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.

[idkwhattodo47]

I really like to know a Doctor's comment on this please.

I'm really scared because Ive been using cipralex 20 mg for 8 months now and there are nights that I cant sleep because I try to remember something that I forgot that day and I feel it was important. I really like to know if its because depression? Is it because i think so much? or is it because of Cipralex/Lexparo?

Is it going to be permanent?

Please help me with this. I'm only 20 years old and I always wanted to become somebody who can help the world's problems but I don't think I can become that kind of person with a bad memory.

[youngguy800]

Interesting. Do you have a link to these studies? I have taken SSRI's on and off throughout college. Tried Zoloft, Paxil, and Celexa. Every time I have stopped because I always felt "Brain Fog" and my studies come first. My anxiety and depression have gotten bad recently, definitely affected my memory and cognition mainly due to my inability to concentrate. So I have recently started taking Lexapro. After taking 5mgs for two days and 10mgs for two days I feel drunk and tired (starting side effects I know) but I am very worried about memory and cloudiness. Now I am skeptical about starting up... So if you could post that link that'd be great.

[JoannaN]

PS to add to my above post, I stopped taking the Lexapro this week after reading this info.

[JoannaN]

Hi everyone

Thank you for this. I like you, Googled 'Lexapro and mind fog' after reading through listed side effects and not finding any reference to it. It was relief to read that others have expereinced the same as I...feeling like I was losing my intelligence, unable to respond to issues effectively, going 'blank' regarding words.

As others have said, Lexapro was great for my depression. I have been on it for abou t8 months and only 5mgs. I stopped using it on Tuesday this week and didnt expereince any adverse side effects (such a low dose).

I want to let you know that I am feeling much better and more like my old 'intelligent' self. I noticed the difference almost straight away. Words and memory capacity, cognitive ability have returned!

I was on Aropax (ugh) for two years, then nothing for a few years, the Lexapro....my advice would be to consider your own situation, the dose I was on was very low and only for eight months, however I am now convinced the Lexapro effected my cognition significantly. Like many of you I am also an Honours levels student but noticed that I was barely able to string together an intelligent sentence and others often offered the word I was looking for...writing was fine as I had time to think about it.

The good news for me is that it doesnt appear permanent.

[ohio1975]

I thought what they heck I will Google "Lexapro and memory loss" because I feel like for the past few months I cant remember anything.  I am a 6th grade teacher and find myself searching for words when I am giving a lecture to the class.  It is getting very frustrating.  I have been on Lexapro -20mg-consistently for over a year.   I was self diagnosing for a while because when I felt better I quit taking it :)  Anyway has anyone gone off Lexapro and found another med that is better for anxiety?  just wondering

[Naturewoman1948]

I am quite sure that Lexapro or Cipralex, in the long run has an effect on memory. I have been on 5 mg of Cipralex for around 3 years, for general anxiety. Psychiatrist prescribed 10mg., but I know I am very sensitive and stayed on the 5mg. I experience that I dont recollect words or names as fast as I used to do. and I have had instances that my mind was completely "blank". I am going to wean off Cipralex. My anxiety is much less than it was and I am not expecting it to come back so strongly. I am certain that having more Serotonin floating around the brain is helpful with heavy depression, and it also numbs you somewhat. When you are super sensitive, that numbing effect can be desirable. When you're not, you can feel like a zombie. I am super sensitive, but still i want to stop. They do not yet know waht the effects are of years of taking SSRI's.  I also feel that exercise, being in nature, connecting to friends, or self-help methods like co-counseling or other forms of psychological work in pairs, might help better than SSRI's and with no side effects. It just asks more: you have to work on yourlf and not give up! For heavy depression SSRI's can be a godsend, but do try exercise and connecting to friends and the outside world as well!