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Escitalopram for Depression User Reviews (Page 4)

Brand names: Lexapro

Escitalopram has an average rating of 7.2 out of 10 from a total of 853 reviews for the treatment of Depression. 62% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 18% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Escitalopram

  • Chriswh
  • September 1, 2016

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I have been on this drug for about 10 years. I have tried to slowly come off of it, thinking I'm okay, but it was a disaster. Don't let your pride affect your life! I was going through a divorce, stress at work, and overall angry thoughts and depression. What it did for me was make the bad moments less extended. I still get stressed and have normal bad days, but the lingering of these moments lessened. I never post this type of stuff, but I hope I can help someone. This med may have saved my marriage and my children's upbringing! I did have to increase dose after a couple years though."

10 / 10
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  • Rob
  • August 17, 2019

Lexapro (escitalopram) "Started on Lexapro 10mg 2 years ago for anxiety. First 6 weeks were very difficult with erectile dysfunction, insomnia, constantly tired & not being able to focus at work. I nearly stopped medication several times as was really messing me about. After 6 weeks most of the side effects eased and anxiety management was improved. Earlier this year had an upheaval in my relationship & was very depressed. My psychologist recommended trying a higher dosage of Lexapro and Doctor agreed to increase to 20mg. Unfortunately the side effects experienced two years ago returned. Took 4 weeks for the side effects to ease & both anxiety and depression are now manageable. Still seeing my psychologist as just important as the medication for me to ensure I have the right support structure in place. I currently am in the best place mentally I’ve been for several years and Lexapro has definitely helped in my case. Glad I persevered through the initial side effects as the change has been positive."

8 / 10
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  • Soccer...
  • March 28, 2019

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I first started lexapro on 1/10/19 with a small dosage of 5 mg. Every 4 weeks I’d follow-up with my Dr see if an increase should be made . Current date is 3/28/19 & I’m on 20 mg. My experience with it has been wonderful . I suffered severe depression, OCD and anxiety . Because of my depression , I’d have mood swings and everything irritated me. I started on Prozac which is wonderful for anxiety but the vivid dreams were so intense I asked to be removed from them . Now on lexapro I still dream every day but they are tolerable dreams. Depression is no joke, folks. Please keep in mind , what worked for me may not work for you and vice versa. Find something that works for you ! I thank Lexapro for making me feel normal again."

9 / 10
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Frequently asked questions

  • Eutuxia
  • February 17, 2015

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I was prescribed Lexapro for depression, 10mg/day. I have been suffering from depression for nearly 2 years now, and I finally forced myself to seek medical help. I'm only on day 3, but I can honestly notice a slight positive change already. Days 1 & 2 have been a bit difficult; uncontrollable yawning, fatigued, and a bit nauseated. But today, day 3, it feels like a light switched on in my brain! That light is at the end of the tunnel, meaning I have to give a little more time. If you are truly depressed, this medicine will help you."

7 / 10
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  • Purpl...
  • Taken for 5 to 10 years
  • December 4, 2012

Lexapro (escitalopram) "After trying numerous SSRIs and mood stabilizers and ready to give up, I tried Lexapro. It was new and just on the market. I love it. It has completely turned me around. I'm normal again. It's good for anxiety too. No bad side effects. No weight gain. It's wonderful to have finally found a medicine that actually works. I hope it never stops working."

10 / 10
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Are you taking this medicine?

  • KSano
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • January 24, 2019

Lexapro (escitalopram) "Lexapro has changed my life for the better. I first started Lexapro in September of 2018 after consulting with my MD about severe PMS symptoms including short temper and feelings of disgust towards my significant other. I never expected it to improve my day to day life. Since I've been on Lexapro, my PMS issue has been completely resolved and I'm a generally happier person. My co-workers, who don't know I've started taking Lexapro, have told me that I'm more approachable and I even got employee of the quarter! That's NEVER happened before! The only noticeable side effect I had was a decreased libido but it was short lived. With less anger and no more " divorce or death" PMS feelings, my sex life is as good if not better than ever! Medications work differently from individual to individual but, for me, Lexapro is a life saver!"

10 / 10
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  • Bulls...
  • Taken for 1 to 2 years
  • August 3, 2014

Lexapro (escitalopram) "Finally, I found a depression/anxiety medicine that has the least amount of side effects. I tried Elavil, Prozac, Desyrel, Paxil, and citalopram (Celexa), which is very similar to Lexapro, but Celexa made me sweat when I was not hot, caused jaw tension, insomnia, and hypertension. I think Escitalopram (Lexapro) is the best SSRI out there. I give it a 9 on the scale."

9 / 10
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More FAQ

  • Shayy...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • August 9, 2015

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I just started this medicine 3 days ago and I cannot express how much of an effect it has had on me already. I just graduated high school and became depressed soon after, severe anxiety where I couldn't go out to eat without having to vomit. I also couldn't keep focus on anything, especially when trying to talk to people, and overall was in the worst state of my life. Thought I was hopefully, constantly having break downs, etc. the doctor prescribed this medicine to me a few months before graduation due to anxiety and overall not feeling myself, I was definitely skeptical and taking medicine in my eyes was a sign of weakness so, I put off the treatment hoping I could cure myself out of this funk. I went to ct and it helped but it was mainly focused on anxiety. I stopped going because it seemed a waste of my time. Graduation rolls around, my best friend leaves for college really early and my life falls apart. A week was about all I could take of the constant emptiness, headaches, and nausea I got from being so depressed so I decided to start Lexapro. The doctor prescribed me 10 mg and the first day I took it (in the morning) I was in a state of euphoria. Just a little background on myself, I was never that outgoing but constantly happy. Never the one to be outgoing in front of strangers and was very conscious of people around me. Not on this pill. I was loopy, could not stop laughing and would not shut up. Although this was great, it did not feel normal and I had very bad dizziness and insomnia that night as the drug began to wear off. But I wasn't laying in bed miserably like I did countless nights before, I kind of sat there with a smile so it was actually kind of creepy. That morning I called my physician and asked if this was a normal or okay reaction considering I've been told you shouldn't feel anything for 4-6 weeks. He mentioned that it was 'weird' that I had this response but it was a negative one. He recommended I cut my dosage in half and stick with taking 5 kg a day since the 10 obviously overtook my body. Within hours of hanging up I popped half a tablet and can honestly say I felt happy without many side effects. I continued this the following day and my relationship with my boyfriend, family, and friends has greatly improved, I sleep better, I can laugh and actually mean it and I can go in public places without constantly being self-conscious. I've heard it can have bad results in week 1 and 2 but after taking this medicine for only 3 days, whether it's the placebo effect or not, has saved me and helped me to return to my normal self."

9 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • June 21, 2008

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I am 60 years old and have suffered chronically from depression and anxiety. After alcohol stopped doing the trick 25 years ago, I started a long journey with antidepressants. Imipramine was very effective but had very unpleasant side effects. Over time, I have taken Paxil, Effexor, Celexa, and then a few years ago Lexapro (20 mg). While all of them were helpful, Lexapro has been a miracle - I often forget I have the disease."

10 / 10
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  • Trixie
  • August 7, 2012

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I am a 53-year-old female. I fell into a deep depression 1 year ago. I couldn't sleep or eat, had severe anxiety, and almost couldn't function at all. I had feelings of hopelessness, even felt suicidal at times. I was frightened. My psychiatrist tried several medicines. I am VERY sensitive to medication. Celebrex and Celexa made me sick. I tried 5 mg of Lexapro. I felt jittery and a little nauseous but stuck with it. After 2 weeks, I went up to 10 mg. After 4-5 weeks, I started to feel normal again. The side effects got better. My sex drive is fine, and I haven't experienced weight gain. It's been a year, and we are thinking about weaning me off in a couple of months. I am so happy I stuck with Lexapro. It saved my life. Don't give up."

10 / 10
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  • Hla
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • July 22, 2016

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I started taking Lexapro about 7 weeks ago after an extremely traumatic unexpected loss of my long-term boyfriend, who I lived with. I was not functioning or able to deal with life before I got on Lexapro. I couldn't stop overwhelming thoughts, anxiety, crying. I couldn't face life. Lexapro has helped me begin the process of healing in a healthy way and resume life. I don't feel any different other than I have rational thoughts and I am in control of my emotions. I know I would not be moving forward in a positive manner if it wasn't for this medication. The change was like day and night, and I am thankful."

10 / 10
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  • Mother...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • October 28, 2015

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I just wanted to post my experience with Lexapro. I have been on it for about four weeks, and it has changed my life for the best. Before I got prescribed this medicine, I was going to bed crying and waking up crying. Couldn't keep up with my mother duties because I was scared I was going to die and was having horrible panic attacks. I have not had any panic attacks since the end of the first week, and I have not had the nausea feeling since week three, so I am doing way better. Didn't really have any other side effects from the medicine. I can't wait to see my doctor so I can thank her for saving me from anxiety and depression."

10 / 10
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  • Dalla...
  • July 19, 2014

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I was diagnosed with Diverticulitis a few months back and ended up having to return to the doctor within a month of diagnosis for the same thing. He seemed baffled as he said I shouldn't have had another attack so soon! I had been having some major anxiety so I asked him if this could be the cause and he agreed. He decided to put me on 10 mg of Lexapro and to be honest, I wasn't expecting much. I had been on Zoloft, Paxil, and Cymbalta with almost no difference. I took the first pill before going to bed that night and woke up in the morning ready to run a marathon! I finally feel happy, hopeful, almost no anxiety, I can speak my mind now when before I was too scared etc., etc... LOVE IT!"

9 / 10
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  • laucass
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • June 28, 2024

"Prescribed for depression at 20mg a day straight from start (but was also in a psychosis state after being prescribed anticonvulsant Keppra that gave me strong suicidal thoughts. Also, was still recovering from traumatic brain injuries. Psychiatrist knew. My brain was completely messed up.) This drug made me feel like I have air to breathe, like there is room in front of me, providing me within days of use a complete change of mind with a smile and the desire to make jokes, talk with relatives. To me after about 9 months of using it, I understand the way to move forward is with goals, dreams, while living in the moment. This drug is like any other; it won't do all the work for you! It will give you the space you need to recover. Some may need psychologist assistance."

9 / 10
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  • Aussi...
  • December 28, 2015

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I was very skeptical about going on medication, and I was really against it, but after a big breakdown and not seeing the light, I took Lexapro. I kept reading the reviews daily for hope as it took a long time for the medication to kick in. Please give it 8 to 10 weeks! Now thoughts that would upset me just don't. It helps to lift the heavy fog and help you to live a normal life again. I still have anxiety at times, but I am slowly improving, and it is helping. Thank you Lexapro; you really are a miracle. Don't give up, guys!"

9 / 10
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  • Thanks...
  • August 28, 2016

Lexapro (escitalopram) "This pill cleared up so many of my mental and physical symptoms that it's difficult to list them all. Gone are the black-and-white thinking, the ceaseless pain of existing, the social anxiety, irrational and confused thoughts, inability to truly engage with the world, hopelessness, blank future, exhaustion no matter how much I sleep, procrastination, and psychic agony that only self-harm could alleviate. Not only can I hold an extended conversation with someone, I'm also able to appreciate this improvement in my life instead of feeling like it doesn't matter. Unfortunately, my libido is also gone. Since it was low to begin with, I don't miss it too much, but one day I'd like to know what having a libido is like. Wellbutrin, perhaps?"

10 / 10
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  • JustMe
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • May 4, 2020

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I have had a terrible experience on Lexapro. I was having hormonal issues after a possible miscarriage and I was prescribed Lexapro when I cried in the doctors office. I have never been on birth control so this is the “first” thing my body has taken in (regularly) I am 21. Been on this medication makes me overheat VERY easily and I now have red blemishes on my cheeks 24/7. I get sick often and my bad days are bad. And I mean bad, I was not like this previously but I do not see a difference and I felt like I was doing better on my own"

2 / 10
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60 Report
  • Jhjhj...
  • January 3, 2014

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I'm 30 years old, have been suffering from depression on and off for years. This year, I came down with a hard case of Seasonal Affective Disorder, which rendered me a useless ball of fear every day from the afternoon onward and eventually led to other problems (digestion, neurological, and otherwise). My doctor prescribed 10mg escitalopram. Goodness, I wasn't expecting much, but I feel absolutely fantastic now. I'm happy and can focus on daily activities, even in the dark winter evenings. Also, I've been on it for almost 2 months now, and I haven't noticed any side effects! No digestive or sexual problems which seem to be not-so-rarely reported."

10 / 10
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  • It...
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • August 28, 2013

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I am 47 and have suffered from bouts of depression all my life, but about 2 years ago, I was hit with depression and panic attacks so severe, I literally wanted to die. I tried a few medications that didn't work, and then Lexapro at 10mg. At first, I was very disappointed because it didn't help, even after about 3 weeks. Then it was increased to 20mg, and I swear within about 3 days, I felt like a new person. I have been on it for about 2 years. At times, I have tried decreasing back to 10mg, but I end up with the same severe depression/anxiety symptoms. So, I will be staying on 20mg. Thank you for making something like Lexapro available to me."

10 / 10
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  • Depre...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • March 3, 2020

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I suffer from depression and anxiety, My doctor put me on 10mg of lexapro. My Depression didn't feel as intense as it would but it did not help my anxiety. I would feel really dreamy when I would go out, it made my anxiety worse. I stopped using it after 3 weeks."

6 / 10
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  • Eliza...
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • September 30, 2018

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I lost my mom when I was 24 years old 5 years later my dad passed too. I thought I was fine but I really was not. Going forward I hate that I did not take this medicine sooner. I use to get agitated about the smallest things. I was also always tired and I could sleep all day if allowed. I finally did some homework on this medicine and set a dr appointment. I take 20 mg and I am so grateful to have my Life back. It is worth a try."

10 / 10
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  • Got...
  • Taken for 1 to 6 months
  • December 15, 2016

Lexapro (escitalopram) "After the death of one of my relative,my whole world changed. I thought it was due to my emotional nature. I started having panic attacks, lack of interest, unusual feeling of fear, lack of appetite, was not able to look after myself or my family. I thought that I was going to die.I t was all unbearable. But believe me lexapro is really great .After 8 weeks, I started feeling my normal self. Mild side effects: yawning, tiredness. But it may be due to my illness rather than the medicine effect. After taking this medicine, I got my strength back. It has saved my life. Just give it a try and hang on there for at least 2 months. It can really save your life too."

10 / 10
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  • Grim
  • Taken for 2 to 5 years
  • September 26, 2020

Lexapro (escitalopram) "Overall, Lexapro has been very helpful in treating my MDD and GAD. It has lowered my anxiety substantially and helped my cope with depression. While it has left me with severe insomnia, I would take that over MDD and GAD anytime."

9 / 10
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  • Anonymous
  • July 9, 2016

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I was prescribed Lexapro 5 mg for perimenopausal rages and major depressive disorder. Considering this is my first antidepressant, I cautiously started with half a tablet (2.5 mg). The side effects were horrible: severe dizziness, headaches, nausea, and confusion. I could not function at work. Over time, my depression, angry outbursts, rumination worsened and started to affect my interaction with coworkers. I decided to give Lexapro another try and start with 1/4 of a tablet (1.25 mg). I took the Lexapro at bedtime, and in the morning, I was the happiest I've been in months, no anxiety, no negative repetitive thoughts. This is a strong drug. My recommendation is to start slowly to avoid severe side effects and then increase if needed."

10 / 10
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  • Des
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • June 10, 2020

"I use the generic form of Lexapro and I have seen a very noticeable difference in myself. And its very obvious to others as well. I smile and laugh so much more and I feel like the real me. I take 10mg a day and I stand by it. No joke. I'm glad it works for me. I have been taking it for a very short period of time and my serotonin levels have GOT to be better because THE way I act and feel now isn't a coincidence."

8 / 10
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56 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.