Yes, Lexapro can cause brain fog. Most people report experiencing brain fog when starting Lexapro. In fact, this is one of the most common side effects associated with the drug. Brain fog is most likely to occur in the early stages of treatment but can persist long-term for some people.
Lexapro also puts you in a weird head space—it can cause dizziness or drowsiness. The U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM) recommends that you don't drive until you know how you feel on the medication. This side effect is most likely to hit during your first few weeks of taking the med.
These symptoms of brain fog may be short-term or ongoing as you take these medications. While antidepressants are generally intended to help with brain fog, some can cause brain fog as a side effect, depending on the medication and your unique response to it.
Changes in behavior: Some people find an increase in aggression or agitation after beginning Lexapro. Serotonin syndrome: Serotonin syndrome can occur when too much serotonin builds up in the body — symptoms include confusion, agitation, and fever. This is a known possible side effect of Lexapro to be aware of.
Generally, symptoms might last between 1 week and several months after discontinuing use, but it's really crucial to note that everyone's experience with Lexapro withdrawal differs. Some will take longer than others to recover fully after they stop taking Lexapro.
Antidepressants can cause changes in neurotransmitter levels and brain function; however, these changes are typically reversible once the medication is stopped.
The most common side effects occur within the first and second weeks and may improve as you continue to take the drug. It's important to talk to your doctor before starting Lexapro. Side effects for adults include: Headache.
Sometimes, antidepressants can interfere with your blood sodium level, which can cause headaches or confusion. Low sodium levels, called hyponatremia, are more common in older people. The risk is also a lot higher in the first 2 to 4 weeks after you start an antidepressant.
Lexapro is a type of antidepressant called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, or SSRI. SSRIs increase levels of serotonin in the brain, which can improve mood and emotional regulation. This benefits people with clinical depression and anxiety.
Generally, common side effects from Lexapro may improve within 2 weeks of taking the drug. Although some side effects can be serious, these reactions are rare. If a person has concerns about Lexapro, they should speak with their doctor.
Brain fog is characterized by confusion, forgetfulness, and a lack of focus and mental clarity. This can be caused by overworking, lack of sleep, stress, and spending too much time on the computer.
These symptoms often occur during depressive episodes, but they can develop before these episodes begin and continue during remission. Medications that doctors currently use to treat depression do not improve brain fog symptoms and can actually make them worse.
Don't Forget the Physical
Staying physically active and keeping a good diet have many health benefits, and that is no different when it comes to brain fog. Studies have shown that getting regular exercise and eating a diet high in vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains can reduce cognitive decline.
Common side effects of Lexapro include nausea, sexual side effects, and insomnia. For some people, these go away as your body gets used to the medication. More serious side effects of Lexapro are rare. These include suicidal thoughts or behaviors, abnormal bleeding, and serotonin syndrome.
Nausea, dry mouth, trouble sleeping, constipation, tiredness, drowsiness, dizziness, and increased sweating may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor promptly.
You may experience side effects during your first week on Lexapro, including anxiety, difficulty sleeping, drowsiness, headaches, and nausea. These effects usually dissipate as your body adjusts to your medication.
The length of time it takes for Lexapro treatment to start working can vary. It's common for some symptoms — like improved energy, sleep, and appetite — to improve within a week or two.
Yes. Brain fog is a common symptom for many patients, both when starting and stopping Lexapro. Much like Lexapro's therapeutic function, it is unknown how exactly this occurs. A 2014 study of escitalopram's mechanisms concluded that the drug not only “changes brain architecture” but can do so in just a matter of hours.
When you first start taking Lexapro, it's normal for some people to experience side effects like trouble sleeping and an upset stomach. Changing when or how you take it — morning instead night, with food instead of without food — can help make a difference.
One of the most common eye-related side effects of antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications is blurred vision. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Zoloft, Prozac, Lexapro, etc. directly affect the pupil and ciliary muscle function of the eye and can make it difficult to focus on near objects.
Common side effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) can include: feeling agitated, shaky or anxious. feeling and being sick. indigestion and stomach aches.
Antidepressants can make you feel less alert or able to concentrate. This can happen especially when you first start taking them. This may affect your ability to drive and to do other skilled tasks.
Some of the most common other side effects of Lexapro include: decreased libido. excessive sleepiness. decreased appetite.
If this is your first episode of depression, your doctor may prescribe Lexapro for a set period, for example, 6 months to a year. Some people with persistent depression may need to take it for many years. There are no known problems when Lexapro is taken long-term.
Before starting treatment for anxiety, it is important to know that SSRIs can take anywhere from two to four (sometimes even up to six) weeks to start to take effect. Lexapro is no exception, so you should not expect to immediately feel better after starting treatment. In fact, you may even feel worse initially.