Lexapro is a brand-name medication doctors prescribe for major depressive disorder (MDD) or generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Whether you’re just starting Lexapro or have been taking it for awhile, you may have questions about what to expect as you continue your treatment.
To find our more about the drug, you might turn to social media platforms, such as Reddit, for answers. And while you will probably get several responses, you can’t always be sure you’re getting the most up-to-date health information.
To help you sift through the comments, we’ve paired some top Reddit questions with our medically-reviewed answers so that you can have additional information when talking with your doctor about your treatment plan.
In this article, we’ll take a look at fatigue, weight gain, and some other top concerns.
Yes, fatigue was a common side effect reported in Lexapro’s clinical trials, and it was one of the main reasons people stopped taking the drug.
If you are taking Lexapro and experiencing fatigue, here are some ways to help manage that symptoms:
- Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day. This helps your body establish a routine.
- Try taking the drug at night. This may help you sleep through the side effect of fatigue.
- Reduce your intake of alcohol, which can worsen fatigue.
- Increase your physical activity levels, whcih may reduce fatigue and help you sleep better at night.
If this side effect doesn’t go away or becomes bothersome, talk with your doctor. They can recommend additional ways to manage this symptom, try adjusting your dose, or switch your to another drug (if needed).
It’s possible.
In clinical trials, weight changes didn’t differ significantly between people taking Lexapro from those taking a placebo. However, one study has showed that weight gain may occur in 41% of the people who take escitalopram, the generic form of Lexapro.
The reason you may gain weight could have to do with how the drug increases levels of serotonin, a chemical in the brain that regulates your appetite and affects how hungry you feel.
If you are taking Lexapro and noticing weight gain, talk with your doctor. They may suggest strategies, such as eating a balanced diet and increasing your physical activity, to manage your weight. If the side is bothersome, they can recommend alternative medications to treat your condition.
Yes, you could be experiencing jaw clenching (bruxism) from Lexapro. Jaw pain and stiffness were side effects reported in the drug’s clinical trials. Here are a few things you might be able to try to manage jaw clenching, pain or stiffness:
- Talk with your doctor about whether you may need to adjust your Lexapro dose or add in additional medication to help manage this side effect.
- Visit your dentist for information about mouthguards or dental splints, which can help protect your teeth and reduce muscle tension.
- Apply a heat or ice pack to the jaw to help reduce pain and relax jaw muscles.
- Take an over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen to relieve pain.
Some common concerns about Lexapro sourced from Reddit include feeling tired, weight gain, and jaw clenching. When paired with our medically-reviewed responses, you’ll have a clearer picture of what to expect when taking the drug and when looking at what other people are saying about the drug.
Remember, it’s always best to talk with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about your treatment plan.