Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder User Reviews (Page 3)

• Happy
• September 18, 2019

Lexapro (escitalopram) "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."

• Tiffany
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 7, 2023

Lexapro (escitalopram) "Let me start off by saying this! DO NOT GIVE UP! I have always been a worry wart but last February I went through a lot of stress. In March I was having horrible panic attacks. My chest would feel icy hot, legs and arms would go weak, lost my appetite to the point where I couldn’t physically eat. My heart would pound and I would be dizzy. Went to the doctors and he said I have anxiety. He started me off with 5mg of lexapro for 2 weeks. The side effects made me worse. I wanted to give up. I was dizzy, extremely anxious, nausea, retching all day, couldn't eat, couldn’t sleep, night sweats and I missed my period, Now I’m 6 weeks in on 10mg and I feel amazing!! My period came back, I can eat again, and no anxiety!! God blessed me with a great doctor and this medicine "

• Kma
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 29, 2021

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I promised I would come here & write a review if I experienced any form of relief on Lexapro. When at my absolute rock bottom, I would spend hours reading reviews begging & pleading for any semblance of hope during such a horrifically dark time. I was POSITIVE with every fiber of my being that it wouldn’t work for me & that I would be a shell of myself - anxious, panicky with doom dread & hopelessness forever. I was certain of it. The first 4 weeks were absolutely brutal. I held on by a thread as my body adjusted to the medication. I had morning dread, nausea, zero appetite, anxiety, hopelessness + more. I started feeling relief at 4 weeks almost exactly. I had to use lorazepam to sleep during this time and am weaning slowly off now, but at 8 weeks on Lexapro I feel 10000x better. I cope now. I get through the day with little to no anxiety, and little to no depression. It took around 6 weeks to get what I would say is relief & I am SO grateful. I am so much better now!!"

• Sass
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 21, 2021

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I started on Lexapro 2 years ago because of illness and family issues. It worked really well for me. No side effects whatsoever. I began with drops of 2.mg and slowly reached one tablet of 10mg after 2 weeks. After 2 weeks, I began to feel like myself again. 6 months ago, feeling well, I weaned myself myself off. No side effects again. I got sick again this year and my anxiety rose. I have put myself back on Lexapro and I am just starting week 2. I'm ok so far again. This time, I started on 5mg and today have just started 10mg. I feel guilty for having to resort to Lexapro again but if taking a pill gets me back to myself, I will take it. Just be aware that it takes a couple of weeks to start feeling the effects. I start feeling better after a week. I'm hoping it helps me as it's done before. It sort of gives you a floor when you feel your anxiety rising and stops the spiralling effect. I will take it as long as I need it. I'm so grateful it is available. Highly recommended!"

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

Lexapro (escitalopram) "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!"

• Sarah
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 17, 2023

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I took Lexapro back in 2018 (age 38). I was on it for about a year and decided to come off of it to see how I would do. No major withdrawal symptoms tapering off 10mg. Fast forward to a little over 2 weeks ago (now age 43). I started Lexapro 5mg again for GAD due to recent anxiety attacks. I had horrible side effects for 6 days. It peaked on day 4 with severe anxiety, sweating, extreme nausea, etc. I had to take a Valium. Not sure why I had such bad side effects the second time taking it, other than 5 years had passed and I was also on oral birth control before. I might be perimenopausal now. I have slowly started feeling better since day 7 and now on day 15 I feel amazing! I feel like a huge weight is lifted and I can work, socialize, exercise, eat, do all the things. HANG IN THERE! You got this!"

• B0b0p...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 21, 2023

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I’m writing this review as a thank you to all of those who wrote reviews before me and got me through some dark days. I’m a 31-year-old high-achieving professional female that’s always had anxiety, but overnight developed severe shortness of breath that turned quickly into nonstop panic - insomnia, terror, heart palpitations, etc. I was worried I would ruin my professional and personal life forever. I’ve been seeing a therapist for years and my psychologist prescribed me Zoloft with terrible side effects - constipation, tingling arms and legs. I had to stop. I was scared of trying other SSRIs, but was terrified of being dependent on Klonopin & took Lexapro (almost no side effects). I doubled down on therapy, started swimming, took a health leave from work, started acupuncture, journaled. Day by day it got better and 2.5 months into Lexapro I am feeling like a braver version of myself. I’ve stopped letting my anxiety control me. You can get here too. Good luck, stay strong"

• Madi
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 27, 2019

Lexapro (escitalopram) "This medicine has been life-altering. I have been taking it for over 3 years and cannot imagine where I would be without it. I experience no negative side effects with this medication and am able to conduct a normal life. I used to stay up for hours before bed with my mind racing and vomit from social apprehension. I have only had 2-3 anxiety attacks since I began the medication and while I still experience anxiety and nerves, it is a healthy amount. I am so happy to have found a drug that allows me to conduct a normal life and still feel like myself!"

• behap...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 4, 2024

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I'm a 36-year-old male, and I too searched these websites for information. In the beginning, I was so scared and afraid to start this medication, but I got to the point where my GAD was so bad I needed to try something. Finally, I committed. I will say I took too much too early, and like many say, the first 2-3 weeks were pretty terrible. My advice to any of you: please slowly ramp up and stick it out! I'm at 15mg now, and it has changed my life. However, it is not a magic pill. Make life changes, go to therapy, join a group, whatever. Over time, you will find the benefit of this medication while also bettering yourself. I'm a huge advocate, tough it out. The only way out is through!"

• Goode...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 16, 2013

Lexapro (escitalopram) "Started Lexapro 10 mg 11 days ago. At first, the side effects were very obvious. 1st day dry mouth, dizzy, tired. 2nd day, fuzzy feeling, dizzy, tired. Each day got better & better. By day 5 I wasn't napping anymore. Before Lexapro, I was having serious sleep problems, probably half my depression problem. Well, I am sleeping like the dead! Waking up feeling completely refreshed & awake! My anxiety is gone. No more crazy thoughts and negative self-talk! Feeling happy for the first time in a year. Try not to read all the negative reviews. Remember, a lot of people have other things going on mentally, physically, etc. Some people also combine other medicines with Lexapro. I'm only on Lexapro. So far, the only thing is that I can't orgasm. Hoping that goes away."

• Youar...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 8, 2017

Lexapro (escitalopram) "Hi! I just wanted to share my experience for those who are out there scared to death to take something that may help them, something your brain may need. Long story short, I was diagnosed with GAD/Panic seven years ago at the age of 19 when my brother was diagnosed with a severe psychiatric mental illness - one that changed his life as well as my family's. I began having full-blown nocturnal panic attacks, depersonalization, along with extreme anxiety/panic. I tried CBT, changing my diet, doing meditation/yoga, journaling, deep breathing, etc. Nothing worked & nothing helped me overcome this except Lexapro. I am currently an RN and believe my brain needs this medication. Please don't be scared or ashamed if you need to take something to help."

• Anonymous
• December 22, 2013

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I had Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder with intrusive thoughts. This came out of nowhere, and I ended up having to take time off work. One week of sitting on the sofa, crying my eyes out, and having repeated panic attacks and thinking I was going crazy. I then saw my doctor. She referred me to a psychologist and put me on Lexapro 5mg for 4 days and then up to 10mg. She also gave me Valium to use sparingly initially till my anxiety dropped. No change week 1 except day 1 where I felt a feeling of euphoria. Week 2 had an increase in anxiety, even a panic attack. End of week 3, and I'm back to my old self. No more anxiety or intrusive thoughts. I am doing all the things I used to do. I feel normal again. Lexapro and seeing a psychologist have done wonders. Super happy."

• JJJ
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 4, 2024

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I'm only on day 5 of a 10mg dosage and the first 4 days have been grueling. Sweaty hands and feet, constipation, upset stomach, severe insomnia, and major anxiety are some of the things I've been dealing with so far. The reviews that I've read here have given me the courage to continue to power through the early stages. I have faith that my persistence will pay off. I will come back with an update once I give it more time."

• GiveI...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 20, 2018

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I had great luck with this medication for many years and then got off of it when I got pregnant. About 6 weeks postpartum, I became very depressed and my anxiety spiked. My doctor put me on Zoloft, and after giving it 8 weeks and only feeling worse and worse, my doctor switched me to Lexapro. I started at 10mg for 3 weeks, experienced a little diarrhea but nothing too awful. However, it wasn’t taking away my anxiety issues. By that point, I had become agoraphobic, couldn’t drive, had to take some time off work. Doctor upped me to 20mg, and 2 weeks later I started driving again, working out again, feeling like a normal human being. I read through the positive reviews on this page over and over to get me through. Please, please give the medication 4-8 weeks to feel the full benefits. And only read positive reviews. You’ll make it through this and know you are not alone!"

• Sophia
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 27, 2024

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I am 39, and have c-PTSD and anxiety and have been taking Lexapro 10 mg for 4 days now. I felt really nauseous, can't sleep, yet tired. Side effects are really tough, but it has worked so well that I have no interest in alcohol! I was drinking for my anxiety before... I really recommend giving it a shot! I wish I'd tried this sooner because Zoloft didn't work for me and neither did Prozac, but I can tell a difference with Lexapro after the second day. I can't imagine not feeling this way! Please stick with it! Bad effects are supposed to go away in 2 weeks. I'll update again! All the best healing to everyone."

• Mano
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 25, 2019

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I am a 20-year-old female and recently my anxiety had gotten to the point where I was scared to leave my house. I had bad health anxiety, so I couldn't go anywhere or drive my car without fear of a stroke or seizure. My doctor prescribed me Lexapro, and I have only been on it for exactly a week, but I started seeing significant changes after day 3. This medication completely changed my life. I am now able to go and do things, work out, and drive wherever I please without my anxiety and OCD telling me I can't. The only side effect I have encountered is drowsiness, which is nice because I take it at night and am finally able to get a full night's rest without my thoughts keeping me up. I HIGHLY recommend this medication because it gave me my life back."

• BE2015
• April 13, 2015

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I suffered from anxiety with significant episodes of depression since I was 19 (I'm 26 now). My anxiety manifested itself as hypochondria mostly. I constantly thought I had cancer, MS, or some other debilitating disease. I feared my loved ones would die or get sick as well. The worry would consume my thoughts, and I would spend hours online researching these illnesses, convinced I had something. Started taking Lexapro 20 MG, and I've never looked back. My hypochondria is completely gone. 'Sad' moods are no longer full-blown depressive episodes. My life seems so much lighter and more manageable. There's no shame in taking medicine if you need it. I only wish I had started it sooner."

• Rebecca
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 29, 2023

Lexapro (escitalopram) "Give this a try. Definitely start low and slow. I started at 5 mg, which is lower than most doctors will start at. Ask for that. You can even cut that in half and do that for a week or two. This will greatly reduce those bad side effects people mention. I had a slight increase in anxiety and some stomach upset the first week. After a couple of weeks, I started to feel a bit better. After a month, I increased to 7.5 mg. That’s what I’m at now, and I’m feeling pretty good. If you try this, at least give it a month and I think you will be happy!"

• Anony...
• November 24, 2013

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I suffered from anxiety, obsessive thoughts due to anxiety, and depression as a result. I had thoughts in my head that I tried to suppress, and the thoughts just came back stronger. I thought that I was completely helpless and began to have suicidal thoughts. I started on Zoloft (first on 25mg, then 50mg), and it helped with my depression and anxiety, except it made me really sleepy. My doctor suggested Lexapro at 10mg, and I have been on it for about 5 weeks now. My condition has improved tremendously! I am happier, and my thoughts aren't overpowering my life. I started CBT, and that has helped as well. DO NOT GIVE UP. Things will get better, I promise. I thought the medicine wouldn't work for me, but it does."

• Coppe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 31, 2019

Lexapro (escitalopram) "So after 9 months of bullying/harassment at work from 3 different bosses, I was at breaking point. I was even having massive anxiety attacks at people taking too long in the self-checkout at the supermarket. So I went to the GP who prescribed Zoloft 50mg, tried for a week, horrendous, threw them in the bin. Went to another GP who prescribed Lexapro 10mg, along with Zopiclone 7.5mg for sleep. As he said, Lexapro will take a week or two to acclimatize. Started Sunday morning, felt weird after a few hours, dizzy, peripheral hallucinations, slept like a log. Monday morning, same deal, almost whited out at the supermarket, slept well. Tuesday morning, feel good, little dizzy, energetic in the afternoon. But the dizziness has gone. Had kind of a dry mouth all 3 days, but just kept the liquids up. Lexapro seems heaps more tolerable than Zoloft, not even a hint of anxiety the last 2 days. Hope this keeps up, good luck to everyone on the same journey X"

• Sugoi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 21, 2020

Lexapro (escitalopram) "Lexapro was the first meds I took to help with my anxiety and panic attacks and worked great. I did get side effects for only the first week, I had nausea and headaches, the side effects were tolerable though. Little by little I felt like I was able to get my life back. The only side effect that made me want to stop was a decrease in my sex drive. If it weren't for that it would be a 10/10 for me."

• snjhy...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 31, 2016

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I was suffering with panic disorder with agoraphobia for 10 years. It started off pretty innocuous, a few trips to the ER, calling out of work... As my symptoms got worse, I became more and more housebound. Going ANYWHERE, even a trip to the supermarket was miserable. I couldn't take my kids to the park. I had to quit my job because of the distance and panic attacks. I loved to travel but I could no longer get on a plane, forget getting to the airport. I literally tried everything. Finally, I cracked. My doc prescribed me Lexapro. I was so scared but so desperate. It has completely given me my life back. Slowly, surely, persistently, I began to drive again. 2 years later I am me again. Fight through the side effects. Don't waste your life."

• Spirit
• November 6, 2019

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I suddenly couldn't eat any food and cut out everything from my diet. The pain and heartburn went away, and I could breathe after eating again, but it resulted in me having such a limited diet that I was only eating chips with fake cheese for all meals. I was also terrified of driving and dying from an allergic reaction. We discovered that I was only allergic to dairy, but after six months of not having gluten, soy, fish, or any meats, I was absolutely terrified of everything. My doctor prescribed me Lexapro. My panic attacks instantly stopped, but after two weeks, was when it really kicked in. Suddenly I could drive without having panic attacks and could eat meat and fish. Now I've just eaten gluten and soy after a month on Lexapro, and despite having nightmares and panic attacks at the mere thought of accidentally consuming even a crumb of gluten, I feel zero anxiety whatsoever and am perfectly fine. Lexapro gave me my life back from my phobia of food."

• angie
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 30, 2016

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I was terrified of taking Lexapro after having horrible side effects with every single antidepressant known in the market. I am a 52-year-old female, and after reading all the negative reviews, I quit taking it for a period of 2 weeks. I finally decided I was so miserable I would try it again, and 3 months later I am doing great! No more fear of leaving the house, negative self-talk, constant anxiety, and worry! I may have gained 1-2 pounds, but if you take it, you will be more likely to go out for walks, gym, and get moving again, which I have. Please don't let the negative reviews influence if the med will work for you or not. I'm obsessive about weight gain, and I am not gaining! I'm really liking my new calm self. Give it 6 weeks, big difference!"

• Square
• May 16, 2019

Lexapro (escitalopram) "Lexapro is a lifesaver! I’ve always been an anxious person but didn’t see anxiety as a problem. Then at 39, after a minor health scare, I became crippled by anxiety. I lost weight, couldn’t eat, and could hardly mother my children. After a couple ER visits and many tests, I had a clean bill of health and started Lexapro. In just a couple of weeks, I was feeling great! I realized I actually had lots of anxiety prior to my health scare but thought it was normal. I’d wake up every morning hot, nauseated, lightheaded and with a racing heart. Sometimes I had to force myself out of bed because of a sense of dread I had no explanation for. I’m so happy I don’t have to live like that now. My only complaint is that it takes some extra effort to orgasm; that’s a small price to pay to enjoy life. If you’re scared like I was, start at 2.5mg, if that feels okay, increase it by 2.5mg each time. I’m so happy to have my life back. Don’t give up and don’t wait to treat yourself. Why suffer?"