lexapro & seizures

[Emee]

Anyone take Lexapro? If so, any problems with it? The pkg insert said to tell your doc if you have seizures before you start taking Lexapro. Isn't that an indicator that if you have seizures you shouldn't take it? I'm curious because my GP has mentioned me taking Lexapro. Thanks.

[momof3boys]

I was taking Lexapro back in 2007. At the time, i had three kids under the age of 2 1/2, and I was in dire need of something to calm me down. It was a few months after the birth of our third son that I went to my OB dr, who I went to see for a follow up, and she told me if I was feeling overwhelmed, she could let me try taking Lexapro. I took it over over a year, maybe close to a year and a half. I had no problems with it. I only took it til our youngest was able to do more things on his own, like walking, feeding himself, etc. It helped to calm me down and not feel like I was overloaded with a ton of stuff to get done. I will admit though, once I wanted to come off of it, I had to do it very slowly, or else my emotions would get the best of me. I also gained about 10 lbs while on it. Once I got off, I lost the weight. My neurologist didnt say anything bad about me taking it. So I figured it was ok.

[Emee]

Thanks for your reply.

[CarrieH]

I was on it for post partum depression back in 2004. It took a few weeks to start working. I had no problems with seizures. I know one must avoid the SSRI (Zoloft, lexapro, etc.) Combination with Tramadol a common pain killer as it is known to lower seizure threshold. I avoid Tramadol because of my seizure history. My only complaint about Lexapro was I kept developing a tolerance for it and had to increase my dosage several times. Apparently tolerance is a fairly common issue with Lexapro. Eventually I switched from Lexapro to Zoloft because my depression was getting worse. If you get on Lexapro just keep a look out for tolerance. Best of luck to you!

[Emee]

Thanks CarrieH, I'm a little nervous trying any kind of AD but may have to. I will remember your advise.

[Eve]

I took Lexapro once and it seemed to increase my panic attacks but maybe that was just me.

Funny Carrie you should mention Tramadol a Dr once prescribed it for me for back pain after I had a car accident and I had weird reactions to it. Just a few months ago a different Doctor told me that the other Dr should have never prescribed it to me because of my seizures.