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Cipralex Fatigue

Hi Folks,

Wondering if anyone who has been on Cipralex/Lexapro for awhile knows if the heavy sedation eventually goes away? I was on it for 3 months (for GAD) and was sleeping my life away, had no motivation etc and became horribly depressed as a result. I even tried weening down to 2.5 mg and was still debilitated by this side effect.

I tried unsuccessfully switching to a different SSRI and have now been back on Lex for 2 weeks HOPING that the tiredness might eventually go away....
I've heard that Wellbutirn can be a good add on for this problem??
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Avatar universal
So I talked to my doctor and he said that I can't take Wellbutrin because I have a history with non-epileptic seizures.

Think I'm going to try to stick it out with just Lex for a while and HOPE that the tiredness eventually goes away after a few months at a lower dose like it did for you.

I'm at 7.5 right now but it hasn't fully kicked in again (only been 2.5 weeks) so I think I'll wait a bit before going down to 5mg.

Thanks again for your help
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
It really can a few weeks sometimes for the side effects to go away. Drs normally want us to stay on them around 6 weeks to see how we do on these meds,unless we're having really bad side effects that will not go away.
Yes, I'm wondering about the Wellbutrin now also if you don't have depression because it really does'nt help anxiety much.
Antidepressants with no side effects! That would be awsome.
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Avatar universal
Hmm... I only stuck it out at 5mg and then 2.5mg for a couple of weeks...maybe I should have held out a bit longer.

It's such a catch 22 right now because I luv how Cipralex works for the anxiety but am depressed (never suffered from depression before) because I'm too tired to do the things I want to do.

I'm going to talk to my doc about Wellbutrin but am terrified that it might increase the anxiety again or cause insomnia.

If someone could create a AD with no side effects they'd be a millionaire overnight!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
You're right, it can be hit and mis with these meds. It took me a couple of months to start getting my energy back. Before that I found that I needed naps during the day at times. I don't anymore.
Do you still plan to talk to your Dr about adding Wellbutrin to see if that helps?
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Avatar universal
Ya it can be pretty hit and miss with these meds and the doses.

Lex works GREAT for the anxiety so I really hope the tiredness goes away.

When you went down to 5mg how long did it take to start getting your energy back?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I understand how you feel. I was started on 20 mgs and could not function. Cut it down to 10 mgs and the same thing. I'm at 5 mgs and doing pretty good on that dose. I did notice that it took a very long time for this side effect to finally go away.
Wellbutrin in one of the more stimulating meds. You will have to ask your Dr if you can add this to the Lexapro. I know many people that take a combo. Wellbutrin, from what I know of it, does not help much with anxiety. Is the Lexapro helping with your anxiety? If so, this may be a good combo for you. Only your Dr can say for sure though.
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