Lexapro and Panic Attacks: 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."

• Dml...
• November 22, 2021

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I am 2 weeks into my 10mg Lexapro. I will say, every day for the first 7 days, I wanted to quit! I was tired, so, so, so tired, felt so much anxiety, and had panic attacks almost every morning. Like I said, I'm 2 weeks in and I literally feel like a new person, a new happy person who again wants to go outside, wants to talk to friends again. I spent so long not wanting to be around my family, friends, didn't want to do my job, didn't want to shop, didn't want to cook or eat. I finally told my doctor I don't feel like a person anymore at all, I had no drive to do anything at all. If you're struggling, please don't stop taking it... I promise, life starts in roughly 10 days!!! I get up now, I'm not tired, I can eat, my stomach doesn't stay in knots, and I'm not living in my head worried about everything possible, and no panic attacks, thank goodness! Stay strong, you got this!!! These posts are the reason I'm at this point... thank you everyone for your stories."

• Tri...
• January 26, 2021

For Anxiety "Omg, Lexapro has seriously saved my life. I had tried Effexor before it, and the side effects were so bad that I had a mini seizure. I was so afraid to try another drug that I almost didn't take the Lexapro. I'm so glad I did though. I have never felt this free of anxiety. I used to get literally paralyzing panic attacks and endless days of crying over anxiety sparked by freakin' nothing. I can live my life now, and I feel so inspired to be creative again. I will never go back. Don't get me wrong, I still have anxiety at times, but it doesn't just sit all day with me or trigger depression anymore."

• FW ...
• December 10, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "After years of anxiety, I finally went to the doctor in 2016 and started Lexapro at 10mg. After 2 years, I moved up to 20mg along with therapy, which almost seemed to take away anxiety completely. After 3 years, I stopped taking Lexapro because I felt so good. The first month off this medication, I felt AMAZING. Then it all went downhill after month 2. My anxiety skyrocketed, and I began feeling depressed. Then I tried Zoloft, which made it even worse. It gave me the shakes, caused daily panic attacks, and suicidal ideations for the first time in my life (which I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy). Also, I lost much of the weight Lexapro caused. Fast forward, I am back on 20mg of Lexapro. I feel human again. I feel stable, but I am gaining weight back (which sucks) and I feel fatigued again. BUT I feel like I can function normally. Even with the effects, Lexapro is worth it for me. If you’re reading this, please don’t give up! Things can get better :) It's a trial and error."

• El4...
• June 21, 2016

For Anxiety "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!"

• Anonymous
• December 22, 2013

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "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."

• s22...
• February 12, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "This is week 3 on Lexapro, and I truly am amazed and so glad I gave it a shot. For the past 2 years, I’ve been struggling with non-stop cycles of anxiety, from my health to my relationship, racing and intrusive thoughts with a bit of an obsessive tendency added. I eventually got to my breaking point and decided that it was time to do something. Therapy just wasn't doing enough for me, and I didn’t want it to take over my life. I have to admit the first 2 weeks were rough. I didn’t have any major side effects, but I was very, very anxious and panicky. I was so convinced this medicine wouldn’t work for me, I read just about every review on this site. I’m now on week 3, and just about 90% of my anxiety is gone just like that, and it’s truly crazy that a pill can make this all better. I’ve never felt so positive and confident in myself in a very, very long time. This pill works, and if it doesn’t, there’s always another option. But stick with it and give it time - at least for a month!"

• Pos...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 27, 2018

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "As others, I wanted to share my experience. I've been on this Lexapro for more than 4 years in the past. Then last spring, when I've been noticing I sometimes forgot my 5 mg dose, I tapered down on the medicine. In the summer, no real issues, but the winter came in hard and one bad trigger had me right back on the anxious side. I re-started to take 10 mg for 2 weeks and now 1 week at 15 mg. The first weeks, I suffered increased anxiety, panic attacks, and didn't see any hope. And then BAM, it starts working. I'm still not at the full benefits, but I feel it kicked in. Now I'm back to having interest in stuff, people, etc. So I have three major advices: 1. Please give the medicine time, it might be rough but when it starts working you're gonna have the real benefits. 2. It's not a shame to take a little pill. People with high blood sugar levels do it too. 3. Don't see this medication as the only solution... See therapists, do some cardio, mindfulness. I pray for all you guys!"

• Spi...
• November 6, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 10, 2023

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I'm a healthy 32-year-old female. I started to experience severe panic attacks, insomnia, and had no appetite. The anxiety got so bad that it turned into derealization basically 24/7. I was dizzy all the time and had heart palpitations, chest pains, and shaking. I couldn't even leave my house. Then started the depression. I was crying on and off most days. I couldn't function and didn't feel like myself at all. I have always been against medication and did everything the natural way. None of that helped. I finally decided to try Lexapro 5mg, and it honestly saved me. I was so scared of feeling like a zombie or having no emotions, but it's not like that at all. I feel like me, just no anxiety or depression. I had some nausea in the beginning and slightly increased anxiety, but Ativan helped with the side effects. I've been on it for a little over 2 months now, and I don't regret anything. I sleep and eat great now. I live a normal, happy life. Please give it a try if you're suffering."

• AJG...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 7, 2021

For Anxiety "I had depression and anxiety for years and never dealt with it. I hit a big wall during COVID. Panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, just awful stuff. I connected with my doctor, and they prescribed 10 mg daily. The first two weeks were awful, as expected, I should have taken some time off work. But man, I'm in my third month, and my edges are softened. I tolerate a lot more, I'm doing things I love again, and the bad thoughts are gone! The best part is that my kids noticed that I'm not as angry, sad, unpredictable, and unstable. Huge! It's tough at first, have your support ready, but wow!"

• Bet...
• April 30, 2015

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I have been on Lexapro for a few years. I LOVE IT! Without it, I get depressed and feel a constant sense of dread in the pit of my stomach. I have frequent panic attacks that feel like my heart is going to beat out of my chest, and my mood swings? LEGENDARY. Lexapro saved me. I have been diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder and panic attacks. Those should be enough, but I also had cancer and a miscarriage. So the depression, which has always been a thing, became a major problem. After finally having a child, the mood swings, another something that was always a thing, became horrific. No one could stand me. I've been on Lexapro since about 2010, and I have never felt better. I don't just exist. I live now."

• Had...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 15, 2020

For Anxiety "My husband started 5mg of Lexapro about 8 weeks ago. He has anxiety, panic attacks, and some OCD tendencies. He had side effects at first, slightly increased panic attacks and anxiety. Started feeling better though after the first week. Not as good as he wanted, so he went to 10mg and had a relapse of side effects, but to me, the panic attack seemed slightly less severe and passed quickly. It has been a month on the 20mg, and he has had several bad panic attacks and some increased anxiety. We were really worried about this, but then did some more reading, and it seems that it was common for people to have this happen after a month but it passed. I am wondering if anyone else has experienced this happen after a month of starting and if they continued. Did it get better, and how long until it passed."

• Izz...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 8, 2024

For Anxiety "I truly believe Lexapro has saved my life. Having had panic attacks and insomnia started at 10 years old, I was feeling pretty hopeless at 22 when my anxiety started to interfere even more with my daily life. My anxiety centered around a fear of going to sleep because I knew I’d be watching the clock all day, unable to fall asleep, and be miserable the next day. The prolonged lack of sleep turned into thoughts of not wanting to even wake up if I was able to fall asleep. My heart would race, my head would spin, and I would nearly throw up during these panic attacks. With the start of my doctoral program approaching soon, I knew I had to make a decision with my doctor, and in May of 2024, I started Lexapro at 5 mg. I was ashamed to be on an SSRI, but having exhausted every other option, I figured I had nothing to lose. The first couple of weeks were challenging; don’t give up! It is 100% worth it, and it gave me my life back!"

• 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!"

• 41M...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 29, 2023

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I started having anxiety at church and in meetings for work. I think the stress from work brought them on. They slowly started getting more often, so my family doctor suggested I take Lexapro. I did a week and a half on 5 mg and then went up to 10 mg. My anxiety increased tenfold during the first seven weeks. I had a severe panic attack and didn’t feel comfortable leaving my house or driving. By week 3-4, I started feeling better, and it got better every week after. I now feel great at week 9. I just went to a work conference full of meetings and dinners, and I had very little anxious feelings. I am back to being able to go to church and eat at busy restaurants with no issues. I moved my medicine to nighttime, and it helps me sleep great and feel great during the day. My advice is when you start this medication, stay home for a couple of weeks if possible. I thought I was going crazy, emotional all the time, and queasy stomach, but I am so glad I kept going. I now feel like I am back to my old self!"

• Don...
• October 12, 2017

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "This medication has literally given me my life back! I struggle with depression and anxiety, and for those out there reading this and looking to find someone you can relate to, let me tell you, you aren’t alone. I started this drug about 6 months ago, and when I first started, I, like you, came to this site looking for reviews to help me get through it. Like other people on this board have mentioned, it takes about 4 weeks to get used to it. I had to take it in conjunction with Clonazepam because it made my anxiety a lot worse at first and I was super paranoid about it, having panic attacks. Just breathe. You will make it through, and the other side is life as it should be! Stick with it, it’s worth it!"

• Mot...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 28, 2015

For Depression "I just wanted to post my experience with Lexapro. I have been on it for about four weeks, and it has changed my life for the best. Before I got prescribed this medicine, I was going to bed crying and waking up crying. Couldn't keep up with my mother duties because I was scared I was going to die and was having horrible panic attacks. I have not had any panic attacks since the end of the first week, and I have not had the nausea feeling since week three, so I am doing way better. Didn't really have any other side effects from the medicine. I can't wait to see my doctor so I can thank her for saving me from anxiety and depression."

• Hec...
• February 29, 2020

For Anxiety "I had issues with random fainting and severe vertigo. Doctors couldn't find anything wrong, and my anxiety was intense from these, which led them to believe it must be panic attacks. First week on a low dose felt really messed up, but I was encouraged to keep it up. Then one day, I suddenly dropped into paralysis and felt a fear that I didn't know I was capable of feeling. I've been bad before many times and never felt this kind of fear. It felt like my organs were shutting down. I couldn't scream. I couldn't breathe. I was deaf and blind, while sweat poured off me. Everything was paralyzed. It lasted a few minutes, and I hyperventilated when it finally stopped as I had been unable to breathe that whole time. The doctor told me it was a panic attack and to keep taking them. I said I couldn't, and he said it's just a placebo anyways. He didn't believe my reaction and became angry with me. Because of this, I now have a huge fear of SSRIs and distrust in the medical system."

• Sti...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 25, 2024

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "This is my second time on Lexapro. I stopped it just before a break up (tapered down with doc consent) then about 4 months after my break up the anxiety and panic started again. Week one on 5mg was very hard, lots of side effects (dry mouth, increased anxiety, panic, hot burning skin, sweats, fatigue, extremely irritable), after 6 days bumped up to 10mg. Now into week 4 (got the flu last week which didn't help) still trying to get my appetite back and have the want to leave the house. Maybe this time adjusting has been harder because I'm single. Be gentle with yourself, if you have energy to exercise do it, if you need to rest to cope, do that. This medication has helped me in the past and I know it will again."

• Jar...
• March 26, 2019

For Anxiety "Had terrible breathing that was a little bit of asthma but seemed a lot worse than it was. The breathing problems could last hours or multiple days at times and would come and go, sometimes would end up in full can't breathe panic attacks. Actually thought it was anxiety because of this before a diagnosis. Had a chest x-ray, spirometry, and bloods done to make sure there was nothing sinister and then put on Zoloft 50 mg, which I think may have been too much too quick, and this caused me to go into a near manic, panicked, and upset state for about two weeks until I went back to the doctor and said that Zoloft had taken a breathing anxiety condition to a crying, manic, and nearly considering admitting myself state. He changed me to 20 mg Lexapro, and I must say I began to settle. Give it at least 4 weeks people, be brave in the early days when you think you are losing it, it will get better. I thought I was going to lose it in the first weeks, it was a very dark time."

• 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."

• Agi...
• August 15, 2019

For Anxiety "I've been diagnosed with anxiety and depression since I was 18. I have taken almost every medication for anxiety, and they didn't work until I was given Klonopin. I started the medication, and it was working well until I noticed my intake was going up. I took Klonopin for 3 years, and if I didn't take it, I would almost have a seizure. My anxiety was horrible, I couldn't sleep and couldn't go anywhere without having a panic attack. My heart would be racing as soon as I got up in the morning. I thought I was literally going to be dependent on Klonopin my whole life. Until I got fed up and went to see another psychiatrist, I told him what I was on, and he told me he was going to prescribe me Lexapro, one a day, 10 mg. The first two days, I actually slept, and on the 3rd day, I was feeling better. I didn't take Klonopin, as bad as I wanted to, I managed to stop it with Lexapro. It has been a month, and I've been on Lexapro, back to my normal self, happy, no panic attacks. I've been going places without any fear, I haven't touched those Klonopin."

• Lex...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 8, 2013

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "This medicine has changed my life for the better. My anxiety became so bad that I couldn't sleep at all. I became very obsessive with my worries and thought that everything was the end of the world. I was paralyzed with fear. When I started Lexapro, I had a lot of side effects that almost caused me to not continue... irritable, waking up in a panic, night sweats, etc. After about 4 weeks, I started to feel 'normal' and calmer. I tried going off after two years, which was a big mistake... back on and plan on staying on for a long time!"

• sha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 3, 2024

For Anxiety "Ok, so initially, 2 years ago, I started on Zoloft, which was terrible for me, so I went on Prozac, which took a while to work, but eventually was good, or so I thought. I was getting too excitable and overstimulated, which then triggers vertigo, so I stopped it, and now I'm on Lexapro. I started on 5 mg, which after 3 days I found that I was much calmer and didn't care what people thought of me or certain situations, which usually led to my anxiety and panic attacks no longer rearing their ugly heads. So, doc said, ok, you're doing well, so let's go to 10 mg. It's been 2 weeks, and I don't feel calm, I feel excitable and weird again. So my question to anyone who may have experienced this change: do you think I just need to go with it or go back to 5 mg? Love to hear from someone. Thanks. Take care."