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.

[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.

[traktorista]

Spacing out is actually good for your brain. But I can feel your despair. I left school too because of Lexapro. Funnily enough my doctor assured me that my memory problems had hardly anything to do with the medication, maybe on contrary, it was said to boost memory, and she tried to pin it down to my occasional THC consumption. Yet there are hundreds of cases in the internet, I doubt she never heard of any. But I also read that every depression is taking part of your brain capacity. For ever. Every brings you nearer to dementia. If that is correct, then we have not much choice, right. Just have to try to be happy. I cut down to 5 mg and occasionally I take high dose of niacin. So let us see

[andrewhikes]

Hello Clara....I have been taking Lexapro for about 6 years now and have I am currently down to 2 and 1/2 mg. I am a 67 yo male. The memory loss and brain fog are terrible side effects and I am still experiencing them after tapering way down. I think I may have permanent brain damage. The situation has affected my work, concentration and social life. I am hoping to be completely off soon. Note: The drug did help with my depression but the side effects are intolerable!!!!!

[andrewhikes]

I totally agree I have been taking Lexapro and have horrible brain fog to the point of affecting my job and daily life. Seems to be a very common side effect of Lexapro but we are not told by drs. It has helped my depression but the side effects are not tolerable. I am also well educated and need my full mental capacity.

[ClaraBeing]

Just want to say, even though we have these sometimes debilitating issues, I have found comfort in reading these posts in knowing I'm not the only one facing these problems.  Despite what doctors say, they are real.  I'm really seeking help because some days, I don't want to go on.

[ClaraBeing]

I'm 51 y.o. female, was taking Zoloft, then Lexapro about 18 yrs. Finally decided to take myself off about 2 yrs ago because can no longer afford it. While I was on it, it was helping my depression so I didn't pay much attention to the memory loss but it was really bad.  Like everyone else on here, I'm an educated, articulate, enlightened person but my memory and ability to express myself has suffered greatly.  Unfortunately, since I weened myself off 2 yrs ago, my memory has not improved, in fact, it seems to be getting worse  I've tried brain exercises, supplements, vitamins, etc but nothing has helped.  A co-worker who happened to say she's taking lexapro and that it destroys memory!!  Boy was that an A-ha moment because it never dawned on me that that's what has caused my memory loss and all the other side effects everyone else has reported!  I feel so dumb at times, it has affected my social life, daily interactions with people and my ability to keep a job.  I have anxiety and feel like I have early dementia or alzheimers