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.
Medications that doctors currently use to treat depression do not improve brain fog symptoms and can actually make them worse. Research into new ways to treat these symptoms is still ongoing, but some at-home tricks may help reduce them or make them more manageable.
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.
Some antidepressants can also interfere with neurotransmitters that are involved in memory function or they may cause sleepiness which interferes with attention.
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.
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.
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.
Antidepressants can make you feel less alert or able to concentrate. This can happen especially when you first start taking them.
For anxiety, there is also no easy replacement. However, there are some drug options that affect brain function less, such as SSRIs (e.g. sertraline and citalopram, brand names Zoloft and Celexa). Cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness therapy also helps, if sustained.
The brain is a highly adaptable organ, and most individuals can expect their brain chemistry to return to its normal state over time after stopping antidepressants.
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.
While the first two weeks of taking Lexapro can come with bothersome side effects, the symptoms often go away on their own. As your body becomes used to the medication, the symptoms might decrease. If symptoms persist longer than four weeks or worsen, you should contact your doctor right away for additional direction.
Brain fog impacts your quality of life because it can hinder your ability to function. Brain fog may not be serious, but the causes, including illness and disease, can be.
Brain fog is the term used to describe the effects on the brain and nervous system that can occur with long COVID. Brain fog can last for weeks, months or longer after a person recovers from COVID-19 illness. It can linger when other symptoms have stopped.
Commonly referred to as brain fog, slow cognition or difficulty with concentration and memory can all indicate magnesium deficiency. Magnesium is an essential nutrient for the brain, so without it the brain cannot perform as well.
If you're experiencing constant brain fog or you're always tired, it's worth checking your diet for four in particular: vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron and magnesium.
Brain fog can be a symptom of a nutrient deficiency, sleep disorder, bacterial overgrowth from overconsumption of sugar, depression, or even a thyroid condition. Other common brain fog causes include eating too much and too often, inactivity, not getting enough sleep, chronic stress, and a poor diet.
The good news is because escitalopram has been shown to help improve sleep disorders,⁴ your initial insomnia or increased fatigue should not last long.
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.