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Exercise and Lexapro (or SSRIs)

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Posted 5/5/2020 9:59 AM (GMT -5)
Hey everyone hope you’re well.

I recently got back in lexapro, 10mg, about to go up to 20 per the plan my psychiatrist outlined.

Has anyone had any issues with exercise while on it? Is it safe? Does it feel like you can’t get your heart rate up? So many questions. I know I got a bit lazy the first time I was on this for 2.5 years and I don’t want that to happen this time so I plan to do some moderate exercise, nothing too intense, just stay a little active.

I have GAD, health anxiety mainly heart stuff and obsessive thoughts. So the reason I’m so concerned is of course running and exercise gets the heart rate going and winded lol that kind of stuff triggers me and I freak out thinking the worst of course. Yesterday I went for a jog, felt winded pretty quickly, heart palpitations or what it seemed like, etc. so not sure if it’s cause the lexapro, an actual heart issue, or just simply out of shape. Hoping just the last one. I went to TWO cardiologists when I was 30, four or so years ago, and both did extensive tests, both said my heart is fine. Of course my brain says well it’s been a few years that can change. And maybe my heart is fine but not supposed to be exercising or overexerting while on lexapro. I’m sure that’s not the case, I’d imagine we have to stay active regardless, but..

I’m going to check with my psychiatrist of course but I’m waiting a bit since I bother him all the time lol.

Any thoughts or insight would be helpful.

Ty

Post Edited (Michael85) : 5/5/2020 9:06:39 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 5/5/2020 11:21 AM (GMT -5)
Maybe try pacing yourself and not get winded until you can talk to your psychiatrist. I know we have to exert ourselves in order to burn calories or whatever. But I would think every little bit helps.

I found Lexapro to be a tad calming. Maybe that would work against you but I doubt it. Just start out slow and work your way back into it.

Since you seem to have a history of health anxiety and have had cardio tests, I would say you are okay. Though you said it was about four years ago, as long as you have stayed fairly healthy I would figure a little vigorous exercise would be okay. But if you haven't done it for awhile, I would say start slow. And pace yourself. Though I am not a doctor and probably have no knowledge of what I am talking about. I know moderate exercise can make us feel good in many ways. I prefer walking. I use to cross country ski and loved it.

Best wishes for a good day Michael85.

Hugs, Karen...
Posted 5/5/2020 4:26 PM (GMT -5)
I take citalopram, closely related to Lexapro, for GAD, I have been on this for many years and have noticed no difference in exercise tolerance. Moderate, regular exercise helps my GAD as much as the medication, and the combination of the two keeps GAD well managed, unless their are unusual circumstances, like the CV19 crisis.
Posted 5/6/2020 8:29 AM (GMT -5)
Thank you both. Haha now don’t get me wrong, I’m not running marathons here or doing intense workouts. I just found that a nice jog gets me out of my head and helps a bit overall with my anxiety. The combination of that, plus not wanting to gain all types of weight like I did when I was on lexapro before, I just want to make sure I am at least a bit active this time around.

I’ll check with my doc for sure. Thanks again.
Posted 5/6/2020 9:03 AM (GMT -5)
Hi

I used to take Lexapro and found it a very activating medication so I actually did more exercises and did not have any problems. I agree that it’s best to start of small and build the intensity up over a couple of weeks as your fitness improves.

I find that exercise helps me more than the medication so I do an hour of exercise every day.

Hibee
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