Lexapro - side effects? - Anxiety Message Board

Jchandra88 · 05-28-2004, 06:17 PM

My doctor recently started me on Lexapro. Just in case it's not known, it's for depression/anxiety. I started it Wednesday and then an hour and a half later, my neck and shoulders tightened up considerably...I couldn't breath well...my heart raced. It was really scary, I thought I was going to die. Today, my neck and shoulders are sore from the tightness two days ago. Is this a common effect from the Lexapro - if anyone knows, please inform me! It made me feel worse than the way I was feeling before.. Today, I feel relatively better - well, back to how I was feeling before taking the Lexapro. I still feel tight around my neck and shoulders (although not unbearably tight like when I was having the attack), and it also feels like my head's too heavy for my neck to hold up. Does that make sense? I really can't stand an attack like that one again... Does anyone have any other suggestions? Oh, I also took some Sudafed after taking the Lexapro..but the doctor said it shouldn't interract with the Lexapro.
My chest also feels tight and there's the lack of energy and appetite of course.. I just am having trouble believing that this is anxiety and where it could possibly have come from...And does this ever go away...I'm so scared that it'll stay around for the rest of my life...I'm only 22.

Has anyone else had any experience with Lexapro??

microwave · 05-28-2004, 10:05 PM

I am taking Lexapro and have not had the symptoms you describe. But - medications react differently in people. Talk to your doctor about this and see if you might need to switch medications.

The important thing to remember is that you will NOT feel like this forever. It will get better and you will feel 'normal' again. One day you will realize you hadn't felt anxiety for an hour. Maybe the next week you will realize you hadn't thought about it for 4 hours, etc. Suddenly you will realize you hadn't had any anxiety problems in a week! It does keep getting better. Hang in there. I know it sucks right now, but keep on doing the best you can.

hry33 · 05-29-2004, 02:10 PM

Hi Jchandra,

lexapro and all the other antidepressants often make us feel worse at first before reducing our stress and anxiety later, try reducing the dose for a while, maybe cut the tablet

valium type meds reduce the early antidepressant side effects and should always also be given but sadly often arent

a long soak in a hot bath should help

jete23 · 06-01-2004, 01:38 PM

I am on Lexapro, and have had the muscle tightness in my back and shoulders-it sucks b/c you feel like you can't move. It makes me tired too, but my anxiety and panic have been much better.
As far as not believing that ti's anxiety b/c you're 22. I'm 23, and trust me, that's what it is. I have noticed on these boards that there are many people in their 20s who have been recently diagnosed with this.
Just be thankful that we live in today's society, and not in the 50's, and that medicine has been developed that helps us cope.

scottskitty · 06-02-2004, 11:33 AM

i was on lexapro for a little while. the 1st night i took it i had to go the er because i had a really bad panic attack that wouldn't quit. after that it made me feel really strange. i felt disconnected, tired, and had panic attacks every day, sometimes twice a day. i also felt very anxious and was not a happy person to be around. now i'm on effexor and i feel great.