Hi! I'm new here and hope someone can help me out! I am 47 years old and started taking Lexapro 5mg three weeks ago for anxiety/depression. I am a Type A personality so I have worried/stressed most of my life and never taken any kind of medication. Due to several major stresses in the last year I started taking Lexapro. I had fairly minor side effects for the first week....then everything leveled off and my anxiety and depression abated. Last week I raised the dosage to 7.5mg. I did great on that for 3 days....THEN the 3rd night I woke up with a migraine.....waves of intense heat and nausea traveling from my feet to my head.....very jittery and weak.....then freezing cold with chills. This sent me to the ER after about 2 hours non-stop! Phenergan would not relieve the nausea! I had a CAT scan and blood work.....everything checked out OK. I went home and the next day I reduced my Lexapro dosage back to 5mg. That night I experienced the same effects although not nearly intense. I began my monthly period that night......18 days since my last one! The 3rd night I experienced a few hot flashes and slight nausea.
After having lowered my Lexapro back down to 5mg I have not had any more of these symptoms. My pharmacist said that my increasing the dosage may have caused the symptoms. I saw an Internist after this happened and my hormonal blood tests came back normal - they said I was Premenopausal. I have read several posts where women on Lexapro started having abnormal menstrual cycles and hot flashes along with headaches. Actually some men on Lexapro have reported having severe hot flashes! I just wondered if it might be possible that SSRI's are producing these effects......or if they may be contributing to early onset of menopause.
Has anyone experienced the same while taking SSRI's...particularly Lexapro?
Also, if this is the onset of menopause.....should I expect this INTENITY often....or is the beginning anxiety attack (or whatever this was) the worse and then it lightens up. I have a horrible fear of nausea......and the thought of it ocurring often terrifies me. If anyone has had this experience I would love to hear from you!
Thanks!
Full Version: Help! Can Lexapro be the culprit?
Hi Me,
And welcome to Power-Surge.
It's possible that the higher dose of Lexapro caused this problem, but many of us had that waking-up-in-a-panic, hot-and-cold flashes, WITHOUT being on medication. You could be having flashes caused by peri, too - especially if you see that your periods are coming closer together. Were your periods always very regular before getting on the Lexapro, or were you seeing changes before?
I think it's going to be a hard call with this one - perhaps staying at the lower dose, and seeing what happens.
Everyone is different, so it could be that this is not the right medication for you? It has been good for me - kept me going during severe depression, but others on Power-Surge haven't done well with it.
If what you are feeling is peri, you may find it helped by the Lexapro. Prior to getting onto the meds, I was not only dealing with quite severe depression, but was awakening in a panic nightly. Very tiring and scary!
BTW, it took a few months before I really felt the benefits of the Lexapro.
Wishing you good luck in figuring this all out! Meanwhile, we're here for you!
JJ
And welcome to Power-Surge.
It's possible that the higher dose of Lexapro caused this problem, but many of us had that waking-up-in-a-panic, hot-and-cold flashes, WITHOUT being on medication. You could be having flashes caused by peri, too - especially if you see that your periods are coming closer together. Were your periods always very regular before getting on the Lexapro, or were you seeing changes before?
I think it's going to be a hard call with this one - perhaps staying at the lower dose, and seeing what happens.
Everyone is different, so it could be that this is not the right medication for you? It has been good for me - kept me going during severe depression, but others on Power-Surge haven't done well with it.
If what you are feeling is peri, you may find it helped by the Lexapro. Prior to getting onto the meds, I was not only dealing with quite severe depression, but was awakening in a panic nightly. Very tiring and scary!
BTW, it took a few months before I really felt the benefits of the Lexapro.
Wishing you good luck in figuring this all out! Meanwhile, we're here for you!
JJ
QUOTE (joliejacq @ Apr 16 2006, 11:02 AM) 
Hi Me,
And welcome to Power-Surge.
It's possible that the higher dose of Lexapro caused this problem, but many of us had that waking-up-in-a-panic, hot-and-cold flashes, WITHOUT being on medication. You could be having flashes caused by peri, too - especially if you see that your periods are coming closer together. Were your periods always very regular before getting on the Lexapro, or were you seeing changes before?
I think it's going to be a hard call with this one - perhaps staying at the lower dose, and seeing what happens.
Everyone is different, so it could be that this is not the right medication for you? It has been good for me - kept me going during severe depression, but others on Power-Surge haven't done well with it.
If what you are feeling is peri, you may find it helped by the Lexapro. Prior to getting onto the meds, I was not only dealing with quite severe depression, but was awakening in a panic nightly. Very tiring and scary!
BTW, it took a few months before I really felt the benefits of the Lexapro.
Wishing you good luck in figuring this all out! Meanwhile, we're here for you!
JJ
And welcome to Power-Surge.
It's possible that the higher dose of Lexapro caused this problem, but many of us had that waking-up-in-a-panic, hot-and-cold flashes, WITHOUT being on medication. You could be having flashes caused by peri, too - especially if you see that your periods are coming closer together. Were your periods always very regular before getting on the Lexapro, or were you seeing changes before?
I think it's going to be a hard call with this one - perhaps staying at the lower dose, and seeing what happens.
Everyone is different, so it could be that this is not the right medication for you? It has been good for me - kept me going during severe depression, but others on Power-Surge haven't done well with it.
If what you are feeling is peri, you may find it helped by the Lexapro. Prior to getting onto the meds, I was not only dealing with quite severe depression, but was awakening in a panic nightly. Very tiring and scary!
BTW, it took a few months before I really felt the benefits of the Lexapro.
Wishing you good luck in figuring this all out! Meanwhile, we're here for you!
JJ
Hi JJ,
Thanks for the reply! Yes, my monthly periods had shortened about 3 years ago - 24 days apart....not fun! But I had no other symptoms (other than bad headaches monthly for many years). After starting Lexapro last month I began my period 3 days early......then 18 days later had another. I have never had panic attacks. I was on Lexapro for depression and anxiety I had for a long time. Although, if this is perimenopause, I assume the depression and higher anxiety could be attributed to that!
Is it normal to awaken with hot/cold flashes and nausea that severe - that lasts for several hours? Just curious. I have felt so much better on the Lexapro for the last month.....I don't worry like I used to....much calmer.....my friends and family notice a change. And NO DEPRESSION.....when I get sad it's just that....SAD....then it fades!!!
Another question - may sound stupid but I am not quite understanding....Are pre-menopause and peri- menopause the same? Or is pre-menopause any time before onset of any symptoms?
Thanks so much - this is all so scary since I just started the Lex. I don't do well with medications and was afraid to even try it! I am so glad I did......hope the problem was simply a reaction to the higher dose.
Findingme
Hi Findingme (I like that - we're all trying to find ourselves!)
Yes, pre-menopause and peri-menopause are the same thing. Peri literally means "around the menopause." You are considered to be IN menopause when you have gone one year without a period.
If you look at some of the posts in the "Bleeding" thread here at Power-Surge, you'll see that women in peri can have periods that are all over the place - they can go months without a period, then have one that lasts 3 weeks!
My periods got completely crazy toward the end, so that I carried pads with me EVERYWHERE at all times. It was a little scary, but I'd have tests that showed everything was "normal," just the swinging of hormones keeping the uterine lining going nuts!
BTW, I also had headaches at the start of my periods, as have some of the other sisters here. And yes, a lot of us developed anxiety and depression, too! I've always been high-strung, but had never had a bout of depression until this nonsense kicked in.
You'll also see, if you look around in the boards here, that many sisters struggle with nausea, hot and cold flashes, etc. Hormones affect so much of the body, that there's a wide range of "symptoms" associated with peri.
I, too, was afraid to start the Lexapro, cutting it into tiny pieces at first, LOL. But it definitely helped the depression to lift. It didn't take everything away - I still get the "cry urge" at times, and so wish this would go away. But it's nice to be able to leave the house again!
You might want to look around at some of the wonderful articles on this site, the interviews with doctors, etc. There is excellent information here!
Wishing you the best with all this,
JJ
(I like that - we're all trying to find ourselves!)Yes, pre-menopause and peri-menopause are the same thing. Peri literally means "around the menopause." You are considered to be IN menopause when you have gone one year without a period.
If you look at some of the posts in the "Bleeding" thread here at Power-Surge, you'll see that women in peri can have periods that are all over the place - they can go months without a period, then have one that lasts 3 weeks!
My periods got completely crazy toward the end, so that I carried pads with me EVERYWHERE at all times. It was a little scary, but I'd have tests that showed everything was "normal," just the swinging of hormones keeping the uterine lining going nuts!BTW, I also had headaches at the start of my periods, as have some of the other sisters here. And yes, a lot of us developed anxiety and depression, too! I've always been high-strung, but had never had a bout of depression until this nonsense kicked in.
You'll also see, if you look around in the boards here, that many sisters struggle with nausea, hot and cold flashes, etc. Hormones affect so much of the body, that there's a wide range of "symptoms" associated with peri.
I, too, was afraid to start the Lexapro, cutting it into tiny pieces at first, LOL. But it definitely helped the depression to lift. It didn't take everything away - I still get the "cry urge" at times, and so wish this would go away. But it's nice to be able to leave the house again!
You might want to look around at some of the wonderful articles on this site, the interviews with doctors, etc. There is excellent information here!
Wishing you the best with all this,
JJ
Hi Me,
I didn't start Lexapro until peri kicked in. I started it last summer due to all of the anxiety and depression. I had already experienced the nausea and jitters prior to starting this med. Personally I think mine was due to the peri. I have stayed on the same dose of Lexapro (10mg) for about nine months now and I intend to stay on it until I'm post. My cycle had already started to be irratic prior to the med and is becoming even more so since. Isn't this all just so much fun???? NOT
I didn't start Lexapro until peri kicked in. I started it last summer due to all of the anxiety and depression. I had already experienced the nausea and jitters prior to starting this med. Personally I think mine was due to the peri. I have stayed on the same dose of Lexapro (10mg) for about nine months now and I intend to stay on it until I'm post. My cycle had already started to be irratic prior to the med and is becoming even more so since. Isn't this all just so much fun???? NOT
imjustme,
I took lexapro for about 1 year (stopped in December). When I first went from 5 to 10 mg, I had horrible hot flashes and increased anxiety that almost made me stop taking it. I continued, however, and the hot flashes and overall panickly feeling subsided after about the 3rd week. Hot flashes and increased anxiety are both side effects (almost always temporarily) of Lexapro, so that is probably what you experienced. It is a horrible feeling, but once you get through it and the Lexapro does its job, it is worth it. Good luck!
maura
I took lexapro for about 1 year (stopped in December). When I first went from 5 to 10 mg, I had horrible hot flashes and increased anxiety that almost made me stop taking it. I continued, however, and the hot flashes and overall panickly feeling subsided after about the 3rd week. Hot flashes and increased anxiety are both side effects (almost always temporarily) of Lexapro, so that is probably what you experienced. It is a horrible feeling, but once you get through it and the Lexapro does its job, it is worth it. Good luck!
maura
[Thank you both so much! I suppose I may as well accept "what is". I am beginning to wonder if I will ever "find me". I have lived most of my life with this intensity within me....don't really know how to explain it. I worried about everything.....except "me"....I was in my second marriage for 18 years and had a husband who loved me....BUT....I was never happy....he was SO laid back and I was SO hyper. I did the yard work.....the kids.....the bills.....the planning.....the housework.....and I worked also! He NEVER worried because I did it all. We had no sex life for the last 6 years (since I was 40 years old!). I decided six months ago that if I did not find whatever was missing in my life....I might never find it! We separated remaining friends and my 10 year old daughter and I bought a house and moved out. I felt so liberated....and at the same time a little fearful.....didn't know what I was looking for! I just knew that I was getting older (even though I feel SO young - I still wear junior clothing size 3 - I dance around the house with my daughter every day) and better hurry!
I had been starting to take care of ME for the first time in my life! I have manicures.....I take the time to exercise....I spend HOURS on the computer and reading. Well......DEPRESSION hit hard....for the first time in my life. I cried all the time and felt SO lonely. Ended up on Lexapro.......and 18 days later it seems that premenopause is kicking in! This s*cks! Just when I finally have the courage to find happiness......I am reduced to a sickly.....nervous......frightened person!
I WILL NOT let menopause stand in my way of "finding me". In the last year I have become so much more confident.....and like others on this board have said.....I don't care what anyone thinks anymore.....it used to bother me terribly. I will use the integrity and willpower that has gotten me through this far in life and be even stronger! Life is so very precious......and I will enjoy each day and thank God for what he has done for me......not complain about what he doesn't do.
I am so glad to have found this site.....thank you all for the posts you write....they help me SO very much!
findingme (eventually!)
I had been starting to take care of ME for the first time in my life! I have manicures.....I take the time to exercise....I spend HOURS on the computer and reading. Well......DEPRESSION hit hard....for the first time in my life. I cried all the time and felt SO lonely. Ended up on Lexapro.......and 18 days later it seems that premenopause is kicking in! This s*cks! Just when I finally have the courage to find happiness......I am reduced to a sickly.....nervous......frightened person!
I WILL NOT let menopause stand in my way of "finding me". In the last year I have become so much more confident.....and like others on this board have said.....I don't care what anyone thinks anymore.....it used to bother me terribly. I will use the integrity and willpower that has gotten me through this far in life and be even stronger! Life is so very precious......and I will enjoy each day and thank God for what he has done for me......not complain about what he doesn't do.
I am so glad to have found this site.....thank you all for the posts you write....they help me SO very much!
findingme (eventually!)
QUOTE (mauras @ Apr 17 2006, 09:51 AM)
imjustme,
I took lexapro for about 1 year (stopped in December). When I first went from 5 to 10 mg, I had horrible hot flashes and increased anxiety that almost made me stop taking it. I continued, however, and the hot flashes and overall panickly feeling subsided after about the 3rd week. Hot flashes and increased anxiety are both side effects (almost always temporarily) of Lexapro, so that is probably what you experienced. It is a horrible feeling, but once you get through it and the Lexapro does its job, it is worth it. Good luck!
maura
I took lexapro for about 1 year (stopped in December). When I first went from 5 to 10 mg, I had horrible hot flashes and increased anxiety that almost made me stop taking it. I continued, however, and the hot flashes and overall panickly feeling subsided after about the 3rd week. Hot flashes and increased anxiety are both side effects (almost always temporarily) of Lexapro, so that is probably what you experienced. It is a horrible feeling, but once you get through it and the Lexapro does its job, it is worth it. Good luck!
maura
Hi maura,
Thanks! Just curious - did you have heat waves over your body and then chills? Oh, and NAUSEA? Were you already into perimenopause when you started Lex - already having hot flashes and disrupted periods? I do believe that I am beginning peri but I also believe that my timeing on increasing the Lex had something to do with the HORRIBLE effects I had. I truly hope so - because I could not deal with that type of nausea very often! I have an intense fear of vomiting - always have - but never had anxiety attacks. I believe that episode set off an anxiety attack - SCARY.
The Lex is working great for me at 5mg. I should have left well enough alone! Why did you stop taking the Lex?
Thanks so verrrrry much!!!!
findingme
Hi Me,
I am just like you in that I do everything, and no body else has to worry about anything. Then one day, out of the blue, I started getting horrible anxiety and worry, then some depressions. I suspected peri but was not sure until I found PS.
I went on the Lexapro (10 mg) 30 days ago. I have not had any side effects so far, but keeping an eye out for them to begin. Don't want them, but am cautiously optimistic about the fantastic results of the Lexapro so far. I do know that nausea and headaches are a common side effect, but never heard about the hot flashes and chills you are experiencing.
Thanks for sharing your experiences so the rest of us can be aware the same symptoms just in case we should get them.
I am just like you in that I do everything, and no body else has to worry about anything. Then one day, out of the blue, I started getting horrible anxiety and worry, then some depressions. I suspected peri but was not sure until I found PS.
I went on the Lexapro (10 mg) 30 days ago. I have not had any side effects so far, but keeping an eye out for them to begin. Don't want them, but am cautiously optimistic about the fantastic results of the Lexapro so far. I do know that nausea and headaches are a common side effect, but never heard about the hot flashes and chills you are experiencing.
Thanks for sharing your experiences so the rest of us can be aware the same symptoms just in case we should get them.
QUOTE (Happ1 @ Apr 17 2006, 06:01 PM)
I went on the Lexapro (10 mg) 30 days ago. I have not had any side effects so far, but keeping an eye out for them to begin.
Happ,
The good news is that if you haven't experienced side effects on the Lexapro by now, you probably won't - they are most apt to show up right away. I have done very well with this medication, too, thank goodness.
JJ
imjustme,
I started having hot flashes, racing heart, and horrible anxiety that after 1000 tests was diagnosed as perimenopause (started 3 yrs ago when I turned 40). After months of suffering I went on the pill and lexapro (for the anxiety). So yes, I had the peri symptoms before I took the Lexapro. I was trying to get rid of the hot flashes with the pill and they did go away, only to come back when I started the Lexapro. But, as I said before, they only lasted a few weeks and then I was fine.
The hot flashes I had on the lexapro were just like you described, waves of heat and I felt panicky and nauseous too. It will pass!
maura
I started having hot flashes, racing heart, and horrible anxiety that after 1000 tests was diagnosed as perimenopause (started 3 yrs ago when I turned 40). After months of suffering I went on the pill and lexapro (for the anxiety). So yes, I had the peri symptoms before I took the Lexapro. I was trying to get rid of the hot flashes with the pill and they did go away, only to come back when I started the Lexapro. But, as I said before, they only lasted a few weeks and then I was fine.
The hot flashes I had on the lexapro were just like you described, waves of heat and I felt panicky and nauseous too. It will pass!
maura
QUOTE (mauras @ Apr 18 2006, 10:43 AM)
imjustme,
I started having hot flashes, racing heart, and horrible anxiety that after 1000 tests was diagnosed as perimenopause (started 3 yrs ago when I turned 40). After months of suffering I went on the pill and lexapro (for the anxiety). So yes, I had the peri symptoms before I took the Lexapro. I was trying to get rid of the hot flashes with the pill and they did go away, only to come back when I started the Lexapro. But, as I said before, they only lasted a few weeks and then I was fine.
The hot flashes I had on the lexapro were just like you described, waves of heat and I felt panicky and nauseous too. It will pass!
maura
I started having hot flashes, racing heart, and horrible anxiety that after 1000 tests was diagnosed as perimenopause (started 3 yrs ago when I turned 40). After months of suffering I went on the pill and lexapro (for the anxiety). So yes, I had the peri symptoms before I took the Lexapro. I was trying to get rid of the hot flashes with the pill and they did go away, only to come back when I started the Lexapro. But, as I said before, they only lasted a few weeks and then I was fine.
The hot flashes I had on the lexapro were just like you described, waves of heat and I felt panicky and nauseous too. It will pass!
maura
Maura,
Thanks for this info!! My doctor called today and told me that the increase of Lexapro and my estrogen levels dropping at the same time probably intensified everything!! I was thinking the Lexapro may have triggered the early monthly period because I have had no symptoms before or after the increase of the Lexapro. Don't know.....but he will put me on the pill and progesterone in a month if I have more symptoms. Did the pill and the Lexapro stop the flashes or just calm them somewhat?
I'm glad you were able to get things under control.....if you went through months of the flashes like I had I truly sympathize with you!!! It's rough..,.isn't it? Good luck and thank you!!!
findingme
imjustme,
The pill and the lexapro worked great and I have had no hot flashes since I went on them. I am now off the lexapro (stayed on it for 1 yr. then went off to see if I needed it any more). I still feel fine after being off the lexapro for 4 months. I really think once the pill kicked in, that the hot flashes and anxiety went away. I started all of this 3 yrs ago when I turned 40 and it was amazing that after a ton of doctor visits and tests that it was the last thing anyone thought of. Many doctors think you are too young to have these issues at 40. The hot flashes were horrible! For me they were like anxiety attacks - I would feel this wave of heat out of nowhere followed by a feeling of panic and then heart racing. I had all kinds of heart tests done and my doctor kept saying - "I just think it is anxiety". I went to an endocrinologist who tested me for all sorts of strange things and wasn't even going to test my estrogen and progesterone levels. He did order the bloodwork for those when I asked him to, and it turns out that my estrogen and progesterone were both really low. I credit my gynocologist for being the only one to listen to me. After I finally went to him and asked "Can all of this be form hormones?" - he replied that he was almost positive it was, put me on the pill, and that was that. I hope you find some relief from this!
mauras
The pill and the lexapro worked great and I have had no hot flashes since I went on them. I am now off the lexapro (stayed on it for 1 yr. then went off to see if I needed it any more). I still feel fine after being off the lexapro for 4 months. I really think once the pill kicked in, that the hot flashes and anxiety went away. I started all of this 3 yrs ago when I turned 40 and it was amazing that after a ton of doctor visits and tests that it was the last thing anyone thought of. Many doctors think you are too young to have these issues at 40. The hot flashes were horrible! For me they were like anxiety attacks - I would feel this wave of heat out of nowhere followed by a feeling of panic and then heart racing. I had all kinds of heart tests done and my doctor kept saying - "I just think it is anxiety". I went to an endocrinologist who tested me for all sorts of strange things and wasn't even going to test my estrogen and progesterone levels. He did order the bloodwork for those when I asked him to, and it turns out that my estrogen and progesterone were both really low. I credit my gynocologist for being the only one to listen to me. After I finally went to him and asked "Can all of this be form hormones?" - he replied that he was almost positive it was, put me on the pill, and that was that. I hope you find some relief from this!
mauras
QUOTE (mauras @ Apr 18 2006, 10:43 AM)
imjustme,
I started having hot flashes, racing heart, and horrible anxiety that after 1000 tests was diagnosed as perimenopause (started 3 yrs ago when I turned 40). After months of suffering I went on the pill and lexapro (for the anxiety). So yes, I had the peri symptoms before I took the Lexapro. I was trying to get rid of the hot flashes with the pill and they did go away, only to come back when I started the Lexapro. But, as I said before, they only lasted a few weeks and then I was fine.
The hot flashes I had on the lexapro were just like you described, waves of heat and I felt panicky and nauseous too. It will pass!
maura
I started having hot flashes, racing heart, and horrible anxiety that after 1000 tests was diagnosed as perimenopause (started 3 yrs ago when I turned 40). After months of suffering I went on the pill and lexapro (for the anxiety). So yes, I had the peri symptoms before I took the Lexapro. I was trying to get rid of the hot flashes with the pill and they did go away, only to come back when I started the Lexapro. But, as I said before, they only lasted a few weeks and then I was fine.
The hot flashes I had on the lexapro were just like you described, waves of heat and I felt panicky and nauseous too. It will pass!
maura
maura,
Thanks! I am still just taking 5mg and it works for me! I have not had any symptoms since I dropped my Lexapro back down. I hope the 5mg continues to help my anxiety/depression. It is so scary to increase with the side effects. At this point I don't know if I am in pre-men or it was entirely the Lex. Although I did start my period 18 days after the last - and it was really short. F or now I am happy and feeling great! I am so glad that I found this board - all of you have helped me so much. Especially with the info about the Lexapro.
justme
QUOTE (Happ1 @ Apr 17 2006, 05:01 PM)
Hi Me,
I am just like you in that I do everything, and no body else has to worry about anything. Then one day, out of the blue, I started getting horrible anxiety and worry, then some depressions. I suspected peri but was not sure until I found PS.
I went on the Lexapro (10 mg) 30 days ago. I have not had any side effects so far, but keeping an eye out for them to begin. Don't want them, but am cautiously optimistic about the fantastic results of the Lexapro so far. I do know that nausea and headaches are a common side effect, but never heard about the hot flashes and chills you are experiencing.
Thanks for sharing your experiences so the rest of us can be aware the same symptoms just in case we should get them.
I am just like you in that I do everything, and no body else has to worry about anything. Then one day, out of the blue, I started getting horrible anxiety and worry, then some depressions. I suspected peri but was not sure until I found PS.
I went on the Lexapro (10 mg) 30 days ago. I have not had any side effects so far, but keeping an eye out for them to begin. Don't want them, but am cautiously optimistic about the fantastic results of the Lexapro so far. I do know that nausea and headaches are a common side effect, but never heard about the hot flashes and chills you are experiencing.
Thanks for sharing your experiences so the rest of us can be aware the same symptoms just in case we should get them.
Happ,
What dosage of Lexapro are you on? I am surprised that since this is the first AD I have ever taken and it works for me! Alot of people have to experiment with quite a few. My doctor said that he believes the symptoms I had were Lexapro related...the reason that the 5mg was at blood barrier level (something like that) and the 7.5 mg put it over that level.....,and maybe my body doesn't need that much serotonin. The side effects probably would have gone away....but from what I have read....alot of people quit because the symptoms continue. I don't need sertotonin syndrome right now! On the 5mg I don't worry, am not stressed, and most important - not depressed! I was not able to feel "like me" and happy until I had taken it for almost a month....but it works!!! Thank you for the response!
justme
Justme,
In answer to your question, I am on 10mg. Until I read your post, I didn't even know they camd in 5mg. I'm sure that when I begin to ween off of them I will take the 5mg for awhile. I was surprised that it worked for me as well as I have never taken them before either. I really never took any medication until I became depressed in January. Now it is Lexapro for depression, Enderal for calming, and Ambien occasionally for sleep. I went from 0 to 3 medications in a matter of weeks. After I started all the medications, I figured out it was probably peri. At any rate, the Lexapro began working after 4 days and I felt the full effect after 2 weeks. Now I worry about the day I get off of it; will my depression come back? I never want to feel like that again; no sleeping or eating and crying all the time while trying to work every day at a stressful job. It was awful.
How long do you plan to stay on the Lexapro? Have you and your doctor talked about it? I am curious how long it is recommended that a person stay on it.
In answer to your question, I am on 10mg. Until I read your post, I didn't even know they camd in 5mg. I'm sure that when I begin to ween off of them I will take the 5mg for awhile. I was surprised that it worked for me as well as I have never taken them before either. I really never took any medication until I became depressed in January. Now it is Lexapro for depression, Enderal for calming, and Ambien occasionally for sleep. I went from 0 to 3 medications in a matter of weeks. After I started all the medications, I figured out it was probably peri. At any rate, the Lexapro began working after 4 days and I felt the full effect after 2 weeks. Now I worry about the day I get off of it; will my depression come back? I never want to feel like that again; no sleeping or eating and crying all the time while trying to work every day at a stressful job. It was awful.
How long do you plan to stay on the Lexapro? Have you and your doctor talked about it? I am curious how long it is recommended that a person stay on it.
I also started taking the Lexapro 10mg last Thursday (first day of my period). That Friday I had intense heat going through my chest and arms and the back of my head and ears. This sent me to the ER because it's scared the **** out of me! I was given Xanax for this and was told it was a panic attack, which I've had before but never the heat feeling. This has since subsided and I feel like I'm getting a bit better. I'm taking the Lexapro for anxiety and Xanax as needed for the panic attacks. I just hope I start to feel normal again soon. I do notice that I have a drop in my apetite, but that might be due to the anxiety. I hope to get good results out of this. This is the first time I've taken meds and have heard alot of good things about Lexapro.
Good luck to all!!
Leanne
Good luck to all!!
Leanne
QUOTE (Happ1 @ Apr 20 2006, 08:50 PM)
Justme,
In answer to your question, I am on 10mg. Until I read your post, I didn't even know they camd in 5mg. I'm sure that when I begin to ween off of them I will take the 5mg for awhile. I was surprised that it worked for me as well as I have never taken them before either. I really never took any medication until I became depressed in January. Now it is Lexapro for depression, Enderal for calming, and Ambien occasionally for sleep. I went from 0 to 3 medications in a matter of weeks. After I started all the medications, I figured out it was probably peri. At any rate, the Lexapro began working after 4 days and I felt the full effect after 2 weeks. Now I worry about the day I get off of it; will my depression come back? I never want to feel like that again; no sleeping or eating and crying all the time while trying to work every day at a stressful job. It was awful.
How long do you plan to stay on the Lexapro? Have you and your doctor talked about it? I am curious how long it is recommended that a person stay on it.
In answer to your question, I am on 10mg. Until I read your post, I didn't even know they camd in 5mg. I'm sure that when I begin to ween off of them I will take the 5mg for awhile. I was surprised that it worked for me as well as I have never taken them before either. I really never took any medication until I became depressed in January. Now it is Lexapro for depression, Enderal for calming, and Ambien occasionally for sleep. I went from 0 to 3 medications in a matter of weeks. After I started all the medications, I figured out it was probably peri. At any rate, the Lexapro began working after 4 days and I felt the full effect after 2 weeks. Now I worry about the day I get off of it; will my depression come back? I never want to feel like that again; no sleeping or eating and crying all the time while trying to work every day at a stressful job. It was awful.
How long do you plan to stay on the Lexapro? Have you and your doctor talked about it? I am curious how long it is recommended that a person stay on it.
Hi Happy1,
I was prescribed 10mg - so I bought a pill splitter and cut them in half - although they do come in 5mg. They were prescribed for me by another doctor before I realize this might be perimenopause. I am being treated by my Internist now and he said that if I stay with such a low dose and no problems I can stay on it for as long as needed. I would highly recommend going off of it VERY slowly - it seems that alot of people have w/d for as long a a month after slowly tapering off! I plan to take months going off of even 5mg!! It also comes in a liquid form which makes it easier to taper off.
I am taking no other medications now. I sleep OK at nite - I get about 7 or 8 hours of sleep. Glad yours is working for you too. My doctor really believes that the increase of Lex caused the hot flashes/nausea. I have read many posts on Lexapro where people had severe hot/cold flashes getting on and coming off of Lexapro!!! Hope we will both do well with ours!!! I am SO much happy and calm!!!
Take care,
justme
Leeann and Justme,
Sounds like we are Lexapro sisters. It also sounds like it is working well for all of us. Here's to better living through chemistry!
You know I am just kidding because no body wants to be on medication, but we have to look at the humor when ever possible. Please keep me posted from time to time on how you are both feeling.
Sounds like we are Lexapro sisters. It also sounds like it is working well for all of us. Here's to better living through chemistry!
You know I am just kidding because no body wants to be on medication, but we have to look at the humor when ever possible. Please keep me posted from time to time on how you are both feeling.
Happ1,
I like that! Lexapro sisters!! Now we can share out experiences through the process of meds! I agree that meds aren't for everyone, but for me I was desperate!! Have a good day! Today is day 10 for me, and I think I might be getting better, don't want to hold my breath though! How are you sleeping? I haven't slept well since January! Any thoughts??
Leanne
I like that! Lexapro sisters!! Now we can share out experiences through the process of meds! I agree that meds aren't for everyone, but for me I was desperate!! Have a good day! Today is day 10 for me, and I think I might be getting better, don't want to hold my breath though! How are you sleeping? I haven't slept well since January! Any thoughts??
Leanne
Are you taking your Lexapro at night? I found it kept me awake.
When I switched to mornings, I began sleeping much better.
JJ
When I switched to mornings, I began sleeping much better.
JJ
QUOTE (dleanne @ Apr 22 2006, 09:33 AM)
Happ1,
I like that! Lexapro sisters!! Now we can share out experiences through the process of meds! I agree that meds aren't for everyone, but for me I was desperate!! Have a good day! Today is day 10 for me, and I think I might be getting better, don't want to hold my breath though! How are you sleeping? I haven't slept well since January! Any thoughts??
Leanne
I like that! Lexapro sisters!! Now we can share out experiences through the process of meds! I agree that meds aren't for everyone, but for me I was desperate!! Have a good day! Today is day 10 for me, and I think I might be getting better, don't want to hold my breath though! How are you sleeping? I haven't slept well since January! Any thoughts??
Leanne
Leanne,
I also take mine at 11:00 and eat when I take it. Some nights it takes awhile to fall asleep but I sleep very well and all night! Please let me know if the Lexapro changes your monthly cycle (unless it has already changed!). I really think the episode like yours that sent me to the ER was caused by the Lexapro increased dosage - although I did have my period early - the same day! Glad we all found something that works - I have seen a tremendous different in the last week! A lot happier!
freetobeme
QUOTE (imjustme @ Apr 22 2006, 12:21 PM)
Leanne,
I also take mine at 11:00 and eat when I take it. Some nights it takes awhile to fall asleep but I sleep very well and all night! Please let me know if the Lexapro changes your monthly cycle (unless it has already changed!). I really think the episode like yours that sent me to the ER was caused by the Lexapro increased dosage - although I did have my period early - the same day! Glad we all found something that works - I have seen a tremendous different in the last week! A lot happier!
freetobeme
I also take mine at 11:00 and eat when I take it. Some nights it takes awhile to fall asleep but I sleep very well and all night! Please let me know if the Lexapro changes your monthly cycle (unless it has already changed!). I really think the episode like yours that sent me to the ER was caused by the Lexapro increased dosage - although I did have my period early - the same day! Glad we all found something that works - I have seen a tremendous different in the last week! A lot happier!
freetobeme
Imjustme,
I take my Lexapro around 8am with breakfast, but still have problems sleeping. I've been having problems sleeping for a few months and I've only been on the Lexapro for 10 days. I hope to get some sleep soon!
I am 37 and my doctor checked my hormones last month and said that I was not in perimenopause, although that's what she thought was going on with me. Anyways, I'll keep you posted if I have changes in my periods. So far today is the best day I've had in months!!! I hope it's the Lexapro kicking in!!! Take care!!
Leanne
QUOTE (joliejacq @ Apr 22 2006, 01:04 PM)
Are you taking your Lexapro at night? I found it kept me awake.
When I switched to mornings, I began sleeping much better.
JJ
When I switched to mornings, I began sleeping much better.
JJ
I take mine at night because I read it can upset your stomache, so I thought night time would be best. I sleep fine now that I am on Lexapro. Occasionally I take half a sleeping pill (Ambien), but not very often.
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