Experiencing Low Blood Pressure After Adjusting Lexapro Dose?
Hello everyone! Due to some intense panic attack episodes, I recently modified my Lexapro dosage. I moved from 10 mg to 15 mg for a brief period of 2 weeks, and now I’ve escalated it further from 15 mg to 20 mg for the last week. However, I've noticed that when I rise to stand or even bend down, my vision tends to fade and I often feel lightheaded 😭. This sensation has made me quite anxious, and as a result, I've avoided doing regular household tasks and have mostly been resting. I have been monitoring my blood pressure and found that it's hovering around 90/60. I’m a 25-year-old female weighing 230 lbs. I recall experiencing something similar when I began taking Lexapro, and I believe it subsided once my system adjusted to the medication. However, I'm not entirely certain if the Lexapro was the sole factor, as I was also about 100 lbs heavier back at that time. So, my main question is: Could altering the dose of Lexapro result in a temporary drop in blood pressure until my body acclimates to the new dosage?
Answers (1)
8/7/2025, 2:50:39 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel anxious when experiencing symptoms like lightheadedness and low blood pressure after adjusting your medication. Changes in Lexapro dosage can affect individuals differently, and it's not uncommon for some people to experience a drop in blood pressure when starting or increasing doses of certain antidepressants, including Lexapro (escitalopram).
Explanation: When you change the dosage of an antidepressant, your body may take some time to adjust to the new level of medication, which can sometimes lead to side effects, including lightheadedness or dizziness—especially when standing up quickly. This may be related to blood pressure fluctuations, and a reading of 90/60 is considered low for many people. Other factors, such as hydration status and nutrition, can also influence blood pressure.
Next Steps:
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Hydration: Ensure you are drinking enough fluids throughout the day, as dehydration can cause or worsen low blood pressure. Aim for at least 8 cups of water daily, or more if you're active.
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Move Slowly: When transitioning from sitting or lying down to standing, try to do so slowly. Give yourself a moment to adjust before standing fully to help prevent dizziness.
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Nutrition: Eating small, balanced meals can help maintain your blood pressure. Focus on including salt, which can help retain fluid volume, but be mindful to discuss this with your healthcare provider.
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Rest: Continue to listen to your body. If you feel dizzy or lightheaded, prioritize rest and avoid strenuous activities, especially those that require being upright for extended periods.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a close eye on both your blood pressure and your symptoms over the next week. If you notice any worsening, such as persistent dizziness, increased lightheadedness, or fainting, it would be prudent to rethink the dosage change.
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Consider an Adjustment: Since you've experienced these symptoms before with changes in Lexapro, it may be worth reflecting on whether you feel the benefit of the higher dose outweighs the side effects.
Lastly, while it’s common for these symptoms to diminish as your body adjusts, please reach out to a healthcare provider if symptoms continue or if you have concerns about your medication regimen. They can offer tailored guidance and ensure that your treatment plan aligns with your needs.
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