Lexapro (escitalopram) [SSRI]
Description:
Lexapro is a relatively new medication that was designed by isolating part of chemical that makes up Celexa, the common anti-depressant. It is commonly used for generalized anxiety and depression, as well as often being prescribed for SAD. Lexapro is classified as part of the group of medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are generally the first choice of psychiatrists as a prescription drug for Social Anxiety Disorder.
SSRIs, like Lexapro, work by regulating levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is thought to be responsible for shifts in mood associated with depression and anxiety. Many SAD patients report positive results and relief from their social anxiety symptoms, while others find these medications to be of little help. Side effects are quite common with Lexapro and other SSRIs, with the medications affecting sexual function and appetite in many patients. Headaches and nausea are also reported, though these normally subside after a short time.
More Info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Escitalopram
Askapatient.com Ratings:
http://www.askapatient.com/viewrating.asp?drug=21440
RevolutionHealth.com Ratings:
http://www.revolutionhealth.com/drugs-treatments/rating/lexapro
SSRIs, like Lexapro, work by regulating levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is thought to be responsible for shifts in mood associated with depression and anxiety. Many SAD patients report positive results and relief from their social anxiety symptoms, while others find these medications to be of little help. Side effects are quite common with Lexapro and other SSRIs, with the medications affecting sexual function and appetite in many patients. Headaches and nausea are also reported, though these normally subside after a short time.
More Info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Escitalopram
Askapatient.com Ratings:
http://www.askapatient.com/viewrating.asp?drug=21440
RevolutionHealth.com Ratings:
http://www.revolutionhealth.com/drugs-treatments/rating/lexapro
Works Great
Shared by ecotec83 on Oct 24th, 2009
7 out of 9 people found this treatment experience helpful:
Treatment Experience
Felt a difference in my mood within the first 2 days of taking 1/4 of a pill. Now up to a full 10mg pill and my depression is gone except for the odd episode that lasts only a few minutes. Anxiety wise it works well but i have found at times my anxiety is still present to some extent but it's not crippling anymore. For the first time in years i have self-esteem and confidence, i don't walk slouched any more. The side effects were fairly mild, strange dreams, a bit of nausea and loss of appetite for a few days as well as some bowel problems and a lot of gas. For a few days i also had very low energy but that seems to have resolved itself. It does cause a mild muting or orgasms but not the complete inability some other drugs have caused. I'm also taking a 150mg wellbutrin sr in the morning and it seems to augment it's effectiveness a bit. It would seem that 150mg 2x a day was to much for me, hence the awful review i gave wellbutrin a few weeks ago. All in all i'd recommend this drug to anyone as it has been one of the most effective i have tried to date. Hopefully it keeps working.
Felt a difference in my mood within the first 2 days of taking 1/4 of a pill. Now up to a full 10mg pill and my depression is gone except for the odd episode that lasts only a few minutes. Anxiety wise it works well but i have found at times my anxiety is still present to some extent but it's not crippling anymore. For the first time in years i have self-esteem and confidence, i don't walk slouched any more. The side effects were fairly mild, strange dreams, a bit of nausea and loss of appetite for a few days as well as some bowel problems and a lot of gas. For a few days i also had very low energy but that seems to have resolved itself. It does cause a mild muting or orgasms but not the complete inability some other drugs have caused. I'm also taking a 150mg wellbutrin sr in the morning and it seems to augment it's effectiveness a bit. It would seem that 150mg 2x a day was to much for me, hence the awful review i gave wellbutrin a few weeks ago. All in all i'd recommend this drug to anyone as it has been one of the most effective i have tried to date. Hopefully it keeps working.
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Great drug for SA!
Shared by kb_101 on Feb 3rd, 2009
22 out of 32 people found this treatment experience helpful:
Treatment Experience
I find for me that this drug is the best option for social anxiety. The downside is that it aggravates my RLS, causes low sex drive, and inhibits orgasm. But even with all that, its still worth it. I am still concerned about the effects wearing off, but have not had a problem yet and I am only taking 5mg a day.
I find for me that this drug is the best option for social anxiety. The downside is that it aggravates my RLS, causes low sex drive, and inhibits orgasm. But even with all that, its still worth it. I am still concerned about the effects wearing off, but have not had a problem yet and I am only taking 5mg a day.
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Good starter SSRI
Shared by meyaj on Sep 21st, 2009
7 out of 11 people found this treatment experience helpful:
Treatment Experience
Very low side effect profile for me, even on a high dose of 20mg/day
Only noticeable side effect was diminished libido.
On the other hand, it didn't really help me much either.
However, I know it helps a lot of people so I'd still recommend it to a lot of people as a first SSRI because it has a really good tradeoff between efficacy and side-effects.
Very low side effect profile for me, even on a high dose of 20mg/day
Only noticeable side effect was diminished libido.
On the other hand, it didn't really help me much either.
However, I know it helps a lot of people so I'd still recommend it to a lot of people as a first SSRI because it has a really good tradeoff between efficacy and side-effects.
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Lexapro works!
Shared by Everlong 91 on Jun 19th, 2009
11 out of 18 people found this treatment experience helpful:
Treatment Experience
Ive been on lexapro 10mg for like 12 weeks and since ive started on this drug its been working and working since day one.. it made my anxiety less intense and it raped my depression.. its history... and i ahd zero sideffects.. i dnt know why people complain so much about meds they are meant to help not make you feel worse the sideffects are weak and if you do get em they go away after awhilse get over it its hleping you out... like i said it made my physical symptoms less intense and when i do feel them they are weak and im learning how to control em with a technique ive learned... so take meds and combine them with therapy and techniques to destroy SA... I WILL BEAT SA!!!!!!!!! RAWWRR!!
Ive been on lexapro 10mg for like 12 weeks and since ive started on this drug its been working and working since day one.. it made my anxiety less intense and it raped my depression.. its history... and i ahd zero sideffects.. i dnt know why people complain so much about meds they are meant to help not make you feel worse the sideffects are weak and if you do get em they go away after awhilse get over it its hleping you out... like i said it made my physical symptoms less intense and when i do feel them they are weak and im learning how to control em with a technique ive learned... so take meds and combine them with therapy and techniques to destroy SA... I WILL BEAT SA!!!!!!!!! RAWWRR!!
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Too Expensive!
Shared by mejensen1 on Oct 18th, 2008
18 out of 32 people found this treatment experience helpful:
Treatment Experience
It is much better than Celexa but $85 vs $5?
It is much better than Celexa but $85 vs $5?
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Didn't sleep for four days.
Shared by redlegion on Oct 21st, 2008
20 out of 36 people found this treatment experience helpful:
Treatment Experience
I still have the sample blister pack sitting in my cupboard, for some odd reason. Half consumed. My experience was that I had been prescribed lexapro to be taken in the evening, and Welbutrin in the morning. I did this for three days, and didn't sleep for four as a result. I discontinued immediately and began sleeping again, steadily.
I still have the sample blister pack sitting in my cupboard, for some odd reason. Half consumed. My experience was that I had been prescribed lexapro to be taken in the evening, and Welbutrin in the morning. I did this for three days, and didn't sleep for four as a result. I discontinued immediately and began sleeping again, steadily.
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Treatment Experience
I was prescribed Lexapro in combination with Buspar. I've taken the Buspar since September and it has helped the depression dramatically. Took the first Lexapro pill (only 10mg) yesterday. First of all, it's very expensive. Secondly, I slept MAYBE 10 mins last night and yawned constantly for a good 3 hours. I will never take this medication again. Is there something else available?
I was prescribed Lexapro in combination with Buspar. I've taken the Buspar since September and it has helped the depression dramatically. Took the first Lexapro pill (only 10mg) yesterday. First of all, it's very expensive. Secondly, I slept MAYBE 10 mins last night and yawned constantly for a good 3 hours. I will never take this medication again. Is there something else available?
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Lexapro experience
Shared by jim_morrison on Oct 14th, 2009
4 out of 8 people found this treatment experience helpful:
Treatment Experience
I was on 10 mgs for about 3 months,
Pros - It had a fairly low side effect profile, with the exception of sexual dysfunction.
-It's withdrawl was fairly mild, I did notice some insomnia, flu like symtoms and the 'brain shivers' for about a week, but it was fairly mild and tolerable.
Cons- I found no noticeable Improvement in my conditions whilst taking it.
Overall for someone contemplating taking it, I'd say give it a shot, it didn't do me any harm, and seems to have a good efficacy/tolerability profile in general.
I was on 10 mgs for about 3 months,
Pros - It had a fairly low side effect profile, with the exception of sexual dysfunction.
-It's withdrawl was fairly mild, I did notice some insomnia, flu like symtoms and the 'brain shivers' for about a week, but it was fairly mild and tolerable.
Cons- I found no noticeable Improvement in my conditions whilst taking it.
Overall for someone contemplating taking it, I'd say give it a shot, it didn't do me any harm, and seems to have a good efficacy/tolerability profile in general.
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Lexapro/Alprazolam combo = bad
Shared by wallyduck on Jun 4th, 2009
4 out of 9 people found this treatment experience helpful:
Treatment Experience
I was prescribed Lexapro alongside alprazolam for social anxiety/anxiety attacks. The first thing I noticed after a few days of lexapro was a very monotone thought/speech pattern. I felt as if a wet blanket were thrown over my personality, very not fun medication. I discontinued the medication after I ran out of my 30 days worth, and ate the remaining alprazolam over the course of a few days.
I was prescribed Lexapro alongside alprazolam for social anxiety/anxiety attacks. The first thing I noticed after a few days of lexapro was a very monotone thought/speech pattern. I felt as if a wet blanket were thrown over my personality, very not fun medication. I discontinued the medication after I ran out of my 30 days worth, and ate the remaining alprazolam over the course of a few days.
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About Treatment Experiences
The individual experiences about treatment for social anxiety disorder (social phobia) are not a substitute for medical advice.
You should always consult a qualified health care professional before beginning, changing or stopping a treatment.
