Answer/Reply:

im curious , have you continued on lexapro , or did you get off. how did it make you feel weird. like what were your symptoms. i am going to start on 5mg. im nervous, and scared of the side effects. but i know i need it my anxiety and stress and depression in ugh. God bless all.

44 year old Female

Posted: 2009-01-17 17:00:06

Answer/Reply:

I am a 60 year old female and have been taking Lexapro for about 2 years.
I am very satisfied with the results. My dosage is 10 mg. It works fine for
both my depression and anxiety. I have not expierinced any side effects.
I would recomend it to anyone to at least try it. I was fine with it from day
one.

61 year old Female

Posted: 2009-01-13 15:50:31

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

I took Lexapro for two years, but stopped about a year ago. I gained 30 pounds in one year while taking it. I could NOT lose the weight while on it, despite dieting (I cut my calorie intake by about 800 calories a day, and I still gained weight. I also walk everywhere, and that didn't seem to help.) I decided I was in a good place, mentally, to go off of it, but when I did I experienced withdrawal affects that I'd rate as 7 on a scale of 10, in terms of severity. After three months of hanging in there, I started taking St. John's Wort. This got me over the hump, and after six months of being off Lexapro, I finally felt better. Being on it did help me emotionally, for the most part, but the weight gain was affecting my heart and ability to breathe properly when exerting myself. There are definitely pros AND cons to going the Lexapro route. Now I just walk a lot more and spend more time outside (and sometimes take St. John's Wort). Oh -- I did lose the 30 pounds I gained while on Lexapro, but it took a full year. And I didn't even have to go on a diet.

Jleica, age 48

Posted: 2009-01-13 22:55:32

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

I never took drugs for anything either except for an occasional ibuprofen I resisted medication for depression until the depression became so great that I was hospitalized. Lexapro was very easy to take. I had a few side effects at the beginning (dizziness) but that went away and I have had no side effects at all. No weight gain, No sexual side effects. It made a huge difference in my mood (after a few weeks) and hence forth -- my life. Don't let Depression ruin your life. I wasted too much time trying to get a hold on something that actually had a hold on ME. I am a healthy woman of 53 years who enjoys life again.

Posted: 2009-01-15 15:18:08

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

I am a 46 year old femail and have been taking 10 mg Lexapro for over two years. I call it my wonder drug. It makes me stop worrying about things so much, makes me so much calmer and i can deal with kids and situations so much better. I feel like I should have been on Lexapro long time ago. I never won't to be off this medication. I feel to good!

Posted: 2009-01-21 11:47:16

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

I have been using Lexapro for about 4 years, 20mg per day. Weight gain, extremely relaxed, extremely happy, libido decrease, and food taste soooo good.

Posted: 2009-01-22 18:14:18

Answer/Reply:

I am the same way; hate taking meds and was very afraid to start taking an antidepressent, but don't hesitate; it really helps. Keep in mind that drugs like this work differently on everyone. Some people love Lexapro; some can't tolerate it and need to go on a different anti-depressant. My friend didn't tolerate Lexapro well at all, but loves Effexor. It's a crapshoot, and unfortunately, if one doesn't work well, you have to keep trying different ones to see which works well with your body. Luckily, Lexapro (the first and only anti-depressant I've taken) worked wonders. It doesn't zone you out or make you feel weird; it just makes you cope better with life. It takes the edge off and evens you out. I was on it for a year and a half back in 2003 and stopped because I felt I didn't need it anymore. I am now going back on because of menopause and teenager children and I'm having a hard time...I find I go into a rage over the smallest thing and I need some perspective and something to help me cope. Thank goodness for this drug. It's me, but only more centered. Try not to let it scare you; remember, if it doesn't work for you, you can always stop. It's under your control. Best of luck!

54 year old Female

Posted: 2009-02-01 10:32:41

Answer/Reply:

I took Lexapro (10 mg) for almost 2 years, more for anxiety than depression. Family problems were the reason my doctor prescribed it to me. A tragedy happened and he suggested I begin taking 20 mg for a while. Big mistake, made me feel worse...I felt sad and very depressed. So I stopped taking it and went back to the 10 mg. I find 10 mg is perfect. I take it every day around 4:00 and it's just enough to sort all my thoughts and put things in perspective. I'm a What IF person. I can't imagine not taking it. I know of at least 3 other women who take Lexapro and they feel the way I do...it's a non habit forming drug, not side effects when you stop taking it and you can pretty much take it for very long periods of time. My sister in law has been taking it since it was introduced on the market.

59 year old Female

Posted: 2009-02-18 16:47:35

Answer/Reply:

please take the lexapro 10 mg is a low dose
it saved my life several years ago in the sense that iam now enjoying life again able to cope with day to day problems see a light at the end of the tunnel ect.you might want to take it at nite since it can you somewhat drowsy in the beginning.
good luck

54 year old Female

Posted: 2009-02-18 15:54:56

Answer/Reply:

I have been on Lexapro for about 5 or 6 years & I have had no problems with it. I take 20mg. once a day. The only problem I have is when I accidently miss it for a couple of days. Then I tend to get somewhat agitated but I also suffer from anxiety & I've found out lately that it can help with that also.

So don't worry too much about it. Try it (unless you have side effects that you just can't stand). You might find out that it's a very good drug.

64 year old Female

Posted: 2009-02-18 18:26:46

Answer/Reply:

65yr old female - Lexapro has worked very well to ward off the periods of depression that I once experienced and I don't think I've had any side effects in the approximate 6 yrs that I've been taking it.

67 year old Female

Posted: 2009-02-18 20:06:42

Answer/Reply:

When I started meantalpause that was the world to me, it worked like a charm, I mean night and day. So I dont know about you but my night was pretty awfull, so even with the side effect, it couldnt touch the outcome. Hope this helped

43 year old Male

Posted: 2009-03-06 22:19:51

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

hello , i am now 35 i have 2 teenagers and one 9 year old i got on lexapro in the beginning of november of 2008, I have to say i was alot like you too, I don't like to take pills and I was unsure of the medication at first, I had a really bad nervous break down due to lots of stress at home and work. Lexapro saved me from feeling like i was going crazy, I feel better now even though i don't seem to react as quickly, the first week seemed to me like i was in a daze but after that i started to feel more normal as the weeks went by, I take 10mg a day as for now I like the feeling of being relaxed and being able not to cry for no reasons because of my deppression, I knew i was depressed for years but i did not want to get medicated now i wish i would have a long time ago so i would not have had to have a nervous breakdown, You will be fine , I know, I am great..i will only take lexapro, i don't feel like i need numerous drugs to make me feel better, you way of thinking will change you will see but thats not a bad thing.

Jodie from colorado

Posted: 2009-03-08 17:40:51

Answer/Reply:

Doesn't your state have any state or government programs for aide to
people in need or with no health insurance? You could check to see if you
qualify for any such programs that are available in your state.

61 year old Female

Posted: 2009-01-13 16:27:35

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Take a look @ 4rx.com. It is a site that has prescriptions for far less than the cost of your routine pharmacies. I, too take Lexapro and had a problem with paying the outrageous amount due to the fact that I have no medical insurance. I bought a year's worth of Lexapro for approximately $150.00 as opposed to purchasing from an American pharmacy which would have cost me over $1000.00.
Hope that this helps you!

Posted: 2009-01-16 13:46:08

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

To the Lady who quit cold turkey. You are not suppose to stop any meds cold turkey with out asking your Doctor. There are a lot of other meds out there thar can help you. I feel for you. If I run out of lexapro I can tell two days later. It is hell. Please go to your Doctor and find out what you can take.

56 Female

Posted: 2009-01-14 11:30:24

Answer/Reply:

Suggestion? I just read this this posting and wanted to point it out to you if it helps. I personally have not tried it. "Most states have this --- call 211(like 911). They can provide options for your local area for no or low costs medications, medical services, housing, food, utilities, etc. Also go to PPARx.org and complete the application there. You can list all your medications and they provide the forms to companies for Totally Free medications. You will need to have your Dr. provide prescriptions and sign paperwork. You are provided phone numbers to follow the orders, shipping, etc. You usually have the meds within 1-2 weeks. PPARx has been a true blessing for me. 64 year old female"

As for my comments on Lexapro, I actually had trouble with headaches when my doc suggested Lexpro, 10mg daily. Headaches were probably due to anxiety (I inherited!) but I gotta tell you all. I have no issues with headaches now. Not even the migraines that would wear me out for days. I yawned alot when I first started but that went away. I do experience insomnia now more then ever, but can't really pin that on Lex use. 44yr old female with stressful job and immediate family stress! I do believe Lex helps me manage much better. I am irritable if I stop taking for few days, but I try to reduce dependance by getting by with every other day or every two days just the keep it in my system and keep headaches at bay! Seems to work for me coupled with yoga practice.

45 year old Female

Posted: 2009-02-23 09:36:49

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

might wanna ask you doc for sample packs at least to get you by!

Posted: 2009-03-03 07:53:10

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

My Mother had a mild stroke at the age of 87 .Has been taking Lexapro for 1 year..Any connection.

Posted: 2009-01-19 07:42:19

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

I have been on lexapro for many years and have severe depression without it. I have never had any side effects with it and I think it is the best anti/dep.on the market and would recomend it to anyone that needs help.Due to money problems like everyone else I may have to go back to Zolof.I am having to drop my pres.benefits due to the ins. company raising my monthly prem.as to where I can barely afford the rest of my meds. for thyroid,b/p,gerd,cholestrol.I am using all walmart four dollar meds. as much as I can. Female 63years old.

Posted: 2009-01-22 19:19:04

Answer/Reply:

My Dr told me all antidepressants will put on the pounds, and I found that with Paxil, an now on Celexa, he tells me that we get a better appetite, with antidepressants, and that is why we gain weight. Guess we will have to back away from the table a bit sooner.

Shirley female 70 yrs.

72 year old Female

Posted: 2009-01-12 17:36:15

Answer/Reply:

Lexapro has helped me greatly with less side effects than Effexor ER which I used to take. The only complaint I have about it is now I'm fat and don't care for sex. Is that usual?

51 year old Female

Posted: 2009-02-18 22:56:21

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Weight gain is a common side effect of Lexapro and has been reported by 5% of iGuard members taking Lexapro. Approximately 10% of iGuard members taking Lexapro have reported sexual problems. If these symptoms continue to bother you, it is a good idea to follow up with your doctor – there are some antidepressants that are less likely to cause sexual problems.

Posted: 2009-02-23 13:22:19

Answer/Reply:

I don't get this gaining weight thing. I took Lexapro for about one and a half years a few years back and I was skinnier than I am now (no meds). I never gained on Lexapro. Maybe you are gaining weight because as you age one tends to put on more pounds, plus perhaps being happier makes you eat more? Who knows; but I would just go on a diet and keep taking the Lexapro if that's what you need. Remember, if you decide to go off, you MUST wean yourself off over a long period of time, or you'll crash. Try taking your regular dose every other day for several weeks, then half one of those doses for several weeks, then half both for a few weeks, then take it for a couple of days a week for several weeks, then stop. Be very careful. Good luck!

54 year old Female

Posted: 2009-02-01 10:38:51

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

I've gained 20 pounds on lexapro and I'm 23. It has different affects on different people. Also I stopped taking it cold turkey and I'm fine. The only problem is, I now have an eating disorder which is contributed to the fact that lexapro made me gain so much weight. The drug works great but I would suggest natural methods unless you could afford to put on the pounds.

Posted: 2009-02-19 13:34:25

Answer/Reply:

Dear 46 year old friend,

I also have taken Lexapro with Wellbutrin for 3 yrs, and it was diagnosed to me for PTSD due to losing both my parents -and- my whole family within 15 months time. All that led me to a state of perpetual sadness, severe depression, crying all the time, and the emotional pain I was feeling was literally killing me, as it started to turn into physical pain as well, and so I sought help as I knew something with me just "wasn't right" to be feeling like this all the time. I also suffered with horrible nightmares and thus, didn't want to sleep.

It was explained to me that Lexapro takes the trauma factor out of thoughts and memories....my nightmares went away and I was like you, where finally I could have thoughts without tears, which I personally greatly welcomed. Before this, I could not even drive my car as everything I saw around the neighborhood threw me into tears, so this drug, coupled with the WB, was a God-send for me. I experimented stopping it and my horrible symptoms came right back, so I have stayed on it faithfully since then. I have decided my quality of life is so much greater WITH the drugs than without.....if you, too, just replace the stigma on yourself of taking drugs, maybe you will see it the way I do.....I used to stigmatize myself as well. Now, I realize they truly saved me....I hope this makes you feel better!

47 year old Female

Posted: 2008-12-29 21:51:20

Answer/Reply:

Hello friend....

Being on Lexapro myself, I find the "weight gain" is only caused by appetite increasing without our awareness....we tend to eat a bit more on Lexapro. Since I have started to watch my portions and now my appetite has greatly shrunken, I have lost all the weight I gained on Lexapro (coupled with Lyrica.....if Lyrica is in your life, then REALLY watch your diet and you'll be fine).

47 year old Female

Posted: 2008-12-29 21:54:11

Answer/Reply:

is death a side effect? the answer is actually that drinking while taking an anti-depressant is not recommended. When in doubt, don't.

58 year old Male

Posted: 2008-12-24 16:15:01

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

I do not think so.....I never heard of it. I took it for 6 months and it helped me so much.

Posted: 2009-01-06 09:26:25

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Drinking alcohol, especially large amounts of alcohol, while taking escitalopram (Lexapro) may significantly increase the risk of excessive sedation and impaired judgment. As a result, it is best avoid drinking alcohol when taking escitalopram (Lexapro).

Posted: 2008-12-31 13:57:16

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

What is 5-htp? Is that the actually name of the product?

Posted: 2008-12-28 17:56:36

Answer/Reply:

my doctor asks me every time i see him. so you need to mention this to your doctor, especially if you feel the lexapro isn't working. depression is VERY hard to treat and finding what works for you could take some time, so mention that you'd like to try something else.

58 year old Male

Posted: 2008-12-24 16:26:03

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

I've been on lexapro for 2 years now and feel that it is no longer working. My doc suggested an increase in dosage, tried that for 2 weeks and still no change. Now it looks like I'm going to be put on celexa.

Posted: 2008-12-28 16:03:51

Answer/Reply:

Lexapro makes a lot of ppl nervous and irritated when they first start taking it. Since I'm taking it for anxiety/mania, my doctor doubled the dosage on the benzos I was taking (Klonopin) for the first month until my body got used to the Lex. Then he added Seroquel and within a few days I was able to start cutting down on the benzos and now after 3 months on my Lex/Serq'l cocktail I've never felt better. Some of the nasty side effects are self limiting and if they're not, maybe Lexapro isn't for you. But it can take a while to really kick in... up to 6 weeks for some ppl I've heard.

58 year old Female

Posted: 2008-12-16 21:02:54

Answer/Reply:

i've been there. i started weaning myself off the lexapro before i went back to my psychiatrist because my reaction was so radical. and xanax made me want to curl up and die so i stopped taking it, too. i'm on cymbalta now, btw. works good.
so that's my two cents. hang in there.

58 year old Male

Posted: 2008-12-24 16:38:06

Answer/Reply:

I take lexapro and I want to wean myself off of it what is the correct way to do this?
I was at 20 mil. and cut down to 10 mil. now I am at 5 mil how long should I stay on that till I can cut it out completely.
Also will I be able to go back to control my weight? I have gained 15.# since started lexapro in Jan. of last year.

50 year old Female

Posted: 2008-12-27 09:25:00

Answer/Reply:

I have been on various SSRIs off and on (mostly on) for almost 25 years, I am definitely peri-menopausal and I have Absolutely No Sign of bone loss! Of course, I also gained a substantial amount of weight over that same time period (thank you, meds) so maybe that's had something to do with preventing bone loss as I did get plenty of calcium.

Just FYI, my best friend who has never been on SSRIs, is thin but also a life-long Diet Coke addict, has a bad case of Osteoporosis.

So there you go.

54 year old Female

Posted: 2008-12-19 19:58:03

Answer/Reply:

Yes, I too was on Zoloft before sarting Lexapro. I started with 10 Mg. & have sayed there for around 5 years now. It works great for my depression and anxiey. I love that it works so quickly, however, one drawback for me has been a large wight gain! Yikes! Oh well! I'de rather be a bit chuky ad setled then skinny and deressed/anxious! Good Luck!

46 year old Female

Posted: 2008-11-11 15:11:14

Answer/Reply:

that has been my biggest fear gaining weight. i gained 10 pnds on the zoloft and now im scared I will gain even more on the lexapro. I was never depressed until I started gaining wait i've just had really bad anxiety. Is there any one who hasen't gained alot of wait on these meds?

35 year old Female

Posted: 2008-11-12 07:10:54

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

Yes! I was just put on Lexapro about a year ago for panic attacks due to perimenopausal symptons, and yes, I have gained too much weight in no time flat from where I was previously! I could feel that I was gaining weight, even when I wasn't eating but 2 meals a day!
I had mentioned this to my physician who had prescribed this med to me, and he says that he has to "wean" me off the med before he can totally take me off.....?

Posted: 2008-11-19 00:24:46

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

I have been taking Lexapro for two months now. I have lost 9 lbs. I quit drinking soda at the same time I'm more active because I'm not depressed anymore. Cyndie P

Posted: 2008-11-20 09:04:58

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

I am on Lexapro for about 3 months now and have gained about9 pounds. All I wanna do is eat and lay in bed after work at 5p. I do notice some difference; that I don't get defensive as much anymore and also, my anxiety had decreased some, but not enough cause on Fridays and special holidays ect..... When my work day gets thrown off, I get really antsy. So yes, I went to my dr. She said that all antideressants make you gain weight. So now she's putting me on Addreall XR??? and my Lexapro, the Addreall makes you surpress your appitie. Did this help. J-Kitty

Posted: 2008-12-10 17:51:05

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

I understand the weight gain problems. I have been on Lexapro two months and feel great now, but has gained 10 pounds. I guess I have to deal with the weight gain versus the depression.

Posted: 2008-12-08 18:10:55

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

I started on Zoloft and after the 2-week side effects my body was covered in small white blisters. The dr put me on Lexapro 10mg and I have never been happier. I have had no sideeffects and I really feel better!!!

Posted: 2008-11-14 22:04:38

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

I used Zoloft for years and it didn't seem to help anymore so my Doctor switched me to Lexapro and I feel great, back to myself.

Posted: 2008-11-18 22:04:58

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

I switched and it has been like a miracle drug. Zoloft never worked for me. Good luck

Posted: 2008-11-23 03:58:02

Answer/Reply:

You should be experiencing maybe some tingling in arms and dry mouth at this stage. I personally was taking 10Mg in first few weeks and had these symptons. I really started to notice some positive changes between 4-6 weeks. The biggest thing for me was stopping my mind from racing and losing the feeling of restlessness. After 13 mths of Lexapro at 15 Mg I feel a lot more centred and in control. Hope this helps.

39 year old Male

Posted: 2009-01-15 05:56:00

Answer/Reply:

I cant believe that your Daughter is taking lexapro at 15!. There are warnings that teenagers taking this type of medication is not recomended and that studies have said "Do not give Lexapro to a child or adolescent.
There is no experience with its use in children or adolescents under 18 years old."
I think you should go to your Doc straight away specially if your daughter is feeling like that.

24 year old Male

Posted: 2008-11-08 14:28:13

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

In the prescribing information for Lexapro, it does not say to not give Lexapro to a child or adolescent. It says that the safety and effectiveness of Lexapro in the pediatric population (under 18 years of age) has not been established. One placebo-controlled trial in 264 pediatric patients with Major Depressive Disorder has been conducted with Lexapro, and the data were not sufficient to support a claim for use in pediatric patients. Anyone considering the use of Lexapro in a child or adolescent must balance the potential risks with the clinical need.

Posted: 2008-11-11 03:37:14

iGuard.org Answer/Reply:

I've been taking 10mg Lexapro now for about 2 yrs. When I first started taking it, I remember feeling very forgetful also, but it only lasted about a week or so. I would normally say wait it out awhile, however @ your daughters age, I would recommend something else maybe. Discuss it w/ your dr. because of how some anti-depression/anti-anxiety meds. can affect teens. Good luck w/ everything.

Posted: 2008-12-17 12:16:08