Is lexapro a happy pill?

Question

i started taking it yesterday and i was wondering how long it takes to work? does it make you happy?

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

It is an antidepressant of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class. It is approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder; other indications include social anxiety disorder, panic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. Escitalopram is the S-stereoisomer (enantiomer) of the earlier Lundbeck drug citalopram (Celexa), hence the name (es-citalopram). Escitalopram is noted for its high selectivity of serotonin reuptake inhibition and, as a result, relative mildness of the side effects. The drug is marketed in the US under the name Lexapro by Forest Laboratories and elsewhere under various brand names by Lundbeck.

It can be considered an example of "lifecycle management" - it means you have to use it day in and day out to get results. It will NOT work with just one dose!!!

Answer 2

Wow, Lexapro isn't a "happy" pill, from my experience. Read the insert if you're curious about it's side effects. It's prescribed for depression (and I think a few other things, but I'm not sure what), my husband was on it for a while (.10 mg) he didn't like it much (Effexor worked better for him). It can take anywhere from a week to a month to really kick in. YOU won't notice it, but your friends will. You'll just seem less irrate/sad/irritable/sulky or whatever you were before.

Give it at least a week before you give up on it, and DEFINATELY do NOT go off any anti-depressants cold turkey -EVER. It's NOT fun. Ramp up and ramp off.
If you have questions, definately ask your doctor, and friends that might be on similar meds.

Personally, I prefer Effexor XR 75... Life is much better and I don't argue with strangers anymore (for NO reason). Always good to be taken together with some good-old-fashioned therapy.

Good luck!

Answer 3

It is prescribed for anxiety and depression, so yes, it is a happy pill.

It is a pretty nasty one too, in a week you will feel like a lightning storm is happening in your head. It is also miserable to wean yourself off of it, as you cant stop it all at once, you have to take smaller and smaller doses... and all during that time your brain will feel really "weird"

But... if you dont know why you are taking it.. then why are you taking it?

Also, it takes 2 weeks to 2 months to start working.

I took 5mg/day for about 3 months when I was going through a tough time with anxiety... I really did not like the way it made me feel.

Also, it is almost impossible to have an orgasm while you are on it.... which is the worst part about that drug.

Answer 4

I was on lexapro and felt like I had been on a 3 day bender for the entire time. I switched to effexor and I'm ok, although I couldn't feel my legs for the first 2 days. Long story short. Don't depend on the meds to make you happy. They will curb your anger and depression though... making everyday life a little easier.

Answer 5

I've taken this before. For ME, it "zombied" me out. I was numb to everything, very passive, tired. It "aided" my depression. But that's just me. My doc switched me to a couple of different meds before we found what worked. I was weaned off of the meds and now live a "happy life". This was not in any way a "happy pill" for me. Just the opposite.

Answer 6

My doctor had me on lexapro for my anxiety and depression. The medication usually takes about 2-4 weeks to take effect. Everyone's reaction to medication is different. It made me very tired and weak. However, you should continue to take the medicine (but know how it effects you befor you try to drive, I couldn't) until your doctor says, because ubruptly stopping could be harmful.

Source(s):

Past user of Lexapro

Answer 7

you should feel better in 1-2 weeks but full effects in 4-6 weeks

Answer 8

I had a bad reaction from taking Lexapro which sent me into full blown heart palpitations, anxiety and panic attacks along with throat feeling like it was closing up. I had never experienced this before, continued to suffered for months with these attacks on end all from taking just one pill.

So, it didn't make me happy, it only complicated my life. If your sensitive it triggers a chemical in the brain and takes along time to get it under control.

I am without medication other than Lorazpam ( works well) if it starts to well up again.

I do hope you get to feeling better, however sometimes it is best to learn what is causing your depression and treat it naturally if you can. Don't get too use to it.

Answer 9

no its a pill that curbs anger yet is used for depression n bipolar disorder. works in about a week or 5 days. makes u tired some what too. doesnt make u happy though none of the depression pills do

Answer 10

I took a combo of it along with Lozepan (not sure of spelling) and they made me completely numb emotionally. I'd give it 2 weeks to a month and see how you feel, but if you are not pleased with the results tell your doctor to prescibe something different. And, NEVER stop a drug like that cold turkey...I did once, and I really regretted it...

Answer 11

No, it's not what I would call a happy pill, but it will make you feel more relaxed and if you suffer from symptoms of anxiety( chest pains, lightheadedness, tingling or numbness in arms...) they will be alleviated.
Lexapro affects the serotonin levels, and is in the family of prozac--though not nearly as strong, and with far fewer side effects.
I imagine if you just started taking it that you are on 10mg a day. It generally takes about 3 weeks before you'll start to feel its effects, depending of course on your weight and stature.

A word of caution: Lexapro may cause birth defects, and should not be taken if you are pregnant. If you have increased feelings of depression you should consult your doctor immediately.

You can search the drug on Yahoo or Google and learn everything you should know about it.

Source(s):

Family member takes it. Researched it on Google. Also listed on LawyersandSettlements.com

Answer 12

nothing can "make" you happy but what it will do is help with the anxiety and compulsive way of thinking. It will help you think through your feelings before you react. Therefore staying calm and reacting the way you want to react. No pill in the world can fix everything without some effort on your part too. Reduce your stress by finding an outlet. Put effort into self improvement and stopping bad habits. You just might end up happy.

Answer 13

I took it for about 6 months
I got put on it for depression.
I guess whenever I was awake I was happier but all i wanted to do was sleep.
It only took about a week for it to fully work.

Answer 14

for me it helped me feel more balanced. it takes a few weeks. if you dont feel anything its probably because it needs to be upped. the one thing i didnt like was the sexual side effect. it wasnt as bad as some other ones i was on but i still had a harder time having an orgasm. later when i couldnt see the doctor anymore and i hadnt been on anything for a while, i gave the herbal suppliment st johns wort a try. it has been a miracle pill for me. first of all its cheap and i dont need to see a doctor to get it. second it calms the mind down. so i dont over think as much . also i have more energy because im less stressed. amd i sleep more sound. i take 21st century brand st johns wort. i take 2 in the morning . i love it and no sexual side effects. actually ive seen none.

Answer 15

Only you can make yourself happy. But yes, it is a happy pill to chase away the moody blues. I've been on it for 3 years for depression. It started working the first couple of days after I started taking it.

Answer 16

I believe I can give some insight on this. For over 6 months I've been on 30 mg. of Lexapro per day. It starts working as soon as you take your first dose. The first week is very suttle. After 2 weeks, it starts working better. It is not something that will MAKE you feel happy. It calms you down and makes everything ok. I was told to start on 10 mg, and see how things went. It takes at least 30 mg. to keep me ok. Any less isn't helpful. The most you can safely take is 40 mg. per day. I hope I was some help.