Migraine Frequency After Starting Lexapro
I have had migraines for many years. I finally found a neurologist who prescribed Vyepti. After I started 300mg Vyepti, there was about a dramatic 50%-75% reduction in my migraines. Until I started Lexapro about a year ago. All of a sudden, my migraine frequency increased way beyond their baseline before starting Vyepti ... they tripled as compared to being on Vyepti without Lexapro.
People told me I had "broken through" the Vyepti. Well, in January, I decided to taper off Lexapro. Even in the first few weeks there was improvement and I haven't even had one in about a month now. I think it's still too soon to draw a definitive conclusion - maybe at least another 1-4 months till I'm totally convinced. But it sure seems like the Lexapro was the culprit.
Has anyone else encountered this. Are there any SSRIs or SNRIs that don't tend to increase migraine frequency? I sure felt better when I was on Lexapro and would like to try to find another antidepressant. But given the choice, I'll stay off one if it makes this much difference.
Hi! That's a frustrating situation to be in. Having migraine is a little like being your own detective sometimes.
Everyone is different when it comes to what triggers their migraines and what treatments they respond to, so keep that in mind as you're exploring what to do next. Many people here in the community have shared they take an SSRI or SNRI, so I have hope that you might be able to find something that's a better fit.Some antidepressants are even used as part of a migraine treatment regimen. Check this out:
https://migraine.com/migraine-treatment/antidepressants-for-migraine-headaches
Good luck. I know how much an antidepressant can make a difference! -Melissa, team member
