All about Lexapro

Gina,
I agree with what you said about being *too* worried about the effects of drugs. You said that people blamed Celexa for both hairness and loss of hair..

Well, actually I’ve read that AD’s can cause hairiness on the body and/or loss of hair on the head. All the SSRIs have the potential to cause hair loss, as well as ones like Serzone/Trazodone and other meds, like Buspar. I was on Trazodone and Buspar for a while, and then I started Celexa, and I started to lose very noticeable amounts of hair. I’m hoping that this loss was from the Traz/Buspar, though, because I hadn’t been on the Celexa very long before noticing it.

Right now, I’m still patiently waiting for the loss to stop. It doesn’t go away as soon as you quit the meds. My hair is a lot thinner than I’ve ever been used to (even though it doesn’t look noticeably bad). Hopefully, Lexapro will not contribute to any more of this, because it’s a very troublesome and real side effect.

Lorelei

Gina, I do agree with you that side effects-itis can be a downfall of a group like this. I’ve had to fight off a few of those myself since joining this board. (kinda amusing to me)

But I disagree that effectiveness is reached only “down the road.” For me, on Prozac, my first AD, the effects were pronounced and dramatic and wonderful beginning at about 10 days. Perhaps I was one of the lucky ones.

The result of this dramatic change in relief of my depression was that many good things began happening to me because I could then begin to function well for the first time, perhaps ever. In that sense–emotionally–the effects were greater “down the road.” I speak from 4 1/2 years experience of being on one AD or another, primarily Celexa 40 mg.

Maybe it was a good thing I was not on the Celexa board all those years, so I didn’t obsess, and just enjoyed the many positive things happening in my life!

I just want people to be aware that SOME effects of Lexapro do need monitoring right off the bat, because some changes are quick to happen in some people (like me).

Dear group,
I have never taken ads b4. I am benefiting from L as it has relieved
a lot of my depression. I am on a low amt approx. 1.5 or so-it’s hard
to tell with the cutting. When I have gone higher I had insomnia and
manic type thoughts. I feel really over sensitized at times when I’m
falling asleep- like to any noise and movement. On the down side, I
am finding it harder to be present talking to therapist and my
friends in person-like holding eye contact without wanting to quickly
look away. I don’t know what that is about. I don’t yet feel the
anti anxiety effects but maybe that comes latter?
One of my friends in this group suggested L as it had just come out
and I have been encouraged by all the positive posts. I want to get
to a higher dose but I am going really slow. I think if I had taken 5
mgs as suggested I would have dropped the whole thing- it is a really
strong drug. Do you think it was meant for people switching from
Celexa primarily? Is any one else on a real low dose and having
similar experiences?
Thank you, Ingrid

…Write this on your hand:
“Don’t over-scrutinize.”
Constant monitoring of your physical state has no practical utility
at this point. It’s best just to stay busy, go on about your
business, and try not to notice every little bodily change. Most of
these symptoms will just disappear in a week or two anyway, so why
bother obsessing about them now? Antidepressants are supposed to
free you up to be serene and happy, not to give you a new topic to
worry about.
Just my two cents, since I’ve had quite a bit of experience
obsessing…

Well, lat night was week one of Lexapro for me after a year+ on
celexa. I still don’t feel great on this… dizzy, anxious & heavy-
headed. Perhaps not as tired as on Celexa. I sleep more soundly but
it takes longer to fall asleep. Also the dreaming is very vivid. The
full 10 mg pill was WAY too strong for sure!
i will keep going though. Flying tomorrow, short flight not too
concerned - will need a bit of xanax though. - Which i need more of
since switching… only 1/8 mg/day however.
I’ve had headaches everyday since switching too. as i’ve mentioned in
other posts, i felt better on Celexa…Oy.
Faiv

Well Pikaboo You and I have started this at the same time,how funny.I
took 5mg even though my dr wanted me to take 10.I was on 20 of Celexa
and reading posts how 10 mg of lexapro equals 40 of celexa.I feel
better starting out slow……
So far so good ,I have not felt any different from it. I notice
though today and the last few days I’ve been dizzy off and on. Don’;t
know if its because of Celexa side effects or something else.
We’ll see if that continues.I also feel shaky a couple hrs after
eating…. did have my blood sugars tested this summer and they were
normal. So maybe its just the antide’s.
Take care ,Pikaboo ,It will be interesting to see how you
fare on this too!
Mary

Ok all……day one on the Lexapro. Thought it out and read lots of
info on it. I have been lurking in here for almost a month now and
watching how it affected you guys. Filled the script yesterday and
took my first 5 mg dose this morning. So far the only thing I have
felt is a little “buzz” early on, kind of a weird feeling off and
on. Of course it’s early…..am hoping this is the answer. I have
been on Celexa 20 mg. for 5 months prior to switching. Guess the
only reason I wanted the switch was to try to lose the forgetfulness
and being so tired all the time. Hope this works. Will keep you
all posted.
Lets stick together!!
Shauna

Welcome to the group.I have not been on Lexapro a full month yet .I’d
have to scroll back to see the exact date i switched.Anyway, I was on
40 mg celexa prior to switching to 10mg lexapro.
This is just an observation, and guys correct me if I am wrong , but
to me it appears that if a person has been on Celexa prior to taking
lexapro it is much easier than those that are starting fresh.
The c caused weight loss initially and the L is also but i hope that
stops soon .
I’m not as forgetful on L.
I have some odd dreams, but other than that, I find it much better
than the C…..so far.

Hi there,
I am AD phobic after bad experiences with Zoloft and some others. I
was rather excited when I read about Lexapro due to its purpordly low
incidence of side effects. Would those of you who have been on it
for a while please tell me about your experiences and what side
effects, particularly weight gain, sleepiness, dizziness and the
like. I have not filled my RX as yet as I am afraid. Still have the
samples of Serzone and Effexor so I am really not keen on all of
this, but would appreciate both the good and the bad news.
THanks

Well for my depression this stuff has worked great, only side effect
is nausea. Does anyone here know how well this stuff works for
Severe Panic Attacks/GAD/and Social anxiety. I can’t handle Xanax so
I’m hoping that this will eventually help a little. Anyone seen any
improvements with the anxiety at all yet?