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Lexapro Questions

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Posted 9/27/2013 9:04 PM (GMT 0)
I had some chest pain issues that were diagnosed as indigestion...tests showed otherwise. Then my doc thought anxiety because I had globus hystericus. Although I think I just had anxiety about the chest pain.
Turns out it really was a cardiac issue (see cardiac forum) and not anxiety. So I just decided to keep taking the lexapro thinking it may help anyway.

Anyway, he started me on lexapro..5 mg a week then 10 mg a day. I guess I have tolerated it well but I find myself clenching my jaw. Now I find I have back muscle spasms and periods of shortness of breath. I went to doc twice with these symptoms and they keep checking everything about my heart (blood work, EKG, etc.) but no cardiac event...all is well. Do you think my jaw clenching, back pain spasms and shortness of breath could be a side effect of "getting used to" lexapro? I have never taken an antianxiety med before.

What does getting used to this drug mean? Any insight is appreciated.
Posted 9/28/2013 4:13 AM (GMT 0)
Hi and welcome to the A/P.

I am sorry to read of your health and Rx situation, and the confusion that it is causing you at the moment.

Do you feel that the med is helping you
enough to be considered worth dealing with the side effects?

They likely will fade after a few weeks, but if you are fearing more cardiac events because of the way the Lexapro makes you feel...it may not be relieving the anxiety so much as causing it.

If you would like to check out our Resources on the main page of the forum, you will find great self-help ideas to use for anxiety management.

You may want to start some of these practices, and meanwhile talk with your doctor in regards to your continuing you Rx.

I wish you the best in your continued journey to wellness! Post with us anytime. It is common to deal with both health issues and anxiety. We have many members who do...so feel free to post with us anytime.

Scaredy Cat
Posted 9/28/2013 4:37 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Hexfly,

Great input from the members who have posted before me.  Perhaps you shortness of breath is due to anxiety.

Although infrequent, Lexapro may also cause chills, decreased appetite, flu-like symptoms,  pain in the joints and muscles, shortness of breath or troubled breathing, tightness of the chest, weakness, wheezing and vomiting. You may want to discuss this medication with your Dr.

Be well,

Kitt

Posted 9/30/2013 12:31 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the replies. I have felt better last couple days. Maybe I'm still recovering from the stent? I figured being cleared to go back to work meant I'd feel myself.

I have to admit all this heart stuff has created anxiety. I will keep with the Lexapro and report back how it works for me. I mean I do think it helps but will the side effects subside. Time will tell.
Posted 9/30/2013 2:15 AM (GMT 0)
HF

Best wishes in going back to work. Try to anticipate only good things. I am sure that once you get over this initial first day back jitters, that work will be a good outlet and distraction for you, and go along way in restoring a feeling in normalcy in life again for you.:)

There is a pretty good chance that your side effects will fade. In the event that they do not, you can talk with your doctor about revaluating your treatment plan.

Use those coping skills...and have a great last couple of days before going back to work!

Let us know how your return goes okay?:)

S.C.
Posted 10/1/2013 11:18 PM (GMT 0)
Going back to work Friday was too soon. Had a spell of sob, lightheaded for a few, etc. Rested a good deal over the weekend (thanks to my wife). Feel much better this week. Work has been good.

I think maybe the lexapro side effects are better. Still clinching but not as tight. Lol not unbearable so I will continue and see if it even gets better.

My biggest issue right now is my sore wrist from the heart cath. I feel bad cause we have little ones and I cant pick them up well. I tried tonight just cause I wanted to change her diaper so bad (lol) and it felt like all the muscle in my wrist were tight and got stretched out. It hurt!' But I'm gonna live. ;)
Posted 10/2/2013 4:54 AM (GMT 0)
I am glad that you are feeling better this week at work...that is good news.

Glad to hear that the s/e's are fading a bit as well.:)

Take is easy with your recovery. I haven't had a catheter like the one you describe...but I know that I had a hard time with soreness after an i.v. that I had in place for a week. It should feel better soon.

Keep posting and doing your coping skills...you are doing a fantastic job of recovering from your procedure and the anxiety!

S.C.
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