Escitalopram and Insomnia: What Users Say (Page 2)

• God...
• October 25, 2018

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Anxiety "I really hope that my review can help someone out there. Even if it only helps one person, it will be worth it to me. I just had my first child in the month of April, and about 3 months later, I noticed something was different. I was scared to leave the house, and even the most simple tasks seemed overwhelming. My thoughts were racing, I would pace back and forth, and I was having multiple panic attacks. I wanted to call the emergency room because I thought I was losing my mind! After suffering for a month, I spoke to my doctor, and she prescribed me 10 mg of Lexapro. I had every side effect, including upset stomach, hot flashes, going to the bathroom constantly, insomnia, mood swings, shaky hands, loss of appetite, and nausea. After 3 weeks, my side effects are almost gone! My appetite is back, I don't have panic attacks anymore, and I'm not scared to leave the house! Please be patient with this medication. It takes 3-4 weeks to even BEGIN to be effective!"

• Ste...
• July 4, 2017

Lexapro (escitalopram) 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!!"

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

Lexapro (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!"

• god...
• August 25, 2013

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I had suffered from anxiety disorder for at least 11 years. Worrying, palpitations, shortness of breath, basically all the popular anxiety symptoms. I am on Lexapro because it works. Side effects like lower sex drive, difficulty reaching orgasm, and insomnia all go away. I find myself fearless, my life is active, no more 'what ifs,' and no anxiety attacks. It's a miracle pill. BUT, I was 135 pounds and skinny. I'm 5'5, and I had an amazing metabolism, my body was rock solid. After 3 years of Lexapro, I am now 165 pounds. I have to try to work out and eat healthy, I know. Please don't wait as long as I did to change your life and get back to your wonderfully made self!"

• Anonymous
• October 20, 2010

Lexapro (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."

• AMD...
• March 17, 2020

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Major Depressive Disorder "I was prescribed this medication Lexapro to help manage my MDD and GAD in January 2020. I started off at 10 mg daily for three weeks, and then I was bumped up to 20 mg. Side effects included late-night panic attacks that woke me from my sleep (which I had never suffered from prior to starting this medication), chronic insomnia (that almost cost me my job), facial twitching, muscle spasms, and involuntary movements of my neck, arms, legs, and torso. Regarding the insomnia, I went from having 8 to 9 hours of restful sleep to 1-3 hours per night. I could not physically fall asleep, not even for a nap. If you are considering this medication or any antidepressant for short or long-term use, please do your research before taking them. Always work with a psychiatrist regarding mental health and prescriptions. Needless to say, that I have weaned off of this medication. I am still having some side effects after use. I'm currently on the path to speaking with a neurologist to take care of the damage."

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

Lexapro (escitalopram) 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."

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

Lexapro (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!"

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

Lexapro (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."

• TOa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 7, 2020

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Life and work progressively got worse over the last 18 months, withdrawn, moody, insomnia, short with family, lack of concentration, anxiety and suicidal thoughts and plans. Had major panic attack, ended up in the hospital with symptoms similar to a heart attack and even had an angiogram. Started a cocktail of meds and ended up with 10mg of Lexapro and now on 20mg. It has really settled me, however, I still struggle to complete tasks and am off work. Counseling is also assisting. I have a review this week but diarrhea, insomnia, and slight nausea have continued. If I can fix the diarrhea, I will be very happy. I take meds in the AM."

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

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Depression "I am on my 3rd day. I called the doctor today, thinking I wanted to stop, the first 2 days were not good. I felt like I had the flu. I still am not sleeping, but she said to stay on it and give it at least 2 weeks. All of a sudden, I took a turn and think it truly is working. I will stay in touch."

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

Lexapro (escitalopram) 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

Lexapro (escitalopram) 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!"

• Sla...
• August 23, 2013

Lexapro (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."

• 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!"

• Nks...
• June 4, 2020

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Anxiety "I took Lexapro 2 times over my 21 years of life. #1) At 13 years old, I had HORRIBLE panic attacks, depersonalization, couldn't breathe, couldn't walk, and thought I was going to die. I started to take Lexapro. There were no side effects, and it helped me a lot. I took it for 1 year and started to change my lifestyle to have little to no stress. #2) At 19 years old, stress came back, and so did the anxiety. No panic attacks, though. I began to take the medication and started to enjoy things again. I had side effects this time. I gained 30 pounds over 8 months! I had EXTREME loss of libido. After one year and a half, I really can't say it did more good than bad this last time. I've been off it for 2 months now. I have insomnia and struggle to lose weight. I'm eating healthy on a calorie deficit, exercising 6 times a week, and yet I hardly lose any weight. I still have really dark thoughts when I go to sleep, and overthinking is still there. So I have mixed thoughts about this medication. The first time it helped, years later, it came back, and it did little to nothing."

• Rob...
• August 17, 2019

Lexapro (escitalopram) 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."

• Bul...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 3, 2014

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Depression "Finally, I found a depression/anxiety medicine that has the least amount of side effects. I tried Elavil, Prozac, Desyrel, Paxil, and citalopram (Celexa), which is very similar to Lexapro, but Celexa made me sweat when I was not hot, caused jaw tension, insomnia, and hypertension. I think Escitalopram (Lexapro) is the best SSRI out there. I give it a 9 on the scale."

• Sha...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 9, 2015

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Depression "I just started this medicine 3 days ago and I cannot express how much of an effect it has had on me already. I just graduated high school and became depressed soon after, severe anxiety where I couldn't go out to eat without having to vomit. I also couldn't keep focus on anything, especially when trying to talk to people, and overall was in the worst state of my life. Thought I was hopefully, constantly having break downs, etc. the doctor prescribed this medicine to me a few months before graduation due to anxiety and overall not feeling myself, I was definitely skeptical and taking medicine in my eyes was a sign of weakness so, I put off the treatment hoping I could cure myself out of this funk. I went to ct and it helped but it was mainly focused on anxiety. I stopped going because it seemed a waste of my time. Graduation rolls around, my best friend leaves for college really early and my life falls apart. A week was about all I could take of the constant emptiness, headaches, and nausea I got from being so depressed so I decided to start Lexapro. The doctor prescribed me 10 mg and the first day I took it (in the morning) I was in a state of euphoria. Just a little background on myself, I was never that outgoing but constantly happy. Never the one to be outgoing in front of strangers and was very conscious of people around me. Not on this pill. I was loopy, could not stop laughing and would not shut up. Although this was great, it did not feel normal and I had very bad dizziness and insomnia that night as the drug began to wear off. But I wasn't laying in bed miserably like I did countless nights before, I kind of sat there with a smile so it was actually kind of creepy. That morning I called my physician and asked if this was a normal or okay reaction considering I've been told you shouldn't feel anything for 4-6 weeks. He mentioned that it was 'weird' that I had this response but it was a negative one. He recommended I cut my dosage in half and stick with taking 5 kg a day since the 10 obviously overtook my body. Within hours of hanging up I popped half a tablet and can honestly say I felt happy without many side effects. I continued this the following day and my relationship with my boyfriend, family, and friends has greatly improved, I sleep better, I can laugh and actually mean it and I can go in public places without constantly being self-conscious. I've heard it can have bad results in week 1 and 2 but after taking this medicine for only 3 days, whether it's the placebo effect or not, has saved me and helped me to return to my normal self."

• Emm...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 21, 2024

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Anxiety "I have very bad social anxiety, but I have always been a people person, so it was very hard for me. After not taking any medicine for years of having it, I finally decided to get help at 24 years old. I was really scared because a lot of people said that it made them worse before it got better, and that it did for me. I was extremely depressed and even more anxious than I was before, the first 5 weeks of taking this medicine, I didn't have any hope. I felt so off and not myself, I would just cry, and I wasn't my funny usual self, I didn't have any personality. I also slept most of the day. I was about to call my doctor to get off of it, but I stuck to it, and I am so glad I did because one day everything just changed for me. I was able to be put in social situations and not have that pit of anxiety constantly in my stomach. I actually enjoy doing things now because it is almost completely gone. I am very much myself again and love life. I am a lot happier. Excited to see even more improvement."

• Tra...
• May 24, 2021

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Anxiety "I related to the word anxiety the same way a fish would relate to water. At 41, I just called this way of having an up-and-down mood with an internal buzzing normal. But I was making my life smaller and smaller. I was able to handle less. All relationships were falling apart and the ability to keep a job getting even spottier. Now, I feel like a well-balanced person with patience, focus, and capability. I can reason through situations without breaking down. I feel mentally tough and yet at peace. I worked a 13-hour day and felt like my brain was in its own bubble bath. Not euphoric. Just inner calm and capability. I’m on 5 mg. 10 mg was too much and dipped my mood. I have some insomnia and started with diarrhea. But no irritation around the insomnia. Both are getting better. And I don't need to start my day with Adderall unless I need a boosted focus. The future is looking bright."

• Mic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 1, 2019

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Anxiety "I have been on Lexapro for approximately 2 weeks and have already noticed a great improvement. Prior to taking the medication, I felt high levels of anxiety that would especially interfere with my ability to concentrate during class. The first few days, I experienced some insomnia and kept waking up frequently throughout the night. Don’t let this stop you from continuing it. The unpleasant side effect wore off very quickly. As of now, my level of anxiety has significantly decreased. I feel much more confident socializing and can finally concentrate. The only problem is feeling very tired and lethargic, which I think is a much better alternative to feeling anxious all the time because you are at ease. I am glad I did not listen to the negative reviews even though I was very scared at first!"

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

Lexapro (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."

• Sun...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 4, 2019

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I was prescribed Lexapro/Escitalopram for anxiety and depression. I began at 10 mg and over the course of a few weeks increased to 20 mg. At first, I noticed some jaw tightness/clenching, but nothing miserable or extreme. A few nights of insomnia. The only negative side effect now is sexual dysfunction. It's not a lack of desire, it is simply not being able to get from point A to point B, if you know what I mean. The upside to all of this is that it makes me feel better than I ever have in my life. It's like the clouds have parted, and I feel joy and peace. If someone cuts me off in traffic, instead of having to stop myself from feeling road rage, it just rolls off me. I don't feel an ounce of irritability or anger. My stress level is WAY down. I believe because my cortisol level went back down to normal, I actually have lost weight with Lexapro. It feels like a miracle. I feel much more emotionally stable now, and I'm so grateful."

• Mau...
• May 26, 2021

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I started with a 10 mg dose, and I’m still on 10 mg. The first 3 weeks, I felt so bad and almost gave Lexapro up. I got to a point where I felt overly calmed (for 3 hours), drugged, and mostly had anxiety. On a single day, I had the most intense panic attack of my life. But after 1.5 months on Lexapro, I started to feel so much better, I didn’t have any derealization and the fog was gone. I started to feel better and calmer, no more night anxiety, no more sleep problems. I had the strength to start working out, I easily started to connect with people and find friends. Before taking this, I had such severe anxiety, I had 50% of the day derealization, and I know that taking antidepressants was the first of many steps. After some time, I worked on myself, and 95% of everything is gone, and I’m just happy. Please never read too much on the internet, like Reddit, Quora, or YouTube. I honestly thought that being on AD was like being drugged 24/7 and that I would lose myself, but the truth is that I just felt normal."