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Is it bad for the brain?

I have been on lexapro for about 5 months.I take it for anxiety. I have really loved the results! I have had a couple moments when I have got really ditzy and confused. That kinda freaks me out! It is definetely from the medication just simply because I know myself. I'm wondering if it can cause brain damage or if there are any long term effects in the brain?
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Avatar universal
search "Lexapro and memory" I think you'll find a lot of interesting info in there. I was on Lexapro in 2002 for 9mo, fighting post-partum depression. I'm certain now that it caused cognitive impairments that did not exist before taking the drug. Many people are experiencing similar problems. True, the drug is too new to understand the long-term implications.  
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358304 tn?1409709492
Lexapro, brain damage? Probably not any more chances of it causing brain damage than you drinking soda... msg in your doritoz... **** in your cereal... haha.

If it's helping, then that's a good thing! =)

I'm sure the anxiety itself before could have left some damage to the brain cognitively... but not like "brain damage"... like burning holes in your brain or anything. lol.

Lexapro is good, I take it too. =)
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Avatar universal
Your comments:  "Lexapro hasn't been on the market too long, so they're aren't any clinical trials to determine if it has long term effects on the brain."

08.15.2002 -  Lexapro(TM), Receives FDA Approval For the Treatment of Major Depression.  Do you not consider 6 years "too long?"
Moreover, clinical trials on drugs are done BEFORE approval, marketing and distribution.

Information Source:  Forest Lab Inc. Press Release:  01.24.2002

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Avatar universal
thanks for you feedback! That was helpful
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Avatar universal
I have to agree with Michael on this one, but I would not worry too much.  SSRIs have been around a very long time and there are also new studies coming out that it may actually help the brain in the long term which could actuallybe a very beneficial 'side effect' from these types of medications. I am glad that it is working for you.  Just remember to visit your therapist on a regular basis to discuss anxiety issues.
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547573 tn?1234655710
Namaste,

Lexapro is an antidepressant in a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Lexapro affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression or anxiety.

Lexapro is used to treat anxiety and major depressive disorder.

Lexapro hasn't been on the market that long, so there aren't any clinical trials to determine if it has long term effects on the brain.

Current literature seems to indicate that there isn't any brain damage from short term use.

Hope this helps.

Michael
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