Escitalopram and Anxiety: What Users Say (Page 3)

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

Escitalopram 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."

• Dai...
• October 5, 2021

Escitalopram for Anxiety "I just wanted to come back onto this site and share my experience with Lexapro so far. My anxiety used to be so bad I was in a constant state of panic most days and always had thoughts of impending doom. I cried at the drop of a dime. It was literally ruining my relationships and friendships. I was constantly tired and angry at the world. I had talked to my doctor, and we both decided I should give Lexapro a try. I was very hesitant at first, but I picked up my prescription of 5 mg. The first couple of days were terrible, I'm not going to lie to you. I had intense brain fog, brain zaps, and I would fall asleep and wake up with intense anxiety. But you know what got me through that? The reviews on this site! Telling me it was going to be okay and to give it a chance! I told my doctor my symptoms, and she prescribed me a small dose of Xanax to take before bed. Fast forward to 4 months later, I am a totally different person, but I still have small bouts of anxiety here and there, but it's manageable! Good luck!"

• Guy...
• September 30, 2019

Escitalopram for Anxiety "The first couple of weeks were very difficult. I had increased anxiety, much worse than the anxiety I was being treated for, but that stopped right at the 2-week mark overnight. I felt a lot better but still not quite where I wanted to be. I went back to the doctor at the 3-week mark, and he increased the dose from 10mg to 20mg, and immediately I felt a difference. I did not have increased anxiety this time like I did when I started. In fact, the first day I felt very relaxed, almost euphoric. On the second day, I felt more like my old self, the anxiety and intrusive thoughts seemed to be very minor. I did have anxiety in the mornings for a while, but that has started to get better also. My anxiety is nearly zero at this point, and I find that I am better able to handle stressful situations. I 100% recommend Lexapro, just stick with it. The bad stuff goes away pretty quickly, and after a month or so, you will find yourself again. It has been a Godsend for me, and I am so thankful for it."

• Bet...
• April 30, 2015

Escitalopram 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."

• Sla...
• August 23, 2013

Escitalopram for Depression "I was at a breaking point and couldn't take any more bad thoughts and sad days. It got to the point where I was crying up to 4 times a day, snapping at my husband and kids, having to call in to work because I couldn't pull it together long enough to function. It was bad. I had negative thoughts and obsessed about something bad happening to myself or my daughter and not at the hands of myself. Side effects were bad at first - insomnia, nausea, swimmy head, anxiety. Those only lasted until about day 5 and I was told to push through and tough it out. Every day since has been better and better, and I finally feel normal again. Lexapro saved my life."

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

Escitalopram 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."

• Lex...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 24, 2023

Escitalopram for Anxiety "'This medication saved my life.' This is my first review for a medication. Like myself, and so many other people out there, I have had horrible side effects with a lot of other medications. I can't tell you how many I've tried, but the last time I tried another medication for anxiety, it was hell, and I wouldn't wish my experience on my worst enemy. Because of my previous experience, I vowed to never take a pill again since my last experience was so terrible. I made it over a year and lived with terrible anxiety every day. I was in a constant state of fight or flight mode, and my heart was always pounding. I could never relax. I was driving my wife crazy with my worries and was unable to enjoy life. I called my doctor, and he recommended I try Lexapro. I have been on it for over 2 years now. I spent days on the internet reading reviews, and thanks to all of the positive ones, I decided to give it a try. To those who are reading this, please give it a try. It could save your life."

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

Escitalopram 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!"

• Lit...
• July 15, 2021

Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Day 11 on Lexapro. Began on 2.5 mg, no side effects, helped me sleep. Increased to 5 mg and currently on day 4 taking a whole pill. Will increase after a week. Taking this for generalized anxiety and panic disorder, which induced agoraphobia and derealization. So far, the only side effects I've noticed are small and short bouts of increased anxiety after increasing to 5 mg, but nothing major. My side effects have been minimal and close to none, and I cannot wait to reap the benefits once it starts kicking in since I've tolerated it very well. So far, it has given me hope. I will be back to update after 6 weeks."

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

Escitalopram 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!"

• Rea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 9, 2018

Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I was very resistant to the idea of taking meds, but somehow lived with crippling anxiety for over 10 years that affected my friendships, family connections, and ability to have a meaningful relationship. A year ago I tried Prozac and it made me have suicidal thoughts and the startup effects didn't disappear after 8 weeks. Then 3 months ago I bit the bullet and tried Lexapro. Let me tell you that any doctor who says you will be fine after 2 weeks doesn't know what they are talking about. The startup effects are brutal... sickness, increased anxiety, depression. I couldn't leave bed. However, 6-8 weeks later all these effects subsided and now 3 months+ in it's the best I've ever felt. This is a game-changer for someone who has suffered anxiety for over 10 years. Next... dedication towards therapies (recommend ACT, excellent framework to building up resistance to anxiety and minimizing its impact on your life). Stick with it... 6-8 weeks of pain is nothing compared to months, years of feeling great."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 11, 2024

For Anxiety "Your reviews gave me hope. I started this medication approximately six weeks ago for anxiety. I’ve had anxiety for as long as I can remember, but I think I’ve just learned to live with it and accept it as my normal state. There’ve definitely been some ups and downs with the side effects over the first six weeks: diarrhea, bouts of increased anxiety, and difficulty sleeping. But now that I’m at six weeks, I feel like I’m the best version of myself, and the vast majority of my anxiety has subsided. I’ve always had generalized fear, which again, I thought was just ‘how I was.’ This medication has helped me in ways that I couldn’t imagine. My rumination and unwanted thoughts have decreased, I’m able to focus on tasks with clarity, and the decreased anxiety has curbed cravings for processed sugar. I used to avoid doing the simplest things because my anxiety would make a mountain out of a molehill. It’s an absolute game changer for me!"

• Cou...
• August 2, 2015

Escitalopram 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!"

• Don...
• October 12, 2017

Escitalopram 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!"

• Dan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 30, 2018

Escitalopram for Anxiety "Like you, you're reaching out for hope because you're going through one of the most horrible experiences in your life. But anxiety always passes, and Lexapro helps your mind heal and recover. I had bad anxiety before that turned into anxiety disorder (afraid of anxiety itself). Just know that this is your mind tricking you and you have to learn not to be afraid of it. Lexapro will help you break the cycle and get you out of the hole quicker. Side effects were at their peak for the first two weeks, with sometimes worse anxiety, but each day gets better. Sexual side effects subsided as well after the first 2-3 weeks as most are psychosomatic. Just try to remember your mind wants to calm down and it's only temporary. I have been through hell and made it out the other end to see the light - just give it time and patience, it will pass and Lexapro helps."

• Tri...
• August 7, 2012

Escitalopram for Depression "I am a 53-year-old female. I fell into a deep depression 1 year ago. I couldn't sleep or eat, had severe anxiety, and almost couldn't function at all. I had feelings of hopelessness, even felt suicidal at times. I was frightened. My psychiatrist tried several medicines. I am VERY sensitive to medication. Celebrex and Celexa made me sick. I tried 5 mg of Lexapro. I felt jittery and a little nauseous but stuck with it. After 2 weeks, I went up to 10 mg. After 4-5 weeks, I started to feel normal again. The side effects got better. My sex drive is fine, and I haven't experienced weight gain. It's been a year, and we are thinking about weaning me off in a couple of months. I am so happy I stuck with Lexapro. It saved my life. Don't give up."

• Hec...
• February 29, 2020

Escitalopram 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

Escitalopram 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."

• HeI...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 9, 2020

For Anxiety "I held off on the medication for a very long time, even after being diagnosed with anxiety and depression at the age of 12. I am now 24, and after countless attempts at therapy sessions and coming to the realization that it is indeed genetic, I’m here. My doctor prescribed me 5 mg but suggested I start on 2.5 mg. I did so for four days and began to feel really good. I’m talking, like, really good. Besides the drowsiness, I felt focused. My anxiety was subtle. I ended up having a lot of energy. I then started taking 5 mg, and all those good feelings have now diminished. I’m feeling dizzy, nauseous, anxious, heart racing, loss of appetite, and tired. To be honest, I feel a little depressed. I think I may go back to 2.5 mg and hope it takes the same effect as it first did. I’m very sensitive to medication. I will update in a couple more weeks."

• Lma...
• December 28, 2020

Escitalopram for Major Depressive Disorder "Two years ago, I was majorly depressed and saw a psych who put me on fluoxetine, and I also tried Effexor. Worst medications ever... every day I couldn’t eat from feeling nauseous, and I would have the most violent, graphic dreams that would leave me feeling exhausted when I woke. Both these medications also made me feel like a zombie, I seemed lifeless to everyone. I then tried Lexapro, which, compared to the other two, this medication is amazing. The first two weeks are really yucky, and you need to be prepared for that. It doesn’t seem like it will get better at all. In the first few days, I had very bad anxiety and couldn’t sleep. Just lay low at home until it passes, once it did, I just feel like a brand new person. All the horrible thoughts are gone, and I can function like a normal person and still feel human. One thing I found is taking this medication at night caused me to have bad dreams, so I take it in the morning, and the dreams at night don’t happen anymore. Hope this helps."

• sar...
• May 7, 2020

Escitalopram for Major Depressive Disorder "This medicine is great! It helps so much with my major anxiety and depression. The only reason I didn't give it a full 10 stars is because one time I stopped abruptly, and the side effects were pretty bad. But this isn’t something you should ever do because of physical and mental side effects, and so it was my fault, not the drug. Definitely talk to your doctor before stopping, unlike I did!"

• 8an...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 13, 2024

For Anxiety "I was reading reviews for hope too. That feeling of dread is truly horrendous. That belief that it won't work for you, that you are stuck like this forever - I remember it. The side effects of anxiety and depression did worsen for 4 weeks for me. But at the 4.5 week mark, I started waking up with less adrenaline. My body started to feel calm. It's been a week feeling the benefits now, and, just wow! It's hard to fully believe these reviews, but they are right. The hardest climbs have the best views. Hang in there x"

• 50 ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 3, 2022

Escitalopram for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Started with 10 mg Lexapro 12 weeks ago and feel completely back to normal. The first week was rough, increased anxiety and a few side effects, but every week things improved and side effects subsided. By week 4, things got better by leaps and bounds. By week 10, no side effects and zero anxiety. I had insomnia in the beginning, and it is improving weekly. Highly recommend being on Ativan in the beginning to help with increased anxiety and sleep issues if you experience that. Worked great for me, and I'm a huge fan of Lexapro. Suffered really bad G.A.D."

• SLB...
• June 22, 2013

Escitalopram for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "Like many, I also suffer from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. I have tried Zoloft and found it ineffective. The side effects were unbearable. I couldn't eat, sleep, and had increased anxiety. Lexapro has helped transform my life positively! I feel like my old self again. The side effects are very minimal. I saw results in the first week on this medicine."

• Clj...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 4, 2020

Escitalopram for Depression "My doctor put me on 10 mg of generic Lexapro probably a year ago. I saw no change in mood, and anxiety attacks continued regularly. Two months ago, she increased my dosage to 20 mg. After about 1 1/2 months, I noticed a horrible decline in my personality. I was sad constantly, anxiety increased, and I had dark thoughts, which included suicidal thoughts. I started cutting, felt an increase in anger where I was throwing things, banging my head on the wall, and began drinking again after 4 1/2 years of sobriety. Taking this dosage is the only thing that has changed in my life, all other stresses are the same. I called my doctor and said I wanted off of this medication completely. She didn’t feel that I had given the new dose enough time. I don’t care. I’m getting off of it, so I am in the process of decreasing the dosage and hope to be off of it completely within 3 months max."