Posted by atlrunner2002 on December 3, 2002, at 20:02:09
In reply to Started Lexapro 1 week ago, posted by roxy on December 3, 2002, at 8:42:38
> I just started taking Lexapro 10mg one week ago today. This is the first antidepressant med I have ever taken. I was wondering about the side effects. I find myself clenching my jaws all the time. I have constant neck and upper shoulder pain. I find myself getting extremely tired in the afternoon having to take a nap at least two hours a day even after a full night's sleep. Also, headaches so strong they actually wake me up the middle of the night. I also find myself trembling at times. Do these effects lessen? Is weight gain a side effect? It would really help to know if other people suffer from these side effects, and if so, how long do they last?? Thank you.
I have been on Lexapro for about 9 weeks now. I did have side effects at first, including being very wired/insomnia for a few days, then extremely sleepy/comatose/sleeping 12 hours a night for a couple of weeks. Also, decreased appetite, constipation, jaw clenching in the a.m. (I take it in the morning), some irritability, VERY slight/infrequent headaches, nausea, and sore throat. Anyway, after about 6 weeks, all side effects were gone, and in my experience, Lexapro is a miracle drug for depression - completely gone! So far, no weight gain; in fact, I lost 6-8 pounds in the first few weeks, although my weight has stabilized and my appetite is normal again.
I started at 10 mg, then went to 15, then recently to 20, hoping it would help w/my anxiety, so I could get off Xanax. At 15 mg I felt like a million bucks (like I had taken a Happy pill) and at 20 mg I have been emotionally "flat". So, after meeting with my Dr today and talking about all of it, I'm going back to 15 mg. Give it a chance, and stick with it long enough to work through the sides and see if it truly helps your depression.
Now, I have a ton of energy during the day, and sleep like a rock at night - no more sides at all, and the depression is gone. It's wonderful - I hope it works as well for you!
poster:atlrunner2002
thread:130369
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20021203/msgs/130449.html