Escitalopram for Major Depressive Disorder User Reviews (Page 3)

• Shuler
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 16, 2017

Lexapro (escitalopram) "My husband is a retired veteran from the Army he has PTSD, depression and anxiety. I introduced my husband to Lexapro which I have taken over the years. I have seen a big change in my husband, and I am thankful. He has stated that I saved his life by introducing him to this medicine. Finally my husband can enjoy life again. Lexapro is an amazing drug anyone out there who suffers from PTSD anxiety or depression I highly suggest you give this medicine to try talk to your Doctor. I for one can say it saved my husband's life"

• Steve...
• June 19, 2015

Lexapro (escitalopram) "With a rough family life, it's hard to know if this drug is working to its full potential. I've been taking lexepro for almost three months now, and I can hardly tell a difference. I don't really think of suicide anymore, but happy? Is anyone truly happy? Maybe it's just my situation at the moment that brings out my pessimistic side, but I don't feel much different at all."

• orang...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 7, 2017

Lexapro (escitalopram) "For posterity, I'm currently also taking Wellbutrin, Trazodone, and I'll be starting Vyvanse soon. Past SSRI's include Prozac and Zoloft; Prozac worked great but then pooped out and Zoloft didn't do much of anything. My depression and anxiety have easily tripled over the past couple due to being sexually assaulted and the deaths of two very close friends. As a result, I get agitated extremely easily at work and feel extremely low and hopeless at home. I'm currently taking 20 mg Lexapro and I believe I just felt it kick in? It's like a warm hug for the brain. I'm not feeling irritable, I'm fairly relaxed, and I'm excited for the rest of my day. I feel like it's only going to get better from here."

• Hello...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 16, 2019

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I do not recommend this drug. I am tolerant to it - when I say that what I mean is I can’t stop taking it - the withdrawal is so so so bad that my doctor has said ‘you may have to be on this for life’. The withdrawal is debilitating, aggression, irritability, votatile unpredictable mood swings, uncontrollably crying, vomiting etc. The drugs work fine and as described. But the come down is traumatic. And I felt worse coming down than before the meds. I have also gained about 11 kilos 20 pounds approx in 1 year. Size 8 - 14. Flabby gut. I work out 6 days a week, don’t drink, don’t eat sugar and I am bloated like prednisone patient. Do not take this unless you are prepared to deal with ALL the horrible side effects. My only option is to go on another drug. Disgusting. I wish I had never started it in the first place. Absolutely disgusted by the doctors too who ‘don’t really know why it’s making me gain weight, just try another one’. Awful 0/10."

• Bethkk
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 22, 2014

Lexapro (escitalopram) "Was on Lexapro for over 5 years for depression. I could definitely notice a difference for the better. Was no longer suicidal and could work and function on a daily basis again. But still think I could have been happier than I was. The only side effect was loss of libido."

• HangI...
• June 4, 2019

"Hang in there- I was having a very rough time with depression. It got to the point where I had sort of a mental breakdown in which I couldn't stop crying for several days. My GP started me on Lexapro 5 mg and the first week was absolute hell. I felt so tired, but I couldn't sleep and my brain felt completely raw. I used Xanex the first week to sleep at night through the adjustment period, and discontinued use after that. It took a bit, but gradually, everything began to improve. I continued with the 5 mg for several years, until some life changes caused me to up it to 10 mg. The transition came with a lot of nausea, but it is evening out again. To the person scouring reviews to find relatable experiences, please know that brain chemistry is variable as anything and every experience is incredibly individualized. Take it one day at a time, and know that things will likely get a little worse but then things get alot better. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. Just keep on focusing on the light at the end of the tunnel "

• Corri
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 17, 2017

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I was hospitalized back in June as a result of my depression and anxiety. Lexapro was the first medication they put me on, followed by hydroxyzine. The first thing I noticed was the minimal side effects. I didn't experience drowsiness or stomach pains or anything that I had expected to experience. Like all depression medication, lexapro is one that needs to stay in your bloodstream for several weeks before you'll actually feel it working. It's not to say that it completely cured my depression, as there is no definitive "cure" for depression, but half of my days were euphoric and the other half I was only feeling a bit down. That is a huge step up from feeling hopeless all the time. I would recommend for both depression and anxiety."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 10, 2021

Lexapro (escitalopram) "Hey guys, so I started Lexapro after my divorce about a year ago. I was having major depression, anxiety and panic attacks. After seeing a psychologist and therapist they decided to start me on 10mg of Lexapro. During the first month, I started having extreme dry mouth, but by month 2 that went away. I started seeing results after about a month or so. I was no longer having intrusive thoughts, my anxiety decreased substantially and was no longer having panic attacks. It also helped with depressive episodes. I was sooo nervous about starting a new medication, but honestly Lexapro saved my life. A year later, I am so much more stable and able to make clear decisions. My head isn't so foggy, and my emotions are in control. I am truly thankful."

• Shawn...
• May 4, 2016

Lexapro (escitalopram) "After the death of my father I was thrown into an extremely depressive state and it only got worse as time went on. I was unable to get out of bed in the morning, go to school and could not carry out my normal life due to the constant feelings of hopelessness, sadness, etc. I had lost interest in everything and everyone and also began self harming. Ive been on Lexapro (20 mg) for about four months and it has helped me a large amount with my depression but it makes me feel like a bit of a zombie. The side effects were not the best but it has given me the energy and hope to get out of bed in the morning. Lexapro helped me a immense amount and I would recommend that you try it."

• Jcano
• November 25, 2021

Lexapro (escitalopram) "Well. I was not able to sleep for 10 days. Benadryl, advil p.ms and seroquel did nothing for me. Insomnia, no sleep, restless to the point of exhaustion. Begin to hear my brain sounding like white noise, more depressed and suicidal thoughts. In bed all day. Horrible experience i had no libido, unable to have orgasm. Doing better after 10 days off this. Not worth it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 26, 2023

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I've been taking lexapro for a little over 3 months. After the first month or so, I could see a huge difference with my depression and even my anxiety. For the last few weeks or so, my anxiety has been out of control and my depression is back full force. I take my medication every night, pretty close to the same time. I don't know what to do. This is affecting my home life and work life. I have heard so many good things about Lexapro, but apparently it isn't for me."

• Linds
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 18, 2019

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I’ve had good and bad experience with Lexapro. I suffer from MDD and CPTSD and starting the medication was good. It picked me up and made me feel human again. When I started Lexapro I was also going through therapy. When I stopped therapy I felt a decline in my mood again. Not where I started, but I was still having a hard time keeping up with my life. Currently I still take it and it’s good for most of the day. When I near the end of my day I have a crash. I wish the Lexapro would last all day. I think it’s a good medication to pick you up, but I also recommend therapy to go hand in hand with your healing process"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 22, 2023

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I first got hit by a brutal wave of depression and, to a lesser extent, anxiety. I tried to deal with things without medication but felt like I couldn't, so I was prescribed Lexapro. The good side: Lexapro helped me get my life back. Before, I could barely sleep, eat, and had no sex drive, and felt awful 24/7. After Lexapro (started at 10mg, then went to 20mg), I was able to live my life again and do the things I ordinarily would do. I have been on it for 8 years and the only side effect is I sweat a bit more. The bad side: I have had 4 relapses since starting. The first 2 were depression, and the more recent 2 have been anxiety. I also felt emotionally numb even at my 'best.' So Lexapro was an important first step, but it didn't solve my emotional struggles entirely."

• Drew
• March 24, 2016

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I'm on my 5th day taking Lexapro 10mg and the side effects have been horrible! The most I can put into my stomach is a breakfast essential shake in a whole day, I get heavy head aches, the back of my eyes hurt like hell, I wake up drenched in sweat, my whole body aches to the point where I can barely walk, I get very cold easily, and I sleep throughout the day.. I was told the side effects will stop after a week but will the loss of appetite stop too?"

• James
• June 9, 2017

Lexapro (escitalopram) "My experience with lexapro has been overall well, I suffer from a severe depression ever since I smoked a very potent strains of cannabis which triggered me to get severely depressed and anxious, I didn't take lexapro until about 6 months of it sitting in my drawer after manning up and growing the courage to take half of 10mg for a week until the side effects subsided and raised it to 10mg, I felt less anxious at first then after 2 weeks I raised it to 20mg and felt less depressed and that's what I'm currently on. I'm waiting till week 8 too see if it gets better to know if I should keep taking it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 10, 2021

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I've been on 10 MG of Lexapro for 5 months now for MDD and GA, I woke up this morning feeling great no bad headache absolutely wonderful. Everyone says 6-8 weeks for me it was the anxiety it helped after that time frame depression took til today to lift and completely get out of the headache foggy state, so please give this med quite some time for full therapy soul hugs Jill"

• Tia...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 13, 2016

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I've been on many medications through the years, and this is the first one I've been on a medication that didn't make me drowsy, and had side effects I could tolerate. Having Major Depressive Disorder, PTSD, and Anxiety, but also having issues with psych medication side effects; I've been quite happy with this medication. It takes the edge off my negative moods, and at times renders me ambivalent-- which is better than before considering my PTSD anxiety was driving me to suicidal inclinations. However, if you aren't dealing with severe depression and anxiety, I'd suggest something less intense. Also, my medicaid covered this medication, but many insurance companies wont, and the original price is naught to scoff at."

• Dani
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 30, 2022

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I didn’t see side effects when I first started Lexapro. Once I started getting my dosage increased, I experienced nausea and disorientation. I tried up to 25mg. This was too much for me. When it was too much medication, I had a constant headache, I was nauseous, eating less, and had suicidal ideations."

• North...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 4, 2022

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I was a little bummed about the duration of time it took to experience the full benefits, I was full blown meth head before a devastating crash and rehabilitation landed me at the mercy of a treatment center the mental condition I was in was extremely empty. I'm at 20mg the max dose, it has been 120 days so far clean and working a solid program. I feel blessed happy and my family got their son back I'm back in college. I actually scored pretty high on my placement test where prerequisites weren't even required I have an awesome job and I'm pretty thrilled about life now, this medication has absolutely saved my life."

• Katie
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 6, 2023

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I take Lexapro 5 mg with 150 mg of Wellbutrin and it has worked wonders for me. I didn’t like taking too high a dosage of Lexapro. I felt lazy and sluggish. The combination of both really helped me with major depression and since the Lexapro is not high in dosage I don’t worry about gaining weight. I definitely would recommend Lexapro but in smaller dosages"

• Cairn...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• November 20, 2016

"I have been depressed over 20 years, been hospitalized for a major depressive event and suicidal. I have been on numerous antidepressants over the years. None of which worked, I have been on escitalopram for 6 years (10mg) and I can say that I am normal and happy. It works for me. I tried 20mg for a while, but it made me too sleepy. The 10mg works for me. My wife of 47 years passed away 2 months ago. I am grieving but not depressed. Sounds strange, but I definately know the difference."

• abigail
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 17, 2021

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I was prescribed lexapro for anxiety and depression, also OCD. Side effects of terrible dry mouth, headaches. It did however, help my insomnia. Months in, my anxiety had slightly subsided and my depression was noticeably gone. But I wasn’t happy either, honestly I felt numb. Doctor upped my dose to 20mg about 4/5 months in. Again, awful dry mouth and headaches and now nausea and heart palpitations. Terrible nausea and headaches and had crippling nihilism and suicidal thoughts worse than when I wasn’t being treated. My anxiety came back full swing. I slowly stopped taking it. The withdrawal is almost as bad as the side effects. I’ve been off of it for a week now and the withdrawal sucks but I’m glad I quit."

• Lilly
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 25, 2021

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I was prescribed Lexapro for severe long term anxiety and depression. Even though it didn't work on my depression after 5 months of use, I wanted to leave it a positive review, since these drugs have the power to save peoples lives. Initially I experienced basically every side effect possible. Nausea, loss of appetite, night sweats, bad vivid dreams, changes to taste, dizzy, short term memory loss, inability to orgasm, blurred vision in the morning, heart palpitations, headaches, extreme moments of anxiety to the point of throwing up, extreme depression to the point of having to sleep all day. But you know what - this list of side effects sounds horrible, but they are worth it if you start to feel even a little bit like yourself again. After about a month the side effects decreased in severity, my anxiety was gone, but still left me with the inability to orgasm and had no impact on my depression. I've now moved to Cymbalta (SNRI) and will review that in a few months."

• RlovesH
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 4, 2019

Lexapro (escitalopram) "On Lexapro 40 mg everyday since 2017 for MDD and anxiety and it works. With MDD I used to have severe feelings of worthlessness and suicidal ideations. That’s lessened from 10 to 4. With GAD I had severe crippling anxiety to where I couldn’t be around lots of people and had insomnia from nonstop racing thoughts. Lessened from 10 to 5, no more crippling anxiety but small daily bouts of being uncomfortable."

• Jojo
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 27, 2020

Lexapro (escitalopram) "First half year was great except first 2 month of sickness and feeling that I will vomit but pressure inside was smaller. From 5mg dose I went up to 20mg. After about 6 month it just stopped working at all - rivers of tears, flashbacks, insomnia, low energy. But I am strongly concern now that it's not depression I have but PTSD untreated so maybe its not working for PTSD."