Cognitive Impairment by Lexapro

[William_Sage]

Hello! I am a new member and made an account in great hopes that I could receive various insights from this community that will provide me with relief or greater reason to worry. Essentially, I have been experiencing very noticeable side effects from Lexapro. Mainly, cognitive impairment. I have been taking 5mg doses of Lexapro for exactly one week. So far, I have noticed a significant reduction in my thinking abilities. I have read in various places that this could be permanent but that came from people who have been prescribed to it for a much more extended period of time. Any information would seriously help me. Thank you!

[William_Sage]

Ah! Thank you for the reply. I appreciate the scientific explanation you have provided. Sadly, I forgot the add something to the post that would make it more relevant: is this at all permanent? It has been exactly a week after I withdrew from Lexapro. Lexapro did indeed (partially) eradicate my OCD as well as my cognitive abilities. Both have only partially returned as of now. My cognitive impairment has made a significant impact on my self esteem. Providing me with a (scientific) reason that it will return will reverse the self esteem issue.

[Paxiled]

What you're probably noticing is sedation and slowed metabolism, which all ssris do.  You're not at a therapeutic dose yet nor have you been on the drug long enough to see if it works or not, but the side effects kick in before the drug starts to work.  It may be this drug is not for you, but it's much too early to tell.  But if it does stick around, tell your psychiatrist you want to taper off and try something else.