Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder User Reviews (Page 2)

• Cal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 11, 2021

"This is the 2nd time I've been on Lexapro. The first time was 15 yrs ago for 2 years at 5mg. It worked, especially for my GAD. This time, I now have an autoimmune disease with weird symptoms that significantly exacerbates my GAD and depressive thought cycles. Reluctantly, I went back on 5mg of Lexapro and it has helped significantly. My main side effect is vivid dreaming, but I'm a prolific dreamer anyway. For me, 10mg is too much. Doctors don't like to hear that. Trust what works for you! You know your body. Lexapro is one of the safest SSRIs out there and I don't like taking meds of any kind."

• Rec...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 30, 2021

"I’ve been diagnosed with GAD since I was 16. I first tried sertraline, and that worked for me until I was 18 when I stopped taking it. Once my anxiety relapsed again a year later, sertraline didn’t work for me anymore. I then switched to Wellbutrin, but that didn’t work for me after 6 months of waiting. I honestly thought I would never recover from my anxiety… until I tried Lexapro! The very first week, I felt happier, I had more energy, I was talking more, I even told others that it felt like it was harder to be sad or to get stuck in that dark place when I’m anxious. Fast forward to 1 month on the drug, I haven’t even felt anxious for a moment. I feel like my old self! I have energy, I want to go out and do things, I just feel happy. I’m so glad I tried this drug. I was in a dark place struggling with my anxiety where I told myself I’d rather not live than to 'survive' each day struggling with my anxiety… If you’re reading this, DON'T GIVE UP!"

• Eri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 19, 2023

"I am a 32-year-old, healthy, and happy female who has dealt with minimal anxiety over the years due to hormonal imbalances caused by PCOS. & More recently, I was diagnosed with PMDD. I never had a depressive thought in my life until I woke up a few months ago with a horrendous bout of anxiety. It spiraled into constant panic attacks all day, scary intrusive violent thoughts, and depersonalization, all of which were extremely terrifying and new to me. After resisting, I decided to start Lexapro after my doctor insisted it would help. This page was the ONLY thing that got me through. I truly believed I would feel like that forever. Slowly, the medicine started working. I started with 5mg in the first week and had headaches, nausea, & insomnia. Within a week, all-day panic attacks stopped, & I bumped up to 10mg after a week. Truly, it all started to get better in week 3. Like a cloud lifted, and I felt so much more like myself. Now I've completed week 4, and I feel happy again and love life. PLEASE STICK WITH IT!"

• Cur...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 21, 2014

"First and foremost, like so many others on here, Lexapro saved my life. I was not necessarily suicidal, but literally had no life and was scared all the time. For the most part, no one knew what I was dealing with. I was a highly respected professional who somehow managed to keep it to herself. I would sneak off to bathrooms all the time to go in a stall and calm down. If no one was in there, I would indulge in laying on the cold tile floor to just try and cool myself off. I stopped going to movies, on dates, church, or anything where I felt trapped. I was not afraid of flying, I was afraid of when the time between takeoff and when the captain turned off the seat belt sign. This medicine gave ME back, 5 years strong."

• tbr...
• October 29, 2019

"I have struggled with anxiety for my whole life but in the past 5 years, it has gotten uncontrollable, and I was crying every single day. I didn’t feel like myself and felt so lost. I am 22 and in nursing school, so there is a lot of pressure, but this has been something I’ve wanted and knew I could achieve, but couldn’t do it with my anxiety. I was VERY skeptical about taking anything and have tried every alternative I could think of, but I just couldn’t quite get there. I have been taking Lexapro 10 mg for over a month now, and it has made my life 100x better. I haven’t cried once or felt extremely overwhelmed the entire time. The only side effects I experienced were sweating, dry mouth, and a slight headache. These have all subsided after the first week. This drug has made me feel like myself again, and I didn’t know if I would get here, but I’m so glad I am. Don’t let the reviews scare you into not trying a medicine, it can help you if you let it. Give it time and push through. It’s so worth it."

• MAa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 6, 2019

"Ok, so I don’t ever do reviews. Like ever. But this medication has changed my life. I’ve been on it for about 5 months now, and I’m honestly amazed. I’ve suffered from extremely bad depression, anxiety, and ADHD. I’m also a recovering alcoholic/addict with 8 months sober. I went from being literally at rock bottom to all of a sudden living life again. For the first time in years, my body didn’t ache all day long, my anxiety went away, and I started to sing in the car and get excited about nice sunny days! It’s crazy. I’m just super thankful. I take 10mg along with Wellbutrin and Adderall. But Lexapro has been the game changer. Let your body go through a little nightmare for the first couple of weeks. I promise you will all of a sudden hit a hump that you get over, and it’s so nice. Don’t get me wrong, I still have my moments and struggles in life, but I can deal with them now instead of breaking down. And I like people again. Give it a try."

• Jeb...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 20, 2021

"I am 60 years old and have suffered from anxiety since I was 23 years old. Many times, the panic attacks were quite severe. I had trouble holding down a job, and there were times I couldn't drive and was terrified of being alone. I've tried so many anti-anxiety drugs, but I expected them to work right away. I've done years of counseling. In October of 2020, my doctor put me on 5mg of Lexapro. I knew what side effects to expect, and they lasted almost 3 weeks before I started to notice that it was working. In January, I started 10mg. I have not had an anxiety attack since I've been taking Lexapro. It gave me my life back. I feel normal for the first time in many years."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 27, 2024

"It works! I've used this medicine on and off for 3 years, and it works. You just have to be consistent and patient. If you are alone, come to this site and read positive reviews of other people's experiences. If you have loved ones, rely on them. Just remember this is a MOMENT, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I've used different strengths of this medicine, 5mg to 20mg, and it does come with some side effects, like increased anxiety, dry mouth, fogginess, but it will pass. I'm starting on day 8 of my medicine today, and the side effects are there but trying to remain positive and busy. It affects everyone here differently, but remember to stay positive. Based on my experience, it takes about 2-4 weeks to get the full effects of the medicine. Hang in there and be strong. Write a review if you need to, no need to internalize."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 25, 2020

"I started 5 mg of Lexapro for social anxiety a month ago, with no side effects. My doctor increased to 10 mg. And after 2 years, I'm still using it, and my social anxiety has subsided. Amazing, I was a mess!"

• Ash...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 25, 2023

"Like most of you, I was in the exact same position. Scared to death to start taking medications. I would spend HOURS scrolling and scrolling through Reddit and other forums trying to absorb as much information as possible. Now that the Lexapro has completely kicked in, I will never go off of it! This medication quite literally saved my life. For MONTHS, I was in such a downward spiral, and I was so sure I could never get out of it. My anxiety and depression began affecting everyone around me. I knew that I needed to take the leap, and I'm so glad that I did! I took 5 mg for about 6 weeks and bumped up to 10 mg, which has helped immensely. The side effects (mostly nausea and no appetite) only lasted about 1 week, and I've had none since then. If you are torn, just do it! This medication exists for a reason. You'll never know unless you try!"

• Awa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 12, 2019

"I promised myself if I made it out alive, I'd come back and give my review. I've been on the meds for a little over 2 months, and the outcome has been very good for me! First couple of weeks are rough but stick it out, it'll be well worth it!"

• Nik...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 31, 2021

"This is a lifesaver for me! I was prescribed this because I have minor generalized anxiety and OCD with intrusive thoughts. I regret I did not take this sooner. I was very scared to take it at first because of side effects. I didn't want to be 'zombie-like' but this helped my OCD thoughts immensely. I still get anxiety now and then, but it's much easier to brush off. I didn't have any bad side effects. The thing I recognized most is your brain feels quieter but not in a zombie way. I would get anxiety because I wasn't having anxiety anymore haha. This medication seemed to help me right away within 2 weeks, but I noticed a full effect after 2-3 months."

• col...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 19, 2014

"Before Lexapro, my anxiety would take over my life. I would worry too much about little things and had trouble remaining calm in social situations. I had trouble sleeping and would feel sick to my stomach from all the anxiety I would get. Lexapro helped all of these symptoms for me! I am only 21 years old but I feel like it changed my whole outlook on life, and I can handle it much easier now. Little things don't get to me, and I tend to live for the moment instead of worrying about tomorrow. I feel like myself again and that I am in control, and my thoughts no longer control me. I recommend this for anxiety, or anxiety that can lead to depression. It took about a month to completely work for me, so be patient!"

• Joj...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 21, 2020

"My life was literally wrecked by depression and anxiety when it turned its ugly head when I was 17 years old. I've been through terrible times and through a living nightmare. Now I'm 32 years old on Lexapro and I feel good finally."

• OMA...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 2, 2025

"I have always dealt with mild to moderate anxiety for most of my life. About a year ago, it started getting worse and worse. I work as a tour director, and I’ve been at my job for 23 years and know it inside and out, and all of a sudden, I would have extreme anxiety every single morning coupled with panic attacks. It got to the point where I was thinking suicide would be my only way out. I’ve always been against taking drugs, but I finally broke down, went to my doctor, and she put me on 10 mg of Lexapro. I am now two months in, and I feel better than I’ve ever felt in my entire life. Why I didn’t do this earlier, I don’t know, because it would’ve saved me a lot of heartache. I will be forever grateful for this drug. The first few weeks on it, as others have said, were rough, the side effects I experienced were night sweats, nausea, and diarrhea. But by week four, that all disappeared, and now I’m on week eight going into week nine, and I will never ever look back. Thank you."

• Ola...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 13, 2020

"I've had anxiety problems since I was about 12 and was put on Lexapro when I was 18 years old. I didn’t feel much difference that time and stopped after about a month because my parents found out I was on it and shamed me into stopping. I’m now 19 and my anxiety has gotten much worse, I disassociate often and I’m depressed. I got put back on it and I’m on day 4. I’m having a really bad time on it. I’m extremely anxious right now, it’s made me dizzy and it’s given me stomach problems. I did notice an improvement in my sleeping right away which has been amazing. Reading the comments that say that you just have to wait it out are helping a lot, it’s making me motivated to continue and it’s reminding me that this feeling isn’t going to last. I hope in a few months things are better."

• Ely...
• July 28, 2021

"I’ve been taking Lexapro since 2018. In two words, miracle drug! It saved my life. I used to be so terrified to take SSRIs because of misleading reviews. Please give it a go. For 6 years, I fought with debilitating anxiety. I was doing acupuncture every week to be able to function. But one trigger was enough to throw me off. It was exhausting. My family was sick and tired of my illness, and it can damage any happiness in your household. My husband blesses the person who created Lexapro because he got his wife and happiness back. My sex life has improved (just reaching climax is hard). The only side effects are vivid dreams, dry mouth after sleep or nap, weight gain for me :( but believe me, I wouldn’t trade my old skinny and miserable body for my current chubbier but much happier one :)"

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 11, 2021

"I just started taking Lexapro after having a major nervous breakdown due to coming off a Lyme disease medication too quickly. I had never felt so close to suicide in all my life. I started the Lexapro at 5 mg, and it started to help with the panic almost instantly. I am trying to get to 10 mg slowly. Thanks for all the reviews, it really helped me when I was at my worst to hang in there and wait for the medication to start working. Hang in there, everyone."

• LeG...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 10, 2023

"If you have anxiety or depression and are holding off on going on medication because you’re unsure about the side effects, or perhaps worried about being on it for life, please keep an open mind. I dealt with both from my mid 20s until I started Lexapro in my mid 40s. Those 20 years were really hard and didn’t need to be. I’ve been on Lexapro for 4 years now, and it has changed my life, basically neutralizing anxiety and depression with almost no side effects. Every aspect of life - work, family, etc. - has improved. I wish I’d discovered it much earlier."

• xx0...
• April 23, 2014

"Lexapro has honestly saved my life. I have been dealing with Anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder my entire life and have tried multiple medications, nothing has worked. This is amazing. I would say before Lexapro, my anxiety on a scale of 1-10 was a 10 EVERY SINGLE DAY. Now it's at 0! Sometimes maybe a 1. It has given me my life back!"

• Jen...
• September 3, 2019

"I want to share my detailed experience so far with Lexapro because, let's be honest, anxiety is an awful beast. I started experiencing panic attacks recently. I kept thinking 'I am not taking medicine.' I can control this on my own. Well, in my case, that was wrong. I went to counselling and learned breathing techniques, which helped some but it did not prevent my panic in the middle of the night. After letting go of my pride, I decided to see the doctor about medicine. For about 8 days I experienced different side effects-nausea, insomnia, headaches (some bad), and still some anxiety. DO NOT QUIT THIS MEDICINE. Now, I am 2 weeks in on medicine. GUESS WHAT?! FEELING AWESOME. I am sleeping great now. My anxiety is 99% gone. I feel like my happy self again. I am thankful for this medicine and how it is helping me."

• FW ...
• December 10, 2019

"After years of anxiety, I finally went to the doctor in 2016 and started Lexapro at 10mg. After 2 years, I moved up to 20mg along with therapy, which almost seemed to take away anxiety completely. After 3 years, I stopped taking Lexapro because I felt so good. The first month off this medication, I felt AMAZING. Then it all went downhill after month 2. My anxiety skyrocketed, and I began feeling depressed. Then I tried Zoloft, which made it even worse. It gave me the shakes, caused daily panic attacks, and suicidal ideations for the first time in my life (which I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy). Also, I lost much of the weight Lexapro caused. Fast forward, I am back on 20mg of Lexapro. I feel human again. I feel stable, but I am gaining weight back (which sucks) and I feel fatigued again. BUT I feel like I can function normally. Even with the effects, Lexapro is worth it for me. If you’re reading this, please don’t give up! Things can get better :) It's a trial and error."

• Hap...
• September 18, 2019

"For ten years I struggled with GAD and panic attacks. I refused to take SSRI and tried natural products. Nothing really worked on a permanent basis. It made me feel discouraged and at the end of my rope. Finally, I agreed to take Lexapro. 6 WEEKS later, I was back to my old self. I had not traveled for 8 years. One evening without telling my wife or son, I purchased plane tickets and a cruise for the family. I actually WANTED to go! Everything changed. Now, it is not 100% perfect but pretty close. I have to watch how long I sleep (need to rest well) and what I eat and exercise a little bit. Side effects were minor and did not last. Didn't lose my libido either. I am grateful for this medication and will not want to stop it anytime soon if all of this continues the way it is. So...if you are in the same situation as me...and you have tried the natural way and it didn't work, maybe give this a try. Good luck."

• Nep...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 2, 2014

"I have suffered from GAD for most of my life. In the last 10 years, it had slowly gotten worse and side problems showed like health anxiety, physical symptoms like back pain, neck pain, lump in throat, etc. Worry had taken over my life... Unfortunately, I didn't notice it associated most of these things with GAD. But it had been affecting my family for some time. It got to the point where my wife moved out and filed for divorce. I finally made the decision to try an SSRI. I had tried in the past but had rare side effects from all I tried. I started Lexapro 5mg and within 5 days began to feel better. Then after a few weeks, it was like waking up from a deep sleep. I had my life back! It's been 8 months now and I feel fantastic! Thank God for Lexapro!"

• Emi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 6, 2024

"Never experienced life so quiet before, nothing to worry about, no anger outburst, did not notice any seasonal depression this winter as well??, being able to look at things before reacting instead of going from one mood to another and having high mood swings all day. 'What if...' thoughts are gone. No overthinking. I can actually think clearly now. I am able to read because it's so quiet, normally I had no focus.. I actually went on ADHD meds before this because I thought I had ADHD because my mind couldn't stop. Turned out it was not ADHD, it was anxiety. ADHD meds just made me worse, but this.. I feel finally free. Free from worry, overthinking, health anxiety has gone away, OCD completely went away and social anxiety as well. I have my moments when I might think of something embarrassing but I do not feel disgust from it. I accept it. I am so much more talkative without repeating convo in my head afterwards. I've been taking this for 4 months now, I am still not used to it. I love it."