Lexapro for Anxiety User Reviews (Page 4)

• DadTo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 2, 2019

"Literally had one foot off the bridge. I have suffered from a heart arrhythmia that was causing me to just give up on life. I was on a beta blocker for it and the beta blocker intensified the depression. My two kiddos were the only thing keeping me in the game. No one, of course, knew this... but I was one foot off the bridge with my kids holding my other foot firmly planted. Then came Lexapro. I had tried it a year or so before and gave up on it... too soon. Told my doctor I had to try something. It was like my body remembered the Lexapro, I swear to God. About 10 days after taking it, it was like a switch flipped. I woke up feeling better. The heart arrhythmia stopped for the most part, and the depression was almost lifted. I take 10mg daily. I would rate this a 20 if I could."

• Ohio
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 6, 2024

"This is my 2nd time on Lexapro. Took it in my 30s for 10 years and thought I didn't need it anymore. Back on it again in my 50s. Both times for extreme anxiety and depression. I was barely able to function. First few weeks starting Lexapro were horrific due to side effects. This time I was prepared and took a short-term disability while side effects were in full swing: nausea, brain fog, insomnia, panic attacks worsened. After 3-4 weeks I was pretty much back to normal and the medication was working. I returned back to work in week 4. Even at 4 weeks, I was still a little sluggish and medicated. It took a few months to start feeling happy, motivated, and more focused. The 1st time on Lexapro in my 30s, I was going into it blind, unprepared for the side effects, and the doctor had to add Klonopin to ease my panic attacks along with it. This time, I opted not to have any help from Klonopin and just push through it since I knew what to expect."

• El441
• June 21, 2016

"After months of CBT with my psychologist for severe anxiety and panic disorder, I decided to seek help from a psychiatrist. I was prescribed 5mg, then 10mg of Lexapro to start, and it gradually increased to 20mg. In the first few days, I had never felt worse. More frequent and severe panic attacks, my general anxiety went through the roof, and I had the most extreme feeling of hopelessness. I was a mess and calling my doctors, telling them I needed to stop taking it. They reassured me these side effects would go away within weeks, and they did. I continued with the CBT, mindfulness, lifestyle changes, and stayed on the Lexapro, and within months, I felt I was back to my normal self. Posts like these kept me going. Hang in there, you're not alone!"

• LLano
• July 13, 2021

"About 2 months ago, I started having severe panic attacks. I was then put on Prozac and had a horrible side effect, and then on another med which was even worse. I researched Lexapro and got prescribed 5 mg for a week, then upped it to 10 mg. At the time, I couldn’t go anywhere without having a near panic attack, and only Xanax would help calm me down. I couldn’t sleep well taking Lexapro at night, so on week 2 of 10 mg, I started taking it in the morning instead. It made my anxiety almost worse at first, but I just kept sticking with it after reading reviews. I’m so glad I did. It didn’t actually start working well until week 4 of 10 mg, and now I’m at week 6 and I can finally go anywhere without having a panic attack, and I’m finally back at work. This med saved my life. Stick with this med. It takes 4-6 weeks to start working!!! It will be worth it."

• Elvis...
• October 9, 2014

"My experience thus far on this medicine is absolutely life-changing. I have never taken any form of medication in my life except for antibiotics on a couple of occasions. However, when anxiety hit me out of nowhere, I thought I was losing my mind. I could not think or function. I didn't have the strength to stomach food and was afraid all the time. I could not work and thought that living was becoming impossible. As a result of this, I became depressed and the vicious cycle continued. I thought I would never escape this feeling. It all became too much for me after about a month, and I went to my doctor a blithering mess. He prescribed me 10mg Lexapro, and I regained my life. 14 days later, I am back to normal and happy, smiling. Get your life back."

• MM2x
• February 1, 2014

"I've been taking Lexapro for about 2 months now. I have suffered from social anxiety all of my life and finally went to the doctor to get help. It was the best thing I ever did. I now can function and feel normal. I didn't have any bad side effects from the medicine and have been very pleased with the results. My day-to-day life is not filled with me avoiding many situations, and I now feel 'normal'. I never expected this medication to work. My only regret is I didn't get help sooner."

• djdae...
• November 18, 2013

"I am a 30-year-old female who has suffered from depression and anxiety my entire life, and it got worse after I had my daughter. Two years after she was born, I couldn't take it anymore, and I had to get help. I talked to my doctor and was put on Lexapro, 10 mg. I hated it at first. I was dizzy and 'swimmy' feeling, couldn't sleep, couldn't eat, felt out of it, couldn't care less about things that were going on. This only lasted about a week! Then, I could gradually feel myself getting used to it. My next appointment, my dosage was upped to 20 mg (he started me on 10 because he wanted to ease me into it knowing I was a mom and worked full-time; I still needed to function). Let me just say that Lexapro SAVED MY LIFE!! I love it and swear by it!"

• User
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 3, 2024

"I was on Lexapro for 2 years for anxiety and depression and decided I wanted to try something new. Christmas time I switched to 50mg of Zoloft and was fine until I had a traumatic experience around a month and a half ago. The anxiety that was absent for my entire 2 years on Lexapro finally hit me again and came right back. It was a horrid month dealing with tapering off the Zoloft and switching back to Lexapro. Constant anxiety and panic attacks all day. I thought that taking Lexapro the first day would cure everything, but that was not the case. Let me tell you, the first 2 weeks were pretty rough. Extreme anxiety, nausea, insomnia, extreme dizziness. It was hard, but I kept my head up high and realized this is my body's response to adjusting to the medication. I am now about 3 weeks in, and let me tell you, I feel a lot better than before. I'm starting to build my confidence again, do things I feared doing for the past month. Much less anxiety day by day. Push through, and it will all be okay!"

• melanie
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 15, 2014

"Before I took this medication, I had severe social anxiety. I would often stay silent because of hurting someone's feelings or I was afraid of embarrassment. I constantly worried about what people thought of me. It was ruining my life. My doctor started me on Paxil but I couldn't take the physical symptoms. When I started taking Lexapro, it felt like a huge weight was taken off of my shoulders. I could be myself again! I usually take it at night because it makes me a little drowsy. Months later, I got a job working for a school near me as a bus monitor. I ride the preschool and high school buses to maintain safety and prevent bullying. Without Lexapro, I DEFINITELY would have not been able to be in that position before."

• Joe
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 23, 2019

"This medication worked great for me! The first 2 weeks were not great (insomnia, increased anxiety, some GI upset, blurry vision). Wait out the first 2 weeks if you can! The first 2 weeks are not the final result by far! This medication destroys anxiety after 4+ weeks. I took the medication for agoraphobia caused by Xanax withdrawal. It worked great AFTER 4+ weeks. The results are up and down until about week 4. Meaning, you’ll feel worse and better on weeks 1-4. Then in week 4 it became consistent. I did get euphoria on day 3-4 but that didn’t last long. Don’t judge the medication for better or for worse in the first several weeks. Don’t judge it too soon! I had side effects in the beginning but they went away after about 3-4 weeks."

• Saker
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 23, 2020

"I was prescribed Lexapro after my constant, full-body shaking and dizziness had no reasonable cause, and I have a family history of anxiety. The first week is absolutely the worst. I couldn't eat, sleep, shaking got way worse, felt like passing out, dizzy, restless legs, unable to concentrate. Be warned, you need to take a week off work before starting this stuff. After a week, a lot of the problems went away. I had a day without any shaking in my body or dizziness, then it came back, then went away again. It will work eventually, just stick with it."

• nervo...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• September 16, 2013

"If you're suffering, you need to fix yourself! This medication is the most important thing to ever happen in my life. I went from a nervous, neurotic, obsessional wreck, to calm, cool, and in-control dude - and I only take 5-10 mg (I'm 6'4'). Over the last seven years, I've taken it on average 1-2 months out of the year - only when needed and never more than 6-8 weeks. I prefer not to be on anything, but when my health and business decline because of my mood, I immediately break the safety glass and reach for the Lexapro. And if for some reason Lexapro doesn't work for you, work with your doctor to find the right medicine so you can feel better. (I've tried 6 different medicines, we all have different chemistries - never give up.)"

• Anonymous
• September 26, 2022

"I wanted to wait and write my review. First off I want to tell the people who wrote their experiences thank you. When I started my journey on Lexapro I would sit in my bed crying rereading the reviews over and over to comfort me. I thought I was stuck for life. Each morning I would coach myself to take the pill and get through the day. I experienced anxiety, depression, and terrible intrusive thoughts. I started low and slow 2.5mg now I’m fixing to start 20mg. It’s hard journey in the beginning but stay strong and stick with it. I didn’t think this drug would work I questioned it so much on the beginning. Thanks to God, my doctors/therapy, my family/friends, and this drug it will forever change my life. All the comments that tell you to wait it out and to just give it time I have to say was true for me. Just remember there is a light at the end or the tunnel. If not this drug there is others. Keep fighting take care."

• Nikky
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 18, 2019

"Lexapro has helped to take away the awful stomach stress l lived with for many years. I am now able to better manage my anxiety issues without extra intervention. I've only had a positive experience with this medication. I have been taking 10mg for 8 years. And suffered from anxiety for 20 years prior to that."

• Syd
• June 30, 2015

"I started having bad anxiety after I went back to work. I started on Lexapro 5mg. I'm glad I stuck with it. Yes, the side effects for the first 6 weeks were hell, but after week 6, they ALL went away. I had every side effect too. But reading the reviews from people who said to stick it out, it's worth it is what kept me going. After week 6, I went up to 10mg and was worried I was going to experience the side effects again. But nope, no side effects. My anxiety is gone, and I'm coming out of that black hole I was in. So please, anyone reading this, yes, stick with it! The start-up side effects will go away. I had increased anxiety when I first started taking it, but that too stopped. I am on the generic as well."

• Audy
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 1, 2019

"I used to read these reviews and be so scared to take the medication. I was scared of the side effects and horrible stories that I read about. However, my anxiety got so bad after I had my 4th baby, I knew I had to do something. I started taking 5 mg. The only side effect I had was extreme tiredness and some yawning. I then went up to 10mg, and now I’m on 20mg. I think I began to feel a difference after a couple of weeks. This medication has really helped me. I hadn’t been able to drive on the freeway for 7 years due to extreme anxiety and fear. I am now driving on the freeway with no anxiety or panic feelings, and I owe it to this medication. I am very happy that I gave it a chance, Lexapro has greatly improved my life."

• Analog...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 11, 2023

"I found myself saddled with intense anxiety in the early spring of 2022. I’m still not quite certain how it happened, or how I let it in, but it became a daily source of discomfort for me. I believe that it was one panic attack, which scared me so much, that I suddenly began thinking about panic attacks all of the time. This may be what contributed to the ongoing problem. I began to avoid things that I felt might put me into uncomfortable situations and trigger the anxiety attacks. Even going into the grocery store became a huge problem for me. I would have to plan in advance in order to do it as quickly as possible. If I had to drive somewhere, I needed to find the shortest possible route. Anyway, I began taking 5 mg of Lexapro in late June, and although it was slow, I now feel like my old self. Taking the long way home and not thinking about anxiety as much, if at all. I had no side effects whatsoever, and I want to tell anyone who is considering it, that it’s OK!"

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

"I was suffering from horrible anxiety and panic attacks, and I became agoraphobic. I hated it, and being an owner of 5 businesses, I had to have help. I actually came to this site and read all the reviews before I started. The first 2 weeks were tough, but I was prepared because of the reviews. I had vertigo, a little increased anxiety, couldn't cry, and blurred vision. I started with half a dose the first week, 5mg, and then upped it to 10mg. But if you stick with this, I'm at a month, and with behavioral therapy and Lexapro... I'm living my life again and beginning to feel great again. I'm mad I waited so long to try it...it's worked amazingly for me, but like I said, you have to get through the adjustment period, and at about 2 weeks things calm down, and you start to feel more at peace. Good luck!"

• Deb
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 18, 2019

"My entire life, and I mean even as a child, I can remember overthinking and worrying about everything. I have dealt with the anxiety that comes from the worry and the panic attacks too. It wasn’t until I turned 40 that I mentioned this to a new doctor I started seeing, and he prescribed Lexapro. My god, I wish someone had opened my eyes before. I assumed everyone felt this way, but after a month on Lexapro, it was a weight lifted off of my shoulders. I am so happy to not feel all of that anxiety anymore. Normal stress is fine, but the overwhelming feeling of anxiety is gone, and I hope it stays that way. It’s been close to 4 years now, and it’s still working for me. Lexapro really is an amazing drug."

• Godsp...
• October 25, 2018

"I really hope that my review can help someone out there. Even if it only helps one person, it will be worth it to me. I just had my first child in the month of April, and about 3 months later, I noticed something was different. I was scared to leave the house, and even the most simple tasks seemed overwhelming. My thoughts were racing, I would pace back and forth, and I was having multiple panic attacks. I wanted to call the emergency room because I thought I was losing my mind! After suffering for a month, I spoke to my doctor, and she prescribed me 10 mg of Lexapro. I had every side effect, including upset stomach, hot flashes, going to the bathroom constantly, insomnia, mood swings, shaky hands, loss of appetite, and nausea. After 3 weeks, my side effects are almost gone! My appetite is back, I don't have panic attacks anymore, and I'm not scared to leave the house! Please be patient with this medication. It takes 3-4 weeks to even BEGIN to be effective!"

• Steph...
• July 4, 2017

"This drug - super small dose - has changed my life. I have been a nurse for 26 years. My stress and anxiety levels were at the max! I just wanted to sleep on my days off and I did not want to socialize. I was easily overwhelmed and worried constantly. I was just awful. I started Lexapro at 10 mg and it was too much! I backed down to 5 mg and the first 3 weeks were hell. I felt out of body - exhausted but could not sleep - it was just an awful three weeks. After reading many reviews to hang in there - that's what I did. Around week 3-4 - I adjusted. I felt like my worries rolled off my back, I wanted to do things, I felt more energy than I had in years, I was laughing and finally listening to people did not annoy me! Hang in!!"

• jano
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 28, 2019

"Lexapro is AMAZING if you can make it through the beginning. At first you may feel sick or not want to eat, a little depression here and there. But trust me if you can make it through that the rest is smooth sailing. I feel like myself again! Happy, can't stop talking and being joyful. I am so thankful I tried this because I really do not worry anymore. I am just happy and experiencing a lot more because I have such a clear head now(:"

• extrA...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 12, 2015

"Before Lexapro I was extremely stressed out for at least a year before taking it. Everything my boyfriend would do would cause me to snap. I would snap on family members constantly as well. If they were chewing too loud, whistling, or looking at me, I would flip out and yell. No lie here...within 2 days I had noticed a day and night difference. My boyfriend absolutely adores me now. I love who I am and I can't imagine life the way it was before. This medicine was/is a miracle to me. The only side effect I had was yawning often the first two days, but that went away. I love living life now and enjoy myself. I can't express enough how much it has helped. My life has taken an absolute 180!"

• Bex
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 19, 2021

"I thought I could cope without antidepressants & wasted many years of my life struggling with stress & anxiety. After an extremely stressful event, I eventually 'crashed' & could no longer function. I couldn't eat, had terrible restlessness, I felt like I was detached from everyone & everything, I couldn't focus, I was confused, not sleeping at all most nights & depression hit hard. I had no choice but to begin medication immediately. The initial side effects of Cipralex wore off after about 2 weeks. My appetite returned, I began sleeping again & I felt calm. The side effects were minimal & were a small price to pay for the benefits of the medication. I was on 10mg for 14 months & tapered off gradually over 4 months. I had discontinuation symptoms of anxiety & insomnia for a few days but it's now been 2 weeks since stopping completely & I'm feeling great!"

• Special...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 28, 2015

"I posted in Oct. My 9 yr. old has Asperger's and my life was hard. It is now the last week of month 2 on 10 mg of Lexapro. OMG!! Is this what normal really feels like!? Please, if you have anxiety and possible depression, give this drug a chance. I feel like a new person. I laugh at shows now, I have a sense of humor again. My spouse is spending more time around me since I am more pleasant to be around. I cooked a small Thanksgiving dinner for 4 from scratch in 4 hours without stressing it. I can watch sad movies and feel the emotions but not cry through the whole show or movie. Find myself interested in things I used to enjoy but stopped. I am glad I hung in and listened to others who said to give it 6-8 weeks for full effect. They were right. :)"