Lexapro and Dizziness: What Users Say

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 19, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "First off, I would like to say I feel everybody’s pain, and you are not alone. I went through years of anxiety and panic. Lexapro has changed my life. I’m on day 10, and I already feel a HUGE DIFFERENCE. Please believe me when I say this, while on this drug, it has to get worse before it gets better (exactly what my doctor told me). I had massive side effects the first 6 days at least and then are finally starting to taper off on day 10. Do not give up on the drug. I used to have 10 heart palpitations a day, and now I have MAYBE 1, and it has only been 10 days. I started with 5 mg and on day 7, I jumped up to 10 mg. Side effects included dizziness, nausea, headache, extreme panic, sweaty hands, and feet. You need to let this pass and realize you are going to be fine and get through this. If you play the game mind over matter, you will win, and it can change your life. I feel all your pain and hope this review has at least pointed one person in the right direction."

• Ari...
• May 7, 2021

For Anxiety "I'm on day two of taking Lexapro. After starting college remotely full-time for nursing and finishing up my first semester, one night out of nowhere I had my first anxiety attack since childhood. The attacks intensified, I was constantly anxious, convinced I was deathly ill, afraid to be around anyone but my husband. I felt like my personality had been ripped away. After about two weeks of not being able to get it under control, I set up an appointment with my doctor and was put on Lexapro. I'm only two days in, but so far, it has helped. I still feel anxious at times, but I'm able to calm myself down. I still don't feel quite like myself, but I figure it will come in time. A few things I've noticed since taking the medication are dry mouth, sluggishness, a bit foggy at times, still a little anxious but it's manageable, and a bit dizzy. My appetite has started to come back, but my stomach is still a little off. I will update at my 1-month mark. Hang in there, everyone. We will overcome."

• Kar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 4, 2020

For Anxiety "I just started Lexapro, and so far so good. I’m on day 4 of 5mg. I had some dizziness and nausea, but very slight. Eating helps, and now I have some tightness in my chest. I’m not sure if that’s normal. I also felt energetic yesterday (I know it’s too soon to tell), but today I have no energy and haven’t gotten out of bed. Everyone has said to keep pushing through, but today has been rough. How do I know if it’s just not for me or if I just need to keep pushing through?"

• ano...
• January 28, 2020

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I just wanted to share my experience with people who are just starting out on Lexapro. This is my 20th day on Lexapro and I must say that the first two weeks are pretty rough. The first week it made my anxiety to the point I've never felt before with nausea, fatigue, headache with a fog. Had insomnia as well. The second week the anxiety started to subside and nausea was gone but started to get hunger pains so I drank a lot of water instead of grabbing food every time I got the hunger pain. I also had some days with dizziness in week two and fog and headaches with fatigue during the mornings (I take it first thing in the morning) and it would subside by the afternoon. Insomnia started to get better. By the start of week number three all the side effects started to diminish little by little each day. At this point pretty much all side effects are gone and no anxiety. It took about 3 weeks for me and now it's great. 10mg a day."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 1, 2012

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Lexapro has changed my life and the lives of my family. I struggled with tremors, nausea, dizziness, chest pains, numbness and tingling in my hands and feet, and muscle twitching. I thought I was dying. After a million medical tests that were all normal, my doctor diagnosed me with anxiety. I did not believe him. I was started on Lexapro, and felt better in a matter of weeks. I cannot adequately express my joy and relief. I do not wish to fall into my bed all day anymore. I am able to enjoy my amazing husband and children again. I am posting to give hope to anyone who is experiencing anything like I was. Anxiety caused me awful physical symptoms that lasted all day for months. There is light at the end of the tunnel."

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

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "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."

• Sb1...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 4, 2019

For Anxiety "Before starting Lexapro, I was a complete mess. GAD (generalized anxiety disorder) had completely taken over my life. I could barely go outside without having an anxiety attack. I started Lexapro 5 mg two years ago and my life completely changed. It took about 2 weeks for me to feel a difference, and I was blown away by how different my life was. I was going to concerts, traveling, doing things I never thought I would be able to do with my level of anxiety. I switched off Lexapro to try a new drug recently to see if it would work better, but it made my anxiety worse than ever. Thankfully I started Lexapro again last week and I already feel so much better. This drug honestly saved my life and even though everyone is different, I would completely recommend trying it if you have GAD. The side effects (for me) were mild, only some insomnia and a little dizziness, so I would say if you're starting it to wait a week or so, and you'll feel a difference. I hope my review helps!"

• djd...
• November 18, 2013

For Anxiety "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!"

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

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "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."

• Doo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 27, 2020

For Anxiety "So I’ve been on this Lexapro for almost a couple of months, and I’ve been trying to stick it out to see where it gets me. I started taking whole pills, which was and is terrible, the side effects suck. So I started taking a half in the morning and a half in the evening. I felt like I was finally getting somewhere, and my moods were getting better, but I keep having what seems like more attacks. For a few days now, I’ve just not been myself-dizzy, brain fog, frequent urination, fatigue. It’s so hard to get out of bed in the mornings, even when I get plenty of sleep. My sex drive has drastically gone down to almost nothing, and it's horrible, I would rather deal with attacks and take a Xanax every day than deal with the side effects of this medication. I will be calling my doctor and weaning off it. I want my life back. For all of you that it has worked for, I’m happy it worked for you. Unfortunately, everyone’s bodies don’t take things as well as others."

• Sak...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 23, 2020

For Anxiety "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."

• Daw...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 25, 2019

For Anxiety "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!"

• Tif...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 7, 2023

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Let me start off by saying this! DO NOT GIVE UP! I have always been a worrywart, 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 doctor's, 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."

• HKJ...
• January 10, 2015

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I wanted to share my experience because when I first started taking Lexapro, I read these boards daily searching for hope. I have always had anxiety, but it was not until this summer that I started experiencing physical symptoms. I was constantly nauseous, often felt dizzy, and my heart would flutter in my chest nonstop. I thought I was losing my mind and going crazy. This led to depression and a feeling of hopelessness. I went to the doctor and had every test in the book done, and nothing was wrong. I was then prescribed Lexapro, and the first couple of weeks were rough. I started on 5mg for two weeks, and during that time, I was also taking 0.25 Xanax a day while I got used to the Lexapro. I am now two months into 10mg and have never felt better!"

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

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "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"

• Tes...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 25, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "After being off of Lexapro for about 3 years and trying natural remedies, I met my breaking point. All areas of my life were suffering. I restarted 5mg the first week, then 10mg the next 2 and a half weeks. The side effects during those first 3 weeks were horrible: nausea, extreme fatigue, dizziness, and no appetite. I knew I would go back to square one if I stopped. I increased my dose to 20mg as I had done very well on it in the past. The side effects were still there but not as bad. One and a half weeks on 20mg, I feel great. More energy, feeling social with family and friends. Before, I hated being around people. I still have a little longer to feel normal, but I'll continue this medication. Regardless of the horror stories you've heard, remember everyone is different and your body will most likely respond differently. I know it's hard not to get discouraged and question whether it's working the first few weeks, but don't give up and don't stop taking it. Give your body the chance to get used to it. Trust me, you will be glad you did."

• DMH...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 26, 2015

For Depression "I've been on Lexapro for two weeks now, and I can definitely say that my life has been so much better. I'm on 10 mg, and I take one every day. I haven't had any negative side effects except on my first day taking it, I felt dizzy and a little spaced out, but they subsided by day 3. Lexapro saved my life! I used to cry every day and think so much, but now all of that has stopped. I'm feeling better, sleeping better; life is just better. Give it a try if you have depression/anxiety."

• Bee...
• February 16, 2015

For Anxiety "I had severe panic attacks for 6 months! I developed derealization and was scared of everything. I felt like I was living in a nightmare. I felt relief from Lexapro immediately. I was foggy-headed at first, but that went away. I feel amazing after 2 months of taking it. I feel like my old self again. The only side effect is dizziness at night sometimes. I only take 5 mg."

• Liz...
• June 10, 2014

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I suffered (still do) from generalized anxiety disorder. About 4 months ago, I finally had to do something. My anxiety got so bad that I couldn't do anything, and I didn't want to do anything! School didn't interest me, I never wanted to go out with my friends, and the symptoms were so bad that all I wanted to do was stay in bed (dizziness, fatigue, muscle aches, panic attacks, and waking up out of nowhere during the night). I went to my doctor, and he prescribed me 10mg of Lexapro. At first, I was scared to take it, but finally, I was like, WHAT THE HECK?! This might help me. And it did. The first week or two I felt dizzy like I was swaying back and forth, and the dry mouth was annoying, but I got used to it. This medication makes me feel like a new person!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 19, 2023

For Anxiety "If you are wondering whether to start taking Lexapro or not, this is your sign! Lexapro literally changed my life. For about a year, I struggled with bad health anxiety along with panic attacks and intrusive thoughts. I didn't like the person I became and would cry because I just didn’t feel like myself. I was always against taking meds and tried to find other ways to help with my anxiety, but nothing ever helped. I finally decided to get on meds. Started off with 5 mg, and the first week was a little rough. Anxiety was more heightened along with some dizziness. By the second week, I started to feel a lot better, and by week 4, I was finally able to feel the full effect of the meds. Lexapro has definitely changed my life for the better. I finally feel like myself again. It’s now been almost a year, and I’m the happiest I’ve ever been!"

• Bra...
• March 6, 2017

For Depression "My anxiety and depression really bogged me down and made me bound to my bed until I started taking Lexapro. Honestly, the first 1-3 weeks the side effects are very rough as your brain has to get accustomed to the changing of chemicals. I had blurry vision, dizziness, sweating issues, and felt weird, but I stuck to it and eventually started waking up earlier than ever, which was uncharacteristic and started enjoying life. This drug is great and makes me want to major in Psych. Recommend"

• Cou...
• August 2, 2015

For Anxiety "I love this medication! I have been on it for about a year and it has made my life so much better. I had been living with severe anxiety and depression. After starting Lexapro, I had some side effects such as weird dreams, nausea, dizziness, and increased anxiety. After 2 weeks, I started to feel so much better! I now have less anxiety and I have not had a panic attack in 6 months! It is amazing how great I feel. Finally, I can live my life like a normal 24-year-old! My advice to anyone who is on this medicine is to stay on it! It is worth it!"

• fun...
• April 3, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "For the past year or so, my anxiety has been at an all-time high. I couldn't sleep at night. I couldn't eat a full meal. I felt lost and hopeless. A few weeks into my new job, I went to a new physician's assistant. She prescribed 10 mg of Lexapro daily for anxiety and 50 mg of hydroxyzine as needed for anxiety and insomnia. She also suggested I look into therapy. The two days of Lexapro were a nightmare. I was foggy, dizzy, nauseous, and not able to stay awake for more than a few hours. I went onto this website and read testimonials that inspired me to keep going. Now that I am 4 weeks in, I am so happy I decided to stay on Lexapro. I am able to tackle stressors more effectively. I feel more content and happy in my everyday interactions, and am leaning more into my support system of close friends and family. My appetite is normal, and food actually tastes good again. I am looking into counseling/therapy options. I feel hopeful for the first time in a long time."

• Anonymous
• July 30, 2014

For Anxiety "Lexapro is amazing. I was blindsided by a panic attack when I was 22. This panic led to being anxious which led to obsessive thoughts about feeling poorly, ultimately causing male depression (not sad but lack of lust for life). It was a vicious cycle, I'd obsess over being anxious and this caused me to be more anxious. I had a dozen symptoms ranging from dizziness to blurry vision to stomach discomfort. It just made no sense to me how all this was related. Long story short, started Lexapro, first 2 weeks made everything worse then just as quickly as it came, the anxiety and obsessive thoughts were gone. Wow, woke up one day and my mind wasn't racing! Would recommend and encourage people not to get discouraged if it doesn't work immediately."

• Sha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 9, 2015

For Depression "I just started this medicine 3 days ago and I cannot express how much of an effect it has had on me already. I just graduated high school and became depressed soon after, severe anxiety where I couldn't go out to eat without having to vomit. I also couldn't keep focus on anything, especially when trying to talk to people, and overall was in the worst state of my life. Thought I was hopefully, constantly having break downs, etc. the doctor prescribed this medicine to me a few months before graduation due to anxiety and overall not feeling myself, I was definitely skeptical and taking medicine in my eyes was a sign of weakness so, I put off the treatment hoping I could cure myself out of this funk. I went to ct and it helped but it was mainly focused on anxiety. I stopped going because it seemed a waste of my time. Graduation rolls around, my best friend leaves for college really early and my life falls apart. A week was about all I could take of the constant emptiness, headaches, and nausea I got from being so depressed so I decided to start Lexapro. The doctor prescribed me 10 mg and the first day I took it (in the morning) I was in a state of euphoria. Just a little background on myself, I was never that outgoing but constantly happy. Never the one to be outgoing in front of strangers and was very conscious of people around me. Not on this pill. I was loopy, could not stop laughing and would not shut up. Although this was great, it did not feel normal and I had very bad dizziness and insomnia that night as the drug began to wear off. But I wasn't laying in bed miserably like I did countless nights before, I kind of sat there with a smile so it was actually kind of creepy. That morning I called my physician and asked if this was a normal or okay reaction considering I've been told you shouldn't feel anything for 4-6 weeks. He mentioned that it was 'weird' that I had this response but it was a negative one. He recommended I cut my dosage in half and stick with taking 5 kg a day since the 10 obviously overtook my body. Within hours of hanging up I popped half a tablet and can honestly say I felt happy without many side effects. I continued this the following day and my relationship with my boyfriend, family, and friends has greatly improved, I sleep better, I can laugh and actually mean it and I can go in public places without constantly being self-conscious. I've heard it can have bad results in week 1 and 2 but after taking this medicine for only 3 days, whether it's the placebo effect or not, has saved me and helped me to return to my normal self."