Escitalopram User Reviews & Ratings (Page 5)

• Lainy
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 28, 2020

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I have had horrible intrusive thoughts and memories and random guilt for silly things for most of my life. When I turned 22, it began to spiral out of control, and at 23, I was a complete mess of OCD, depression, and anxiety. I felt terrified of everything. I found a psych who prescribed 10mg escitalopram. After 2 weeks of getting A LOT WORSE, I felt okay and at the 5-8 week mark, I began to feel better. Now, I feel great. We are still playing with the dosage (15mg now), but my life is completely different. I feel “normal” and don’t have random anxiety or guilt. The intrusive thoughts sometimes come, but I’m able to let them pass. I did gain 12 lbs... 5’6 and was 128 lbs before, and now 139 lbs. I didn’t eat much before, and now I’m exercising and eating normally. Plus, I’m not overweight so I don’t mind it. My sex drive is WAY better than before. I can actually have sex without intrusive thoughts or images. I recommend BEING PATIENT. It gets worse before it gets better so DON’T GIVE UP!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 25, 2020

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I started 5 mg of Lexapro for social anxiety a month ago, with no side effects. My doctor increased to 10 mg. And after 2 years, I'm still using it, and my social anxiety has subsided. Amazing, I was a mess!"

• Nurse...
• July 31, 2019

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Anxiety "I have been on Lexapro 10mg 3x - most recently was Jan-May and then weaned myself off (under doctor's supervision) over 6 weeks and had no problems with withdrawal. I have recently started back because of recent stress in my life (nasty divorce) which left me worrying constantly, debilitating anxiety, unable to sleep and/or eat. For me it’s the panic that’s horrible. So I started back on Lexapro 10mg 3 weeks ago today. The first 2 weeks were tough... it seemed to take longer to kick in this time and I actually referred to this site a dozen times to reassure myself that it would indeed start to work, and it did! I did have the increased anxiety, loss of appetite (lost 10 lbs in 2 weeks), the “internal shakes”, morning dread, and insomnia for the first 2 weeks. I would say around day 10-14 I started to feel the meds taking the edge off, and by day 18 I had almost no anxiety at all. Literally none. It’s so worth the wait if you can just hang in there through the first few weeks."

• Anonymous
• July 15, 2024

Lexapro (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"

• Just...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 13, 2018

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Anxiety "People!! It takes about 4-6 weeks to work! Don’t write a review when the drug has not settled and begun to give you the therapeutic benefits yet! 2-3 weeks into taking it, I felt rubbish, worst anxiety of my life, then pop, after about 4-5 weeks I feel the best I have felt in YEARS. I feel relaxed, calm, and ready to take on the world, live my life like a normal person. I’ve suffered extremely bad anxiety, stress, and panic attacks for over a decade, finally decided to try regular medication, not just take a Xanax when I feel it coming on. This medication I understand may not work for everyone, but at LEAST if you can, give it 6 weeks and commit to it if you’re going to try it. Changed my life. I will say though, the first month was bad anxiety, headaches, naps in the afternoon, and just horrible. Prescribed Xanax to deal with the side effects for the first few weeks, then once it settles, no side effects, just a calm and peaceful mind. Thank you."

• MAano
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 6, 2019

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "Ok, so I don’t ever do reviews. Like ever. But this medication has changed my life. I’ve been on it for about 5 months now, and I’m honestly amazed. I’ve suffered from extremely bad depression, anxiety, and ADHD. I’m also a recovering alcoholic/addict with 8 months sober. I went from being literally at rock bottom to all of a sudden living life again. For the first time in years, my body didn’t ache all day long, my anxiety went away, and I started to sing in the car and get excited about nice sunny days! It’s crazy. I’m just super thankful. I take 10mg along with Wellbutrin and Adderall. But Lexapro has been the game changer. Let your body go through a little nightmare for the first couple of weeks. I promise you will all of a sudden hit a hump that you get over, and it’s so nice. Don’t get me wrong, I still have my moments and struggles in life, but I can deal with them now instead of breaking down. And I like people again. Give it a try."

• Jeb
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 20, 2021

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I am 60 years old and have suffered from anxiety since I was 23 years old. Many times, the panic attacks were quite severe. I had trouble holding down a job, and there were times I couldn't drive and was terrified of being alone. I've tried so many anti-anxiety drugs, but I expected them to work right away. I've done years of counseling. In October of 2020, my doctor put me on 5mg of Lexapro. I knew what side effects to expect, and they lasted almost 3 weeks before I started to notice that it was working. In January, I started 10mg. I have not had an anxiety attack since I've been taking Lexapro. It gave me my life back. I feel normal for the first time in many years."

• Oran
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 7, 2021

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Anxiety "(Male/24) Initially Lexapro made my anxiety worse, quite significantly. I experienced both anxiety & panic attacks at a greater frequency compared to prior to starting. Despite this, I have continued to take the medication with the hope that this side effect would lessen, despite most of my thoughts begging me to stop this medication. After about 12 days, I felt my body adjusting to the dosage. The last two days I have felt really great, no anxiety or racing heart rate (another initial side effect), no panic attacks and improved mood and enjoyment in things. I wanted to share just in case others are experiencing initial worsening anxiety and are unsure if this improves over time. Although my one experience is anecdotal, I am glad I stuck with it. I experienced headaches, nausea, jitteriness and trouble sleeping the first week as well, those too have gone away. My appetite has improved, and I have had no complications with sexual dysfunction. I hope this helps"

• LeG
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 10, 2023

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "If you have anxiety or depression and are holding off on going on medication because you’re unsure about the side effects, or perhaps worried about being on it for life, please keep an open mind. I dealt with both from my mid 20s until I started Lexapro in my mid 40s. Those 20 years were really hard and didn’t need to be. I’ve been on Lexapro for 4 years now, and it has changed my life, basically neutralizing anxiety and depression with almost no side effects. Every aspect of life - work, family, etc. - has improved. I wish I’d discovered it much earlier."

• Irideon
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 12, 2019

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Depression "After enduring severe depression, anxiety, obsessive thoughts, brain fog, problems with focusing, and a sleep disorder since childhood, I went on 10 mg of Lexapro at age 40. It took 6 weeks for Lexapro to work, but my entire life changed. All of a sudden, my thoughts became clear, more positive, and I could focus. My severe anxiety was reduced, my sleep disorder dramatically improved, and I stopped thinking about suicide. I was slightly nauseous for a few weeks. The worst side effect I had for a few years was fatigue. I have been taking Lexapro for 15 years in doses of 10-20 mg. I can reduce my dose during the summer months to 15 mg. I have no intention of going off the drug."

• Ola
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 13, 2020

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I've had anxiety problems since I was about 12 and was put on Lexapro when I was 18 years old. I didn’t feel much difference that time and stopped after about a month because my parents found out I was on it and shamed me into stopping. I’m now 19 and my anxiety has gotten much worse, I disassociate often and I’m depressed. I got put back on it and I’m on day 4. I’m having a really bad time on it. I’m extremely anxious right now, it’s made me dizzy and it’s given me stomach problems. I did notice an improvement in my sleeping right away which has been amazing. Reading the comments that say that you just have to wait it out are helping a lot, it’s making me motivated to continue and it’s reminding me that this feeling isn’t going to last. I hope in a few months things are better."

• Lawman
• October 21, 2019

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Depression "After 27 years as a police officer, I retired. I have PTSD. The one shooting I was involved in, the dead bodies, and all the other LE activities that come with the job left me paranoid. I kept dreaming about more shootings, fighting in my sleep, extreme anger issues, and not trusting anyone wearing all black. After five weeks on Lexapro, everything changed for the best. My family and I get along much better. I’m no longer jumping and fighting in my sleep, and I’m learning that just because people are wearing all black, they are not committing a crime. The downside is I’m not as interested in things as I used to be. My sex drive has gone down, and I do have a “I don’t care attitude.” My wife wants me to stop taking Lexapro because she said I’m too quiet. I want to stay on it because it feels good not to be angry all the time."

• RHS
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 25, 2014

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Anxiety "Male, 50, about 1 year ago experienced sudden onset of debilitating generalized anxiety disorder. Suffered 3 months trying benzodiazepines, Buspar, Wellbutrin, and Lexapro 10 mg. Settled on Lexapro 20 mg. 100% symptom-free in about 1 month. After 1 year, tapered off about a month ago. ZERO negative side effects from tapering and 100% recovery. I'm not one to suggest a miracle, but this is about as close as it gets."

• Nikki
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 31, 2021

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "This is a lifesaver for me! I was prescribed this because I have minor generalized anxiety and OCD with intrusive thoughts. I regret I did not take this sooner. I was very scared to take it at first because of side effects. I didn't want to be 'zombie-like' but this helped my OCD thoughts immensely. I still get anxiety now and then, but it's much easier to brush off. I didn't have any bad side effects. The thing I recognized most is your brain feels quieter but not in a zombie way. I would get anxiety because I wasn't having anxiety anymore haha. This medication seemed to help me right away within 2 weeks, but I noticed a full effect after 2-3 months."

• Awano
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 12, 2019

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I promised myself if I made it out alive, I'd come back and give my review. I've been on the meds for a little over 2 months, and the outcome has been very good for me! First couple of weeks are rough but stick it out, it'll be well worth it!"

• tweak...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 7, 2013

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I noticed that many of the reviews on here were extremely negative, but I can't say enough good things about this medication. It absolutely changed my life for the better! Most people won't go to the trouble of leaving a review unless they had a really bad experience. Don't let the bad reviews scare you... there are a lot of success stories too! I had VERY few and mild side effects (nausea the first night and cold sweats at night in the beginning). This medication reminded me what it felt like to be happy again and I finally got my life back! I used to be the first person to condemn using medicines for things like this and I went to it as a last resort because I was desperate, but I could not possibly be happier that I did it. Good luck! There is hope!"

• Starry
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 5, 2018

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Anxiety "I am back to write an update on my almost 5-month journey on Lexapro. I am feeling great and have a lot of positive things to say. I am starting back nursing school (to specialize in psychiatry, of all things!) this January after quitting due to my mental breakdown. I am back to working full-time. I'm calm and feel mentally able to achieve what I want in my life. The OCD rituals are at a bare minimum now, and the horrible mood swings I had before starting Lexapro have almost completely disappeared. My anxiety and depression once had me homebound, and now I'm leaving my house 4-6 days a week, and I enjoy being out again. I'm 24 and have struggled with mental health problems since the age of 12 and thought I was doomed for life. Your life can turn around for good, so don't give up on yourself. Prayers for you all that you find happiness and live your lives to your fullest potentials. Be blessed."

• LineH
• January 3, 2015

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Anxiety "Lexapro played a very important role in saving my life. After suffering serious anxiety and depression, while going through 6 years of therapy, and only feeling worse, I finally accepted that therapy on its own wasn't working. After a month of using Lexapro, I noticed a significant difference in my quality of life. I liked the change, the experience I had when I was first prescribed glasses when I was younger. I remember putting on glasses for the first time and thinking to myself, 'I had no idea this is what the world looks like!' Everything was so clear and beautiful. That's what everything was like after starting Lexapro- I had no idea that it was even possible to live a life free from constant, sickening anxiety. Life now is beautiful!"

• Jojo
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 21, 2020

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "My life was literally wrecked by depression and anxiety when it turned its ugly head when I was 17 years old. I've been through terrible times and through a living nightmare. Now I'm 32 years old on Lexapro and I feel good finally."

• That...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 19, 2021

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Depression "This medication pulled me out of a deep and very severe depression. Almost instantly after taking it, my mind felt much clearer. My anxiety went away, and I noticed my sense of humor had returned with a vengeance. My ability to enjoy simple and not-so-simple things in life skyrocketed. I was basically smiling all the time. I’ve been on it for about five months now and have no plans of discontinuing it ever. This medication was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made in my entire life. The side effects were difficulty reaching orgasm for about a month and a half, nausea, insomnia, and general discomfort for about a month. I couldn’t sleep no matter how hard I tried for about a week straight. Then I would get maybe an hour or two a night. After a month, my sleep cycle went back to normal. My sexual function began working properly, along with my libido. The anxiety relief, depression relief, and energy levels skyrocketed from that point forward."

• Elyush
• July 28, 2021

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Generalized Anxiety Disorder "I’ve been taking Lexapro since 2018. In two words, miracle drug! It saved my life. I used to be so terrified to take SSRIs because of misleading reviews. Please give it a go. For 6 years, I fought with debilitating anxiety. I was doing acupuncture every week to be able to function. But one trigger was enough to throw me off. It was exhausting. My family was sick and tired of my illness, and it can damage any happiness in your household. My husband blesses the person who created Lexapro because he got his wife and happiness back. My sex life has improved (just reaching climax is hard). The only side effects are vivid dreams, dry mouth after sleep or nap, weight gain for me :( but believe me, I wouldn’t trade my old skinny and miserable body for my current chubbier but much happier one :)"

• Hman
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 19, 2014

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Anxiety "During a recent stretch of terrible anxiety which crept up very slowly, I suddenly became incapacitated. I was in fear of everything and I couldn't function - AT ALL. I went to my doctor and explained the symptoms, and he recommended Lexapro 10 mg. with Klonopin 0.5 mg. as needed. I took both medications, and the Klonopin erased all the start-up side effects of the Lexapro such as increased nervousness, insomnia, and poor appetite. As soon as the Lexapro kicked in (about three weeks), I was able to step off the Klonopin and have felt great ever since. Anxiety has been wiped out, and sleep has improved. I feel 100% better. Don't give up, this medication WORKS!"

• Adrian
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 16, 2024

For Anxiety "This is my own experience, not a doctor but my personal experience. I've suffered with panic attacks all my life, I'm 37 years old now. It got so bad 2 months back that I started having trouble swallowing, I felt dizzy and off-balance constantly, and I had constant pressure in my head. I really felt as if I was busy dying, and I thought I had a tumor or some bad sickness. I went to the doctor to test all my vitals. Even though I'm healthy, I work out, I eat healthy, I don't smoke, and drink occasionally. The doctors did all the tests you can do, checked vitamins, heart, lungs, had MRIs done, and they picked nothing up. Eventually, the doctors prescribed me Lexamil and Urbanol. I started on 5 mg Lexamil and 5 mg Urbanol, the first 10 days were a living nightmare with side effects, felt like I'm gonna end up in a psychiatric ward. I had the worst panic attacks, and the dizziness felt worse than ever. The 10th day was the worst, and on the 11th day, I felt like a completely different person, I felt normal!!!"

• Livin...
• February 25, 2014

Lexapro (escitalopram) for Anxiety "I've been on Lexapro for two months now. The first 4 weeks I had very minor side effects. Dry mouth, dilated pupils, etc. VERY minor and only lasted 2 days each. Two months later I can tell you this medication is amazing. I suffered from very periodic anxiety which turned into panic attacks on some occasions. It was always in the back of my mind as to if or when it was going to happen. That's no way to live. I feel focused with clear thought now. I still laugh and feel every emotion... I just don't worry about things like I used to before Lexapro. I'm happier and have a more positive outlook on difficult situations in my life now. I find myself being much more social now too. Miracle medication for sure!"

• 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."