Lexapro : side effects??

[val4]

Hi , I've recently being going through tough time. My Dad died 3 months ago, I had to give up work 2 yrs ago for health reasons, have Chronic pain and am on lots pain medication, have 4 children and a husband that works long hours ., also am only child so now have sold responsibility for my mother also.I thought I was coping ok but 2 weeks ago, things came to a head. I got bad reaction to new pain medication;, high temperature, raised blood pressure,and felt like I had flu. Ended up in hospital(g p sent me), and spent first 2 days constantly crying. I couldn't believe it as this is v unlike me, as I'm always "so capable", sensible and on top of things. I was put on Lexapro 5mg, and am wondering how long before I 'll start feeling 'normal' again? What are the side effects; read lots reports of people who put on weight on this medication ?

I take this, only its called escitalopram (are you in the states?)

That is quite a low dose, I am on 20mg.

I moved from citalopram to escitalopram so didn't have any side effects to start with as they are pharmalogically pretty similar (identical almost) although escitalopram is thought to have fewer side effects.

You would expect to start feeling the effects after a week or two but your dose seems very low to me.

Very sorry for your loss, it was losing my dad many years ago that triggered my first bout of depression/anxiety.

Thank you for your post. Yes, the box of medication says 'escitalopram'; the psychiatrist (in hospital)called it Lexapro. He said I was to start at 5mg with view to increasing dose at follow up app. I live in Ireland.