Escitalopram for Anxiety User Reviews (Page 5)

• extrA...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 12, 2015

Lexapro (escitalopram) "Before Lexapro I was extremely stressed out for at least a year before taking it. Everything my boyfriend would do would cause me to snap. I would snap on family members constantly as well. If they were chewing too loud, whistling, or looking at me, I would flip out and yell. No lie here...within 2 days I had noticed a day and night difference. My boyfriend absolutely adores me now. I love who I am and I can't imagine life the way it was before. This medicine was/is a miracle to me. The only side effect I had was yawning often the first two days, but that went away. I love living life now and enjoy myself. I can't express enough how much it has helped. My life has taken an absolute 180!"

• Bex
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 19, 2021

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I thought I could cope without antidepressants & wasted many years of my life struggling with stress & anxiety. After an extremely stressful event, I eventually 'crashed' & could no longer function. I couldn't eat, had terrible restlessness, I felt like I was detached from everyone & everything, I couldn't focus, I was confused, not sleeping at all most nights & depression hit hard. I had no choice but to begin medication immediately. The initial side effects of Cipralex wore off after about 2 weeks. My appetite returned, I began sleeping again & I felt calm. The side effects were minimal & were a small price to pay for the benefits of the medication. I was on 10mg for 14 months & tapered off gradually over 4 months. I had discontinuation symptoms of anxiety & insomnia for a few days but it's now been 2 weeks since stopping completely & I'm feeling great!"

• Special...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 28, 2015

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I posted in Oct. My 9 yr. old has Asperger's and my life was hard. It is now the last week of month 2 on 10 mg of Lexapro. OMG!! Is this what normal really feels like!? Please, if you have anxiety and possible depression, give this drug a chance. I feel like a new person. I laugh at shows now, I have a sense of humor again. My spouse is spending more time around me since I am more pleasant to be around. I cooked a small Thanksgiving dinner for 4 from scratch in 4 hours without stressing it. I can watch sad movies and feel the emotions but not cry through the whole show or movie. Find myself interested in things I used to enjoy but stopped. I am glad I hung in and listened to others who said to give it 6-8 weeks for full effect. They were right. :)"

• MommyOf
• March 18, 2019

Lexapro (escitalopram) "Had lots of freak outs the first 3 weeks on Lexapro for my anxiety. It was just my anxiety scaring me, thinking anything that was happening to me was the medication. I was given this for my anxiety due to postpartum anxiety and also it may coincide with depression from my mom's death 2 years ago. Anxiety caused me panic attacks which ceased to exist after about 1 month on it, worked better after 7 weeks. I’m able to get up out of bed, enjoy a movie, laugh and organize things. I look back at these unrealistic worries I had and laugh at them now. I still have some off days but they’re not nearly as much as before. I was too paranoid to drink caffeine and now I’m drinking coffee again. Yes, I had some funny phobias and I’m in a better place now. I give an 8 because it has a couple of minor side effects but nothing I want to note since I know people with anxiety will be reading this and they’re not big deals. Lexapro 10 mg for 3 months now and yes it really works for anxiety. Generic version Escitalopram."

• Triss
• May 26, 2017

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I had tried everything: meditation, herbal supplements, yoga, exercise, healthy eating. I was doing everything 'right,' however, I was in a constant state of unrest and having about 5 panic attacks a day. I would go days without eating or drinking water and then collapse. My anxiety was so high; I was sick all the time - gut issues, headaches, dizziness, general fog, and feeling completely out of it and detached. It came to the point that something needed to change - so I sucked it up and tried Lexapro. If you are reading this, YOU CAN FEEL BETTER. I was scared I would feel like a zombie and lose myself - but it just takes the edge off and you will start to feel lighter and free, and it will let therapy and meditation work."

• Avyanna...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 4, 2014

Lexapro (escitalopram) "My Anxiety symptoms before Lexapro I was always paranoid of people judging me and just wasn't myself because I always felt panicked. I would socially isolate myself from friends and family, which then drove me into depression. My anxiety inhibited myself from learning and grasping new knowledge because I was too anxious to even learn. Even doing the smallest tasks (paying bills) would cause an overwhelming amount of anxiety. Now (after 4 weeks on 10 mg) - I'm mellow, feel confident. Someone I just met pegged me as an intellect! God knows how long anxiety has made me doubt my intelligence. I'm able to do tasks easier, which has reduced my procrastination. It hasn't completely reduced my depression, but I'm thinking of trying 20 mg."

• AJGH
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 7, 2021

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I had depression and anxiety for years and never dealt with it. I hit a big wall during COVID. Panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, just awful stuff. I connected with my doctor, and they prescribed 10 mg daily. The first two weeks were awful, as expected, I should have taken some time off work. But man, I'm in my third month, and my edges are softened. I tolerate a lot more, I'm doing things I love again, and the bad thoughts are gone! The best part is that my kids noticed that I'm not as angry, sad, unpredictable, and unstable. Huge! It's tough at first, have your support ready, but wow!"

• Lexap...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 24, 2023

Lexapro (escitalopram) ""THIS MEDICATION SAVED MY LIFE". This is my first review for a medication. Like myself, and so many other people out there, I have had horrible side effects with a lot of other medications. I can't tell you how many I've tried, but the last time I tried another medication for anxiety, it was hell, and I wouldn't wish my experience on my worst enemy. Because of my previous experience, I vowed to never take a pill again since last experience was so terrible. I made it over a year and lived with terrible anxiety every day. I was in a constant state of fight or flight mode and my heart was always pounding. I could never relax. I was driving my wife crazy with my worries and was unable to enjoy life. I called my doctor and he recommended I try Lexapro. I have been on it for over 2 years now. I spent days on the internet reading reviews and thanks to all of the positive ones, I decided to give it a try. To those who are reading this, please give it a try. It could save your life."

• Anonymous
• August 15, 2008

Lexapro (escitalopram) "Since I was in 10th grade, I've had anxiety and depression. I was placed on Lexapro 10mg, but still had some social anxiety and anxiety about other things. I didn't have as much as before so the doctor increased it to 20mg. I've never felt better. Like others have said, I almost forget I have anxiety. I feel fine every day and it's the greatest feeling in the world. If anyone is reading this post and is unsure about asking the doctor for help with anxiety, social anxiety, depression, etc., please don't wait. This drug truly saved my life."

• Wen
• September 24, 2020

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I was in lexapro for like 4 days and was only taking 5mg and it has made me feel so much worse. I’m having worsening depression and worsening anxiety. I’m done taking and going to flush myself out with lots of water."

• munk
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 20, 2014

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I was very anti-medication. I think people with anxiety often have a phobia of medication. This is too bad because it can be a total lifesaver. After a year of anxiety and agoraphobia with hypochondria, I relented and tried Lexapro. I had not been able to leave the house, which was debilitating. I had very few side effects with the meds, maybe minor headaches. After 2 weeks, I was able to travel. After 6 weeks, I was able to go back to work. It has been two months, and I continue to do better. I still need to work on some of the phobic situations, but have not had a panic attack in 2 months. It is a miracle medicine. I do hope I don't need to be on it forever, but for now, I am so very happy I took the plunge."

• NGD
• February 17, 2021

"Thank you to everyone who says to ‘hang in there’, when I feel anxious I come on here and read positive reviews to get me through. I have always been a little bit of an anxious person but big shock with a family member tipped me over the edge. Tremors hit me so bad. I wake up and as soon as I open my eyes, my body shakes, and I lay in the fetal position. I didn’t start escitalopram straight away, thought I could get better on my own, silly me. I have now started medication, 5mg for 4 days then 10mg. I am now on day 13 and boy has it been rough. I now know what people mean when they say the first couple of weeks are super bad. Side effects are horrible with restlessness, dizziness, and fatigue. I just want my life back. I will hang on for dear life and report back in a few days. Thanks again for the positive reviews. I wish there was a chat line where people could text each other. Just wanted to touch base and thank everyone as I don’t feel so alone when I read reviews. Love to all"

• Daisy
• October 5, 2021

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I just wanted to come back onto this site and share my experience with Lexapro so far. My anxiety used to be so bad I was in a constant state of panic most days and always had thoughts of impending doom. I cried at the drop of a dime. It was literally ruining my relationships and friendships. I was constantly tired and angry at the world. I had talked to my doctor, and we both decided I should give Lexapro a try. I was very hesitant at first, but I picked up my prescription of 5 mg. The first couple of days were terrible, I'm not going to lie to you. I had intense brain fog, brain zaps, and I would fall asleep and wake up with intense anxiety. But you know what got me through that? The reviews on this site! Telling me it was going to be okay and to give it a chance! I told my doctor my symptoms, and she prescribed me a small dose of Xanax to take before bed. Fast forward to 4 months later, I am a totally different person, but I still have small bouts of anxiety here and there, but it's manageable! Good luck!"

• Guy
• September 30, 2019

Lexapro (escitalopram) "The first couple of weeks were very difficult. I had increased anxiety, much worse than the anxiety I was being treated for, but that stopped right at the 2-week mark overnight. I felt a lot better but still not quite where I wanted to be. I went back to the doctor at the 3-week mark, and he increased the dose from 10mg to 20mg, and immediately I felt a difference. I did not have increased anxiety this time like I did when I started. In fact, the first day I felt very relaxed, almost euphoric. On the second day, I felt more like my old self, the anxiety and intrusive thoughts seemed to be very minor. I did have anxiety in the mornings for a while, but that has started to get better also. My anxiety is nearly zero at this point, and I find that I am better able to handle stressful situations. I 100% recommend Lexapro, just stick with it. The bad stuff goes away pretty quickly, and after a month or so, you will find yourself again. It has been a Godsend for me, and I am so thankful for it."

• Venus
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 2, 2024

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I’m week 4 of taking Lexapro and I was so scared to take it at first due to reviews saying everything got worse before better, but I’m so glad I started taking it. 1st-3rd day, I was very tired and just stayed on the lounge all day. I was a bit nauseous when I would take it, so I would have to eat something before or after and have some little snacks throughout the day when the waves came. By the 5th day, I was back at work and already noticed I was not as anxious. Fast forward, I’ve had no bad symptoms at all. My IBS has completely been fixed, work isn’t a big deal anymore, can have full conversations with people, and laugh again! The only thing I’ve noticed is I am a bit unmotivated and in a cocoon phase, wanting to just chill out and relax at home. Before taking this, I felt like I was run by a motor all the time, rushing out to do stuff, not wanting to waste my weekends, but I think this has made me slow down now, which I probably needed. Days seem to go longer now."

• rehan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 2, 2019

Lexapro (escitalopram) "It is a miracle drug!! I'm from India. I have been dealing with social anxiety, lack of concentration, and low self-confidence. I'm afraid of this world. One day, my doctor prescribed me Lexapro 10 mg, and you know what?? On my first day, I felt a difference. After 6 days, I'm more confident, more talkative, have more self-esteem, and my anxiety is gone 95 percent. I feel more energetic. Now, I'm not afraid of this world. I enjoy life and making new friends. I think everyone on this planet should take this drug even if they have any symptoms like I did. This drug makes them complete. As for side effects? I don't have any except delayed ejaculation, which I think is okay because it makes my wife happy ;) Thanks to all, I pray for all of you."

• Kodi
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• November 12, 2023

Lexapro (escitalopram) "Anyone struggling with overthinking or constant negative thinking, please take a chance and try Lexapro out. I can't say it will help everyone because everybody's brain chemistry works differently, but if it does help you, trust me, this is a much better option than cannabis, Benzos, and booze. You realize your brain is in constant worry mode and you think that it's your personality, but in reality, I do think the constant stress states create patterns that develop problems with your neurotransmitters. If anxiety and negative thinking have made you not want to live, as you're in constant battle, I suggest going through medical treatment and working with a doctor and therapist to find what suits you best. I have many friends and family members who use substances to help with their worries, but in the long term, it causes more damage than good."

• Haddy
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 15, 2020

Lexapro (escitalopram) "My husband started 5mg of Lexapro about 8 weeks ago. He has anxiety, panic attacks, and some OCD tendencies. He had side effects at first, slightly increased panic attacks and anxiety. Started feeling better though after the first week. Not as good as he wanted, so he went to 10mg and had a relapse of side effects, but to me, the panic attack seemed slightly less severe and passed quickly. It has been a month on the 20mg, and he has had several bad panic attacks and some increased anxiety. We were really worried about this, but then did some more reading, and it seems that it was common for people to have this happen after a month but it passed. I am wondering if anyone else has experienced this happen after a month of starting and if they continued. Did it get better, and how long until it passed."

• Jenba...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 10, 2023

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I am a post-menopausal woman who has a full life, a supportive husband and family, and amazing friends. I have struggled with major hormonal shifts as long as I can remember, and menopause was no different. My doctor started me on 1 mg Lexapro and increased it every week. It took 10 weeks to get to 10 mg, and the ramping up was brutal. The anxiety with the drug was worse than what I was being treated for, but I kept going due to reviews here and years ago the same thing happened when ramping up on Zoloft. Lexapro only started to work 5-6 weeks on 10 mg. Keep going, it will work, it just takes some of our systems longer to realize the effects based on how our body metabolizes. Looking back, I think biting the bullet and starting on 5 mg and ramping up quicker might have gotten me to a good place sooner. I feel like myself again and am so very thankful. I tried to do it all homeopathically, but it just didn't work, and life is too short to feel miserable. I am still taking supplements for overall health."

• Getsb...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 17, 2018

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I'll share my experience with Lexapro so far. I've been on it for a month now. Before starting it, I couldn't work, had daily panic attacks, social phobia, and derealization. It was awful, truly. I started on 10mg and had awful side effects - felt weird, insomnia, nausea, diarrhea, increased anxiety! You name it. So I went down to 5mg, that was fine and no side effects at all. Although my anxiety was better, it wasn't gone. I upped to 7.5mg and did that for a bit. No side effects. I have to mention that I do take my Lexapro at nighttime because it still makes me very sleepy, but I sleep through that, obviously. I am now on 10mg after the gradual upping, and I have to say, my anxiety is nearly completely gone! I feel like myself again, and work (I work in the emergency department at a hospital) has been great. I am only assuming it will get even better in a month. I know when you start, the side effects can be hard, and you will want to stop. All I can say is hold out!"

• DDano
• December 17, 2019

Lexapro (escitalopram) "The first couple of days on Lexapro were terrible, and the first couple of weeks were rough. I've been taking 10 mg now for almost a month. After 3 weeks, it feels like my anxiety is 50% less. You start noticing the positive effects within a few weeks. Keep taking it - it's worth it. Can't wait to see how I'll feel 6-8 weeks in. :)"

• Paula
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 15, 2018

Lexapro (escitalopram) "There’s no need to be suffering. This medication is an anxiety GAME CHANGER. I’m on 10mg a day. I work out every day have not gained an ounce. 6 months later, my sex life is thriving! When you feel better, you feel sexier. I’m 47 and shocked folks are having sex issues and weight gain. Get out there and grab life!"

• swayi...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 25, 2024

Lexapro (escitalopram) "Made all of my anxiety completely and absolutely go away. Was agoraphobic & had many panic attacks, on 15mg I never had any anxiety again. Still had emotions, etc. BUT I slept a minimum of 12 hours a day. It would be extremely hard to get up in the morning and I gained 15-20 lbs. Regardless, I was on it for 5 years because it worked that well."

• Sailo...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 11, 2020

Lexapro (escitalopram) "Lexapro has been a lifesaver for me. It is the only thing that can quiet my anxiety when it reaches its breaking point and takes over everything in my life. Three times now I’ve tried to taper off but experienced difficult life circumstances each time that prompted me to go back on it. The difference before and after is unreal. It makes life manageable again."

• Beezy
• February 16, 2015

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I had severe panic attacks for 6 months! I developed derealization and was scared of everything. I felt like I was living in a nightmare. I felt relief from Lexapro immediately. I was foggy-headed at first, but that went away. I feel amazing after 2 months of taking it. I feel like my old self again. The only side effect is dizziness at night sometimes. I only take 5 mg."