Escitalopram for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder User Reviews

• Bano
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 15, 2019

"I suffer from severe PMS and my doctor wrote me a prescription for 10mg escitalopram starting two weeks before my period and it worked almost immediately! I’m at that scary point in my cycle and I am so calm, rational, cheerful, and loving. My poor husband after all these years! I wish I had done it sooner when it was first recommended to me! Note: difficult/delayed orgasm, but totally worth not being a cranky, sad psycho for, like, 10 days a month."

• Anony...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 6, 2024

"I have had PMDD my whole life and tried various treatments. Nothing worked. I suffered through until my 40s when I developed chronic insomnia alongside my regular PMDD symptoms of anxiety, irritability, irrationality, aches and pains, and appetite changes. My doctor put me on 10mg Lexapro for two weeks before my period. I take it in the morning and it’s made such a huge difference for me. I still wake in the night, but I’m quickly able to get back to sleep. I’m calmer, more rational, and don’t suffer from intrusive thoughts or irritation. If anything, my libido is better because I feel better! I used to feel so rotten that sex was the last thing on my mind. I’m able to exercise, and my PMDD doesn’t affect my work, relationships, and life like it used to. I have a little nausea with it, but that’s it. My only regret is not starting on Lexapro 25 years ago. Spending two weeks out of every month struggling with PMDD is a lot of time wasted!"

• Kath
• September 1, 2008

Lexapro (escitalopram) "I started taking Lexapro about 2 1/2 years ago. I had gone to my doctor because I was having perimenopausal symptoms, the worst of which was not sleeping. I would have several days in a row where I couldn't sleep. I was also having trouble controlling my anger. The out of control rage was so unlike me. Lexapro has been wonderful for me. I take 10 mg once a day. I take it in the morning. I am not tired during the day, but now I sleep great at night. I also have much better anger-control. No more rages."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 14, 2014

"Escitalopram at 5 mg once a day has absolutely saved my life. I had severe PMDD -- mood swings, anxiety, etc. My gyno was trying to prescribe a very high dosage, but I got really good advice from psychiatrist to start with the lowest dosage possible and titrate up from that. The medicine worked within 3 days (this fast result from an SSRI is only seen in patients with PMDD). I have never needed to increase the dosage, 5 mg works just fine. The mood is even, relaxed, but by no means, apathetic. My personality has not changed, but the severe mood swings, rages, are gone. It is amazing how a little pill can help so significantly. Side effect: Difficulty in reaching orgasm - although this is not consistent."

• Jll
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 10, 2019

"lexapro has completely changed my life. I tried therapy, birth control pills, dietary changes, endless hours of research to try to help my PMDD symptoms. Nothing worked and it was so bad that I could not get out of bed, suicidal thoughts, severe relationship issues. I started 5 mg of lexapro continuously about four months ago. It took about a month to work completely but all of those thoughts have disappeared. I still have some physical symptoms- bloating and fatigue. But this has allowed me to take back control of my life. If you suffer from PMDD, give it a try."

• Anxie...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 2, 2019

"I suffer from anxiety that on a normal day, is manageable without medication. However, between the time of ovulation and the start of my period my anxious and depressive episodes can sometimes be unbearable. My doctor prescribed me 5mg of lexapro to take the edge off. I won’t lie, the first time I took the medication I had a panic attack which hasn’t happened in YEARS. It took me another month to get the courage to try again. I am so glad I did because it worked almost immediately. I am so happy to no longer have to dread the two weeks before my period. I’m sure my family, friends, and boyfriend are happy too to not have to deal with my crazy moods ;)"

• Bumbl...
• January 30, 2016

"This drug has changed my life. I take 5mg only in the luteal phase and it has completely cured my severe PMT symptoms, I was anxious, paranoid, angry and tearful. I was pushing my family and husband away and falling out with friends. At the point of suicidal thought I couldn't take it anymore and contacted my GP. My only regret is not doing it earlier. I began on 10 mg but it was too strong for me, I was dizzy and hyper. After halving the dose it was like a magic switch being turned on and I immediately felt like my own self. I have no side effects coming off the drug at the end of my two weeks and just a headache for an hour when I restart them. No weight gain either, I've actually lost 10lb cos I'm energetic enough for the gym!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 30, 2019

"I started the medication escitalopram about 6 months ago for PDD and this has helped so much. I've been on other meds before and they had just made me worse and the side effects were unbearable. This has very mild side effects and for me it's just I'm hungry all time and a little tired. This has helped with rages before my cycle and I no longer cry and feel suicidal when I'm due. I've been able to go to work without calling in sick around the time of the month. My anxiety has calmed down majorly. This is the only drug that has worked for me I've been on all other brands had the prsotap injection which sent me crazy all different pills nothing worked."

• kitty
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 17, 2016

"This drug has honestly changed my life. I suffered from PMDD for years and the mood swings had a terrible impact on my life. In the two weeks before my period I would fluctuate between feeling upset, paranoid, anxious, and ragey - falling out with family and friends - and sometimes not wanting to get out of bed or go to work. My doctor suggested taking 10mg Lexapro a day for the two weeks before my period. I wish I had done this sooner as it really has had such a positive impact. The first fortnight I took it I had bad nausea and a lack of appetite for the first few days but this symptom reduced each month subsequently and now I have no side effects. I feel really stable and like myself now and no longer fear that fortnight before my period"

• Moddy
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 20, 2018

"I started on 5 mg then increased to 10 mg after a month.I have pmdd as well as depression, and anxieties.This worked better for me than sarafem (prozac) which caused me to gain weight. I take just one tablet at bed time since it does cause drowsiness. I actually lost a few pounds since taking the 10 mg a day and it seemed to help my constipation.The only real side effect is dry mouth but it makes me just drink more fluids which is good for my body anyways to keep it hydrated. I'm actually very pleased with this drug and happy with the results.I t goes to show that not all SSRI drugs work the same."

• Alicia
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 18, 2018

"Really helped with the heightened feelings of paranoia, depression, anxiety, mood swings and intermittent explosive disorder associated with my severe PMS (PMDD). I stopped taking it when pregnant and breastfeeding because I don't have PMDD during that time but when my period finally returns I can't function without it."

• JNano
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 1, 2016

"I tried prozac/fluoxedine before this, awful nausea and diarrhea. Switched to 5mg-10mg of lexapro daily and although it's been only a week I'm at the "dangerous" part of my PMDD. Completely leveled me out and my panic attacks have subsided! Mood swings are very minor and pains are PMS level. I'm so far very happy with this medication!"

• PoraT...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 23, 2023

Lexapro (escitalopram) "Saved my life! For 40 years I have dealt with monthly fatigue, irritability, and severe PMS symptoms. Since I have been taking Lexapro the symptoms have significantly improved. As others have mentioned, my symptoms improved almost immediately."

• Careb...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 13, 2015

"Taking 20 mg of Lexapro. Before I started I was a complete mess for almost 3 weeks out of a month for the past 1.5 years. PMDD seemingly came out of no where and turned my life upside down. I ended up seeing a therapist which worked for a while but ultimately my suicidal ideation was scaring me and my overall quality of life was rapidly diminishing. I went to a psychiatrist who prescribed 20 mg. After 4 days I felt better than I had in almost two years. Not high or euphoric but like myself. Like me. Alive. Happy. Present. The first 3 days I did feel kind of out of it. Spacey sort of. And a slight headache which was more annoying than debilitating. But that went away. Also I do experiencing a delayed orgasm. Hopefully it goes away."

• AmyD
• April 7, 2017

"This has changed my life so much. I have been on 5mg for about 10 days. So much calmer and much less PMS which I'm in right now and feel fine. I had extreme anxiety, wanted to flee work for some reason, could barely drive 2 blocks without high anxiety, crying all the time, creating panic attacks. I'm 50 so I think it's perimenopause. That's what my OB said when she prescribed it. I had low anxiety before but this was insane. I'm so happy I feel better. I did try Prozac before for 3 days but that increase my anxiety and I had intrusive thoughts on it. Now Just a little tired on. 5mg Lexapro generic version at first but it seems to be getting better. And some dry mouth. Overall I mentally feel relaxed and calmer!! ."

• PMDD...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 16, 2022

"I’ve battled with PMDD for half of my life. Normal symptoms usually include a betting range from crying spells, fits of rage, anxiety, etc right as ovulation is about to start (the day before or the day of). I started taking 10mg and it turned out not to work for me. I thought I needed to go up in dose based on reading research papers, but trying 20mg and even 30mg just took my appetite away completely and made my crying spells even wise. I tried 5mg and it has completely changed my life! I’ve decided to do continuous 5mg unless certain months the symptoms aren’t held back on 5mg. Then, I will do a semi-intermittent for that month by going up to my 10mg dose upon noticing the uptick in symptoms until the uptick subsides. I’ll go back to my 5mg. So happy to finally figure out a dose that works for me! TIP: Research papers will tell you 10-20mg are the golden doses for PMDD management but know that THE DOSE FOR YOU is YOUR golden standard, same with dosing regimens!"

• Anony...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 6, 2022

"I've been on escitalopram for about a year now and still only a low dose of 5mg. It completely transformed my life. The rage for me was the worst symptom, the best way to describe it was like turning into the hulk and it had a really bad effect on my relationships as well as every other area in my life. Now it feels as though my brain can function normally and think clearly, I can't remember the last time I had a really bad PMDD episode. I can still feel some of the emotions leading up to my period but they're more subtle and I can process them calmly and rationally. I take it constantly as opposed to luteally as I have PCOS and irregular cycles, and other than a bit of drowsiness (I now take it in the evening) all the initial side effects for the first few days have completely gone. No weight gain, no effect on orgasms, can't really tell if it's had an effect of libido. If you start taking it and experience panic/severe drowsiness/headaches try to stick it out, it will pass."

• Karen
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 4, 2021

"I have taken 10 mg 14 days a month during my PMDD symptoms starts to show for about 11 months and it changed my life in a positive way I never thought was possible. It been so hard finding a treatment that works for me and I’m so happy that it worked. The side effect I’ve noticed is being dysfunctional sexually but is worth it for me. I haven’t felt like myself after hitting puberty with my mood swings etc and now in my later 20’s I truly feel like I can take on my life again being less afraid and anxious/depressive during these days of pms/pmdd."

• Mad
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 10, 2021

"This medication worked almost immediately. No side effects whatsoever. Anxiety, anger, sadness has tapered down to a bad mood at worst and generally only 1-2 days before my period begins. Combining this with mindfulness and knowing where I’m at in my cycle I’m able to pin down why I feel a certain way and move on with a positive outlook. Highly recommend!"

• BLS
• December 3, 2020

"This is my second month trying Lexapro for severe PMS The first month I was blown away, I feel like I was cured. I’m about three days and on the second month now and my PMS symptoms are a little more than last month, but I guess they are still improved. I can’t control my hunger though for some reason. I’m not sure if it’s related as that is normal for me during PMS. I am also a tad anxious but there’s some new stress in my life so it makes sense. Overall I think it is helping though."

• Gods...
• September 20, 2021

"I suffered from horrible PMDD it was unbearable. Also, no one wanted me around. After consulting the doctor, she recommended Lexapro 10mg. It took about two weeks before I saw any improvement. I must say I have to check the calendar to see when my cycles begin because I'm no longer a raging manic."

• Tats
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 4, 2022

"I have been taking 20 mg escitalopram for a week for my PMDS. My PMDS has been characterized by extreme tearfulness, extreme negative mood, feelings of hopelessness and regret, and a resulting inability to cope with the daily tasks of personal and professional life. For me, the symptoms start a few days after ovulation and reach an unbearable level around the week before my period. I sought advice from a gynecologist who prescribed escitalopram 20 mg. I have been taking the medication for a week now and have experienced direct symptom relief from my pmds. I don't feel weepy but emotionally stable, calm and resilient and have feelings of hope, satisfaction and peace of mind which would have been absolutely unthinkable without medical treatment at this time in the cycle. Unfortunately, I suffer from very extreme side effects, including severe drowsiness, vision problems, dizziness and jitteriness. I think the dose might be too high for me!"

• Chelsey
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 4, 2023

"I've been taking Escitalopram for Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) for three months now and it has transformed my life. I used to suffer from anxiety and trouble sleeping during the two weeks leading up to my period. My PMDD would cause me to lash out and yell at my children, and I couldn't control my irritation. Although I usually avoid taking medication unless necessary, I decided to try Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for the sake of my kids. I feel much calmer now and still get frustrated with my children at times, but I'm able to keep it under control. Regarding the dosage, starting with 10mg can be tough as it makes me very drowsy and makes it difficult to wake up in the morning. 5mg helps, but not as much. Currently, I start with 5mg for 3-4 days each month, then switch to 10mg."

• LSA
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 27, 2021

"Takes about 2 days to notice a difference, I take it 2 weeks/month and is the best medication I’ve tried. I feel stable for the first time since I started puberty. I been trying a lot of medications but this is the only one thats been working. One time I tried it when I wasn’t in my phase and I just felt weird, so keeping check of my cycle is essential for me. Heard some people take it everyday but it doesn't work for me unfortunately, since there are factors like being sick that can disturb the cycle, I still struggle sometimes but when I'm regular it works like a charm! Have side effects sexually but its still worth it for me!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 2, 2023

"I recently started the medication and take 1.25mg on my good days and 2.5mg during the challenging weeks. Within 30 minutes of the first dose, I felt an improvement in my mood. During the first week, I experienced nausea, but as I adjusted to the medication and experimented with dosages, these side effects subsided. I have found that a low dose, with a temporary increase during the 10 days before menstruation, works best for me. These medications are certainly helping me with my depression and reducing my anxiety. I am comfortable and willing to take them in order to be a functional person."