out of my gourd. I fell down the stairs and injured my arm--had to do PT for a while.

I've taken several anti-depressants and they all made my symptoms worse. They just don't work for some of us.

I hope they work for you.

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-18-2003
In reply to: beckls
Wed, 12-17-2003 - 7:36pm
Thank you for your honest feedback. I'm very sorry to hear about your husband's death...it's tragic that his doctor did not recognize that he was experiencing serious side effects. I hope that you are doing okay...I know that the holidays must be rough.

Take Care,

Becky

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-18-2003
In reply to: beckls
Wed, 12-17-2003 - 7:47pm
Thanks to all of you for your feedback regarding Lexapro. So far, I'm doing okay. I'm feeling more energized and not crying everyday like I was a few weeks ago. The only big downside is that I haven't been able to have orgasms, but then again that's been my problem on the other SSRI's I've taken (Zoloft and Prozac).

Thanks again,

Becky