[drawlins27]

Forgetfulness is a side effect of Lexapro but it is only a temporary side effect. If you've been taking Lexapro for eight months, then the recent problems you have been experiencing aren't due to the Lexapro unless you stopped taking it for awhile and then went back on it recently.

It sounds like you are experiencing a worsening of GAD symptoms which can easily happen when someone with anxiety has a recent buildup of stress in their life. Some of the symptoms of GAD such as difficulty concentrating, being easily distracted, forgetting, etc are all symptoms of GAD that Lexapro (a type of SSRI) helps to control. Has the Lexapro been working for you in the past? If so, then your dosage needs to be increased to account for the change in your symptoms.

This is actually a very common problem. Typically in this type of situation, the recommend course of action is an increase in the SSRI dosage (Lexapro in your case). However, because of the way SSRIs work, it will take anywhere from 2 - 8 weeks for a dosage increase to alleviate your symptoms. So in order to provide rapid relief of symptoms, short term daily usage of a benzodiazepine (minor tranquilizer) such as alprazolam, clonazepam, or lorazepam in a small dosage (assuming no past history of depression) is also recommended. The use of a small dosage benzodiazepine breaks the GAD/stress cycle which can be difficult to overcome with the use of a SSRI only.

Obviously, only your doctor knows what's best for your individual situation but this is the course of action I find to be the most effective in the majority of cases.

Sorry I didn't see this before your doctor's appt but I hope it was of some help anyway. If your doctor has not given you any type of mild tranquilizer to give you immediate relief, then you may want to ask for some, especially before you fly or if your symptoms get worse. Feel free to PM me and I'll help however I can.