Headaches and Fatigue with Small Vessel Disease

Posted by bdesteiguer @bdesteiguer, May 3 5:18pm

I was diagnosed with SMV disease about 6 months ago. Miserably failed the MOCA administered by a neurologist. Was put on Lexapro for what was perceived as anxiety. Since then headaches that were occurring periodically have become almost daily and more severe. Serious fatigue also started about the same time along with being cold all the time. Don't feel "anxious". Wonder if Lexapro was the right choice for me.

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Maryann | @mkoch | May 4 5:45pm

My daughter didn't do well with Lexipro. She takes Zoloft with no issues. And then, again, for some people its vice-versa. I think that we all have a certain brain chemistry and what works well for one person may not be the best choice for someone else. I think it's common for patients to try different formulations of the various SSRIs to find the one that works best for them. Good luck.

Lisa Lucier, Moderator | @lisalucier | May 5 10:57am

Hi, @bdesteiguer - having your headaches that occurred periodically become almost daily and more severe sounds miserable, as does feeling fatigued and cold all the time.

I'm tagging members from support groups all around Connect - not necessarily others who have a diagnosis of small vessel disease - to provide you some thoughts about their experiences with side effects while taking escitalopram (Lexapro). Please meet, if you've not already, @graylake @ainigriv99 @bolso1 @heidirahk @frouke, who may have some thoughts on the fatigue, headaches and feeling of coldness you've had on the escitalopram (Lexapro).

bdesteiguer - was the anxiety this medication was prescribed supposed to be related to your small vessel disease, or a separate issue?