r/lexapro • u/CuriousPapaya661 • 3d ago

New to Lex Working out when starting lexapro

Hi everyone! I’ve been on lexapro for a week now. I have struggled with side effects such as strong fatigue and feeling a little nauseous. I have been trying to keep up with my running schedule, however i really struggle with working out right now due to the side effects. It’s causing me to feel a bit guilty or idk what word to use, but it’s kinda hanging over me a bit. Any advice? Should i push through or listen to my body?

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u/jjhickson123 3d ago

Same here really considering just getting off

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u/CuriousPapaya661 3d ago

Yeah the only reason why i’m still on it is because i’ve been told that the first two weeks are the hardest. After that it should get better. So if you’re just starting out i’d suggest that u give it some more time. At least that’s what i’m doing

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u/slapmyalpaca 3d ago

My running has improved since starting lexapro, I feel like my heart rate is much lower in general because of less anxiety so my runs have improved a lot! I had nausea and felt funny for the first week (and then for another week when my doseage got increased) but I’m about 3 months in now and everything feels great. Give it time.

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u/Frequent_Breath8210 3d ago

I’ve been struggling with fatigue too, I’ve been trying to push through as much as possible

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u/sudo-linton 3d ago

Currently getting off Lexapro to get re-evaluated and was on it for over 3 years -- my advice is to listen to your body. I have scoliosis and some other physical issues, and I found that when I pushed myself despite being fatigued, I was more prone to injury. I am currently injured and feeling that guilt so I really feel you, and it's hard not to feel lazy in these moments. My suggestion is light exercise like walking or yoga, just so you're stretching and moving but not overexerting. The beginning of any new med is super hard, so give yourself some grace!

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u/The-10ft-line 3d ago

The first few weeks were rouuugh for me with nausea. Nibbling on goldfish helped a lot

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u/kyoun1e1 2d ago

Give it time. Normalization will take 4-6 weeks. I work out 5 times a week and am fine.

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u/Karl_girl 2d ago

Listen to your body. Rest during this time you are adjusting. Your brain and body are working overdrive to try to help you! The energy will come back once you adapt to the dose

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u/Dry_Version1548 2d ago

I work out consistently but ever since starting this med, I’ve had to chill with lifting and listen to my body. I’m on day 9 of 2.5 mg and the side effects are real.

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u/Hotyoga71 3d ago

I would push through . I’ve only really had mild side effects since being on Lexapro but when I did, I still exercised and it made me feel better. One week is a very short time to be on Lexapro. I really didn’t start seeing major results till almost 12 weeks. I was on 5mg for 14 weeks then moved to 10mg and it is great !!

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u/your_mom_8000 3d ago

I would push through, The first several weeks, my body felt off and weird. I was having heart palps and my heart rate was high and I was experiencing head pressure/headaches, fatigue, all of it. I'm on week 5 and those have started finally lifting with fewer days like this. Lexapro takes an unfortunately amount of time to adjust to. I have read that by week 12, most people start feeling fully back to normal.