Escitalopram for Depression User Reviews (Page 5)

• Jeanne
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 26, 2023

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I started with Lexapro 5mg about 3 weeks ago. I was really tired the first week. By 2 weeks in, I began to feel the medicine jump-starting me back to life. It’s wild and refreshing. I can hardly believe it myself. If you’re reading this, I’d encourage you to give it a try. I hope it works for you!"

• Kody...
• November 27, 2014

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I dealt with anxiety and depression for several years. I had high social anxiety and found pleasure in isolation and darkness. I started on one SSRI, but the side effects turned me into another person completely. I experienced emotional, spiritual, and creative numbness, weight gain, and overconfidence. So I got off of it because I wasn't myself anymore. I tapered off of that, and then I got on Lexapro, and it immediately took care of my depressive symptoms and anxiety. I bumped up to 20mg after a couple of months, and I am perfectly back to normal. I feel like myself. No side effects at all! I highly recommend Lexapro. Just be patient and wait it out."

• AATM
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 27, 2015

Lexapro (escitalopram) "It's incredible how much Lexapro has improved my overall emotional wellness in such a short amount of time. I was extremely hesitant to start medication for obvious reasons, but after much research, I decided to give it a try. I cannot stress enough how much of a positive effect Lexapro has had on my life. Just feeling that the darkest of clouds has been lifted after lingering for years is pure happiness and relief; I didn't even think it was possible. The first week I was pretty nauseous, and I still get drowsy and have some trouble sleeping on this medication, but it is nothing compared to how I felt prior to taking Lexapro. You deserve to be HAPPY. Give it a try."

• Lisa
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 13, 2015

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I started at 5 mg and after the first week it worked. I then upped it to 10 mg per the doctors orders but am gonna ask if its okay to go back down to 5mg since it was working. I went from not eating, can't get out of bed, can't take care of my kids, depressed, horrible thoughts, can't make dinner, bad with money, just all around sloppy to my normal self. I'm able to think clearly, clean my house, make dinner, enjoy my family. I was afraid to take it but am now thankful . The only side effect for me is sleepiness at night, which is good, and urinary tract infection. Hopefully it was clear up with keflex and a lower dose. I'm okay with it because my life is back."

• Neuro...
• May 24, 2015

Lexapro (escitalopram) "Everything in my life caused gut-wrenching sadness, and I felt disconnected from the world at 18, as I suffered from depression and social anxiety. I was prescribed this medication after my depression gradually got worse. Initially (for the first 2 weeks), my symptoms worsened drastically. Then, one day, it was like someone flipped a switch, and I felt good again, like I hadn't in years. I felt like I could be myself. My grades went up, I got into a great private university, and I dated like crazy. I also was less hostile, and I could solve problems and assert myself more. I cannot emphasize how grateful I am for this medication; it changed my life. Just give it time to work. I am a male, by the way, and I was on a pretty moderated dose."

• Bilby
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 2, 2020

"I put off seeing a doctor for long enough. Then I started 10mg dose after ~5 years of battling depression and trying many natural alternatives which didn’t help. From the first dose I experienced no negative side effects, 3 weeks in now I definitely notice an improvement. The constant underlying sadness has eased and while I feel it’s still too early to say it’s gone completely, coz I would often experience waves where the sadness would hit worse and these were spontaneous, I’m optimistic. To those reading the mixed reviews here and unsure whether it’s worth trying, please consider it. I put off being on antidepressants for too long and while this won’t work for everyone, it’s absolutely worth a shot."

• JoshG
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 28, 2012

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I've been on Effexor XR, Celexa, Wellbutrin, Zoloft, Paxil, and combinations thereof for over 10 years. Out of all of them, Lexapro, for me, had the best benefits to side effects ratio. The only side effect has been modest weight gain below 10 pounds, and reducing my dosage to 5 mg almost always reveals that the medication was what caused it. I could be in the worst loop of hopelessness, feeling that I am nothing but an object in time, and have the worst of identity issues, either for no reason, or because, normally some aspect of my life or even circumstance that was confronted. Lexapro takes me out of that, helps me focus again, relieves me from believing the pain will be permanent, so I can once again address my thoughts appropriately."

• Unknown
• November 22, 2019

Lexapro (escitalopram) "My experience unfortunately was very unsettling. The first few days was okay, although I instantly noticed a decrease in concentration. Then I started to notice my depression becoming worse, and anxiety went through the roof. I started to become consumed by negative thoughts and couldn’t seem to come down for being angry or sad about some things I couldn’t even pinpoint. I thought maybe I could handle it for a week, but then as symptoms increased decided I had had enough because it started to interfere with my relationship and made certain feelings I had more exaggerated and uncontrollable. I instantly called my physiatrist and I was told to ease off the medication. It’s been about a week and I thought I was OK but had another break down last night over something minuscule and reacted in a way I normally wouldn’t. The ability to bring yourself out of depression or consumed negative thoughts on this product is impossible."

• Cruz
• August 30, 2019

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I have depression for as long as I can remember but anxiety only started about 3 years now. I’ve tried antidepressants in the past and hated the side effects so I stopped it all together until recently when my psychiatrist said I should try Lexapro. I’ve been on it for 2 weeks and the side effects Is in the extremities for me. Migraines, nauseous, loud ringing in ears, fatigue, lack of sleep, blurred vision, dizziness . Pretty much as horribly as you can imagine BUT after the first week I stopped being paranoid. I could take a shower without thinking I’m going to drown. It’s all mental issues that I ignored for a long time which eventually turned into something out of my control. After 2 weeks on Lexapro I could honestly say it’s helping me. I don’t expect it to cure or fix my problem but I know it will help me manage my thoughts /thinking and help me get control of my emotions which will eventually make me understand what I’m Doing wrong in life so I can fix it myself"

• Miche...
• April 8, 2017

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I've been on Lexapro for 3 weeks now and feel SO much better! Prior to starting the medication I cried numerous times daily, had panic attacks, and just felt hopeless/worthless. My life was terrible and I felt like I couldn't function anymore. This medication has really helped me and I have not noticed any side effects so far! I have not cried once since being on the medication. I have a more positive outlook on life now as well. It's wonderful!"

• Skimp
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 8, 2020

Lexapro (escitalopram) "Took Lexapro 20 mg for 2 years for depression. It was efficacious for depression, however I became lazy and unmotivated with memory deficiency towards the end. I used to spend most of my free time before this medication doing outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, surfing, skiing, and such. However while on this drug all I did was lay on the couch and do nothing. Stopped taking it and within a week motivation to do things I onced loved was back and my memory is not nearly as faulty as it was while on drug. Withdrawal symptoms- yes. Brain zaps mostly occur in dark hours of day, evening they slowly come on but while sleeping they are worst. Also night sweats. Did this drug relieve depression-yes. Did it make me into an unmotivated couch potato and stop doing all the activities I once loved- yes. Did my working memory severely go faulty- yes. Positives are it brought me out of suicidal thinking and as a male-47 with normal premature ejaculation, made me last longer."

• JPano
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 17, 2019

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I am a 50 year old mother who was depressed. I cried constantly and was miserable to be around - I couldn't even remember how to laugh. My doctor prescribed 10 mg escitalopram. I was so eager to feel better that I took the first pill in the middle of the day. Within 2 hours, I had heart palpitations, was shaking, couldn't focus, and was very dizzy. I was sure I was going to die. I spent my day googling "Lexapro Side Effects" which said the side effects would lessen in 2 weeks. My doctor suggested a half pill, but within 4 days, I went back to 10 mg since I was eager to feel better. The side effects continued but lessened. I can't say that most of them were gone in less than 3 weeks, and even now, I still get some flushing in my chest (at 8-1/2 weeks). I would have quit, but at the same time, I found myself singing along with songs on the radio and even laughed. My crying bouts became less frequent. For now am content to relearn how to enjoy life and am happy I persevered."

• Melsss
• October 18, 2014

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I am a 18 yo girl and diagnosed for depression. My 1st week with 10 mg Lexapro is beyond horrible: depression got worse, heart racing, sharpened negative thoughts, and no motivation at all when wake up in the morning. I cant concentrate and feel as if I wanna cry most of the time. It lingers till evening and tapers off toward night. At night, I feel euphoric. No problem with sleeping and weight gain. But since my depression got worse, doctor decided to double my dose to 20 mg. 2nd week was even worse: nightmare every night, fatigue, lethargic, gases in stomach. In 3rd week, it finally helps!! Negative thoughts went away and I feel lightheaded. Side effect: emotion numbness, sleepy, lazy. But overall this medicine is a true miracle."

• skitt...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 17, 2019

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I've been on Lexapro 10 MG for four months to treat depression and PTSD. Anxiety and depression have significantly improved. The adjustment period was challenging. For the first 2 weeks, I felt like my depression was gone. During the next 3 weeks I felt lethargic with low motivation. After 1.5 months I thought the medicine was no longer working, as my depression worsened. My psychiatrist upped the dosage to 15 MG. At 15 MG, I had fatigue, nausea, headaches, and slept 13-hour nights. I went back to 10 MG, and the negative side effects ceased. After 4 months, I think Lexapro is effective. I don't have inner negative chatter and don't feel like my brain is shutting off from being tired. I feel happier and more confident. I have improved motivation to go to work, exercise, and socialize. I feel more relaxed. No weight gain and SI is gone. Some days my brain is foggy. Depression still comes one week prior to my menstrual cycle. I'd say try to get through the adjustment period. Good luck!"

• vjh
• September 25, 2013

Lexapro (escitalopram) "50-year-old male with depression and anxiety from life changes and job. Resisted for a long time and judged others on SSRIs as weak. Finally crashed and admitted I needed help. Three months out now on 10 mg/day. Initial side effects were chills, yawns, and slightly tense jaw muscles. All of that disappeared. Now I'm free of depressive bouts and greatly reduced anxiety. Has allowed me to enjoy things again and I get better sleep. I take it in the morning."

• Harold
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 23, 2020

"If you're going thru stress, a break up, low motivation, or just a bad time and you can't shake it or keep diving deeper into that hole, PLEASE TAKE LEXAPRO. It is not a happy drug it literally just clears your brain. It helps you stay sane and level headed. I can't thank my doctor enough."

• KGano
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 27, 2019

"I have never actually commented on a thread ever, but I feel I have to in this case. Lexapro has literally saved my life, my ability not only to work but thrive professionally, my ability to be a much better mom for my kids and my husband and I went from arguing daily to rarely ever. It’s like I view the world through a different lens. I can’t believe how well it works."

• obano
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 31, 2018

Lexapro (escitalopram) "This drug has saved my life! I started on 10mg and then got moved up to 20. I fortunately didn't have any side effects. I remember after my doctor suggested lexapro, I spent hours on this site reading reviews. I was nervous, but I'm so glad I decided to start lexapro. I had been experience anxiety and depression and lexapro has tremendously helped both. I didn't realize how bad my symptoms were until I got relief! I don't feel like I need to sleep all day now. Talking with people and making phone calls doesn't seem like a huge painful chore. I feel lighter and can motivate myself to get done what I have to. I also am in therapy which helps with some of my maladaptive thinking and negative self thoughts (those patterns won't go away overnight) I'm more equipped to challenge those thoughts on this medication. Sometimes my anxiety creeps back up for no reason and I've since been prescribed a PRN but overall I'm satisfied with my experience. I would recommend lexapro!"

• Moonw...
• January 6, 2020

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I took this medication about 10 months for depression. I know people who this drug has done wonders for, I just wish I were one of those people. The first week on lexapro I felt great. My sense of humor came back, I wanted to be social, I was less anxious. The first month was great. The second two months were good. After that it just became a pill I took at night that didn’t do anything. I didn’t feel a lot of emotion after awhile. I started to crave it. I actually missed my anxiety because at least that felt human. I went off lexipro after 10 months. I did it cold turkey, which I would NOT recommend. That was bad. After a few weeks I was my old self again but the depression was still there."

• Anonymous
• December 23, 2020

Lexapro (escitalopram) "Such an amazing drug. It really saved my life, worth all the side effects in the beginning. Everything balanced out and I finally feel more like myself. It lessens the horrible feelings of “I'm not good enough” and it calms my nerves quite a bit. Unfortunately, it calms down my sex life quite a bit too, I still manage, still good but takes longer and thats the only long term problem I've seen. Still gets 10/10!! #LOVE LEX"

• Chadois
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 2, 2020

"escitalopram is a fantastic serotonin booster. After only three days of taking it, I was back to my old self - all the frightening symptoms of chronic depression had gone. It does lessen your libido which could be a problem for those in a relationship. I personally cannot recommend it enough, it's life changing. Thank god for Lexapro."

• Laka
• May 30, 2017

Lexapro (escitalopram) "Actually I was diagnosed with MDD and GAD by my doctor and was prescribed this pills, which helped me somehow but made my mind much too slow. I have seen reviews of this, where people taking it for many years. But I don't want to be on these pills, I wanted to be normal myself and not because of this pills. I tell you this pills will take you nowhere. It will help but you have to take it for lifetime. After thinking about it I searched about effective measures and after 6 months I found it. It was YOGA. And I was fixed within a month. Please try yoga, you will also get fixed. I am much better as a person which I was before depression. I commented because I wanted to help those who come in these sites to see reviews."

• walke...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 24, 2023

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I have been taking Lexapro for about two years now. It has helped to relieve some of my terrible anxiety around people, places, and things. I started medication after my diagnosis of PTSD. I would say the couple of side effects for me have been trouble sleeping and just feeling kind of bleh. But overall, I seem to do better when I take it. I know how it feels to be sad and afraid. I also know what it feels like the be a victim of some pretty horrific abuse. It gets better, but only with the help of acceptance and understanding that you are not a weak person because you need medication"

• mels
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 15, 2019

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I have been on Lexapro since January (so 9 months now) and my life has really changed. I was officially diagnosed with generalized anxiety and unspecified depression, and was having panic attacks daily. Not to mention I was only sleeping about 2 hours in the morning and crying for pretty much every little thing. My condition worsened during the winter, so I finally agreed to start medication. After a few weeks, I felt like a new person! I’m far less emotional, I sleep better, and I haven’t had a panic episode since starting the medication! Then again, I was also prescribed xanax whenever I feel super anxious. I wouldn’t think of ever switching to a different antidepressant."

• Magic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 30, 2014

Lexapro (escitalopram) "If you want to be happy, this is your miracle magic pill. I was prescribed it for depression and generalized anxiety disorder along with an eating disorder. I would get so frustrated over everything, procrastinated, and had a lot of crying spills and nervous word vomit. While on Lexapro, I could handle the things that normally stressed me out in a great way. I was so happy! It was impossible for me to have negative thoughts. I forgot to refill my pills so I didn't take them for about a week. I became really frustrated and upset and just randomly decided I hated Lexapro and being happy. It decreased my sex drive majorly. I couldn't get off at all. It's been two years and I'm going to start taking it again. Lexapro is a miracle."