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What Causes Loose Stools After Taking Lexapro?
Question: I am taking 10 mg lexapro and have been for 8 weeks. Just recently I have been having loose bowel movements 1 x per day. Is this a common side-effect?
Also, how does lexapro affect sleep. I seem to be able to get to sleep easily but am waking up around 5:30 each morning. What should I do?
Also, how does Lexapro affect blood sugar levels?
Also, how does lexapro affect sleep. I seem to be able to get to sleep easily but am waking up around 5:30 each morning. What should I do?
Also, how does Lexapro affect blood sugar levels?
Brief Answer:
Lexapro maintains serotonin level in body
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for using healthcare magic. I, Dr Abhishek Kapoor, would help you in this query.
Lexapro contains escitalopram and it helps to maintain serotonin level in body. Serotonin helps to get us sound sleep and keep us stress free. Sometime, due to anxiety or stress, level of stress hormone i.e. corticosteroids increases, that could increase the level of blood sugar. Escitalopram controls anxiety or stress and this way, it indirectly also controls sugar level.
Lexapro has few side effects like gastritis, nausea, constipation, sexual dysfunction etc, but these are not serious side effects. In your case, loose stools may be due to some another reason, so there is nothing to worry about it.
If you are getting good result with lexapro, carry on with it.
In case, you have more query, you can ask.
Regards
Dr. Abhishek Kapoor
Psychiatrist
Lexapro maintains serotonin level in body
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for using healthcare magic. I, Dr Abhishek Kapoor, would help you in this query.
Lexapro contains escitalopram and it helps to maintain serotonin level in body. Serotonin helps to get us sound sleep and keep us stress free. Sometime, due to anxiety or stress, level of stress hormone i.e. corticosteroids increases, that could increase the level of blood sugar. Escitalopram controls anxiety or stress and this way, it indirectly also controls sugar level.
Lexapro has few side effects like gastritis, nausea, constipation, sexual dysfunction etc, but these are not serious side effects. In your case, loose stools may be due to some another reason, so there is nothing to worry about it.
If you are getting good result with lexapro, carry on with it.
In case, you have more query, you can ask.
Regards
Dr. Abhishek Kapoor
Psychiatrist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
I am taking Lexapro for anxiety. After recently retiring as a principal, I kind of went into a frump 8 weeks ago.
I felt useless...my husband has been retired for 6 years (also a principal) and is doing great. Is this common for recent retirees. I guess after working 55 hours + per week, a life of ease can be a bit daunting.
Have you heard of this problem in your practice?
I felt useless...my husband has been retired for 6 years (also a principal) and is doing great. Is this common for recent retirees. I guess after working 55 hours + per week, a life of ease can be a bit daunting.
Have you heard of this problem in your practice?
Brief Answer:
It usually happens after retirement
Detailed Answer:
Hi
After retirement, anxiety or depressive symptoms are common. It usually happens with number of patients, because of completely change in life style. Some people need time to adjust with the situation. Same may be the problem in your case. You just need time to adjust with the situation. Try to involve yourself in some home or outside assignment. You can also try some relaxation exercise like deep breathing exercise or meditation or yoga. That would help you to stay calm and relax.
In case, you have more query, you can ask.
Regards
Dr. Abhishek Kapoor
Psychiatrist
It usually happens after retirement
Detailed Answer:
Hi
After retirement, anxiety or depressive symptoms are common. It usually happens with number of patients, because of completely change in life style. Some people need time to adjust with the situation. Same may be the problem in your case. You just need time to adjust with the situation. Try to involve yourself in some home or outside assignment. You can also try some relaxation exercise like deep breathing exercise or meditation or yoga. That would help you to stay calm and relax.
In case, you have more query, you can ask.
Regards
Dr. Abhishek Kapoor
Psychiatrist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
That makes me feel better. I felt like a pyriah not transitioning as easily as I thought I should.
I am starting new ventures, i.e., piano lessons, art lessons, exercise classes, etc. I have even started to take up golf again.
I guess I just have to wait it out and I will slowly get there.
The Lexapro caused insomnia symptoms and more anxiety in the beginning. I freaked out because I have a fear of not being able to sleep. I think this is also causing me to worry...when will I return to my old sleeping habits? I do feel more relaxed taking Lexapro but I did not like the first initial weeks of adjustment.
I am starting new ventures, i.e., piano lessons, art lessons, exercise classes, etc. I have even started to take up golf again.
I guess I just have to wait it out and I will slowly get there.
The Lexapro caused insomnia symptoms and more anxiety in the beginning. I freaked out because I have a fear of not being able to sleep. I think this is also causing me to worry...when will I return to my old sleeping habits? I do feel more relaxed taking Lexapro but I did not like the first initial weeks of adjustment.
Brief Answer:
Complete recovery usually take 12 weeks
Detailed Answer:
Hi
There are few side effects of lexapro in initial few days. Nothing to worry about them. Usually antidepressants take two weeks to show response and complete recovery takes about 12 weeks, so wait for few more weeks to get your normal way of life.
I just want to say one thing, our life depends upon our thoughts, so just stay relax and keep your thoughts positive. This way, you would not get any problem in future.
Regards
Dr. Abhishek Kapoor
Psychiatrist
Complete recovery usually take 12 weeks
Detailed Answer:
Hi
There are few side effects of lexapro in initial few days. Nothing to worry about them. Usually antidepressants take two weeks to show response and complete recovery takes about 12 weeks, so wait for few more weeks to get your normal way of life.
I just want to say one thing, our life depends upon our thoughts, so just stay relax and keep your thoughts positive. This way, you would not get any problem in future.
Regards
Dr. Abhishek Kapoor
Psychiatrist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Do you think Lexapro is a good medication? I have a slight case of GAD and I think my retirement and lack of busyness caused it to come back. I haven't had a problem with this in over 10 years!
So what do you think about this medication for this problem?
Brief Answer:
It is a good antidepressant
Detailed Answer:
HI
It is a very good antidepressant and most of psychiatrists prefer to use it in anxiety disorder. Response varies from patient to patient. Currently, you are on basic effective dose and dose could be increased up to 20 mg a day. Just wait for few more days or increase the dose after consultation with your doctor. Better to go for life style modification and relaxation technique. That would help you a lot.
In case, you need further help, you can ask.
Regards
Dr. Abhishek Kapoor
Psychiatrist
It is a good antidepressant
Detailed Answer:
HI
It is a very good antidepressant and most of psychiatrists prefer to use it in anxiety disorder. Response varies from patient to patient. Currently, you are on basic effective dose and dose could be increased up to 20 mg a day. Just wait for few more days or increase the dose after consultation with your doctor. Better to go for life style modification and relaxation technique. That would help you a lot.
In case, you need further help, you can ask.
Regards
Dr. Abhishek Kapoor
Psychiatrist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
If I drink more water, would that help to decrease the cortisol level in my blood and help to balance blood sugar levels more quickly?
As far as increasing the dosage of Lexapro, I think I like your recommendation to work on my new life style change and incorporate relaxation techniques into my life.
As far as increasing the dosage of Lexapro, I think I like your recommendation to work on my new life style change and incorporate relaxation techniques into my life.
Brief Answer:
Water does not effect on body fat or sugar
Detailed Answer:
Hi
I think, it is a myth that excessive water burns fat and maintain body fat level. Fat is source of energy and it would burn, when you will do exercise. If you replace energy source like meal with water, then it leads to use of extra fat for calorie. In another words, it would be like dieting. Same thing for blood sugar level. Insulin hormone helps to maintain sugar level in our body. In case, there is shortage of insulin, it causes diabetes. Whether you take excessive water or not, it would not effect on blood sugar level. So, better to do exercise daily. That would help to keep body fat and sugar level in balance and keep you fit.
You can try life style modification and relaxation techniques, that would give you better result.
In case, you need further help, you can ask.
Regards
Dr. Abhishek Kapoor
Psychiatrist
Water does not effect on body fat or sugar
Detailed Answer:
Hi
I think, it is a myth that excessive water burns fat and maintain body fat level. Fat is source of energy and it would burn, when you will do exercise. If you replace energy source like meal with water, then it leads to use of extra fat for calorie. In another words, it would be like dieting. Same thing for blood sugar level. Insulin hormone helps to maintain sugar level in our body. In case, there is shortage of insulin, it causes diabetes. Whether you take excessive water or not, it would not effect on blood sugar level. So, better to do exercise daily. That would help to keep body fat and sugar level in balance and keep you fit.
You can try life style modification and relaxation techniques, that would give you better result.
In case, you need further help, you can ask.
Regards
Dr. Abhishek Kapoor
Psychiatrist
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
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