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Lexapro and Anger

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Posted 3/13/2015 4:28 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Everyone - started Lexapro 2 weeks ago, 10mg.  Is rage/anger a side effect?  Generally, it doesn't take much to get me angry, but since being on Lexapro, I have noticed a HUGE difference.  I fly off the handle and am ready to fight in an instant.  EVERYTHING is making me lose it.  Please tell me this is normal and that it will pass in time?!  I'm really hoping Lexapro does the trick for my anxiety as I had been on Zoloft for years, and it stopped working.

Thanks so much for any insight!

T

Post Edited (anxious_peep) : 3/13/2015 11:44:24 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 3/13/2015 6:39 PM (GMT 0)
AP,

Have you called your doctor or pharmacist about this issue?

It is certainly known that an SSRI can increase anxiety/depression upon start up...ironically the negative feelings that the user is treating to seek!

...but after the initial build up, leveling off and adjustment period, the Rx becomes theraputic for the patient and in most cases turns out to be a great med for them.

...so I can imagine that perhaps the anger issue is considered like an increase of the anxiety?

Often we manifest anxiety through irritability/anger.

However, if this is to the point that you think you may do yourself or others harm...you need to consult with your doctor ASAP!

Also, practicing some calm/meditative self-help skills should bring about a calming effect. See our Resources at the top of the main page for ideas. Towards the end of the thread are several meditative videos that would be great.

Wishing you well, and keep posting!

S.C.
Posted 3/13/2015 8:08 PM (GMT 0)
I have not called my pharmacist or doctor regarding this issue. For the first 2 weeks, I was doing every other day with Lexapro, and every other day with Zoloft (weaning period). The 3rd week, which is what I'm currently in, it's 4 days on Lexapro, 3 days on Zoloft. Next week (4th week), I'm exclusively on Lexapro.

This isn't my first go around or transition; I started Paxil when I was in my early 20's for anxiety, and then was switched to Zoloft when my husband and I decided to try for a family. While Zoloft worked for a period of time, it stopped working altogether. I can attribute that to perhaps becoming a mother because my anxiety is much different and more prevalent than it ever was before I had children, and I think I reached a point where I needed something different.

I definitely had the panic episodes when I first started Paxil and Zoloft, among other sympoms, to the point where I warned my husband what was to come with this 3rd transition, but with Lexapro I'm not. Rather I'm not experiencing the terrible side effects I thought I would since I did with the past two meds. My symptoms so far include fatigue, hunger and anger. And it's not anger to the point where I'm putting myself or others in danger, but it's definitely more than it ever was. I'm quick to go off or react to the smallest of things (traffic, work, etc.).

Really, I just wanted to know if this is a common side effect of the drug. As stated, I didn't experience it with Paxil or Zoloft, but I'm also not experiencing things with Lexapro that I did with the other two. I know all drugs are different and I'm also fully aware of the adjustment period that comes along with these types of meds. I'm really wanting to hear from people who may have experienced the same effect and if so, how long did it last, and/or did it eventually go away.

Thanks!
Posted 3/14/2015 2:39 AM (GMT 0)
I just started lexapro 5 mg going to 10 mg in about another week. I, too have been more annoyed than usual as well as fatigued. I'm hoping this is just the start up, because I'd like to feel better soon. I'm naturally irritable so I think this is just more pronounced right now. I'll keep you updated!
Posted 3/15/2015 5:01 AM (GMT 0)
not usually at this group, however, saw this thread. was on Lexapro for about 3 years in the past (stopped using it perhaps 9 years ago). funny you mention what you did. it caused me to almost always be in an agitated state, prone to anger easily, like a hair trigger on a gun. for me, I felt it did me more harm than good, when I went through a period of severe depression.

definitely need to talk this out with your prescribing doctor in my opinion, before it gets out of hand. It may or may not pass as your body/mind adjust to the med. please talk to your doctor a.s.a.p
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