What Causes Headache And Depression After Taking Lexapro?

Posted on Thu, 11 Jun 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 11 Jun 2015 Answered on

Wed, 1 Jul 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : My psychiatrist just increased my dosage of lexapro for GAD from 15mg to 20mg. After 3 days I get a headache and now feel somewhat depressed. I also take 1mg lorazepam as needed for chronic anxiety following 2 surgeries for cancer. The lorazepam did not cause any side effects.

Is the increase in dosage a result of the lexapro increase or should I stop and just continue with 15mg despite the fact that it is not nearly effective as lorazepam. XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (36 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Continue with 15 mg dose of Lexapro

Detailed Answer:
Hello, Welcome to Health Care Magic

I can understand your concern. It is common in individuals to develop increased anxiety, lightheadedness, restlessness and depression when doses of any SSRI is upped or started. Your doses has been increased to 15 mg from 10 and this has resulted in worsening of symptoms. This will last for few days only and you will become better again with in 7-10 days. In the mean time for symptomatic relief medicines like Lorazepam in 0.5-1 mg doses can be used on Sos basis after consultation of your doctor. The medicine will reduce the the symptoms you are having.

Continue to take Lexapro in 15 mg doses and Lorazepam in SOS basis as per prescription.

Thanks, Hope this helps you, if you have more doubts you can ask again.

Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar