Lexapro and Memory Problems?

[scarlettearz666]

I've been on Lexapro (20 MG) for a little over a year now. It quickly fixed my depression/anxiety problems, and I feel okay mood-wise. Although for the first few months, the libido change (MUCH lower) and anorgasmia had been hard to deal with in the begining, but seems to be better.
The only thing is that I've noticed over the last several months an effect that is rather disturbing and I don't know if it's due to lexapro? Kind of an inability to think straight sometimes, or loss of short term memory. Just an overall feeling of almost a blank mind. (IE I used to write a lot, but since taking lexapro, if I pick up a notebook, i've got nothing).
Is it feasible that my brain-dead feelings are attributed to Lexapro?
I'm afraid to go off of it because of my previous moods before Lexapro (suicidal ideation, etc).

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[tennine]

Wow, what a realization. Thank you all here for sharing all of your stories. I have been having the SAME problems as everyone. Been taking Lex (10mg) for about 4 months last year and noticed the same issues. I first thought it was because of my language issue. (came to the states 10 years ago) I totally blamed on wrong things. I have been stopped taking the lex for about 3 months now because it wasn't really doing anything for me. I think the short term memory issue is slightly getting better for me, though. So guys, do not lose hope.

[Strickster]

Well this is depressing.  I started Lexapro 10mg 4 days ago and chalked up the zombie like feeling to adjusting to the drug.  Was prescribed for anxiety that may be causing massive acid reflux/GERD.


No way I can afford to lose memory, my job depends in retaining information and critical thinking.  Going back to doctor immediately.

[Stephaniebutler]

I had no idea. The thought to google memory loss and lexapro never occurred to me until today!  Now I don't feel so dumb.  I do believe I'm highly intelligent but I've really noticed that I am missing memory on the short term horribly. It's embarrassing.  One person said they have just tried to make lists and use a calendar but man sometimes I have to put extreme details or I still don't know what I meant.  I'm in my mid-30s and been on for over 10 years. I have an appt to see a new dr this month.  If this is why I can't think, I really need help. Plus I saw someone mention headaches..... Ohhhhh the migraines, is this also a side effect because it's wrecking my life I miss work at least 2x a month.  I guess I will know soon enough. I'm going to see about something new.

[jeopardyfan]

The fact that this memory loss/ brain fog may be permanent scares the crap out of me. I am down to 1/8 of a 10mg Escitalopram and still forget what day it is, what year it is, have to check and recheck information constantly, I come back and find I've put things in the wrong drawer...in the fridge...forget tasks at work...unintentionally go to work with no makeup on...

I want to apply for a new job, but I don't have the confidence that I can learn new things or that a new boss would overlook errors.

I used to be smart. Thank God for Google and Siri these days. I don't know what I'd do without them. I try to put appointments into my phone immediately. I make lists. Instead of telling people I'll contact them, I ask them to contact me...

I still watch Jeopardy, but I don't answer like I used to and I can't answer in the time allowed. After the contestant answers I think Oh, yeah, that's right...

I don't get upset about m mistakes anymore, because I now sadly just expect them. I feel disabled, but look fine on the outside. I'm too young for a caretaker or a home. I'm a divorced empty nester and support myself. I've started telling close friends my brain is broken when I forget things.

Good luck everyone I hope this improves.

[agawa001]

i just want to share my sad experience over here, i had been on servere depression cuz i got discarded from university and used to be an easy victime for society, thing like a fortunate prey for social injustice, my straight intuition and consciousness refused to take such meds for 7 years long (period of my depression) until my parents faced me with a bull-face : "take these meds or get the hell out o our house", i m 27 , i had no choice, i m a computer engineer with mathematical degree, designed lot of softwares, 4 of them are of systran and babylon's weight no joking ! i know my stuff in artificial intelligence , now evrything disappeared, the inspiration the chaining of ideas after i couldnt take my hands of the keyboard along a day, now i cant keep my hands 1 minute on the keyboard, a horrible and drastic changes, briefly, i want to pass away each fraction of second due to that stupid decision i assumed, 4 months since i quit that, hopefully i can find something to disintoxicate my brain, please help me, thanks.

[psychodippedcandy]

Not to sound like a totally insane person.....but....it seems that many of us identify as highly intelligent, and highly intelligent people think....deeply and constantly, which leads to anxiety and depression because we see whats going on and have to live next to sheeple who only care about what kim k tweeted..... this med obviously shuts that high activity down so we can not give a crap like everyone else.

[Hoons69]

Totally agree with you

[peterman1]

I too notice the memory issue, and general spaciness.  my wife confirms that my memory is poor since on these drugs, giving independent confirmation.  helps with my general stress/anxiety levels tho, so I am torn between being wound up or more chillaxed but 'impaired'.  seems we have some rather compelling concensus here.  I am senstive, and now only take 2mg lexam every second day and still feel these negative effects.