LEXAPRO AND SIDE EFFECTS

Question

Two and a half weeks ago had my first chemo session. &nbsp;I totally crash a few hours later when everything hit me with crippling anxiety. &nbsp;Was finally given Lorazipam to sleep which was a godsend. &nbsp;A few days later I started on Lexapro to help thru the rest of chemo as doctor said this was the best course and to gradually get of Lorazipam. &nbsp;The Lexapro was to be 1/2 dose for the first few days then the full dose after 4 days, but I have been experiencing dizziness on the half dose of Lexapro so have been to scared to go to the full dose yet and as usual cant get back to see my doctor til next Tuesday. &nbsp;I have also had a UTI in between and actually passed out one morning. &nbsp;Dont know if this was a combination of everything ie UTI, Lexapro, and low BP. &nbsp;My husband is so scared to leave my side, being very overprotective in case I faint again. &nbsp;I tried not having the Lorazipam last night but had a very restless night not being able to sleep. &nbsp;Is this a normal reaction to Lexapro (the dizziness) and does it eventually pass? &nbsp;Am doing meditation which has been good but as soon as I lie down, I cant sleep. &nbsp;Any advice please, as due to have next bout of chemo next week. &nbsp;Thankyou :)

primek · Answer

It can be a side effect of lexapro but it could be a side effect of chemo or even the after effect of lorezepam. Are you drinking plenty of fluids...like 2 litres a day? I got very dizzy if I stood for long on AC chemo, more so week 2, my BP was very low apparently.

Probably wise to stay on half until you see your Dr. It will reduce anxiety but does take time. You may benefit having either a referral to a mental health clinician through your Dr or your local hospital would have services. They could teach you some relaxation techniques that will reduce anxiety and also help you sleep.

Apps you can try are "Smiling minds" or "mindshift". There are some self help tools in there. ..just Google and you will find them.

Reading to empty your mind. Reducing coffee, cigarettes, cola later in the day. All these things can help.

Feeling stressed, anxious, frightened with a mind that is constantly thinking is very normal following diagnosis and treatment. But there are things that will help.

Hope things improve for you soon. Kath x

melclarity · Answer

@CatNev sounds like a combination of the medication and chemo. I was dizzy all through chemo, Ive never had lexapro. But my Oncology unit used to give me Ativan...its actually for anxiety but because I was so drug sensitive I used this as the anti nausea and it helped me sleep too. Could be you are drug sensitive and anti depressants are very difficult to take. I was prescribed Effexor for hot flushes tried taking it twice but also had severe reactions and couldnt. Id definitely stop that medication, seems it doesnt agree. There is also over the counter Melatonin for sleep, its natural. Hugs Melinda xo

catnev · Answer

Thanks so much guys. &nbsp;Am trying to meditate, (trying being the operative word) &nbsp;As my girlfriend said( she is a nurse), I think I now have a block when trying to fall asleep so need to get up n have a warm milk, then try again. &nbsp;Also tried camomile tea last night which seems to settle my anxious stomach a bit. &nbsp;so am trying anything at this stage to get thru. &nbsp;Fingers crossed this anxiety all the time eases over time. &nbsp;Thanks for your support xxx