Lexapro and Tiredness: What Users Say

• Rut...
• March 30, 2021

For Anxiety "I have suffered from extreme anxiety for years now. I would awake at 3:00 am every morning, gripped with thrashing, unreasonable thoughts that led into a panic. I stayed disoriented, dizzy, glassy-eyed, heart-pounding, crying myself to sleep at night, wanting to be 'normal' again. The first week of taking 5 mg of Lexapro, everything got worse. I was more anxious and very tired. Two weeks into taking Lexapro, the darkness began to lift! I was finally coming alive. I was feeling much better than I had been in years. After two months on 5 mg, I increased to 10 mg. The initial side effects returned, and my anxiety and tiredness came back. I fought through the first week. WOW! The outcome is more than I could have hoped for! I am calm, happy, laughing, silly, and ever so grateful! I would encourage you to try Lexapro and be prepared for a possible adjustment stage, but after the storm, oh what beauty! Be good to yourself, fight for your happy place."

• Suz...
• June 3, 2020

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I will update in a few weeks with my full experience with starting Lexapro. Let me tell you, I was TERRIFIED to start this medication due to bad reviews. I am terrified of feeling ill and ESPECIALLY vomiting. I finally told myself this morning I can no longer live in fear of my own life, constantly anxious, and told myself to just take the medicine. I was prescribed 10 mg, but personally medications do cause significant side effects for me (I am 5’4 and 100 pounds soaking wet) so I broke it down to 2.5 mg to start. I have experienced NO terrible side effects, it’s been roughly eight hours. I have had some “burning” sensation in my stomach, but I also have terrible stomach issues as is. I have been tired as well, but depression does that to a person.. PLEASE TAKE THIS MEDICATION. IT MAY HELP YOU. IT MAY SAVE YOUR LIFE. You. Can. Do. This.. *I will update in a few weeks with results as of then*"

• 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."

• CCa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 30, 2019

For Anxiety "Lexapro has saved me! I didn’t want to take any medication, but heightened anxiety and a couple panic attacks made it difficult for me to enjoy life — so much that I was becoming depressed. The first week on Lexapro was awful! Increased anxiety, a clouded feeling, and tiredness! And at the end of week 2, I had a day of high anxiety. But I’d read other reviews that encouraged me to push through! I’m so glad I did! I’m at week 4 on a dose of 5mg Lexapro and I’ve had no more panic attacks and anxiety is greatly reduced/manageable. I’m looking forward to how I’ll feel in another 4 weeks! No side effects have remained after the initial week or two. I did find it made me sleepy taking it in the morning, so I just changed to taking it at night which solved that problem. Hang in there if you’re just starting it and it’s rough. It will get better!"

• Aan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 26, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I hope this helps people who feel scared. A few months ago, my anxiety got very bad. I couldn't enjoy life, worrying about traveling, weeks of insomnia, and physical symptoms before starting the pills: nausea, irritability, sugar cravings, twitching, high sensitivity to sounds, or sudden moves. I read the reviews here - terrifying. I started five weeks ago. 5mg - felt a bit sick. Scared for the first two days, a bit agitated - nothing serious. The pills can't hurt you. Most people tolerate them pretty well. The first days I felt extremely tired, but it didn't last. Things started looking up after a week. I increased to 10mg - after 3 weeks that made a difference - 90% better. CBT also helped a lot. I'm responding to anxiety very differently now. Meds are working. I watch my favorite shows again, read, travel, walk. Amazing - happy. I'm back to my old self - fun and engaging."

• Tig...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 30, 2017

For Anxiety "I was once you, anxiously reading reviews for Lexapro. I began getting severe anxiety and mild depression, and my doctor recommended 10mg of Lexapro. I have never liked taking drugs, but I felt like it was my only choice. The first 2-3 weeks, my experience worsened. Every side effect you could have, I had. Drowsiness, sleep problems, nausea, vomiting, decreased libido, constant yawning, the list goes on. However, it started to lighten up every week. By Week 6, every side effect was gone. 11 months later and I'm still on 10mg, and I can't explain how much my life has improved over the past year. My life is back. I'm happier than ever and enjoying every aspect of life again. It may be hard at the start, but it's worth it. I believe in you! peace"

• fin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 10, 2019

For Anxiety "Been on escitalopram for 8 weeks (51 yo woman). SUPER lethargic week 1 as I went from 5 to 10 mg. Urinary problems in week 2 only. No orgasm in week 3 and still now. Benefits crept up SLOWLY. First was PHYSICAL benefits in week 4: no more adrenaline rushes or heart palpitations and my body just felt really good (libido great despite lack of orgasm). This was huge but still no change in my thinking. Week 7, obsessive thinking and worry subsided noticeably. Start of week 8 it REALLY kicked in. I have clarity, a sense of calm, I smile a lot, I genuinely take time for others, my mind is not racing or jumbled with worry, I am willing to ask for what I want more confidently. Biggest thing: I am no longer on edge AT ALL. Still hoping for benefit to self-esteem & being more outgoing. Dr. will up me to 15 mg for this, but I will wait since I literally see improvement daily & I prefer the lowest dose. I LOVE the change in myself! Patience & paying attention to little improvements is key!"

• Azt...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 13, 2021

For Anxiety "I have suffered from anxiety and depression since I was 19 (now 38) and this past pandemic year my anxiety, stress levels, and depression just shot up. I was having to double my dose of hydroxyzine to go get groceries or even make an appointment. I work, I am a student, and a single mom of three kids. The past 2 months I was running on maybe 2 hours of sleep and just out of it. I started Lexapro recently (I am on day 4). My doctor prescribed me 5 mg and advised me to take it before bed. My first 2 days I did feel a little 'tired' and napped on and off. Day 3 and 4, and I am noticing I have slept through the night and woken up refreshed. This is very new to me. Yesterday I made it through the day without a nap!! I am excited to see where this takes me. Hang in there. I will be back to review in a few weeks."

• Fin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 23, 2016

For Depression "Lexapro made me feel normal again. I was severely depressed and so scared I would never feel normal again. I started at 5mg and worked up to 15mg over a few months. At three months I felt like me again. It was a roller coaster getting there with good days and down days where I never thought I would feel like me again. But at the three-month mark, I feel great! I promised myself that when I felt good again, I would share my experience. Hang in there, you will feel good again, just give it time. And when you have a down moment, think of happy times and remember you will get better. Side effects initially were yawning a lot. I can finally sleep again, and I gained my weight back because I actually want to eat again. Life is good now. Thank you Lex!"

• 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."

• Dee...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 29, 2021

For Anxiety "Day 3 on Lexapro. Had been on it a few years ago and it worked great. I have severe anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and panic attacks. Got side effects the first time I used it and was started at 5mg. I think some of that was fear of a new medication. This time was started on 10mg. Except for being tired about an hour after taking it (which is why I take it after dinner), I haven’t had any other side effects. Slept great. Woke up feeling better just knowing relief is coming. I usually wait months trying to cure my anxiety naturally, which, sadly, I haven’t been able to. I suffer for months, finally take the med & then regret waiting. Gave in much faster this time. Life should be more than nonstop worrying. I’ll post an update in a few weeks."

• Aud...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 1, 2019

For Anxiety "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."

• Aud...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 1, 2019

For Anxiety "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."

• Ste...
• July 4, 2017

For Anxiety "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!!"

• bbm...
• October 16, 2019

For Depression "First off, you have to realize that every drug is different for every person. It is so easy to come on here and read the negative reviews and get discouraged. I got really depressed. I went to my doctor, and he prescribed 20 mg of Lexapro. Side effects were feeling tired and hungry. It did not work right away. After taking it for a week, it made me stop crying every day. After 2 months, I was starting to get the benefits from it. I knew I needed to go down in dose only because of how tired it made me. So, I did it the correct way. I broke my 20 mg in half and took 10 mg. It takes your body a good couple of weeks to get used to taking the 10 mg. My body wanted the 20 mg again, but I held off and gave it time. After a month of 10 mg, I went down to 5 mg. The same thing, my body said oh no, but I hung in there. I will stay on 5 mg for a while, and I am more than okay with that. I do have bad days, we all do, meds or not. Those of us who suffer from Anxiety or Depression - we have PTSD, and we never want to be at our worst ever again."

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

For Anxiety "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!"

• 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."

• nic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 28, 2013

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I started taking Lexapro 10 mg 4 days ago. I already feel less anxious and panicky. I haven't been experiencing heart flutters and palpitations like I usually would from stress and anxiety. I feel more energized, outgoing, happy, and less stressed. It helps me sleep better at night. The only side effect that I have noticed thus far is that the medicine makes me yawn a lot, which I have heard tapers off after a few weeks of being on the medicine. Other than that, I have not noticed any other issues. I think Lexapro is great!"

• The...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 20, 2017

For Depression "30-year-old male. I was completely lethargic and had pretty bad anxiety. I always stressed about job assignments at work and rarely ever wanted to leave my room at home. I had no energy and frequently called in to work. I thought I had low testosterone, so I had some blood work done. My doctor prescribed me Lexapro 10mg in the meantime, and I felt my anxiety and depression just disappear. I remember the moment I knew the medication was working when I was sitting on my porch, feeling glad to be alive for once, enjoying the weather, and just smiling. I feel like my old self before the crazy depression. Yawning and diarrhea are annoying, but I'll take that to enjoy the little pleasures in life again."

• Clo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 12, 2021

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I've been on 10mg for 6 weeks. I am a mom and a wife, I have close friendships with girlfriends, work out 5 days a week, and I am a genuinely happy person. But I have always felt stressed and anxious. I would go days without sleeping (more than 2-3 hours). I was afraid to start Lexapro because I thought it would change me, but I just got to a point where I couldn’t take it anymore - the anxiety and sleep deprivation were getting worse and worse. I started with 5mg for 5 days and then moved up to 10mg. The first week was pretty bad. I was exhausted, nauseous, and very lethargic. But each week got better! I haven’t taken a Xanax in 4+ weeks, and I sleep 8 hours every night. When I do have stressful situations, I am able to deal with them in a productive way, without going down this spiral path of anxiety and helplessness. I feel like myself, but just better. I can deal with problems, I am calm, I can put things in perspective. It has helped so much."

• Clo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 12, 2021

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I've been on 10mg for 6 weeks. I am a mom and a wife, I have close friendships with girlfriends, work out 5 days a week, and I am a genuinely happy person. But I have always felt stressed and anxious. I would go days without sleeping (more than 2-3 hours). I was afraid to start Lexapro because I thought it would change me, but I just got to a point where I couldn’t take it anymore - the anxiety and sleep deprivation were getting worse and worse. I started with 5mg for 5 days and then moved up to 10mg. The first week was pretty bad. I was exhausted, nauseous, and very lethargic. But each week got better! I haven’t taken a Xanax in 4+ weeks, and I sleep 8 hours every night. When I do have stressful situations, I am able to deal with them in a productive way, without going down this spiral path of anxiety and helplessness. I feel like myself, but just better. I can deal with problems, I am calm, I can put things in perspective. It has helped so much."

• Rhi...
• April 25, 2014

For Depression "As a mother of two young boys, I started feeling down and depressed, and I couldn't even leave the house because of my anxiety. It started helping me after 2 days (half tab). Now I'm taking 1 and a half tablets, and I feel so much better. It's been a month since I have started this, and I love it. I have tried Celexa, Prozac, etc., nothing worked. THIS DOES! It makes me tired, so I take it at night."

• BWa...
• March 14, 2019

For Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I started suffering serious depression and anxiety a few years ago while trying to reintegrate myself into society, the work force, and social circles following 12 years in prison. My doctors tried me on multiple other SSRI meds to no avail. About 7 weeks ago, I was started on Lexapro, and after a few weeks of patience and perseverance through the fits of sweating, tiredness, and sleepiness, I feel like I am much better. I have been able to let go of my prison mentality and actually feel like I do have a place in society. I am working, making new healthy friends, and rebuilding family ties. I now understand that my drug use was tied in with my depression and anxiety more so than I ever thought. There is no doubt that you must be patient with Lexapro and may have to get through a couple of weeks of uncomfortable side effects. HOWEVER, Lexapro is far superior in my experience with treating serious anxiety and depression."

• Luk...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 14, 2025

For Depression "I have struggled with anxiety and depression my entire life. When I first tried this drug in 2021, I felt a lot better, but I was tired all the time and had sexual side effects. I was in desperate need of a solution a month ago, and my GP prescribed 150 mg Wellbutrin XL and 10 mg Lexapro daily. I have so much more energy now, I can sleep, I can do my job normally, I feel like I have finally gotten my life back together. The Wellbutrin helped 90% with the sexual side effects, and it gave me energy. This drug has helped my life immensely, highly recommend."

• Rob...
• August 17, 2019

For Depression "Started on Lexapro 10mg 2 years ago for anxiety. First 6 weeks were very difficult with erectile dysfunction, insomnia, constantly tired & not being able to focus at work. I nearly stopped medication several times as it was really messing me about. After 6 weeks, most of the side effects eased and anxiety management was improved. Earlier this year, I had an upheaval in my relationship & was very depressed. My psychologist recommended trying a higher dosage of Lexapro and the doctor agreed to increase to 20mg. Unfortunately, the side effects experienced two years ago returned. It took 4 weeks for the side effects to ease & both anxiety and depression are now manageable. Still seeing my psychologist, as it's just as important as the medication for me to ensure I have the right support structure in place. I am currently in the best place mentally I’ve been for several years, and Lexapro has definitely helped in my case. Glad I persevered through the initial side effects as the change has been positive."