Escitalopram for Anxiety User Reviews (Page 5)

• Deb...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 18, 2019

Escitalopram "My entire life, and I mean even as a child, I can remember overthinking and worrying about everything. I have dealt with the anxiety that comes from the worry and the panic attacks too. It wasn’t until I turned 40 that I mentioned this to a new doctor I started seeing, and he prescribed Lexapro. My god, I wish someone had opened my eyes before. I assumed everyone felt this way, but after a month on Lexapro, it was a weight lifted off of my shoulders. I am so happy to not feel all of that anxiety anymore. Normal stress is fine, but the overwhelming feeling of anxiety is gone, and I hope it stays that way. It’s been close to 4 years now, and it’s still working for me. Lexapro really is an amazing drug."

• Sak...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 23, 2020

Escitalopram "I was prescribed Lexapro after my constant, full-body shaking and dizziness had no reasonable cause, and I have a family history of anxiety. The first week is absolutely the worst. I couldn't eat, sleep, shaking got way worse, felt like passing out, dizzy, restless legs, unable to concentrate. Be warned, you need to take a week off work before starting this stuff. After a week, a lot of the problems went away. I had a day without any shaking in my body or dizziness, then it came back, then went away again. It will work eventually, just stick with it."

• Daw...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 25, 2019

Escitalopram "I was suffering from horrible anxiety and panic attacks, and I became agoraphobic. I hated it, and being an owner of 5 businesses, I had to have help. I actually came to this site and read all the reviews before I started. The first 2 weeks were tough, but I was prepared because of the reviews. I had vertigo, a little increased anxiety, couldn't cry, and blurred vision. I started with half a dose the first week, 5mg, and then upped it to 10mg. But if you stick with this, I'm at a month, and with behavioral therapy and Lexapro... I'm living my life again and beginning to feel great again. I'm mad I waited so long to try it...it's worked amazingly for me, but like I said, you have to get through the adjustment period, and at about 2 weeks things calm down, and you start to feel more at peace. Good luck!"

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

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!"

• Anonymous
• August 15, 2008

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."

• Mom...
• March 18, 2019

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."

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

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!"

• Nat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 15, 2025

"I have been taking escitalopram for six weeks now. I started with 5 mg, then increased to 10 mg, and finally to 15 mg. I experienced very few side effects, mainly a dry mouth and diarrhea. I didn’t notice any effect at 5 mg, 10 mg provided about 50% relief, and at 15 mg, all my anxiety and worry disappeared—both physical and psychological symptoms. Before starting escitalopram, my anxiety was debilitating. I couldn’t eat or keep food down, I would wake up with panic attacks at night, and I was unable to work or live a normal life. Now, I can finally sleep, carry out my daily activities, and live a normal life."

• Pau...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 24, 2024

Escitalopram "Like many others, I have sought refuge in these testimonials while I’ve waited for Lex to kick in. After 4 and a half weeks, I’m finally enjoying what it feels like to experience the beginning of the light at the end of the tunnel. Four days ago, my doctor raised my dose from 10 to 20 mg. What a quick and big difference. Mood and energy have lifted, and I’m hungry! Early days, but I just had to share my joy with those of you who may be doubting whether the nausea, dry mouth, low libido, and other side effects are worth it. Patience has paid off, as have the dose increase and accepting the reality that for most of us, breakthrough comes in 4-6 weeks. Hoping I can write in week six that things are still improving."

• jan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 28, 2019

Escitalopram "Lexapro is AMAZING if you can make it through the beginning. At first you may feel sick or not want to eat, a little depression here and there. But trust me if you can make it through that the rest is smooth sailing. I feel like myself again! Happy, can't stop talking and being joyful. I am so thankful I tried this because I really do not worry anymore. I am just happy and experiencing a lot more because I have such a clear head now(:"

• Tri...
• May 26, 2017

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."

• Sll...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 30, 2024

Escitalopram "First off—I hardly ever review anything, but I wanted to come on here to encourage those who may be scared to try this medicine, as I was. My anxiety had gotten so bad that I was terrified of everything at the time. I wasn't sleeping, wasn't eating, and was dealing with crippling anxiety most days. I have diagnosed ADHD/OCD and have managed those things throughout my life without the need for medication…until I hit my 40s and things started to change hormonally for me. The first week on the medication was a bit rough, but doable. Hang in there, and it just may change your life, as it has mine. I'm so thankful for this medication. I'm on 5 mg (started at 2.5). My intrusive thoughts and OCD started to improve within two weeks. By the end of six weeks on the med, I was sleeping better than I have in years, eating again, and feeling like myself again. If you're struggling with OCD/anxiety, please consider trying this med!"

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

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."

• mun...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 20, 2014

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."

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

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!"

• Guy...
• September 30, 2019

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."

• Dai...
• October 5, 2021

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!"

• Roc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 20, 2024

Escitalopram "Love reading these reviews! I've been a terribly anxious person my entire life, as far back as I can remember. Because of the stigma/shame of mental illness, and my social anxiety, I chose to self-medicate at different times in my life to help ease my pain.This only made things worse. Recently, I lost a brother to cancer, my brother-in-law committed suicide, and many other issues in my life caused my already anxious/depressed state to turn into full-blown panic 24/7. I was in pure hell - not sleeping, no appetite, avoiding people, not going anywhere. I finally got an appointment with a psychiatrist who started me on Lexapro several days ago. I took 5 mg for a few days and now I'm taking 10 mg. I can feel the heavy anxiety lifting, and I have so much hope for the future that I didn't have before... much of this came from reading reviews from people who described having felt just like me, and are doing so much better now since they've been on Lexapro. For those still suffering, know that there is hope! Blessings!"

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

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."

• AJG...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 7, 2021

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!"

• 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"

• Hat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 19, 2024

Escitalopram "I came on here in my darkest times, for support, encouragement and most importantly hope. I promised when I got better I would leave a review and my story, so here it is... I hope it helps. I have been medicated for anxiety for 8 years, and had been on 40mg of citalopram the whole time with hardly any anxiety blips. I decided to lower it from 40mg to 20mg and my anxiety came right back. I put it back up to 40mg but it stopped working (I was like this for 3 months). I decided to try Escitalopram (Lexapro). Started on 5mg, after a week 10mg, after another week 15mg, and then a few weeks later 20mg, and this was the sweet spot. My anxiety has been taken away and the depression has lifted. All in all, I'd say it took 4 weeks on 20mg to feel this. I am so happy I tried this medication, the Lord and savior Lexapro!"

• Bee...
• February 16, 2015

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."

• DDa...
• December 17, 2019

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. :)"

• Had...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 15, 2020

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."