Lexapro and Headaches: 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."

• Yod...
• July 4, 2021

For Anxiety "I started taking Lexapro 5 weeks ago, and I can't say enough good about it. I was seriously depressed, and my anxiety of just going to work, dealing with everyday life, and staying positive was difficult at best. I broke down and went to the doctors - I'm the kinda dude that doesn't go to the doctors unless it's serious! Anyways, very few side effects, I had a headache for about a week, it wasn't bad, just kind of annoying. But I felt that this side effect was manageable. After 5 weeks, I am seriously affected positively. My life has changed much. No more bad feelings, no more fear, no more panic attack feelings, no more tight chest. I feel more confident with where life is going, and I owe it all to Lexapro and support from my family! Don't give up, I almost did, and I'm so glad I didn't. I have a way more positive outlook on my life now!"

• 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."

• One...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 20, 2020

For Anxiety "Am I the only one with panic attacks feeling this off-and-on headache? I have been on Lexapro for 8 days now. Please someone tell me if it’s normal. This first week has never been easy but I’m not giving up on Lexapro just yet."

• Tan...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 1, 2014

For Depression "Been off and on Lexapro for 4 years now. I dread having to go back on it as the side effects make me feel lousy - headaches, nausea, jittery, insomnia, lightheaded, and anxious. After a week though, I feel back to normal and my energy and love for life return. Being a person who prefers not to take medication, I know that sometimes you can fight too long before you need a helping hand - Lexapro helped me. If you do get side effects at the beginning, I advise you to go with the flow, understand that it's the medication working & think positive - take care to you all."

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

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "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!"

• Cot...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 8, 2019

For Depression "Lexapro has changed my life. I was reluctant to try a drug because in the past Zoloft and Paxil gave me headaches and made me feel foggy. I confess, Lexapro made me feel that way for the first two weeks, and then it was like I took sunglasses off and saw the world more clearly. It’s like I was living in a fog before. I have way more energy, feel happier, and think more clearly. My only regret was not starting this sooner."

• tbr...
• October 29, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "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."

• Jus...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 13, 2018

For Anxiety "People!! It takes about 4-6 weeks to work! Don’t write a review when the drug has not settled and begun to give you the therapeutic benefits yet! 2-3 weeks into taking it, I felt rubbish, worst anxiety of my life, then pop, after about 4-5 weeks I feel the best I have felt in YEARS. I feel relaxed, calm, and ready to take on the world, live my life like a normal person. I’ve suffered extremely bad anxiety, stress, and panic attacks for over a decade, finally decided to try regular medication, not just take a Xanax when I feel it coming on. This medication I understand may not work for everyone, but at LEAST if you can, give it 6 weeks and commit to it if you’re going to try it. Changed my life. I will say though, the first month was bad anxiety, headaches, naps in the afternoon, and just horrible. Prescribed Xanax to deal with the side effects for the first few weeks, then once it settles, no side effects, just a calm and peaceful mind. Thank you."

• Ora...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 7, 2021

For Anxiety "(Male/24) Initially Lexapro made my anxiety worse, quite significantly. I experienced both anxiety & panic attacks at a greater frequency compared to prior to starting. Despite this, I have continued to take the medication with the hope that this side effect would lessen, despite most of my thoughts begging me to stop this medication. After about 12 days, I felt my body adjusting to the dosage. The last two days I have felt really great, no anxiety or racing heart rate (another initial side effect), no panic attacks and improved mood and enjoyment in things. I wanted to share just in case others are experiencing initial worsening anxiety and are unsure if this improves over time. Although my one experience is anecdotal, I am glad I stuck with it. I experienced headaches, nausea, jitteriness and trouble sleeping the first week as well, those too have gone away. My appetite has improved, and I have had no complications with sexual dysfunction. I hope this helps"

• Jen...
• September 3, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "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."

• All...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 21, 2015

For Depression "I used this page for support when I first started out on Lexapro, so I thought I'd give back. I was prescribed Lexapro 10mg for dysthymia (mild chronic depression) and anxiety. The first few weeks were accompanied by a persistent mild headache and some nausea. I was much more tired - slept 8-hour nights plus an afternoon nap. 10 days into my prescription, I was at the beach and I noticed some people's swimsuits appeared to have brighter colors. The world slowly began to appear more vivid visually and to have more 'depth'. At some point, rumination almost completely stopped. Two months in, the world seems much more inviting and much less harsh than it used to. This drug works for me."

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

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "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."

• mun...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 20, 2014

For Anxiety "I was very anti-medication. I think people with anxiety often have a phobia of medication. This is too bad because it can be a total lifesaver. After a year of anxiety and agoraphobia with hypochondria, I relented and tried Lexapro. I had not been able to leave the house, which was debilitating. I had very few side effects with the meds, maybe minor headaches. After 2 weeks, I was able to travel. After 6 weeks, I was able to go back to work. It has been two months, and I continue to do better. I still need to work on some of the phobic situations, but have not had a panic attack in 2 months. It is a miracle medicine. I do hope I don't need to be on it forever, but for now, I am so very happy I took the plunge."

• Iam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 13, 2015

For Depression "Lexapro works! I didn't have any side effects except for small headaches for the first couple of weeks that would show up for 10 seconds, then be gone. I did notice for the first week that I would have carb cravings and I didn't get full as quickly, but I watched what I ate and tried not to give in to any crazy cravings. I have not gained any additional weight. The first day I took the Lexapro, it kicked in around 5-6 pm and I just got insanely giggly and happy. All of a sudden, it was like a breeze blew past my mind and the little gremlin in my mind that constantly said 'I hate everything' was gone. I do notice short-term memory is easily forgotten; out of sight, out of mind. I'm sure that's due to relief from anxiety. I am finally happy!"

• mar...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 1, 2020

For Major Depressive Disorder "I've been on Lexapro 10 mg daily for about a year now for major depressive disorder and GAD. It has done wonders helping my social anxiety, which is basically nonexistent now. I still sometimes feel depressed, but nothing nearly as bad as when I was unmedicated. I take the pill at night because it can make me feel groggy. The only other negative side effect I have had was when I first started taking it, I was getting awful daily headaches. They did stop after about 3 weeks, and I'm so glad I continued with it."

• Joh...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 25, 2024

For Anxiety "I have been suffering from panic attacks, anxiety, depression, and social anxiety as well. So I was put on 10 mg, then upped to 20 after a few weeks. At first, I thought it was great, I felt better, I wanted to talk, sometimes too much. I felt good, less worry, and I had fewer panic attacks. Then, after about 8 months, I realized I was getting constant headaches, grinding my teeth, and I could sleep all day if I didn't force myself to get up. I realized that I didn't feel alive anymore. I wasn't sad or happy, I just was blah. I am a musician and lost interest in my music. I never cried anymore. I felt like a robot, like I wasn't a human anymore. I decided to taper, and I did it fast. I had episodes of crying constantly. Then, after it was over, I was human again. I got therapy and realized that life is hard and people have feelings. I could feel again. I was not a robot anymore. I will never, ever let a pharmaceutical company mess with my brain. Just read the side effects."

• Rie...
• September 3, 2016

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "This drug changed my life. I've always been a 'depressed' person, if you will, problems from childhood. Then life got hard when I moved countries and my husband deployed. Almost within a week of taking Lexapro, I began to notice the difference. More stable, more optimistic, no longer crying over anything. Things that would give me major anxiety before no longer bother me as much, although the anxiety is not completely gone. Only very mild side effects of dry mouth and slight headaches, but boy is it worth it. I am what must be 'normal' to the rest of the world now. I'm very happy."

• FAV...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 22, 2016

For Major Depressive Disorder "Lexapro has literally saved my life! Before starting the medication, I was terribly depressed & suicidal. I finally got the courage, with the help of my husband, to talk to my physician. I initially began on the 10mg dosage. The first week was rough with bad headaches, nausea, and extreme fatigue. By the second week, the only side effect I had was a little spaciness that I feel was from the fatigue that had continued. However, at week 2, I felt so much better. Now after 2.5 months and moving to a 20mg dose, I have my life back! I haven't felt this much peace in years. I can sleep, I can laugh, I can smile... and I can't imagine taking my own life. Best of all: I can love others because I'm happy and at peace with myself. Worth it all!"

• Anonymous
• September 14, 2022

For Anxiety "I’ve only been on it for 3 days now (5 mg). I’m one of those people who will worry themselves sick. The first time I took it (at night), I was in a state of panic because I didn’t know how it would make me feel. I was crying so hard out of fear I gave myself a headache. For all the people like me, it does not make you feel any different in your head or anything like that. The first morning I woke up very shaky, weak, and nauseous. After I used the bathroom, the nausea went away, and after about 2 hours I felt perfectly fine and went to school. Today (2nd day) I feel perfectly normal, I feel more present already (not zoning out so much), and I feel happier and in a better mood. I’m hoping it will only get better from here. And for all the people reading this that are like me and are freaking out over medication and how it will make you feel, do not worry. Pray about it if you're religious, trust God. I overcame the fear, and I promise nothing bad will happen. You got this."

• Use...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 7, 2024

For Anxiety "I'm on week 6 and I read these reviews for encouragement and advice! I was in a terrible phase where my anxiety just got the best of me. One week, I couldn't even complete a full day at school. I started taking Lexapro, the first few days were rough. I was so beyond scared to take the medicine because I am a hypochondriac. I freaked myself out the first few days and almost stopped taking the medicine. But, I am so beyond glad I didn't stop. The first week may get worse before it gets better. However, after a week I noticed it slowing down my thought process and my physical anxiety symptoms. I no longer have panic attacks or shaky hands 24/7, I am way more present in life and overall just enjoying things more. The first few days I had a burning sensation and nausea. Then I would get bad headaches, and I still get tired but I am so much better off!! Try the meds and have hope things will improve. It's not perfect but it makes life better and way more manageable. You got it!"

• Can...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 8, 2013

For Anxiety "Having started a business in a high-stress field, I experienced episodes of stress and anxiety that interfered with my sleep, ability to concentrate, and that began to manifest physically with chest pains, headaches, etc. The first 10 days were a nightmare. I had a terrible spike in my anxiety and stress levels. I considered bailing on the medication and even my business, but my wife pressed me to continue. After 10 days, I started to see an improvement. The anxiety improved and so did my mood. By day 14 or so, I was transformed. I completely stopped having anxious thoughts. My entire demeanor changed. I am now like Teflon - stress does not stick around for more than a few minutes. This medicine was a lifesaver, and my business is great."

• Anonymous
• July 9, 2016

For Depression "I was prescribed Lexapro 5 mg for perimenopausal rages and major depressive disorder. Considering this is my first antidepressant, I cautiously started with half a tablet (2.5 mg). The side effects were horrible: severe dizziness, headaches, nausea, and confusion. I could not function at work. Over time, my depression, angry outbursts, rumination worsened and started to affect my interaction with coworkers. I decided to give Lexapro another try and start with 1/4 of a tablet (1.25 mg). I took the Lexapro at bedtime, and in the morning, I was the happiest I've been in months, no anxiety, no negative repetitive thoughts. This is a strong drug. My recommendation is to start slowly to avoid severe side effects and then increase if needed."

• Jes...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 23, 2022

For Anxiety "Want to share my experience, because reading these reviews helped me go through the darkest moments. GAD + insomnia, now on Lexapro 20 mg (started from 10 mg), take it in the morning, cognitive-behavioral therapy, 1.2 months. I finally feel good and sleep without sleeping pills (still waking up several times per night, but I’m able to fall asleep again). So for everyone who just started: it may be better! The first couple of weeks I had diarrhea, headache, fatigue, dizziness, and weeks 2 and 3 drove me insane - I had constant anxiety, fears, panic, painful muscle tension in the whole body, my vision was blurred, I couldn’t focus at all, was restless, couldn’t sleep (sometimes even with pills), had the darkest thoughts, felt hopeless, had to quit my job, couldn’t communicate with people. But week 4 brought me a breath of fresh air, my mind step by step cleared, I’m almost calm and feel more confident that I can manage anxiety, starting to search for a new job soon."

• Sky...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 19, 2019

For Depression "I was prescribed Lexapro 10 mg daily for severe depression. Within an hour after taking it, I felt incredibly drowsy and proceeded to fall into a fake sleep-not sleeping yet not quite awake. The next 24 hours were a pure nightmare. Insomnia, severe nausea, brain fog, shaking, dizziness, headache, and stomach ache. I also felt an increase in anxiety and paranoia and kept telling my husband I felt sick and that something bad was going to happen. All this after only ONE 10 mg dose! This stuff is toxic. Never again."