Lexapro making me lazy, tired, unmotivated - Anxiety Message Board

deadonarrival · 03-25-2009, 06:35 PM

I have been on Lexapro 20mg for over 6 months now, and within the past 2 months I have started to feel extremely tired about an hour after I take my pill. Throughout the day I can no longer complete simple tasks like I used to and frequently blow off work to lay in bed all day. I have to take multiple naps throughout the day and no matter how many hours of sleep I get or excersize I am still extremely exhausted. My eyes constantly feel heavy and I don't go out much anymore because I don't really feel like getting ready. When I do go out, or if I am driving, I feel spaced out and "not all there." I don't feel sad at all, I just feel like a slug and that I don't care much about doing things that need to get done. It is almost like I am TOO relaxed. Lexapro has helped me with my anxiety and depression, but i'm wondering if I need to slowly taper off of it at this point or try another medication? I don't seem to get excited about things either, and just mostly numb with occasional happiness. I'm really confused on what I should do and my doctor isn't much help. Would a lower dose still help me and make the tiredness subside?

Thanks for any information!

catheryn · 03-26-2009, 10:00 AM

If you feel too relaxed then you probably are on a higher than needed dosage. Perhaps cutting back in 1/4s would help?

I felt horribly unmotivated when I was on paxil. I was also very tired and had a hard time doing much work/school wise. My GPA dropped from a 3.9 out of a 4.0 to a 3.2 after paxil. Worked great on my anxiety, but the drug itself was dosed too high because I did feel too relaxed (and my anxiety was treated a little too much, looking back)

So maybe cutting back slowly and see what happens??? Hopefully this will help!!

tulum · 03-26-2009, 10:19 AM

Same thing has happened to me. I wonder if lower the dose though would not be as effective for the anxiety?

I agree that this is a horrible feeling though too.

deadonarrival · 03-26-2009, 01:02 PM

I just started taking 15mg today and i'm going to see what happens. i want to slowly try and taper off but i still feel the same old exhaustion and heavy eyes as i did before.

it's true, i always do feel heavily sedated and too relaxed. i need to be able to get up and get my responsibilites done. and i cannot do that with lexapro!

spungy · 03-26-2009, 01:48 PM

Have you tried taking your pills at night instead?
I found this worked great for me and helped me sleep but didn't make me too drowsy during the day.