What a "Lexapro" roller coaster.

[tropicalsoul]

Today is 27 on 5mgs of Lexapro.  What a ride it has been.  While I can tell a big difference in my anxiety and anger I have had several other side effects that caught me off guard.  The worst issue for me has been painful constipation...and I do mean painful.  Not meaning to be gross...but during one stretch I went 7 days without a movement so I began taking an over-the-counter laxative called Colace which helped a little.  I do think things are starting to return to normal ever so slowly.

This next side effect is completely opposite to what is considered normal for an SSRI.  My libido has gone through the roof.  My wife can pass me in the hall and it is GO TIME!

I have also noticed lower back pain that wont go away.  Overall I have deemed these side effects worth the effort as my mental state has imporved greatly.  I dont feel as overwhelmed at work and my anger has been reduced.  Hopefully these other issues, besided the libido, will reslove.  

[legend88]

The doc put me on Lexapro 5 mg and took it for awhile but the side effects were highly unpleasant, mainly the zombie syndrome (not happy not sad) and as you said anger fits.  Now I only take Clonazepam but it has its limitations, so considering doing what you have been through I think I will take that over the anxiety.  I did take Zoloft and had the opposite effect---diarrhea.  Same family of SSRI's.  My wife wants me to give the Lex one more go and stop worrying about fatal diseases.  Its good to get some input on this.  Tks a bunch.

[cj29]

I am glad you and your wife are happy;).  For me, if the benefits outweigh the side effects and the risks, I am usually happy with SSRIs.  I am glad that you are responding well...just remember to try to go get regular counseling as well.  Together it can make for a very powerful combination in my opinion.