Escitalopram for Depression User Reviews (Page 2)

• Tha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 19, 2021

Lexapro (escitalopram) "This medication pulled me out of a deep and very severe depression. Almost instantly after taking it, my mind felt much clearer. My anxiety went away, and I noticed my sense of humor had returned with a vengeance. My ability to enjoy simple and not-so-simple things in life skyrocketed. I was basically smiling all the time. I’ve been on it for about five months now and have no plans of discontinuing it ever. This medication was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made in my entire life. The side effects were difficulty reaching orgasm for about a month and a half, nausea, insomnia, and general discomfort for about a month. I couldn’t sleep no matter how hard I tried for about a week straight. Then I would get maybe an hour or two a night. After a month, my sleep cycle went back to normal. My sexual function began working properly, along with my libido. The anxiety relief, depression relief, and energy levels skyrocketed from that point forward."

• Joh...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 26, 2023

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I have been struggling with depression for many years. Initially, it was dysthymia that turned into my first serious depressive episode 20 years ago. This was when I was first put on an SSRI. I tried Paxil and Prozac, but in 2008, I started taking Lexapro at 10 mg, which made me feel good. I have been taking it ever since, now at 15 mg. It is a stable medicine that helps me in daily life by keeping my emotions under control and ensuring that I get good sleep. While not every day is perfect, being always high is not the best state either. This is a really good medicine, and I also take some supplements such as combo Vit D and Omega 3. I believe that without this medicine, my life would not have lasted so long. I am turning 58 years old soon and do not plan to stop taking it. I view my depression as a lifelong condition that I must treat, just like hypertension or diabetes. This is my perspective, and I urge everyone to take care and not give up."

• mco...
• March 9, 2009

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I've been on Lexapro for several years. I have to say, for some, the initial side effects can be overwhelming, but stick with it because it will help most of us. You can train yourself to overcome the sexual side effects, and weight gain can be controlled through proper exercise and diet. I'm not an active person, but have to remind myself to hit the gym several times a week. Doing so will greatly and positively affect your mood as well, so just pretend like you have no choice and GO. Also, please remember there is no 'magic pill', we have to take responsibility for our own happiness, which includes lots more than just taking antidepressants! Hope this helps some!"

• Mic...
• July 11, 2019

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I had to go on this about 8 years ago, the standard 10mg for insanely bad OCD, depression, and anxiety. The first time I took it, I felt much better within two weeks. Two years later, I tapered off it very slowly. Usually 2.5 mg lower each month for 4 months. Recently, I have not been able to control my depression and with current stresses, I dropped so low again. I’ve now been back on Lexapro for 3 weeks. After two weeks, you notice a bit of a difference. Mostly a numbing feeling overall your emotions. Currently, I still feel the depression and the anxiety is awful in the morning, so I’m going to try 15 mg and see how that goes. I’ve noticed when I drink Yerba Mate, my anxiety gets much worse, so I’m going to remove all caffeine for a while. Hang in there, buds, I know how awful our minds treat us. Try and walk or jog as much as you can and eat as healthy as possible. I’m not saying that in a judgy way, but it helps. Talk as much as you can and know it will get better."

• Prp...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 26, 2013

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I have suffered from depression for years. At first, I was a little apprehensive to take any medication, but I had reached a low point. Every day, I woke up with a storm cloud over my head. I was irritable, quick to anger, and always grumpy. I could literally feel the weight of my mood on me at all times. I barely laughed anymore, and I didn't find anything enjoyable. I have been taking 10mg of Lexapro for three weeks now, and I am floored by the difference it has made. It's like I can feel again. I know this sounds cliché, but everything is more vivid, more colorful, and more lively. I didn't experience any side effects other than loss of appetite."

• RB8...
• November 15, 2015

Lexapro (escitalopram) "To anyone taking Lexapro or any antidepressant: DO NOT believe all the negative reviews you read here or elsewhere. Do not let them scare you away from taking one of these drugs. The drugs are not miracle workers, but they do help some by taking the edge off and by not letting you obsess on your feelings and thoughts. You have to give them time, at least SIX WEEKS. If no improvement, up the dose per your Dr's permission or switch to another. The side effects are mild, and that is despite what anyone says to the contrary. Antidepressants work best in combination with psychotherapy, but they are also effective when taken by themselves. You will eventually feel better."

• Kri...
• September 23, 2014

Lexapro (escitalopram) "Lexapro has been a major positive in my life. I've suffered from depression for over 10 years now, and taking this pill has solved so many issues I didn't even know where to begin to diagnose myself. My head became stable and generally positive and happy every day. It's almost impossible to feel THAT down anymore. Another few positives have been that it has helped me slow way way down on my smoking, and I have no real desire to drink alcohol, not that I'm free from stress. My sexual desire has actually INCREASED. When you are so stressed all the time, your sex drive normally goes down, so now that I am released from stress because of this pill, I'm doing things I was never able to do before."

• My ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 11, 2020

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I used to overthink to the point where I could not sleep or think straight sometimes. I was just so exhausted. I didn’t want to eat much, it was terrible. I don’t wish anxiety or depression on anyone. I started taking Lexapro about 3 months ago, and it has been awesome. It makes me feel better, I can sleep better, and my appetite is back! If you experience negative overthinking, you should try this. Good luck!"

• Car...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 23, 2015

Lexapro (escitalopram) "At the age of 55, I found the only drug that has worked for me in 35 years. I can't even begin to explain my childhood or experiences thereafter. As soon as I could, I sought medical attention with my limited finances. Before that, all I could do was drink and have a good time. I thank God I finally was given Lexapro (Escitalopram). I felt relief immediately, whereas NOTHING else did, and was happy. After all the drugs I tried, I have no side effects with Lexapro. I hope this gives hope to those who have been searching. God bless you above and beyond your dreams. With LOVE."

• dev...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 27, 2024

Lexapro (escitalopram) "Went to see a psychiatrist because I was suspecting ADHD, but it turns out my concentration problems are because of severe depression with anxiety. I got started with 5 mg, after two weeks, 10 mg. I felt okay. After 2 months, I upped my dosage to 15 mg. I am so much better now. I feel joy after like 6 years of severe depression. My concentration is so much better, and my productivity and enthusiasm for life increased a lot. Dry mouth and a little dampening of libido are the only side effects I have. It's pretty cool with me given the pros it gives me."

• Fin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 23, 2016

Lexapro (escitalopram) "Lexapro made me feel normal again. I was severely depressed and so scared I would never feel normal again. I started at 5mg and worked up to 15mg over a few months. At three months I felt like me again. It was a roller coaster getting there with good days and down days where I never thought I would feel like me again. But at the three-month mark, I feel great! I promised myself that when I felt good again, I would share my experience. Hang in there, you will feel good again, just give it time. And when you have a down moment, think of happy times and remember you will get better. Side effects initially were yawning a lot. I can finally sleep again, and I gained my weight back because I actually want to eat again. Life is good now. Thank you Lex!"

• Anonymous
• November 17, 2009

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I'm a 33-year-old female, and this is my first time being on any kind of antidepressant. I've been on Lexapro 10mg for about a month now. I noticed an immediate increase in energy and even felt a little jittery. The doctor said it typically takes 2-3 weeks for it to fully kick in, but some people notice a change within 24-48 hours, which was me. I have decreased appetite, and a lot of foods upset my stomach, so I'm eating less as well. Subsequently, I've lost some weight (which I like since I need to lose some!). I feel like doing things again and actually have some sort of sex drive, which had been completely absent for a while with the depression. I'm sleeping better, and it's easier to get out of bed. So far, so good."

• Man...
• October 9, 2013

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I'm 27 and have been on Lexapro for 8 months. I take 10mg/day (5mg in the morning, 5mg in the evening). I've been depressed since I was 14 and as an adult started having severe anxiety. I was in therapy for 10 years but still having a lot of trouble functioning. Lexapro has really made me FUNCTIONAL and happy. I enjoy my hobbies/friends more, and I no longer obsess about things until I break myself down. The major effect for me is reducing obsessive thoughts and cycles of worry/loneliness. I'm so happy with this medicine and want to be on it the rest of my life. My friendships, work, and romantic relationships are healthier. The only side effects are drowsiness (fixed by taking 2 small doses instead of 1 big one) and vivid dreams (awesome)."

• Foc...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 16, 2014

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I've always had anxiety more than most for years since I was a kid. In the last few years (I am a 50-year-old male) this grew into depression. It got to the point where I would get paralyzed by the next task, overthinking it - I couldn't be decisive. Then I would get depressed because I couldn't get things under control, which led to a lack of sleep - a continuous cycle. I was always against antidepressants (thinking they were for the weak). I tried everything - exercise, no alcohol, no sugar, sleep aids - with little success. I finally gave Lexapro a chance. It brought the anxiety noise level and depression way down and allowed me to gain perspective and sleep. Occasional chills, but they lessened over time. No other side effects for me. Glad I did it."

• lul...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 14, 2017

Lexapro (escitalopram) "All I can say is wow. I can't believe the difference Lexapro has made in my life. I used to have horrible anxiety, suicidal thoughts, no motivation. Now I am excited for life, chasing after it. Colors are brighter, everything tastes better. Memories of my childhood that I couldn't recall before came back. I've also been waking up early when I used to fight to wake up at noon. Now, these results took a while. I felt an improvement in mood at about three weeks, and an increase in motivation at about five weeks. The first two weeks were rough - I experienced many side effects including mood swings, night sweats, nausea, increase in intrusive thoughts... but boy was it worth it."

• Tri...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 8, 2020

Lexapro (escitalopram) "Spiral led into horrific depression with anxiety. After a couple of meds, I tried Lexapro. After a few weeks and some bearable side effects, I felt a cloud lift, and it kept getting better. At first, I took the max dose with Abilify and occasional Ativan, but eventually I was able to stop both of those. So here’s the hard part, it worked awesome for 8 years. The only side effects were 20 lbs weight gain and lessened libido - a small price to pay when you felt how I did. But then I was in a period of insane stress and re-traumatized, and suddenly the med would not work. It’s been a journey since, but I am so grateful for the quality of life I had for those 8 years."

• Dep...
• December 1, 2016

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I was diagnosed with PTSD, GAD, and MDD. My life was falling apart. I had dark thoughts, wasn't cleaning my house, completely let myself go, no patience with my kids, and a negative outlook on life. My anxiety was so bad I was taking Xanax to cope. Lexapro has been a lifesaver for me. Six weeks later, I'm back to my 'normal self'. I'm very productive, positive, I take care of my house, myself. It will not make you happy or 'high' but make life so much more enjoyable and easier. I'm at 20 mg of Lexapro a day! And I thank God for it. I'm 10 lbs down. SSRIs work differently for everyone, but if two months ago someone told me my life would change for the better, I would have never believed it! Give it a try! We are all survivors! Good luck!"

• Anx...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 8, 2020

Lexapro (escitalopram) "Let me start off by saying that Lexapro was the first medication that I went on to combat my anxiety and depression. At first, I was optimistic about medication, but after taking Lexapro, I was totally shaken up. It caused me to have severe mood swings. I went from the happiest I’ve ever been in my life, all the way down to rock bottom in not even 2-3 hours. WOULD NOT RECOMMEND."

• bbm...
• October 16, 2019

Lexapro (escitalopram) "First off, you have to realize that every drug is different for every person. It is so easy to come on here and read the negative reviews and get discouraged. I got really depressed. I went to my doctor, and he prescribed 20 mg of Lexapro. Side effects were feeling tired and hungry. It did not work right away. After taking it for a week, it made me stop crying every day. After 2 months, I was starting to get the benefits from it. I knew I needed to go down in dose only because of how tired it made me. So, I did it the correct way. I broke my 20 mg in half and took 10 mg. It takes your body a good couple of weeks to get used to taking the 10 mg. My body wanted the 20 mg again, but I held off and gave it time. After a month of 10 mg, I went down to 5 mg. The same thing, my body said oh no, but I hung in there. I will stay on 5 mg for a while, and I am more than okay with that. I do have bad days, we all do, meds or not. Those of us who suffer from Anxiety or Depression - we have PTSD, and we never want to be at our worst ever again."

• All...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 21, 2015

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I used this page for support when I first started out on Lexapro, so I thought I'd give back. I was prescribed Lexapro 10mg for dysthymia (mild chronic depression) and anxiety. The first few weeks were accompanied by a persistent mild headache and some nausea. I was much more tired - slept 8-hour nights plus an afternoon nap. 10 days into my prescription, I was at the beach and I noticed some people's swimsuits appeared to have brighter colors. The world slowly began to appear more vivid visually and to have more 'depth'. At some point, rumination almost completely stopped. Two months in, the world seems much more inviting and much less harsh than it used to. This drug works for me."

• Sar...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 17, 2019

Lexapro (escitalopram) "For someone who has suffered as long as she can remember from depression and anxiety, I can attest to the fact that Lexapro does wonders. I have never been happier or mentally stable in my entire life. I don’t have much else to tell you."

• TS8...
• April 9, 2014

Lexapro (escitalopram) "Lexapro has been an absolute miracle for me. I had become so depressed I could no longer get out of bed, and was crying every day. I hated the idea of getting on medicines, but I felt at that point I had no choice. The only regret I have now is that I didn't do it sooner. I had some pretty bad fatigue on the medicine for the first month or two, but that has now gone away. I am so glad I finally did this."

• IAM...
• November 18, 2009

Lexapro (escitalopram) "This is the greatest drug yet invented. I had no idea what happiness was until Lexapro came into my mouth! I cannot even begin to imagine life without this medicine. Once the mild side effects had gone, my life changed forever. My sex drive and orgasm are now incredible! Depression was banished, and life is full of colors, insight, love, and passion in my soul-filled realm. God only knows what will happen if it stops working, as I have tried every other antidepressant medicine available, and Lexapro is it."

• Mat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 24, 2020

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I am a 24-year-old woman whose anxiety and depression have recently worsened to an extreme. Desperate for help, I consulted my doctor. She started me on Lexapro 10mg a day and told me to split it in half and take 5mg for the first few days. It took me to the darkest place I have ever been, honestly. The first day, I was in the ER with a severe panic attack, and I was right back the next day. The reason I felt like I was having the attacks is that the medicine was causing severe burning/tingling sensations in my arms and legs that would not stop. My hands and feet would not stop sweating, and it made me feel like I had something else going on, but everything came back normal. The ER doctors told me to hang in there and that things might get worse before they get better. But honestly, I physically couldn't take it. So I have stopped it. And kudos to you guys who did stay strong and are seeing the benefits from it now ❤️"

• fat...
• February 24, 2017

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I have been on Lexapro 10 mg for six weeks. I was really nervous to start because I have never taken any type of medication before. The first few weeks I did have side effects (including nausea, dry mouth, and a kind of out-of-it feeling). It worried me but I stuck it out for four weeks because all of my medical friends insisted that I do. I am so glad that I did! I feel so at ease about everything that used to control my mind excessively. I am so much more bubbly and comfortable with conversations with others. It really just took that edge off for me. All of the side effects have gone away. I strongly recommend."