Is being out off breath a side effect off ssri?

Posted in:

Lexapro (Escitalopram)Symptoms and Self-Care

November 10, 2026

I’m 51m. On lexapro for Generalized anxiety The last few months I am increasingly out off breath when active. I am a teacher and have trouble finishing my sentences. There is no relationship with anxiety. Im not anxious when out off breath and i am not out off breath when anxious. It is not listed as a side affect. Does anyone recognize this? I’m going to see my doctor on Friday.

Lexapro — 10 — 2 years — actively tapering

8 Replies

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Catina2d ago

Community AnchorEffexor

Yes, this can happen on antidepressants. It's called Air Hunger.

Venlafaxine (tapering) - Current dose 16.64 mg
Trazodone - 50 mg
Synthroid - 25 mcg

“Your brain and body know how to heal. Trust the process and keep going.”

Please Note: I am not a healthcare professional. Any advice given is based on personal experience and that of others in the lay withdrawal community.

Ru2d ago

WelcomerLexapro · active

@Catina thank you for the answer. I have read about air hunger on Reddit. They describe it as a feeling like you can’t get a deep enough breath. My symptom does not feel like that to much. I will look into the article that describes the influence of serotonin on the breathing rhythm

Lexapro — 10 — 2 years — actively tapering

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Catina2d ago

Community AnchorEffexor

"I will look into the article that describes the influence of serotonin on the breathing rhythm" — @Ru

Sounds good. I hope you find something helpful.

Kevin Roy2d ago

I just did a twitter post about SSRI effecting your lungs yesterday. I developed asthma while taking Lexapro that cleared when I quit it. Twitter link

Cosmic19732d ago

WelcomerMirtazapine · active

WD makes you lethargic and have less mojo

Mirtazapine — 0.2mg — 1 year — actively tapering

Ru2d ago

WelcomerLexapro · active

@Kevin Roy thank you for the info. After I have gone to my doctor to make sure the shortness of breath is not my heart, ik will try running again. I was a runner before. Not as good as you btw

Lexapro — 10 — 2 years — actively tapering

Kevin Roy1d ago

@Ru You are welcome. If you take asthma drugs, some of them are linked to producing mental health problems. Here is a few flagged brands. Montelukast, Zafirlukast, Pranlukast, Zileuton. The strongest warnings are on any brand that modify Leukotriene.

Plila1d ago

Zoloft · holding

Wow..I remember this from what may have also been lexapro or lexapro withdrawal!! It was so uncomfortable! I don’t think I’ve had that discontinuing other antidepressants, though. But I was taken off of a low dose instantly with no warning about any possibility of discontinuation symptoms. I also used to be a smoker, so that was scary to think maybe it’s lung cancer.

Zoloft — 18mg — Since Oct 2025 — holding

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