Escitalopram and Anxiety: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Mic...
• July 11, 2019

Escitalopram for Depression "I had to go on this about 8 years ago, the standard 10mg for insanely bad OCD, depression, and anxiety. The first time I took it, I felt much better within two weeks. Two years later, I tapered off it very slowly. Usually 2.5 mg lower each month for 4 months. Recently, I have not been able to control my depression and with current stresses, I dropped so low again. I’ve now been back on Lexapro for 3 weeks. After two weeks, you notice a bit of a difference. Mostly a numbing feeling overall your emotions. Currently, I still feel the depression and the anxiety is awful in the morning, so I’m going to try 15 mg and see how that goes. I’ve noticed when I drink Yerba Mate, my anxiety gets much worse, so I’m going to remove all caffeine for a while. Hang in there, buds, I know how awful our minds treat us. Try and walk or jog as much as you can and eat as healthy as possible. I’m not saying that in a judgy way, but it helps. Talk as much as you can and know it will get better."

• Jen...
• September 3, 2019

Escitalopram 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."

• CaB...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 19, 2019

Escitalopram for Anxiety "After enduring a high-pressure job for many years, I succumbed to overwhelming anxiety in middle age. I was first prescribed Effexor XR. The first two weeks were awful, but finally, the bad side effects started to dissipate, albeit my anxiety was still raised. However, more worryingly, I had continuing insomnia. My doctor switched me seamlessly to Lexapro with no issues other than the continuing raised anxiety. I started on 5mg for a week, and this was raised to 10mg, but the raised anxiety was still present. I asked the doctor to raise me to 15mg, and for the first two weeks, the anxiety was still present until finally it abated. One month later, I'm sleeping by myself and back feeling like my old self. I have motivation again and am returning to the workforce. I posted this because frankly the negative reviews on the net scared me senseless."

• Mii...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 26, 2019

Escitalopram for Anxiety "The first couple of weeks I had nausea but it went away! I had anxiety & depression. I’ve been taking for about 4-5 months. This pill has changed my life. I get excited about a sunny day. I have for the first time in 6 years made new friends and the color is back in the world for me. I used to be very underweight like 40kg and hated food, to gaining 10kg in 4 months and enjoying food & loving my body. After a couple of months on this pill, I just noticed “hey I don’t cry at the bottom of the shower anymore”. Things are better. I hope this helps someone out there."

• El4...
• June 21, 2016

Escitalopram 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!"

• Jus...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 2, 2025

Escitalopram for Anxiety "It took at least 3 months and upping the dose to kick in. I am now on 15 mgs, and this suits me. Initially, I was zonked out and switched to taking it at bedtime. It has been a struggle, but now I'm anxiety-free and have my life back. Keep the faith, it will work."

• Anonymous
• November 17, 2009

Escitalopram for Depression "I'm a 33-year-old female, and this is my first time being on any kind of antidepressant. I've been on Lexapro 10mg for about a month now. I noticed an immediate increase in energy and even felt a little jittery. The doctor said it typically takes 2-3 weeks for it to fully kick in, but some people notice a change within 24-48 hours, which was me. I have decreased appetite, and a lot of foods upset my stomach, so I'm eating less as well. Subsequently, I've lost some weight (which I like since I need to lose some!). I feel like doing things again and actually have some sort of sex drive, which had been completely absent for a while with the depression. I'm sleeping better, and it's easier to get out of bed. So far, so good."

• JBa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 21, 2019

For Anxiety "Please give this medicine a fair try. My life was changing gradually day by day and then by week 3, I’m about 90% better. Before I took it, I couldn’t drive, work, or even cook dinner for my family. I was housebound... just terrible! This weekend I was able to enjoy outings with my family and it felt so wonderful!! My side effects were worsening anxiety (had Xanax and needed it for 2 weeks), being nauseous (ended at 3 weeks), exhaustion (but not being able to sleep - ended at 3 weeks). I’m here to tell you to please give it a month. Living in a constant state of fight or flight is no way to live. And then when you’re better, reach your hand back and help someone else out. God bless!"

• Kma...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 29, 2021

Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I promised I would come here & write a review if I experienced any form of relief on Lexapro. When at my absolute rock bottom, I would spend hours reading reviews begging & pleading for any semblance of hope during such a horrifically dark time. I was POSITIVE with every fiber of my being that it wouldn’t work for me & that I would be a shell of myself - anxious, panicky with doom dread & hopelessness forever. I was certain of it. The first 4 weeks were absolutely brutal. I held on by a thread as my body adjusted to the medication. I had morning dread, nausea, zero appetite, anxiety, hopelessness + more. I started feeling relief at 4 weeks almost exactly. I had to use lorazepam to sleep during this time and am weaning slowly off now, but at 8 weeks on Lexapro I feel 10000x better. I cope now. I get through the day with little to no anxiety, and little to no depression. It took around 6 weeks to get what I would say is relief & I am SO grateful. I am so much better now!!"

• LLa...
• July 13, 2021

Escitalopram for Anxiety "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."

• Anonymous
• December 22, 2013

Escitalopram 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."

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

Escitalopram for Anxiety "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."

• Syd...
• June 30, 2015

Escitalopram for Anxiety "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."

• Anonymous
• July 15, 2024

Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Like others, I wanted to report back on my experience with Lexapro. Seemingly out of nowhere, I came down with a case of GAD. One day I was perfectly normal and the next I had crippling anxiety all day long, along with brain fog and exhaustion. My doctor prescribed lorazepam and Lexapro 10 mg. I refused to take the Lexapro thinking if this came on suddenly it would go away suddenly, but it didn’t. After about a month I finally had enough and started Lexapro. I cut the pills and tapered from 2.5mg to 10mg over a month or so. My side effects were similar to others, dry mouth, trouble sleeping, night sweats and increased anxiety. Approximately three days after starting my 10 mg dosage I really started seeing consistent benefits. Two weeks after that I was anxiety free all day every day. Now it’s been a month and I am still anxiety free. All sides are gone and I feel completely normal again. For me this drug is a miracle. Hope this is helpful to others"

• Anonymous
• September 26, 2022

Escitalopram for Anxiety "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 at 2.5 mg, now I’m fixing to start 20 mg. It’s a 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 in the beginning. Thanks to God, my doctors/therapist, 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, were true for me. Just remember there is a light at the end of the tunnel. If not this drug, there are others. Keep fighting, take care."

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

Escitalopram 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."

• ang...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 30, 2016

Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I was terrified of taking Lexapro after having horrible side effects with every single antidepressant known in the market. I am a 52-year-old female, and after reading all the negative reviews, I quit taking it for a period of 2 weeks. I finally decided I was so miserable I would try it again, and 3 months later I am doing great! No more fear of leaving the house, negative self-talk, constant anxiety, and worry! I may have gained 1-2 pounds, but if you take it, you will be more likely to go out for walks, gym, and get moving again, which I have. Please don't let the negative reviews influence if the med will work for you or not. I'm obsessive about weight gain, and I am not gaining! I'm really liking my new calm self. Give it 6 weeks, big difference!"

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

Escitalopram 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!"

• s22...
• February 12, 2019

Escitalopram 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!"

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

Escitalopram for Anxiety "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!"

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

Escitalopram 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!"

• Anonymous
• October 20, 2010

Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Lexapro has been incredible for me. I am a 37-year-old man. It has now been 5 1/2 weeks on 10 mg and I feel amazing. For the first three weeks, it was not effective, and I did have some side effects: loss of appetite, fatigue, no sex drive (although I could still perform), trouble sleeping, and I would wake up with a very uneasy feeling, basically anxious. But at week four, it all seemed to turn around. My sex drive came back, I started eating normally, I had more energy during the day. It is sometimes still hard to sleep at night, but not too bad. I am truly amazed at how I feel. I am a very successful person, have my own business, a beautiful family, but have always felt close to worthless inside, always feeling less than everyone else."

• Anonymous
• October 20, 2010

Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Lexapro has been incredible for me. I am a 37-year-old man. It has now been 5 1/2 weeks on 10 mg and I feel amazing. For the first three weeks, it was not effective, and I did have some side effects: loss of appetite, fatigue, no sex drive (although I could still perform), trouble sleeping, and I would wake up with a very uneasy feeling, basically anxious. But at week four, it all seemed to turn around. My sex drive came back, I started eating normally, I had more energy during the day. It is sometimes still hard to sleep at night, but not too bad. I am truly amazed at how I feel. I am a very successful person, have my own business, a beautiful family, but have always felt close to worthless inside, always feeling less than everyone else."

• Ble...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 10, 2019

Escitalopram for Depression "I started Lexapro about two years ago after having a horrible panic attack from smoking marijuana and being too high, I guess. After that night, I kept having panic attacks. I thought I was going to die, my heart was pounding out of my chest, and I had shakiness. I was diagnosed with GAD and panic disorder. I was put on 10mg Lexapro and 0.5mg of Klonopin short term until the Lexapro kicked in. Long story short, I upped the Lexapro dose to 20mg and got off the Klonopin, and let me tell you, this was the game-changer. I have been off Lexapro, and every time I get back to it, I work my way up to 20mg, and it’s the LIFESAVER. My advice is, if you’re experiencing side effects from the medication like increased anxiety, etc., hang in there and work with your prescriber in increasing the dose if needed. 20mg is the magical pill. I hope this helps, and I can help anyone in need. You’re not alone in this, and you can fight depression. Trust me on this!"

• Get...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 17, 2018

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I'll share my experience with Lexapro so far. I've been on it for a month now. Before starting it, I couldn't work, had daily panic attacks, social phobia, and derealization. It was awful, truly. I started on 10mg and had awful side effects - felt weird, insomnia, nausea, diarrhea, increased anxiety! You name it. So I went down to 5mg, that was fine and no side effects at all. Although my anxiety was better, it wasn't gone. I upped to 7.5mg and did that for a bit. No side effects. I have to mention that I do take my Lexapro at nighttime because it still makes me very sleepy, but I sleep through that, obviously. I am now on 10mg after the gradual upping, and I have to say, my anxiety is nearly completely gone! I feel like myself again, and work (I work in the emergency department at a hospital) has been great. I am only assuming it will get even better in a month. I know when you start, the side effects can be hard, and you will want to stop. All I can say is hold out!"