Has anyone had these side effects from Lexapro?

Thank you for your encouraging words. How did things get worse for you before they got better? I usually have a few "good" (bearable) hours throughout the day that get me through. How did you keep positive? I pray and pray and try to think healing thoughts. Any other encouragement would be so helpful! Did distraction seem to help you?

I was in such a state (it's been a long time but you don't forget) I read, listen to music, took a walk, prayed, I focused on finding something to try and keep my mind busy, I know you wonder how in the world could you do that if your panic was so severe? I pushed, I thought I couldn't and I also saw a therapist I think it was a combination, I know you are so panicked that you just don't think things will ever get better I thought the exact same thing I am praying for you and keeping you in my daily thoughts, you know it's almost like a dog chasing it's tail the more time you have it seemed to me I just had to keep fighting these thoughts with every positive thing I could find

Thank you for your answer. How long did you feel like it took before it kicked in enough that you were not a "wreck." Did you feel more anxiety and depression? Were you able to function for the first couple of weeks? I was barely functional before getting on the meds and now it is even worse. My Dr. says to keep trying for a week more and I want to but I just need to know if you felt like this as well. Also, are you able to take xanax less than you did at first?

It took me a while before I felt the effects, I was a basket case. Could not fuction, could not leave the house wouldn't go any farther than the porch. I felt like I was going to die. I couldn't even bath by myself. I was always thinking something bad was going to happen to me, had crazy thoughts. The lexapro and xanax kicked in and I have made a big change, it took about a mo or longer. I had to have alot of will power I didn't think I could come back with. I have started to go out now not in large crowds, but small stores. I still have my days that I feel terrible and don't get out. But I do not sleep, takes me forever to fall asleep and then I'm awake all during the nite. I have not told my doc about not sleeping, I need to do that, but I don't want another pill. Von

So, did it increase your depression at first as well? Also, there are sometimes when I am so tired I can barely stand it but I can't sleep (nap) without a sleeping pill and I refuse to take sleeping aids during the day. I am finding it hard to function almost at all (I was almost at that point before the Lexapro). I am going to give it longer but any more encouragement would be great!

Yes i also suffered from the tiredness at first but it went away once my body got used to the medication.I was upped to 20mg after the first week and kept on that for a long time,but due to my anxiety and other issues i had,i was changed to effexor(which made me worse,some swear by it but i could'nt handle it),everyone is different and reacts differently to all meds,i was then put on prozac which i am currently on along with xanax for anxiety,but maybe if i was on that along with the lexapro at the time,the lexapro might have done more for my anxiety.Its anxiety and panic i suffer more from than depression,although i do have depressive symptoms,just quoting my physciatrist now,LOL.
Anyway i would give the lex a little more time,see how it works for you,if you still feeling the same or cant handle the side effects,contact you prescriber and they will maybe chane you to another,there are so many different ones out there,its hit and miss and takes alot of patience sometimes to find the right one,but you will be fine,you will get there.